Head Over Feels

“You dedicate so much time to your career that you seem to be searching for answers that can be found outside the office. You’ve always enjoyed the bachelor awards, but maybe that and your work aren’t enough anymore.”

We’ve tiptoed around this topic before. We both know I don’t have a life and what I’ve sacrificed for my career. She only says this stuff because she cares and worries about me, so I’m not upset. But unfortunately, Tealey and I agreed just this morning that we wouldn’t share our private lives with others. “Is there a question in there somewhere?”

“No. Just that I see the change. It’s slow, but it’s happening. Trust me, Rad, you’re going to fall so hard you won’t know what hit you. And then you’ll finally see the light. All the pieces will fall into place after that, and hopefully, you’ll find more work-life balance.”

“The light? Why is it always about seeing the light?” I sigh, rolling my eyes.

“Did you just roll your eyes?”

“Did I?”

She laughs. “You did. That’s new.”

“I must have picked it up somewhere over the weekend.”

With a knowing grin, she sing-songs, “Must have. Or someone has rubbed off on you.”

She sees right through me. Guilty as charged. Tealey’s definitely been rubbing off on me, and I on her. Fuck. Now I can’t hide my smile. Ashleigh pounces. “Who has you smiling like that, boss?”

Handing her the file, I stand. I grab my briefcase with one hand and my coffee in the other. “As fun as it has been to analyze my life, let’s get to court.”

30

Tealey

Rad’s magnetism puts women under a spell, and his charisma causes men to envy him. I’ve seen it firsthand. Rad Wellington is a gifted man when it comes to who he is on the inside, but my goodness, my heart and other parts are enjoying the full package.

Rolled-up shirtsleeves. A black and chrome watch on his wrist. That Adam’s apple that dips down to tease me. His jaw that ticks when he’s deep in thought . . . or greedily taking me in like he is now. Gah! It’s too much!

I’m a lucky woman indeed because he came home to me.

His keys jingle around the hook, and he never breaks his stride on his way to me. A man on a mission. “Are you hungry?” I ask the giant of a man coming toward me. He takes hold of my head and sweeps my hair to the opposite shoulder.

I open myself up, my neck begging to be kissed, and Rad never disappoints. With warm lips against my rapidly heating skin, he breathes, “I don’t want to eat food. I don’t need anything to drink. I only want you. All I’ve thought about all day is being buried deep inside you.”

“Um . . .” I start, my throat thickening under the intensity. “We should do that. Get right on it. Now’s good for me.”

His eyes darken in the dim lights of the living room as his pupils widen, devouring me as if I’m dinner instead of the treats I baked him today. The scrape of his tongue along the corner of his mouth mesmerizes me, but when his mouth presses to mine, he breathes life into me again.

Giving and taking, we share our feelings through our caresses without saying a word. The passion in his eyes pierces my skin as he takes in my rising and falling chest with each breath I can’t contain. “Looking this good is dangerous for my career. I may never go back to work if you’re here waiting.”

I point my toe. “They’re new leggings. Camo. I’m surprised you could even see me.”

Victory is mine. I finally get him to smile.

“The Friends shirt gave you away.”

“Ah, yes. Ross shouting ‘pivot’ is always a crowd-pleaser, but I have a feeling it’s not my wardrobe you’re referring to.”

“No.”

He dips and takes hold of the back of my legs, carrying me over his shoulder. My ass is squeezed, and then he gives me a good, hard smack. Launching up, I squeal through a fit of giggles. “I take it you won your cases?”

“Damn right, I did.” It all makes sense now. I promised we’d celebrate his victories.

“Are you claiming your prize?”

Setting me on the bed, he’s already tugging my socks off. “I’m claiming you. Hope your schedule is clear for the next few hours.”

“Hours? Oh goodness.” Starfishing on the mattress, I’m more than ready. “And here I baked cupcakes to celebrate.”

Sliding my leggings down, he licks his lips. “Don’t worry. We won’t let them go to waste.” He reaches down and unabashedly drags a fingertip through my lower lips. I suck in a harsh breath, holding it when he raises his finger and slides it into his mouth. “As a matter of fact—”

“I’m not putting a cupcake in my vagina.”