“All you did was light a match.”
He tosses the matchbook to Dez. “Every time you complete a film, light one of these. The smoke sends a signal”—Rafe points up—“and our Distribution Department takes it from there.” He gestures at the screen. “Pull up your O’Rourke film. We need to send that one on, too.”
Dez faces her Lens and brings Lexa O’Rourke’s face to her screen. She looks at Rafe, who nods as she strikes a match and lets the white flame burn down to her fingers.
“Blow,” he says.
She blows, watching the smoke rise, wondering what signal this sends and to whom.
“Now, about your dress for tonight,” Rafe says.
“I’m in no shape for a party.”
“You’re going. Everyone’s going.”
“What time is it?”
Rafe checks his watch. “Five-fifteen.”
Less than a quarter of an hour ago—in real time—Dez had all but given up onLazarus. Somehow she’s completed it in actual minutes. And Rafe’s going to get it to her brother. The thought of him watching it tonight comforts Dez immeasurably. She only wishes she were able to be there, too.
“Congratulations, Dez.” Rafe’s words have that huskiness to them that makes Dez stop everything and look up into his eyes.
His hungry gaze drifts down to her lips.
They said they weren’t going to do this anymore.
Earlier she couldn’t stop thinking about Asher. Even now, a part of her is longing for more of him. But Asher isn’t here. She’s never even kissed him, has no idea what kind of physical chemistry they’d have. He’s so far from her life that fantasizing about him is an end in itself. And that’s all it will ever be.
Rafe, on the other hand. Very much here. And he’s looking at her like there’s no way this isn’t on.
The chemistry is supercharged.
He steps close. She hears him breathing. His just-rained scent makes her want to run her tongue down his smooth, tan neck. He reaches out first this time. Thrilled, she holds her breath.
He takes the espresso cup from her hands and sets it down. When he turns back to face her, there’s that dangerous look she loves in his eyes. It means he’s about to let his mouth do what it was made for.
He slides his hands around the side of her face, so he can take hold of her hair. With a tug that makes Dez moan, he tips her face up so she’s looking in his eyes.
“I crave your body all the time,” he says, his voice a hungry growl.
“You said once you never think of me unless you have to,” she teases as he leans even closer, his mouth drawing against her neck, making her breath come in short, hot gasps.
“Well, it’s true,” he says, touching her lips. “I just have to think about your body all the time.”
Dez smiles as she runs her fingers along the hollow of his neck. “You also said we should stick with cold.”
“But we’re celebrating,” he whispers into the sensitive skin behind her ear.
God, she needs this man. Right now. In his entirety. And there’s nothing he can do to stop her.
Fortunately, this time it’s Rafe who kisses Dez. His lips melt against hers with an intensity that matches her own. He pulls her close against him, kissing her like he needs her to live, like he needs her more than oxygen. She can feel the throb of him at her waist.
All at once, he lifts her up, swings her legs around either side of his hips, so that she’s straddling him. Her pussy quivers like it has a mind of its own and it’s come up with a really good idea. Slowly she starts grinding against him, riding him through their clothes. She bucks her hips against the hard ridge of his cock, and it feels like scratching the most delicious itch. She’s very close to coming when he pulls her shirt down, burying his face in her tits. Sucking hard enough to draw arcs of purple bruises on her skin. It’s incredible, and it’s not nearly enough.
The stress of these few weeks has been so immense, and now Dez has finished something. Something good. She needs to commemorate this. She needs to let everything inside her free.
“I want you,” Dez pants. “Now.”
