“It’s unprofessional.” He shrugs. “And risky. She could catch us next time.”
My heart plummets into my stomach. The feelings I’m usually fighting for him are desire and the urge to keepusa secret, but I’m fighting something else now. It’s fear.
“What’s wrong?” I murmur, moving closer. “Something feels off. Like… you’re being weird, Theo.”
He touches my face, and my worries melt away when his dark eyes meet mine. “Nothing is wrong. I’m sorry. Just stressed about going back to the office so soon.”
“Is that all it is?” A smile creeps onto my lips—a desperate attempt at lightening the mood. “I know something we can do about that… a little stress relief.”
I lean in closer, but he leans away.
“Evie…”
“What?” I pause. “You don’t want to? I didn’t mean to—I mean, we can cuddle.”
He hasn’t pushed me away like this since before we slept together, and it hurts. What am I supposed to do? I stare at him desperately, waiting for an answer—cut me down or lift me, but dosomething.
There’s another moment of hesitation, a brief crackle of electricity before his fingers curl into my hair. He drags me closer, harsh with his movements, but the way he kisses me is not. Soft, lingering kisses to my lips, face, and eyelids.
“I always want you,” he whispers, sucking my earlobe. “That’s never a question. Don’t ever doubt that.”
His breath against my neck makes me giggle. “I’ll try not to. It’s hard sometimes.”
“Come here.” He pulls me into bed with strong arms—only becoming stronger by the day.
Whenever I’m in bed with him, I’m right at home. This is no exception. He hovers on top of me, his body pressed so beautifully to mine. Our foreheads touch. I could stay here for hours, staring into his warm eyes.
The electricity between us seems to slow, small sparks like when the lightning storm is about to end, but the attraction is still here. I hold the sides of his face as he rolls against me, pressing his hips into mine, letting pressure build between my thighs. He rouses to life, too, already hard against me.
I gasp with each bit of friction he builds.
There’s still so much between us, and we don’t have time to waste. We remove our clothes fluidly, letting them find the floor,and we see each other—flesh on flesh. His chest pressed to mine is my idea of heaven.
When he sinks into me, as deep as he can go, it’s something even greater. My worries don’t exist. I gasp, gazing into his eyes, and he meets mine in return.
Everything is right. What was I worried about?
There’s no need to be quiet. There’s no need to hide. For a moment, we’re together… and everything is perfect. Nothing can come between us.
Chapter Twenty-Three
EVIE
“Good morning.”
It isn’t Theo who greets me, and I wish it were. We were forced to sleep in separate beds again, and it’s cold in the morning. He isn’t awake yet to start the fire. I keep myself warm with coffee and a fresh croissant, but it’s nothing compared to being in his arms.
Christine’s voice is as cool as ice. I suppose not everyone can be a morning person. It’s only after years of waking up at sunrise that I can tolerate it.
“Morning!” I smile brightly, trying to be warm enough for both of us.
Even though Christine is currently a nuisance, I’ve liked her from the start. I still have hopes of her becoming a good mentor. At the very least, she isn’t a total creep. No one has beenlike thatsince Rod, which I’m grateful for…
I like working here, so making a good impression on Christine is vital. I wouldn’t mind extending my contract if I didn't have to return to school.
“I think we should talk,” she says, “before Theo wakes up.”
I wasn’t imagining the change of tone. Something is wrong. Theo has been off, and now… Christine is attempting to talk to me—alone.
