Chapter 20

Andrew

In my dreams, Lanie was beneath me, her soft cries of pleasure ringing through the room. I took her mouth with mine, claiming her, showing her that she belonged to me. No other man would ever touch her.

From somewhere nearby, a banging sounded. I blinked, realizing I’d been sleeping. Rubbing my eyes, I took in the dark room. Floor-length mirror. White wardrobe. A thin sliver of morning light coming in through the cream curtains.

And, in my arms, a beautiful woman.

I inhaled quick, shocked that the night hadn’t been a dream at all.

But for how long had we been in the hotel suite? I hadn’t meant to fall asleep. We were only supposed to stay for a few hours before I took her home. And yet I couldn’t even remember thinking about getting out of bed.

Judging by the light, morning was on its way. This was usually the time I got up, needing to jump in the pool for my morning laps before heading to work.

Secured in my arms, Lanie fidgeted. She yawned lightly, stretching an arm out before tilting her face up and seeing me. Her eyelids were heavy, her short hair ruffled.

To summarize, she was perfection.

“Hi,” she murmured.

“Hey,” I whispered back.

I couldn’t remember the last time I’d woken up feeling so good. I wasn’t a “screw them and kick them out” guy. I liked for women to stay a while. But it had been years since a sleepover left me feeling so fulfilled.

“What time is it?” she asked.

“Not sure.” I ran my hand up and down her shoulder. Damn, she was so soft. Underneath the sheet, her naked body pressed against mine. My dick perked up, and tension filled my balls.

No. No time for that.

Unfortunately.

“Come here.” Hooking my finger under her chin, I tilted her face up and gave her a long, sweet kiss. She made a little noise, wiggling her tender body against me.

“Christ,” I gasped as I broke the kiss. “I wish we had more time.”

“Mm. I know.” She threw her arm over my chest and kissed my shoulder. “Work and stuff await, huh?”

“I wish it didn’t.”

“Okay, on the count of three, we’ll get up. One.”

“Two.”

“Three.”

I waited for Lanie to make the first move. When she didn’t, I pulled her right on top of me. She landed on my chest with a squeal, and I kissed her hard.

“You were supposed to get up,” I said.

“You were supposed to.”

After another minute of kissing, I broke it off. “We do have to go.”

“I know,” she sighed. “I’m going.”

I went in for another kiss, but she hopped up, the sheet sliding down and revealing her naked form. Hard as it had felt a minute before to get out of bed, following that sweet ass and hips into the living room now proved to be no difficulty at all.

We dressed quickly once we saw the time—not that we didn’t take every opportunity we could to touch each other. The elevator. The lobby. Waiting outside for the valet to fetch the car. Each moment became a chance to steal a kiss.

At Lanie’s apartment, I resisted the urge to sweep her up in my arms, toss her in the car, and drive right back to the hotel. The morning was cresting, though. Raven would be up any minute if she wasn’t already.

“I’ll see you soon,” I promised, taking the softest lips ever against my own.

Lanie’s eyes sparkled. “Okay,” she whispered.

“Last night was amazing.” Taking her hand, I lightly kissed the back of it. Her skin turned pink, and the hungry beast inside me woke back up, eager for more.

Tearing myself away from her front door, I jumped into the car and peeled rubber home. Worried the sound of the garage door rising would wake Raven, I parked in the driveway and gingerly let myself in.

The house was quiet, each room dark and empty. Slipping my shoes off to lessen the noise, I crept upstairs.

The irony of the situation couldn’t be missed. Here I was, a grown man sneaking into my own house, trying to avoid waking my teenager.

I prayed the situation would never be reversed. I didn’t even want to think about the things Raven could get into staying out all night.

In the master bathroom, I took a brisk shower, hoping the cold water would wake me up more. My temples pounded, and I already knew it would be a difficult day.

Not just because I was tired, though. After my night spent with Lanie, focusing on anything was going to be like moving a mountain. Standing under the shower’s spray, I could still feel her lips on mine. My palms tingled as if they were gliding along her smooth curves. One night together, and she’d left permanent indentations on me.

Was she thinking about me as well?

I’d meant what I said about seeing her soon. She probably had no clue how deep my interest went. Everyone else was out there dating all the time. I’d basically given up on that shit months ago. And then, suddenly, a perfect woman walks into my life.

I’d be out of my fucking mind to let her slip through my fingers.

Grabbing a towel and drying off, my thoughts drifted to the upcoming event with Bob. The fundraiser would be somewhat fun. Maybe Lanie would want to go as my date?

I imagined walking into the venue with her on my arm, that dazzling smile lighting up the whole room. Mine. That’s what she would be. Showing up at an event together meant everyone else would get to know it as well.

Not that all those other people mattered. It was Lanie’s opinion I cared about. I wanted—needed—her to belong to me. I hadn’t had that desire in years.

In fact, my whole life, there was only one other woman I felt that way with, and I’d sealed that deal by putting a ring on her finger.

Yes, I thought as I dressed and quickly ran a comb through my hair. Get ready, Lanie Jacobs.