Riley chuckles and presses a sweet kiss to my neck. “Jose is gay, so I think you’re safe on that front.”
I groan and take her mouth. She tastes just as heavenly as she did the first time I kissed her. This is my woman. If I had a hollow chest and big paws I’d be pounding it now to let the whole world know, instead I kiss her and hope it’ll be enough to convince her of my feelings.
When we finally come up for air, I gently stroke my finger down her cheek where the trail of tears still shines. “Give me a minute?”
Riley nods, and I step back taking out my phone. I dial the number trying to find calm even though my anger is boiling like a fucking volcano.
“Lisa, this is Branson.”
“Branson, darling. Where are you this morning? I was looking for you.”
I take a deep breath, trying not to lose my shit. “I’m with my girlfriend. Pack your shit and get the fuck out of my building. You’re done.”
“Branson? What are you talking about? You sound very upset. Did something happen?”
“Yes, Lisa. You fucking happened. Get your stuff and get the fuck out. You might want to return that rock you bought for yourself.”
I hear her audibly gasp on the other side of the line. “Branson, it’s not what you think.”
“So you didn’t assault my girlfriend, buy yourself a ring, and tell the whole office we’re engaged? Get help Lisa, you need it. The straight-jacket kind.”
Lisa sobs on the other side of the line. I clench my teeth as I look out the windows of Riley’s apartment. She’s sitting behind me, but I want her to know that I had nothing to do with the illusions Lisa fed the office. “Branson, please…”
“Lisa, that’s not going to help. You’ve gone too far this time. When I get back to the building, I want all traces of you gone. I don’t want to see you again, get that? Not fucking ever.” I end the call and turn around. Riley’s eyes are wide with shock. “Are we clear on the situation with Lisa now?”
Riley nods and gets up. She’s wearing a two-piece pajama set. It’s adorable. As she starts toward me, her fingers begin undoing the top buttons. Her hands reach for the hem of the top, and she drags it over her head.
Her thumbs hook into the waistband of her pajama bottoms and she tugs them down.
As Riley stands in front of me, completely bared, I know no other woman will ever be able to take her place.
17
Riley
My breath comes in shallow pants as I watch Branson’s eyes move over my body. I want to touch him, to show him how grateful I am that he threw Lisa out on her ass. If I had any doubt about his story, he just squashed it. It was clear from the side of the conversation I was listening to that Lisa is a crazy bitch that’s obsessed with Branson.
Right now I hate her. I hate her for almost ruining the first relationship I’ve had in years. I hate her for nearly coming between the man I love and me.
“Branson…” My voice is soft as I step toward him. “I love you.”
I watch as his eyes darken with passion, his hands reach for me pulling me against him. “Riley, before I say this you need to know I’ve never said this to a woman before.”
My heart does a backflip in my chest.
“I love you, Riley.”
“I love you so much,” I say before my lips brush against his.
Our tongues stroke and fuel the fire of desire as Branson removes his clothes. I drag his shirt over his head and splay my hands on his chest. His heat chases away the frosty chill that I’ve been dragging around ever since Lisa cornered me.
His hands are all over my body, stroking,
igniting, and soothing me as he drives me higher. His lips follow a trail down my neck until he nips on my collarbone.
A laugh escapes me as I reach for him. He’s rock hard, thick and hot in my hand. I run my hand back and forth and hear him gasp before I stroke his balls.
“Say it, Riley.” Branson moans in my neck.