“Screw the deal,” I whisper against her lips. “I want you to want it.”
“Are we still talking about the date?” she asks, a smile tugging at her lips.
“Among other things,” I say, running my fingertips over the curve of her hip.
She suppresses a smile and clears her throat before nodding. “I think that’s only fair.”
“Good.” I press a kiss to her neck, loving the way she shivers and tilts her head to give me better access. “Because I can still taste you on my tongue, and I want more.”
Chelsea’s breath catches, and she shifts in my lap. “I’m not going to argue with that, but… you should know I’ve never done ‘more’.”
I stare at her for a long moment. The part of my brain that normally houses coherent thought seems to have gone on hiatus. Chelsea watches my face cautiously.
“It’s not a big deal,” she blurts out. “I just didn’t want to you be disappointed. You know… if I suck.”
I shake my head, trying to sort out my thoughts, but she’s still rambling.
“…Not that I’m saying I expect you to sleep with me, because that would be crazy. I probably shouldn’t have said anything—”
I press my lips to hers, silencing her with a kiss. I pour every ounce of my soul into it. Chelsea clings to my neck, her body melting into mine. When we finally come up for air, she gazes at me with heavy-lidded eyes. Her lips swollen and pouty.
She’s so beautiful. My chest aches when she looks at me like that. Like I could be everything she needs. When she looks at me like that, I think Icouldbe everything she needs. I certainlywantto be.
“I’m glad you told me,” I reassure her, playing with a strand of her silky blonde hair. “I want you, Chelsea, but I’m not in a rush.” Well, my dick might be, but that bastard is always in a rush.
“So… it’s not a big deal…” Chelsea hedges, watching me like I’ll change my mind.
“Oh, it’s a big deal,” I grin at her. “I was planning to be your last. Now I’ll be your only.”
“Oh lord, you look like death,” James says in a horrified tone as I step out of the elevator. He leans away but holds out my morning coffee. I take it with a groan.
“It’s fine. I’m fine,” I argue. “It’s just a little bug.”
“Yeah… it doesn’t look like you’re fighting a ‘little bug’,” James scoffs. “Radioactive super spider, maybe.”
“You’re such a nerd,” I say, trying not to stagger on my feet as I make it to my desk. Truthfully, I’m in bad shape. I don’t know what I caught from those kids, but whatever it is, someone could weaponize it with very little effort.
“And you need to admit defeat, Matthew. You’re going home. Ivan shouldn’t have even brought you in.”
“I am not going home. I have things to do and plans later.”
“Ah… the date?” James asks through pursed lips. “Cancel it.”
“No,” I growl. I’m not giving up a single inch of the progress I made with Chelsea last weekend. We’ve had a week of flirty text messages, all building up to tonight.
I sink into my office chair—and keep melting. My forehead drops to the desk with a thump.
“Home,” James demands, his voice harder than I’ve ever heard it. “Now.” He hooks an arm under mine, forcing me to stand. I want to argue, but I really don’t have the energy.
“Couch,” I argue, pulling away and heading for brown leather. “Car is too far. I’ll just take a nap.”
“Fine,” James huffs. “But once you’ve slept, I’m making Ivan take you home.”
10
CHELSEA
Icheck my reflection, admiring the dress Olive loaned me for the umpteenth time. I look… good. The emerald green dress flows over my hips, moving like liquid silk with every step I take. I adjust one of the straps, and then run my fingers along it, remembering how Matt stroked my skin. I can almost feel the warmth of his touch; the rasp of his fingers as he pushed my strap down my shoulder—and then my phone dings, making me jump.