26. Liz
Chapter Twenty-Six
LIZ
I totally fell for it. That damn dimple in his chin.
But it wasn’t just that. It was everything else about him—his charm, generosity, business savvy, and yeah .
. . that epic wine collection of his. I’ve tried to keep him at arm’s length, but the magnetism that pulled me from San Francisco to London, and everything that’s happened since, is just too strong of a force to fight.
But oh, my God! I did not see that coming. Not until I came right there on his desk at Bonnaire Tower. Ever since I stepped on the elevator in New York, I’ve known we have palpable chemistry. No wonder we’re so good together.
I’ve never had a man pleasure me on his desk and ask for nothing in return. A man like that’s a keeper. Could I keep him? I glance down at the rock on my finger. Even if I wanted to, we’re not playing this game for keeps.
“Finally, we have the place to ourselves.” Kent opens his front door, takes my hand, and pulls me into him. Our mouths meet in yet another delicious kiss, after the many we shared on the ride home. I forgot how fun it was to make out with a man. A man I actually like.
Dahlia left for Mick’s manor right after the impromptu gown fashion show. The moment she left, I moved all of my things back into the guest room with the intention of sleeping alone. With our lips locked, Kent shuts the door and pins me against it.
I know where this is going. It’s going where we both desperately want it to go.
To his bedroom. And if we go into his bedroom, we’ll definitely have sex.
And if we have sex, he’ll definitely make me scream.
Maybe twice. Or three times. Hell, with the way he uses his tongue, it could go on and on and on. All night long.
Like our business arrangement, that sounds like a great deal, but it’s too risky. I like him too much. He’s the exact kind of guy I would want to end up with if I could ever be so lucky to end up with someone. For real.
Kent’s made it clear he’s not the marrying kind. If he were, we wouldn’t be doing this. So if we spend the night together, I know I won’t be able to come back from it. I’ve already suffered too many heartbreaks this year. I can’t add another one.
So I will myself to pull away, depriving my body and my soul of what it wants. “Kent, wait.”
He tilts his head like a confused puppy. A really freaking cute one. “What’s the matter?”
I wipe his kiss from my bottom lip. “I think we should say goodnight.”
Suave as ever, he leans in a kisses my neck. “Mmm, I thought that’s what we were doing.” That incredible tongue of his flicks my earlobe and his breath tickles my skin. My eyes roll back. It would be so easy to give in. But I can’t.
“Kent, come on. We already crossed way over the line.” I pull away, lowering my gaze.
He lifts my chin with a single knuckle, compelling my eyes to meet his. “Have I done something wrong?”
“No, no,” I assure him. Because he hasn’t. The opposite, in fact. And that’s the problem. “I just think we need to stick to the plan. You know, for the sake of the deal,” I say, twisting the gigantic engagement ring around my finger.
He lets out a defeated breath. “Yeah, okay.” Then he takes my left hand and brings it to his lips, giving me one of those if-you-change-your-mind glances. “I’ll be in my bedroom if you need me.”
I bite back a huge grin but there’s no way I can hide my flushed cheeks. “Goodnight, Kent.”
“Goodnight, Liz.”
We part ways, heading in opposite directions.
When I return to the guest room, there’s a package on the dresser.
Hmm, I wonder if his cleaning lady brought it in.
I open it up to find a shirt box. Huh? Did my team accidentally send another shirt?
That would be fortunate. Kent’s brand-new button-down is now buttonless.
I open the box and find a small white envelope with my name written in cursive. It’s a note from Kate.
Liz,
Congratulations on your engagement! Here’s a little something lacy to help you celebrate.
Your Future Sister-in-Law,
Kate
What a sweet friend. A friend I’ve completely lied to.
My stomach churns with guilt as I set the card aside and remove the pretty white tissue paper.
Inside, is a delicate teddy in red lace.
Sexy. Elegant. A classic Kate Golden piece.
Then I find two matching wrist cuffs made of soft, fine fur.
Is this Kate Golden’s spin on naughty Mrs. Claus? Not that I’ll be Mrs. Anything.
Still, it’s a beautiful piece. And the perfect gift for Kent this Christmas.
I let out a sigh. Too bad I’ll never get to wear it for him.
And there probably isn’t a gift receipt, either.
I hide the lingerie set in my suitcase before crawling into bed while visions of Kent between my legs dance in my head.