Lexi and I spent whatever free time we could scrape together meeting up in my office either during lunch hour or during a lull at work. I simply couldn’t stay away from her, couldn’t stand to not be touched by her at least once a day. I had never known craving like this.
My hands were on her back as we sat on the couch, kissing, my lips crushing hers. Even though the silk blouse she wore, I ached to feel my hands on her bare skin.
We hadn’t gone there, yet, at work.
I pulled her closer to me, pressing kisses to her forehead, her cheeks, and her nose. She lifted her face, giving me access to her lips again, and I kissed her there tenderly. Her lips were soft, and she tasted of mint and apples. When we broke apart, I gazed at her for a few moments, wishing I didn’t have to let her leave soon.
“I’ve never cuddled a woman when I knew we wouldn’t have sex in the next ten minutes,” I said as I pulled her onto my lap. She had absolutely refused to have sex in the office, but at least I got to touch her. That was the only concession she’d made.
My arm was draped over her waist while she rested her head on my shoulder. This was new for me.
Where the hell was this tenderness coming from?
Lexi’s eyes widened for a fraction of a moment when I mentioned the word sex.
“Why does sex in my office freak you out?” I asked, reaching over to push a lock of hair off her face.
She bit down on her lower lip, thinking before she shook her head. “You know why. I can’t lose my job over this if we get caught.”
Her hands ran over my shirt, over the hard planes of my abs as she said, “But I love the idea that for now, you’re mine, if only on Fridays.”
My eyes locked with hers while I took her hand in mine. My thumb stroked the back of her hand, not pleased with this plan at all. What was she thinking? I was determined to enjoy what we had now for as long as it lasted. When I’d met her, Lexi had made it clear that Evie was her first priority and she wasn’t looking for a long-term relationship.
While I was on the same page as her on that, I was not happy about her sex-only-on-Friday-evenings rule.
“On Fridays,” I confirmed. “Though I’m out of town this Friday, Lexi. I’ve got to travel to Sweden for work. Can I get Sunday with you to make up for it? All of you. Not just the parts of you that you give to me in bed.”
She pressed a kiss to my neck and sighed.
“I’d be lying if I said I didn’t want that. I do, Jonah. But I can’t. I’ve got to take Evie to her friend’s birthday party on Sunday evening.” She kissed me deeply. “I’ll see you next Friday, then.”
“How about I engage a nanny to take Evie to her friend’s birthday party?” I pushed, pulling her back. “That way we can still meet on Sunday evening.”
After I’d seen how hard it was for her to be the only person Evie relied on, I realized how I’d taken my wealth for granted. I could hire someone trustworthy to be with Evie while Lexi got some time to herself. It would hardly cost me anything, but with Lexi’s salary, a babysitter would be hard to afford.
I caught the frustrated look on her face.
“Thank you for the suggestion, Jonah. But I can’t take you up on it. I want to meet Evie’s friend’s parents at the party and talk about our kids and all the things that make up my parenting life. Spending Sunday evening with you is out of question.”
Christ. I was being an ass. I was just another person demanding a piece of her she didn’t have to give. She needed to have her time with other kids’ parents, her potential friends, and I couldn’t take that away from her.
“Wait,” I said, loosening my grip. “I’m sorry. You’re right. Evie comes first. I just...” I exhaled roughly. “I’m not used to wanting someone this much and not being able to have them when I want. And what I want is to make love to you every day.”
“Welcome to my world,” she said softly. “Where I don’t get everything I want just because I want it.”
I opened my mouth to argue, to tell her she should live life expecting to get exactly what she wanted, but then she sighed.
That sigh stopped me cold.
“I’m wrong for you, Jonah,” she said quietly. “I shouldn’t be here.”
“If you’re so wrong for me, then why did you come when I called?” I asked.
“Because you’re unlike anyone I’ve ever known.” She looked away, then back at me. “I should hate you for the way you have so much power over me, but in reality, I just want more of you.”
My chest tightened. I searched her face, letting myself really consider what something more between us might look like.
“I’m supposed to fire Cade, the receptionist, today, and talk to the new investors, but all I can think of is you,” I said, my gaze snagging her lips. I ran my thumb over her lower lip, hearing her breath hitch before my hands traced the long curve of her neck.
