12. Anthony
ANTHONY
Daisy held her wrist to her nose. “This smells even better on my skin.”
“You mind?” I said, pointing to her other wrist.
“N-no, not at all,” she stuttered.
I grabbed her wrist once more, bringing it to my nose. Goose bumps instantly broke out on her skin. “You smell fucking delicious.” She let out a soft gasp. “You are fucking delicious.”
I didn’t let go of her wrist. I couldn’t. I didn’t want less contact, I wanted more. I craved it.
“Anthony,” she whispered.
Hearing my name from her mouth did insane things to my control—which was already hanging by a thin thread.
“I want to stay away from you,” I said in a low voice. “I just can’t seem to do it.”
“Hmm, I have that same problem.”
I tilted her chin up. I’d fully intended to tell her that this couldn’t be happening. Instead, I lost my mind completely and kissed her.
She put both hands on my shoulders. I covered her mouth with mine, exploring her deep and wet, the way I’d been wanting to for days.
She tasted fucking amazing. When she moaned, I turned rock hard.
I pushed her to the nearest wall, wanting the leverage so I could kiss her deeper.
Then I moved both hands over her torso, starting with her waist. I touched the curves of her hips, then went back to her ass.
Groaning, I managed to pull at the last shreds of my control and paused the kiss. “Daisy, if you don’t want this, then leave the room now.”
“I don’t want to go anywhere.”
“Fuck, woman, if you stay here one second longer…”
“I want to stay. I want you. I know it’s crazy, but I do.”
There was no in-between with Daisy. Either I kept my distance completely, or I did this . I had to have her.
“Your dress is driving me crazy,” I said as I kissed down her neck.
“But I chose it specifically because it’s so… It’s conservative.”
“Precisely because of that. I would’ve mauled you right against that bar counter.”
She started to laugh, but the sound turned into another moan. “I wanted to wear my glasses,” she whispered. “I thought it would complement the outfit. Make me look like an office geek.”
“Those glasses are fucking sexy,” I said. “Just like you are.”
I straightened up, realizing we were still by the door. Anyone could come in. I glanced at the lock—then turned it. Daisy sucked in a breath, pressing her thighs together.
I brought my mouth to her ear. “Did that make you wet?” I asked. “Me turning the key in the lock? Knowing you’re here with me?”
“Yes, it did.”
“How wet?”
“Very.” Her voice was a low whisper.
I pushed her ponytail out of the way because it fell on the side where she’d applied perfume. I put the tip of my nose right under her ear.
“This perfume suits you so well. So damn well. ”
She licked her lips. They were red and plumper than before, bearing the mark of my kiss. That appealed to me on a visceral level.
I slipped my hand under her dress, to feel how wet she was.
Wanting—no, needing to touch her intimately right now, I brushed her inner thigh before pushing my fingers inside her panties.
Fuuuuck! She was so damn ready. I knew she could take my cock right away—but I had other plans first. I moved my fingers lazily over her clit. Tremors instantly took over her body.
“Anthony!” she whispered, then moaned. I couldn’t stop kissing her neck or teasing her clit. I wanted to make her come right now, and I knew she wouldn’t need much.
She pushed her hips into my hand. She was so damn sexy! I jerked my head back slightly so I could see her. Her groan filled the room as she clenched my shoulders, her nails digging in slightly.
I moved my palm in circles. My fingers were drenched. She thrust her hips up as pleasure jackknifed through her.
I couldn’t stop looking at her as I worked her pussy, alternating between pushing one finger inside and circling her clit, then pushing two fingers inside.
She was still trying to be quiet, and I realized that she’d be more comfortable if she wasn’t afraid that others could hear her.
She’d focus on her pleasure and give in to it more easily.
I captured her mouth, drinking in every sound.
When I felt her inner muscles tighten around my fingers, I paused for a beat, then kissed her again just as her orgasm coursed through her.
Feeling the reverberations of her climax was driving me crazy.
She put both hands on my shoulders, moving her hips, taking what she needed. Hell yes.
I waited until her breaths slowed down and her body turned completely soft to pull my fingers out and pause the kiss. She was shaking lightly in my arms, drawing in deep breaths.
Daisy gasped. “Oh my God, Anthony.”
“No one heard, don’t worry. ”
“Are you sure? Is there a bathroom close by?”
“Yeah, there’s one right there.” I pointed to the door behind the desk. She immediately darted that way, and I followed her.
While she cleaned up, I washed my hands. As we left the bathroom, I realized she was avoiding my gaze.
“Daisy, what’s wrong?”
She looked down, smoothing her dress. I cupped her face with both hands, but I didn’t lift her head up. I wanted her to do it. A few seconds later, she finally made eye contact.
“This is crazy. I’ve never… Oh my God, you’re my boss.”
“Relax. Breathe. We are two consenting adults who enjoyed ourselves,” I said in a calm voice.
The confusion in her eyes was clear. I tried to put myself in her shoes. “What would make you comfortable right now?”
She instantly relaxed. “I’m not even sure, but we should probably get back out there.”
“True.”
“You think anyone noticed that we were gone?”
“Honestly, no. And even if they did, my assistant and I went into the office to do some admin work. There’s nothing strange about that.”
“You’re right.” She tipped her head back. “God, I shouldn’t be making this weirder than it already is.”
“Good. Want a drink?” I asked her, and she smiled.
“I think I need one.”
“Then let’s go.”
We each grabbed ten gift bags. Opening the door, I motioned for her to step out first. As expected, no one was paying any attention to us. The place was chock-full, and it was impossible to see anyone’s comings and goings.
As Daisy and I headed to the bar, she kept looking to the left and the right.
I wanted to pull her to one side and reassure her, but I didn’t get the chance.
Chad, Scarlett, and Bella were at the bar.
Bella was perched on a chair, holding a glass of orange juice and staring at the stage, transfixed. Simone wasn’t with them, obviously.
“Hey!” I greeted them. “A bit late for you to be out, huh? Thought you’d end up coming another day.”
Bella glanced at me. “Dad said we could come.”
Chad shrugged. “I choose my battles.”
Both he and Scarlett looked at Daisy.
That was my cue. “Scarlett, this is my assistant, Daisy.”
“How do you do?” Scarlett asked.
Daisy smiled at her. “I’m great. Can’t believe all the participants are so talented.”
“I know, right? The guy before this one was so good. I hope he signs a contract tonight.”
Almost unwittingly, I glanced at Daisy. She started to blush, but she nodded without replying. I had no idea who played while we were in the office.
“Uncle Anthony, is this the most interesting evening, or are the next ones even better?”
Chad made a small noise that sounded a lot like a groan. I stared at my brother, trying to figure out what that meant. Then slowly, her question started to make sense. I knew my niece well enough. She was trying to gauge if she could convince her dad to let her come again.
“Opening night is always a highlight. Besides, you only came to get that picture, right? With the… most talented participant.”
I couldn’t get myself to say “hottest guy.” I still wanted to forget she’d said it.
“I already did that. Scarlett gave me her phone.” She looked around for a second, then back at me. “I like this place. Makes me look cool that I’m here. That’s why I want to come again. Daaad, maybe I can learn a thing or two about jazz by coming here.”
Oh, she was good. Even Daisy seemed to pick up on where this was going, because she was laughing .
Bella then turned to Daisy. “What do you think, Daisy? Will the other nights be as interesting as this one?”
“It’s my first time, so I have no idea. But tonight is fun, isn’t it?”
Bella nodded, sipping from her orange juice. “Yes, it is. But I think the next ones will be even more fun.”
She was definitely starting to have FOMO.
She looked at me questioningly, and I knew I needed to give her an answer.
“Some evenings are great, and some are just okay,” I said honestly. “It depends on what they choose to play and so on.”
“Dad, can we come to the next one too?”
“We’ll see,” Chad said.
“Yes!” She clapped her hands and then jumped down from the chair, coming to hug me. “Thank you, Uncle Anthony.”
“What did he do?” Chad asked. “I’m the one who said yes.”
But Bella didn’t let go, and I hugged her right back. Nowadays, she didn’t want to give as many hugs as before, so I cherished every single one.
Once Bella released me, Scarlett said, “Hey, I see some chairs in the front. Do you want to go sit there?”
“Yes. Let’s go,” Bella exclaimed.
“If you guys let me know when you’re coming next, I can reserve seats,” I told them.
“Or you can just email me anytime,” Daisy said.
Bella looked at Daisy as if she was her new favorite person. “Yes, Daddy, can you tell her when we’ll come next?”
Chad laughed. “I’ll think about it and let you know, Daisy. Thank you.”
Once the three of them walked to the front, Julian came over to us.
“You two look like you need a drink,” he stated as Daisy and I set the gift bags next to the bar. They were to be handed to each performer before they left for the evening. As usual, my brother could read me well .
“Oh,” Daisy exclaimed.
“Damn, it’s that bad, huh?” Julian said. “Clearly Sazerac should come to the rescue.”
“I’ll take one,” I replied.
Daisy nodded. “Me too. Anthony keeps saying it’s the best in town.” She was speaking faster than usual, which clued me in that she was nervous.
“Interesting,” Julian said, looking between the two of us.
Oh, come on. He couldn’t pick up on anything from that!
He cocked a brow, and the corner of his mouth twitched.
Yes, he fucking did. I couldn’t believe it.
He immediately mixed the drinks and put two glasses in front of us.
As we sat on the chairs Scarlett and Bella had vacated, I said, “Daisy, from this moment on, you are not here as my assistant. You’re just here to enjoy the show.” After a beat, I added, “Off the clock.”
She swallowed hard, sipping from her Sazerac. “This is really good!”
“Thank you.” Julian was still looking at me, eyebrow raised.
I shook my head, and he shrugged. The last thing I wanted was for him to make her uncomfortable.
I took two large sips of my drink, enjoying the way it burned down my throat as the ice cooled me off.
I wanted to talk to Daisy in a more secluded spot.
I should’ve insisted we stay back in the room to settle things, but I hadn’t been able to think straight.
Just as I was about to ask her to go somewhere, Sal, one of the producers I’d invited here tonight, came up to me.
“Anthony, good to see you. Up for business talk?” He glanced at my Sazerac.
“Yes. It’s only the first drink.”
“Perfect. Can we talk privately?”
“Sure, there’s an office in back.”
“Perfect.”
I glanced at Daisy and Julian .
Julian nodded, but Daisy just averted her gaze.
I looked over my shoulder at her as I led Sal to the back room.
She was chatting with Julian. I zeroed in on her body language.
Her shoulders were relaxed, her legs dangling at the side of the chair.
Julian had an uncanny ability to put people at ease.
I couldn’t wait to finish the conversation with Sal so I could find Daisy again.
But when I returned to the bar an hour later, Julian told me she’d already left.
Fuck.