Lift

“I hate when you’re right,” he mumbles as the program completes and the test is a success.

“Just make sure your tux is pressed for tomorrow,” I say as he stands up and grabs his bag.

“I’m always ready to be the center of attention. Just don’t embarrass me with a navy suit again.”

I place a hand over my heart like he hurt me. “Dean said I looked dashing.”

“He’s a liar.” I laugh as Simon gets his keys and goes to walk to the door, but before he can walk out, he almost runs into Sloan. “Hello there, little one, are you lost?”

He looks at her like she’s a lost kitten, but that’s probably because he’s always bringing in strays.

“She’s mine,” I say, and Sloan looks over to me and bites her bottom lip to hide her smile.

“Is she now?” He holds out his hand and takes hers. “I’m Simon and I know everything about Harris. So, if you want some dirt let me know.” He winks at her and she nods.

“I’ll keep that in mind because right now he seems too perfect.” When she looks over at me, her blonde hair frames her face and she looks so sweet it makes my teeth hurt.

“Well, the truth is he is, but don’t tell him I said that.” He leans in close and pretends to whisper. “You’re the first lady he’s ever introduced me to, and I have to say I’m disappointed.” I take a step towards him, but he smiles like I’m not getting the joke. “I was hoping he’d play for my team because I’ve got lots of friends who have been begging for an introduction.”

Sloan gives me a look and raises her eyebrows.

“I guess they’ll just all be devastated now. Will I see you tomorrow at the party?” Simon asks Sloan, but I answer for her.

“She’ll be there.”

“I guess I will,” she agrees, and I feel warm in my chest.

“Have fun, kids. I’m going home to a bottle of wine and ten hours of sleep.”

I nod to him as he leaves and Sloan walks into the control room.

“I wasn’t sure where to go. The security guard downstairs pointed me—”

Before she can finish the sentence, I’m rushing over to her and holding her face as I kiss the hell out of her. Her lips are soft and her hands move under my arms and around my back. Her fingers grip the material of my shirt, pulling me closer, and then her mouth opens for me.

The first taste of her tongue against mine is like a shot of whiskey straight to my body. I’ve been thinking of her nonstop all day and this is the only thing I’ve wanted to do. Well, there was plenty else, but this was first on the list.

“I forgot my—”

Simon comes back in the room and Sloan breaks the kiss, burying her face in my chest. I laugh at the look of shock on Simon’s face as he grabs his phone and slowly backs out of the room.

“Um, don’t mind me. You two have a nice night.”

When the door closes again, I kiss the top of Sloan’s head until she looks up at me. Her face is bright red and she’s biting her bottom lip.

“Sorry,” she whispers, but I shake my head and kiss her lips quickly.

“I should be sorry. I’ve been thinking about kissing you all day and I lost control.” I tuck her hair behind her ear and I feel her hands on my lower back. I kiss her again quickly because I’m unable to stop now that I’ve had a taste of her.

“I’ve been thinking about you, too.” She looks up at me through her lashes as my thumbs rub under her chin.

“So, you’ll come with me tomorrow night?” I ask, brushing my lips across hers. Suddenly she tenses and I lean back.

“I’ll have to see what I’ve got I can wear. I didn’t think about it before I said yes.”

“Did you go by the shop on Kensington?” I ask, and she nods. “Then you picked it up already.”

Her eyes widen in shock. “What are you talking about?”

“One of the errands I had you on today was to pick up a dress for tomorrow. I know it’s a last-minute invitation to a formal event. I didn’t expect you to have a ball gown on hand.” I smile at her and her body relaxes. “I think Simon is the only person I know who actually owns a tuxedo.”

“What kind of dress did you pick out? How do you even know it will fit? I’ve got so many questions.”

“Don’t worry about details, sweetheart. Just let me take you on a date.”

I see the blush creep across her cheeks again as she tucks her chin shyly and nods. “Why don’t you tell me what it is you do?” she says, motioning over to the bank of computers in front of me.