I’m vaguely aware of him stiffening above me, then I feel his release coating inside me as we continue to rock and grind against one another until my climax and his subside. I’m a boneless heap on the bed and he collapses onto me but immediately rolls over, pulling me along with him so he’s hugging me against his hard, sweaty body.
And nothing ever felt better.
CHAPTER TWELVE
Lucas
The club isquiet at this hour of the morning. The overhead lights are on, no music, no people. I have time to sit and reflect. It’s been a week since that life-changing time in Rainey’s apartment. Rather than getting her out of my system as I’d hoped, she’s now embedded even deeper under my skin. We’d connected on a deeper level, like joining our bodies had linked us emotionally. I’m not usually so sappy in my thoughts, but it’s all true. I feel like she’s mine and giving her up when our work is over won’t be easy.
We’ve been too busy to get together again, but we’ve gotten into the habit of texting throughout the day, and she’d catch me up on the status of her work on the anniversary events. She’d received sets of logos for merch and to use on napkins and the bar glasses for Mak’s drinks, along with swag and gift bags. She and Kaylee had chosen their favorite rendering. Rainey sent me all three and I agreed with their pick. Now, it’s up to her father to approve.
I’d gone to my parents’ for dinner but kept my relationship and feelings for Rainey to myself. I enjoyed catching up with my father’s old stories from the bench in criminal court, and my mom’s work with foster kids. Because of my upbringing and the home I grew up in, my father focused on the kids during sentencing in family court and on opportunities to create situations that would benefit young defendants.
He’d asked if I was coming to the gala next week, and I assured him that I was. I think about asking Rainey to be mydate but remember her comment about nobody knowing we’re together except us. My feelings shouldn’t be hurt considering we need to keep our relationship from Jack and others, but not being able to take her out in public stings.
I’m sitting at the bar, scrolling through receipts, when my phone buzzes, interrupting my thoughts. I glance down at my phone lying on the counter.
As if she senses I’m thinking about her, Rainey’s name appears on the screen and I swipe to answer. “Hey, beautiful.” I pause at my words, then think, fuck it. I thought it so said it.
“Hi,” she says, and I wonder if it’s crazy to think I hear the blush in her tone.
“To what do I owe the call?” I’d rather hear her voice than read a text from her any day.
“I wanted to go over your meeting with Adam today.”
My stomach grinds at the man’s name, and I grip the phone harder in my hand. I’m looking forward to dealing with the guy who’s made Rainey’s life difficult and, if necessary, putting him in his place. “Don’t worry. I can handle him,” I assure her.
“I know you can,” she says, a lilt in her voice. Her faith in me feels good. “Listen, I already messaged him a list of the items that will be on display at the museum. He’s supposed to walk you around and show you the layout. He sent me a floor plan, and I’ll forward that to you. Anything you think needs changing, just let me know.”
“No problem.”
She sighs. “I just hate him thinking he’s got the upper hand, that I’m afraid to meet with him when that’s not it at all. I just don’t want him to think I’m sending him signals like I want to be with him. And he’s the type to take a normal business meeting and turn it intoshe wants to date me.”
In truth, I’m glad I’m going in her place. I don’t want her anywhere near the asshole. “He won’t think you’re afraid. Trust me, I’m going to handle him.”
“Thanks, Lucas. I don’t know how to thank you enough.”
“You’re welcome. Though I can think of a few ways next time we’re alone.” I smirk even though she can’t see.
“You’re a tease,” she says, breathing heavier into the phone.
“But you’re hot thinking about the possibilities, aren’t you?” I can imagine her on her knees, ready to part those luscious lips and suck my cock. Or, I have a real-life vision of her laying on the bed, legs parted, ready for me to feast.
She lets out a chuckle but it’s low and sexy. I hear the entry door open and see Tristan walk inside. “Okay, change of subject,” I tell her.
“How about the charity gala? Kaylee tells me it’s going to be a huge event and it should raise a good amount of money for the Foster Fundraiser.” She sounds excited by the prospect.
“I’m glad. I intend to make a large donation myself. I know how important it is to find families willing to take in kids. Especially the difficult ones. Like me.”
“My aunt Madison and uncle Alex taught me how important it is to give back. I admire them so much. Your parents, too.”
I smile. “Same. I wouldn’t be the man I am today without them.” I pause to clear my throat. “Hey, want to be my date to the gala?” The words are out before I can stop them or think them through.
Silence follows and I’m left holding my breath while I wait for an answer. One, based on our agreement, I’m sure will be no.
“I’d love to. I want to. But we said we wouldn’t go out in public like a couple.”
Her first words mean more to me than any agreement we’ve made. “But we didn’t say we couldn’t be seen together as friends.”
