Maverick’s stomach dropped.
“Ew,” Carly blurted.
“Are you talking about tomorrow?” Greta asked.
Internado sighed. “No, I have to go out of town tomorrow for a fucking family obligation. I’m playing the role of excited grandfather. Let’s plan on next Thursday.”
“I’ll let you know.”
“You’d be a fool to turn down that much cash for such little effort.”
“Oh, boy,” Maverick said.
Internado collected his glass and walked out of the frame. A couple headed toward the front door. As soon as it opened, Maverick piloted the drone out, down the street, and into the car.
“I hope Greta accepts his offer,” Carly said.
“No fear of going into the lion’s den?”
“Not when I have the biggest, fiercest, most loyal lion of all on my side,” she replied.
On the short ride home, Carly made a decision. Matters of the heart terrified her, but she was done freezing Ashton out, done sleeping alone.
Before stepping onboard, she removed her stilettos. Once on the yacht, she took his hand. “Ash.”
“Yeah, babe.”
“Help me out of this cat suit.”
His eyes locked on hers. When he stepped close, he lifted her hand to his mouth and brushed his lips over her knuckle. “I won’t want to stop there.” That deep, sexy-as-hell voice of his rumbled through her chest.
“Neither will I.”
His intense gaze made her go damp. And then, his mouth found hers. The kiss turned incendiary, their breathing erratic. She couldn’t slow herself down, the desire to mate with him overpowering her rational thought. He clung to her like she was the only woman in the entire world. Without question, her heart, her soul, and her body were his.
The wild kiss slowed, morphing into tender pecks. A smile dancing on his mouth had her opening her eyes.
“I’m not going to make love to you.”
His words slashed her heart. “It’s okay.”
“Unless you spend the night in my bed, in my arms,” he said, caressing her back and palming her ass.
Her pulse fluttered. “I will.”
“Hmm, that sounded too easy. Not putting up a fight?”
“No.”
“Finally, some damn progress.” He dropped kisses on her forehead, both cheeks, and another on the tip of her nose. Then, he dragged the zipper down, his eyes blackening with desire as he revealed her naked form.
“You are stunning in and out of this,” he said, kissing the nape of her neck and the dip between her collarbone before helping her out of the costume.
“Thank you. Let’s get you out of this wig.” She tugged it off and combed soft fingers through his wavy hair.
His growly sounds made her insides thrum. “By God, woman, I love your touch.”
“I love touching you, Ash.”
