I look her over, taking in every gorgeous bit. From her long dark hair, her tan skin, to those lush curves that make up every one of my fantasies.
“You have no reason to be self-conscious. We appreciate what you do for the company and for us.”
“Gunner says you guys met in the military,” Bella murmurs while typing out another email about the party. I don’t know how she can talk and type, handling two completely different conversations at once.
“We did.”
“I’m sure that’s filled with stories you don’t want to talk about. But I’m curious how you went from that career to consulting.” She murmurs before turning her amazing dark eyes on me.
I clear my throat. “Um … readjusting wasn’t easy. After all those unpleasant stories Iwon’ttalk about. I think we were all kind of lost, some more than others. Gunner and Nick had minimal problems adjusting to civilian life.”
“Gunner is an alcoholic and Nick is a workaholic. Any kind of whole-hearted focus like that is covering for something,” She argues.
“Roman spent time with family and he’s always been strong in his convictions and his personality. But Holden and I … we still have nightmares. I find it hard to trust people, but I crave stability. Something reliable and consistent. Working with men I know have my back seems like the answer to that.”
Bella nods at that. “No more prying. I was just curious.”
“You’re allowed to get to know us.”
“That’s how attachments start. Attaching myself to six men when it’s been made very clear that this is temporary doesn’t seem wise.” Still, her hands hesitate on the keyboard and she faces me. “Six men is a lot. You were right. I’m nervous about it. I’ve never been with more than one until now.”
“Really?” I think back to how easily she took Holden and Gunner together. Not to mention the hint that she’d done more with multiple of the guys.
“I know how to please and I like being with two of you guys at once, but any more than that is kind of intimidating. I’ve seen the gang bang porn and let me tell you – it looks like more work and less pleasure.”
I laugh easily and see Bella light up as well. We relax into easy conversation about porn, the party, what to tell some of the guests, and then it’s quitting time. I remind her that we’ll go out tomorrow after we get settled at the hotel and she agrees, happily.
She kisses my cheek as we walk to our cars. Then Miles shows up. He flashes a sexy smile at Bella. I expect her to run right to him, considering she’s his official sugar baby, but she lingers with me.
“Tomorrow?”
“Yes.”
“No interruptions.”
“Agreed.”
She kisses me gently before going to Miles and I see her glance back at me with an almost worried expression, but I can’t place the emotion exactly.
I don’t linger on it for long. I pack everything I need for this weekend and then relax at the house. Just as I’m making myself dinner, I hear a female laugh and turn to see Bella. Miles kisses her hungrily and swats her bottom.
She sheepishly enters the house, like she hasn’t been here at least three times since her first visit, and stayed clothed for all of five minutes. She walks toward me and looks at my t-shirt. “That’s a good band.”
“I saw them live.”
“No way!” She bounces on her toes and takes in the rest of my outfit – black sweats. She just smiles. “You look so comfy, Matt. You’re putting me in the mood to cuddle.”
“Save it for later.” I kiss the top of her head. “I still have some out-of-country business to take care of before I get to enjoy the weekend.”
“Work-life balance.” She taps my forehead. “Learn it, mister. If you keep overworking, life is going to pass you by.”
“I’ve heard that somewhere.”
“I’ll just have to be an annoying fly in your ear telling you that every day.”
She teases me but then has dinner with Roman, Gunner, and Miles. I know she’s been closer to them than anyone. Probably because they’ll make time for her. But Nick sits down to join them which surprises me.
Shaking it off, I remind myself I have a date with her tomorrow.