21.
Jonathan
Ada and I barely left her bed all weekend. On Sunday afternoon, I was determined to take her on a date, even though all I really wanted to do was sink myself inside her lush body until we both blacked out from exhaustion. In the end, we managed to drag ourselves to the nearby cinema to see a movie.
I couldn’t believe she’d agreed to give us a chance. Monday morning, I glided into the office on a high, feeling like the luckiest bastard in the whole world. I had never, I repeat, never, been in such a good mood after spending the weekend with a woman. Even my employees noticed. Therese shot me a suspicious look when I smiled at her and greeted, “Good morning!”
“Good morning to you, too, sir. Someone’s in a cheerful mood. Did you secure the Gatlin account?”
Of course, she attributed my high spirits to a professional win. “Haven’t heard back from them yet,” I replied, and Therese’s eyebrows rose.
“So, your good mood isn’t attributable to anything in particular?”
“Ah,” I smirked. “I never said that.” I closed my office door before she could question me further. Ada was right. Keeping things to ourselves for a couple weeks was a smart idea. It gave us time to find a rhythm with one another before letting anyone else’s opinions in.
By mid-morning, I was already craving her company, and unable to wait until after work to see her, I sent a short text.
Jonathan: Lunch?
Her reply came soon after.
Ada: Yes, please :-)
Smiling to myself, I slid my phone back in my pocket and tried to focus on my next client meeting. At lunch, I made Ben stop off at the same place from last time, ordering sandwiches to bring to Ada. When I arrived at Pinebrook and emerged from the car, sandwiches and coffees in hand, I felt eyes on me.
Stepping inside, the reception desk was empty, the middle-aged blonde woman who normally manned it nowhere to be seen. Deciding Ada probably wouldn’t mind if I headed straight to her office, I stepped inside and immediately ran into three grey-haired women who blocked my path.
“Well, if it isn’t Ada’s fancy man,” one of them announced. “Back again, are we?”
“Someone’s keen,” another commented.
“Of course, he’s keen. Our Ada’s a rare gem,” the third one said, eyeing me up and down as though trying to decide if I passed muster.
Amused, I shot them a congenial smile, “Ladies, I take it you’re all having a pleasant day?”
The first one who spoke tittered. “Oh yes, even lovelier now that you’re here.”
“Well, it’s an absolute delight to make your acquaintance …”
“Jackie,” she finished, smiling wide.
“Jackie,” I repeated just as the young bloke who’d been at the quiz night appeared. The same guy I suspected had a thing for Ada. A tendril of possessiveness took hold, and I had to remind myself he wasn’t a threat. After all, it was my bed she’d woken up in that morning, not to mention she stated outright that she wasn’t into younger men.
“Now, now, you lot. Leave the nice gentleman alone,” he said, before glancing at me. His gaze surveyed me as though making up his mind about something. “Ada’s in her office.”
“Thanks,” I said and moved to leave when he said, “Hey.”
I turned back. “Yes?”
Something passed over his features, an internal conflict perhaps, before he blurted, “Be good to her, yeah?”
My eyebrows lifted. I wasn’t sure what I’d expected him to say, but it wasn’t that. So, I was right about him having a thing for her, though by the looks of it, he’d resigned himself to the fact that it was never going to happen. I met his gaze directly. “Of course,” I replied and then continued on my way.
When I reached Ada’s office, I found her buried in work. “Come in,” she said, standing from her desk and coming around to press a kiss to my cheek. Not satisfied, I caught her lips in mine before she had the chance to move away, and a short gasp left her. Dropping the paper bag and coffees on her desk, I wound my arms about her waist and pulled her body into me.
“Missed you,” I growled, savouring the soft press of her lips. I was addicted to her taste, unable to stop craving it all day.
“I missed you, too,” she replied, breathless as she broke away. “Oh, you brought food. Thank you so much.” She lifted one of the coffee cups, opening the lid to inspect it before replacing it and taking a sip. “Mm, so good.” She cast me a glance. “How are you? I hope you didn’t have to cancel any meetings to drive out here.”
“No cancelled meetings. My day was less busy than usual. How about you?” I asked as she quietly passed me my sandwich before unwrapping her own.
“Well,” she began. “I haven’t received any calls from Head Office yet, so it’s still up in the air whether Cathal decided to make his complaint or not. Right now, I’m just trying to focus on the budget for the residents’ next day trip.”
“What sort of day trip?” I queried.
“I’d been hoping to bring them to Powerscourt so they could see the waterfall and maybe have a picnic, but my budget isn’t stretching to what it would cost to hire a coach. We might have to take them somewhere closer to home.”
“An acquaintance of mine owns a coach company. He actually owes me a favour, so I could call it in, see if he’ll give you a deep discount.”
Her face brightened. “Really? Oh, that would be great. I’m pretty sure they’re all sick of being taken to the local garden centre. It’d be so good to go somewhere different.”
“I’ll call him later and let you know.”
“Thank you,” she gushed, and I allowed my gaze to trail over her before a smirk shaped my lips. When she noticed, she looked down at herself as though worried she’d dropped lettuce on her blouse.
“What? Why are you looking at me like that?”
“Just wondering how many other lovesick puppies are wandering around this place with unrequited crushes on you. Do you unwittingly leave a trail of broken hearts everywhere you go?” I asked teasingly.
Ada put her sandwich down and dabbed her lips. “What are you talking about?”
My smirk deepened. “I had a run in with the young lad who works here. What’s his name again?”
Her eyes narrowed. “Lewis.”
“Ah, yes, Lewis. The poor guy looked crestfallen when he saw I’d brought you lunch. I think he may have been holding out hope for you.”
Ada shook her head. “Don’t be silly. Lewis is a flirt, but he isn’t interested in me. Besides, I already told you, I’m not into younger men, and even if I were, it would be a moot point because I’m with you now.”
Why did that statement please me so much? I swear my chest puffed up, my cock stirring just hearing it. I smiled at her darkly, imagining all the things I wanted to do to her there in her office that would unfortunately have to wait until later.
“Yes, you are with me now,” I practically growled, affirming her statement and enjoying the hint of rouge that stained her cheeks.
We ate and conversed about various topics until it was time for me to leave. I didn’t want to go. I wanted to shove all the folders and papers off Ada’s desk, lay her across it and bury my face between her thighs. Fortunately, I managed to reign in the urge since I figured Ada wouldn’t appreciate me ruining her carefully organised workspace. We kissed goodbye, with a promise that she’d come over later and I’d cook her dinner.
It went that way for the rest of the week, with us spending every spare moment we could together. On Friday just before lunch, Therese rapped her knuckles lightly on my door before ducking her head in.
“You have a visitor,” she said, and Ada appeared behind her, smiling. She held a bag with food, her long dark hair hanging about her shoulders. She typically wore her hair up for work, so to see it down had my mind wandering back to that morning when I’d kissed my way down her naked body, her hair fanned out across the pillow.
“Hey, so every third Friday, I get to take a half day,” she said as she stepped into my office, and I reached around her to close the door. As soon as we were alone, I swept her into my arms, backed her up against the wall and dove for the hollow of her neck. It was one of my favourite spots to kiss, mainly because of the way it always managed to quicken her breathing.
“Is that so,” I murmured huskily into her skin. I was obsessed with her scent, her warmth and inviting softness.
“Yes, so,” she exhaled heavily when my hand trailed down her stomach, seeking the buttons on her coat. “I thought I’d return the favour and come bring you lunch.”
“What did you bring?”
“Sushi.”
“Yum.”
“Great, shall we sit—”
Before she could finish the sentence, my mouth silenced her. I kissed her like a desperate man, like we hadn’t spent every night that week wrapped up together, whether it was in her bed or mine.
She melted into my kiss, the tension in her body dissolving, before her delicate hands pressed against my shoulders as she broke away. “I actually … I wanted to speak to you about something.”
“Oh?” I asked, still staring at her mouth, entranced.
Ada stepped away and went to sit in the chair in front of my desk. She set the paper bag down and began unloading boxes. “It’s about our arrangement. I’m supposed to be cleaning your apartment on Saturdays, but the last two weeks, you’ve told me to take the week off. You’re going to have to let me clean for you tomorrow.”
My expression sobered while a feeling of discomfort sprang forth. I wasn’t happy with our old arrangement. In fact, I felt like scrapping it entirely.
“What if I said I didn’t want you doing that anymore?”
“Then who’s going to clean for you?” she countered.
“I’ll hire a service.”
“Okay, but what about the rent, then? If I’m not cleaning for you, then it’s way too low.”
“We’re seeing each other, Ada. I’m not having you clean for me, nor will I be adjusting the rent.”
“But—”
“The conversation is over. Now, let’s eat.” I focused on the food but could practically feel her eyes lasering into me. I heaved a sigh as I looked up. “What?”
“Nothing,” she replied, but it was obviously something.
“Ada. Just say it.”
“It feels a little … complicated.”
“It’s not. It’s only complicated if you try to make it an issue when it really shouldn’t be. You’re my woman now, and being with me comes with perks. Enjoy them.”
Her lips twisted in a way like she was trying not to smile. “Your woman?”
I held her gaze, unflinching. “Yes.”
“Hmm.” Her smile broke free as she opened her sushi box and plucked out a roll.
“What does ‘hmm’ mean?” I questioned, studying her as she ate.
“I don’t know. It just feels like I should hate being referred to that way, but I … well, strangely, I like it,” she confessed, and my chest filled with possessive pride.
Our gazes held. Tension filled the air. I had to grip my fingers around the armrest of my chair to keep from abandoning the food and pulling her across my lap.
“Some of the ladies at Pinebrook were talking about you today,” she went on, piquing my interest. I raised an eyebrow, and she chuckled. “Well, they said they ran into you the other day when you brought me lunch and that you were a perfect gentleman. Jackie asked if I’d pass on a message that she’s ready to elope with you if you’re on board.”
I grinned and shook my head, my gaze softening as I stared at her across the desk. “Tell her I’m unfortunately already spoken for.”
Ada laughed, her cheeks flushing, and I absorbed the sound. Something about her laughter made the usual self-hatred within me feel less so. That was the thing, when I was around her, I didn’t despise myself as much as I normally did.
It was a sweet reprieve.
“I love that sound,” I told her low, unable to help it. “You’re so fucking beautiful, and when you laugh like that, it’s even more unbearable.”
Her cheeks flushed harder as she set down her food. “Jonathan.”
“Yes?”
Her gaze flickered to mine, seeming shy, “Your beauty is a little unbearable for me, too, sometimes.”
A grin split my cheeks. “Is that so?”
She nodded and returned her attention to her food. We ate in quiet for a few minutes before we chatted about work and whether we should go out to dinner tomorrow night. Both of us would’ve preferred to stay in, but I was determined to actually court her rather than just strip her naked every chance I got.
Speaking of which, when we finished lunch and Ada went to wash her hands in my private bathroom, I couldn’t resist slipping in behind her. Her eyes held mine in the mirror as I turned the lock over then approached her and dipped my mouth to her neck. A shiver shook her body as my palm trailed down her stomach, along her thighs and down farther to the hem of her skirt. Without hesitation, I hitched it up, revealing black, lacy underwear and a peachy backside.
“We shouldn’t,” she whispered as I pressed my erection between her cheeks and held her to me.
“Yeah, we should,” I countered gruffly as my other hand travelled around her front, sliding easily past the fabric of her knickers and delving into her heat. “You’re wet,” I breathed, scraping my teeth across her earlobe. Her chest rose and fell as she watched me through the mirror. “I want to fuck you against this sink then come all over your perfect fucking arse,” I growled, and a moan escaped her.
“But I don’t have any condoms here,” I went on, and she turned her head, her hand sliding across my jaw as she sent me a look of trust.
“That’s okay. I actually started taking the pill since we’ve been sleeping together,” she glanced down, a little shy. “I want to feel you. I haven’t been with anyone in …” her words trailed off as she lowered her gaze, clearly embarrassed as she went on, not looking at me, “In over three years.”
Why did I like that so much? God, I was more of a possessive caveman than I’d given myself credit for. “I was tested after my last partner about six months ago.”
“Good,” she nodded and pulled my mouth to hers, kissing me while I ground my dick into her arse and played with her clit. She arched her spine, and I groaned at how incredible it felt.
“You’re so fucking sexy,” I told her reverently. “All day long, I can hardly focus for thinking of you.”
“I can’t stop either,” she breathed. “We might have a problem.”
I bent her over the sink, our gazes still connected in the mirror as I asked, “This still okay?”
“Very okay,” she replied, and I deftly loosened my belt and undid my fly. Next, I tugged her knickers down her thighs, wrapping my arms around her to carefully lift her. I pulled them off entirely and dropped them somewhere on the floor.
A second later, I was back on her, sliding into her bare, the sensation blowing my mind. It had been a long time since I’d been with a woman without protection. Normally, it took months, or even years, to feel that comfortable with a partner. But I craved Ada like no one else. I needed the intimacy of being inside her skin to skin more than I needed air to breathe.
“Jonathan,” she huffed a stilted breath. “Oh God, you feel so good.”
“You feel perfect. You were made for me,” I grunted as I slammed into her hard. Her sex clenched around my cock, her sultry eyes on mine.
“More,” she begged, and that was all the encouragement I needed to fuck her faster, harder. The sight of us in the mirror was an erotic vision the likes of which I’d never seen. Taking her chin in my hand, I made sure she was watching just as intently as I was. “Look at us, so fucking hot,” I ground out, and her eyes turned hazy. She was gone, lost to the pleasure, still watching us through mirror as I continued to thrust inside her. My balls tightened, and I knew I was about to come. Then Ada did something unexpected when she tore her gaze away from the mirror and reached up to caress my jaw.
“I love watching you,” she whispered before her lips brushed mine, and I quickly pulled out, pressing my cock to her rounded arse cheeks as I came with hot spurts. I draped myself across her back, my breathing fast and erratic, as I reached up to cup her breast.
Reaching over, I grabbed some tissues from the holder to clean up the mess I’d made, tossing them in the bin just as I heard a knock sounding nearby. Fuck, someone was knocking on my office door, and Ada and I were both half naked.
“Jonathan, are you in the bathroom?” Maggie called, and I cast Ada an apologetic look.
“It’s my sister,” I whispered. “Just give me a minute to get rid of her.”
I held her cheek in my hand and kissed her deeply before drawing away and quickly pulling my pants back on.