22. Nicholas
Chapter twenty-two
Nicholas
I ’ve never been the type of guy who stays in bed once my alarm rings. It’s a waste of time. Lying here, doing nothing while I could be knocking things off my to-do list makes my mind race.
But today? I’m almost willing to make an exception.
Because if this is the view that greets me every morning, maybe I can learn to enjoy staying in bed for a little longer.
A slow, satisfied smirk tugs at my lips as I look down at Amara. She’s sprawled across my bed, her dark orange hair spread out on my pillows, completely bare. I can’t take my eyes off her. The sheet only just covers her, leaving just enough to drive me crazy, teasing me with the curve of her hips.
I let my fingers trail lightly over her skin, tracing the outline of her jaw, the curve of her cheek. It’s soft—so soft—and I can’t help but revel in the sensation. I’ve never had a woman in my bed. Never had a woman stay over. She’s the only exception. The first and last.
Last night was incredible… She was incredible, and the urge to do it again hits me like a tidal wave. My body reacts instantly, my cock hardening at the thought.
I try to ignore it, leaning down to press a quick kiss to her lips. They’re plump and pink, so inviting, like fresh cherries. As I pull back, I feel her stir beneath me. She hums softly, shifting closer, her body finding mine instinctively.
Just as I’m about to kiss her again, I hear the unmistakable sound of little paws padding across the floor, a soft click of a door opening, followed by the familiar pitter-patter that can only mean Pumpkin’s here to ruin my moment. Either that, or she’s here to attack me for stealing away her owner.
I glance down at Pumpkin, who’s now jumped onto the bed, purring like she owns the damn place. I narrow my eyes at her. “She’s not yours anymore,” I mutter under my breath.
The little furball blinks at me, before letting out a low meow.
I roll my eyes. “Fine. How about we share her?”
Pumpkin responds with a soft purr, as she curls up on Amara’s head, licking her face. Damn cat is kissing my woman. Amara’s eyes flutter open and she blinks at me in confusion. Realization hits her a few seconds later, her lips tugging into a smile as the memory of last night floods back.
I can’t help but chuckle, leaning down to press a kiss against her lips. “Morning, honey.”
“Morning,” she rasps, her voice thick with sleep, and god damn , it makes everything inside me tighten. I want to stay in this moment, right here with her, but reality is a bitch. I’ve got an office to get to, phone calls, meetings. But Amara… This woman… She makes everything else seem irrelevant.
I groan, pulling her face up to mine again, my lips crashing into hers. My cock stirs, needy and desperate. She responds with a soft moan, her legs parting instinctively, giving me room. Pumpkin jumps onto the floor, and I grin as I kiss her harder.
I win. She’s mine now. Pumpkin: 0, Nicholas: 1.
“Nicholas,” she breathes, her hands pushing gently against my chest, breaking the kiss. Her green eyes meet mine, wide and unsure. “What happened last night?”
I arch an eyebrow, a teasing grin curling my lips. “I know I fucked you hard, but didn’t realize I’d given you amnesia.”
She squints, shaking her head, her expression confused. “No, I remember,” she says, her cheeks coating with a delicious shade of pink. “I mean… What does this mean… for us ?”
Ah. The dreaded talk. I roll off her, releasing a long breath as I try to gather my thoughts.
I wasn’t planning on any of this. I just wanted her. God , did I want her. And last night, she was right there, telling me she wanted me too. I let go of my control just enough to indulge in what was in front of me without thinking about the consequences.
But now? Now, I’m not sure what to do with all this.
I sit up and look at her, her green eyes wide with uncertainty, waiting for me to put this mess into words.
“The contract ends in two months,” I begin, running a hand through my hair. “It wouldn’t be smart to… start something. I’m not even sure I want a relationship. Ever. And I don’t think you’re in the right headspace for something serious, not so soon after…” I stop, my throat tightening at the thought, unwilling to say his name.
She relaxes, her shoulders dropping slightly as if she’s been holding her breath. I exhale, relieved that at least we’re on the same page.
“We both want each other. That much is obvious. And since the contract says we can’t date anyone else, and everyone already thinks we’re together…” I shrug. “I say we keep going.”
“Keep going?” she repeats, her eyes searching mine for clarity. “For how long?”
“Just until the deal’s finalized. After that, we go our separate ways.”
I watch as she processes my words. Finally, she nods slowly. “Two months.”
A smile tugs at my lips, the tension in the air easing, and I lean in a fraction closer. “Two months enough for you, honey?”
Her shy smile spreads across her lips. “I’m sure I’ll get sick of you by then.”
A laugh rumbles from deep within me. I reach for her, my thumb brushing over her bottom lip, pulling her closer. “Yeah? We’ll see about that.”
Amara chuckles, her fingers trace lazy circles against my chest.
I study her for a moment. “What’s going on in that pretty head of yours?”
She hesitates, then exhales. “It’s nothing.”
“Amara.”
Her fingers still against my skin. “It’s stupid.”
“Try me.”
She bites her lip, then finally meets my gaze. “It’s just… hard not to wonder, you know?”
I don’t need to ask what she’s talking about. I already know. Liam .
My jaw tightens, but I force myself to stay relaxed. “Wonder what?”
“If I wasn’t enough.” The words are quiet, but they land with the force of a punch.
I shake my head instantly. “Don’t do that. Don’t give him that much power.”
She lets out a humorless laugh. “Easier said than done.”
“Then let me make it easier for you.” I shift, rolling us so she’s beneath me, caging her in with my arms. “Liam cheated because he’s a selfish asshole, he’s a piece of shit, and that’s on him. It’s not because you weren’t enough.”
Her lips part slightly, but she doesn’t argue. Doesn’t push me away.
I dip my head, letting my lips brush against hers, just enough to tease. “You know how I know?”
“How?” she breathes.
I smirk. “Because I only had you once and I’m already addicted.”
I brush my lips against hers, our tongues dancing together, kissing her until the only thing she can think about is me.
“We need to go to work,” she murmurs against my lips, when I kiss her again.
“Tell your boss your fiancé fucked you so hard you can’t move,” I tease with a smirk.
She chuckles, shaking her head. “As much as I’d love to, if we’re late, everyone will know why.” Her cheeks flush with embarrassment, and a grin spreads across my face, loving that idea.
I dive in, kissing her again. “Don’t tempt me, or I really will pin you down and keep you in this bed for hours.”
“I’m serious, Nicholas,” she chuckles, breaking the kiss. “I’m all sticky from last night, and I still need to shower.”
I groan, the thought of her full of my cum making my blood heat, and I move in to kiss her again. But before I can, my phone buzzes on the nightstand.
I let out a frustrated sigh and grab it, seeing Robert’s name flash on the screen.
“Good morning, Nicholas,” Robert’s clipped voice comes through the speaker. “I was wondering if you had time to talk today.”
I sit up, stretching a little as I try to shake off the grogginess. Amara stirs next to me, glancing over with tired eyes. “I wasn’t expecting you to drop by,” I mutter, rubbing my face.
“I wasn’t planning on it, but there are a few things we need to go over.”
I glance at Amara, who’s watching me curiously. “Of course. I’ll be there soon.”
“Work?” she guesses.
I nod, pressing my lips together. “Robert wants to see me.”
Her brows furrow, the concern deepening. “You think he knows?”
I take a slow breath. If Robert found out the engagement wasn’t real, it’d be a huge problem. Not just because the deal would undoubtedly fall through, but… My gaze flickers to Amara. This would end between us.
“I don’t think so, but who the fuck knows.”
I blow out a breath, my mind swirling with the possibilities of what Robert could want. Amara’s concerned gaze lingers on me, but I can’t focus on that right now—not when I’m more distracted by the soft curve of her lips and the warmth of her body beside me.
I lean in, capturing her lips with mine in a kiss. Her hand slides up my chest, pulling me closer, and for a moment, everything else fades into the background. There’s nothing but her.
But—of course—Pumpkin decides this is the perfect moment to jump up onto the bed and cockblock me.
I pull away from her lips with a groan, and Amara chuckles, scratching the cat’s head as Pumpkin purrs contentedly against her chest. “Are you hungry, baby?”
I roll my eyes, irritated, as Pumpkin snuggles into Amara, purring softly with her eyes closed. I let out a sigh. I did agree to share Amara, and… she’s kind of cute, I guess.
“Come on,” Amara says, rolling out of bed. “Let’s go get you some food.”
As she stands, the sight of her full ass greets me, and I pause for a moment, just watching. The curve of her hips, the way her skin glows in the morning light. I drag a hand down my face. All I want is to stay in bed with this woman, but work—and her damn cat—are ruining that plan.
Amara gently places Pumpkin on the ground before pulling on a silk robe. The cat follows her out of the room, tail flicking.
I lie back against the bed, hands behind my head, watching her every move, my lips curling into a smile.
Then my gaze shifts to the ground, where Pumpkin turns her head back to look at me and lets out a meow .
My jaw practically hits the floor as I glare at her, as she follows Amara out the door.
Nicholas: 1, Pumpkin: 1.