“It is most of the time. A lot of responsibility too, though. If I design something badly, then people can be hurt. I have to carry a lot of liability insurance.”
“You work for a design firm?”
Colby smirks at me over the table. “I own my own firm.”
“Nice. You sound well off. Good for you.”
“This week we’re well off, remember.”
I suppress the urge to roll my eyes and just smile sweetly at him. “Of course, husband.”
Colby cocks his head at me as he slowly chews on a piece of chicken. “I’m paying for your company and your time but I don’t want you to be fake with me for seven days. I’m sure you’re used to putting on a show, putting on an act, but that’s not what I’m paying for.”
I lean back in my chair, now done with my dinner. “You could’ve gotten someone from a hookup app to play pretend with you for a week on a vacation. People buy me when they want something in particular. I’m giving you what you paid for.”
“Yeah?” Colby asks, voice low, a little mean. “What did I pay for, Eli?”
“You paid for a husband who’ll do whatever you want and one who’ll keep you happy for six days of fucking by the beach. And that’s what I’m going to give you. Take it or leave it.”
Colby skewers me with a look so intense that I can’t help but squirm a little in my seat. He continues to eat as I stew a little. Patience radiates off of him as if he’s waiting me out, thinking I’ll give in and admit something. I have no idea what that something is though.
I sit with my arms crossed over my chest, watching anxiously as he finishes his dinner. He stands with his plate in hand, grabs my plate, then goes inside to clean up. Figuring he left me alone to sulk, I stare up at the now pink and purple sky.
Fuck. What’s wrong with me? I never talk to clients like that. I never do anything that might get me sent packing. Jesus, he’s probably going to email Claire and ask for a different husband for the week. Well, I know it won’t be Trevor because something about Colby sent him running. I also don’t see Trevor consenting to being chased through the dunes and fucked into the sand like I will. I let out a ragged breath, then jump when I realize Colby is back outside with me.
He sets down a chilled glass of wine on the table in front of me. “Drink this and relax. I’m not fucking you tonight.”
“Why not?” I ask petulantly.
“Because you’re on edge for some reason and I want you to want it the first time I fuck you.”
“I want it now. You’re literally paying me to want this, Colby.”
“Stop,” Colby demands, voice low and firm. My mouth instantly slams shut. “I’m not playin’ head games with you, Eli. Yes, I’ve paid for your company. Yes, I’ve paid to fuck you. But I don’t want an act because then I won’t enjoy it. I want youto be yourself. We will settle in together and then I’ll fuck you tomorrow. I’ll take you out to dinner tomorrow too like a good husband would after he fucks his husband’s brains out. Got it?”
I’m struck speechless, so I just nod. A tendril of shame forms in the pit of my stomach, but I wash it away with a large gulp of the moscato Colby kindly gave me. I watch through the windows as he cleans up after dinner. The wine does relax me, and for some reason I cannot explain, it pisses me off that he knew that’s what I needed. Because this man should not know me. This man doesnotknow me.
After the kitchen is clean and the sun has fully set, the long drive earlier in the morning starts to wear on me. I’m so tired. Colby drags me to the bedroom, shocking me, because I’d assumed maybe I’d be sleeping in another bedroom.
He stands me at the end of the bed and proceeds to undress me. I open my mouth to argue with him but one look from him has me snapping my mouth back shut. Tenderly, without any heat, he undresses me and puts one of his larger T-shirts over my head for me to sleep in. I’m so momentarily thrown by it all that I sway on my feet a little. Colby notices and ushers me into the bed, pulling the blankets up over me.
I lie there frozen, watching enraptured as he goes about his own night routine. He returns from the bathroom in only a pair of tight boxer briefs. My heart practically skyrockets through my chest at just the sight of him. He’s so fucking hot. He’s big and broad and there’s a perfect amount of dark blond hair scattered across his chest, down his thighs, and on his legs. He’s in incredible shape for a man his age.
Colby climbs into the bed beside me, turns onto his side, and proceeds to manhandle me into his arms. I like it though. Oddly. The soft sound of the waves echoes through the bedroom as Colby molds his body around mine. He’s warm and firm againstthe line of my back. Against my better judgment, I fall asleep held in the circle of his arms.
2
ELI
My first thought when I wake up is that my mouth is insanely dry. Soft sunlight filters through the windows when I blink my eyes open. The bed is cold, alerting me to the fact I’m alone. I’m eternally grateful for the solitude. I need to get my bearings. I need to start acting right too. More like the good boyfriend I usually am.
The door to the bedroom opens with a soft squeak to reveal Colby with a tray full of breakfast foods in his hands. I blink slowly at him as he approaches. He’s shirtless and barefoot but wearing tattered sweatpants. Colby sets the tray down on the fluffy down blanket, right in front of me. He settles beside me on the bed with a shy smile, averting his gaze from mine.
“I made you breakfast. I didn’t know what you like best, so I made a few different types of eggs. And there’s pastries.” Colby clears his throat awkwardly. “Tell me what you like and I’ll make it for you the rest of the time you’re here.”
I angle my head towards him. We stare at each other for a few moments before I lean up to sweetly kiss his cheek. He smellslike aftershave, but it’s soft, like maybe he only used a little. I like it.
“Thank you,” I say softly against his stubbled cheek. “I like my eggs over hard with a bagel.”
