“Shit,” I mutter. “You could give a girl warning.”
I lost track of Owen while I was thinking about consent, and now he’s standing behind me.
Right. Behind. Me.
As in, I can feel his erection pressed against me.
“You couldn’t see the warning in my eyes as I watched you walk towards me?” His voice is so damn growly and sexy. “I’ve undressed you five times over. Just like every man here tonight has. When you’re mine, we’re going to have to negotiate the dresses you wear.”
I grip the counter of the bar as I do my best to calm the sensations his words cause. I’ve been with men before. Sure. Many of them. But holy hell, not one of them has ever said anything like that to me.
When you’re mine.
I’ve never felt so wanted.
Twisting, I face him and find those hungry eyes of his watching me carefully. “I’m not good at negotiating, Owen.”
“Then it’s a skill you’re going to need to learn.”
My breaths come a little faster. “I don’t think so. I’m more about choosing my own clothes and being in control of myself. I’ve never let a man into my life who wanted to take that out of my hands.” I might be saying these words, but I can’t deny I’m so freaking turned on right now at the thought of battling Owen for control. And at the thought of a man wanting me all to himself.
His gaze drops to my chest for a good few moments. The silence between us only fans my lust. I have no clue what Owen will say or do next, and waiting for him is driving me crazy.
When he meets my gaze again, he says, “I’m not interested in taking control of you. I’d just like to keep dresses like this one between us.”
“Do you always go from a kiss straight to making plans for the future?” I’m spinning with this sudden development. Owen moves faster than any man I’ve ever met.
“I’ve never been inspired like this before.”
Silence descends on us again as we watch each other. I don’t think we even need words right now. The electricity between us speaks volumes.
It’s then that Jill North, Owen’s ex-wife, chooses to interrupt us. “Owen, a minute please?”
He scowls, but it’s brief. Facing her, he says, “I’m in the middle of something, Jill. Can this wait?”
She looks past him at me, her eyes narrowing as she takes me in. Looking back at him, she says, “No, it can’t. Not if you want to win that bloody award. And I’m not convinced that talking with the staff is more important than the opportunity I’ve lined up for you.” Her tone is snooty, and I have to wonder how the hell Owen was married to her. He has money and status, but not once has he come across as up himself like she does.
“Give me a minute,” he says. I don’t miss the edge in his voice, and neither does Jill. Her eyes widen, but she doesn’t call him on it.
He turns back to me. “I’ll see you at work tomorrow.” It’s a simple statement, but it’s so much more than that to me. I hear the promise he’s making. He’ll come looking for me tomorrow.
I nod. “See you then.”
He spends another moment just taking me in, and then he leaves with Jill. I watch as they walk away, noting how heads turn when they walk past.
Owen North commands attention everywhere he goes.
But it’s my attention he wants.
And that makes me feel all kinds of fucking awesome. It’s a feeling not many people bring out in me, so I’m running with it.
8
Charlize
This morning has not gone to plan. Not in any way, shape or form.
First, I overslept. Meaning my hair isn’t on point.