AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“Good,” he growls softly, and my heart flips over. “Don’t.”
I hide my face against his arm and stay there for the rest of the drive to his house.
As he pulls in, though, I ask, “Are you happier now?”
A warm look slides over me. “I’m happy now you’re mine again. I’m sorry I fought it so hard, Elle.”
“I forgave you the second you handed me that letter. Your drawing sucks, by the way. It took me an hour to realize that blob was Inky in the margins.”
He snorts. “You’re the talent in this relationship, no question.”
“I’m glad you recognize my superiority.” I kiss his shoulder. “But that’s not what I meant. You’ve been carrying Charisma with you for so long. The fact that you couldn’t save her. But you saved Yvette and Clara’s relationship, and you just might have saved Marissa from herself.”
He goes quiet, thoughtful.
“Sometimes you really do see me too well,” he whispers, killing the engine until we’re silent outside the moonlit house. “I don’t think it’s so much about saving people. I’m no one’s white knight. It’s about letting go of my ego to recognize someone crying for help, even when they’re hurting others, and not ignoring it. It’s choosing to help, instead. I’m glad that I made that choice this time, instead of having regrets later, when it’s too damn late.” He looks down at me again, his eyes softening. “So, yes. I’m happy. And I’m grateful to you for knocking me out of my head enough for me to recognize that.”
I laugh in embarrassment, hiding against him again. “I didn’t do anything. Well, besides turning your life into complete chaos.”
“Needed chaos.” He kisses the top of my head. “But you’re about to pass out. Let’s go to bed.”
“You’re the boss.”
Honestly, I’m so tired after all the big emotions and catharsis of today that when he says bed, the only thing I’m thinking is sleep.
Sweet, glorious sleep.
Leaning against him, I walk in a half drowse as he lets us into the house, then trail him down the hall to the bedroom.
But the second I see his bed, I flush.
It’s still disarrayed from that night—and I realize he hasn’t been here, instead traveling and making arrangements with Yvette. My camisole is even still on the sheets.
I drift to the bed and pick it up. “I still can’t believe I came running over here in my nightie.”
“I can,” August says dryly, pulling at his tie. “It’s what you do best. You’re impulsive, Elle. You chase your every whim.” He smiles slightly. “Always brave as can be.”
I duck my head, blushing, my fingers curling around the camisole.
“I don’t feel very brave.”
“Bull.” I hear the sound of his tie pulling away, and then he steps up behind me, wrapping his arms around my waist. “You’re confident, even when you’re insecure. You know your own heart. You know what you want. That’s admirable as hell.”
Blushing, I reach back to swat him. “Enough flattery. I’m not getting naked for you tonight.”
“Who said I need you naked?” His lips graze my neck. “In fact, I’ve had thoughts about you in my office, straddling my lap, riding me while we’re still clothed.”
My breath catches.
My body immediately heats, no matter how tired I am.
I look at him over my shoulder, biting my lip.
“I bet that violates half the HR code.”
“Yeah. But we’re not at work now, are we?” His fingers curl against my stomach, pulling me back tighter against him. I can feel exactly what he wants, pressing against my ass. “And I wouldn’t mind you on your hands and knees while I fuck you in that cute little skirt.”
I groan, but he’s already got me.
