He nods. “I see. That makes sense.”
“Does it?”
“Yes. All of it. Your body is perfect, Jolene. I can’t imagine you not looking good in something and I’m sure designers will be calling you non-stop to model their clothing. Do you need time off for that?”
I laugh, and it comes out a bit more bitter than anticipated. “I don’t think you’ll have to worry about that.”
He cocks his head. “No?”
I frown, a bit unhappy.
“You’re sweet to compliment me, but that’s not how it is. Like I said, I’m a maid because I don’t get enough gigs to pay my bills.” I shrug and try to look nonchalant. “Apparently, there’s not much of a market for girls with curves.”
Channing looks genuinely confused.
“Really? Aren’t there lots of women who can identify with your shape though, sweetheart? I mean, you’re lush and lovely, and the way you look in that lingerie makes me think that everyone wants to look like you.” He comes over before pushing a strand of hair out of my face and stares into my eyes. “I adore your curves, Jolene.”
Inside, I go warm and melty and when Channing leans in for a kiss, I give in. This man knows exactly how to make me happy, and even though he can be cocky and arrogant, there’s also a side to him that’s incredible gentle and tender. I let out a moan as his tongue slips between my lips, one of his hands going down to stroke between my thighs.
“Sweetheart,” he rasps. “You’re so wet already. I’ve been looking forward to this,” he growls while lifting me into those strong arms. With a smile, I wrap my arms around his neck and hold tight because if this is what I have to enjoy for the next few months, then maybe this arrangement will work out after all.
7
Jolene
* * *
Two months later.
Every day with Channing is an opportunity to experience joy like I’ve never experienced before. At the beginning, I thought I’d hate it here. I thought he’d use my body at night only to ignore me during the day, but that hasn’t happened at all. Instead, the billionaire’s been incredibly attentive. He eats breakfast with me in the morning, before going off to work at Saint Productions. Then, Channing returns at night for a dinner prepared by his chef and regales me with stories from his day. Before I know it, we’re enjoying nightcaps before retiring to his bed for hours of breathtaking steam.
Meanwhile, during the days, I live in the lap of luxury. Channing provides me with an expense account, which I’ve used to go lingerie shopping. I’ve literally spent thousands on fancy panties and naughty bras, and he enjoys all of my purchases. He especially likes lingerie with tiny bells on them – he says it helps him keep track of where I am.
But of course, we’re not glued at the hip either. During our two months together, he’s had to leave New York once or twice for some business-related work, but he always showers me with the gifts upon his return. Plus, although the billionaire loves having me nearby, I never feel smothered. In fact, I adore the attention, and can’t get enough of it. My heart flutters in my chest whenever the gorgeous alpha male touches me, speaks to me or even looks at me. It’s shameless, but again, it suits me just fine.
But how does Channing view me and my position in his household? That thought gives me a twinge of doubt sometimes. It’s clear that I’m not his maid because I haven’t lifted a finger since arriving. He hired a cleaning crew, and they do all the scouring and scrubbing around the penthouse. But am I his girlfriend? Or am I just a girl he sleeps with when it suits him? Although my heart drops at the word, I know I’m more of a convenience than anything. Yes, the billionaire treats me well, but in the end, I am getting paid.
As a result, I’ve decided to check up on my old apartment and re-visit some old haunts. I can’t get too attached to my new life because it’s going to end at some point. Plus, all my stuff is still at my old place, and I continue to pay rent. Actually, Channing’s covering my rent because he’s a very generous man. I resisted at first, but he wouldn’t brook any dissent.
“No, sweetheart. I take care of what belongs to me, and right now, you’re mine. So I’ll be fronting the money for this,” he said with a firm but strong smack to my bottom. “Now shush. It’s time to play.”
Of course, I forgot all about the rent as the night progressed, but that’s how it is with my alpha male. He always distracts me with pleasure until I don’t even remember my own name.