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Chapter 9
Alexa
Being his date, his escort, plus-one, whatever you call it – it's not as glamorous as one might expect. Dinner is intense. Recalling the way those men talked about buying and selling properties and commodities like it was a game of monopoly, turns my stomach. It is pretty clear, most of the men there never looked at a woman above her neck, appraising me as I held on to Ben’s arm, silently judging with their obvious perusal.
His hand is on my back, guiding me into the back of the town car, and his touch grounds me, bringing me back to the present. Sliding across the smooth grey leather, my red dress rises up just a little, revealing my thigh. Fixing the lace before I flash Ben, I slump against the backseat, letting out a long sigh.
He climbs in after me, his long legs taking up the space…the same way his personality takes up space commanding a room. It’s so easy to see why he’s incredible at what he does. He shuts the door, shielding us from the outside world and the prying eyes. Relived to be out of the spotlight, we drop the act. My fingers go to work, gently massaging away the tension building in my temples.
"Was it that bad?" He searches my face, pulling my feet into his lap and undoing my heels.
“It was different than I expected.” Angling my body towards him to give him better access to my feet, I try to explain without offending him. “There were a few times I wanted to use my heel as a weapon. But overall, I guess it went well.”
Ben has been nothing but a gentleman since we entered into this agreement, well… a flirty, handsy, tease of a gentleman, but knowing we slept in a bed together and nothing happened helps me realize I can trust him.
He’s almost a little too proper, but I won't be the one to cross the line
“How so,” he asks, and I can tell he’s sincere. It’s only been a couple days, and I’ve quickly learned how to tell when he's on and off.
“Instead of being what some would call arm candy, I feel more like an experiment, being viewed under a thousand microscopes.”
He remains silent, letting my observation sink in before turning his megawatt smile on me.
“Well, you are pretty sweet.” He gently taps my shoulder with his. “I’m going with arm candy.”
“Arm candy?” It sounds a little funny and a whole lot sexy when he says it.
“Because I’m dying to taste you.” His voice grows husky as he leans closer.
“Nice line.” I try to breaking tension. The chemistry sizzles in the air.
“It wasn’t a line.” His hands have stopped massaging me feet and are slowly working their way up my calves.
“That cheesy joke…is that the best you've got, and you’re an ad campaign genius?” My voice is breathless and laced with desire; my legs open a little wider as his hands near my thighs, modesty out the window.
“You couldn't handle the heat of my best lines,” he taunts me. Reaching behind my knees, he jerks forward, and I’m in his lap, straddling him before I can exhale, my dress bunched up around my hips.
“How about this one… Arm Candy because you look good enough to eat,” he whispers against my neck as I rock into him.
“That's terrible.” I try to laugh, but it comes out a throaty moan.
His fingers slip under the fabric of my dress, digging into my hips, and he grinds himself against me. I can feel his hard length pressing against my wet core.
“Last one,” He rasps out. “If I told you that you looked sweet would you let me taste you to find out?”
“Yes.” It’s barely audible, but it’s there hanging in the air with the silence.
The car pulls to the curb, and he gently places me back in my seat, never making eye contact as we straighten our clothes. Masks back in place, just in time for the doorman to open the door.
*****
Ben
We ride the elevator in silence, our fingertips barely brushing. It’s taking every ounce of control I have not to slam her against the wall and have my way with her. I want her so bad, even though I know I shouldn’t.
I don’t want her thinking that’s part of the deal. That’s why nothing can happen tonight.
When we get in the apartment, she turns to me expectantly, and I draw her into my arms, gently kissing her forehead. “You were incredible tonight. I don’t know about you, but I could use a shower.” Shit! That’s not what I meant.
Her eyes light up in hunger, and that light dims when I say, “That came out wrong.”
Pulling away, but not before I see tears swimming in her eyes, she walks to the bedroom we’ve been sharing and slams the door.
Silence.
I’m about to go after her, and my phone rings. Perfect timing.
“Hamilton,” I bark into the phone. I take off my jacket, roll my sleeves, and pour a drink. It’s going to be a long night.
After dealing with a work issue for nearly an hour, I hang up, pour myself another drink and head to my bedroom to shower.
When I enter the room, I see she’s asleep. Crossing the room, I go to her and give in to the urge to run my fingertips down her cheek. Seeing dried tears on her face guts me. “I wish I could offer you more. I wish I could be enough,” I whisper. Stepping back, I take off my shirt and toss it on the end of the bed.
Just as I’m about to head for the shower, she sits up, and the sheet falls, revealing a sexy red bra and panty set. “Ben?” Her voice is breathless and sleepy.
Make that a cold shower.
“I’m here.” I stand next to the bed but don’t dare touch her. ’Cause if I do, I might never stop.
