Rub Me the Right Way by Amy Brent (173)

PART 2

 

Lily

It was a bit of an adjustment, but I managed to stay at my job even though Brian and I were back together. It wasn’t easy at first, but I stood my ground with Landon about us not being together any longer.

Brian was safe and right. Brian was the right choice for me. 

I settled into my days working at my desk and dealing with Landon alone as little as possible. There was still a strong sexual attraction between us, and I saw the pain in his eyes when he looked at me, but I’d made my choice.

I noticed the circles under his eyes within a month of ending whatever it was that we’d had between us, and I assumed he was out drinking at night. It occurred more and more often, and I’d just watch him as he walked in looking at his phone, ignoring me. When he walked by me in silence, I just reminded myself that this was best and I’d made the right choice. 

The first time a woman came in just before I was leaving for the night, my blood boiled. She was pretty, and she looked exotic in her clingy purple dress as she gave me a wink and a smile before disappearing into his office. In that moment, I was torn from being the mostly content woman who was comfortable with her choice and became a raging ball of jealousy. When the woman laughed and then something bumped against the wall, I saved what I was working on with a scowl on my face. I turned off the computer and walked out five minutes before I was supposed to, cursing Landon under my breath. 

It was stupid and I knew it. He had every right to fuck whomever he wanted. Landon was a big boy and could make that choice, but I was fuming when I reached my car. 

I recalled the night he’d admitted to using this same woman to make me jealous before we made love. I had thought it was flattering that night, but seeing her again hurt deep down. Was he playing the same game all over again? I started the car and drove home to my apartment, where Brian was making dinner for us, walking in and dropping my purse as I made my way to the kitchen. I stopped as I watched him stirring something on the stove, taking in how toned and lean he looked in the shorts he was wearing. “Hey.” 

Brian turned his head and smiled at me. “Evening, baby. How was work?” 

“Good,” I replied vaguely as I walked toward him and gazed into his eyes. I eased myself into his arms as I looked at the sauce on the stove, smiling as he set the spoon on a plate and pulled me close. Brian was doing everything he could to make it work with me this time, being sweet and romantic like he had been in the beginning. He was attentive now and spent most nights at my apartment, something that made me wonder what his intentions with me were. I kissed him, needing the contact as I wrapped my arms around his neck. “Mmmm,” I murmured as he tilted his head and deepened the kiss. 

“Sauce,” Brian reminded me as I heard the thump from Landon’s office play through my mind again. 

“Turn it off. We’ll eat later,” I said as I kissed him again, feeling him reach behind himself before pulling me against him. I wrapped my legs around his waist as he lifted me to carry me to the bedroom, where he pressed me down onto the mattress. 

“You are relentless,” Brian said me as he kissed my neck and slipped his hands under my skirt. “I’m trying to cook you a nice dinner tonight and woo you, and here you are seducing me.” 

“I want you,” I told him as I felt him slide my panties off before he pulled away from me. 

“I want you as well. Take off that dress.” Brian watched me closely as I lifted the red vintage dress over my head, revealing my bare breasts. His eyes twinkled. “No bra at work?” 

“I’m not that big and this dress is thick,” I said as I slipped my hands over my nipples to pluck at them. “Are you complaining?” 

“Fuck, no. I want to pull your clothes off to find this every single night. You’re sexy, Lily.” Brian dropped his shorts and crawled over me. He kissed me long and hard before he moved down my body with his mouth, focusing on my nipples as he sucked one and then the other between his lips. He kissed down my stomach, teasing me with his tongue as I closed my eyes. 

I tried to pretend it was only Brian and I in this room together, but memories played through my head as he eased me toward a release. I knew Landon had everything to do with the sensations in my body as I rocked against Brian, whimpering and moaning. He pulled back, breathing heavily before he moved up and slipped between my thighs to slide into my wet pussy. We didn’t use condoms anymore because I was on the pill. That was something I had taken care of right when we got back together, since it was going to last. 

We moved together as our bodies dampened and I grew wetter for him, tighter. Brian knew I was tight after oral sex, which was when he preferred to be inside me. I came again as I dug my nails into his back, reminded of another time when it was with somebody else. 

We returned to the kitchen to finish dinner after we recovered, sipping wine from the bottle as we fixed our plates. Brian went to the table first and I followed in my robe as we sat beside each other. Brian was smiling at me, and I gazed at him after another long swallow from the bottle. “What?”

“I decided to move out of the apartment and get away from the crowd. I’m looking for something more peaceful, and I was thinking you and I could make a go of things,” Brian said as my eyes widened. “I could move in here or we could get another apartment; whatever you want.” 

“You want to live with me?” I asked, and he nodded and stared at me. 

“I told you I love you. I want to make this work and take the next step.” Brian tilted his head and smiled at me. “Sounds good?” 

I twirled some noodles around my fork slowly and took a bite. Brian had made a great sauce, and I chewed carefully as I considered the offer. Why not? He was a good man, and he’d more than proven his feelings for me over the last few weeks. “Yes, I’d like that. Do you mind staying here? It just feels like home to me.” 

“This is a good place. We can turn the second bedroom into an office or something for us,” Brian said, and we began to discuss our plans. We ate slowly and laughed a lot, and I told myself this could work. 

We cleaned up together and went to bed, making love again as I went down on my knees for him. Once we were done, I dropped to my side and curled up against him as Brian kissed my hair and told me he loved me. 

 

Landon

Brian was playing the game well, sending Lily those flowers, though I would have gone for something a little more unique like she was. The ones I would have picked for her would have reflected her kind and generous nature, and they’d have been a color I saw her wear often, a color that made her skin glow. I noticed the little things about Lily, even now that we weren’t involved anymore. 

Red roses. What a douchebag. Those could be ordered from any grocery store, much less a florist. 

No matter what I thought of him, Lily cooled off towards me on that intimate level we were so good at. She was still an amazing worker and did everything she could as my employee, but it stopped there. Gone were the talks in my office when we were supposed to be working, as well as the way I had her on every surface I possibly could. We didn’t go to lunch anymore or plan working dinners.

All of that was gone, and I missed it. There were days I wanted to drag her into my office and kiss her senseless, but I contained myself. It was apparent that she was moving on, or at least trying to. 

I spent the better part of a week feeling sorry for myself, alone at home. I missed everything about her and was well-aware that I’d imagined a future with my assistant. I knew I could get her relocated to another part of the building, but the idea of not seeing her anymore made me feel empty inside. I didn’t want to forget her the way I did Nadine. My ex-wife could drop off the face of the planet for all I cared, but the idea of not seeing Lily’s beautiful face every day was too much to bear.

There were nights I was angry with myself for pursuing her at all. Those were the ones when I’d sit on the couch with my bottle of Hennessey and drink my troubles away. 

Eventually, friends talked me into getting out of the house. They told me I was working too much since nobody knew about Lily. As a man, that was how I was supposed to handle this hurt: get out there and fuck my way through it, so I met them at the familiar bar one night after work. 

I didn’t go home with a woman that first night, but a few nights later I found myself in the bed of a blonde. Her name was Lisa, and as hard as she tried to please me, she just wasn’t Lily. I tried a few more times with some one-night-stands and always left feeling unsatisfied.

Maybe I needed to step up my game with someone familiar.

I had a few massage sessions with a local massage therapist, and it was no holds barred. She was willing to do anything for me, and I took full advantage of that, demanding rough blow jobs as well as tying her up to inflict light pain on her. Molly took it all, and more than that, she loved it. I used her several long nights, fucking her and utilizing her many talents to try to drain myself of my feelings for Lily. 

I wondered the next morning if Lily even noticed. It was always the same polite smile and soft good morning from her, spoken without the light in her eyes that I missed so much. Did Brian make her happy at all? It didn’t seem like it. The week it bothered me the most, I called Molly and found out she was out with some friends, so I invited them all over to my place. I was drunk out of my mind but was physically able to take all of them on. It should’ve been the greatest night of my life as a sexually active man.

I sent them all away once we were too tired to do anything further. I’d fucked, spanked, kissed, and been serviced by the girls. I’d even watched them with each other during the activities. That was any man’s dream, right?

But I’d dropped into the bed that smelled of sex and sin and missed Lily’s sweet fragrance that was long washed from my sheets. Despite never thinking about Nadine with another man, I found myself wondering if Lily was in bed with Brian after he’d been inside her sweet body, him wrapped around her as they drifted off to sleep. 

I didn’t get that he was an attentive and loving man the night I met him. He was clearly into Lily on some level, and I didn’t doubt that my reaction to him had raised some questions for her. I hadn’t been kind, and I’d judged him with my gaze, not hiding any of my disdain. He was one of those younger guys who got along with everyone, the guy you’d see at every party talking to all of the guests in the room. Brian wasn’t the kind of man that Lily deserved, the kind that worshiped and appreciated her. 

Sometimes I would be a little louder if I heard her on the phone with him, asking her something completely unnecessary. I saw the frosty looks she gave me when I broke into their talks, even though it didn’t happen often. She was professional about work, and after that first time I never saw him there again. 

I hoped he had asked about me though. A man like me was intimidating to anybody, particularly a guy like him with an incredibly sexy girlfriend. That was simple math, and I used it to give Brian doubts whenever I could. I’d set the ball in motion the night we met, and I’d seen the insecurity in his eyes. 

I came in after meeting Molly for lunch to see roses on her desk again a few weeks after we ended. It was the same tired two dozen blooms in a cheap glass vase, making me roll my eyes. The card was on her desk, and I glanced around to see who was around, leaning over when I realized a lot of people were still out to lunch. 

I am so happy you said yes, baby. I love you and I am going to prove it for the rest of my life. B

What the fuck? Did he propose to her? They’ve been back together for a month, if that. Anger rose inside me as I stomped into my office and closed the door, pacing for a few minutes. 

I sat down at my desk and grabbed my phone, sending a text as I felt some relief wash over me. I set the phone down, waiting for the chime as I glanced at the screen and smiled. 

Something had to be enough for me . . . something other than Lily.

I stayed in my office for the afternoon, even though I wanted to look at her left hand. I kept reminding myself that whether she had a ring on her finger didn’t matter at all to my life. It was her choice. 

Screw that. We were good together, and I missed the feeling of her body against mine. My emotions were at war, and I stared blankly at the computer as I tried to focus on the research I was working on. Damn it. I didn’t have time to think about this shit, since I had a new client to meet with and had to have my facts straight. 

I went to the meeting angry and sent Lily an instant message asking her to compile a fact sheet on the business of interest. I could do it, but I wanted her busy. Of course, she responded with an assurance that she would get right to it, which made me more livid. 

Did Lily look at Brian the way she used to look at me? Did she come as hard with him as she did with me?

I did sneak out for some coffee for a quick break from staring out the window, and I looked over at her as she was typing. I tried to see her hand, but she glanced at me with a suspicious look on her face. “Are you okay?”

“Fine,” I replied, looking away as I left to go to the break room. I slammed my cup down before I fixed my coffee, noticing the silence that settled around me. I looked around to see Lauren staring at me from the fridge with a glint in her eyes. 

“Feeling frustrated, Landon? Do you need a little relief?” Her voice was sultry and ineffective, and I gave her a dark stare. “I can help you with that.” 

“I think we’ve discussed that matter,” I murmured before I dismissed her presence with a cold look and left. Going for Lauren would bring the ultimate pain to Lily, but I didn’t want to fuck up at work that way. 

I wondered when I became such an asshole as I walked back into my office. I had been broken beyond belief after losing Madeline and our baby. I’d been bitter, angry, and I’d slept with anything that had a pussy once I finally left my house. It had been similar with Nadine apart from all the grief. I didn’t consider her too much of a loss. 

Lily was a whole different animal. She reminded me just enough of Madeline to make my heart ache, but she was her own person as well and was unlike so many women her age. She shone like a star compared to most of the bitches who worked here, as well as the ones I went home with from any given bar. Lily was complex and ahead of her time, in my opinion. She was everything I’d been looking for without realizing it since I lost Madeline. 

It just seemed like too much was stacked against us for it to ever work. 

I looked at my computer at around four thirty, knowing my hired woman would be arriving soon. It wasn’t something I always did, but I needed experience and skill tonight. I wanted a woman who was open to anything and for Lily to see it. Didn’t jealousy work sometimes with a woman? I heard a tap at my door and a familiar voice calling out my name, so I told Jennifer to come inside. She looked hot in a blue dress with flawless makeup on her face, and I watched her walk over to my desk as she looked around. “Being at the office is different.” 

“I just needed a break in my day. Late night and all,” I said as she walked around and sat on the desk in front of me. The view was great, but I stood and held out my hand. “Let’s go to the couch. We can have a lot more fun over there.” She chuckled and walked with me, falling noisily onto the leather as I smiled. 

 

Lily

The days passed by as I fought my lingering feelings for Landon and tried to focus on Brian. He had moved in over the last couple of weeks, and it comforted me to sleep in bed with him at night. He was tender with me as if he thought I might break, though, which was something I needed to change. I wanted it the way Landon used to fuck me, if only for the familiar feeling. Brian didn’t know that part of me, not truly. It was time to introduce it to him so maybe I could finally stop thinking about Landon. Seeing that woman going into his office and hearing the beginnings of what they were doing had really affected me in ways that I never expected. I’d thought that I was over him when I chose Brian.

Life was complicated, but I was too stubborn to leave such a good job because I’d screwed up. We weren’t the first two people to mix business with pleasure, nor the last. We could both move past this. 

I glanced at Landon’s closed door as I arrived to the office one day, thankful no more women had come to the building. I knew he was busy away from work, and I still envied those women, but I tried to push away my feelings. 

I couldn’t help but think about all we’d talked about, reminding me that it had been more than on office tryst. 

I threw myself into being with Brian: cooking dinner together, going out on dates, and trying to spice up our sex life. We were young and there was a lot to do—something I’d learned from my older man. 

Brian was willing to experiment, but I still thought of Landon. 

I noticed Landon on the street with a redhead on a regular basis in the next couple of months, and I hid the truth from Brian about why I initiated sex every night before bed. I demanded more from him each time, pleased with his enthusiasm but still missing the man I’d given up. The days and nights started to blend together, and I finally accepted Jasmine’s invitation for dinner and drinks one night to get a break. 

We left the office together and walked over to a local pub she had recently discovered and loved. I looked around at the large main room with tables, a massive bar, several television sets, and even a stage for live music. “I feel like I haven’t talked to you in forever,” I said as we found a table in the back and settled into the comfortable bench seats. 

“You’ve been playing house. How’s that going?” she asked, her green eyes twinkling. Jasmine had a new boyfriend of about a month herself and was crazy about him. 

“It’s nice, you know? We seem to be so much more about each other now and like real adults. We cook dinner and stuff, and it’s comforting,” I said as she searched my face. She knew I’d gone home with Landon that night and eventually ended it, and she’d helped me through the harder parts of the process. She was the only person I’d told about Landon to this day, knowing Brian could never know about us. 

“Is everything okay with you and the boss?” she asked as I stared at the table. 

“He had a woman come to the office a few weeks ago. She looked so polished and beautiful, and the bitch had the nerve to wink at me. I wonder if he told her to do that to get deeper under my skin.” I knew pain was written on my face as I raised my eyes to look at her. “Did I make the right choice?” 

“I can’t answer that, but this way you have the guy and the job? Both are important to you, aren’t they?” Her voice prodded me, making me nod. “Things would change with a different choice, and that might not be what you want. Give it a little time and see what happens.” 

“Yeah, you’re right. It’s just new and everything is changing so much.” Jasmine smiled and handed me a menu. We ordered some drinks and dinner and she told me about her new guy, glowing as her voice rose with happiness. I was comfortable with Brian, content, but I didn’t glow like Jasmine did. We’d also been together about seven months longer than Jasmine and her boyfriend. I felt like I glowed with Landon, but he was so forbidden that it made it hotter. Surely seven months down the line, we wouldn’t be like that anymore. I would be in a different position that might not be right for me, that payed less or maybe didn’t look as good on a resume. I went to college to get a great job and this was it. I needed it for the next step, and leaving it made me worry. What if the truth got out there and people knew Landon and I were involved? I didn’t want that anywhere near my name, and if I stayed on as just Landon’s assistant, there wouldn’t be any suspicions and consequently no rumors.

At least I hoped so. I trusted Landon enough not to talk about us, because he told me he wouldn’t. I thought he cared about me enough to keep his word. 

Jasmine and I were finishing our third round of drinks when I looked up to see Landon passing the window with his friends. He was also with a woman, and his arm kept her close to his side as he laughed at something someone said. I watched for a long moment, and Jasmine caught on to what I was doing. She looked and then frowned as she smiled at me. “Are you okay?” 

“Yeah. I can’t be with him no matter how I look at it. I must accept that, and it isn’t like Brian is a bad guy. He has been trying hard with me and being what I wanted him to be back then, which is originally what led me to Landon. Right? Women cheat when they don’t get what they need at home…or men, for that matter.” I never did deal with the fact that I had cheated, and I felt a wave of emotion hit me. “Why did I do that to him? I am not that person, Jasmine. I never considered it before and I didn’t then. It just happened.” Tears flooded my eyes, and I was surprised by the strength of my guilt and sadness. “What did I do?”

“Oh, sweetie.” Jasmine came around to my side of the table and hugged me as I let the wall of grief finally break. I cried for a few minutes, knowing people were staring at me but letting them go with the emotional-girl theory. Fuck them. I needed this after the tumultuous last few months, since the guilt and pain affected every part of my soul. I need to let it lift so I could see clearly what I had in front of me and appreciate it. Like the good friend she was, Jasmine stroked my hair and assured me that life just happened. It wasn’t always pretty or easy, quite the opposite. It was hard and fucked up, and we learned something from all of it. 

When I was calm, she remained by my side and we toasted to the future. 

We left around an hour later, and I felt lighter somehow. I felt like I could tackle things as I grabbed a cab and rode home to my apartment . . . our apartment. It was set up for us as a team and a couple, with the second bedroom turned into an office and something of a reading room. My apartment wasn’t big, but I did live in New York, so that was typical and everyone just made it work. Brian and I had a plan to get something else down the line once he got a couple of promotions and we could afford something bigger. 

I gave the driver a large bill with a smile as I got out of the back and hurried into my building and up the flight of stairs. I unlocked the door to our second story apartment, pushing it open as I glanced inside. The light was on in the kitchen, and I closed and locked the door. “Bri?”

“Hi, babe. I’m just watching TV. How was dinner?” he asked as I dropped my purse on the bistro table and went into the living room, where he was on the couch watching a movie. 

“Dinner was good and the drinks were even better.” I’d cleaned up my face before I left, and the cold water I’d splashed around my eyes had helped with the redness. I thought I might pass as being happy, though I really did feel a lot better now. 

“You cabbed it home, right?” he asked as he looked at me, and I nodded with a smile. I snuggled close to him and he wrapped his arm around me. “Good.” Brian kissed my hair. “I love you too much to lose you.” 

“How do you know that?” I asked him dreamily as I draped my arm over his bare stomach. 

“I started realizing it toward the end when things were falling apart. I knew I fucked up when I lost you, and that was when I decided to woo you. I’m glad it worked.” He grinned as I looked at him. I remembered meeting him at a party eight months ago and being taken by him immediately as we talked closely all night. He had been funny and easy to talk to, and we’d started dating right away. I had been looking for a job at the time so I could start paying for my apartment with a paycheck instead of grants and the money left to me by my parents. Looking back, I knew I’d been stressed out from the pressure, and maybe that contributed to our ending and, consequently, the affair. Tonight made me wonder more than ever if I should tell Brian about it. I was somewhat certain it was over with Landon, that I wouldn’t fall for his charms again, so I just didn’t see any reason to reveal the truth to Brian right now, not when we were working through everything. I liked my job and the experience it was giving me, and I didn’t want to give it up. 

It had nothing to do with the fact that, in some twisted fashion, I enjoyed seeing Landon every day. 

I distracted myself from my thoughts by leaning forward and kissing Brian tenderly, knowing he’d respond. I was right; Brian kissed me with a growing passion as our tongues danced together. 

 

Landon

Once we shared the night together after meeting at a bar, I found myself seeing Candy regularly. It had a lot to do with the fact that she was a little young and clingy but great in bed. I just went with it, enjoying the feel of a regular warm body in my bed even if it wasn’t Lily’s. She was obviously moving on even though I had determined she was not wearing a ring on her left hand. If I’d seen one, I might have asked her if she had a fucking clue what she was doing. 

She had said yes to something, but I didn’t know what that something was. I just knew that flowers appeared on her desk periodically, so I didn’t feel bad when Candy came in for lunch one day, inadvertently meeting Lily. 

Lily looked bothered by it. A sick part of me was glad that pain flashed across her face when I closed my door and led Candy to the elevator. It had been three months since I’d touched her, and I was pleased that Lily missed me, making me turn around to look at her again. She was looking down at her desk, sadness sprawled across her face, and something tugged inside me as I forced myself to listen to some idea Candy had for the night. We boarded the elevator car and I watched Lily as she looked up when the door slid closed. 

She looked miserable. 

I came back from lunch to find her desk empty, and I assumed she was on her own lunch break. Lily preferred a later one, and I noticed that she often left after I was gone on mine. Did that make the time we were apart longer, something I was all too aware of? I went into my office and closed the door to start some research on a new company. It was more complicated than expected given the way my mind was racing with thoughts of Lily—mixed with the hand job I’d received at lunch today in a back booth. I knew what else I would be getting later tonight, after dinner and drinks with Candy.

I sighed. Candy was beautiful, but she was empty if I compared her to Lily. Any woman would be. I knew the interest would fade in time, just like it would with anyone other than Lily. I knew what I wanted, but Lily didn’t feel the same way. 

After fighting with my futile efforts, I sent Lily a message asking her to come into the office. She walked inside and I looked her over, my eyes resting on the clingy material of her red dress that covered her breasts and waist as she blushed. “What did you need?”

“I want to compile something on a new company,” I said, watching her scowl slightly. We had been a great team regarding everything office related before the end of our relationship, but I could see the doubt on her face. 

“Okay. Tell me about them.” She settled herself at the table where the laptop she used waited and turned it on. “Is there something difficult about them?” 

“Not particularly. I think it’s me today,” I admitted, and she gave me a slow, curious look.

“Does the woman cloud up your mind?” she asked softly as she turned her gaze away and logged into her computer with loud taps of her fingers. 

“A woman,” I responded as her shoulders slumped. “Have you looked into the quarterly meeting and all that comes along with it?” 

“I have the information. I was going to make reservations soon. Do you want to attend all of the social events?” Lily asked as I took in her soft hair, highlighted with subtle caramel tones that shone in the light from the window. 

“Yes. It’s required of me to begin with, though I think you’ll enjoy yourself as well.” I hoped her boyfriend either wouldn’t or couldn’t attend, though guests were mildly frowned upon anyway. This was all business, and any of the fun events were for colleagues only, leaving spouses and significant others to feel left out. 

“It looks like a nice long weekend. I can’t believe they have it in Belize,” Lily murmured as I smiled. It was always in a great place since we were so successful as a firm. 

“It makes it a good mix of business and pleasure, as well as being a beautiful place. It’s one of my favorite travel destinations.” I had many memories of Belize, both as a married man as well as a single one. I preferred the latter ones, but this year I knew I was caught painfully between the two. 

“I’ll have to start looking into that.” Lily sounded bored as she asked me again about the company in question. We jumped online on our respective computers and started our research, using our privileged resources to get the information we needed. It was an art supplies business that stocked well-known stores in the world and had a successful website, and they were having some issues with a few of the stores in regard to receiving payment. There were perks with the account, including a discount on supplies as well as complimentary admission to any art gallery any of us wanted to go to. I enjoyed observing art, but I had more of an analytical mind and didn’t do a lot of creative things like that. I looked up at Lily as she jotted something down and sipped from my water bottle as I took her in again. 

She still wore that fucking scent. 

“They are offering some great things with the contract. There are discounts on art supplies as well as free admittance to the gallery of your choosing as an employee of the company. Do you enjoy those things?” I asked as Lily rolled her neck back with a sigh. 

“I dabble in art here and there for a hobby, but it’s just fun. It’s rare. I do love a good gallery though,” she said. I scowled; just another thing we had in common. 

“There are some events at some of the galleries I’ve enjoyed a lot in the past,” I said. There was a part of me that, had we remained together, wanted to take her to such things, going out publicly as I showed her all of the world that I could. Hell, who was I kidding? That part of me was still very much present, and I felt my body responding to her incredible sensuality as I shifted in my seat. “We’ll be invited if they sign on with us.” 

“Jasmine loves art. She’ll be excited about that,” Lily said, deflating my hope as I sat up straight in my seat. 

“The boyfriend won’t?” My voice was shaking, and she stilled in her seat for several moments.

“That doesn’t need to be discussed.” Her voice was low, and I heard her pain in it. “It’s a private matter.”

“Are you any happier, Lily? Does he satisfy you?” I asked her as I stood and walked over to her, unable to stay away any longer. She was so beautiful. Her spirit and scent filled the room, and I breathed it in. 

“Stop this, Landon. Please. We’re over.” Her voice was shaking now, and I reached out to touch her shoulder. She jumped when I felt the heat of her skin. 

“Maybe in your mind we are,” I said as she turned her beautiful, tortured eyes to mine. 

“Don’t make this harder than it already is,” Lily pleaded as I tightened my grip on her. “Would it be better for both of us if I considered a transfer, Landon?” 

“Seeing you is still the best part of my day, Lily.” I stared at her as she frowned and looked away. “Please don’t do that.” 

“Let me just be your employee, Landon. That is all that I want,” Lily said, and I heard the faltering tone of her voice. 

I walked away, back to my desk, and she seemed to rush through the rest of the job. She assured me she would get something printed for me soon, in time for the lunch I had scheduled with them later this week, before she walked out and closed the door firmly behind her. 

I considered blacklisting her at other firms for a moment, determined to keep her near me. I still loved Lily, and I needed to find a way to get her back to me. 

 

Lily

I was shaking when I went back to my desk, and I fell into my chair as I took a deep breath. I avoided going into his office for this reason. Landon was the most incredible man I’d ever met, and he still affected me in the same ways as before, if not more so. My body throbbed for him and I craved his lips and his touch, but I had to fight the addiction. 

I’d been jealous when that beautiful woman had asked for him today. She was just old enough to be mature and yet still young, which made me feel awkward and useless. She and Landon had a sense of familiarity about them even though I hadn’t seen Landon with her in the past, making me realize that he had moved on. That pain was hard to take even if I’d done the same thing with Brian. 

I couldn’t deny the attraction I still felt for him, nor that it still existed on his end. I’d wanted him in his office. I’d wanted him to throw me onto his desk and rip my dress off, taking me the way he used to. 

I leaned back in my chair and pressed my lips together. I stood, went to the bathroom, and locked myself in a stall as I lifted my skirt. I slipped my hand down my panties, feeling the wet heat between my legs as I stroked myself slowly. 

This was so dirty, but he just got to me in ways no other man did. Brian was a sweet man, a good man, but it wasn’t like this with him. I found my swollen nub and rubbed it hard and fast as I struggled to remain quiet. It was best to stay with Brian and just live the life he would provide me. It was safe and secure, not shocking to anybody in any way. We were told often how cute we were together. We were living together now and trying to make it work out, and I didn’t need to regress. 

I dropped my head back and came, biting down on my lip as the sensations washed through me. It was intense and harsh, reminding me what I wanted and how he was mere feet away at this moment. 

I fixed my dress and splashed some cold water on my face before I returned to my desk, noticing Landon’s closed door. I took a deep breath and started on a report as the getaway nudged my mind, making me sigh and open the brochure about it. 

I knew it was an event for workers as well as their spouses or significant others, though Brian was already scheduled to work. In his sweet honesty, he’d admitted that the subject didn’t interest him a whole lot, though he encouraged me to learn as much as I could. I went to the link for the resort that was located on a private beach in a gorgeous part of Belize, relieved when I found I had enough time to get rooms. I found two cottages close together for Landon and me, admiring the beautiful rooms that offered generous living areas as well as breathtaking ocean views. I saved the page with the confirmation information into a document and sent Landon an email assuring him that he had a room that was perfect for him, a hint of sarcasm in the tone of the text. I also looked into the events, which varied from dinners to openings at galleries, as he’d mentioned earlier. I made reservations for both of us at every single one of them, knowing that plans changed sometimes. I knew I could ask Jasmine to come along, given the size of the room, but at the heat that burned between my thighs once again, I decided to make this a solo trip. 

I had plans for the trip, plans that might forever change my life if I followed through with them. 

The whole building started to talk about the trip as it got closer, and I was pleased to find out that Jasmine would be there with her boss. They were staying across the property from Landon and me, but I figured we’d see one another at the events, something that made me happy. Jasmine was my go-to when I was down, as she listened to me talk without judgment. She always made me feel better.

I kept my plans for the trip to myself, though. 

Brian was as attentive as ever during the months approaching the trip, as he should have been. I never told him about Landon, so he had no reason to worry, even though my boss was getting further under my skin by the day. 

The flirting had grown more intense since Landon knew he got to me now. He had me in his office nearly every day, helping him with something, and he’d always be too close. I always went to the bathroom afterward to get myself off, even at home when I was alone. When Brian was there, I’d drag him to bed to try to fuck the need for Landon out of my body and heart. 

It was twisted, but Brian loved it, thinking it was about my feelings for him. I knew I was lying to him by not admitting the truth, but I couldn’t bring myself to break his heart. 

He sent roses to me once a month, and I always noticed the look in Landon’s eyes. He looked angry and a little sad, and most of the time he dealt with it by having company in his office late in the afternoon or evening, and sometimes even at lunch. There was the woman I’d met before as well as others, and I knew Landon made it a point for me to see them. He was reminding me what I could have even as he flirted unrelentingly with me. He always found a way to touch me. He also always held my gaze a bit longer than needed when we were speaking, and I knew he could see my weakness for him in my gaze. 

I started to lose myself the closer the trip got. I was obsessed with Landon even though I tried to focus on Brian. I was the perfect girlfriend on the surface, attentive and very physical with him, at least until he fell asleep. That was when I’d fall apart, in the bathroom or out on my cozy balcony. I knew I was sleeping less than I should have, but I blamed work for that, just in a different way than Brian would ever guess. 

The week prior to leaving, I was late to work because I was in bed with Brian. I was on my knees and begging him to go harder, feeling him grip me as he drove himself deeper inside my body. I knew who was in my mind, but I was a professional at calling out the right name by now. I felt my body tighten as I remembered a moment with Landon, and then the slap of Brian’s hand against my ass shocked my orgasm into action. I screamed as I lurched forward, Brian thickening in me before he jerked and cried out my name. 

It was perfectly rough but with the wrong man.

I cursed as I jumped into the shower and pulled my hair back into a low ponytail. I put on enough makeup to look decent and pulled on black slacks with a burgundy blouse and heels before rushing out of the apartment while Brian told me he loved me. 

I arrived at the office a half hour late and hurried to my desk as I straightened my clothes with nervous hands. My pussy was still throbbing from the enthusiasm of the morning, but I tried to ignore it and turned on my computer quickly. 

“You’re here.” I froze at Landon’s voice and turned to face him with a smile. 

“I’m sorry. It was a rough morning,” I said as I flushed. I had to use those words, didn’t I? “I’ll make up my time with a short lunch, and it won’t happen again. I promise.” 

Landon glanced around and leaned over my desk as his eyes darkened. “Are you late because you were fucking someone, Lily? You have that flush to your face and your eyes are brighter. I always loved this look on you when we were done.” I shifted in my seat as he spoke, feeling the discomfort the conversation caused in my bones. “I think it looked better when it was me inside you though. Don’t you?” I lifted my eyes to stare at him as he smiled coldly at me. “I’ll bet your sweet pussy still wants me right now. I’m guessing you’re wet and ready for me to make you come, because it’s never been like that with anybody else, has it?” He stood and ran his hand over the lump in his pants before turning and walking into his office as rage filled me. 

Asshole. Why did I want him when he spoke to me like that? Brian told me the sweetest things when we were together, no matter how rough the sex was. I knew he loved me, and Landon was just an arrogant jerk. Still, I was wet and ready for Landon just like he said. I was hopeless.

I caught up on emails and checked on the reservations for the trip during the rushed morning, still upset about the conversation with Landon. Everything seemed to be in place until I double checked the cottages and saw that my first night had been deleted from the reservation. I lifted the phone and called to find out that someone had given it to another guest for that night, and since they were booked, I wouldn’t have a room the first night. I thanked the woman and hung up with a sigh. It was not that big of a deal since I could stay with Jasmine; she’d have no problem with that. But another idea crossed my mind as I drew my lip between my teeth. 

Would Landon let me stay with him? We could get this out of our systems and be done with it for the remainder of the trip. 

I blushed and ran my hand down my hair. That was a terrible thought and an awful thing to do to Brian when he trusted me so much. He was happy about this trip and what it would do for my job. He’d been encouraging me every step of the way. 

I wasn’t blind to the fact that he was making plans with his friends while I was gone. Brian would always have his friends, and while he’d pushed them to the back burner when we’d gotten back together, I could see them inching forward. It wasn’t a shock since I worked late sometimes, and I didn’t hate them at all, but it reminded me of what had happened before. It fueled my lust for my boss and what we’d had when everything had become chaotic, making me miss it.

It made me justify my plan for the trip. 

It was the Thursday before we left that I pretended to check my email when Landon was standing near my desk. “Oh, no. My reservation is wrong and I don’t have a room until Saturday night. I swore I had it right the first time . . . I wonder how the lobby is there?”

“Call them. You made it for tomorrow, right?” His face was creased with anger.

“It’s gotta be full. The whole company is going. I’ll just see if I can sleep on a couch or maybe bunk up with Jasmine.” I shrugged and sipped my coffee. “It will work out.”

“You’re going alone then?” Landon asked, and I glanced at him and nodded. “I usually have a bigger cottage with plenty of room. Stay in mine.” I watched his eyes darkened while he spoke and licked my lips slowly. 

“Maybe. Is that a good idea?” I asked softly as he looked around. 

“I want you safe, Lily. With me, you will be.” 

 

Landon

I was hard as a rock and crazy with lust when I found out she was going alone and didn’t have a place to sleep the first night, and I knew my voice was shaking when I told her she could stay in my cottage. I knew from previous trips that it would be big enough, though I had no intention for her to stay in the guest room. Lily was going to be in my bed and underneath me, screaming my name no matter if it was wrong or right. I knew she had the same thoughts as she looked at me and licked those perfect lips. 

She never said yes, but I knew the idea was there. I knew she was thinking the same things I was as we finished last-minute tasks before we were to be gone for a week. Lily took care of my calendar and business email, making it clear I wasn’t available as well as making sure all the reports were completed for that time. She was efficient in making me able to relax and enjoy the fun part of the trip. 

Everyone left for the day at two and headed home to finish packing. The company flight left in the morning, and we had an early dinner planned as a group, and then Lily would be all mine. 

Candy watched as I packed with a pout on her face. She’d wanted to come on the trip despite the many times I told her it was for work. It mostly was, but there was a lot of downtime for some fun. Candy was also annoyed that I didn’t want to fuck her before I left. I was thinking only of Lily tonight, and I walked Candy to the door early, explaining that I needed some sleep. “Are you going to be fucking someone there, Landon?” 

Candy knew the deal with us, and I looked at her incredulously for a moment. “I always am, Candy. I was honest about that.” 

“You’re into somebody, aren’t you?” she demanded as her eyes flashed at me. 

“Fuck, Candy,” I snarled at her. “I need to get some sleep for this trip. I don’t want to do this now.” 

She turned on her heels and left with a toss of her hair. I knew somewhere inside that I wasn’t going to see her again. That thought didn’t bother me at all. I closed and locked my door, looking around the condominium to make sure it was set to be empty for a few days before I stripped and crawled under the sheets. I played back the conversation with Lily in my head, reaching down to stroke myself to a release, imagining being inside her again. I came on my hand and kicked off the sheets to wash up, realizing I’d soiled them as well. I slept on the other side of the bed, tossing and turning, wondering where Lily was at in her head. Did she want me again? Was she unhappy with her boyfriend all over again? 

I woke to my alarm and made coffee before I showered, drinking it as I dressed in casual slacks and a collared shirt. The dress code for the week ranged from casual to business depending on the situation, and I was ready for all of it. I called a car to get to the airport and finished the pot of coffee as I looked out the front windows. Everyone would be flying out within a few hours, but I liked to be on the first flight. I liked getting away from the city more than most of my friends. I checked Lily’s flight and saw it was the one following mine, which would give me time to get the cottage ready for her arrival. 

I was going to remind her of what we had tonight. I was going to do much better than red roses, strewing candles and softer-toned petals throughout the space. I thought about it during the flight, only paying a small amount of attention to the women beside me who talked excitedly about the week. Lauren was part of that group, and I ended up covering my ears with headphones to allow myself to think. 

Women dressed scantily in the environment we were heading toward, something I had enjoyed as a single man in the past. These getaways were when most of my indiscretions with work had occurred before, but this trip was going to be different. I would do everything to protect Lily from prying eyes and gossiping lips, but I had to have her again. 

I took the shuttle with the others to the resort that boasted several pools, bars, restaurants, and beautiful beaches. It was set up so you wouldn’t have to leave the grounds, even though I favored other parts of the area as well. I got my keys and ignored the flirting of the woman behind the desk, even though she was clear about her intentions. I’d fucked similar women here before since it was so easy. They were so eager and were constantly around, but I was in love with someone now. I no longer wanted anyone else, and tonight, she would know that. 

The cottage was beautiful and spread out, just as I remembered it from the last time I was here. There were two large suites, both with ocean views and king-sized beds and fireplaces. They each had a deck as well. I didn’t care which one I slept tonight, as long as it was with Lily. The living room had a full kitchen if I chose to stay in for the night, as well as a grill on the deck with all the perks. It was a perfect place, and I noted the small updates as I dropped my bags on the bed in the closest room to hang some stuff up. 

Glancing at the clock, I realized Lily would be arriving in a couple of hours. I got my clothes hung neatly in the closet and shoved my bag under the bed before I opened the sliding glass door that led to the deck. The breeze was strong and salty, and I took in the white sand and bright blue water that lapped at the shore. 

This was perfection. I enjoyed a drink from the bar as I sat and took in the natural beauty all around me, glancing around at the other cottages. They were full, judging from the voices that carried over to me from the large spaces between them, and I wondered what had happened to Lily’s reservation. Did she plan this? That thought made me hard as I recalled the flirting, which had gotten darker by the weeks, that had been happening between us lately. There was a definite connection between us, as well as a constant current of desire, and we both had begun to push it toward the end. Every look we shared seemed to make the room heat up, and the touches, when they happened, were lingering. 

“Hello,” a voice called out, breaking into my memories, and I scowled. An attractive woman stood before my deck, wearing a slip of a pale purple dress and an inviting smile. She looked familiar and I frowned. “You’re here for the conference? I work on the other side of the building and we’ve never met, though you look familiar.” 

I stood and nodded, walking over to her. “Landon Logan. You are?”

“Marilyn James. I just became partner a couple of weeks ago.” She blushed, and I took in that she was about five years younger than I was. “I’ve heard about your early success with the firm. It’s an inspiring story.”

“In reality, it is merely a lot of hours and little sleep. Welcome to the team.” I extended my hand and she shook it as her indigo eyes met my gaze. In another place in my life, she was the kind of woman I’d have welcomed into my bed. 

“Will you be at the dinner later?” she asked as my stomach growled, reminding me that I hadn’t eaten. Marilyn must have heard it, since she laughed and looked down my body. “Sounds like you might not make it that long. Want to grab some lunch with me?” 

“I’m sorry. I have a meeting scheduled in a bit here, but I will be at dinner. See you there?” I felt sweat pooling in my hair as I realized Lily would be here soon, and Marilyn seemed to sense my urgency. 

“Of course. See you later.” She smiled and walked away as I turned and headed inside. I grabbed my phone from the nightstand and glanced at the screen to see if there were any texts. One seemed to blind me after I opened it and read that Lily was on her way. I looked around. 

The staff had set up the candles and flowers for me before I arrived, so that was all ready. I just needed to order in some lunch for the two of us. I cursed the fact that we could be seen from the deck by any coworkers. I’d have to close the windows for some privacy, likely making people wonder what I was up to. I placed an order for some sandwiches and salads, along with a variety of non-alcoholic drinks for Lily to choose from. 

I sent Lily a text with my cottage location and number, expecting the food to be here soon after she was. I was nervous and changed into some shorts and a T-shirt before she got here, eying the bathroom that was massive in size and offered a bathtub and shower. I was looking forward to a long bath with Lily later tonight after we’d made love. 

She arrived with a large rolling suitcase and tapped at my door. I opened it, urging her inside before I closed the door and looked her over. Lily was wearing a green sundress that clung to her curves and flared around her ankles, and I licked my lips at the sight. “This is amazing,” Lily said as she looked around the room with a small smile. I’d closed some of the curtains, still allowing light in but not prying eyes. “Is this what they all look like?” 

“They differ in size but mostly, yes. I’ve ordered some lunch that should be here soon, if you’re hungry,” I said as she smiled. 

“That sounds great. The peanuts on the plane weren’t enough,” she said as I stared into her eyes, watching her skin heat up. “Are you sure about this? I can still call Jasmine.”

“No. Don’t do that. I need you here,” I told Lily as I led us to the living room and took her luggage into the room. 

“How many rooms are there?” Lily asked, and I smiled. 

“You made the reservations,” I reminded her as I turned to look at her. 

“Not properly, apparently. I messed up my own.” She shook her head. She looked so fresh and pretty, closer to her age than she normally looked at work. It reminded me that Lily was younger than I was and that this might not be a great idea, but my cock won that argument as it hardened again. “Is this the extra room?” 

I left the suitcase in the room and turned to face her. “I think we both know you’re not sleeping away from me tonight, Lily. It has been in every look we shared and every touch. I know you still want me.” Our eyes were locked as she remained silent, not denying anything. She was beautiful, and I was just reaching for her when there was another tap at the door. “There’s lunch.”

We sat inside at the table as she asked me all about Belize. I explained about the beaches, the activities, and all the sights to see here as she smiled and laughed, still clearly nervous about this arrangement. “I can see that you love it here,” Lily said quietly as she set down her bottle of water. 

“I’ve considered buying something here in the past.” I smiled as she gave me a wide-eyed look. “It’s not insanely far and it’s a great getaway. Nadine was never into the idea, so I put it off, but with the divorce going through I might take the plunge. If I had done it before, she’d have tried to take it from me.”

“She sounds so greedy and not about love at all. I suppose you’re bitter about the idea of marriage again?” Lily queried as I stared at her. I would be with anyone but her. I saw a future with Lily and babies surrounding us. 

“Not if the right person came around.” I felt her eyes on me as I took a bite of my roast beef sandwich. She took a bite of her salad as I looked back at her, but she avoided my gaze. “I never had kids and didn’t want to after the accident. Now, that might change if the opportunity presented itself.” I looked into her face. “Do you want kids?” 

“Maybe. I haven’t thought about it. Everything was about school and getting a job for me,” she said as she stabbed a hardboiled egg with her fork.

“He doesn’t want marriage and kids?” I pressed, and she gave me a long look. 

“We haven’t talked about it.” Lily’s voice was soft. “I don’t want to talk about that. I want . . .”

“What?” I asked, leaning forward. “What do you want?” 

Lily dropped her fork and stared at me. “I want to kiss you. I want to feel you again.” 

 

Lily

Landon was across the table in an instant, dropping before me to the tiled floor as I watched with wide eyes. He slipped his hands around my face to cup it, moving closer as I swallowed nervously. “I knew you missed me. I knew you wanted me,” he murmured before brushing his lips against mine as the heat rose and burned my skin. It was innocent one second and hard the next as he held my face and tilted his head to slide his tongue inside my mouth. I moaned as I met him with my own, feeling them dance together in a desperate motion. 

Somehow, I ended up on the floor with him, holding him tight. Our kiss was careless and rough as we made up for lost time, pressing closer together. Once the hard floor became too much to bear, he lifted me and carried me to the bedroom as he kissed me senseless. “It’s light in here right now, but I have candles and an obscene amount of flower petals for later. I thought you’d make me wait.” 

“God, no,” I said as I pulled him over me on the bed. He locked his lips to mine again in a hungry kiss as his hands slid my dress up slowly, making me cry out. I had planned this outfit, knowing it was sexy without trying too hard, and now it was a few moves away from being on the floor. Landon pulled away to drag it over my head, moving his lips down my neck as he reached around my body to unhook my bra. 

Fuck, his mouth was everywhere. I was shaking and needy as I closed my eyes, memorizing the feeling of this. I had missed it while we’d been apart, and I cried out as he latched his lips around my hard and ready nipple, tugging hard as I slid my hands into his hair. 

I’d taught Brian all of this, so much so that he did everything the way Landon did. The physical acts were the same but the feelings were incomparable. Brian was sweet and pleasant, but Landon lit me on fire. I tugged at his clothing with hungry hands. Within moments, we were naked and kissing, pressed together before he moved down my body again. He nipped at my neck, dragging the skin between his teeth as his hands roamed my body freely. His mouth moved down to my nipple again before he took one and then the other between his teeth and tugged hard, making me cry out his name. I held on to him, my hands in his hair as he sucked and bit me while he spread my thighs apart with his knees. 

His hands traveled between my legs, feeling the dampness as he stroked my folds tenderly. I writhed beneath him as he spread me wide open and kissed my stomach, teasing me. I knew where he was going, and I knew where I wanted him to be, no matter how wrong this was.

All my efforts of pushing him away faded the moment he stroked me with his tongue. Everything he’d done had brought me close to release, and he held me tightly as I instinctively jerked against him. Landon knew better than anyone what set me off, and he liked me still as I came on his tongue, which I was doing within a few moments as he nibbled on my clit and plunged two fingers inside me. 

It was slow to start but intense, and I screamed as I released, clutching the sheets as he tormented me through the lingering orgasm. It was everything I needed and wanted, and I threw my morals out of the window as I clutched at him and begged him to fuck me. All my self-control disappeared when I came, and I wasn’t sure it would ever come back. 

Landon moved up my body as his mouth clumsily kissed my skin, settling between my thighs. He was hard, and I stared into his eyes for a long moment before he kissed me softly. My taste was smeared on his mouth, and I ate it away as he moved against me, ready to enter me. “Are you protected?” His voice was husky as his chest brushed against my sensitive nipples, and I felt disappointment surge through my veins. I was, but not for Landon. I’d made that choice for Brian, and I was going to let another man come inside me. 

“Yes. Just get in me.” I sealed my fate with those words. He slid forward, pressing into me slowly as I arched against him. His thickness filled me inch by inch, and I moaned raggedly and clung to him, hearing his whispers as he claimed me as his own. “So fucking tight. You feel so good, Lily . . . like you were made for my cock. You fit me like the warmest, wettest glove I’ve ever felt wrapped around me.” Landon buried himself inside me and took a breath as he leaned down to kiss my neck. “I am going to fuck you now, Lily.”

“Please.” I almost wept as he started to thrust in and out of me, faster with every movement of his hips. I rocked with him, needing him as deep inside me as he could get. We found a messy beat that worked for us as we both moaned together. I heard my voice, muttering about how he felt and what I wanted to do to him, but it made no sense mixed in with my moans and cries. 

He dragged against me inside as I came closer to my second release, digging my nails into his back as I felt the pressure release. I cried out as it started all over again, him still driving himself inside me as I tightened around him, wetting his cock before he stilled and jerked with a cry of my name. 

Landon dropped against me, gasping for breath as he buried his face against my shoulder and whispered my name. He softened as we rested together, and I closed my eyes, breathing in our scent as it filled the room.

Fuck, I had missed this. I had missed the smell of our sex and his musky scent as it combined in my nose. 

Landon slowly pulled out of me and dropped onto the mattress beside me, facing me as he slipped an arm around my waist. “Did you feel that?”

“What?” I asked as my body cried out for a nap. I’d barely slept thinking about this trip, and I was here in his arms quicker than I’d expected. I felt comfortable and warm. 

“How good we are together, Lily. How perfect this is when it will never feel this way with any other person,” Landon said, and I smiled weakly. He had a point, but I was unsure of where we could go with this right now. I didn’t even know what would happen later tonight when we were in the crowd. Tonight! I opened my eyes and gasped. “What?” Landon asked.

“When is the dinner?” 

Landon glanced at the clock and snuggled against me. 

“We have a few hours before we have to be there, and it’s at the restaurant here,” he responded sleepily, and at his words, I let my eyes close again. 

I woke up to him gently shaking me as he whispered that the dinner started in an hour. “What? I have to get ready!” We took a shower together to save time, making love again as he pressed me against the wall. 

I hurried to dry my hair with the dryer I’d brought along, pulling it back in a loose bun low on my neck with curls peeking out. I grabbed the red dress I’d packed and slipped it on with some heels, adding some red lipstick and mascara before I walked into the kitchen to see Landon dressed in a suit that was obviously made for him. I dragged my eyes down his body. “Are you going to look like that at all of the events here?” I asked softly as he sipped his beer and looked at me with dark eyes.

“I could ask the same of you. You look like you need to be kept here in my bed, not out there for other men to see.” His tone made me shudder as I forced a small smile, knowing no other man could ever have me. 

“It wouldn’t matter,” I assured him as he stepped toward me, staring into my eyes.

“It wouldn’t?” he asked in disbelief, and I nodded. 

“Not here. Not like this.” 

Landon kissed my hair, promising me so much more to come when we returned tonight. I left first to keep our secret safe, glancing around to see the area empty of other guests. It was a private here, something I’d noticed when I made the reservations. I wandered toward the lobby and the restaurant as I patted my skin, worried about marks. I knew there was really no need to worry, though, as I’d checked closely in the bathroom mirror before dressing. 

The walkway wound through a courtyard and then a beautiful garden. I looked around as I walked, taking in the peace and the beauty of Belize as I smiled secretly to myself. It was amazing here, and I couldn’t wait to see more of the beaches Landon had spoken about. I was considering snorkeling as I looked ahead at the spacious restaurant. “Lily?” I turned to see Jasmine walking toward me in a dark purple vintage dress and shiny black heels. “You look so pretty.” 

“So do you. Can you believe this place?” I asked her as we walked together, comparing our thoughts on the resort. 

“I want some free time to get out and see everything! It’s amazing,” Jasmine gushed as we walked into the foyer to see several familiar faces. I noticed Lauren and her crowd, choosing to avoid them as I found a seat with Jasmine once we were led to the massive private room. My eyes remained glued to the entrance as we sipped cocktails and chatted, softening when Landon entered with a few men. He had a glass in his hand and his eyes swept the room until he found me, resting momentarily on me before he moved to sit with the other partners. My eyes followed him, and I saw a pretty brunette sit with them. She sipped whiskey and laughed beside Landon. 

The jealousy inside me was ugly, and I tossed back my drink. I didn’t like it. 

We ate a delicious dinner of seafood and listened to a presentation about the company and the history behind it. It was interesting, but my eyes kept moving to Landon, as the woman continually touched his shoulder or leaned close to say something to him. She was clearly interested in him. I learned that her name was Marilyn when they introduced the partners and she smiled around the room as she nodded her head. She was pretty and had a maturity that I didn’t possess quite yet. 

After the meal, they gave us an idea of what we’d be doing that week, passing out a schedule before they released us to socialize and get to know others in the company. Jasmine and I ordered a fresh drink and stepped outside, both content with knowing as few people as possible. My reasons were far different than hers, since I was secretly sleeping with my boss and trying to hide it. She just didn’t care for most of the women who worked for the firm and was rather introverted. We wandered out to a fountain and sat down, sipping our cocktails and discussing the schedule.

Some of it was boring work conferences that were mandatory, but there were a few tours lined up as well. Jasmine was talking excitedly about the gallery showing in town, but I stopped listening to her when I saw Landon and Marilyn at the bar together. Again, she was laughing with her head close to him, and I narrowed my eyes as rage throbbed through my body. 

“Lily?” I blinked and looked at Jasmine. “Are you all right?” 

“Yeah. I’m sorry. Just tired.” I forced a bright smile on my face. “That dinner . . .”

“Must be why they have these things at beautiful locations.” Jasmine smiled back in understanding as I giggled. I asked about the guy she’d been seeing, telling her I was sorry when I learned that it hadn’t worked out for them. When she asked me about Brian, I pretended everything was fine. My emotions were on a roller coaster ride, and I didn’t know how to explain any of what was going on right now. 

We made our way back to the cottages and I hugged her at hers before continuing to the one I supposedly had. I didn’t know when Landon would be back, so I slipped my shoes off and walked out onto the beach to stare at the dark water. 

I felt so conflicted. I knew Brian was at home waiting for me, in love with me. He was being a young guy and his typical social self, partying with friends, but there was nothing wrong with that. It was normal at this age, and he didn’t cheat. Landon had seemed like he was flirting with Marilyn all throughout the evening, and that angered me. I wanted my own cottage tonight even while I didn’t. 

I dropped to the sand as the wind blew through my hair. Fuck my cocktail dress. I felt done, and I stared blankly at the water as I wondered what the hell I was doing here.

Minutes or hours later, someone cleared their throat behind me. “What are you doing out here?” 

“I don’t have a key. I had no choice,” I said as I kept looking forward. “Maybe I will sleep in the lobby until my room is ready.”

“What the hell is wrong with you?” Landon’s voice was low as I turned to stare at him. “Get into the cottage. We’re not doing this out here.” He stalked toward his door and I looked around before following him, unable to let this go. I shut the door firmly and turned toward him with fire in my eyes, and he kissed me hard. 

“What was that at dinner?” I asked as he pulled away to kiss my neck. “Do you want her, Landon? Did you want her here in this room instead of me?” 

“Fuck, no. You were already with Jasmine and the partners sat together. Marilyn might have an interest in me, but it isn’t returned on my end. Trust me. I was in the bar, not knowing where you were. I was worried someone was trying to hit on you.” 

“I have a boyfriend at home and am sleeping with my boss. Why would I add to that?” I asked. He sighed and kissed me again. “Where is this going? What are we doing?”

“This is everything. I hated sitting apart from you in there, watching you across the room. I wanted to sit beside you and show you off to every person in there. I want them all to know I am with you,” Landon said as he unzipped my dress and let it slide to the floor. “I have been hard all night looking at you, thinking about you. I can’t wait to be inside you again.” 

I tugged his pants open and dropped to my knees to draw him between my lips. Landon was hard, thick, and throbbing as I wrapped my mouth around him. The tile was cold, but he was hot inside my mouth as I bobbed over his cock, his hands slipping into my hair as he started to rock his hips against me. Landon cried out my name as he spilled into my mouth, salty and sweet, clutching my face as I swallowed all he had to give. 

I dropped onto my ass as I ran my hands through my hair, loosening the bun. All my emotions had been poured into what had just occurred, and I felt weakened as I looked up at him. “I can’t stand the idea of any other woman touching you like that.” 

“I feel the same fucking way. Every time I see those fucking roses on your desk, I want to throw you over my desk and show you who owns this pussy,” Landon snarled as he lowered himself and picked me up. “I do, Lily. It’s my fingers, mouth, and cock that you crave.” 

 

Landon

I felt possessive as I carried her, weak and shaking in my arms, to the bed. Her emotions fed into my own tormented feelings, and I needed to work them out. Marilyn had told me clearly that she’d be happy to meet me at my cottage tonight, but I’d been blind with jealousy when I didn’t see Lily for some time. Once I saw her sitting there alone on the beach, somewhere anyone could have hurt her, I knew I was going to make her mine tonight. 

I dropped her on the bed and told her to get on her knees. I’d seen her get dressed earlier and knew that her thin thong, which was all she was wearing now, would be easy to get off. Lily positioned herself in front of me, offering me her juicy ass as I reached over and swatted it lightly. “Mmmm,” Lily moaned as she jerked forward, making me reach down to stroke her damp pussy with my fingers. I used my other hand to spank her again, feeling hot juices squirt out over my fingers as she cried my name. 

“I want to redden this skin for the world to see, Lily,” I told her as I hit her again, making her squirt again. “Jesus. I love this on my hands.” 

“I’ve never done that before,” she moaned as I massaged her ass firmly, making her drop her face to the mattress. I slipped my finger inside her, pumping in and out as she rocked against me, bringing her to a rough release. I slipped my cock inside her, slapping against her ass as I fucked her hard and deep. We both moaned as she moved with me, pulling me deeper inside until I was coming again as her warmth washed over me. “Fuck, Landon. This feels so good. I . . . I can’t stop.” Lily kept rocking against me, taking me deep inside until she was crying my name again. 

I watched in awe as she dropped to her stomach, taking deep breaths. I couldn’t believe the feelings rushing through me, both physical and emotional. I was still in love with her, and I hated the idea that she was so jealous of anyone else touching me. I knew I had added to that with the women at the office, but she was with another man.

There was no ring on her finger—I had checked several times once I’d read the card with the roses—but she had said yes to something. Was she living with him and now here on my bed? Was she just coming for me when she slept with the same man night after night at home? 

I dropped beside her on the bed and looked her over. What were her intentions with me after tonight, or even after this trip? 

Lily’s breath evened out after a few moments, and I stood weakly. I needed some water after all the drinks I’d tossed back tonight, so I padded to the kitchen naked through the dim rooms. All the curtains were drawn, so I wouldn’t be seen. I grabbed a bottle from the fridge that had been stocked for my arrival, taking a long sip. 

I slipped some shorts on in the bathroom and slid the door open that led to the balcony. I made sure I looked presentable before stepping onto the cool cement of the spacious balcony and walking to the railing to stare over the dark sea. The moon was bright and high, reflecting off the swirling water as I watched and tried to take in everything I loved about this place. In the years before, I’d been happy and carefree, here to enjoy the recreational activities along with the gorgeous weather. Whether alone or with my former wife, I had enjoyed myself every time, though I knew now that I had never loved Nadine. It had just been an easy situation to step into, nothing more and nothing less. 

My feelings for the woman sleeping in my bed inside were a whole different animal entirely. Lily made me want to claim her, to mark her as my own. She made me crazy when I was away from her, and I craved her more than any other woman in my entire life. The thought of how it felt to be with her made me stand at half-mast again, and I ran a hand through my hair. What the fuck was happening to me? 

I could sleep with any woman here or at home, or even in between. Why was I in love with one who was not only taken, but also my employee? I had tried to stay away from her, but it had been impossible, and now that I had her back, I wasn’t willing to let her go. I was going to fight for her and win this time.

I stood outside for a while, contemplating my situation, before I went back inside, locking up the door. I walked back into the bedroom and pulled Lily against me, memorizing the feel of her skin against mine. I thought ahead to the brunch tomorrow with the company and then the free time we had to explore. That was where Lily working for me would come in handy, since she was my assistant and one of the people I was closest to in the company. 

She woke up halfway through the night, and I pulled her closer, feeling her lips searching for mine. I eagerly cupped her face and kissed her hard as she wrapped her legs around me. I loved that I could just be inside her without the wait of getting a condom on now, and before I knew it she was on her back and my fingers were plunging inside her just before my cock. She was wet and as tight as the first time we were together, and I got some immature joy from the fact that her boyfriend probably had a small dick and didn’t please her. I filled and stretched her every single time, but she was always wrapped tightly around me the following time, milking me for all I had. 

This time was no different. I thrust deep and hard into her as she rocked with me, her legs drawing me closer to her. Fuck, we were perfect together, and I wanted to spend every night with her from here on out. We drew close to our release. Lily was first, moaning and clutching at my body as I felt the familiar tightening of hers before she came. I followed as her heat washed over me. I found her mouth in a hungry kiss as we stilled, feeling the intensity of the near-mutual orgasm. 

I dropped gently over her as the kiss continued, slow and sweet. I felt her love with every sweep of her tongue against mine, as well as with the way she kept holding me close. “Stay with me for this trip,” I whispered once she pulled away to take a breath. “I like this too much to be away from you.” 

“Yes. I want to,” she replied, and I smiled and kissed her again. We fell asleep in each other’s arms before the alarm went off in the morning. 

Our day started with a quick round of lovemaking before we poured ourselves cups of coffee. Lily looked at me in the light of the sun that shone through the windows of the kitchen. “I think I should get the key to my room, just to avoid any suspicion.” 

“Do they even check that kind of stuff?” I asked in a challenging tone as she raised an eyebrow at me. Damn, Lily was beautiful with her fresh, clean face in the morning. 

“The company paid a lot of money for it, so I should make it look like I’m using it. Maybe we can go back and forth between the two or something. It would throw people off.” Her eyes were hopeful as she looked at me, and I let my bare shoulders drop as her eyes smoldered. 

“I am not going to out this, not here,” I told her as she stared at the warm red of the kitchen tile with a sad look. 

“Great. I can worry about you with your colleague and you can agonize about who is looking at me. That sounds amazing.” Her voice was soft and a touch sarcastic, and I set my cup on the marble counter and stepped forward. 

“I will let the world know that I am with you right now, if that’s what you want.” Lily stared at me as I took her cup to move it to the counter before pulling her close to me. “Just say the word.” 

“No. I’m not ready for that. We’ll just keep it hidden during this trip,” she said as I stroked her robe-covered back. I hadn’t wanted her to say that, but I knew that she was right. We had to do that for now so that the entire company wouldn’t be talking about us. Lily showered and then dressed in a pretty pink and purple sundress with sandals before she made her way to the lobby. There was just enough time for her to grab her key before we were to meet for the brunch. While she was gone, I dressed slowly in some casual slacks and a button-up shirt in a soft green that brought out my eyes, according to Candy. 

Candy was a thing of the past. I thought about her, and the last time I’d seen her, for a moment as I slipped my feet into some comfortable shoes. She had known that was the last time as well, guessing right that I was into another woman. 

There was a tap at my door, and I opened it to see Lily, who stepped inside quickly. “I got the cottage just to the right. It’s at the end of several and might offer a bit more privacy. There’s just the beach.” 

“I still think we should keep the windows covered,” I told her, remembering how Marilyn had come wandering by that first day. I didn’t think she would stay away, despite my brushing off her advances. There had been something in her dark eyes that had told me she was a woman who went after what she wanted, and being caught with Lily by Marilyn concerned me a bit. “They’re just thin cotton curtains, so there is still light in the day.”

“I want to make love with the doors open, listening to the waves. I don’t want to use curtains and blinds.” Her mouth was set in a pout, making me hate her indecision right now. I wanted the same. 

“We can light candles and do that in your room. Nobody will see anything but the dim light. We’ll just have to keep from screaming,” I murmured as I pulled her against me and kissed her. 

“I don’t want to,” Lily told me in a torturous, teasing tone just before our kiss deepened. I knew we didn’t have time for what I wanted, but I pushed her over to the couch and lifted her skirt as she moaned against me anyway. 

 

Lily

I gave myself to him there on the couch. I pushed him down onto his back and we undressed just enough for me to ride his cock hard and fast. I was addicted to Landon’s body, to his mind. I came twice on top of him, once before his release and then after at the feeling of his heat filling me. He was the perfect man. 

Once I redressed, I took my stuff over to my cottage after making sure there was nobody around. It was slightly smaller than Landon’s, with just one huge bedroom, but that room faced the ocean and nothing else. There were no paths that would cross in front of the window and no reason other than the beach for anyone to be out there. The beach was long though and people could go to the other side. This stretch was all mine. I chuckled, knowing how many people were here who might use this part of the beach. They had every right to, but I wanted the perfect week with Landon. That included a private beach and a room we could open to hear the waves as he took me in my bed. 

Maybe there was no perfect scenario for us. Maybe this was all it was and would ever be—stolen nights together while we were away from home. I thought about Brian with guilt, realizing I hadn’t checked my phone since I’d arrived. I walked over to my purse, pulled it out, and saw that it desperately needed charging. I pulled my charger out of my luggage and plugged it into the wall near the kitchen counter. I hooked up my phone and watched as it started to charge. 

I checked my texts, seeing a few from Brian asking me if it was awesome here. He sounded positive in them and said that he was doing some stuff with the guys while I was away, as well as working. 

My aunt had called as well, checking to see how I was doing. She knew all about my trip and had asked if it was as gorgeous as the pictures she’d seen. I told myself I’d call her later, but I did take a picture of the view from my deck and send it to her. Her response made me laugh. 

I left my phone there to charge and locked the door to the cottage before I headed to the conference room where brunch was. I was going to meet Landon there, as I would for all the events, and I strolled along as I took everything in during the daylight hours. 

The flowers were beautiful and the scent was intoxicating as I passed by. The grounds were perfectly kept, making me stop to look a few times before I walked through the lobby and found the conference room we were converging in. It was a large room with several round tables and a wall of windows that displayed the beautiful courtyard of the resort, and the view made me stop and smile. My eyes wandered over the room and caught Jasmine standing beside her own boss. Then I took in Landon, who was looking right at me. 

He was all man, standing confidently near the drink table as he held a glass of something in his hand. His stance screamed that he was comfortable with himself and knew that everyone saw that, and I couldn’t blame any woman for wanting him. The look in his eyes told me I was it for him, though, and I smiled his way as a flush passed over my cheeks. I wandered over to the beverage table and took a glass of fresh-squeezed orange juice before I glanced at the buffet-style spread on another long table. It looked delicious and my mouth watered as I sipped the juice. There was eggs and bacon, fresh fruit piled up on trays, some seafood, and a variety of other options. I thought about how I’d need to practice some self-control so as to not gain too much weight here, but then that made me laugh. 

I’d be working off every calorie I ingested. 

I gave Landon a look that made his eyes smolder. I was happy to see that Marilyn was focusing on another man this morning and that men surrounded Landon. 

“Hey, there,” Jasmine said, and I smiled at her as she joined me. She was wearing a gorgeous burnt orange dress. 

“Good morning. How are you?” I asked warmly, seeing her curious gaze. 

“You seem better today,” she said as she grinned. “And I’m good. I slept well, and if that food doesn’t get me going, I don’t know what will. What are you doing later?” 

“I think Landon told me he wanted to show me a particular beach or something. He’s been here several times for these things,” I said, and she smiled and nodded. 

“Vince offered the same thing. He’s very familiar with the area, and he mentioned scuba diving. I’m terrified!” I chuckled at her girlish laugh, knowing there was nothing between them apart from a boss and employee relationship. I was a little jealous until I met Landon’s gaze again and felt the desire in his eyes. 

We took seats for the meal and listened to more new laws and policies that the company needed to follow. I took notes on my tablet in between bites of food, making sure to be clear about them so there would be no confusion later. I filled up on fresh tropical fruit and avoided the mimosas so I could keep a clear head later on. Afterward, I hugged Jasmine good-bye as we promised to meet up for dinner later. 

I headed back to my cottage when we were dismissed, knowing Landon was following close behind. He called my name on the path behind me, and I turned with a smile before leading him to my cottage. I showed him around, making a big deal about the added privacy, before I slipped my phone into a small purse. Landon insisted on rubbing sunscreen on me, leading to a great orgasm with his finger strumming my clit in the process. We headed out after that, taking the luxurious SUV he’d had delivered to the resort the day before. He told me that he was taking me to Xunantunich, a site of ruins. It was several miles away, but with his skillful driving, it seemed like we were there in no time at all. The drive was gorgeous, a lot of the scenery being the bright blue ocean and cliff views that were breathtaking. 

I relaxed and laughed with Landon, holding hands since I knew we were alone. We could be seen together, just not in the intimate sense, and I felt like I could handle that with this drive. It was so natural and fun that I almost forgot what we were facing if we were caught. 

He parked at the base of the ruins and we walked up the hill to the massive stone structures. I was overwhelmed by their size and the feeling in the air as Landon explained a bit of the history behind them. El Castillo had been constructed in painful detail around 800 AD, and it was still beautiful in its detail. I took several pictures of it, a few of the entire structure, and several more of the smaller details, feeling Landon’s eyes on me the entire time. 

We didn’t go close to it, given the time frame we were working with. We just wandered, talked about all the history of the area, and took pictures. It was one of the most relaxing times of my life, apart from time spent with my adoring aunt. 

The difference in this was the deep attraction between Landon and me. It was everywhere around us even though we didn’t touch once out at those ruins. It was more than that, though, too. It was the way he listened to me and respected me, showing me I was the only thing in his world at that moment. It was the way he gave me every moment we had together. It was the way he worshiped me without seeming immature about it, like Brian did.

Brian faded from my mind increasingly as I spent time with Landon. He seemed more like the boy I met in college and less like a man. Landon showed me things I could have never expected in life: intimacy, depth, and an endless supply of ways to take me places I’d never go on my own.

When we were driving away from the ruins hours later, I looked at him as I reached for his hand. I had missed touching him. I thought back to the beach that Jasmine had said she was going to, impressed that Landon had known I would want more. He knew to bring me here and show me the beginnings of this place. It was so thoughtful and, more than that, observant. I kept my plans with Jasmine, enjoying a late meal of seafood and fresh vegetables as we discussed our days and then I returned to my cottage. Landon was inside, working on his laptop, and I smiled as I dropped my key on the counter. “Hey there. I hope you’re not working on vacation.”

“Not anymore,” he said easily as he typed something and made a few motions to end whatever he was doing. He didn’t do it in the way a person who was hiding something would, but why should I care if he had? I was the one hiding something from everybody right now. 

“How was dinner?” He asked. 

“Yummy. Jasmine went scuba diving today and saw a shark,” I told him, my shock evident in my voice, and he laughed. “I don’t think I want to do that.” 

“We’ll see. The sea isn’t as scary as you make it out to be, Lily. It’s quite beautiful, much like you.” 

I kissed him as I dropped onto the comfortable plush sofa beside him. “Thank you, but I am not yet convinced of that.” 

“We need to see some beaches during this week. You’ll change your mind,” he said before I kissed him again. It deepened as we pressed together, and soon I was in his lap and he shoved his computer aside. He lowered my dress with skillful hands, finding my nipple with his mouth as I balanced on my knees before him, wrapping his arms around my neck. It was intoxicating the way he drew me between his teeth, flicking me with his tongue as I fell apart before him. His hands slipped the dress down my body slowly, and he traced my hips with his fingers before squeezing my ass in his strong hands. 

I arched my back, offering him more as he drew me between his teeth again and found my ready clit, hard and waiting. He stroked me as he dragged his teeth over my sensitive skin, making me moan and rock against his hand. 

I had craved him the entire time we’d been apart, and now that I was in his embrace again, I knew I wouldn’t want to go back to reality. He moved his lips up to my neck and slide his shorts off so his cock nudged my entrance. “Fuck me, Landon,” I told him as I slipped over him and clutched his shoulders. 

He held me tight as he arched his hips up and took me, easily finding our familiar rhythm as we fucked like it was our first time together. It always felt that way, and I knew he was everything I wanted in my life. It was just wrong in so many ways. Yet it was also so right. 

We made our way to my bedroom after resting and finishing a movie, where I cracked the window and let the ocean air into the space. I kept the thin curtains closed for privacy, but I needed the sound of the waves as I pulled Landon close to me and kissed his chest. I had just had him inside me, but I wanted him again, and I drew his nipple between my teeth as he groaned my name. “Baby, you’re insatiable.” 

“I love you being inside me. Don’t fault me for that,” I told him before I kissed him and ran my hands over his toned chest and shoulders. Landon was perfect, and the idea of us ending when we went back home broke my heart. I kept the kiss going to distract myself. We made love with me on my stomach as he stroked my nipples gently, my legs parted as he moved slowly. It was beautiful, and I inhaled our combined desire as I memorized the sound of the waves as our backdrop. 

I came with tears in my eyes, and he stilled and whispered my name softly, making my heart soar and my body cling to him tightly. I was so in love with Landon that it was going to kill me. I wiped my eyes before we faced one another. He pulled me against him and kissed my neck until I fell into an exhausted sleep against his hot skin. 

 

Landon

The week passed quickly with the meetings we had as well as the free time. Lily and I were in bed together every chance we got, mostly in her more private cottage. I caught wind of Marilyn telling some of the other partners that she stopped by my cottage a couple of nights but received no answer, making them ask me who I was fucking this time around. I laughed it off and mentioned a waitress at some bar in town. I said she had a condominium near her job, so I was spending some nights there. I made it out to be very casual so they would drop it, but inside I knew I had to keep everything between Lily and me secret for the time being. I was a bit livid that Marilyn stopped by at all since I hadn’t been responding to her advances. I had figured she was going after some of the other partners. I had to give it to her, Marilyn knew who to hook up with and didn’t seem to bother with any of the men in the firm who weren’t at her level, and I wondered how much that had to do with her position. 

I took Lily to a great private beach midweek to show her how welcoming the ocean was. She wore a two-piece purple bikini that concealed more than some with a sheer black cover-up, and I still wanted to rip it off her and fuck her right there.

Every time I was inside her, I wanted her more. I was trying to find a way to tell her my feelings and establish something for when we arrived home, but I kept putting it off. 

We walked along the soft sand as three other people sat on towels and took in the view, none of them from our firm, as our coworkers seemed to flock to the more touristy beaches where activities were plentiful. I took the chance to take Lily’s hand and pulled her into the surf as it pooled around our feet. She protested with a throaty giggle but clutched me as she followed slowly. “See how far you can see out there? We can walk all the way until we’re swimming and know everything that is around us.” 

The water was warm and welcoming, and Lily smiled softly as she stepped forward hesitantly. 

“It is lovely here. I like that we’re nearly alone. I don’t like crowded places, even if it’s a beach.” I looked at her, taking in her natural beauty for a long moment, before I licked my lips.

“I’ll take you to every private place I know of, Lily. I want to show you the world,” I told her as she looked at me through her wide sunglasses. I couldn’t see her eyes, but I felt her grip my hand tighter as she moved farther into the water. I looked at her pale skin, uncovered for this trek, and told my cock to stay down as the water lapped against my knees. This wasn’t the place, even if she did look like the sexiest woman on the planet in her vintage-style bathing suit. She laughed as the waves brushed against her upper thighs and looked back at the shore. I held her hand tightly to keep her by my side. 

“Where is your favorite place?” Lily asked as she let herself acclimate to the water for a moment. 

“Let me see . . . I’ve been to a lot of places. I would love to take you to France and eat at this great little place near the Eiffel Tower. I love any coast that I’ve ever been to, but I prefer the ones in Northern California to the ones on the East Coast. They’re not like this, not for swimming. They’re for observing and finding your peace. I love the Hamptons for a road trip. I have friends who live in most of these places, and they often line me up with a great place to stay.” I looked at her to see her staring at me with a smile on her face. “What?”

“I have only ever been on the East Coast. I stayed in Philadelphia with Amy after my parents were gone, and then I moved to New York after college. I think a lot of it had to do with a fear of planes initially, but I worked through that. I know history doesn’t always repeat itself and I’ll have to fly to go to the good places, like this. I won’t say I am entirely comfortable with it, but I have ways to cope.” Lily shrugged. “I make do.” 

She’d told me about her parents when we were first together, and it had made me admire her strength. Lily had been devastated by her loss, but the love of her aunt had pulled her through it, along with a will to survive. I couldn’t imagine what she’d have done if it was just her left behind at that young age. “I think you’re amazing. You’ve been through more than most people ever will, and while you were so young. Others grow up into horrible people, falling back on their life circumstances, but you are making the best of everything. You are going to be a successful woman.” 

“I don’t know. I’m just plugging along like anyone else would.” Lily brushed my compliment off and I let go of her hand to cup her face as the water swirled around her hips and my thighs. 

“You’re stunning,” I murmured as I brushed my lips against hers, feeling her freeze. It was risky, but we’d been nearly alone before, and what was a kiss on a romantic beach? Nothing. 

“Landon, should we?” she asked before she kissed me again, softly and slowly.

“Always.” I wrapped my arms around her and held her still as the current moved around our legs. The kiss deepened and we became lost in one another. We both forgot where we were for several moments, but then she pulled away and looked around with a nervous energy. “We have to be careful, Landon. Anybody could see us.” 

I stared at the empty beach before I looking into her face again. I pushed the glasses on top of her head so I could see her eyes. “I want them to.” 

“What?” Lily asked as I captured her lips in another kiss. This one lasted several moments before she pulled away and looked at the beach before pulling me out of the water. 

“I told the guys I’m fucking a waitress in town when they asked. Word got back to them that I haven’t been in my cottage. I guess someone decided to stop by or something,” I left out the details of who that was, knowing what it would do to Lily. “I want to tell everyone who it really is.” 

“I thought this was just for the trip. I thought that this was just for fun,” Lily said as she looked everywhere but in my eyes. 

“It was never for a night, a week, or a trip. I told you how I felt about you before, Lily. That didn’t go away.” I growled as she pressed her fingers between her eyes, pinching the bridge of her nose. “What did you say yes to?”

“What do you mean?” she asked as she looked at me. 

“I saw the card with the flowers and he specifically mentioned that you said yes to something. What the fuck was it?” I demanded. Anger flashed in her beautiful eyes. 

“You just come to my desk and look at whatever you want?” Lily asked as she stepped back. “That’s not part of the deal, Landon.” 

“No, the deal is that we cannot stay away from each other. Can’t you see that? Can’t you see that I love you and I want to be with you?” I asked her. She blinked and shook her head. “What did you say yes to?” 

“He moved in with me. He asked me and I just agreed, even though it doesn’t always feel right. Are you happy now?” she asked. I narrowed my gaze at her. “You’re my boss. This job is my future. We can’t be together.” 

“The fuck we can’t. There’s other equally successful firms in the city, and I could get you on with any one of them,” I told her as tears sprang into her eyes. 

“I earned this job, Landon. I want this job because of that. I don’t want you to set me up with something else because you know somebody.” She started to cry as she spoke, and I wiped her eyes. “What if we fade away? This fire can’t last forever, and then I’ll be in a job that you got me. They could let me go once it doesn’t benefit you any longer.” 

“You would be the best assistant I’ve had even if I wasn’t in love with you. That is what I tell everybody, and I know for damn sure that you have a future in law if you want that,” I told her, but she stepped away from me. I knew our voices were rising, and while we seemed to still be alone, tensions were flaring. “I love that you have aspirations, Lily. I love that you want to work for what you get, but I want you. I want you so badly. I’ll give up all other women for you if you’ll just be mine.” I kissed her, and she threw herself into my arms as it deepened immediately. 

We stumbled completely out of the water and behind some foliage as my hands slid over her hardened nipples. Lily moaned as I dropped to the sand and pulled her with me. She straddled my thigh as our tongues danced together. I looked around quickly to assure that we were shielded before I unhooked her suit and pinched her breasts, causing her to gasp into my mouth. My fingers slipped down between her legs to feel her heat through the thick material of her suit before I slipped my hands underneath it to stroke her swollen clit. 

Lily came after a few touches, and I laid her back on the sand as I ripped my shorts open. All I heard was the sound of the waves as I moved her suit to the side and entered her as she cried out lightly. She was hot and tight, and I drove myself into her hard and fast as my need for her consumed me. 

We dressed afterward and she sat up as she took a deep breath. “I can’t believe I did that here. Do you think anyone saw us?” 

“We’re in the middle of a lot of trees and bushes, Lily. We’re alone,” I assured her as I stood and looked around. We were for the moment, and she adjusted her swimsuit before she led the way back to the beach. She looked stricken as she turned to stare at the water before she looked at me. 

“I want to go back to the cottages.” Her voice was shaking, and I took a deep breath. We walked to the SUV and I drove back, terrified of her leaving me forever once we got back to the resort. I knew she feared what was happening between us, and I’d had no intention of declaring my feelings on the beach, or of making love to her right there on the sand. Everything was flashing before my eyes, and I gave her a long look as I stopped at the light just before the resort, seeing her staring forward through the windshield. 

“Lily?” I asked as she blinked and kept looking forward. 

She said nothing as we parked, looking around and rushing to her cottage as I stepped out of the car. I let my gaze wander over the parking lot, seeing no familiar faces as I let out a sigh of relief. I walked away from the car, pushing the button to set the alarm as I made my way to my own cottage. I poured a drink at the bar and sat on the couch with the sliding door wide open, listening to the waves and praying for a knock at my door. 

I knew I couldn’t go home without her in my life as much more than just my assistant. I’d had Lily twice now, and it had only gotten better, mirroring the love I’d had for my first wife that I had lost so tragically. I kept drinking to get through the pain of the memories of Madeline that were mixing with the ones I now had of Lily. 

It came hours later, when I was drunk and sloppy. I was half asleep on the couch, and I stirred as I looked around the room, which was lit only by the television. “Lily?” I asked as I made my way to the door blindly. I reached for it, falling to the floor before I could open it. “Lily, come back to me.” I crawled forward and managed to get the door open before I looked up, pain and hope in my eyes.