He’d missed that sound. It acted like a trigger, and he came inside her, pounding hard until he was spent.
The frantic pace slowed and then came to a stop. She leaned forward, resting against his chest. He wrapped his arms around her, holding her as close as he could. He was definitely doing everything in his power to make sure she didn’t have to leave again.
****
Rae pressed into the warm body behind her. She’d missed so much about Zach, and waking up next to him was even more comforting than she remembered.
He didn’t stir, and his steady breathing warmed the back of her neck. The clock said it was seven. He had to be up soon to make it to the exhibitor hall, so there was no point in her going back to sleep, but she also wasn’t ready to get up.
She grabbed her phone off the nightstand instead, careful not to jostle him. Time to see what the fallout from yesterday looked like. She prayed she’d made the right call.
Her smile grew as she scanned industry headlines, E3 hashtags, and forums. DM was taking serious heat for the stunt. People were talking about how their arrogance was catching up to them. And about the old-newcomers who had owned the big boys and put DM in their place.
Lips glided along the back of her neck, sending a pleasant chill through her.
“They really like us, huh?” Zach’s soft voice caressed her skin.
She set her phone aside, leaning more weight against him. “How much did you read?”
“Enough. Your shoulder was in the way of some of it.” His palm rested on her stomach, holding her close. “We’re lucky it didn’t take a different turn. It might not have gone so well.”
“True. But since it did, we’re not dwelling. Besides, you built your career on being high risk.”
“Hmm.” Every time he spoke, it rumbled through her back. “Fair enough.”
He was growing hard against her ass, and she pressed into his cock. “What time do you have to be downstairs?”
His hand slid up her chest, cupped one breast, and then tweaked her nipple. He kissed along her shoulder. “Too soon.”
She frowned, even though he couldn’t see it. “We can be quick.”
He rolled away and pulled her onto her back. Seconds later, he was straddling her, gaze tracing her face. “It’s tempting.” He placed his hands on the bed, on either side of her head, and kissed her. “You’re tempting.” His mouth moved along her jaw. “But I have to do something first, and it’s important, and I promise if it goes well I’m all yours in my free time.”
She tried to smile. Of course business still came first. She knew that. “I’ll let you get to it then.”
He rolled off her, grabbed her hands, and helped her sit up across from him. “How much longer are you in town?”
“Until the end of the show. Like I said last night, I was hopeful.”
He grinned. “God, I love you.”
The words warmed her and tempered her disappointment, even though they didn’t erase it.
“Here’s the thing,” he continued before she could respond. “We’re doing a live demo this afternoon.”
“All right?”
“And it’s going to be hard to top what happened to DM yesterday, but I’d like to at least make a splash.”
“Which you will. Your game is brilliant.” He wanted his ego stroked? That didn’t make any sense. She was missing something.
“And I was thinking maybe we could announce we have a new CFO—maybe turn some heads by bringing you up on stage?”
She laughed and ducked her head, heat flooding her cheeks. “I hardly think I’m media worthy.”
He placed a finger under her chin and raised her face again. “It worked yesterday. Is that a yes?”
“Absolutely.” Giddiness floated through her. They were going to bring her on after all. She hadn’t realized how much she’d missed the idea, but knowing she could have that back—a solid job with a company she actually believed in—filled her with all sorts of happy thoughts.
“That was easier than I thought.” His laugh was nervous. “Next one is a bit harder for me.”
“Oh?” She leaned closer, curious.
He rested his hands on her cheeks, holding her gaze. “Where are you staying when you move back?”
“Chloe’s guest room or some long-term motel until I find a new place. I’ll figure it out.” She had a couple of options, but hadn’t wanted to set anything in stone until she knew the company would take her back.
“With me?”
She blinked as the words sank in. “As in, long term?”
He kissed her deeply, holding her face, hunger and need on his lips. She gasped when they broke apart. That sensation was still incredible.
He didn’t let go. “As in long term. Move in with me?”
She should think about it. It was such a rash decision to make given how much planning had gone into everything else. “Okay.” Her mouth stole hesitation from her. As soon as she agreed, she knew it was exactly what she wanted. “Yes. I’d love to.”