Chapter 13
Cole read through the motion Layla had prepared for the Advocates for Hope case, raising his eyebrows with surprise. It was good. Great, actually. She knew her stuff, and had made points he hadn’t even considered.
He was back at Porter’s, where they’d met for drinks to discuss the case last time. He hoped meeting over lunch would keep the meeting professional. It was Wednesday, the fifth day of Emma’s trip, and he missed her. He’d been short at the office that morning because everything seemed to easily annoy him.
So this is what dependence feels like. It fucking sucks, having my mood reliant on someone else.
He’d been catching up with friends over drinks and working out in his off-time, but every night when his head hit the pillow, he wished he was in Emma’s soft double bed with her body molded against his. He loved falling asleep with his face against her soft, sweet-smelling hair.
“Hey,” Layla said, interrupting his reverie about her sister as she took the seat across from him. “How are you?”
“Good. You?” he said, pulling paperwork out of his briefcase.
“I’m good. Having a busy week at work, though.”
“You did a great job on this motion,” he said. “I know it’ll help our case.”
“Thanks. I finished it at 1:30 this morning, so I hope it all makes sense.”
“It’s perfect. I’ll file it, and I can handle the meeting with Melanie next week since you did so much work on this. I’ll just email you the details.”
“No, I’ll go with you,” she said, smiling sweetly. “Don’t you like having me around?”
“No, it’s not that …” he said, shifting uncomfortably.
“You seem really tense, Cole,” Layla said, laying her hand across his. He pulled his hand away, running it over his hair.
“Uh, no, I’m okay,” he said, wishing the waitress would come interrupt them.
“I’m really good at relieving tension.” Her voice was loaded with meaning, and Cole sighed heavily.
“Layla, I have a girlfriend,” he said.
“I won’t tell if you won’t.” A sultry smile played on her lips.
“I’m not that kind of guy. Look, if you offered to help Advocates for Hope because you thought we’d be sleeping together, we won’t.”
Layla gave him an icy glare.
“That’s your loss, Cole,” she said. “I offered to help Advocates for Hope because I have to log pro bono hours for my firm. And there are plenty of men who like me more than you apparently do, so let’s just move on.”
“I think a lot of you, Layla, really. We were always friends when we went to school together. I wouldn’t cheat on my girlfriend with anyone. You’ll find someone you feel that way about someday and then you’ll get it.”
A note of hurt crossed her face before she gathered her belongings to leave.
“Just email me about the case,” she said. “I still want to work for them, but it would be good if we saw as little of each other as possible from here.”
Cole shook his head with frustration. He didn’t want to have a hostile relationship with Emma’s sister.
“Layla, I don’t want us to stop being friends over this,” he said.
“I’ll be fine. I just need to clear my mind and then I’ll feel better.”
Her words reminded him so much of Emma that Cole felt a surge of missing her again. He let Layla leave the restaurant, relieved he could tell Emma he’d set her sister straight.
After his solo lunch, Cole’s mood was still sour when he returned to his office. He texted Emma, hoping it would improve his spirits.
How are you?
She wrote back immediately, and his pulse quickened when he read her words.
Good. Sunbathing at the beach. Miss you.
He adjusted himself, picturing her in a swimsuit as he wrote back.
What are you wearing?
His mouth dried as he stared at the phone, waiting for her return message. Instead of a text, it was a photo of Emma waving in a black bikini. From her round breasts to her flat stomach, the image reminded him what she looked and felt like when they were in bed. He didn’t want to share her sensual, alluring body with anyone who happened to be at that beach.
Christ, woman, cover yourself up! I’m hard right now just looking at that.
He was still staring at the photo when her next message popped up.
There’s no one here but me, and I’m leaving anyway. Have to be at the gallery soon.
Cole wished he could hear her voice, which made him remember what she sounded like when she said his name all breathy and excited when she was about to come. He sighed as he wrote back.
Miss you bad. Let’s have lunch when you get back Friday.
He saw Jen heading toward his office as he read the next message from Emma.
Forgot to tell you I don’t have to be here for that Friday meeting now. Rescheduled my flight for tomorrow night.
The thought of seeing her sooner made him grin just as Jen walked in.
“Having a good day?” she asked playfully.
“Uh, yeah, I guess so. Just found out my girlfriend’s coming home from her business trip early.”
“Smart girl,” Jen said, raising her eyebrows. “You should never be left unattended.”
Cole ran a hand down his face as she adjusted her blouse. Jen was a knockout, no doubt about it. She always looked polished, but seemed to leave a visual hint of her sensuality in a different way every day. Today it was the blouse, which had one too many buttons open on top.
He knew he should avert his eyes, but as Jen leaned over his desk to sort through a stack of files, Cole couldn’t help staring at her ample breasts. She lingered, and he wondered if she knew she had his attention.
The hard-on caused by Emma wasn’t going anywhere, and he worried that Jen would see it and feel encouraged. He scooted his chair under the desk when she walked around to lean against it, looking out the large window with an expansive downtown view.
“I wish I had someone to miss me if I took a trip,” she said thoughtfully. “My boyfriend and I broke up seven months ago, and I’ve missed him every day since.”
Cole listened without looking at her, aware that she was just inches from him.
“Maybe you should try putting yourself out there again,” he suggested.
“I thought I was,” she said, sighing. “I’ve tried, you know, to show interest in guys here … including you …”
Cole glanced over as her face reddened with embarrassment.
“I have a girlfriend, Jen,” he said.
Fuck. I’m turning down hot women left and right today. This is a first.
“I know,” she said, looking away. “But you didn’t when I first … tried.”
Cole sighed deeply, considering. Jen seemed like a nice girl, not an attack dog like Layla, who he just wanted to throw off his back.
“You come on too strong,” he said. “And you make it seem like all you want is sex. You have to make a guy work for it. We want to.”
Jen raised her eyebrows, surprised.
“Okay,” she said with a small smile. “Do you need any help with work so you can get out of here?”
“No, I’ve got it covered. I’ll get everything caught up tonight since Em’s coming home tomorrow night.”
“She wrapped you around her little finger quick,” Jen said. “How long have you guys known each other?”
“12 years. We were neighbors growing up. But I don’t think I really knew her back then. I knew her sister better.”
“Her sister?” Jen said, looking amused. “Is that … as awkward as I’m imagining?”
Cole ran a hand over his hair as he chuckled.
“You have no idea,” he said.
***
After she fastened her seat belt, Emma stared out the window nervously as she waited for takeoff. She never liked that part, but once the plane was in the air, flying wasn’t so bad.
She accepted the piece of watermelon gum offered by the woman next to her, smiling. During college in Paris, she’d dreamed of traveling the world to paint as many landscapes as she could find. But the appeal had faded. Right now there was no place she wanted to be but home.
Thoughts of Paris made Emma laugh lightly as she remembered Layla visiting her there before she started law school. It was the first time they’d been together because they wanted to, and it was the start of the friendship they now had.
Then – Four years earlier
The knot of nervous excitement in Emma’s chest disappeared the moment she saw Layla’s broad, dimpled smile as her sister ran toward her. Airport bystanders grinned as the two women embraced tightly, squealing happily.
“I can’t believe I haven’t seen you in almost two years!” Layla said. “You look amazing, Em! Like a different person! You’re gorgeous. I mean, you always were, but you know – there’s something different about you.”
Layla pulled back and admired Emma’s hair, now sleek and straight, and her fitted sleeveless black shirt and jeans.
“Thanks,” Emma said, looking back at her sister. Somehow she looked even more beautiful than Emma remembered. Her naturally wavy hair was straight now, too, and its warm brown color was complimented by the glow of a tan.
“I’m in Paris!” Layla exclaimed, throwing her arms in the air.
“I’m so glad you’re staying a month,” Emma said. “Mom and Dad only stayed ten days last year, and it went by so fast. How are they?”
She reached for one of Layla’s bags and they headed for the exit of the massive airport.
“They’re good,” Layla said. “Mom’s relieved I’m going to law school in Illinois. They miss you.”
“I miss all of you, too. I wish I could come home to visit, but it’s so expensive.”
“I know.” Layla nodded. “I’m on a budget, too. I couldn’t have come on this trip if Mom and Dad hadn’t paid for my ticket. So what are we going to do while I’m here?”
“There’s so much I want to show you,” Emma said. “We can see some other countries, too, if you want.”
“Yes! And I hear the food here’s amazing.”
“It is,” Emma said. “We’re meeting some of my friends at Barbershop tonight, and they have great food. You’ll love it.”
They went to the downtown bar after a day of sightseeing, and Emma’s friends commented on the resemblance between the sisters, which took Emma by surprise. No one back home had ever thought they looked alike.
Layla was quiet, seeming to take in the atmosphere of the trendy bar, with art for sale on the walls and hip-hop music being performed on a stage. Emma noticed her sister listening closely as she and her friends switched between French and English. It was the first time she’d been with Layla and not felt outshined.
A long arm reached between Emma and Layla and sat two shot glasses full of amber liquid in front of them. A bristled beard brushed across Emma’s cheek as a man kissed it. She looked up at him and smiled.
“Clive, this is my sister, Layla. Layla, this is Clive,” Emma said.
“Bonjour,” Clive said, grinning at Layla. He gave Emma a secret wink before heading to a table across the bar.
“He’s hot,” Layla said, craning to watch him. Emma had been quickly drawn to his shaggy pale blond hair and bright green eyes, too.
“He’s not bad,” she agreed. “He’s a photographer.”
“I bet he’s good in bed,” Layla murmured, still looking at him.
“He is,” Emma said, tipping the shot glass to her lips.
“You mean, you’ve…” Layla raised her brows at her sister appreciatively. Emma nodded silently as she sat the glass back down on the table.
“Who’s that?” Layla whispered to Emma, her gaze now locked on a tall man at the end of their long table with dark hair and a broad chest.
“Oh, that’s Paul,” Emma said, smiling. “He’s a writer.”
“Nice. What does he write?”
“Short stories and poetry.”
“Poetry?” Layla asked, turning to Emma with a grin. “That’s kinda hot.”
“Yeah.” Emma sighed.
“Why do you look all dreamy?” Layla asked. “Do you have a thing for him?”
“Sort of. But it’s no big deal. Do you want me to introduce you guys?”
“No.” Layla shook her head emphatically. “You called him.”
“I didn’t call him.” Emma laughed. “He’s fair game.”
“You liked him first. There are plenty of other men for me.”
“Layla, it’s fine, really.”
“No,” Layla said. “Besides, I’m here to see you, not hook up with a Frenchman.”
“That’s true. We have a lot to do while you’re here. Oh, here comes our tiramisu, you’re gonna love it.”
Layla grinned broadly as she looked at Emma.
“My little sister is way cooler than I am,” she said. Emma laughed and gave her a playful shove.
“Paris is cool, not me,” she said.
“No, really, Em. I admire you for making your way here. I’m not as brave as you are.”
Emma shook her head and rolled her eyes at the compliment, but inside she warmed. Praise from Layla had always been rare, and it felt good.
***
Emma’s jet lag faded as the familiar Chicago skyline came into view from the window of her train seat. It wasn’t the sight of the city that energized her, but knowing that he was there.
California was fun, but she’d missed Cole. They spent most nights together now, and going to bed at her hotel every night without him was lonely. She’d thought about inviting him, but it was such a last-minute thing, and she knew he was swamped at work.
She’d texted him when her plane landed, again refusing his offer of a ride. It was much easier to get out of the congested O’Hare on her own, rather than meeting up with him. He was working late but would come to her apartment later.
When the train pulled to a stop downtown, Emma decided on a whim to go see Cole at his office. She stopped at a bakery to pick up chicken salad sandwiches and the cherry pastries he liked, knowing he always skipped dinner when he worked late.
The lightweight dress that had been perfect this morning in California was now making her bare legs break out in goose bumps, and she walked quickly to get out of the cold.
She thought she’d have to blow the surprise by calling him when she found the doors to his office building locked, but a sympathetic security guard allowed her in. As the elevator rose toward the 12th floor, a chill of worry swept across Emma’s skin. What if he wasn’t in his office, because ‘working late’ was code for ‘out with someone else’?
Emma didn’t want her self-doubt to spoil the happiness she’d found, but a voice in the back of her head was still telling her this was too good to be true. Cole Marlowe couldn’t possibly stay fascinated with a dreamy artist like her long-term. She kicked herself for going to California and opening the door for some other woman to attract his attention.
As she peeked in the mostly darkened office windows of Murphy and Kline, Emma wished she’d called. She was considering leaving, and taking the food home for later, when she saw a light peeking out from a cracked door ahead. Craning her neck to see inside, she glimpsed Cole reading something on a computer screen, his chin resting on his hands as he concentrated.
“Hi,” she said softly as she pushed the door open.
“Em!” He jumped up from his desk and hurried over, pulling her against him tightly. “I missed you. God, it’s good to see you.”
“I missed you, too.” She nestled against his chest, breathing him in.
“That dress …” he said, standing back to admire her legs. “You look really good. Must’ve gotten some sun in California.”
“A little. I brought dinner.”
“Did you? You’re amazing, baby. I’m starving.”
He closed the door and then took the carryout bag and sat it on the ground, holding her gaze as he reached up and grazed her cheek with his fingertips. Emma felt the familiar flutter of anticipation that only Cole inspired in her.
The hunger in his blue-gray gaze had nothing to do with food, and Emma’s body responded before his lips even made it to hers. His hands moved over her hips insistently and she clutched his wide shoulders for support, dazed with arousal.
He squeezed his hands against her ass, bending just enough to lift her from the ground. Her squeal quickly turned to a moan as Cole carried her to his desk, still kissing her deeply.
A cautious inner voice told her they couldn’t do this in his office. What if someone walked in? What if someone heard them? What if there were cameras in here?
I don’t care. I can’t stop.
He sat her on the edge of his desk, kicking his chair out of the way. Emma yanked at his tie, throwing it to the side and reaching for the top button of his shirt. When Cole took a step back, she looked at him, puzzled.
“Turn around,” he said in a low, sexy tone. His lusty expression made Emma flip around in an instant. Her body quivered in anticipation of what was to come.
Cole ran his hands down the sides of her body, around to her stomach, across her breasts. His mouth was hot and demanding on her neck, and Emma’s breath shuddered out of her from the overwhelming feel of him.
“Hold on to the edge,” he said in her ear, his voice nearly a whisper. An intense jolt of longing shot between her thighs as she bent, pressing the front of her body to the desk and wrapping her fingers around the edge.
Being bent over Cole’s desk by him was beyond any fantasy she’d dared to have. The sensation of his fingertips lightly moving up the backs of her bare thighs was surreal, and she inhaled sharply when he reached the hem of her dress and pushed it up around her waist.
Only her black satin panties kept her from being completely exposed to him, and Emma gripped the desk tightly as Cole bent behind her, his breath warm on the backs of her thighs.
“Em, I missed touching you,” he said, his lips feather-light as he kissed the back of one thigh. She trembled at the sensation of being kissed somewhere no one’s lips had ever been.
“Cole …” Her voice was breathy and desperate.
“Don’t let go of the desk,” he said, his voice firm. Emma clutched it as he slowly kissed the back of her other thigh, his fingers reaching for the sides of her panties. Heat flooded her as he slowly pulled them down to the floor.
His hands skimmed back up her thighs, agonizingly slowly, and Emma wanted to cry out for more. She pressed her lips together, trying to hold back, but when she felt his warm, wet mouth on the exposed cheek of her ass, she moaned.
He gave one cheek a light smack with his hand as his mouth moved to the other one, and Emma’s hold on the desk was knuckle-whitening.
“Ah! Harder,” she said softly. Cole paused, his breath hitching in the silence.
“You like that?” he asked.
“Yes.” She hadn’t realized it before because no one had ever done it. Or maybe it was because it was Cole. She didn’t care why she liked it, she just wanted more.
He stood behind her and when the next slap came, it sent a deep wave of longing between her legs. It was hot and forbidden and so much better than she’d imagined it would be. Cole trailed his fingers lightly over the spot he’d smacked, and Emma silently begged him to do it again. When he did, she cried out with satisfaction.
“Fuck, Em,” he said, standing and pressing himself against her. “My handprint looks so good on you.”
His fingers traced delicately over her hot skin, and her breath quickened at the sound of him unbuckling his belt. She craved him so badly it was an ache inside her.
His soft kiss on the throbbing skin of her ass was more than Emma could stand. When she moaned, Cole groaned in response.
“Do you want me, Emma?” he asked softly. She looked back at him, her cheek pressed to the cool wood surface of his desk.
“Yes,” she said, unconsciously pushing herself back toward him as far as she could while maintaining her hold on the desk.
“Tell me you don’t want anyone else,” he said.
“Cole … I only want you,” she whimpered. “Only you.”
“Fuck yeah, baby,” he said, entering her quickly and deeply. His hands encircled her waist tightly as he worked himself in and out of her, and Emma closed her eyes, reveling in the sensation.
She found Cole’s ragged breathing and grunts of satisfaction more erotic than anything she was feeling herself. Knowing he wanted her this way, that she was capable of giving him such pleasure, made the sweet, deep waves of an orgasm overtake her quickly. She yelled out his name several times, losing her grip on the desk as he slid an arm around her waist, pulling her body against his roughly as he thrust himself into her one final time.
“Shit … Em!” he said, his strained voice hot against her ear.
The sensation swept through her so powerfully her body went limp in his arms, and she let him turn her around as he found his chair and fell back into it. He pulled her onto his lap, and she pressed her face into his shoulder.
“I know I’m a brute for fucking you as soon as you walked in, but I really did miss you, baby,” he said.
“I missed you, too. God, I was so wrapped up I forgot about a condom.” Panic gripped her chest. She’d never forgotten.
“I used one. You must not have heard me get it out of my wallet.”
“No, I didn’t. I’m glad you were being smarter than me.”
“It’s never easy to stop and think about it with you. You have quite an effect on me, Em,” he said, wrapping his arms tightly around her back.
How can I ever be without this? Emma wondered.
“Should we eat before I go?” she asked, forcing herself to move off his chest.
“Let’s just take the food and eat at home,” he said. “Want to stay at my place tonight?”
“Sure.”
As they gathered their things and left the office, Cole wrapped an arm around her waist, and a tug of warmth and possession reminded Emma that, for now anyway, he was hers.