Up in the suite, Rachel is on the sofa, watching my press conference on TV.
“Hey.” She draws out the word, smiling softly. Why does she look so happy to see me if she’d rather be with him?
I want to confront her, but I’m afraid to. I’m afraid she’ll confirm my fears.
I shove the phone into my pocket and glare at the screen. “I hate press conferences.”
“You handled that one well enough.”
“I had to.”
“I read about the rumors,” she says with concern. “Is it a problem?”
No, but you kissing Weyland is.
“Not really.” I shrug. “I know who’s behind them, and he’s bound by contract not to slander me directly, so he’s planting the gossip with the help of his social circle. They have gotten out of hand, but they only damage public perception. The banks and investors don’t care. Most businesspeople would rather cut off their ears than stop doing business with me.”
There’s an edge to my voice I can’t control, and I’m sure she notices. I toss my jacket aside and head to one end of the room, where a glass wall provides a spectacular view of the city and the bay.
Tell me what happened.
She doesn’t.
She comes to join me at the wall. Why can’t I stop thinking about her with Weyland? Why can’t I trust that there’s a good explanation? Why do I want to demand answers?
Focus on right now.
Right now, she’s here.
I stroke her cheek and she leans into my touch, sighing. “Are you worried?” she asks softly.
“No.” I shake my head. “Have you had anything to eat?”
“I’m not hungry,” she whispers. “Not for food anyway.”
It’s just sex, Landon.
Taking her face in my hands, I rest my forehead on hers, breathing in her sweet scent.
It’s just sex, Landon.
I draw in a breath and release her long enough to pull off my tie. Reaching for her, I curve my hand around the back of her neck and pull her in, claiming her lips in a hungry kiss.
Does she wish it was him right now?
If she did, she wouldn’t be here.
I wish I could shut off the thoughts, but I can’t. I release her, and she frowns, sensing that there’s something wrong.
She places gentle hands on my chest. “You said something about fucking me so hard I would feel it for days,” she reminds me.
“Yes.” I let out a chuckle. “I remember.”
She trails one hand down to the front of my pants, where it’s obvious how much I want her. My mind might be in chaos, but my body can’t resist her.
“I’m so ready,” she whispers.
For me.