“She didn’t. She was just making sure that I didn’t change my mind,” I said as I looked at him in confusion.
“Shouldn’t Henry be going with her?” he asked.
“Did you go with me, Mr. Black?”
“Good point.” He smiled.
Emerging from the rocking chair, he took Julia downstairs and put her in her swing. I followed behind as I let out a sigh of relief. If he ever found out that I was going to see Ashlyn, I didn’t know what he’d do.
I picked up toys around the living room and put them in a basket, then walked to the kitchen to make a cup of coffee. Connor came from behind and wrapped his strong arms around me, taking in my scent as his hot breath traveled down my neck. As I put my hands on his arms and tilted my head to the side, his lips began their journey across my skin.
“I wish Mason was here right now to take Julia for a while so I could fuck you on this kitchen counter.”
“We don’t need Mason. You can still do it. Julia’s being good in her swing. We may not have a lot of time, but we can certainly try.”
A low growl developed in the back of his throat as he reached his hand between my thighs and started cupping me below. I quickly turned around to face him. He picked me up and set me on the counter while his hands made their way up my shirt and to my breasts. I brought my hands to his head and ran my fingers through his hair. Our mouths devoured each other. Suddenly, we heard someone clear their throat. I jumped, and Connor looked across the kitchen.
“Am I interrupting something?” Denny asked as he walked to the refrigerator.
“Damn it, Denny.”
“Relax, Connor. Julia would have made sure you two didn’t get any further.”
I couldn’t help but laugh at his comment as I got off the counter and straightened my shirt. Just as I was about to say something, my phone rang. I looked over to where it was sitting.
“It’s a call from Chicago. I bet it’s Sal’s brother. I’ll be right back,” I said as I walked out of the kitchen.
“Hello.”
“Ellery?” a male voice spoke.
“Yes, this is Ellery.”
“Hi, this is Vinnie, Sal’s brother. He said he was going to call you about my art gallery showing here in Chicago.”
“Yes, Vinnie, Sal did call me, and I’m very interested in doing a showing.”
“That’s great, Ellery. I’ve seen your work and I think you’re an amazing painter. Is there any way you can fly out to Chicago and we can meet for dinner to discuss the opening?”
“Sure. When would you like to meet?”
“The sooner, the better. That way, you can get a feel for what I’m expecting.”
“I can probably fly out tomorrow,” I said.
“That’ll be great. Call me or send me a text to confirm, and I’ll make reservations for dinner. I look forward to meeting you, Ellery.”
“Thank you, Vinnie. I’ll be in touch.”
Excitedly, I walked back to the kitchen, where Denny was holding Julia and Connor was sitting across from him.
“Well?” Connor asked.
“I’m flying to Chicago tomorrow to have dinner with Vinnie. So make sure the plane’s ready.”
“Yes, ma’am!” Connor smiled. “I’ll clear my schedule for tomorrow and fly with you.”
“You don’t have to go, Connor. I know how busy you are.”
“You’re not going alone, end of discussion, Ellery,” he said in a serious tone.
I looked over at Denny as he raised his eyebrows at me. When I slowly walked over to where Connor sat, he looked up from his phone at me.
“What?”
“I love you, but if you ever take that tone with me again, I will hurt you. Do you understand?”
The corners of his mouth curved up into a sinister smile. “Then I’ll make sure to use that tone more often, especially in the bedroom.”
“Or in the kitchen, if that’s what you prefer,” Denny chimed in.
I couldn’t help but laugh as I walked over and kissed Denny on the cheek.
***
After having the best sex with Connor, first in bed and then again in the shower, we packed a light bag, grabbed the diaper bag, put Julia in her car seat, and headed to Mason’s loft to pick him up. Opening the door, he slid into the seat across from us and sat down next to Julia.
“Hello, princess! We’re going to have so much fun in Chicago. Uncle Mason is going to take you to the American Girl store.”
“Don’t you think she’s a little young for that?” Connor asked.
“Bite your tongue! You’re never too young for those beautiful and fun dolls.”
Once we arrived at the airport, we boarded Connor’s plane and headed to Chicago. Upon arriving in the Windy City, we checked ourselves into the Trump Towers and headed to our rooms. Connor handed Mason a key to his own room. Mason looked at him in confusion.
“I have my own room? Aren’t nannies supposed to stay with the couple and their child?”
“You have your own room where you can hang out with Julia when we need you to. Your bar is fully stocked with the best liquor, so please enjoy. But not while Julia’s with you.”