Lace (Just This Once 4)

She gazes down at the movement of my hand. “I hate failing.”

Perhaps we have more in common than I thought.

I trail my finger from the base of her thumb to her wrist, circling a tight path over her soft skin. “I’ll teach you.”

“You like a challenge,” she whispers.

I grab her wrist in my hand. Turning it over, I bring it to my lips. I kiss the tender skin. “I love a challenge.”

Her eyes lock on mine. “I’ll remember that.”

“Good.” I kiss her skin one last time before I let her wrist slip from my grasp. “That’s one thing you’ve learned about me. You know me better than you did yesterday.”

Her beautiful lips curve into a soft smile. “True, but not well enough to revisit our discussion from last night.”

“Understood.” I motion for the server. “I’ll settle up and we can head out.”

“Where to?” Her voice is soft.

“Your choice.” I tug my wallet from my suit pocket. “You chose this place. Our next move is in your hands.”

Chapter 20

Olivia

I took it as a challenge. When Alexander told me that I could choose where we’d spend time after dinner, I almost bailed on him.

I’m still nervous whenever I’m around him.

My pulse ticked up to a feverish pace when he wrapped his long fingers around my wrist.

The whisper of his full lips against my skin brought up an unexpected moan that I had to bite back.

I want more time with him, so I brought him here.

I study his profile as he takes in the sign hanging over the door of this non-descript building two blocks from Times Square.

“The Pink Parlor,” he reads the sign slowly.

“That’s right.” I nod.

“What happens inside the Pink Parlor, Olivia?” he asks as a couple breezes past us, walking down the sidewalk arm-in-arm.

I watch until they round the corner. “Use your imagination.”

His brow perks. “That’s dangerous.”

I laugh. “You’re a music lover. The Pink Parlor is famous for music. I think it’s a good fit.”

He glances at the building again. Dark blinds cover the windows, and the glass door is peppered with flyers from businesses that inhabit this block.

“I trust you.” He reaches for the handle on the door.

As soon as he opens it, pop music greets us both.

A smile ghosts his mouth. “I can’t wait to see what’s inside.”

I can’t wait to see if he’ll command the stage the way he did last night.