“Oh, yes.” He was worth every risk. “I meant what I said when I told you that I’d never get enough of you.”
He chuckled, a devilish gleam entering his gaze as he tugged on the belt of her robe, unraveling the ties. “I’m holding you to that promise.”
“Right here, right now?” she dared.
“Oh, yeah.” Accepting her challenge, he pushed the chenille off her shoulders and slid the thin straps of her gown down her arms, baring her to his hot gaze.
He palmed her full breasts, skimmed his fingers down to her belly. Having his hands on her again was pure heaven. Her hunger and need for him overwhelmed her, and she helped him to quickly undress, too, their urgency mounting with every scrap of clothing they removed.
They only made it as far as the couch, and he came down on top of her, naked and heavy, flesh to flesh, heartbeat to heartbeat. He branded her with his body and possessed her in a single driving thrust that made them both shudder and gasp in pleasure. His arms went around her back, smoothed along her spine, wrapping her safe and secure in his strong embrace. She clung to the heat, the strength, the masculine scent that were uniquely his, and all hers.
He buried his face in her hair, his hold tightening as he let them both savor the thrill of their joining just a moment longer. “Damn, I missed you,” he groaned.
She threaded her fingers through his silky hair, her heart content with the knowledge that she’d been on his mind, in his dreams, a part of his fantasies. “Did you really miss me?” she asked coyly.
“As much as it pains me to admit it, yeah, I did.” He lifted his head from her neck, which caused his lower body to arch into her, e
mbedding him deeper. His eyes sparkled mischievously. “I need my secretary back.”
Her jaw dropped open, and he chuckled, the deep, jovial tremors vibrating against her belly. “I missed you,” he said before she could issue an indignant response. “But I most definitely need you back in the office. And I was thinking that I sure could use a partner every now and then on various cases.”
“What’s in it for me?” she asked impudently.
His hips moved and he slid into her, deep and slow, then out again. She moaned and wrapped her legs around the back of his thighs. “I give great bonuses.”
She narrowed her gaze, remembering the last bonus he’d given her and how she’d felt about it. “I don’t need money for something I want to do.”
“Then I’m sure we can come up with a fair exchange. Your services for mine.” He waggled his eyebrows rakishly and surged deep again. “What do you think?”
She’d never seen him so playful, so lighthearted, and she loved it. “I think you have yourself a deal.” Before he could totally distract her, there was one other issue they needed to resolve. “Cole…what about my father?”
He winced. “I don’t think now’s the time to bring him into the conversation, do you? Unless you’re looking to kill the mood.”
She laughed lightly. “You’re right, but talking to my father is something you’re eventually going to have to deal with. He knows where I stand, but he deserves to know about us, and I think he ought to hear it from you.”
“I know.” He pressed his forehead to hers, their breaths mingling. “I have every intention of talking to him, but, right now, the only thing I want to think about is you and how great it feels to be back where I belong.”
She sighed her agreement, and then all thought was lost as he kissed her long and slow and deep, shamelessly tempting and teasing her mind, her body, and senses…just as she’d seduced him from the very beginning.
EPILOGUE
“Melodie, can I see you in my office, please?”
Cole made the request, disconnected the intercom and waited for his efficient secretary to enter. In less than a minute she arrived, gliding across the room confidently, the sexy skirt she wore giving him all kinds of wicked ideas. And, lucky for them, it was after six in the evening and Noah and Jo were gone for the day, leaving them completely and totally alone. Just as he’d planned.
The two of them had been dating exclusively for three months, and he couldn’t imagine another woman in his life. Melodie was perfect for him, in every way. She matched him intellectually, stimulated him sexually, and evoked a love so strong it threatened to consume him—in a good way. She never held back with him, not physically or emotionally, and it was her generous, selfless nature that allowed him to open up to her, too.
He’d never thought his life could feel so rich and rewarding, and he constantly marveled that this incredible woman was the reason. And, unbelievable as it was, she wanted him just the way he was.
She tipped her head as she neared, and he could tell by the diligent look in her eyes that she was expecting a business-related discussion. “What did you need?” she asked.
He grinned sinfully and crooked his finger at her. “I need you.”
Her gaze softened with desire, and a sensual smile curved her lips. Rounding his desk, she slid onto his lap, entwined her arms around his neck, and brought his mouth down to hers for a hot, tongue-tangling kiss that stoked a fire deep in his belly. Knowing how easily one of these naughty office encounters could flare into a frenzy of passion, he reluctantly pulled his lips from hers before she ended up sprawled on his desk and his original intentions were forgotten.
She sighed dreamily, and her fingers played with the hair at the nape of his neck. “You know, the perks around here just keep getting better and better.”
He chuckled. “I’m glad you think so. And speaking of perks, I’ve got a bonus for you, for a job well done lately.”