Tempting the Crown (The Crown 1)

rip. That you’re hesitant about us even after you and I talked.”

“He did?” She was surprised they had talked about it.

Deacon nodded. “We share everything, Abby.”

“Everything?” she questioned.

He took a step toward her. Her body responded with electricity at his nearness. She reminded herself she was here because she chose it. Deacon couldn’t keep her anymore.

“Everything.”

His fingers lingered along her cheek.

They had referenced it so many times, but she was afraid to ask. Afraid she would sound like an idiot or a sexual novice. Did they share women like this? Was he implying they slept with the same women? She didn’t have the guts to ask him.

Instead, she held still while his fingertips trailed along her neck to the front of her throat.

“So damn beautiful,” he murmured before backing away.

Her eyes lifted to his. The touch had felt sensual. Something so small and innocent had her panties wet. She wanted another touch. Something more this time.

“Dinner is at six. Did Douglas bring you a gown?” he asked, changing the mood and the topic.

She nodded. “It’s in my closet.”

“I’ll see you downstairs soon.” He walked to the door.

She tried to think of how to stall him, but she knew it was wrong. Every impulse in her body was going against her heart and her mind. She should be throwing Deacon Evans out of her bedroom with everything she had, instead she was concocting ways to keep him here.

“Deacon?”

“Yes?” He turned at the door.

“The flowers really are beautiful. Thank you.”

“I’m glad you like them. Now go get dressed. We have a lot to celebrate tonight. We have a winning artist to make feel special.” He winked before closing the door behind him.

Abby fell backward on the bed. What in holy hell just happened?

14

Abby

Dinner tonight was different. The seating arrangement was the same. Deacon was on one side and Cole on the other. The candles were lit. The wine had been poured. The food had been prepared by the chef the way it was every night. But she glanced between the two men and something felt different. The atmosphere was electric. She didn’t know how else to describe it. She saw them through new eyes.

“I’m being extremely selective who sees your design ahead of the trip tomorrow,” Deacon explained. “But I showed it our vice president of marketing. She was extremely impressed.” He smiled.

“She was?” Abby still couldn’t believe everything that had happened today.

Cole’s eyes shone. “It’s incredible what you did, Abby. Nothing compares to it. Deacon chose the perfect design.”

“It’s our passion project. And now you’re always going to be a part of it,” Deacon added.

She felt the swirl of giddiness invade her.

“Can you tell me about Vegas?” she asked. “What are we going to do there?”

Cole looked surprised. “You don’t know about Vegas?” he teased.