Chapter 15
A stop at the fresh food market, later, and they were on their way home. It was a short walk to the penthouse from there, and they only had a couple bags, so they opted to walk and enjoy the warm spring evening. Something about the walks home felt intimate, personal, and both craved the time together.
Cori made it clear that Nick was the cook when boiling water for pasta ended in an overflowing mess that they laughed over. New rules established, she sat at the other end of the counter and kept him company while he cooked, then they switched roles after they ate, and he kept her company perched from the same spot while she cleaned up the after-dinner mess.
Their evening ended with a movie on the couch together where she fell asleep. Careful not to wake her, he carried her to his bed, pulled back the covers and gently laid her down. His bed was no longer, so he grabbed a pillow and blanket to take to the couch when she grabbed his hand softly and whispered to stay.
“Cori…” he whispered, afraid she wasn’t fully coherent and the extra glass of wine skewed her judgement.
“It’s a big bed…stay. Just don’t cross the line in the middle,” she whispered.
“I…”
“Please? I’ll sleep better knowing you aren’t rolling off of the couch. We’re adults; we can do this.”
Her eyes were still shut, and he heard her breathing slow – she was back to sleep already. He pulled off his shirt and peeled back the covers, climbing in next to her, careful not to cross the proverbial center line she mentioned. It didn’t matter how careful he was to stay on his side, however, because the minute he relaxed into the bed, she was snuggled into his side, sound asleep.
For all he knew, she could’ve thought she was snuggling with the dog. He’d take it though. She felt good, nuzzled into his side…she fit like she was meant to be there. He hoped she felt the same when she woke up. Maybe, if he was lucky enough, this would be more than a ruse when all was said and done.
Nick was falling – already had, really. He needed to win her over – get her to feel it too. It was obvious she had her guard up – who wouldn’t after all that she had been through. Everyone, who was supposed to love her, either left her or hurt her. Her parents died, her aunt and uncle stole from her, and her fiancé cheated on her with her best friend.
Those were hard obstacles to overcome, but he could convince her that he was neither an obstacle or one that could ever hurt her. His work was cut out for him, but he was up for the challenge. She could count on him, always. He just needed her to come to that conclusion on her own. He needed her to because after the Hamptons, he didn’t want to say goodbye.
***
Nick woke up the next morning after finally giving in to sleep – he had spent the night enjoying the feel of her next to him. The only problem was, he liked the feeling a little too much because not only did he wake up spooning her, an arm draped over her, but he had a handful of her left breast. To make matters worse, his hard-on was currently resting firmly against her ass.
The morning wood wasn’t a new thing – hell, just the thought of her gave him all day wood – but at least she wasn’t aware, until now, when her cute little ass gave it a place to rest. She was still asleep, thankfully, and he needed to get out of that bed quickly and quietly because the good morning, happy to see you that he was sporting might not go over so well.
***
When she heard the bathroom door close, she took a deep breath and could finally open her eyes. She wasn’t sure how much longer she could lay so still and breathe so slow and shallow. Much longer, and she would have passed out from oxygen deprivation.
His large strong hand, cupping her breast, woke her lady parts long before his happy to see you member became a thing and had her nearly crying out. If she bit her lip any harder, it was sure to bleed, just as her tongue had when she held it between her teeth to distract from her libidinous desire he was stirring low in her belly.
Now that he was gone, she missed him – all of him – behind her. His generous length shouldn’t have surprised her. There was nothing small about that man – everything about him was larger than life and generous. His strong hands, too – they may have stirred dirty emotions – but they also made her feel safe, something she didn’t know she craved.
The bathroom door opening had her attention, followed by the front door. He must’ve gone for a run. She turned on her back, relieved to have a minute to get herself together. How on earth was she going to face him when he got back? How was she going to keep his cock out of her mind all day?
When James suggested packing her battery-operated friend, she was mortified, thought it would be inappropriate. Now she was thinking better of it. This was going to be a long hot and bothered month.
***
Their ride to work was quiet as they each dove right into work on their smart phones. It was just another ruse, however; neither was really working as they each had the other on their minds. Coffee’s first, then a parting kiss in the lobby, they followed their routine to a T. He asked her to lunch, but she needed to work through, especially since she hadn’t the day before as planned.
Understanding as he was, there had to be a compromise because he wanted time with her, promising dinner out and a plan to meet in the lobby at five – more of their new routine. Before she could say one way or the other, he was gone. She looked forward to five…and the rest of the evening.
Her morning flew by, full of meetings and brainstorming sessions with various members of her team. It was hard to stay on task and focused, but she managed. When noon rolled around, Nick exited the elevator with a sandwich in hand, surprising her. He didn’t say but a mere hello, kissed her head, and left, telling her to have a good afternoon and not to forget to eat her sandwich.
Her first thought was that it was for show, to keep the ruse up, but there was nobody there to impress but her. He was just thoughtful that way. She was starting to wish it was all real.
***
The rest of their first week together flowed just as smoothly. They were good together, read each other well, and enjoyed each other thoroughly. Living together was brilliant.
Aching morning throbs from close contact as they slept side by side started their days. If they didn’t have lunch together, he had it delivered for her – clearly paying attention to detail because it was always one of her favorite foods. Late evenings at the office meant dinner out, but one night, he cooked. It was like they were a real couple who had been together forever.
Friday was different from the rest of the week until they arrived at the office. He had a working lunch meeting and something to do after work, so he wouldn’t be riding home with her. She was disappointed, would have to think about why later, but understood that there was still work to do, and it couldn’t all be about them and the ruse.
He did tell her not to make any plans for the evening and he would meet her at home. She was to dress casual but warm. She supposed that was his way of telling her they had plans after all. She wasn’t sure what affected her more – going all day without seeing him, that he planned a surprise evening, or that he called it home.