Uneasiness crept back in. Reality. The company. The HR rule I’d just bulldozed like a heavy equipment operator on fire.
She might’ve been able to rest, but my thoughts wouldn’t settle. I brushed her hair from her face, studying her like I could memorize peace itself, and still my mind wouldn’t quit.
“Are you sure you’re all right?”
She nodded, turning toward me, chuckling. “Archer, I really am. I have no regrets about our being together. Do you?”
I forced a smile, even as guilt crept in. “Archer’s great. But… the CEO inside of me feels like I took advantage of you.”
“Nope. Later, you can be him,” she insisted, straddling me. “For now, be the man who wants me, because once isn’t enough.”
Pinned under her, she took me by surprise. Hard in an instant, the storm brewed between us again. For another stolen hour, we took our time, exploring and wrecking each other’s bodies for anyone else. I let myself stop being the CEO and just be the man who finally got what he desired.
Time moved too fast until the sun fully rose over the valley. The deadline of our deal expired soon.
“I should go,” she whispered, planting a few last kisses along my jaw. She untangled from our depleted mess of limbs.
“Yeah.” Every part of me wanted to keep her here.
She slipped from the bed, gathered her things, and retreated to the bathroom. The air in the room thickened, filled mostly with satisfaction, and a little consequence.
I pulled on my pants, button undone, and waited shirtless.
She came out with a sheepish grin, not quite meeting my eyes. “Well… see you at the ski lodge?”
“You will,” I managed, voice rough. She got as far as my door when I rushed forward and pulled her back. I claimed her lips one last time, my hand snaking to the base of her neck, feeling her pulse race for me. I memorized the beat of her heart, the warmth of her skin, the taste of our sex on her mouth. I let her go only when she was breathless.
I cleared my throat. In my professional voice, I said, “You’re officially hired back. Welcome to Bellamy Brothers. Again. And let’s get one thing straight, Ms. Fair.I’mthe bosshole in charge, not Caleb. The next time you dedicate a drunk karaoke song, it’d better be to me.”
She grinned and smoothed her dress. “Yes, sir, Mr. Bellamy.”
I escorted her out, jamming my hands in my pockets so I wouldn’t reach for another friendly hug.
At the front door, we hesitated. “Wish I could walk you back to your room, but it’s probably better I don’t. There’ll be enough gossip after everyone witnessed how I carried you out of the bar last night.”
“I understand completely. I will be sure to dispel any rumors. You simply drove me back here and helped me return to my room, where I spent the night alone.”
“Right. Good. Of course, it goes without saying, but when you get safely back to your room, text me so I know you made it there.”
“Always.” With a wink and twinkle in her eyes, she left the suite.
When the door clicked shut, the silence was deafening. The scent of our sex lingered around me. I sagged against the wall, hands scrubbing through my hair, replaying every second—until Brooks stepped out of his room.
“Drought over?” He asked as casually as if inquiring about the weather, scanning the room service breakfast menu.
“For now. Not that it’s anyone’s business.”
“I’ll inform the guys on the group chat, anyway.”
“You do that.” I shook my head and crossed to my room.
“We had a bet going about you and Penny, by the way. I won. I knew after last night it was only a matter of time. But the rest of the guys bet against you.”
“You always bet on the underdog.” I knew my twin well, like he knew me. “How much was the pot?”
“We bet a few thousand each.”
“Jesus. Stakes were that high for my sex life?” Our little side bets were usually hundreds. What the fuck? “I should get a cut from you.”
