I brace myself, trying to feel the words in my mouth again. They feel heavier this time, more substantial. Because I know what Carys tastes like? Because I want to have her orchid scent all over my house, proving she’s mine and thatImake her come undone with just my tongue?
“Rhett James, you will explain why in the last four weeks weeks you’ve decided to be entirely noncompliant with this plan before I get coaching involved.”
Fuck. Ares cannot walk in here while I’m thinking about the way his daughter’s legs felt locked around my ears. My dick twitches, and I shift uncomfortably in the chair. When I drop my head and focus on Marilyn, her entire body vibrates with menace, her scent spiking with her frustration.
Just like with Ashton, the words fall out without any kind of decorum or plan.
“I met a scent match.”
If I could take a picture of Marilyn’s face without getting in trouble, I would. Her eyes are so wide, I can see the whites all the way around and her mouth falls into a perfect ‘O’ as she stares at me in silence. She drops the pen, her hands opening and closing.
“Seriously?” she asks.
I give a single nod, not willing to say anything that will break up the sudden oppressive silence. Just those five words are enough to have my entire body locking down, my scent turning bitter with my worry. Will she figure out it’s Carys? Fuck, what ifI just blew our entire cover when I’ve only gotten to take her on a single date?
“Well, that would certainly change your willingness,” Marilyn finally says. She quietly gathers the papers spread over the desk and tucks them into the folder. “I’ll let management know that you’ve fulfilled my expectations and that no further requests will be made.” She focuses on me again, her gaze steely once more, the shock of a moment ago gone. “You will continue to keep whatever antics you’re indulging in this season out of the camera lenses of the media. I better not get word of a single foot out of line, James. Understand?”
“Yes, ma’am,” I say, my voice still hoarse from my thought spiral. I wet my lips. “You won’t have to worry about me. Promise.”
She gives a decisive nod and stands from the desk. Before she opens the door to the hallway, she pauses, looking over her shoulder.
“Congratulations, Rhett. Your Omega is incredibly lucky.”
Before I can explain that it’s me who is lucky, she’s gone, the door left ajar. I ease to my feet and send a text to Carys, ignoring the way my hands shake.
Got caught in a meeting. On my way now, baby girl.
Chapter Sixteen
PAXTON
Billie smiles as I hand her the coffee in her favorite mug. She sets her phone screen down in her lap, careful to keep from spilling any of the hot liquid. She takes a long drink, her eyes fluttering closed, and then hums in approval.
“It’s perfect. I love when this creamer is available,” she says with another smile.
I settle in beside her, palming her thigh and kissing her cheek. Then I tip my head back and blow out a breath, willing some of the exhaustion to fall away from my body.
“Why did we let Rhett talk me into going out with him last night?” I grouse.
Billie laughs, and my heart swells. “I didn’t let him do anything. You seemed to have fun, though.”
I shrug and lightly push the hem of her slip dress up her thigh a couple inches, luxuriating in the feel of her skin against my own. She snuggles deeper into me, taking another couple drinks of the coffee.
“Bee, if he ever tries to do that again, remind me I’m not twenty-five anymore. My head’s pounding, and I didn’t even drink that much.”
She snorts. “So only four drinks?”
Her voice is warm and full of light-hearted teasing that I unabashedly bask in. I love making her happy. I love getting to hear her laugh and see her smile and feel her relax against me. I sink a bit further into our shared humor.
“You’re supposed to be on my side,” I pout.
She kisses my shoulder. “I am. Just stating facts. You had a good time, though?”
I sigh even as I nod, making sure the sound is exasperated without being truly frustrated. Billie chuckles again and reaches across me, putting her now half-empty coffee on the side table. I wrap my arm around her waist before she can resettle next to me, pulling her onto my lap instead. Her peach scent slowly surround us, and I soak it in. She leans her head against my shoulder. I run my hand up and down her spine before tracing the shell of her ear and the column of her throat.
“What time do you have to report for the flight?” she asks after a minute.
“One.” I kiss her hair. “You have more houses for us to look at?”
