There wasn't a single earthly reason to find that comment arousing. I was starting my life over, inventing a new way for myself and putting my pieces back together all at once, and the last thing in the world I needed was an eager pair of ovaries egging me on. And yet— "Because it'll give you something to ponder between now and when you come find me."
And to be sure, none of this was real. There were no babies, no nurseries, nothing more than a truly unsafe-for-work conversation between people who felt better when they touched.
"Oh my god." Ash ducked his head to my neck, his lips and teeth connecting with my skin as if he intended to mark it. "It's like you're asking me to fuck you in a dressing room."
Since I really enjoyed some virile male swagger and was guaranteed a special kind of sex monster in bed with me tonight, I said, "Identify the problem in that for me."
"God, Zelda." He shifted his hand to my ass, jerked me up against his body hard enough to acquaint me with his erection. "I don't know what you think you're doing right now."
"Nothing you don't want."
"Fuck me if that isn't the truth," he murmured to my cheek.
"Your mother will be here any minute."
He rolled his hips, groaning as he palmed my jaw to kiss me. "Don't you dare let them put you in anything that isn't, you know,Zelda."
Since this wasn't the moment for button pushing, I kissed the corner of his mouth and said, "I won't."
"And don't accept any candy from my mother," he added. "She never remembers to mention her candy is the recreational variety."
I rested my head on his chest. "Your mother is a national treasure."
He gave a snort that shouldn't have been adorable on a man who traded in being the smartest guy in the room. "She's extremely—" Before he could finish that thought, the main door swung open and Diana stepped in, phone pressed to her ear and a binder wedged under her arm.
"I specifically requested wisteria and stated repeatedly that wisteria was non-negotiable. If I'd known you wouldn't be able to deliver, I would've selected a different florist," she said in the tone of voice reserved for women who knew how to speak to a manager. Holding up a finger, she mouthedone minute. "I am not interested in a substitution."
"She's extremely," Ash murmured.
I kept my head on his chest and let him hold me a bit longer. "I can see that."
"If you're unable to source the agreed-upon materials, I will expect a revised contract with a steep discount for the trouble I've incurred. I will also be forced to climb a ladder and cut down the wisteria growing in my backyard because I am unwilling to consider any alternative," Diana said.
"That's a terrible idea," Ash said to her. "Don't climb anything. Please."
"I'll anticipate a follow-up call within the hour," Diana continued, ignoring Ash. "That's much better. Thank you." She dropped the phone into her shoulder bag, set the binder on my desk, and approached us with outstretched hands. "How do you get more gorgeous and glowing every day? Oh, I cannot wait to dress you up in pretty gowns."
"Thank you but gowns aren't my style," Ash said.
"Would you stop it, son." Diana hit him with a pursed-lip frown. "You know I was talking to Zelda."
"And here I was, thinking you'd noticed me at all," he said. "Apparently not."
Stifling a laugh, I asked, "Is everything all right with the flowers?"
She gave an epic eye roll. "It will be, even if I have to get in there and arrange them myself." Deciding she was done with that topic, she patted the binder twice. "We should make our way over to the shop. It's a quick walk. You don't mind, do you? I hate to give up a good parking space once I've found one."
"Sounds great." I tipped my head back to meet Ash's steady gaze. "You'll have to let me go, you know."
"I know nothing of the sort," he replied.
Diana headed back toward the door, calling, "Ash, we don't have time for this territorial nonsense. Save it for another day when I don't have a schedule to keep."
"I'll text you the address of the shop and I won't accept candy from anyone," I said to him, low enough for it to stay between us. "Go get that shoulder checked out. I want you in full working order, boss."
He kissed my forehead. "Pick a dress I can fuck you in, okay? Nothing too complicated."
From the door, there was a slight gasp and "Jesus, Mary, and Joseph."
