“And you are filled with compliments.” I kiss him softly. “Thank you for being so concerned about my job.”
“I am. I want to make sure you’re happy here. In every way, Bella. I can see that you’re an asset.”
My chest blooms with pride. Nick redresses me and I do the same for him before he heads out. It’s been a productive week. Even if I haven’t seen Holden again. Which is a shame. I like the way his cock feels in my throat.
Thursday, I wear slacks since I have to wash my skirts and a simple silky wrap top. Before I can even sit down to work, I’m called into Miles’ office. All of the men are there, in one place.
A little thrill teases my nerves, but realizing just how many of them there are (holy crap all six) and just one little me has me anxious. Roman and Gunner stand to the side. Gunner’s drinking as usual, but Roman’s eyes find me and I see the corner of his mouth pull up as he drinks me in.
Do pants do it for him?
I take an unsteady breath and adjust in my heels as Holden and Nick argue about something. Matthew motions me towards him with a subtle motion of his finger as Miles tries to get Gunner’s attention away from the story he’s been telling.
I lean over Matthew’s shoulder. “What’s going on?”
“Miles wants to go over everything for the party this weekend in Scottsdale.”
“What party?” I ask.
Matthew takes my hand and rubs my knuckles. “Don’t worry. We’ll take care of you.”
I blink at him as my cheeks heat. “But-”
“Tomorrow, of course, we’re all going to Scottsdale. I have the hotel set up and have given out the invitations for the party itself, but I made sure we have two full nights booked in connecting suites. The largest, of course. Each has two bedrooms, so there will be plenty of space.”
“For you too, Bella.” Gunner winks at me.
I swallow. I knew what I was getting into being with these men. And three weeks is no time, even for a fling. Still, they’ve shown me that they’re good men. That they’re not going to break me just because they can … even if Roman is toeing that line happily. I shouldn’t be nervous, but not even my ex and I went on trips.
“Ow,” Matthew says with a light smile. No one else looks over, so I know his voice is soft.
I realize how hard I’m squeezing his hand. I ease up and focus on the itinerary Miles lays out. But then his eyes go to me. “After the party, we can enjoy ourselves plenty.”
Gunner winks at me and I feel Holden stroke down my back before grabbing my ass.I’mthe afterparty.
“Why bother with a party at all when we have Bella?”
“A way to test your drinking, I’m sure,” Nick says. “Don’t overdo it, Gunner.”
“Are you the reward, Bella?” He asks, raising his bourbon glass to his lips.
I smile. “Of course I am. But I won’t complain if you can’t come … that just means more for me.”
The guys chuckle. We go over more details and I take notes. At the end of the meeting, I realize how close to Matthew I am. I clear my throat. “Anyone want coffee?”
I get three orders and head to the front. I don’t realize I’m being followed until I’m outside. Matthew stands there, studying my face intently. Before I can ask what he’s doing, he takes my hand. “Any of us … all of us will listen if you say no.”
“Why would I say no to anything involving you … six.”
“I know pleasing six women at once would terrify me, even if I did like them.” He smiles gently. “But you’re a stronger woman than I am.”
I lick over my bottom lip. “I want to go on a date with you, Matthew. Or at least talk to you. The other guys visit. Holden texts me. I keep thinking I’ve made you mad or offended you. And clearly, you’re not like Roman – punishing me or something.”
“You haven’t, Bella. I’m just … slower on the draw.” His face softens, but he doesn’t smile. “I don’t want you overwhelmed. I don’t want you panicking or concerned about your job. This is a lot for you, even if you don’t think it is. Even if you can handle it.”
I want to melt into that respectful, almost awed look in his eyes, especially considering it’s aimed at me specifically. I take a step closer to him. “You know, I only have two hands. It might be nice to have some help with coffee.”
He flashes a beautiful smile; the same one he gave me last time. The same one I still dream about. We put in the order and Matthew glances around the shop. I see him take a step closer to me. “I don’t like how some of these men watch you.”