She looked at me with those heated, gorgeous eyes. She wet her lips, and while I also wanted to lick her entire body, my mind was working overtime. Laney didn’t like the fact that Petra mentioned something that morning—I’d need to talk to her about that. But Laney also didn’t like feeling that we weren’t a team.
To include her, I could share my plans. At least, part of my plans. I cupped her head softly, holding her as I kissed her.
“I think you should come over with me.”
“I think so too, Mr. Reynolds.”
“Mr. Reynolds?” I arched a brow. “Hmm, that was kinda hot.”
“Stop.” She swatted my hand and stood, the rosy blush still on her cheeks. “Let me grab my coat quick.”
Within a minute, we were buttoned up and walking toward the house next door. My lust-filled brain knew Laney wanted to be touched. We’d had a very healthy sex life, and I knew she had to be struggling. I was too, but it was different. I didn’t want this to be about having sex and then she goes back to her parents and nothing changes.
This has to mean something.
“Still so weird to me that this house is for rent,” she said as we walked in. “I grew up coming here for some cookies and cocoa.”
“Yeah?”
“I loved the small-town life. It was warm and cozy.”
She spoke in the past tense, but I knew what she meant.
“It’s great here. I see why you love it so much. We really should visit more often. It’s only an hour or so drive.”
“Yeah. Visiting more would be… nice.”
I knew she wanted to move back here, but I refused to let that ruin the evening.
“Come here.”
She sucked in a breath as she walked toward me. I undid her coat and slid it off her shoulders, tossing it on the back of a chair before pulling her toward me by her belt.
“Did you want to tease me by wearing my shirt tonight?”
She nodded, her eyes lighting up with mischief.
“It worked.” I kissed her neck, inhaling her perfume. The way the oils mixed with her skin, oof. It drove me wild. My body ached for her.
“You’re so fucking pretty, Laney.”
“Connor.” Her voice was hoarse. She untucked my shirt, her hands landing on my stomach, and I hissed.
“Cold, cold,” I teased.
“Oh, stop it.” She giggled, and I wanted to eat the sound. I moved my lips from her neck to her mouth, slowing us down a beat.
“Baby,” I said between kisses, “I’m going to make you feel good, but I want to show you something first.”
She protested, and it was the cutest sound. “Are you sure?”
“Very sure.” I kissed her again, then leaned back. “We’re teammates, forever, and I need to treat you like one.”
Her lips parted, like my comment shocked her, but then she nodded. “I’d like that.”
“Then come with me.”
I’d never overlook or take for granted the way Laney took my hand and followed me. She trusted me, even after months of heartbreak, and I’d never ruin that again. I brought us toward the kitchen counter where all the papers and plans sat. Petra had printed them all out—the ideas, the job description, and what a typical month would look like in her new role.
