Blush Don’t be late.
A half smile stayed with him while he finished his smoke. He hovered outside for a few more minutes to let the smell dissipate and then headed back to dinner. Rae had already rejoined the group and was swapping stories with Selina about whether it was better to give someone a written warning right off or talk to them first. When Selina took the hard, fast line of no exceptions, Zach was even more relieved he’d ignored her flirting.
“Everything all right?” Scott asked as soon as Zach was seated.
Shit, Zach hadn’t come up with an excuse. This entire thing was screwing with his head. His brain kicked an answer to his mouth without pausing to let him process. “Broker.”
Scott scowled. “Of course.”
Vance laughed. “At least you’re planning for your future.”
Rae gave Zach a brief glance. She looked away before he could be sure if what he saw dancing in her brown eyes was laughter.
He resisted the urge to call off the night early. Knowing what was waiting for him would at least make things more tolerable.
Chapter Seven
Rae perched on the edge of Chloe’s couch, intertwining her fingers and then unwinding them again. Should she change? She’d already stowed her shoes in the guest room. She smoothed the sundress over her knees, even though there was no one around to be modest for. Her sister was spending the night with Jordan, so Rae had the place to herself. Was she making a mistake with Zach?
No. She kept thinking she might feel differently each time she asked the question, but she couldn’t convince herself this was a bad idea.
She jumped at a knock on the door, hand flying to her hammering heart, and giggled at her own reaction. Remember to breath. She tried to take her time crossing the room to answer.
“Hey.” It was the only thing she could manage when she saw him. She stepped aside, using the excuse to study him when he entered. The tailored jacket hung off his shoulders perfectly, and the slacks made his ass look fantastic. She did like the view when he was around.
Her hostess instinct kicked in when she couldn’t think of anything else to say. She latched the door and leaned back against it. “Can I get you anything?”
“You.”
That was corny. And she didn’t care. Her lips and skin still tingled with the memories from his office, and that had only been a kiss. She forced down her hesitation and stepped closer. “Easy enough.”
“Easy’s not the word I would have used.” He rested a hand on her cheek and kissed her softly. His mouth trailed down her jaw to her throat and over her shoulder. “I could go for intoxicating. Or distracting.”
He was good at that. Her body yielded even as her mind tried to stay in control. Getting rid of the sexual tension between them was definitely a good idea. She tilted her head back, sinking into every new sensation. “It’s not a negotiation.”
“Hmm…” The sound rumbled through her skin. “Says you.” He slipped a finger under the shoulder strap of her dress and slid it down to the top of her breast before moving back up again. “Pink bra.” He kissed along her collarbone. “Flared skirt.” His hand rested on her waist. “Wait. What were we talking about?”
She relaxed further. This wasn’t the salesman who worked his verbal bullshit magic at dinner or the guy who didn’t hesitate to ask for a waitress’s phone number. Would he actually let down his defenses for the night and let her see the real him? If she had to admit it, she missed that person—the banter, the fun, the long hours just talking. She didn’t dare hope she’d get to spend the night with the man behind the professional mask.
“You’re too quiet.” He nipped her neck, and she gasped. “That’s a start. Something on your mind?”
No way was she spoiling the moment by voicing her doubts or observations. She broke away with a smile, pushed his jacket off his shoulders, and hung it on a hook by the door. “Only one thing.”
He grasped her fingers with one hand, pulling her close while wrapping his other arm around her waist. He kissed her lightly again. “The kind of thing you’d be willing to describe in vivid…” He caught her bottom lip between his teeth. “…lurid…” He bit her earlobe, voice barely a whisper. “…detail?
Every new sensation sent another spark through her, making her lightheaded. She pressed against him, memorizing the way her body molded to his. “I’m not the wordsmith you are, and what I had in mind is a lot more hands on.”
He slid around until he was standing behind her. His lips traced up the back of her neck, breath hot against her skin. “I like the way you think.”
She tilted her head back and rested it against his chest. He glided his palms up her stomach, the light but confident touch sending tingles of desire through her. His nose tickled her shoulder then her ear.