A cheer goes up from our table. He turns to me and takes my face in his hands. “You must be good luck.”
And then he kisses me like we’re the only two people in the room. He claims my mouth much longer than appropriate for a place like this, but I don’t care.
His touch makes me feel like I’ve won everything.
31
PIPER-LILY
“Thankyou for coming out to meet Cleo tonight,” I say.
Shrugging out of my jacket as we walk into the entryway, I reach to hang it on the hook when Nate’s arm slips around my waist. He takes the jacket and hangs it up for me, his gaze falling to my lips.
My insides get a flush of warmth. There it is again. That little shift that keeps happening between us. This arrangement is becoming easier, more fluid, more comfortable. We’re becoming more and more like a legitimate couple with every passing day.
“It was enjoyable.”
“That’s it? Just enjoyable?” I tease.
“Veryenjoyable,” he amends with a grin.
Cleo had actually pulled me aside before we left to tell me how much she liked Nate. She said we looked so natural and easy together. I got the impression she didn’t feel much of a connection with Jackson, and that she might be back on the market very soon. Typical. As for me, I’venever had a boyfriend that I cared if Cleo liked or not, and it felt good to have her approval.
Even if Nate isn’t really my boyfriend.
But no matter. All that matters is that we pulled it off for appearances and made everyone—even my BFF—think that we are. It’s a ruse that’s becoming second nature to me.
“You won a lot of money,” I remind him.
Reaching into his pocket, Nate withdraws a stack of bills. He splits it in half and hands one stack to me.
“Wewon a lot of money. You must be my good luck charm.”
I can feel myself flush at the compliment, but I don’t accept the cash. “You didn’t need any luck.”
“I disagree. I’ve played there plenty of times and never walked away with a jackpot.”
“We’re getting good at this,” I say offhandedly, just to see how he’ll react.
“Good at what? Gambling?”
“Being a couple,” I say, keeping my voice light even as my heart pounds.
He drops his gaze, turning away from me to hang up his coat. I wait for some kind of response, but I don’t get one. Instead, he takes my hand and wordlessly leads me upstairs to the bedroom. My disappointment doesn’t last long, though. I can’t wait to get out of this dress.
Nate sits on the edge of the bed and pulls me between his legs. Reaching behind me for my zipper, he slowly pulls it down.
“Wearegetting good at being a couple. We’re also getting good at this.” He kisses between my breasts as thedress falls. “You’re always so eager to please. Such a good little student.”
“You’re a good teacher,” I whisper back.
I shiver as he strips me naked. His warm hands smooth over my body, and the desire I tried so hard to keep tamped down in front of Cleo and Jackson comes flooding back full force. I loved the way he looked at me tonight. How he touched me. He’s been slowly turning me on all evening and I’m about to burst with want.
Bending at the waist, I unfasten his pants. He lifts his hips so I can pull them down. When I get his briefs off, I find his cock thick and hard for me already. Pulse quickening, I grip his shaft with my hand and squeeze. Slick, warm precum rolls off the fat tip. Smoothing it with my finger over his shaft, I begin slow strokes with my palm.
Nate groans. “On your knees.”
He doesn’t have to ask twice. I kneel down and lean forward to suck him eagerly into my mouth. At this point I’ve learned how to position myself and work my jaw to accommodate his girth, and I’ve nearly mastered taking him deep into my throat. He moans his appreciation, his hands kneading my shoulders as I suck. My eyelids flutter as I look up at him. His face is flushed, eyes dark with desire. God, I love that expression. Just knowing I can drive him to this feels incredible.
