Relief danced across his eyes like it was the best news he’d heard all day. His shoulders relaxed noticeably with the deep breath he took. His rival was out of the way, which meant he had me all to himself. “I’m surprised he was so understanding.”
“He told me to call him if it doesn’t work out.”
The relief he showed a second ago disappeared. “Of course he did…”
“If you don’t want me, someone else will. It’s not that surprising.”
“It’s not surprising at all…just annoying.”
I stepped around him and headed to the sidewalk. “You could have called.”
“I don’t like talking on the phone.”
“But you like sitting in traffic for fifteen minutes?”
His hand moved to the small of my back as he stopped me on the sidewalk. “Come over.” He nodded to his car sitting at the curb.
“You don’t waste any time, do you?”
He brought me in close, his face just inches from mine. “When I said I missed you, I meant it.”
After the terrible way he’d treated me, I wasn’t eager to get back into bed right away. He took my virginity then pretended I didn’t exist. The last time I was in that penthouse, he treated me like I was nothing but a nuisance, a stranger. “I’m not ready to pick up where we left off. Just because I agreed to this doesn’t mean I’m not mad at you. It doesn’t mean I’m ready to open my legs and fuck you.”
If he was disappointed, he pretended otherwise. “Then let’s have dinner. I’ll cook for you.”
“Will you make salad?”
The corner of his mouth rose in a smile. “Maybe as an appetizer.”
“Alright. I’ll be there in a few hours.” I stepped away from his grasp so I could walk up the sidewalk.
He pulled me close then placed a kiss on my mouth, kissing me for the entire world to see. His hands guided me farther into his chest, and he slowly caressed my lips, making love to them in a way he never made love to my pussy. He breathed into me gently before he pulled back. His hands loosened on my body before he turned away. “I’ll see you soon.”
It was the last week of summer, so I wore my sundresses as much as possible. Summer was my favorite season because getting ready for work was super easy. I just pulled on a dress with a cardigan or jacket, added some accessories, and then I walked out the door. Once it became winter, I would have to pull on my skintight jeans, boots, layers upon layers of warmth, until I was left feeling suffocated in the bulky clothing.
I changed into a navy blue dress with strappy sandals before I headed to his penthouse on the other side of town. It was a train ride away and then a few blocks of walking, but since I sat at a desk all day long, I didn’t mind it.
I took the elevator to his floor then stepped inside to the smell of dinner in the kitchen. “Something smells good.” I set my purse on the entryway table and relived the memory of the last time I was there. He sat on the couch with a drink in his hand, shirtless and hostile.
“Chicken Picatta. And you’re right on time.” He got up to set the plates on the dining table then walked to me, wearing just his sweatpants low on his waist. His upper body was muscular and strong, chiseled with powerful muscles and sexy golden skin. He greeted me by the door by moving his hand into my hair and kissing me passionately on the lips. His arm circled my waist, and he pulled me close as he treasured me, apologizing for the harsh way he’d treated me the last time I was there with his lips but not his words.
Every time he kissed me, my anger died away a little more. Wyatt was a good kisser, also handsome and charming, but I didn’t feel the same sparks with him that I did with Slate. There was a special affection for Slate inside my heart, a place only he had claimed. If I ever wanted to feel something real for someone else, I would have to erase him from my heart completely.
But that seemed impossible.
He pulled away and looked at me with possession, a new look I hadn’t received before. Now that I was in his arms once again, he didn’t want to let me go.
Maybe he would appreciate me this time. Maybe he wouldn’t let me go because he didn’t want anyone else to have me. It wasn’t romantic, but it was better than nothing.
His hand slackened against my hair, and he stepped away. “Hope you’re hungry.”
“My diet consists of mostly peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, so yes, I’m hungry.”
“Those are good—once in a while.”