His index finger snuck under the elastic. “We’ve been late before, too.”
“Avery!” She laughed but squirmed in earnest this time. If he knew how wet she was, they’d never leave the condo.
“Fine,” he huffed playfully and let go of her to stick his finger into the sweetened ricotta filling. “But I already sent you the money, so technically you’re off duty.”
“That is not how it works, and you know it.”
With a dramatic sigh, he stole another finger of cream from the bowl and headed back the way he’d come. “Just remember, you’re mine at midnight, Cinderella.” At the opening to the hall, he paused. “In case you’ve forgotten since last night, here’s what has to fit.”
He flashed a sexy grin and whipped off the towel. Long and thick, his dick arrowed toward his bellybutton. Then he disappeared, his laughter echoing down the hall.
No need for the reminder. I know what I’ll be missing.
For all his teasing, he hated the new rule. He’d wanted full access to her body, day and night. She hated the damn rule, too, because it wasn’t doing what it was supposed to, and every time they broke it, she felt worse. Like a mistress rewarded for services rendered.
Her stomach still pitched every time the money hit her account, and over the last two weeks, it had hit a lot, topping off her balance at nearly a hundred thousand dollars. Just thinking about it now made her want to puke.
But he’d kept adding business meetings, a garden party on a random afternoon, and even one of Dane and Lincoln’s parties, which had a little too wild, so they’d bailed early. Sometimes, she wondered if Avery wasn’t making up events as an excuse to give her more money, but if that was the case, it had backfired on him when she actually stuck to the rule.
The night she put it into effect, she’d finally admitted the money didn’t matter anymore and almost told him to forget their arrangement, that she’d be his fake girlfriend for free. But then she realized he’d see right through her. He’d figure out she’d fallen head over ass in love with him. He’d feel cornered, like a wolf in a trap. Temporary or not, he didn’t want a girlfriend, and he could find sex anywhere. If there was no payment, there was no agreement. He’d be done with her.
Moisture burned her eyes, but she blinked them dry and put away the mixer she’d agreed to use but wouldn’t take homewith her and headed to the bedroom. She paused at the door, took a deep breath, exhaled, and stepped inside.
Avery stood in front of the full-length mirror, fiddling with his tie. He wore the Brioni tux tonight. Her favorite. Funny that she’d learned the differences between it, the Tom Ford, and Armani. The jacket framed his shoulders and tucked in to show off his slender hips. Tonight, he seemed to stand taller, more sure of himself. Or maybe she just knew him better now.
“Turn around,” she said, brushing imaginary lint from his back, just to have an excuse to touch him. Not that he’d balk at her touch, but anything other than utilitarian would led to more touching, more kissing, and right now, she couldn’t deal with it.
Later. Later, she’d let him do whatever he wanted to her.
“I talked to Nick earlier.” He lifted his chin as her fingers worked the tie. “About the case.”
She’d heard him on the phone in his office. Just the low rumble, not the words. She liked the comfort of knowing he was close but not hovering, just being. She’d miss it—him. “What did he say?”
“Hardy says there’s something going on, but they won’t tell him anything. Nick’s trying to find out directly from Commissioner Harris.”
“Hmm.” She smoothed the perfect bow and started to step away, but he caught her hand.
“It’s been quiet the last couple of weeks, but that doesn’t mean whoever’s doing this to you isn’t still out there. Let’s not give them an opportunity to escalate.”
She nodded, and he loosened his hold but didn’t let go. She looked up at him. “I’ll be careful.”
Crossing to the bathroom and the small section of the counter she’d taken over, she touched up her lipstick and checked her hair.
Phone in hand, Avery poked his head in the door and met her gaze in the reflection of the mirror. “Maverick and Olivia will be there tonight.”
“I know. She texted earlier.” Jo hadn’t seen Olivia since her first date with Avery, which seemed like ages ago and yesterday at the same time.
He smiled and walked away, thumbing a text. He seemed happy tonight, almost excited.
Like a kid right before spring break, sensing freedom.
She shook her head. “Just stop.”
Avery appeared into the doorway again, wrestling with a cuff link. “Did you say something?”
“Just talking to myself.” She moved to help him, then stepped into the huge walk-in closet, her self-pitying thoughts following her.
If only she had the guts to say them out loud, but out of some unspoken agreement, they both tiptoed around the reality that tonight’s benefit marked their last date. He hadn’t said anything about her leaving, but he hadn’t asked her to stay either.
