The Dealmaker (Sex & Bonds 1)

She cries out, smiling. Hand going to my hair. I love the way it feels as she runs her fingers through it, tingles coursing over my scalp and down my spine. She gives it a quick, hard tug, pulling me to my feet. She takes my face in her hands and captures my mouth in a kiss I feel everywhere. Between my ribs and in my fingertips and down my thighs. Spreading her legs wider, she rolls her hips, rubbing her pussy against my erection.

Bare skin on bare skin.

Electricity bolts through me. The kiss grows messy, fevered as she rocks her hips again, my tip catching on her entrance before slipping lower.

I want to be inside her this way so badly I ache. But it has to be right.

Summoning what’s left of my self-control, I break the kiss. I pull away and rest my forehead on Nora’s.

“You’re killing me, honey,” I breathe. “I want you like that. But it can’t be—I won’t let it be another mistake—”

“No,” she replies, shaking her head as she runs her fingers through the hair at the nape of my neck. “No no no. It’s not a mistake. I want it too. Last week—I got tested. I’m negative.”

My stomach flips. I open my eyes to see her watching me. “I got tested last week too. Negative across the board.”

Nora reaches for my dick, gently wrapping her hands around my swollen length. “I have an IUD. I’m okay if you’re okay.”

This means something.

This is big.

This is love. Commitment. Trust. All the things I knew I wanted but didn’t allow myself to have. Until now.

“Fuck,” I sputter. “I’m better than fucking okay. I’m the best I’ve ever been.”

Our eyes lock. Hers glisten. My throat tightens. She gives my dick a sweet little pull that makes the heaviness between my legs ignite. I step forward, allowing her to glide my head down the slick seam of her pussy. I sputter again. She notches me at her entrance. Smiling, she nudges her hips forward so my crown sinks inside her tight heat.

I push forward at the same time. I fill her. Feel her stretching around me. All the while I watch her face, watch the way her smile goes hazy and her brows curve upward. It’s only when I’m all the way inside her that a tear slips out of her eye.

“The best,” she pants. “Me too. The best I’ve ever—Teddy, you’re the best.”

My throat tightens and my chest collapses and I wipe away the tear with my thumb. “I want”—a small thrust—“to give up my seat for you every time we fly. I’m happy”—another thrust, a little more urgent this time—“to feed you every day, and dance with you every weekend”—deep thrust that makes her breath catch—“and I’ll do anything to make you smile, and see you succeed, and”—I thrust at the same time I reach for her clit—“you’re everything to me, Nora. You mean everything.”

More tears. A kiss that tastes like salt and sweetness.

“I love you,” she whispers.

“I love you too,” I whisper back.

Her orgasm comes a beat later, tearing through us both. I can’t hold on any longer so I try to pull out, but Nora cries out in protest. I come inside her, making a mess. But she just smiles and kisses my lips, my cheeks. My neck.

“Breakfast?” she murmurs. “I made French toast.”

“Smells amazing.”

“I know.”

She smiles, and I do too.

Chapter Thirty-One

Nora

“So.” Greer wraps her hands around the enormous cappuccino set on the table in front of her. “Who are you sleeping with, and why are you only telling us now?”

I try to hide my blush by finishing what’s left of my mimosa. Earlier this morning, I texted Greer, Keira, and Elle to ask if they’d be interested in a last-minute Sunday brunch date. Between my trip to California and my obsession with Theo Morgan’s penis, I’ve been a shitty friend the past few weeks. I’ve missed these girls, and we’re long overdue for a catch up. Theo had to get his sisters back to his mom’s house early this morning anyway because Shelby has a field hockey game, so it worked out.

I want to pick my friends’ brains about what they think my next move should be. I’ve made up my mind about making it official with Theo. I’ve also decided what needs to be done about the promotion we’re both after. I just need some advice about how to make it all come together while doing as little damage as possible. And yeah, maybe I need to gush a little about how excellent Theo is both in the sheets and the streets.

“How’d you know?” I ask.

Keira smiles. “The California sunshine glow doesn’t last this long.”

“And you’ve been MIA,” Elle adds, sipping her rosé. “Even when you’re with us you’re not with us, you know? You’re constantly smiling down at your phone.”