Chapter 26
Tuesday
“You’re not going to let us celebrate?” I sigh, my excitement deflating from my chest. I want to do this for him. It’s small compared to what he’s done for me, but I’ll take any opportunity to celebrate this man, and this accomplishment is a doozy.
“No. We don’t need to. It’s no big deal.” He barely glances up after he sets the bottle of bourbon down on the counter in the kitchen.
We got home hours ago and settled in just as the storm blew through the city. Snow falls outside the windows, but we’re cozy in here. But I’ll tell you, he makes it hard to concentrate standing there shirtless.
I decide the only way to convince him to let me throw a party is to plead my case.
“I think we do. You’re now a partner at the law firm.
That’s a very big deal. Every letterhead, the sign on the building, the gold sign when you exit the elevator, the business cards .
. .” I throw my arms in the air. “It all has to be updated to Westcott & Westcott Law Firm. That is huge, Loch.”
Setting the glass down after sipping it with more enthusiasm for the bourbon than my argument, he leans against the counter, and says, “People will say my dad gave me the partnership because I’m his son.”
“Fuck those people.”
“I’d rather fuck you, and since when did you start swearing?”
“It’s your favorite word. I figured my swearing puts us one step closer to becoming one and the same person. Eventually, we’ll wear matching Hawaiian shirts in Waikiki and finish each other’s sentences without even noticing.”
“Couple goals.”
I laugh. “I tried really hard to make that sound unappealing, too. Who knew you were so into retirement leisurewear.”
“Your first problem is that nothing about you is unappealing.” I come around the bar and latch onto his sexy body. His black sleep pants hang low enough for me to appreciate that deep V on display.
“You’re so sweet. What’s my second problem?” I ask, hoping he’s saved the best for last after that goodness.
His hands, cold from the glass, slip under my T-shirt in the back, making me jump.
He holds me tight, and the heat between us overpowers the cold.
Sliding even lower under the hem of the boxer shorts, he gets two good handfuls of my ass and presses me against his hardness.
“Your second problem is that you’re irresistible. ”
He leans down to kiss me, but I shove my hands against him. “Wait. Tell me I can plan a party to celebrate. Please, Loch. Not only will it make me so happy to do this for you but I need something to do. I need to use my brain constructively.”
Eyeing, I see the moment he gives in—the corners of his eyes softening to me. His grip holds firm, though. “You can plan a party. But I get you in the bedroom in five minutes.”
“I’ll accept these terms, counselor, but on one condition.”
“Which is?”
“I get to choose the first position.”
A wry grin twitches on the right side of his mouth, and he replies, “You’ve got yourself a deal.” We seal the deal with a kiss.
With his hands still holding my ass, I say, “You drive a hard bargain.”
“Get your ass in that bedroom so I can show you just how hard I drive.”
I start for the bedroom, not needing to be told twice, but stop at the far side of the living room and turn back. “Hey, Loch?”
Despite the naughty talk, his love for me shines in his eyes even across the dimly lit room. “Yes?”
“Congratulations. I’m proud of you.”
His smile goes from bad boy businessman to the hot guy who lives next door, causing my stomach to flutter. “Thank you.”
This is what utter and complete happiness feels like. With a grin that refuses to be wiped away, I go into the bedroom, ready to show him a few skills of my own.
I leave the blinds open but light a candle I bought for my nightstand. The candlelight gives such a dreamy glow to the room. But this is not where I want to begin our night. It’s where I want to end it.
Moving into the bathroom, I turn on the hot water in the tub and then light three candles I found in his hall closet last week.
They’re probably gifts from another woman, judging by the orange and pomegranate scent.
I hate that my chest aches in jealousy. Loch had a life I have no knowledge of as much as we aren’t privy to mine.
Who are these women buying candles for him, or are they just trying to leave their mark on the place?
I’m just going to literally burn those thoughts away.
I’m not surprised Loch doesn’t own bubble bath, so I squeeze shampoo into the tub instead, which foams up quickly. I strip off my clothes and try to figure out where to wait for him—on the counter, in the tub, across the floor?
“Hey,” he says, his dulcet tone wrapping around me like a warm blanket. Stepping just inside the bathroom, he leans against the wall and lets his gaze travel my body, lingering on some parts of me without remorse. Then he glances at the tub. “Are we taking a bath?”
“Yes.” I grapple for the counter but almost miss it as I try to act as nonchalantly as I can while standing naked in front of him. I’m just relieved that the heat is on in the apartment.
“Come here, Tuesday.” The demand in his voice sends delicious shivers up my spine.
I walk to him, taking a deep breath and stopping with only a few inches to spare between us. “Yes, Mr. Westcott?”
“Sir works.”
“Sir.”
Eyeing me, he reaches to touch my neck, his thumb running down the middle of my throat before sliding his palm over my shoulder, inspiring me to go down. “I want you on your knees.”
I hold his stare while silently counting in my head.
I’m not sure how I feel about dominance and submission since none of the games we play feel like either.
I could take control just as he has, so it’s nothing more than just a thing we do from time to time.
When I reach five, I blink, then lower per his request.
“Good girl.” My body purrs as it awakens, and I see the devilish grin settling on his face.
He knows that’s my kryptonite. “Stay exactly how you are.” He walks behind me and shuts off the faucet in the tub.
When he returns, he caresses my cheek and then slides his fingers into my hair.
“Do you know what’s wrong with this picture, Tuesday? ”
“No, sir.”
“I’m still dressed.”
I want to giggle like a schoolgirl, but I hold my composure and reach forward to pull down his pants, freeing his erection. He steps out of them and asks, “What do you want to do, Tuesday?”
I look up, knowing exactly what the right answer is. “Taste you.”
“Go on then. Taste me.” He moves closer.
Taking hold of the back of his legs, I lean forward and lick him from base to tip. It’s not until I wrap my hand around his penis that I can take back some control and swirl my tongue around his tip. Dipping his head back, Loch groans, reaching forward to hold me by my hair.
I slowly take him into my mouth as he prods deeper toward my throat. I swallow to relax and then slide back again, using my tongue to trace along the underneath of his length. I hum as he strokes my head, another “good girl” given in appreciation.
The sound of my mouth working him until he loses control has me squeezing my thighs together. I could come from giving him pleasure.
My hair is pulled on end, motivating me to please him. Sucking, I drag my tongue around him and take him deeper. My hand bridges the distances to his base when I pick up speed. “Feels so good,” he says.
I drink in his praise with every hollow of my cheeks, knowing I’m about to bring this man to his knees. His body begins to move erratically, so I hold on to the back of his leg and moan in my own ecstasy.
He holds my head as his body fucks my mouth, every thrust he serves becoming a new challenge I’m determined to win, and when he comes, I swallow everything he gives.
My name rolls off his tongue in repeated gratitude while he loses himself to the hedonism until the moans fade and the fist in my hair loosens.
As his release winds down, he’s left unsteady until he stills and then drops to his knees before me. “I’m going to take such good care of you, baby.”
My insides tighten in anticipation as he kisses me. Standing, he then helps me to my feet and walks me to the tub. “You’re incredible, so good.”
My breathing begins to settle, but my heart’s on fire in lust with this man. “I need you.”
“I know,” he says, dipping his forehead to mine. Caressing me, he closes his eyes and breathes me in. “I’ve never . . . it’s never been this good, raw . . . real before.”
I may not have the reference, but the way I crave to be with him tells me what he says is the truth. I grapple for him, needing to hold on to everything we have, not just now but always. “I love you.” The words escape in a heated breath against his neck. “So much, babe.”
“I love you.” He kisses me. “I love you,” he says, reaching my neck. “I need you so much.” But through the desperate utterance of the words, it’s not sex he needs—it’s me.
“I’m here, right here for you. Always.”
He nods so gently as if the reassurance is all he needs. Pulling back, he meets my gaze, and languorous grins reflect on our faces. I don’t know why a giggle bubbles up, but he chuckles as well. “We’re a fine mess,” he says, dipping to kiss my cheek once more.
“A mess I’m more than happy to make with you.”
Stepping back, he tests the water with his hand. “Still warm. Want to take a bath?” He runs the pad of his thumb over his bottom lip. “We can do a lot of dirty stuff in there while getting clean.”
“That’s an offer I can’t pass up, counselor.” I step into the tub, glad he’s right. The warm water feels like a hug as I slide my body under it.
“You relax because when I get back, I’m going to make you c—Did you hear that?” He looks toward the door.
“Hear what?”
He’s already grabbing a towel from the rack and wrapping it around his lower half. “How is someone knocking on my door in a secured fucking building?” And there goes his good mood . . .
“Brady?” I offer, wondering if I should get out of the bath.
“Maybe,” he says. “Stay in the bath. Relax. I won’t be gone long. Wine?”
He’s already left the bathroom, so I yell, “Please.”
“You got it.”
I lie back, but something doesn’t sit right. He’s right. No one has access to this floor without being given prior permission. I get out of the tub to investigate. Is someone here, or is he just hearing things?