Page 90 of Sterling Fight

Judd is attentive as I suspected he’d be, asking questions, offering suggestions, until finally he says, “I don’t think you should sell.”

“What?” I stammer. I could instantly be on the defense. It’s my company, I can do what I want with it, but I’m also curious why Judd is saying such a thing.

“You have great ideas, and you can do this on your own.”

“I can’t⁠—”

“You just need help. Some assistance and maybe some financial resources.”

I’m already shaking my head, but Judd is holding up a hand. “I can help.”

“I’m not taking your money.” The moment I speak, I realize he isn’t actually offering.

Judd simply smiles, though. “Let me look at your financials. We can form a budget and make a plan. You might not have that lump payout Greetings Ambassador is promising but you’d still have control, and over time, you might benefit more from that. You’d have longevity. Maybe even a legacy.”

His suggestion isn’t about money but about keeping my brand. Plus, Judd has told me how he’s good at investing. He helped Sebastian set up his bakery and he keeps Sylver Seed & Soil in good financial standing. He’s mentioned helping other small businesses in the area as well, even a non-profit one called Art’s Studio.

“I don’t know.” I set my elbow on the table and drag my fingers through my short hair, before holding them on the back of my head. It’s a lot to consider, and today I just want to draw.

Sensing my frustration or hesitation, Judd sits back, watching me. “Okay. Well, I’m here for whatever you need.” The way he continues to look at me, I sense he means more than just looking at my business spread sheets. Judd could be the moral support I want, both in business and beyond.

Eventually, he glances back at his open laptop. “When we were in high school, I pictured us like this.”

I press off my elbow and stare back at him.

“Hanging out in the library together. Studying or talking. Just anything.”

“Anything?” I quirk a brow.

“Well, I also might have thought about clearing the books off the table and ravishing you on top of it like I am now, but⁠—”

“I’m open to ravishing,” I blurt, glancing at the sketch pad and laptops between us.

Judd leans forward again, while forcing his chair backwards. He’s reflective another minute. “Laptops are expensive.”

Then he stands, takes my hand and walks me to the other end of the table.

“Would it sound strange if I told you how turned I am by how rational you just were?” I ask, as he takes my hips and lifts me to the table.

“Only if I can tell you I’ve had a hard on since listening to you talk about national days on a calendar.”

Oh my God, I could love this man.

And when his mouth lands on mine, and he presses my body back, I forget my name and the significance of this date for a little while, especially when his fingers and lips work their magic.

His tongue dips and his fingers spread me. Every time Judd touches me is an adventure. Although his mouth has been on me before, his tongue will move in a different way or his lips will add new pressure, and I’m taken over the edge in a manner I haven’t experienced before.

Judd is voracious today and as soon as I’m crying out, he’s tugging me to the edge of the table and flipping me over.

With my breasts pressed to the warm wooden tabletop, heated from the sunlight streaming into the dining nook, my nipples are hard peaks. My palms streak against the surface as Judd tugs me backward, then hitches my leg upward so one knee rests on the table. My other foot is tiptoed on the floor. I’m open and exposed to Judd in a new way, and I hold my breath anticipating what he’ll do next to me.

What I do not expect is the heat of his length suddenly pressed between the crease of my backside. His stiffness wedged in place, then sliding up and down until he positions himself between my legs.

“So wet for me, firefly,” he hums near my ear as his hand slips around to my front and his fingertips flick my clit.

“Judd,” I cry out.

I can feel the tip of him near my entrance as his fingers circle that sensitive nub, already ripe and swollen from his mouth moments ago.