Hell, I want it tobetrue.
But Nick must see the doubt reflected in my eyes, because he says, “It’s just sex, Scarlett. Just two lonely adults releasing tension. Nothing more.” He pauses and cups my face, brushing his thumb tenderly across my cheek. A shiver races up my spine, and I’m pretty sure my brain releases more endorphins, because suddenly he’s making total sense. “It doesn’t have to affect our professional relationship.”
He’s right. We’re both grown adults. Surely we can have sex without it spilling over into our work.
It’s like separation of church and state.
The words float through my mind, Sofia’s voice delivering them as clear as a bell.
So much for keeping things strictly business.
Still, she’d tell me to go for it. I haven’t had sex in forever. Too busy with work and school. Plus, my last hookup didn’t even deliver the big O.
That wouldn’t be a problem with Nick.
Judging by his kisses, he knows his way around a woman’s body. Desire stirs low in my belly. This won’t be the awkward fumbling of two clueless undergrads.
The prospect is both terrifying and thrilling.
“Scarlett?”
I’ve been silent too long. Overthinking the situation.
What is there to think about? A hot dude wants to fuck you boneless. The right answer is yes, please!
“Just sex?” I fight the urge to chew my bottom lip. “Nothing more?”
“Nothing more.” Full stop. No question mark. No doubt.
It shouldn’t surprise me. Nick’s always in control, a need that’s likely driven by the sheer amount of loss and instability in his life. That kind of devastation—having your entire world ripped out from under you over and over—it leaves scars, even if they’re not visible to the naked eye.
“I’m in?” I say, meeting Nick’s intense gaze.
He arches a brow, and I can’t exactly blame him. There’s zero conviction in my words.Idon’t even believe me.
I clear my throat and square my shoulders—which is super awkward, since I’m straddling him like a bronco—before repeating myself. “I’m in.”
“Yeah?” His dark eyes flash under heavy lids.
“Yeah.” I grip the front of his shirt and lower my mouth to his, determined to own my decision.
Our lips collide, the kiss igniting like wildfire as weeks of pent-up frustration come pouring out. Nick’s mouth moves over mine in quiet command, parting my lips to pick up where we left off. His tongue caresses mine with deep, languid strokes that send the last of my reservations up in smoke and leave my toes curled blissfully inside my Chucks.
When he grabs my ass, pulling my body flush to his, it’s all I can do not to moan. His erection glides along my core with the promise of orgasms, and I’m here for it. Because while boardroom Nick is cold and aloof, bedroom Nick is an inferno, all fiery passion and wild abandon. I grip his broad shoulders for support, digging my nails into the thin fabric of his T-shirt, and he whispers something that sounds likeso fucking hot.
It’s all the encouragement I need.
I roll my hips, shamelessly grinding against him in the pursuit of pleasure. I’m a live wire, my body sparking at every touch. There’s no room for embarrassment or shyness. Not when Nick’s mouth is on mine, possessing it so thoroughly.
A man who delivers on his promises.
He stands, hands cupped firmly under my backside, and I instinctively wrap my legs around his waist as he carries me to the living room like I weigh nothing at all. I’ve never dated a tall man before, and something tells me I’ll enjoy it.
Only we aren’t dating.
Just. Sex.
Nick deepens the kiss, and I forget all about the rules. My only thought ismore. I tangle my fingers in his hair, the damp strands slipping through my fingers as I seal my body to his, breasts pressed to the wall of muscle that is his chest. He must sense my need, because he captures my lower lip between his teeth and gives it a gentle tug. A fresh wave of pleasure spirals through my body, and I grind against him in a futile attempt to ease the ache building in my core.
