“I guess I can’t give you too much crap about spending all your time at work. That’s pretty much what I’ve been doing since Ryan and I broke up. I got my massage license and have been working to build up my business, but I think I’m going to give up on Seattle and move back home.”
“About that,”—I reached over and squeezed her hand—“I’m sorry.”
“It’s not your fault.”
“If I’d been a better father, a better role model…” My words trailed off as I shifted my gaze to the floor and shook my head. I couldn’t tolerate cheating. That’s what ended my relationship with Ryan’s mom before it really even got started.
“You’ve been a great father to him.” Winter scooted closer to me on the couch and rested her palm on my arm. The heat from each one of her fingertips felt like it burned through my shirt and left a permanent mark on my skin.
“I don’t want to talk about Ryan.” Even saying hisname while I was undressing his ex-girlfriend in my mind felt like an enormous betrayal. I clasped my hands together behind my neck and kneaded the flesh at the base of my skull. The headache that threatened before had started pounding again.
“Are you hurting?”
“Just a little bit of a headache.”
Winter got up from the couch and walked around behind me. “Move your hands.”
“I’ll be okay.” I wasn’t sure if I could handle her touching me. I dreaded it and craved it at the same time.
“I said move.” She slapped at my hands until I let them fall to my lap. Then she dug her thumbs into the tight knot of muscles at the base of my neck.
I groaned—the mix of pleasure and pain a release I didn’t know I needed. Her fingers worked magic on my neck and shoulders. She massaged the base of my skull, beating back the headache until she’d eliminated every bit of pain. Then her fingers slid into my hair. Chills raced down my spine while heat hurtled toward my cock. The sensation of her nails lightly scraping over my scalp was the most erotic experience I’d had in years.
“Is that better?” Her hands stilled on my shoulders and she leaned forward. My cock twitched as her warm breath brushed against my ear.
“Thank you.” I wrapped my fingers around her forearm and gently tugged her around the couch until she stood in front of me. Then Iuncurled her fingers and traced the lines etched into her palm. “You’ve got an incredible gift, Winter.”
She stared down at me, her eyelids heavy. Her breasts sat at eye level. I licked my lips, so eager to taste her skin. “You’re more than welcome. Is there anything else I can do to help you feel better?”
The pouty breathlessness in her voice tempted me. Either she was the biggest cocktease I’d ever met, or she had no idea what kind of effect being around her had on me.
I was about to give in, jerk her down to my lap and let her feel exactly how hard I was. A knock sounded at the door. The tension between us dissipated.
Thank fuck. Saved by Chicago deep dish. I gently brushed her aside so I could answer the door.
CHAPTER 6
WINTER
He wasfire and ice all at once. In the past few hours I’d gone from being so turned on to second guessing myself and wondering if I was reading way too much into the situation. Right before the knock on the door, it seemed like he wanted more from me. I wasn’t sure how much of myself I was willing to give him.
Cole came back bearing a huge pizza box and a bottle of wine with two glasses. He set everything down on the small dining table, then headed back to the kitchenette to grab plates and silverware.
“It smells delicious.” The scent of cheese, tangy tomato sauce, and spicy sausage made my mouth water. I hadn’t realized how hungry I was until the food arrived.
“Would you like some wine?” At my nod, Cole expertly uncorked the bottle and poured each of us a glass.
While the fire blazed across the room, we sat down and I got my first bite of authentic Chicago deep-dish pizza.
“What do you think?” Cole waited, fork poised in front of his mouth.
I talked around the big bite I’d just taken. “So good.”
He smiled. “I’m glad you’re enjoying it.”
“Me too.” Though maybe I was enjoying myself a little too much. Spending the night in a swanky hotel room with my ex’s dad shouldn’t feel so comfortable, so natural, so exhilarating, right? I watched Cole slide his fork into his mouth. Heat pooled in my core as his tongue swept out to catch a bit of cheese. The man was sexy without even trying. I bet a woman didn’t need to fake anything with him, especially not when that tongue was involved.
I squeezed my thighs together, suddenly too hot to be wearing my thick cardigan. The combination of red wine, a blazing fire, and the company of Cole Calvin had me burning up. I shrugged out of my sweater and took another sip of wine.
