Page 31 of Catalyst

“We’ll have you back in the summer when training starts. Then you can tour the stadium while things are less hectic,” Leon suggests.

As much as I’d like to throw Maverick a bone, I want to spend all day with my hands on Ellie more. “That sounds great, Leon. I look forward to it.”

We wrap up dinner, exchanging platitudes for the partnership. I’ve been waiting for the other shoe to drop this entire day. It’s all gone so smoothly that I can’t let myself relax in the knowledge that this partnership is finalized. Sidelines is the official equipment supplier for the New Orleans Jaguars. It’s hard to wrap my head around that.

Stepping outside the restaurant, Ellie and I say goodbye to Leon, John, and Maverick and then start walking toward our hotel. As we walk, I thread my fingers through hers, needing the connection. Ellie looks up at me with a gentle smile on her face. She’s more relaxed now than I’ve ever seen her before. I guess the same could be said about me.

“I’m really glad you’re here with me,” I say.

“I am, too. I’ve always thought you were sexy when you were taking charge in a meeting, but watching you handle those men the way you did…” A dramatic shiver racks Ellie’s body, making me laugh.

“Oddly enough, I had the same thought about you today. You made sure those guys knew you weren’t just a pretty secretary, and that was hot as fuck.” Keeping our hands connected, I lift my arm in the air and wrap it around her shoulders to bring her closer to my side.

Having Ellie snuggled against me feels like my whole world is suddenly right. As if she was always meant to be there.

Jazz music floats toward us, getting louder as we move down the sidewalk. Rounding the corner, a large crowd surrounds a band playing in the street. They’re swinging their instruments back and forth, fully immersed in the music they’re blaring. Ellie shouts, joining the crowd in cheering them on.

Her enthusiasm makes me grin, and without conscious thought, I pull Ellie out into the middle of the street. I send her into a spin before pulling her back into me and leading her in a dance I’m making up on the spot. Spontaneity has never been in my vocabulary, but Ellie’s smile could light up half of New Orleans, making my effort more than worth it.

As the song begins to wind down, I notice other couples have joined us in the street. Ellie and I are both breathing hard, our gazes locked as silent communication passes between us. Not a single person out here could miss the heated look she’s giving me, and I don’t intend to let it go to waste.

Squeezing Ellie’s hand, I pull her out of the street, my strides long in an effort to get us back to the hotel as fast as possible.

I’ve waited long enough to have her. I’m not waiting any longer.

CHAPTER15

Ellie

Adam’s steps are fast,almost too fast for me to keep up. I’d complain, but I’m in just as big of a hurry to get to the hotel as he is.

I’m still in shock over him pulling me out into the street to dance. It was one of the best moments of my entire life. He looked so carefree at that moment. He wasn’t the CEO of a successful company. He was just a man, enjoying an evening with his woman. And I’m the lucky bitch who gets to take him home tonight.Squeal.

“Did you just squeak?” Adam asks over his shoulder, his steps slowing to keep from tripping.

My eyes widen as embarrassment floods my cheeks. “Nope. Must be hearing things.”

He raises an eyebrow, his disbelief evident.

“Just keep walking, mister. We’ve got somewhere to be.” I wave my hand in the air in a keep-moving gesture, which makes Adam grin.

A few minutes later, we’re stepping into the lobby of the hotel. The cream and gold finishes make it seem upscale while also being approachable. When I saw pictures of this place online, I knew I had to book it. I wanted the chance to spend a night in a hotel as pretty as this one, knowing I’d likely never get a chance to do it again.

We head straight for the elevator, hopping into the already open car. The look he gives me as the doors close reminds me of the face he made when he found out I’d changed our reservation to a single room. A sly smile tugs at the corner of my mouth at the memory. He looked as if he would ravish me on the floor of the lobby right then and there.

Unfortunately, we didn’t have time for ravishing since we had to change and be back at the Jaguars’ headquarters as soon as we were dressed.

Adam pushes me against the elevator wall, pinning my body with his hips and leaning his elbows on either side of my head. “What are you smiling about?”

“Just thinking it was probably a good thing we didn’t have time to ourselves when we checked in this morning.”

“I wholeheartedly agree. I wouldn’t have been able to savor every inch of you.” Adam punctuates his words with a nip to my ear lobe, sending a bolt of electricity to my core. I can’t help pushing my hips into his, dying to be closer than our clothes allow. The hard column of his erection pressing against me sends an involuntary moan from my mouth.

“Fuck, I can’t wait to taste you,” Adam says, right as the elevator doors open. He straightens and leads me toward our room, efficiently opening the door with the key card.

As soon as the door closes, I go for him, my lips crashing down on his. I don’t care that the room is one of the prettiest I’ve ever been in. All I can see is the sexiest man I’ve ever met, standing in front of me with lust in his eyes. I’ve wanted him in this way since I first walked into his office. I’m not going to waste my chance to have him.

Adam catches me in his arms, his hands grabbing my ass to boost me higher. He turns us toward the bed and gently lowers me to the mattress, keeping our mouths fused. Our kisses are incendiary. Every ounce of pent-up passion is exploding as both of us convey our desire for the other.

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