Page 51 of Brighton

“Is there any chance there’s an old connection between Kimpton or Emilia and the CEO of the lead home builder? I haven’t been able to figure out if that’s the case, but I wonder if this is personal. It’s worth pulling those threads if you can find the connection.”

“I’m on it. You want me to loop you in when I know?”

“Depends… I need plausible deniability and all that,” he adds.

“I see. I’ll filter to you what I think you’ll need. The rest I’ll keep close to the vest. I’ll share as you want. Anything I can do for you?”

“Keep the ranch profile low if you can. The more they see and hear about the Rangers, the more aggressive they get on moving forward.”

“I’ll do what I can, Jon, but controlling any Ranger—much less all of them—is like negotiating with a rabid honey badger.” As if I could control any aspect of even one Ranger.

“Accurate. Honey badger doesn’t give a shit.”

“Ain’t that the truth?”

We talk a few more minutes about mutual friends and non-business topics. Eventually Jon gives me a handshake and a nod and wanders away toward the old town square. I head the other way back home to the web that seems to continuously ensnare us.

* * *

“Didyou remember that today is Brax’s birthday?” Bright yells from her kitchen.

“Shit.” I slide my tie through my collar and unbutton the top button. “No. What did I do before you?”

“Probably your hand.” She peeks her head around the corner into her closet. Her smart-ass answer mirrors the grin on her face and the playfulness in her voice.

I whip my head to hers. “You’ll pay for that comment.”

“Oh yeah? Make me.” She bolts, laughing as she goes.

But I’m faster and find her in the laundry room making her way to the rarely used back door.

My arm bands under her breasts as I pull her back to my front. My lips hit her ear. “Caught you, darlin’. Now what?”

She says nothing but squirms, pushing her ass into my crotch. That does nothing but encourage my dick that’s already wishing for some attention.

I nip at her ear lobe. “Oh, you want to play, baby? Is that what you want?”

She reaches around behind her and grabs my cock. “I want this, Eli.”

“Not withholding from you, darlin’. Take what you want.” I pause before kissing her neck just below her jaw. “Or do you want me to give it to you? How do you want my dick, Bright?”

“Well, if you think you can give it to me like I like it, that’d be okay, I guess…”

“You guess, darlin’? Let’s see.”

I rip her shirt over her head and undo her jeans, still behind her, stepping on them and her panties to get them off as fast as possible. I yank her bra cups down and when she drops her head back onto my chest, I pinch her nipples.

“Eli!”

“Love it when you say my name.” I roll her nipples again as I trail my other hand down her side, over her ribs, below her belly button, before coming back to her hip and thigh. She wiggles and tries to seek my touch, growling in frustration as I avoid where she needs me most.

“Two options, Bright.” I undo my fly and yank down my slacks and briefs. “You can keep your hands around my neck or put them on the washer. Pick.”

“I— I…”

“I’ll decide then. Keep your hands around my neck. Don’t move or I’ll stop.”

“I need you, Eli.”

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