I hang up, then clasp my hands together. Excitement bubbles over, and I can’t keep it in anymore. I scream hard and loud. Oh my God. This is my chance. The one I’ve been looking for.
Although Court’s going to get here in less than half an hour, I can’t wait. I call him, needing to share this amazing new with him now.
“Yes?” he says.
“I got one. I got one!” I shriek.
He laughs softly. “You got a job?”
“No. I have an interview. At Omega Wealth Management with Gavin Lloyd himself!”
“Whoa. That’s amazing.”
“I know, right? I’m so excited. I don’t even know what I’m going to do. What am I going to wear?” I ask as though I’ve never done this before. My brain feels as sluggish as a spaceship with its warp drive broken.
“You’re going to wear your best interview clothes, and you’re going to look amazing, and you will totally impress them with how smart and professional you are.”
“Yes! That’s exactly what I’m going to do. You’re totally right.” His confident words calm me.
“Meanwhile, I will pick up a bottle of Riesling. We gotta celebrate.”
“Fantastic.” We hang up. But seriously, he doesn’t have to bring wine. I could get drunk on water right now.
The oven timer beeps. I take out the apple pie and set it on the counter to cool. Court arrives a little later, carrying the promised bottle of wine.
I dash over and wrap my arms around him. He feels so good—like all my hopes and aspirations have come to life in a person. I’m still hopping with excitement. “Oh my God. This is like a dream come true.”
“I’m really happy for you.” He puts the wine on the couch and runs his thumb over my cheeks. “You’re so beautiful when you’re happy.”
I flush with pleasure. “You’re beautiful, too. I really want to thank you for being on my side. And encouraging me and never doubting me.”
“How could I not? You’re the smartest woman I know. And I know you’re going to kill it.” He’s looking at me, his eyes bright and gorgeous. And suddenly nothing else matters. I pull him down for a kiss. I need some way to express all the bright emotions swirling inside my chest.
Court kisses me back. His large, strong hand cradles my face as though I’m the most precious thing in the world.
His tongue strokes mine, and I purr with pleasure at his taste—all male, all sweet and dreamy. Mine, he’s my man, just surely as I’m his woman.
I put my hands on his shoulders and maneuver him slowly to a living room wall. I push him flush against it and devour his mouth.
His greedy fingers move over my shirt, then slip underneath, skimming the taut, sensitive skin on my belly, leaving trails of heat. My heart hammers, and his races under my palm. I love the way he makes me feel—all hot, reckless and on top of the world. No man’s ever made me feel this way before.
How he’s making you feel isn’t the only thing you love.
The thought slices through my lust like a cold scalpel. I freeze, then pull back.
Court’s eyes are dark, his pupils wide. Air saws in and out of him, and heat pulses through me at the need-glazed expression on his face.
Love.
No. It’s too soon. We don’t know each other well enough to fall in love. Love is what you feel after years and years of being together, like Curie and Joe…or my parents.
“There’s no way this is love,” I whisper to myself in Klingon.
Court stiffens, his eyes on mine. “What did you say?”
“Nothing,” I say, taking a step back. “Want to have some apple pie? I just baked it.”
“Yeah…sure. It’ll go well with the Riesling.” But his expression is dazed, like he understands exactly what was going through my mind and isn’t sure about it at all.