Always With You (The Connor Family 6)

“I’m going home to change first.”

“Okay. Meet you there in two hours?”

“Sure.” I schooled my expression to appear neutral, not like I was still on edge from being so close to him. I’d use the time apart to cool down.

We waited together while a valet called cabs in groups of five to pull in front of the theater.

“Bring a bikini tonight,” he whispered.

I shook my head.

“I thought you wanted to swim in the panoramic pool.”

“Yes, but....” What could I say? That was before I realized that I couldn’t trust myself to spend more time than necessary with him? Especially after everything I’d learned about him this afternoon. He’d made my body simmer by doing nothing more than just sit next to me.

“You still want to.” I felt his hot breath on the top of my ear. “You know what, you don’t have to bring one. I’ll have one ready for you at the hotel.”

“What? How?”

“We have shops on the ground floor. I’m going to have fun picking up something for you.”

I cocked my head sideways, nearly smacking into him. “You’re just as good as I am at finding loopholes.”

“Can’t argue with that.”

“You don’t have to buy me anything.”

“Why, are you afraid of what I’d choose for you?” His voice was lower now, sexier. I barely resisted the urge to fan myself.

Shaking my head, I took a step forward, toward the cab the valet just pointed at.

“I’ll see you in two hours, Reid.”

I’d gotten through the afternoon unscathed. I wasn’t sure I’d be able to say the same after tonight.

Chapter Ten

Hailey

I didn’t have any time to procrastinate at home because traffic had eaten up much of my buffer. That was for the best really, otherwise I might have talked myself into bailing on Reid tonight, coming up with an excuse and rescheduling the meeting on a weekday, preferably lunch in a public place.

I did, however, spend a little too long in front of the mirror, checking if the bottom of the bikini covered the cellulite dimple on my ass cheek. I’d barely turned thirty, but there was no getting rid

of it, no matter how often I ran. Yep, all covered from inquisitive eyes. I had butterflies in my belly. My palms were sweaty. I had a bout of energy that was going to burst out of me at any time.

Here goes nothing.

The door to the penthouse was open, so I let myself in. The room was dimly lit. I perched on the barstool, assuming he’d join me in no time. The receptionist had called to tell him I was here as I’d entered the elevator.

“Hailey.”

He sounded surprised. I turned around and nearly swallowed my tongue. He was only wearing a towel. How could his muscles be so defined and sculpted, and yet so lean? I didn’t know where to look first. At those arms, or at the water drops trickling on his chest. Watching his happy trail disappear into the towel made me clench my thighs. I only realized how obvious I was when his chest rumbled with laughter.

“Should I just drop my towel so you can look your fill?”

“Sorry... I... what? No. Did I take you by surprise? The receptionist called.” I kept my voice cool and calm, maintaining eye contact.

“I was in the shower, didn’t hear it. Want us to start right away?”