The connection, he knew.That’s what she wanted.Him to be there, just for a bit.A form of aftercare he hadn’t really thought through.Earlier, he’d encouraged her to turn to him, and she had.Definitely a step he appreciated.“You couldn’t have been better.Are you ready for bed?Doors locked?Lights off?”
“I need to turn off the light in the kitchen.”
“Take me with you.But don’t put any clothes on.And don’t try to be sneaky.I can hear everything you’re doing.And I’ll know if you put it on mute.”
“Does anything get by you?”
“Not where you’re concerned.”He swirled his glass and heard the change in her breathing as she walked.
“Okay.The light’s off.”
“Now back to bed.”There was quiet and he took the final drink of his brandy.He wasn’t feeling tired at all.In fact, he was rather consumed by the idea of curling her against him tomorrow night.
“Okay, I’m there.In bed, I mean.”
“Sleep naked.”
“I usually wear a nightshirt.”
“Did I ask that?”
She made a sound he identified as part sigh, part exhalation of frustration.He was fine with that, as long as she did as she was told.
“Lara?”
“I got it.Naked.Even if I freeze.”
“Overnight low should be in the high sixties or maybe low seventies.”He put down his glass, stifling a laugh.“I think you’re safe.”
“Heartless.”
“You’ll find out just how much tomorrow.”
“Is that a promise or a threat, Sir?”
Her words were sultry and effective.“That’s a little brave, considering whose ass will be upturned over my spanking bench tomorrow.”
“Would an apology help?”
“Not at all.”He shook his head, even though she couldn’t see him.
“I was afraid of that.”
He confirmed her address and confirmed the fact he’d be picking her up around one o’clock before asking, “How are you doing?”
Maybe because of the night or because of the distance, her answer sounded as if she had been emboldened.“Restless.Wondering about tomorrow, a bit nervous about it, maybe a bit excited, as well.And I’m still a little aroused.”
“If another orgasm would help you sleep, go ahead.And about tomorrow?You’re right to be a bit nervousanda bit excited.”
* * * *
It’d been a hell of a night.Talking to Lara before bed last night, listening to her get off, had interfered with his rest.
As a result, he’d slept later than normal and he’d spent a good portion of his morning scheduling a telephone conference call with his family members to discuss her proposal.
Erin had been shocked into silence, maybe for the first time in her life.His grandfather had warned him to get a solid prenuptial.Cade had been noncommittal and Aunt Kathryn had cautioned him not to overextend his workload.Nathan had said he thought they would make a significant amount of money if they could secure the patents.
Connor phoned his mother separately.She’d never wanted to be involved in the business, but since he planned to take Lara to her home, he owed her the courtesy of a heads-up.
