She’d been a virgin by choice, not out of religious obligation or some lofty ideal. Simply put, no one had ever tempted her enough to go all the way. Except Jake. He would’ve been the one, if not for the bet she andZariahhad made: a challenge to see if he could hold out until marriage. And he’d obviously failed. Now, her mind reeled again atZariah’suncanny foresight. Her best friend should’ve been a psychic.
When Nicolas found no hint of deceit, he dragged a hand down his face. “Why didn’t you…why didn’t you mention that before? Before doing what we did in the bathroom?”
“Would that have changed something?”
“Of course!” He quickly regained his composure. “Of course. I wouldn’t have been so…”
“Rough?”
He faltered, then collected himself again. “Yes, Emily.” He sighed. “I would’ve been gentler. I wouldn’t have wrapped my hand around yourthroatfor Christ’s sake.”
“I didn’t need gentle at that point. You’d already given me enough of it in our conversation before everything happened. I needed you exactly as you were, and in that moment, you were perfect.”
“So are you, Em.” The words spilled out of him like he had no control over them. Her heart fluttered. “But let’s stop here for today. I’ll make it up to you some other time. I really have something important to discuss in my meeting.”
“More important than me?”
She knew it was a little vain of her, but Nicolas didn’t seem to mind. He actually indulged it by stepping forward and grasping her cheeks, staring at her softly. “No, not more important than you.” Her eyes lit up at his revelation. “But still of top priority. Is it okay that I continue my meeting, baby?”
Her lips parted, the endearment playing with her heart.
His gaze betrayed him as his eyes fell to her mouth.
“I want to kiss you so badly,” he groaned.
Finally, they were on the same page.
“Then do it.”
His eyes snapped back to hers in surprise.
For what reason, she wasn’t sure.
Nicolas gave a small nod, his eyes searching hers once more before his lips met hers. She’d expected hunger like the last time, but this kiss was light and feathery. His mouth moved against hers delicately like he was scared of breaking her, like she was the most precious thing on this planet.
When they broke apart, Emily glanced up at him and mumbled, “I shouldn’t have told you I’m a virgin.”
Nicolas burst out laughing then kissed the side of her mouth. “Get out of here.”
32
Emily caught Stella’s eye from across the table and held back a scowl.
They were in a yearly meeting which was said to be for well wishes for the upcoming new year, but really it was a call-out for the clients who hadn’t been contributing much value. Emily had been spared in recent years, partly because she dated one of the owners, and partly because a single ad featuring her delivered the kind of results others needed ten to match.
“That’s it for this meeting! You’re dismissed!” Jake said.
Emily didn’t have to be told twice, she grabbed her Chanel handbag and left.
“Emily, wait!”
She refused to turn around and give Stella the time of day.
“Emily!” Stella ran in front of her to block her fleeing. “I’ve been meaning to talk to you. It’s about Jake.”
Stella's expression fell when she didn’t get any response. Emily tried hard to not be obvious, but she was human too. She had her limits.
“Look, Emily, I know that what you and Jake have is a long-term thing. I get it. But what him and I have?—”
