Page 121 of Flirting with Trouble

“What responsibilities are those?”

“Ensuring you enjoy all the benefits of having a trophy boyfriend in your office.”

“This is sounding better by the second. What benefits might those be?”

“There are many. Like helping you polish your desk.” I brush my lips over hers, whispering, “While I fuck you from behind.” I push her shirt up, baring her breasts, and tease her nipples with my tongue and teeth, earning a sexy gasp.

“That’s quite a benefit.”

I nip at her earlobe. “I aim to please.”

“What other benefits might I enjoy?”

“Shining your office chair with my ass as you ride my cock.” I grind against her, and she moans. “I’ll be a big help to you while you’re working at your desk.” I kiss the corner of her mouth. “On my knees in front of your chair.” I tease her other nipple with my tongue, and she moans. “Sliding your panties off.” I rock my rigid cock against her and slide my tongue along her lower lip. “Teasing you with my mouth until you’re so wet and needy, you beg me to fuck you.”

Her eyes flame. “I think I might need a preview.”

I lower my lips to hers in a deep, passionate kiss, and then I give her a preview, the main event, and a grand finale, followed by the best fucking encore she’s ever had. Twice.

Epilogue

Wells

Winter blustered in with all the glow and glory of a soldier returning home after a life-altering tour. It’s my birthday, two weeks before Christmas, a whirlwind four months since Victory and I said the three magic words that unleashed our hearts, untethering hers from the past. Harvey isn’t gone by any means. I still thank him when I take a candy from the dish, and every once in a while, I catch Victory with a faraway expression, and I know she’s thinking of him. Or we’ll do something that strikes a memory, and she’ll share it with me. She took me to their favorite tavern, and a month later I surprised her by having the tavern put a drink on the menu called the Harvey Bauer.

We’ve had our share of ups and downs blending our busy lives and navigating between the island and the city while dealing with my new restaurant renovations—we secured the property on the water in our first meeting with Kane—but the highs have far outweighed the lows. Introducing me to her work colleagues was only the beginning of the changes she had in store for her work life. They loved me, of course, and were thrilled that Victory was with someone who adored her. We had a blast at their holiday party last weekend, when she announced Padma’s promotion. Victory delegated much of her oversight, easing her schedule enough to do what she loves most in the new year, scouting talent. It’s amazing to see the woman I love so happy and free, and yes, even in the cold winter months, we enjoy our walkabouts, trekabouts, flitabouts, and scoutabouts, and WordLink is still our favorite game when we’re apart.

Well, that and sexting. I do enjoy her paybacks.

We’re meeting for dinner after work to celebrate my birthday. I’m at the restaurant checking out the latest renovations with Seth and Jared. It’s just after four, and beyond the accordion-style glass doors, the sun is already starting to fade, casting shadows across the dock. Victory was spot-on with her vision of those glass doors on either side of the building. We’ve maximized the natural light and water views. Vaulted ceilings with rough-hewn beams and unique elongated arabesque-shaped distressed Italian tile floors in earth tones, blues, and yellows give the rustic feel we were hoping for. The rooms are framed, and the kitchen is coming along nicely. The addition of a rooftop dining area will make an ideal spot for private parties and office gatherings.

Jared comes out of the kitchen, heading our way. He’s a hell of a smart guy and an incredible chef, but the tattooed Adam Levine lookalike must have caffeine running through his veins. If his legs aren’t moving, the muscles in his jaw are. “The kitchen looks great. The whole place does.” He starts pacing. “The live-edge bar and sea-glass tiling are going to look sharp.”

“Absolutely,” I say. “I heard back from Roddy a few days ago. He’s got a line on ships’ wheels for chandeliers. The shipment should come in right after the holidays. I put his supplier in touch with Rich.” Rich is our project manager.

“I talked to Rich this morning. They’ve already been in touch. We should be good to go with the grand opening in March,” Seth says. “Shea is rolling out the marketing and PR after the holidays.”

“Awesome,” Jared says.

My phone chimes with a text.

Fitz: Just got to the resort. Check this out.

A picture pops up of a crystal-clear infinity pool looking out over stone patios and a lush landscape with colorful plants and palm trees, and just beyond, a stretch of beach and turquoise-blue water.

Me: Awesome. Make sure it’s not all work and no play.

Fitz has been stuck on the girl he had a fling with this summer, but for all their texting, she always has an excuse when he wants to see her.

Fitz: Seminars daily. Evening events. Not much free time, but I’m hoping to catch some waves.

Me: Make it happen. You deserve it.

As I pocket my phone, Seth lifts his chin. “Was that Vic?”

“No, it’s Fitz. He just got to Costa Rica for a conference.”

Jared saunters over. “Lucky bastard.”