Page 18 of Bound Hearts

“Most people left early for New Year’s. Hell, my brain might have as well.”

She smiles as she sets the coffees down. “I can relate. But I think we only need five minutes, so we both need to tough it out.”

She settles in with her laptop, and I circle the desk, claiming my usual perch—close enough to reach out and touch her. “I’ll stay strong for you,” I tease.

“Good, because I can’t have you give a subpar performance. I would like to get out of here on time, as my New Year’s Eve of comfy clothing and a blanket awaits.”

We’ve easily slipped into casual conversation with each other. It’s smooth and simple, right?

“I’ll try,” I dully respond. “How was your Christmas?”

“Meh, nothing crazy. Visited an aunt and my cousins. You?”

A quiet laugh escapes me. “Brunch with my dad and brother—no number of Bloody Marys could make that bearable. I was almost relieved to come back to a mountain of hellish reports.” I give my coffee cup a shake and realize it’s nearly empty.

“Wanted to make you an espresso macchiato, but now it’s minus the milk foam since the milk is gone,” she explains.

“I’ll survive.”

She drapes her arm over the back of her chair, crossing one knee over the other, eyes fixed on me as she sips her coffee. Sutton is definitely studying me.

“No offense, but you don’t seem yourself.”

“I’m not sure letting me fuck you qualifies you to know when I’m not myself.”

She licks her lips, a grin tugging at the corners. “Ouch. Moody.” She rolls with my jab, unfazed.

“Sorry. And truthfully, inside you or not, I’m already acutely aware that we have a click where you are allowed to call me out.”

Briefly, her eyes swing to the side as she nibbles her bottom lip before sweeping her gaze back to me. “Inside me,” she mutters. “We’re bringing this into the office? We’re two people who compartmentalize benefits and the office. But if that isn’t the case, then I might as well lock the door and sprawl across your desk,” she challenges with a hardened stare.

I slowly grin because our banter took a turn, but we stare at each other. To hell with it, no point in dragging this out.

“No plans for New Year’s, huh?” I cluck my tongue as an idea formulates in my head.

She shakes her head once, our eyes still entrapped, and maybe she senses where this is going.

“Look, a productive meeting never had a chance of happening today. Nor do we want to be in the office; hell, nobody does. You have no plans, I have no plans, so let’s get the fuck out of here.”

Taking the cup of coffee out of her hand, I don’t even give her an opportunity to debate me.

It wouldn’t matter.

She willingly follows my lead.

I loosen my cufflinks and shirt, leaning against the wall of my living room, floor-to-ceiling windows framing Lake Michigan. Sutton glides barefoot in her flowing dress, taking in every detail, her curious glances catching on the corners of my world.

We left the office behind and came here without a second thought. Maybe it’s not just anticipation—it’s the simple fact that we like being together. A quiet New Year’s is exactly what we both need.

“Not bad,” she says as her fingers run along the side table holding a whiskey tray.

“I could offer you a drink, but late-afternoon sex in my bed is more relaxing.”

She smirks to herself, and every step my way is deliberate with her hips swaying. Her eyes are inviting and only fueling the heat between us. “Getting the full tour of the place is only fair, as I once played your tour guide.”

The distance between us disappears as I wrap my arm around her waist, pulling her close. My gaze drops to her lips, then back to her glinting brown eyes. “Who am I to deny your wish? I’m a gentleman—at least some of the time.”

With one hoist, I pick her up fireman style over my shoulder, and she squeals as I spin around straight in the direction of my bedroom down the hall, carrying her all the way until I deposit her on my bed.