My fingers clench
around my beer bottle. Did she just say… Then she leans forward and brushes her lips against mine. It’s not a long kiss or anything indecent but the moment our lips meet, I know I don’t want to spend even a second longer in this bar if she’s offering more.
I motion for the bartender so I can close out our tab, trying to keep my eyes away from her. With my blood rushing this fast through my veins, I’m afraid I’ll say something stupid or end up tossing her up on the bar to finish that kiss. People press closer on all sides and I feel a sudden urgency to get her out of here. I hand over a stack of bills to cover our drinks and then take her hand. It’s a fight to get through the crowd and outside but once we do, I take a deep breath. Casey looks up at me uncertainly. Is she having second thoughts?
“We could find another place. Maybe get some coffee or find a restaurant and get something to eat. Something to soak up all the drinks.”
She frowns. “Can I be honest?”
I move back out of the flow of traffic until we’re leaning up against the building. Ignoring my throbbing dick, I focus on her face. The thought of her being unhappy or unsure doesn’t sit well with me.
Casey follows closely, leaning into my side. “With my new job, I’m going to be really busy after this. I’m not looking for anything serious. But I’m really attracted to you. I’ve never felt like this with a guy before. So I guess what I’m saying is, I’d love to go look for a restaurant but I’d really rather go find a bed.”
And the throbbing is back.
She peers up at me. “Sorry, maybe I misread things.”
My breath explodes from my chest and I yank her up until our lips meet. I slide one hand into her hair to hold her captive and finally she melts against me, rocking her hips against mine. There’s no way she can’t feel how hard I am. When we finally have to break for air, her lips are pink and swollen and we’re both gasping.
“You didn’t misread anything. And if it’s okay with you, I’d love it if you’d come have a drink with me. In my hotel room.”
7
I text Kate, hoping this isn’t the one night she’s sick or otherwise occupied. Luckily, the text bubble starts moving almost immediately indicating that she’s responding to my message.
Casey shifts next to me and I mentally pray for Kate to hurry up. This certainly isn’t the first time that she’s gotten a text asking for the impossible. Considering the types of things I’m usually asking for, getting me a regular hotel room in the next ten minutes should be simple.
I look up to find Casey watching me curiously. “Sorry, just telling my assistant not to bother me for the rest of the night. I want to focus on you.”
Her eyes heat and she crosses her legs slightly. Then she bites that lip again.
“You keep looking at me like that and I’m going to start undressing you on the street.”
I grab her hand and pull her toward the curb. Luckily there’s a taxicab pulling up so I raise my arm to hail it.
“We’re taking a cab. Waiting around is just wasting time.” I hold the door open for her. “And Casey, the things I’m going to do to you are going to take time. A good, long time.”
In the cab, my phone vibrates in my hand.
Kate: Your electronic key will now open room 3472.
Andre: Thank you. Remind me to give you an extra Christmas bonus. Or an island.
Kate: I don’t want an island unless a cabana boy comes with it.
Andre: Done.
Kate: If you don’t want to be seen, make sure you use the regular elevator.
And this is what I pay her the money for. Most of the people who would recognize me will be using the elevator bank that services the top floors. Hopefully if I use the other elevators, no one who knows me personally will be there to bust me. My stomach churns when I think of a fan approaching me while I’m with Casey. I glance over at her. She’s looking out the window of the cab, quietly enjoying the ride. But somehow I don’t feel awkward or compelled to make conversation. There’s something incredibly soothing about being around her. Even when she’s giving me hell, I’m enjoying it.
I’m not ready to let that go yet.
We pull up to the hotel and Casey follows me out of the cab, her mouth falling open as she takes in the valet stand and then the marble lobby.
“Wow. This is a fancy place. You’re staying here?” She fidgets with the straps of her top as we walk toward the elevators.
I fight the urge to tell her not to bother. Without even looking around, I already know she’s the most beautiful woman in the room.