“You didn’t think that was a good idea, Ari?” he whispers into the nape of my neck, right before he places light kisses down as far as my clothing will allow.
I almost fail to produce words as he pushes his hips into me, showing me just how much he wants me out of my underwear.
“I…I think it’s a really good idea. But I have to work. Please don’t make me choose, it would be impossible.” I groan dramatically, rolling my head back and resting it on his shoulder.
“Okay,” he chuckles. “But we’re only delaying it until you get back. Don’t make any plans after work.”
He releases my hands and brings them around my front with his, wrapping me tightly, before kissing my cheek. “I’ll call Jack and have him ready to take you.”
“Thanks. Will you be here when I get back?”
“Am I on a promise?”
“Yes,” I giggle.
“Well, then I’ll be here.”
“I think maybe you just want me for my body,” I joke, breaking away from him to finish getting ready for work.
“Nope, I want you for your mind too. You might think you have me fooled that you’re innocent, but underneath that sweet exterior, I’m convinced there’s a minx.”
“Oh really?” I raise my brow in his direction and focus on putting my mascara on while he calls Jack.
“You want me to call Beth and tell her you’re on your way?”
“Nope, it’s fine. I’m just about ready,” I say, pushing the final pin into my hair. “How do I look?”
“Edible,” he replies.
I roll my eyes and smirk. “Do I look good enough for the boutique?”
“Ari, you’ll knock ‘em dead,” he says seriously, which warms my heart. Every word from his lips builds me up from the inside. Every encouraging smile that he flashes my way, gives me a little more confidence and encourages me to be the best I can be, for myself. It’s a world away from the way Jonny continually made me feel weak and worthless.
“Right. Good. Okay,” I chant to myself.
“Ari, I…” He pauses and it’s like the air stands still. He’s wrapped a towel around his waist but is still standing in front of me in pretty much nothing, giving me a look. I think he’s about to say those three little words. Words I think he feels, but that I’m not ready to hear yet. Not by a long mile, even if it’s the way we are heading “I know you’ll be great.”
I release the breath I was holding and reward him with a smile. I’m relieved he didn’t say it. I don’t want him to. Not yet. I don’t want to ruin the way things are and those words, well, they’re not needed to express how we feel.
“Okay, I’m going.” I pick up my clutch and press my lips tenderly to his cheek. “Is Jack downstairs? “
“Yes, he’s waiting in the lobby. Adam will escort you down, and Dan will be with you at the boutique.”
“Oh, yes. The commandos. I forgot about them. Can’t you just let them have the time off while I’m at work?”
“Arianna,” he says on a sigh. “We’ve been through this. He won’t be visible. He’s not going to be glued to your side or making your job difficult. He’ll be outside just keeping an eye on things. Please. For me?” He eyes me hopefully, and I can’t say no.
He sees me into the safe hands of Adam, who in turn passes me over to Jack. We exit the building, and Dan follows close behind.
“Miss Fraser, the car is just over there, if you’d like to follow me.” Jack announces formally.
“Jack, please call me Arianna.”
“Very well, miss.” He stutters as he corrects himself. “Arianna.”
I smile and shake my head at him. He’s so formal. So accommodating, and from what I’ve seen, he’s so patient with Denham. There seems to be an odd affection between the two of them, and I make it my mission to crack Jack open just a little bit to find out some funny stories about Denham. I bet he has loads. He smiles back politely and continues to walk toward the car.
A black Mercedes with blacked out windows approaches at speed, just as Jack opens the door for me to enter his ride. We all turn to look, and commando jumps next to me. Blocking me with his whole body.
