“Maybe even a third,” she says, her breathy voice interrupting my thoughts.

  “A third, huh?” I remove my cock all the way, knead her ass some more, and swat it a third time.

  Emma moans as I smash into her again. This time, I don’t let up, fucking her without mercy with deep, hard thrusts. I fuck her like I’m fucking this addiction for her out of my system. But it’s already too late.

  “Yes. Oh, yes,” she whispers.

  She comes, and I follow, spilling inside her until I’m trembling.

  “A fourth date is definitely a possibility,” she huffs, turning her face to see me.

  I brush the hair from her forehead and kiss her, my heart still pounding. “I’ll be demanding a lot more than that.”

  9

  Emma

  “How’s everything back home?” Hazel asks on the other end of the line once she’s done telling me all the exciting things about Costa Rica and their Sugar & Silk collaboration. Seems that despite a couple of mishaps, the trip has been wonderful, and good matches will come out of it. I can’t wait to hear all about it when they’re back.

  “Good. Your dad is good. He’s even sunbathed a couple of times,” I say. Rick has been a joy to be around. He socializes a bit, then goes back to figuring out new apps on his phone or throwing toys to Moonshine—who has been getting long walks daily from me, rain or shine.

  In three days, Hazel and Archer are supposed to return. I’ll be leaving their house behind, along with the possibility of seeing that mountain of a man every day. I sigh. How did I get here?

  Malcolm has been distracting me. I need to be on top of my game. I should look for jobs, apply online or something. I’ll never stop sketching my designs, but I need to be practical and find a way to pay the bills. Laura won’t be too excited if I fall behind when we’re roomies.

  “I’m glad. I called him, and he said you’ve been wonderful, walking Moonshine a lot.”

  I smile. “She’s a sweetheart.”

  “He also mentioned you’ve been visiting our neighbor.”

  I clear my throat. “Oh, yes. I got his mail by accident, so I went over to return it to him.” And stayed there for hours, fucking him.

  “Emma, cut the crap. Are you and Malcolm hooking up?”

  You have no idea. Flashes of him thrusting inside me, of us laughing in his garden, of his silly attempts to cook in his kitchen flood my mind. In only a few days, I’ve built more memories with him than with anyone I’ve dated. Is that normal? To feel this… attached to someone so quickly?

  “Somewhat, yes.” I don’t want Hazel to think I’ve been irresponsible and not taken care of her home. Because I have. I prioritized spending time with the dog, checking on her dad, and getting the mail and packages. Truthfully, I’ve been more present as a house sitter than I ever was at my old job as a receptionist.

  “Girl… be careful. He’s a lot.”

  “In what way?”

  “I don’t know. He’s very handsome and successful and the whole nine yards, but you tend to dive headfirst into things,” Hazel says, a trace of concern in her voice.

  I suck in a breath. She has a point there. I can be impulsive—but my impulsivity also landed me that hot man. If I hadn’t gone topless when I knew he was looking, who knows if we’d be together now? I bite the inside of my cheek. Can’t share that nugget of information with Hazel. “Don’t worry, I’ll be careful.”

  “All right. Is the sex good?”

  I withdraw. “I plead the fifth.”

  She chuckles. “That good, huh?”

  I usually don’t mind talking about these things, but what I share with Malcolm belongs to us only. I don’t want to put it out there in the world. I want to protect it, like a little injured baby bird that needs nourishment and attention before he can fly again.

  As Hazel changes the subject, the thought deepens in my mind. Am I this worried because I’m scared if our relationship goes out in the world, it won’t survive? I hope that’s not the case. But she’s right… I need to think things through.

  My phone buzzes. It’s Malcolm.

  Come on over.

  After I end the phone call, I look at the backyard.

  Rick is in the guest house, and Moonshine is beside him on the couch as usual. I won’t be missed if I dip out for a bit, right? It’s the middle of the day, so Malcolm won’t keep me there too long. He has work to do.

  I gaslight myself as I walk over to his property—he gave me the gate code, so now I can get in whenever I want. I’ll miss these perks when Hazel returns. But I made a deal with Laura, and I don’t want to impose on Hazel, especially now that she’s also in a somewhat new situation with her guy.

  His front door is unlocked, and I let myself in. I shouldn’t, but I love the domesticity of it all—that alone should be a major red flag. “Hello?”

  “I’m here,” he answers from the kitchen.

  I follow his sexy voice to find him fumbling over a takeout brown bag and emptying the contents onto his nice dinner plates. Candles are lit, flickering in the breakfast nook. It’s so… intimate.

  A silly giggle escapes my lips. “What is it?”

  “Sushi.”

  I realize he paid attention when I told him that was my favorite cuisine the day before.

  You’re making it hard for me not to fall in love with you. I bite my tongue before I express my excitement. Emma, honey, have you learned nothing?

  I stare at him, this gorgeous man in loungewear leaning against the counter. “My favorite.”

  “I hope you can say that about me soon.”

  Oh, if you only knew… “You’re definitely earning your spot.”

  He smiles and pulls me into his arms. “Well, I’ll secure a few extra points. I have good news.”

  “Yeah?” Too overwhelmed by his presence, I take a step back. Focusing on whatever news he has while being in his arms is the kind of stimuli I can’t handle right now.

  A flick of amusement touches his eyes. “I snapped a few pictures of your work when you brought it over the other day and sent it to someone who works in fashion in Los Angeles.”

  I shake my head, his words swimming in my brain. He’s shown someone my work? I would usually be a bit skeptical, but the hope in his eyes tells me something good is coming. I clear my throat, apprehensive. “What is it?”

  “My contact forwarded it to someone who works in wedding gown design, and that person said she’d love to meet you.”

  My eyes widen, and my heart races as I register his words. “Meet me?”

  “Yes. She sees potential in you, but she obviously needs to meet you and talk. Feel you out.”

  The word “potential” launches a rocket in my brain. I’ve always dreamed of showcasing my talent, yes, but I never got that far. I never believed I could do it, for starters. I used small opportunities here and there to learn, but I wasn’t sure if designing would ever become a paid job. A career. “What? Okay, tell me all about it. Who’s this woman?”

  “The wedding gown stylist is Anna Armand.”

  Anna Armand. I’ve heard the name before. Excitement sweeps through me. She’s a respected name in the industry with a good decade of expertise. “Wow. And she’s willing to meet me. That’s generous.”

  “I’d take her up on the offer if I were you.”

  “OMG, yes. I’d love to. I mean, yes. But is it a virtual meeting or⁠—”

  Malcolm tilts his head to the side. “I think she’d like you to meet her in LA. She has her business set up over there.”

  “What?” I love the idea, but the reality is different. How can I afford to get there? Do I want to be irresponsible and put the money for the flight and hotel on my credit card? I don’t want to go to my parents for money. They’ll be happy to give it to me, but I don’t want to ask. My brothers are very successful, and I’ve always felt like the odd one out.

  He curls a strand of my hair around his finger. “Yes. I’ll book you a flight.”

  “Malcolm, wait.” I step back, breaking the contact, needing space to think things through. “I mean, don’t get me wrong… I love the idea, but I need to look at ticket prices. Realistically, I’m not in the best financial situation right now.” I’ve already put down a deposit to be Laura’s roommate, and I planned to use the house-sitting gig money to help me pay the next month’s bills until I found something else. I never thought that’d mean actually working and doing what I love.

  He glances at me, furrowing his brows like he doesn’t understand my point. “Emma, this is a good opportunity for you. I’ll pay for your flight and accommodation. Happily.”

  I thread my fingers, worried. “You don’t have to… I don’t want to take advantage of you.”

  “You’re not. I have plenty of money.”

  This money would be a drop in his ocean of wealth. But it’s not about the amount or what it means to me and him. It’s about him taking the reins so quickly. What if trusting him is a mistake? What if I care more about him than he does about me? And if he changes his mind about me, then bam, I’m out on my ass again like my jerk landlord. Only this time, it would be way worse. “I know you do, but⁠—”

  Malcolm lifts his hands in denial. “No buts. It’s my pleasure.” His tone is all cool confidence and doesn’t allow for argument.

  I take a breath. Am I being paranoid?

  This is a once-in-a-lifetime chance, a voice inside me warns. “Okay, sure. I’ll take it. One caveat, though—I want to reimburse you as soon as I’m back on my feet.”

  10

  Malcolm

  “Have I already told you how insane your place is?” Emma asks, twirling around my living room. She’s wearing a white shirt and colorful skirt, and the sun catches each shade beautifully.

  A warm glow flows through me as I watch her. She’s so vibrant. Gorgeous. I love how the late afternoon sunlight catches the nuanced shades of red in her hair. Like some beautiful color palette I want to see spread on my pillows forever.

  Does she want forever… with me?

  I clear my throat. I was conflicted when she was awkward about me paying for the trip yesterday. I appreciate her independent spirit, but a part of me I hate—the insecure kid who survived his father’s many marriages—worries I won’t be a part of her journey once she’s discovered. She’ll take off, rightfully so, because she’s talented.

  What if she chooses not to keep me in her life? My gut clenches at the thought.

  “What’s wrong?” she asks, her expression sobering.

  “Nothing,” I lie. “Just some work stuff.”

  “Tell me.” She sits next to me.

  How I wish I could. But I don’t want to sound needy. I have my pride, and my common sense reminds me this is too soon. I can’t trust her with every nuance of my personality yet—not if I want to keep her around. “It’s technical stuff.”

  She kisses my cheek, outlining my jaw with her index finger. “You know you can unload on me anytime.”

  A shiver rolls through me. My body immediately recognizes her touch and longs for more. “I’ll keep that in mind.”

  A warm energy pulses between us as she holds my stare. Is she as overwhelmed by these strong emotions as I am? “Yeah. Hazel and Archer are back in two days.”

  “That’s right.”

  She catches my hand in both of hers and gives it a squeeze. “I’ll miss having you so close.”

  I lean down and kiss her cheek. “You don’t have to. Just stay with me.” I repeat the same offer I made the day before. I live in a huge mansion, and she’ll be in a small apartment somewhere. She refused, and I know I should accept her decision, but common sense takes a back seat.

  She kisses my hand before releasing it. “I can’t.”

  I caress her cheek, and she leans into my touch, eyes half-closed. “Why not? I’ll be a good roommate.” I coax, lowering her onto the sofa. Her eyes meet mine, and I pull my shirt over my head, tossing it aside.

  Her eyes darken to a forest green, and she licks her lips, watching me as I drape myself over her. “You’ll be the roommate who walks around naked.”

  I nip her chin, relishing her shudder. “Hopefully, so will you.”

  “Sounds wonderful, but… I already gave Laura my word. I don’t want to back out,” she says shakily. Is it because she’s changing her mind or because she’s aroused?

  I could push a bit further and say I’ll pay whatever amount is needed to get her out of this deal with Laura. But I’m already too turned on to start an argument. “Okay. Have it your way,” I whisper, my voice thick with lust.

  Emma mewls as I kiss her neck, her skin warm, her body soft. I hike up her skirt and slide down her underwear, tossing them aside. She wraps her legs around my torso, and I fumble to push my pants down enough to free my cock.

  She moans when I rub it against her sex, and I growl in response.

  “I must admit, you make excellent points in selling yourself as a roommate,” she whispers when I thrust inside her, hard and deep.

  “Fucking round the clock,” I say, undulating my hips, looking for that perfect angle that will get us off faster.

  She clenches her inner walls around my cock. “Yes. Oh, yes. Malcolm. You’re so fucking hot,” she says, her voice breathy.

  If she wants me to last, she better stop. I retreat before slamming back into her. Harder. Rougher. “Like this, don’t you?”

  “Yes. Again.”

  I nip her neck, so many emotions swelling in my chest. My balls throb, and precum leaks from my cock. I need release, but I also want to enjoy every second of being inside her. I lower my hand and roll my thumb over her clit.

  “Yes. Yes. Oh, Malcolm, I⁠—”

  I smash my lips to hers in a hot and passionate kiss, swiping my tongue over hers, showing her who’s boss. When I disengage my mouth, I’m shaking. “Tell me, baby. Tell me everything.”

  “I’m falling for you,” she says. “Fuck, I’m falling for you so hard.”

  Her words are like a shot of triple espresso in my bloodstream. My heart beats out of control, and dots swim in my vision. My sight may be blurred, but what she said is… everything. Honest. Raw.

  She’s falling for me.

  New energy travels through me, much more powerful than before. I need to feel her, to show her… I squeeze her clit. The buildup is about to kill me, but I want her to come first. Always.

  “Yes. Yes,” I growl, hooking her leg over my shoulder.

  The shift in position does the job, and she calls my name as she comes, her body quivering, sweat sheening her cheeks, a lovely shade of pink spreading over her face and neck.

  I slip out midway, thrust inside her all the way, and come apart. Wave after wave of pleasure crashes over me like a wild ocean current. My body jerks as I spill my hot cum inside her pussy, coming like I never have before. I feel alive, branded, born anew.

  Emma is mine, and I’m hers. It’s that simple.

  11

  Emma

  “Thank you for everything,” Hazel says again, walking around the kitchen island and picking a stool to sit on.

  She returned in the afternoon, telling me stories about her trip and the collab between Sugar & Silk and Cromwell Travel. Apparently, it was a success, and they’re already planning the next one. I envy her newfound joy in the business world. She was an assistant before, but nowadays, she’s making the hard decisions and innovating.

  Will that be me as well? I sigh. I hope so. I’d love to work designing wedding gowns and make a living. Maybe even my own collection one day. That’s a big dream for someone who didn’t even finish fashion school, a little voice inside me warns.

  I blink out of my musings. “It’s been a pleasure.”

  Hazel looks at me with the pretty eyes she was named after. “I talked to Dad, and he’s loved having you around. He says you’re not as much of a pain in the ass like me.”

  I chuckle. “He’s independent and great company. I may have to come to see him once in a while.” I’ll miss him and Moonshine—that dog made me exercise more in a week and a half than I have in the entire year. A warm sensation spreads through me. I could still be close to this awesome family and my friend if I moved into Malcolm’s home.

  But I have to stay strong.

  “I guess he’s not the only one you’ll be seeing in this neighborhood.” Hazel winks at me.

  I flush. The past few days have been amazing. I felt lighter after I told Malcolm I was falling for him. The declaration wasn’t planned but was a spur-of-the-moment thing. But I can’t take it back. It’s true.

  He hasn’t said he loves me back, but I see it in his eyes that he cares for me. I just have to be patient until he’s ready to share his feelings.

  “Emma, how’s Malcolm doing? Will he miss you?”

  I can’t dodge this conversation. “He’ll see me enough. In fact, we’re going to Los Angeles together tomorrow. He arranged a meeting with this big designer. He showed her some of my sketches, and she said she’d like to meet.”

  Her eyes grow big, and she hugs me like I’ve told her I’m pregnant. “Wow. That’s so wonderful. So exciting. Wow. Wow.”

  I squeal as her enthusiasm rubs off on me. “I’m trying not to hype myself up too much. But yes, exciting.”

  Hazel taps her chin and looks up at the ceiling like she’s cooking something in her brain. Then, her gaze finds mine. “Malcolm does know a lot of people. I guess he must have good intentions toward you, or he wouldn’t have offered.”

  “Yeah. He also offered to let me stay with him. At his place.” He didn’t set a timeframe. He didn’t say, stay with me until you find your own place, or anything like that. And an open-ended invitation can be dangerous for a girl like me.

  She claps her hands. “He’s got it bad. What did you say?”

 

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