“I’ll finish it,” he said. “You can’t be with someone who won’t take orders.” He turned her around, cupped her chin in his fingers. “Iwouldlisten to you.”
That made her smile. “You’re a charmer, Joaquin Dillinger.” Pushing out of his arms left her cold and missing his touch, but she had to move on.
“No more hookups,” she said, hating the words she’d just uttered. “I started a new job?—”
“Congratulations.”
“I can’t haveanydistractions, and you’re at the top of that list.”
He splashed water on his face, left the bathroom. She exited to find him tugging on his jeans.
Nice.
That ass in a pair of ratty blue jeans was total eye candy. While he buttoned his flannel shirt, she slinked close.
It was impossible to stay away. Distance felt like a punishment she didn’t deserve. She ran her hands down his bulging pecs and sculpted abs.
All man, all muscle, all the damn time.
Yummy.
“Hungry?” he asked.
“I’m not thinking about food.” Her gaze jumped from the dusting of chest hair to his eyes. The shock of their immediate connection sent a jolt of energy careening through her.
He finished buttoning his shirt. “I’m not thinking about food either. But, we gotta eat. I’m taking you to breakfast.”
She fished her phone from her bag. “No way. It’s six in the morning.”
“After breakfast, we could go another six.”
“This party is over.” She patted his granite chest before heading into the hall.
The club was dark and quiet. A sadness settled into her soul. Another goodbye, only this one felt like it might sting.
“I like when my club is empty.” He collected her hand, kissed her palm.
She melted… just a little. Even though their hookup had ended, he was still being so romantic. Down the stairs they went, past the empty playrooms.
“I also own an upscale hotel,” he said. “Ironic, don’tcha think?”
“Why?”
He opened the door to the lounge, waited for her to pass through.
“A luxury hotel and a kink club are kinda at opposite ends.”
“They both cater to your guests’ needs. You want them to enjoy themselves, in either place. This club is nice. It’s tasteful.”
“How ‘bout breakfast at my hotel?”
She barked out a laugh. “I’m dressed like a hooker.”
“We’ll stop at your place, so you can change.”
“I’m staying with Addison. Oh, crap. I told her I was going out with a friend, then I didn’t come home. I’m surprised my phone didn’t blow up.”
She typed a text to her sister. “I stayed with my friend. Sorry I didn’t text you. I hope you didn’t worry.”
