Page 92 of Lovestrung

But when she opened the door to let me in, the urge to spend the night locked away instead of going out was strong.

“Fuck, Pen, are you trying to kill me?” I grumbled, scanning her from top to toe.

She grinned up at me. “Great reaction, baby.”

I shook my head, feasting on the skintight, black little number she was wearing that stopped a couple of inches above her knees; arms bare, with a neckline that showed the top of her breasts, was enough to bring me to my knees, but the way it cinched underneath them, as well as the layer of lace covering the satin fabric underneath, made me instantly hard. I motioned for her to turn around and she complied. I groaned at the sight of the deep plunge at her back, leaving it bare almost down to her ass, and cleared my throat before raising my eyes. The coquettish smile she aimed at me when she tilted her head made my fingers itch to tear it from her body and ravish her right here on the porch.

“Yeah, I definitely think you are out to get me.” I took a step closer and framed her face before kissing her lightly on the lips. “You look stunning, darlin’.”

“Thank you.” She gave me a quick once-over. “You look good enough to eat yourself,” she grinned. “I mean, I love the relaxed look on you, but seeing you in a white button-down shirt, sleeves rolled up, with that hint of stubble on your jaw, like tonight?” She pushed up on her toes, her scent teasing my nostrils. “It makes me want you even more than I already do.”

My heart stopped at her seductive words, and I became lightheaded with desire. Needing to get my mind back on track, I cleared my throat.

“It’s just jeans and a shirt,” I shrugged as she opened one more button at my throat, and my skin prickled at her touch. How could one woman’s innocent touch – this woman’s touch – be enough to send a shot of lust through my dick?

I ran my hands down her arms, linking our fingers. “You ready to go?”

Triumph shined in her eyes as she nodded. “Yeah. I just need to grab my purse, and I’m all set. Wait here.”

She gave me a quick peck on my lips and backed away. My eyes followed her every move as she stepped back, devouring her even after her hands slipped from mine and she turned away.

Goddammit, how I wanted this woman.

My phone buzzed in my pocket, bringing me back to the here and now, and I pulled it out while I waited for her.

Luke: Ella’s sniffing around Privé for an article she’s writing. Thought I’d give you a head’s up in case you’re still keeping that part of your life from your woman.

My whole body froze as I read the text three times. How the fucking hell was it possible that Penelope’s best friend was on to the company? The security around the place was as tight as a fist, not to mention the IT geeks that ran the website were great at what they did – the names of the performers weren’t disclosed, for one thing, and I assumed they knew what to do in order to keep our privacy. I didn’t know much about how cyberspace worked, but I knew that Luke wouldn’t have them on his team if they weren’t some of the best.

It didn’t add up.

Unless he’d finally given in to her demands and admitted to her what he really did for a living.

I fired a text back:

Me: Thanks, appreciate it.

I cursed, hating that I hadn’t already told Penelope about my now former job, but deep down I knew why I’d kept brushing it aside. I didn’t want to risk jeopardizing my relationship with her now that I finally had her, and even though my conscience told me it was too big of a thing to hide from her, I’d pushed it from my mind all week. I realized that I’d only been lying to myself when I kept putting it off.

I was scared to tell her.

Still staring hard at the screen in front of me, I quickly scanned the next text from him.

Luke: Look, I’m not saying Ella’s going to find out about you, but she’s one hell of a reporter, man. She’s good at sniffing out people’s secrets.

I wanted to ask him if that meant she’d sussed that he was the owner, but I didn’t get the chance to text him again as Penelope came back outside.

“Sorry,” she said as she shut the front door. “I couldn’t find my phone.”

I tried to rid myself of the tension between my shoulders, but Luke’s warning, mild as it was, sat heavily on me like a hammer pressing down on my chest.

“No problem.” I gave her a chin lift. “Where are Eliza and Hugo?”

“They’ll meet us at the restaurant,” she smiled and reached for my hand. “They wanted to take one last walk around town before meeting us, so they left a while ago.”

I squeezed her hand as we walked together down the steps. “You’re going to miss them.” It was a fact, not a question.

“Yeah, but ours won’t be a forever goodbye. I know we’ll keep in touch.” Her voice turned shy and she bit her lip as she looked back at me. “And, who knows, maybe the two of us can go visit them in England someday.”