Chapter 32
CHAPTER THIRTY-TWO
Dylan
I had to track Eden down.
When her absence dragged into its fourth day, I ached to hear her voice.
I called her cell, Kurt’s office, and her office in Buffalo.
She didn’t answer, and no one I spoke with gave me any information.
I know that our conversation about custody in the Alcester case caused friction.
Eden’s coming at the issue from a different place than I am.
She’s walking this earth as an orphan. I have two parents and two stepparents who love me unconditionally.
The loss of her mom left a void in Eden’s life that was swallowed up by the pit that was created when her dad died.
She’s experienced the absence of parents in a way I never have. I pray I won’t for years to come.
I wave her over when she walks into Palla on Fifth.
She looks beautiful dressed in a pair of faded jeans and a patterned blouse.
Her hair is loose and in waves around her shoulders.
It’s breathtaking to watch her move. She’s graceful and elegant.
“Dylan,” she says as she approaches, her face breaking into a wide grin. “It’s good to see you.”
It’s fucking amazing to see her.
I missed her. Jesus, did I miss her.
Everything felt empty in a way it hasn’t before. I worked non-stop, and when I couldn’t find more to do, I went to the gym.
I didn’t even consider taking up the offer of a woman who hit on me when I was on a treadmill.
A month ago, she would have been my type.
Now, my type is the woman standing in front of me.
I scoop her into my arms for a full-on hug. She’s petite and perfect. I hold her against me, relishing in the feeling of her hands running a path up and down my back.
When we part, she points at the T-shirt I’m wearing. “You’re kidding, right?”
I glance down at the black shirt with the logo of a band I used to listen to in high school. “What?”
“Turn around?” Her finger spins in the air.
I comply, doing a slow turn.
She sighs. “That’s a tour shirt from last year. You don’t still love their music, do you?”
“Hey, now.” I scowl. “Do you see me hating on your taste in music?”
She seats herself in a chair. “I happen to have impeccable taste in music.”
“As do I.” I lean my hand on the back of my chair.
She gives me a raised brow. “You have questionable taste in music and clothing.”
I glance down at the jeans I’m wearing. “What the fuck is wrong with my clothes?”
Narrowing her eyes, she leans back. “The jeans are perfect. I’d lose the shirt.”
I drop both hands to the bottom hem of my shirt. “I’ll lose it right here.”
“You’ll get me a coffee first. Then we’ll negotiate you losing the shirt.”
I swallow. “Deal. It’s good to have you back in Manhattan.”
Her eyes meet mine. “It’s good to be back.”
An hour later, as we settle next to each other on my couch, I look over at Eden. “I didn’t handle our conversation about custody in the Alcester case as tactfully as I could have. I fucked that up.”
“You did fuck that up.”
I like that she calls me on it. I love that she’s ready to go head-to-head with me.
“Judge Mycella will determine what is best for the girls.” She purses her lips. “You and I are going to discuss what it will take for me to get you out of that T-shirt.”
I slip it over my head and toss it behind me in one fell swoop.
She laughs so loud that I can’t help but join in.
“Let’s talk about what it will take to get you out of that shirt.” I look down at the front of the blouse she’s wearing. “The jeans too.”
She slides to her feet. “This shirt?”
I nod. “What can I do to make you take it off for me?”
Her fingers start to unbutton the blouse. “Does the breakfast for dinner place deliver?”
I fucking love that she calls it that. “They do.”
“I want you to order food from there an hour from now.”
I’m spellbound as she slips the blouse off, revealing a soft pink bra underneath. “An hour? You’re sure?”
Her gaze drops to the front of my jeans. I’m hard and aching. “Two hours?”
“Two hours,” I agree with a nod of my head. “What else?”
She slides off her jeans, giving me a glimpse of the black panties she’s wearing. “You’ll bury the T-shirt in the back of your closet.”
“I can’t agree to that.”
Her bra is off next. Her gorgeous tits bounce as she slides off the panties. “Are you sure you can’t agree to it?”
How the fuck am I supposed to talk when I’m looking at the most beautiful woman in the world?
When she steps closer and drops to her knees, I hiss in a deep breath. “Eden.”
Her hands race up my thighs to the button of my jeans. “This is my final offer.”
I fist my hands in her hair when she slides my zipper down. “You do things to me.”
“I’m going to do something special for you.” Her lips curve into a sexy smile. “You’ll do something for me too.”
“Anything,” I hiss out.
I’d do anything for her. Anything.
“Take off your pants.” She plants a kiss right above the waistband of my boxer briefs.
I look down at the lipstick stain she left behind.
My lips move, but the words don’t escape, so I chant them over and over in my mind as I kick off my jeans.
I love you, Eden. I love you, Eden. I’ve always loved you.