Chapter 11
Bentley
I heard my name yelled, and I turned to see Emmy racing across the street. I paused at the door to Greg’s building wondering why she wasn’t in school. Glancing at my watch, I noted it was past nine. Since school started back, she was always in class at this time of the day.
“Oh, shit,” Aiden muttered. “Brace yourself.”
I barely had time to throw him a glance when Emmy was in front of me, hands on her hips, and a scowl on her face. I tried not to notice how sexy she looked this morning. She was wearing some sort of lacy dress that fluttered around her knees, and was cinched in at her waist with my blue tie. Tights covered her toned legs and she had the blue shawl I had given her wrapped around her shoulders. Despite her anger, she was gorgeous.
“Hey, Emmy,” I greeted her cautiously. Casting a glare toward Aiden, who started to pull open the door and disappear, I bent to brush a kiss on Emmy’s cheek.
She stepped back avoiding my caress, and addressed her voice to Aiden. “Not so fast, Tree Trunk.”
He turned, flashing her a smirk. “What’s up, Emmy?”
“What do the two of you know about the sudden construction going on at Al’s?”
Judging from the frown on Emmy’s face, deflection was the word of the day.
I crossed my arms, trying to appear casual. “How would we know what your boss is up to regarding his property?”
She snorted. “Al is so tight, he squeaks. He never spends a penny unless he absolutely has to do so. Today he tells me I need to find a place to stay for a few days while they install new doors and locks on the apartments, new steps, and he has security lighting going up out back. This smacks of you, Rigid.”
“Perhaps, he is simply doing what is best for the upkeep of his building. If he upgrades the building, the property value will go up.”
At least, that was what Aiden told Al, when he offered to have the upgrades done—at no cost. We even covered new doors for the coffee shop since I knew Emmy worked in there alone in the early morning hours. Al couldn’t sign the paperwork fast enough, but obviously, his cover story didn’t work.
I stepped forward. “I, for one, am glad he is looking at making the entranceway to your place safer. You’re welcome to stay at the house while the work is being done, if that is what concerns you.”
“What concerns me is the fact you’re making a mountain out of a molehill again. The entranceway was fine.”
This time I couldn’t help the snort. “The stairs were rickety at best. A child could pick your lock, and there wasn’t adequate lighting out back at all.”
She poked a finger into my chest. “A-ha! So you admit it!”
I threw up my hands. “Yes! I admit it. I’m an awful person for being worried you might trip on the uneven stairs, get mugged at night, or have your home invaded! Sue me.”
“Sue you? For what? More wasted money?”
“It’s not wasted! Yell at me, then. Stop giving me scones. It’s still going to happen.”
Aiden spoke up. “The stairs were in bad shape, Emmy. I showed Al the report I had, and we offered to help him out.”
“You had a report? Oh my God! I can’t believe you people.”
Aiden smirked. “You people? That’s what you think of Bentley? He’s just people?”
“Don’t change the subject. What exactly did you get in exchange for this help?”
I blinked. “Nothing. I expect nothing, and want nothing. Only to know I made you a bit safer.”
Her anger deflated, and her shoulders slumped. “What am I going to do with you, Rigid?”
I caught her around the waist, and tugged her close. Dropping my head to her neck, I rained kisses on her skin, swirling my tongue behind her ear on the spot she found so sensitive.
“I had to do it, Emmy.”
She studied my face, and shook her head. “You overstepped.”
“I’m aware,” I admitted. “I did it because I care.”
“It’s still overboard.”
“Let it go.”
“You are such a pain in my ass.”
I bit down on her tender earlobe. “We haven’t explored your ass yet, but if you insist . . .”
She pulled back fighting a smile, slapping my chest. “Dream on. I’m still mad at you.”
“Why?” I asked softly. “Al is thrilled. Your place will be safer, and no one is hurt. Why are you so upset?”
“Because, once again, I can’t compete.”
I tightened my arms. “It’s not a competition. Even if it were, I am still way behind.”
“How can you say such a thing?”
“Because I get you. That is worth more than any amount of money.”
She leaned up and pressed a hard kiss to my lips. “I give up.”
“Good. So, you’ll come to my place tonight? The work should be done by the end of the weekend.”
She rolled her eyes. “I’m not talking to you, though.”
“That’s fine.” I winked at her. “We can think of other things for your mouth to do.”
Shaking her head, she turned away, pausing at the curb. “You are such a wimp, Aiden,” she called out. “Such a big, bad security guy letting Bentley take all the shit.”
“I was allowing you privacy.”
“Whatever.”
“You could have brought some scones with you!” he yelled in return.
She flipped him the bird and raced across the street. I gaped as I watched her cross the road. The sway of her hips in the dress she wore was mesmerizing. I wanted to follow her, trap her in a corner and really apologize—with my cock.
Not that I was sorry.
Aiden groaned. “Well, that went better than I expected.”
I pushed past him. “Emmy’s right—you are a wimp. I think my girlfriend actually scared you.”
He chuckled as he followed me. “Your little girlfriend is fierce.”
I pushed the button for the elevator. “That she is.”
And she’s all mine.
**
I looked over the numbers, frowning in concentration. I handed the documents to Aiden to look at and met Greg’s steady gaze.
“Is it enough?”
He drummed his fingers on the desk. “It’s way over the estimate. It’s enough.”
“I want it.”
“I know that, Bentley.”
“It’s the last piece. I need it to have the project work.”
“Then sign it and I’ll submit the bid. We’ll know next week.”
Aiden handed the documents back with a nod of his head. I scratched out my signature, and handed the documents to Greg. He presented me with a stack of paperwork.
“I need your signature on these, as well.”
I sat back and glanced over the various forms. They were all things he was working on; a few other land deals, a building I had my eye on—nothing major, but they were all lucrative. As usual, all completed to my specifications, and done with his precise attention to detail. As I was signing, he gave me back the first set.
“You missed a couple places.”
“Really?”
He nodded, already looking at the stack I gave him back. “Updated forms—more places to sign.” He smirked. “The city loves new paperwork. More signatures mean more money.”
“Sounds like lawyers,” Aiden quipped.
I snickered as I added my signature where Greg indicated.
He reached for a folder. “I came across a few interesting land parcels. I had Mrs. Johnson print them for you.”
I glanced through the papers, then watched as he added his signature to the bid, affixed the seal, and slid it into the envelope.
“I’ll have it couriered this afternoon.”
“Great. Hopefully next week, we’ll celebrate.”
He regarded me, appearing amused. “Looks to me as though you’ve already been celebrating.”
“I beg your pardon?”
He tapped his lips, a knowing grin on his face. “I never thought of you as a pink kind of guy, Bentley.”
I swiped at my mouth and looked at my hand. A smear of soft pink lipstick was on my thumb.
Emmy.
Aiden chuckled, and I knew the bastard had purposely not said anything. I shot him a dirty look and cleared my throat.
“Thanks.”
Greg reclined in his seat. “Seeing someone?”
I never discussed my personal life with Greg. I knew nothing about his, aside from the fact he was divorced twice, and never seemed to lack a woman on his arm, or from the rumors, in his bed. I shrugged, not really wanting to talk to him about Emmy. We didn’t have that kind of relationship and it made me uncomfortable.
“I am.”
“Serious?”
“Why would you ask that?”
He held up his hands. “Lately, you’ve been, ah, different.”
“Different?”
It was his turn to shrug. “Happier, maybe? Content. Something. I thought, perhaps, it was because you were in a relationship. I’m pleased for you.”
I paused. Greg was astute, but I didn’t think I had changed very much. Obviously, Emmy was having a bigger impact on me than I realized.
Aiden leaned forward, clapping his hands. “Oh, great. Is this the part where we all spill our guts and talk about our feelings? This should be fun. I can go first. Because, right now, what I am feeling is nauseous. Can we get back to business?”
A dry chuckle escaped my mouth, and I glanced toward him. He seemed tense and out of sorts, not his usual cheerful self. His shoulders were tight, and the folder bent under his grip. Greg seemed to be annoying him more than usual today.
I stood. “On that note, I think we’re done.”
Greg buttoned his jacket, and shook my hand. “I’ll be in touch. Let me know if there is anything in the file, you want me to pursue. Perhaps, we can work on a venture together. Something different from the usual.”
“I will.”
I followed Aiden to the elevator in silence. Once the doors shut, I barked out a laugh. “What the hell is up with you today?”
He shook his head. “What’s with the personal comments? He never talks private shit.”
“There’s more to it than that. What’s going on?”
“Why the hell is he finding you leads? We find the leads.”
“He’s not stepping on your toes, Aiden. So he found a couple things for us to look at—he’s done it other times. No big deal.” I flipped through the few pages in the folder. “Nothing major in here. Relax.”
He crossed his arms. “You heard him. He wants to collaborate with us. Be part of the projects. Worm his way in.”
Is that what he was worried about? Greg invading our group, so to speak?
“We’ve discussed this a couple of times already. I have offered and he refused. Case closed. It’s the three of us. Besides, if I changed my mind, you know very well before that happened, I would give you and Maddox the opportunity to say no.”
“And if one of us did?”
I had the largest share in the company and could outvote them, but I valued their opinions, and we discussed everything. I met his challenging gaze steadily and spoke in a firm voice. “Then the answer would be no. You and Maddox are my partners.” I laid a hand on his shoulder, feeling the tension. “My family.”
He huffed out a breath, his shoulders loosening. “Okay.”
We stepped outside, and Aiden moved to call Frank just as a kid slammed into me, causing me to drop the folder and stumble back.
“Shit, man!” The kid gasped. “Sorry!” He bent and picked up the pages that fell from the folder, shoving them back inside. “My bad.”
“Watch where you’re going next time!” Aiden growled, stepping in front of me.
I took the folder from the kid and held up my hand to Aiden, stopping him from doing anything else. “No problem. It was an accident.”
The kid ducked his head and nodded, then turned and took off running.
I watched him disappear around the corner and sighed. “Crap, I feel old. Do they all dress like that now—the hoodie and baggie jeans? The ball cap with glasses and their headphone jammed in their ears all the time?”
Frank pulled up to the curb and Aiden opened the door for me. “Yep, old man. Just like that.”
I sighed and looked across the street at Al’s, wishing Emmy were hurrying back across the street with a scone for me. I’d even take her scowl if I could kiss her again before we left.
Sadly, the door never opened and the street remained Emmy free.
Still, it made me grin when I remembered she’d be at the house when I got home later.
It was something to look forward to, at least.
**
The day couldn’t pass quickly enough, and finally, my last meeting was over. I waited impatiently for the car, almost pushing Aiden out of the way in my haste to open the door and clamor inside.
He slid in, shutting the door. “Anxious, Bent?”
I loosened my tie. “Just want to get home. Long day.”
He leaned back with a grin. “Expecting an equally long night?”
I lurched, punching his arm, dislodging the files sitting beside him. “Watch it.”
He chuckled, and I bent to grab the papers that had fluttered to the floor. As I gathered them, a square, manila envelope, that looked oddly familiar, fell to the carpet.
“What is that?” I asked.
Aiden held out his hand, stopping me from touching it. He slipped a hand into his pocket, producing a latex glove.
I cocked an eyebrow. “Planning on a murder spree on the way home, Aiden? Do you seriously carry one of those around with you?”
He shot me a serious look. “You never know.”
He picked up the envelope and studied it. It was the same type as the other pictures had arrived in. The sight of it made me anxious. “This wasn’t in the file when Greg gave it to you.”
“No,” I agreed.
“Has the file been on your desk all day?”
“Yes. No one has been in my office other than you, Maddox, or Sandy.”
Realization hit, and our eyes locked. “The kid this morning.”
Aiden nodded. “It wasn’t an accident.”
He opened the envelope carefully, and pulled out a picture, handling only the corner. He studied it then handed it to me. “Only touch it with the glove.”
The photo was simple. Me, outside Greg’s office, this morning. Aiden wasn’t in the picture. The person who was, made me stiffen with alarm.
Emmy was walking away from me, her head turned as she spoke. I was staring at her, a slight grin on my face.
I looked up at Aiden. “Fuck.”
“Stay calm. You’re the focal point.”
“I didn’t see anyone.”
He shook his head. “No one does, Bent. Everyone has a damn camera phone now, taking pictures of everything. It’s so common we don’t even notice it. From the angle, I’d say they were across the street. Five minutes later, they would have had it printed and were waiting for you to leave the building.” He tapped his knuckles on his knee. “Which means, they’re still watching.”
“If they’re watching me, they’re watching her.” I felt the panic stirring in my chest. “I need to break it off with her until this is settled. They’ll leave her alone.”
He snorted. “Wow. Overreact much?”
I dug my hand in my pocket, running my fingers over the pearls hidden inside. “I can’t risk her. I can’t lose her. I fucking can’t.”
He leaned forward. “And you won’t. Don’t do anything stupid, Bentley. I won’t let anything happen to her, or to you.” His voice lowered in understanding. “You won’t have to go through that again.”
Aiden and Maddox knew my history. His look told me he understood.
“I told Emmy about my parents.”
He nodded. “Then I know how much she means to you. I’m sure they’re doing this to piss you off, but I’ll put someone on her. They will be discrete, but you need to tell her so she doesn’t panic if she spots them.” He grinned. “She is pretty freaking smart, and she will spot them, I’m sure.”
“I don’t want to worry her.”
“Did this morning not teach you anything?”
I dragged a hand through my hair. “Maybe Al’s a bad liar. If I don’t mention it, it’s not a lie.”
He shook his head. “I spoke to him. He stuck to the script, but she knew instantly. Your girl is clever.” He held up the picture and snapped a copy on his phone. “I’ll send you this. I’m taking the original to have it dusted for prints, not that I expect to find anything.” He slipped the photo back into the envelope and laid it aside. “Take my advice, Bent. Lying by omission is still a lie. You’re better than that. Tell her the truth. You don’t have to overreact and dump her like an idiot, or make her panic, but you should tell her. Let her know we’re simply being cautious.”
The car stopped, and I looked up the house. “Okay.”
“Make sure the system is armed at all times. If you’re going out, let me know and I’ll be here. You want me to move into the first floor?”
I thought about it. There was a comfortable room there, and Aiden had stayed in the past. There was a complete set up security wise, too.
“I’ll think it over.”
“Okay. I have my code. No going out without me, Bentley—I’m serious.”
“Yep. Got it.” I wasn’t taking chances with Emmy.
I got out of the car and headed inside. Andrew greeted me at the elevator with his usual pleasant expression.
“Good evening, sir.”
“Andrew. How was your day?”
“All is well. May I fix you a drink before I depart?”
“No. Is Miss Harris here?”
“Yes.” He chuckled, his brown eyes crinkling in his round face, and the light gleaming off his bald head. He was a short man, who took his job seriously. He kept my house immaculate, and on occasion, joined me in a game of chess we both enjoyed. He had been with me since I moved in. He had come highly recommended, and I would be lost without him. He came from a much larger household, but due to health issues, hadn’t been able to keep up. My quiet lifestyle worked well for him. Emmy had charmed him in about three seconds flat, and he clearly adored her.
“She insisted on cooking you dinner.”
“Commandeered your kitchen again?”
“She did.” He patted his stomach. “I guarantee you will enjoy it. She made me a plate, as well.”
I chuckled. “Excellent.”
“Also, Mr. Tomlin was here earlier.”
My eyebrows shot up. “Greg? He was here?”
“Yes. He left you something on your desk. He received a call and couldn’t stay.”
“All right. Did he, ah, see Miss Harris?”
“Briefly. He introduced himself as she was heading up the stairs. Was I wrong to let him in your office?”
“No, of course not. I’m sorry I missed him.” I clapped him on the shoulder. “Have a good evening, Andrew.”
I headed to my office, surprised to find a bottle of Courvoisier on my desk, and a note from Greg.
Bentley
I felt I crossed a line with you and Aiden this morning. My apologies.
I had hoped to share a drink with you, but have been called away.
Perhaps next time. Share with Aiden. Enjoy – G.
I stared at his handwriting—bold, dark, firm, just like the man. I frowned. It had been an odd day. Aiden’s sudden outburst, Greg’s apology and unexpected gift, and Emmy’s anger. Not to mention the photograph. I rubbed my temples in vexation. I wanted to stop thinking about it, and relax.
Grabbing the bottle, I headed upstairs.
Emmy was curled into the corner of the sofa in the sunroom, busy working on the laptop. She had changed into one her comfortable warm shirts and sweater with yoga pants. She liked this room the best. She said it felt like “me” the most out of all the rooms in the house. I wasn’t sure what she meant by that statement, but it was also one of my favorite rooms. Setting down the bottle, I bent over the back of the sofa, dropping a kiss to her head.
“Hey.”
She looked up, tired but smiling. “Hi. I didn’t hear you come in.”
“Your head was buried in your work. How goes the project?”
“Good. It’s so much easier with this laptop. I have everything I need right here instead of having to work off memory sticks, or wait until I go to school to finish something.”
I sat down across from her. “Good. I’m glad it’s coming in useful.”
“I’m taking good care of it. I’ll return it as soon as I’m done.”
I waved my hand. “I told you not to worry about it. It’s one I bought and didn’t use. I’m glad it was something that helps you.”
She regarded me suspiciously. She still wasn’t convinced over my explanation.
“I hear you met Greg.”
She smirked. “He introduced himself as Mr. Tomlin. He wasn’t exactly Mr. Warmth.”
“No, he isn’t, but he’s good at what he does.”
“You trust him?”
It seemed an odd question, and I shrugged. “He’s never given me any reason not to. He does a good job on my behalf.”
Her eyes dropped back to the laptop. “Good.”
“Did he upset you?”
She glanced up. “No. He was cool, and didn’t seem overly interested. Dismissive, I suppose.” She shivered. “He laughed when I said I was making you dinner. It seemed to amuse him. It was an odd sound.”
I nodded in agreement. His laugh was a little strange, as if it were forced and not real.
“He’s different. Don’t worry about him, though. You won’t see him very often. We don’t do the social thing.”
“Okay.”
I sighed. “Are you still angry with me?”
“No.”
Shrugging off my jacket, I leaned back. “So, that’s it? No yelling or silent treatment?”
“Neither.”
“Not that I’m complaining, but can I ask why?”
She shook her head and stood, closing the laptop. Straddling me on the chair, Emmy pulled my tie loose, and unbuttoning the collar. She ran her hands along the base of my neck, her touch gentle and soothing. “I don’t think I want to know the kind of women you dated if that is what you were expecting.”
I gripped her hips, enjoying how she felt on my lap. “You were pretty mad this morning.”
“I was. I said my piece and it’s done.” She ran her fingers through my hair.
With a long exhale, I leaned into her caress.
“That feels good.”
She tugged on the strands. “I like your hair so much better when you leave it natural. It makes you even hotter.”
I chuckled at her statement. She had informed me I was too young for a comb-over and hid the gel I used to keep my hair in order. I had to admit I liked the feel and ease of simply toweling it dry and leaving it alone. It was freeing, and Emmy liked to run her fingers through it, so I left it. She also liked me a bit scruffy, and I had stopped shaving every day to please her. Although, at times, it felt odd.
Aiden and Maddox had nailed me to the wall about becoming a pussy. I had flipped them off and walked away. Emmy’s opinion was more important. Her pleasure came with benefits that resulted in my pleasure—frequently.
She spoke quietly. “I know you worry because of what happened to your parents. I talked it through with Cami and she convinced me it was a totally romantic gesture.”
A smile tugged on my lips. “I guess I owe Cami.”
I met her gaze. It was soft, concerned, and a little confused. “I’m not used to being worried about.”
“I can’t help it when it comes to you.”
“I know. I feel the same about you.”
Our eyes locked and I sucked in a fortifying breath.
“I have something to tell you.”
She frowned. “That doesn’t sound good.”
I pulled out my phone and showed her the picture Aiden had copied.
“That was this morning!” she exclaimed.
“Yes.”
Her lips pursed. “Well, that isn’t happening again.”
My chest tightened. “Oh?”
She nodded, looking serious. “That pattern makes my ass look huge! I am not wearing that dress again—ever.”
I gaped at her. “Your dress? You’re worried about your dress? Someone was stalking us, Emmy.”
She shrugged. “You, I would say.”
“Still, this involves you and your safety. It’s the second time.”
“I think I’m just in the shot. Looking less than fashionable, I might add.”
I slipped my hands over her ass and squeezed. “For one thing, your ass does not look huge. And second, it’s not the point of the conversation.”
“What is?”
“I wanted you to know about what was happening.” I huffed out a heavy sigh. “And to tell you, Aiden is going to assign someone to watch over you.”
“No.”
“Yes. It’s important.”
“It’s not necessary.”
“Then we can change at it another time. Do this for me, please. Give me the peace of mind. I need it right now.”
She looked down at the photo and shoved my phone into my chest. “Fine. They had better not interrupt my day, or I’ll go ballistic on them.”
“They’ll only be observing. I’ll make sure.” I stroked her cheek. “Thank you.”
“You owe me.”
“More than I could ever repay you.”
“Are you hungry?”
“Yes.”
“Then let’s have dinner.”
“Great idea. Dinner, some wine, and a little time with my girl.”
Her eyes glowed. “Okay.”
I winked. “Good.”
**
Twilight was descending, the room aglow as the sun set. We devoured her delicious pasta, drank the wine, and I had swum my laps as she finished her work. After swimming, I doffed my wet trunks, and wrapped a towel around my hips. I felt Emmy’s gaze follow my every move, and knowing she was watching, I moved leisurely, my erection kicking up just thinking about her heated gaze. I poured myself a generous dollop of the brandy Greg had dropped off, and got a smaller one for her, thinking she might enjoy it. I handed her the glass and sat beside her.
“I’ve never had Courvoisier.” She eyed the glass.
“You sip it,” I explained. “Swirl the glass in your hand like this.” I demonstrated. “The warmth of your skin heats the brandy and brings out its flavor. It’s delicious.”
She followed my instructions, then sipped at the amber liquid. She wrinkled her nose a bit, making me chuckle.
“Not to your taste, Freddy?”
“Maybe it’s not warm enough.” She wagged her fingers. “My hands are never very cooperative that way.”
I wrapped my hand around hers, not surprised to feel the coolness of her skin. She was rarely warm to the touch, unless we were holding each other.
I offered her my glass. “Take a sip of mine. Roll it around on your tongue. Taste the difference.”
She tasted my brandy and swallowed, her eyes closing in pleasure. “Oh, you’re right. It’s lovely when it’s warmer.” She ran her hand through her hair, bunching it with her fingers through a sigh. “Decadent.”
She was sexy in her artless mannerisms and low voice. I hated the fact her hands were too cold to warm the liquid; although, I had no problem sharing my brandy with her. I glanced down at my glass as an idea sparked. I took her glass and poured the liquid into mine, swirling it around.
“The warmer it is, the better the flavor.”
“I can’t imagine how you can improve the flavor.”
“I have an idea.”
I shifted, turning to face her, and tugged her closer. Our eyes locked, hers widening as she felt the intensity of my gaze and the way the air around us shifted. I stared at her as I lifted the glass and filled my mouth with the amber liquid. Leaning over her, I pressed my lips to hers, smiling as she opened for me, allowing the warm liquid to pass into her mouth. She swallowed deeply, a groan low in her throat as I pressed my tongue to hers, savoring the taste of the brandy mixed with her flavor. She slipped her hands up my shoulders, her fingers moving restlessly on the nape of my neck, playing with my hair, making me shiver. Her touch was gentle and light. It always stirred such emotion in me. I deepened the kiss, holding her tight and devouring her mouth. She whimpered, the sound muffled and needy.
In seconds, she was under me on the sofa. I pushed away her sweater and yanked down her yoga pants, covering her with my body. She tore off my towel and our bare skin slid together, warming us both.
She wrapped her legs around my hips, cradling me with her body. I groaned at how ready she was for me, the heat of her enveloping my aching cock. I drew a plump nipple into my mouth, teasing it with my tongue until it was hard and glistening. I ran my lips to her other breast, repeating the action. She arched her back bringing her breasts closer to my mouth and gasped my name. I teased and nipped at her flesh, then buried my hands into her hair and captured her mouth again. Moments passed of only her taste. The feel of her lips, the silkiness of her hair gripped in my hands. The exquisite torture of her pussy as it slid against my cock, coating me with her desire.
“Every time,” I moaned against her skin, “every time with you is so amazing.”
Her feet pressed into my ass. “Inside me, Bentley. Now.”
I sank deep, the sensation of being bare inside her still new and intoxicating. The heat and wet of her surrounding me, pulling me in, milking my cock as I moved was like nothing I had ever experienced. I braced my arms by her head, driving into her as desire took over. My hips pounded into hers, our sweat-soaked skin sliding together. She met my thrusts, crying out in her passion. I buried my face into her neck, breathing in her unique fragrance. My balls began to tighten and I turned my face to her ear, sliding my tongue around the sensitive flesh.
“Come with me, baby. I need to feel you coming around me.”
She arched, crying out my name. My release followed as I emptied inside her, groaning out in pleasure. I collapsed, rolling to the side, dragging her with me. I pinned her between the back of the sofa and my body, knowing she would need the heat. I snagged the blanket and draped it over her to be sure.
She sighed in my arms, nestling her head on my chest.
“You were right.”
I traced my fingers around her shoulder, my touch lazy and indulgent.
“About?”
“The brandy. It tastes better from your mouth. The warmer the better.”
I grinned against her head. “I think it was you who made it taste delicious.”
I felt her smile.
“Probably not a good idea to share one in public, though. We might get thrown out of the restaurant if this is what happens to you.”
I started to chuckle.
“Good plan, Freddy. We’ll keep brandy sharing for our private time.”
“I wonder . . .”
“What?”
“How it tastes when you lick it off skin. Your skin.”
I tightened my grip. “Emmy . . .”
She looked up at me, her eyes filled with mischief. “I was just thinking. A mouthful of brandy . . . a mouthful of you . . .”
I stood, taking her with me.
We were going to need more room.
Plus more brandy—lots more brandy.