“He isn’t good enough for you,” I said, taking her chin in my fingers. “You know damned well I never thought so… And I don’t see any purpose in your continuing to stand by him…”

“Because I love him, maybe?” she answered softly. “Because he promised me it was just a mistake.” She looked up at me with kindness and love shining in her eyes. “He may not be as good a man as you are, Chris, but he’s still my husband. It’s only been three years… I owe my marriage more of a chance than that.”

I smiled back at her warmly, working to hide the discomfort I felt from a compliment I had done nothing to deserve. My sweet, kind sister had no clue that her husband’s indiscretion couldn’t hold a candle to the things I’d done. And I was fucking determined to keep it that way. There was no reason she, or my father should ever know. No matter the temptations of this evening, all that was behind me now… Then I caught the warm, sweet scent of vanilla…

“Emily…, forgive me… Miss Parrish.” I looked down to see her heart-shaped face and big green eyes. They were wider even than when I’d caught her watching Sutton and his girl…

“Call me Emily, please,” she answered slowly and her eyes flickered toward Amelia. “I didn’t mean to intrude. Perhaps we should speak another time?”

I felt that same deep hunger inside and forced it down… far away… and worked to hold it at bay. “Emily… this is my sister Amelia. Lia, this is the young lady whose artistry is responsible for the more sinful delights of this evening.”

Amelia laughed lightly and took Emily’s hand. ‘I’m actually the one who asked Sutton to hire you for tonight,” she said a little sheepishly. “I heard about your pastries and convinced him to try out your services tonight. I’m hosting a bridal shower… Fun, but nothing too over the top. Do you think you might be interested?”

“Of course,” Emily’s face brightened with excitement. “I’m sorry… I don’t have a business card…,” she flushed a lovely shade of pink as she ran her hands over her tiny little uniform apologetically. “No pockets…”

Lia laughed. “Not to worry. I’ll find you somehow… I’m sure Sutton’s got your number handy.” She gave a short wave to someone a few yards off. “Ooh, gotta run… Nice to meet you, Emily. See ya, Chris.

And don’t forget… dinner with Dad on Wednesday…”

“As if I could,” I answered dryly, as she pushed her way past and headed for her friends. The half a billion dollar deal I’d just landed had guaranteed a summons from the old man. I’d learned very early in life, that the only thing that had ever gained my father’s attention or approval was securing the win. Then he was more than happy to spend time together. As a boy, I’d learned fast… to win every struggle, every fight, every competition… to always come out on top. Because when I didn’t… I had been invisible…

I smiled down at Emily, who was looking up at me wordlessly. Another wave of fireworks burst overhead. “Never mind Sutton,” I said, leaning down to speak into her ear. Even her hair smelled sweet… “Give me your contact information and I’ll pass it along to my sister myself. There’s no reason you should have to deal with him again…”

“I want you to know I’m a professional, Mr. Chase,” she said, turning so that I could feel her breath on my jaw. “I understand that people in your position require a certain level of discretion… privacy…”

“Do you…?” I asked, turning to face her. For a moment longer the sky was dark, and although we were surrounded by people… we could as easily have been all alone.

“Come… the finale will be starting in a few minutes. The view will be better from over here…”

I gestured for her to go ahead of me, and followed after, watching the easy sway of her hips. Her delicate legs widened out just as they disappeared under the fluff of her skirt, the diamond shapes drawn on her flesh by the stockings stretched slightly larger over her thighs… I ached to reach out and touch one perfect inch…

The suddenness of the burst caught us both by surprise, and we looked up in time to see the first colorful explosions in the sky. She teetered on her tall heels, and I took her elbow, pulling her back gently to steady her. I felt her tense, then relax against me. I shifted and felt the ruff of her skirt brush against my stiff, solid cock. Her sweet sex was only inches away… and barely covered. Neither her scant clothing or my own created much of a barrier… Certainly nothing that had ever stopped me before. Never, in all the years of the game, had I ever felt the kind of desire surging through me now. Denying myself had only increased the excitement a thousand fold. I turned her gently by the hips until she was looking up at me. Light and colors continued to light the sky… I could see them reflected in her eyes…

“Thank you… for tonight…,” I said. I watched her eyes move to my lips. “Unforgettable to be sure… for both of us, I think.”

I reached down… and gently brushed the thick pad of my thumb over her full, bottom lip…