Instead of getting off the elevator, he said, “Let’s go back up.”
“Why?” she asked puzzled.
“A picture speaks a thousand words.”
“I took a bunch on my phone. I’ll send them to you.”
“I’m talking about that kiss.”
“Oh. You want them to think that we’re—”
“Exactly. But if you don’t want to, I’ll understand.”
The kiss was what she had wanted, had planned. But at no point had she been thinking of it as a cover-up. It would be easy to go along with what he suggested. No real harm done, right? It was a kiss. Not like they hadn’t kissed before. Yet she couldn’t bring herself to do it. It would make the other kisses feel cheap. Not special any longer.
“Roger, I want to help you, and I think you know that. I’m willing to let you use my name and say you’re dating me. But I’m not going to kiss you to defuse some situation with your friend.”
He looked at her, grabbed hold of her hand, and hustled her out of the building. She could feel the tension in his body. He was upset. That wasn’t going to change the fact she was standing her ground. I’m not for sale.
When they were far enough from everyone Roger stopped and turned to face her. “I’m sorry. I cannot believe what an insensitive fucking asshole I just was. You have every reason in the world to demand I take you back to Boston tonight.”
“You’re not mad at me?” Gia asked.
“Hell no. I’m pissed off at myself. I got so damn caught up in this shit, shit that is not even mine to worry about, that I totally forgot about your feelings. I crossed the line, and I’m sorry.”
Everything about him said he was sincere. She hadn’t expected such an apology. It was nice. “Roger, thank you. That means a lot to me. But I don’t want to go home. Not tonight at least.” Stepping closer, she said, “I’m not opposed to the kiss, just the reason behind it.”
He pulled her into his arms and said, “Then know that this one is for one reason only. Because I find you utterly irresistible.”
The kiss started slow and gentle like the others but quickly changed. Roger kissed her hungrily, his tongue tracing her lips, his teeth nipping them. Her body begged for more. His lips left hers and kissed their way across her jaw to the curve of her neck. She could feel her pulse race. She whimpered softly, “Roger, please. I . . . you . . . please.” Her hands dug into his biceps as she clung to him. “People are . . . watching.”
He pulled his head up but didn’t release her. “Gia, I meant what I said. I’ll take you back to Boston tonight if you don’t want this.”
She let her hand slide down his arm and entwined her fingers with his. “We have a dream you promised to complete.”
He kissed her forehead and said, “Honey, it’s a dream neither of us are going to want to wake from.”
At least not tonight.She had no idea where this was going or how long it was going to last, but she wasn’t going to let this time slip through her fingers.
Good thing I packed some not so casual things.For once she was glad she’d listened to Vickie and purchased the red lace bra and panties. Let’s see if red really is your favorite color.
The walk back to the hotel seemed to take forever, but there was something nice about walking the streets holding hands. It was late enough that the crowds had thinned. She even talked him into stopping for an ice cream on the way. He wasn’t sure if it was to torture him or if she really wanted ice cream. It was difficult not watching her tongue curl as she took long licks. And when there was a drop on the corner of her lips, he wanted to claim it, tasting all of her sweetness.
But no. She didn’t seem in any rush. He got it. It was a beautiful night, but his mind wasn’t on the weather or window shopping. Gia didn’t seem to have changed her mind, so he assumed she was trying to make a lasting memory.
He was tempted to scoop her up into his arms and carry her back to the hotel. But he’d already fucked up once tonight and she was sweet enough to forgive him. He wasn’t going to go for broke.
As he opened the door to their suite, she said, “I can’t believe how late it is. Guess they mean it, New York never sleeps.”
“Like all big cities, it has good things and bad.”
“Well tonight, I only want to remember the good things.”
He closed the door behind them. “Anything in particular come to mind?”
Gia smiled at him, “Oh a few things, but I’m thinking the highlight of the night has yet to come.” She brushed past him and said, “It’s been a long day so if you don’t mind, I’d like to freshen up.”
He was left standing in the living room as she entered her bedroom and closed the door. His body reacted to her closeness. What was it going to be like when he actually touched her? Ran his hands all over her silky soft flesh? Fuck. Stop thinking about it.