Chapter 33

Linny

I rest my head back and close my eyes, again. If this isn’t heaven, I don’t know what is.

It’s past dusk now and I’m in a claw foot tub that’s filled with warm water and fragrant bubbles.

The most magnificent view of New York City is to my left.

I arrived at this luxury hotel on Central Park West three hours ago.

West slid the key card to me this afternoon at the bistro after he told me that he had something urgent to take care of.

He whispered that he hoped I’d stay at the hotel tonight. My answer was simple. I told him that I would as long as he joined me.

I haven’t heard a word from him since he said a brusque goodbye to me and left the bistro to join Blythe who was waiting for him on the sidewalk outside.

After focusing on work for the afternoon, I went home to pack an overnight bag before I grabbed an Uber and headed back uptown.

I’ve used my time here wisely, ordering a delicious dinner from room service before diving into a phone meeting with Ivy.

My apartment is cozy, lovely and all mine, but it can’t compete with this place.

The solace of not hearing the people who live above me walk around on the creaky floors is enough of an incentive for me to stay.

I’ll sleep well tonight unless West shows up. If he does, I’ll be well fucked. I’ll take that over sleep any night of the week.

I smile when I hear the sound of the door to the suite opening.

Heavy footsteps cross the floor of the main living area before they slow as they near the bedroom.

I’m tucked away in the en suite bathroom with its stunning gray marble and silver accents.

“I’ve never seen anything more beautiful than this.”

I open my eyes and turn my head at the sound of West’s voice. “You made it.”

His suit jacket is on the floor. His hands make quick work of his tie and his shirt. Both land in a heap next to the jacket as he toes out of his black shoes. “I’m sorry it took so long. I wanted to be here hours ago.”

I watch as he pushes down his pants and boxers, his thick cock curving up toward his navel. He slides his hand over it, a quick brush of skin against skin.

“You’re here now.” I glide my fingers through the water. “I think there’s room for two.”

Before I met West, I never would have invited a man to join me in the bath. If I happened to spend the night with a guy, I’d lock the bathroom door before I showered in the morning.

I don’t recognize who I am when I’m with him. I’m comfortable in a way I haven’t been before and I like it.

He steps into the tub, settling in across from me.

“I wasn’t sure if you’d be here.” His hand rakes through his hair. “I know you’re risking a lot to be with me.”

Guilt nips at me. I’m breaking the rules. I’m putting my future at stake because I want this man more than I’ve wanted anything.

“I don’t want to think about that.” I reach out a hand to him. “Let’s enjoy tonight.”

That I can do.” He takes my hand in his, pulling me closer. “Come here, angel.”

I slide into his lap until our lips meet for a soft kiss.

His strong arms circle me. “Can I just stare at you for an hour or two?”

My hand runs over my damp hair. My makeup is washed away. My skin flushed from the heat in the water. “I’m a mess.”

His eyes search mine. “I thought I knew what beauty was until I saw you on the airplane. You’re even more breathtaking tonight.”

I run the pad of my thumb over his left brow, smoothing it. “You mean that, don’t you? They’re not just words to you?”

His hands leap to my face, cupping my cheeks. “My grandfather lost his sight a few years before he died.”

The emotion in his words catches me off guard. I fumble with what to say in response, so I sit in silence staring into his deep brown eyes.

“He knew it was coming, and the man was stoic as shit.” He lets out a deep laugh.

I can’t help but smile. “He sounds very strong.”

“He was.” He dips his chin. “I only saw him cry once. Just one time.”

“When?” I whisper.

He takes a deep breath. “When he realized that he’d never seen my grandma’s face again.”

I swallow hard, biting back a wave of unexpected emotion. “That’s beautiful and incredibly sad. He must have loved her very much.”

His gaze searches my face before he glances to the left and the vast view of the city beyond the glass of the window. “He loved her with everything he had. He died holding tightly to her hand.”

I don’t stop him when his hand slides from my face to my shoulder and down to my waist. He grips my bare skin, tugging me closer to him.

“He told me to appreciate beauty in its purest form every chance I could.” His tongue slicks his bottom lip. “I do that each time I look at you.”

I rest my hands on his chest and lean in to kiss him on the lips. “I’m glad I’m here.”

He brushes his fingertips over my chin. “Me too, angel.”