“Mine too.” He nodded. “You’re doing the right thing by keeping it locked.”
She wondered how many injuries he’d seen from balconies. Maybe it was better not to know.
“So what’s up?” she asked. Rich put his forearm on the rail and looked out at the pool area and the darkening mountains beyond. She knew his view was much better – his side of the block overlooked the ocean, but a place like his was out of her means.
“Carlyn canceled Belle’s show.”
“What? How come?” Meghan frowned. “Why? I thought it was all agreed.”
“She told Belle there was another booking by her partner. A prior one. So Belle’s show couldn’t move forward.”
“Poor Belle.” Meghan bit her lip, thinking about Rich’s sister. “Can they rearrange?”
“According to Carlyn, there isn’t any other suitable dates.”
“Wait. Is this because of me? Did she cancel because she thinks we’re a couple?”
Rich pressed his lips together, and gave a slight nod. “She didn’t say as much, but it’s pretty obvious to me.”
“Can you sue her for breaking the contract?” Meghan asked.
“Yeah, but it won’t be worth the effort. And Belle still won’t have anywhere to have her show.” He blew out a mouthful of air. “I called Carlyn today but she wouldn’t budge an inch. Just asked me about you.” He sighed. “I’m going to have to get my lawyer to look over the contract. This whole thing was stupid. I’m sorry I dragged you into it.” He blinked, his thick eyelashes sweeping down. “You don’t have to pretend for me any more. But I’ll still keep up my end of the bargain. When are we going to the ocean?”
“You don’t need to do that. You’re right, the whole thing was stupid.” She gave him a small smile. “But it was fun while it lasted, right?”
The ghost of a smile passed his lips. “Yeah, it was. And I’m a man of my word. I want to take Isla swimming.”
“Okay, then. This week would be good. Now that her foot is better I’m not sure I can hold her off much longer. Maybe we can go in the evening after work?”
“I’m on days, so that suits me. Just message me when you choose a day.”
Her stomach did a little flip at the thought of him spending time with them. “What will Belle do now?” she asked him.
“I guess we wait on my lawyer.” He looked defeated. “She’s worked so damn hard for the past few years. I hate that it’s me who’s messed everything up.”
“It’s not your fault. It’s Carlyn’s. You’re the victim here.”
He shook his head. “Belle’s the victim. I’m the one who caused all this.”
Her heart clenched at how sad he looked. It felt natural to take a step forward and wrap her arms around him, pressing her body to his in an effort to console him. For a moment he was motionless, but then his hands touched her back, sliding down her spine to the dip above her behind, and he dropped his face into her hair, breathing her in.
He was so warm. She could feel the hard planes of his muscles press against the softness of her breasts, rising and dropping slowly as he tightened his hold on her. Her nipples stiffened in reaction to his proximity, the muscles of her inner thighs clamping together as he slowly traced a circle with his fingers on her back.
She could feel him hardening against her. It was her turn to freeze, as her body lit up, her nerve endings on fire as he dropped his head to press his lips against her throat.
It had been years since she was held like this. Even longer since she’d felt desire rush through her. But now all she could think about was the aching need coiling deep in her belly. Her breath caught in her throat as his mouth trailed open kisses along her shoulder, her body arching into him in a wave of desire.
When he lifted his head, his eyes were hooded and blazing. His cheeks were flushed, his lips parted as his gaze raked her over. Her body was still pressed against his, his arms keeping her a willing hostage. She swallowed hard, unable to pull her eyes from his.
“Meghan…” He stepped back, the cool evening air rushing around her body. She shivered and wrapped her arms around her chest, as much to hide her pebbled nipples as anything else. He ran the tip of his tongue along his bottom lip, then stepped back again.
He was almost inside the apartment now. She opened her mouth to say something, but no words came out. What the hell could she say? Sorry for forcing myself upon you, but it’s been a dry spell.
“I should go.” He tipped his head to the side, looking almost embarrassed. “I have work tomorrow.”
She nodded a little too fast. “Sure.” She followed him to the door, releasing the front locks to open it.
When he’d gone, she slid the new bolt she’d been permitted to install into its hold, and turned around, leaning her head against the wooden door. Sighing hard, she closed her eyes, remembering how he smelled, how he felt, when he was holding her.