CHAPTER FIFTY
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EMMA
One Year Later
“Come on, smile!” I pouted behind the camera. “You promised you would give me an exclusive.” I winked at him.
He huffed, “Yeah, but you’re still a student. Didn’t think you would take my word for it.” He sat on the floor and took a bite of the bagel I’d brought him.
Six months ago, James found out he would have to do community service for punching a photographer. He was convinced that, after buying a new fancy camera and giving him a few exclusives, the paparazzo would drop the charges. But he didn’t.
To Ralph’s amusement and James’s dismay, it was taken to court and not only did James have to pay a hefty fine, he also had to paint a school for thirty-six hours. In London, nonetheless, where he committed the crime.
Which suited me fine, being close to home.
I tried to cheer him up. “You know I’m not actually showing this picture to anyone, right?”
Before sitting beside him, I kissed his head. “My tutor would lose it at the thought of one of his students selling their soul to the devil. That’s what he thinks of the paparazzi.”
James devoured his bagel in less than three bites, snatched the bottle of water from my hands, and downed its contents in a few gulps. His Adam’s apple bobbed every time he swallowed, drawing my gaze to the spot I always loved to kiss. His eyes stayed with me, following my movements.
His cocky grin came out to play. “Are you checking me out, Emma?” He grinned.
I blushed, despite trying my hardest not to, but who was I kidding? I had no chance against this man. “What makes you think that?” I aimed for nonchalance, but I knew there’d be no way he wouldn’t see how he affected me.
It should be a sin that a man in a pistachio green jumpsuit could look as sexy as James did. It didn’t matter which colour he wore, he suited it well.
“Because you’re blushing and keep looking at my mouth and right here.” He touched his finger against his neck, drawing my attention once again to the spot. God, I loved that spot.
I could also play this game. “I’ve no idea what you’re talking about,” I said, biting my lip in retaliation. I knew the gesture would drive him crazy.
His gaze dropped to my mouth, like I knew it would.
After placing my camera gently back in my bag, I straddled him and pressed my mouth to his, running my fingers through his hair until his groan rumbled through me.
“You’re so naughty,” he wheezed when I pulled away, a satisfied smirk on my face. “I think I might have to spank you for that one.”
I snorted, ignoring the thrill rushing through me at his words. This past year had been filled with moments of us exploring each other, experimenting with each other, discovering each other. And every single moment had been exquisite. The thought of a cheeky spank, his palm on my arse, ignited something inside my belly.
With an arched eyebrow, I replied, “Is that right? I’m not quite sure we have enough time for that.”
He chuckled against my neck. What I’d planned to be torture for him, by flirting and making it clear I was open to the idea, became mine when he kissed my neck and then gently bit my earlobe.
“I always pictured ravishing you outside in public,” he whispered, his lips leaving a scorching path down to my collarbone.
His words brought me back to reality. We were outside, in public. Admittedly we were in a secluded park and no one had yet to recognise us. Hell, we’d only seen two dog walkers and one jogger, but we couldn’t keep on making out.
Moving off him, I placed a kiss on his pouting lips. “Later,” I promised, throwing him a wink.
He smiled before his face turned serious.
“What is it?”
He sighed. “I’ve been offered another role for a series of films. I know I promised time off, but this is the role of a lifetime.”
My heart lurched. I saw the excitement shining in his eyes, but he also worried the corner of his lip. I hated it when he was away, missed him so much it hurt, and he promised to be off until I finished college.
“The role of a lifetime….” I played with the words. “What’s it going to be?”
I knew it meant a lot to him when I saw the pride in his eyes, the glint of achievement. “I’m going to be the new James Bond.”
“Bloody hell, are you serious?”
“As serious as I’ll ever be. Emma, I know you still have a few months to finish college for the summer—”
I interrupted him. “Can I come with you?”
He stilled, his eyes going wide. “You’re serious, you want to come?”
My heart ached for him, love pumping hard through my veins. “Of course.” I smiled, hoping to show him with my eyes as well as my words how amazing this news was. “I’m so proud of you.” The outside world be damned, I once more pressed against him. “You did it!” I told him between kisses.
He laughed and then kissed me back, his hand cupping my neck. When we were both breathless, we parted.
“What about your course?” he asked. He watched me carefully, waiting for my answer.
I shrugged, my smile genuine. “I’m sure I can figure something out.” Kissing the tip of his nose, I continued, “Don’t think I’m going to let you have all the fun by yourself.”
“Wouldn’t dream of it.” He brushed his thumb over my bottom lip and then captured my mouth.
With his lips against mine, the possibility of James’s success, and our promises to each other, I knew without a doubt that whatever the future threw our way, we’d survive it together.