The smell of espresso loosens the knot in my stomach, as I’m greeted with a wide smile and a shirtless Jin Cormick standing in the kitchen.
“Whatever you’re thinking of saying as an excuse to get out of here as fast as possible, just don’t.” He smiles and raises his hand up before I can respond. “I’m happy I got to wake up with you this morning. But I can take a hint, Everly. We both know last night was about filling some open space for each other, right?”
I blow out the breath I hadn’t realized I was holding. “I’m hoping you really do feel that way. I-I don’t want to admit that I used you as a celebratory sex toy last night, but-”
He laughs and says, “Everly.” Shaking his head and looking down, he pauses and then continues. “You should already know any man would happily volunteer as tribute to be a sex toy for you.” He leans back on the counter, effortless confidence always oozing from him. “You’re fantastic, but we mixed pleasure with business again, and we both know we shouldn't have.”
I’m so relieved that I actually feel my body relax at his words. The way he peeks up at me and smirks...I wish I wanted more from him. For me. I want the kinds of things that Jin is all about, but I just don’t feel thatzing. I want that fire, the electricity that I worry so few people ever get. I still want it. I’m stubborn like that.
Instead, I agree with him. “Does that make me a cold-hearted asshole?”
He smiles back at me. “No, darlin’, that makes you, us, human. And we’re choosing to be smart.” Popping a raspberry into his mouth and letting out another laugh, he adds, “Go ahead. I know you’re dying to get out of here.”
I walk over, kiss him on the cheek, and wrap my arms around his shoulders. “You’re a good man, Jin. Friends?” I ask.
He nods and smiles back.
“Oh, and thank you for the vote yesterday. I know it was unanimous, but I’m happy you’re on board with what we have planned for the company.”
“It’s really smart moves, Ev. You and the guys are something to watch out for.” He smiles and swats my ass as I walk away toward the door. “Go on, get outta here.”
“See ya, handsome.” I take a deep breath as I leave. That went better than I expected.