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“I’m sorry, no.” After a pause, I asked a question of my own. “Who are some of your biggest influences? Artistically, I mean.”

Her face lit up. “I love Rembrandt. His paintingThe Jewish Brideis one of my all-time favorites. Oh, and Henri Matisse. Monet, of course, and van Gogh.”

“I’ve heard of three of them, though I’m not familiar with their works beyond their most popular.” I thanked the waiter who set my meal in front of me and then turned my attention back to Keli. “I appreciate the beauty of art, but I’m far from a scholar on the subject. You can tell me about them if you like.”

For the next twenty minutes or so, I listened to her describing the artists she’d mentioned. Her idea that she would be discovered and skyrocket to fame and fortune wasn’t realistic, but she did have passion for the subject.

I knew better than anyone that a person’s determination, enthusiasm, and hard work was often more responsible for their success than their measure of talent. A tenacious artist willing to put in the time and effort could go further than someone with more talent but less drive.

“I feel like I’m doing all the talking,” Keli said. She drained the last of her water, and a waiter appeared to refill her glass. “I want to know more about you. Do you dance?”

“On occasion,” I admitted. “I’m not one to frequent dance clubs, but I have been known to step out a time or two. I also work out to stay in shape, but I’m not a – what’s the American phrase –gym rat.”

“Well, your time in the gym has definitely paid off.” Her eyes moved over my body, the desire in them making my cock stir. “Please tell me you weren’t planning on just dropping me off at my dorm.”

I shifted in my seat. “I could speak to someone here about renting a room for the night. If you’re interested, of course.”

A sultry smile curved her lips. “I’m very interested. I even bought myself a little something, just in case. I’m sure you’ll like it too. I’ll give you a hint. It’s under my dress.”

I signaled to the waiter. The faster we could get to a room, the faster I could unwrap my unexpected Christmas present.

Eight

“I can’t believeyou got the governor’s suite,” Keli said again, grinning from ear to ear.

“I had to sign away my firstborn, but it was worth it.” My attempt at a joke made me mentally cringe.

When it came to business, I could talk about anything MIRI did, about the people who worked there, the policies and procedures for every position. Small talk, however, hadn’t ever come easily for me. Neither had trust. Both were reasons I wasn’t looking for a serious relationship. Maybe I never would be.

“Holy shit! This place is awesome!” Keli practically ran into the room. I half-expected her to jump on one of the beds like a five-year-old.

Itwasa beautiful suite.

I hung up my jacket and took off my shoes, watching her bounce around the room, opening drawers and doors, checking what was in the fridge. By the time she’d finished exploring, I’d also taken off my tie, unbuttoned my dress shirt, and taken a seat in a big, comfortable armchair.

“You look like you’re waiting for something,” Keli said as she turned around and found me watching her, a bemused expression on my face.

“I believe you promised to show me what was under your dress.”

A glint came into her eyes as she reached for the zipper behind her. When the dress fell away, it revealed a matching crimson bra and panty set. Her pale nipples were visible behind the sheer lace, the cut of it such that her breasts appeared to be on the verge of spilling over. She did a slow turn to let me appreciate the entire view. The panties were little more than a tiny triangle in front, a strip between her cheeks, and little bows on each hip.

“Do you like it?” She walked toward me, putting a little extra sway into her hips.

“I do,” I answered honestly.

The awkward parts of our dinner didn’t seem as important as they had less than thirty minutes ago.

When she reached me, she bent over, putting her breasts right at eye level. While her hands were busy with my pants, I kissed the tops of her breasts, nipped the fair skin until she shivered. Instead of straightening, however, she went to her knees.

“Condom?” she asked.

“Wallet in my right back pocket.” I gestured to the pants on the ground. I held out my hand for it, but she shook her head.

“I have a little trick to show you.” She winked at me as she opened the packet.

I watched as she used her mouth to roll the condom over my cock. The heat through the smooth latex was something new…and damn sexy. She took me deep, the end of my shaft going into her throat and her nose bumping my pubic bone.

“Fuck!” I buried my fingers in her hair, resisting the urge to hold her in place. “Keli…”