Total pages in book: 137
Estimated words: 129084 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 645(@200wpm)___ 516(@250wpm)___ 430(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 129084 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 645(@200wpm)___ 516(@250wpm)___ 430(@300wpm)
A gentle smile plays on her mouth as she nods. “I’m good. How was that?”
My eyes narrow as confusion takes hold of me. “What do you mean how was it? It was the best fucking orgasm of my life.” Leaning forward, I lift her from under her arms and situate her on my lap. “That’s the fastest I think I’ve ever come.” I kiss her swollen lips and hold my head against hers. “Incredible. That’s how it was for me.”
Although she closes her eyes, I keep mine open to watch as her smile grows, and then whisper, “You’re incredible.” Kissing her again, I savor the pillow plushness of her lips, soak in the heat of her tongue, and fall deeper into my feelings for her. Pulling back, I watch her eyes open, and I swear I see love written in the pupils of her eyes. It’s intoxicating, like she is.
I swallow the words I want to say, knowing damn well this isn’t the time for confessions of that sort. Hearing I love you after a blow job doesn’t lend itself to romance.
Oh fuck . . .
That’s the first time in my life the words entered my head outside of a mere reference. She’s also the first woman I’ve ever had the desire, much less the inclination to even say them.
“What are you smiling about?” she asks.
Her eyes shine only for me this time. “I’m happy.” I’ve never spoken truer words in my life.
She scoots off my lap and straightens her skirt. “I should say so—”
“No.”
“No?” She raises an eyebrow.
I stand, pulling my underwear and pants up. As I zip, I come face-to-face with her. “Don’t get me wrong. I meant it when I said that was incredible, but when I said I’m happy, it’s because I have you in my life. I’m not a guy who needs to be in a relationship. I’ve never been one to pretend to get laid. When I was with a woman, the cards were on the table.” I caress her jaw, lifting just a hint, and run the pad of my thumb over her bottom lip. “I vowed not to hurt you. I also won’t lie unless it’s to protect you. It’s not a sex act that makes me feel this way. So when I tell you I’m happy, what I mean is you make me happy. You and Max make me happy.”
Her lips part, but I move in and kiss her until pink floods her cheeks. Leaving her breathless, I tuck in the tails of my shirt and then buckle my belt. She touches her lips and then rests her hand over her heart. “I’ve never had feelings like this for anyone. You make me happy, Noah. And I know you make Max feel the same.”
“That’s what matters, right? We can be happy together, Liv. I want that with you.” But to cover my bases, I add, “And more blow jobs because those make me happy as well.”
Laughing, she holds the desk as she puts her shoes back on. “Duly noted.” Her gaze reaches mine again, and she adds, “And same when you pleasure me.” She lifts to kiss my cheek but grins when she drops back on the heels of her shoes. “How’s your schedule looking tomorrow?”
“I’m free.”
“Same time?”
“Same place.” I give her a wink.
As soon as I open the door, though, she says, “Noah?” I look back. “Don’t lie to me to protect me. I would rather handle the truth than sort through deceit. Okay?”
The lie about the money scheme comes to mind, but I still nod. “Okay.”
As soon as I near my office, I tell Leanna, “Block off ten o’clock for meetings with Ms. Bancroft the rest of the week in the scheduler, please.”
“Will do.”
I open my door and go in, but before it closes, she’s behind me. “Noah?”
Sitting down, I angle toward my computer. “Yes?” She doesn’t say anything, so I look up. “What’s up?”
Swirling her finger at her face, she closes the door behind her and then whispers, “You have lipstick on your chin.”
Oh shit.
I drop my head down like it’s possible to hide it at this point. “We’re friends,” she says, “remember?”
Lifting my gaze back to hers, I say, “Friends.”
She smiles. “I have a mirror if you need it.”
“I’d appreciate that.”
Working with the woman I’ve fantasized about for years, the goddess mother of my child, and the person who captivates my mind and soul, will be harder than I thought. It’ll be impossible to stay focused, knowing she’s across the office from me.
Good thing I’m up for the job!
30
Liv
“He’ll be here any minute. Are you sure you want to stay?”
“I’m sure.”
Why am I so unsure, then? Pacing the living room with Max on my hip, I try to settle my chaotic thoughts. I love my mom, but it makes me nervous to introduce new people or elements into my relationship with Noah, especially when we’re figuring out how this all works tonight.