Chapter Twenty-Seven
CHAPTER TWENTY-SEVEN
Eugene did a careful walk around his house, making notes of anything that wasn’t coming along to his satisfaction. He had a great contractor, though, and there wasn’t much that he had to nitpick. Everything was going well and he could already see how awesome this place was going to be.
The living room, dining area, and kitchen area were open and spacious, and he could already imagine the entertaining he could do there. Plus, the wide open doorway leading to the patio and pool area was a stunner. He couldn’t wait to host parties outside.
Ned, the general contractor working with Linc, told him that he and his team should be finished with the renovations within the next few weeks, which was why Eugene had asked Natalie to meet him out here today. He wanted to know how soon she could be done with the design stuff so he could move in. He was so ready to get out of his temporary place and into this incredible house.
“Hey, are you in here?”
He pivoted at the sound of Natalie’s voice. “In the kitchen.”
She walked in and he smiled. After their trip to New York last week, they’d both been busy with work, and, of course, Natalie had the kids. So it had been a week since he’d seen her. There was something about her that took his breath away. Maybe it was the smile that lifted her lips whenever she saw him. A guy had to feel good about his woman being happy to see him, because he sure as hell was happy to see her.
“Hi,” he said. “You look gorgeous.” Which she did, in a black-and-white dress that hugged her upper body and flared out around her legs. She’d coupled it up with white sandals. Today, her hair was pulled back in a high ponytail, and all he could think about was the curve of her neck and how he wanted to put his mouth there, breathe in her scent, and lick his way across her body.
He blew out a breath. He definitely had missed her. A week was much too long to go without her.
“Thanks. You look hot as always.”
Yeah, they could have some fun. Right now.
Ned came into the room, obliterating Eugene’s fantasy. Ned shook hands with Natalie.
“Excuse us for just a few minutes, Eugene,” Natalie said, as she and Ned wandered the house. They came back in a bit later, Ned nodding while Natalie talked. Then Ned left the room and she turned to him. “Ned’s team is ahead of schedule. We’d better get started finalizing design plans.”
“That’s what I wanted to hear. I’m ready to go.”
“What do you have that’s on the way?” she asked.
He frowned. “What do you mean?”
“I mean furniture- and décor-wise. I assume you’ve had some of your things in storage.”
“Oh. Nothing. I got rid of everything before I moved out here. It was all mostly older or borrowed or left over from college.”
She grimaced. “Yikes. Okay, then. So you need everything. Furniture, dishes, pots and pans, towels. Things to hang on the walls. Everything, right?”
“Yup. Can you handle that?”
He figured she’d freak and he should have mentioned that to her earlier. But she surprised him by lifting her shoulder in a casual shrug. “I can if you’d like me to.”
“I would like you to. It’s about time I got grown-up stuff.”
She laughed. “I’d say past time, but yes, I’ll deal with it. Do you know what style you’d prefer?”
“Style? No. Just pick what you like and I’ll like it, too.”
She cocked her head to the side. “Eugene.”
“What? I know game stuff. I don’t know décor shit. That’s your area of expertise, and you’re very good at it.”
“Décor…things, aren’t the same as selecting what kind of dishes you like or what types of pots and pans you want to cook with. Or choosing a barbecue.”
“Which will be built in.” He scratched the side of his head. “Okay, I guess there are some things I need to pick out myself.”
“Indeed. Let me get the appliance deadline date from Ned so we’ll know when those are going to be installed. Then we’ll go shopping for those, along with everything else.”
He wrinkled his nose. “Joy.”
She looped her arm in his. “Some shopping is fun shopping. We’ll even buy you a lawn mower and a weed whacker, unless you plan to hire someone else to do that for you.”
He frowned. “No, I’ll do that myself.”
“Okay, then we’ll go buy you yard things.”
“Now that does sound like fun. But first, how about lunch?”
“Do you always put your stomach first?” she asked.
“It complains the loudest, so yeah, it takes priority.”
“Then, lunch it is.”
· · ·
Lunch had been a good idea. Natalie had been hungry, and the grilled chicken salad and mango iced tea was exactly what she’d needed.
Eugene had a chicken sandwich and fruit salad. After they finished, they took their teas and drove to the appliance store. She had gotten the specs for the appliances from Ned so she knew what the max size parameters were for each item.
She waved off the salesperson who rushed up to greet them and told him she’d flag him down if they had questions, but otherwise she’d see him when they finished choosing their items.
“You’re very good at that,” Eugene said.
“At what?”
“Dismissing people.”
She laughed. “I do this a lot. Trust me, it’ll go a lot faster without George over there trying to push us to whatever gives him the biggest commission.”
“Then you’re in charge. Ma’am.”
She laughed. “Okay, we’ll start with the kitchen appliances. Fridge, stove, oven, microwave, and dishwasher.” They wandered to that location, a shining heaven of stainless steel. She took a step back, giving Eugene a chance to look them over. She could tell right away that he gravitated to the dark stainless steel and shied away from anything shiny. She made a note of that.
She figured he’d point and say “That one,” and they’d be out of there in ten minutes. Instead, he was thoughtful, discussed fridge space, and whether or not he’d need a convection microwave in case his mom came for Thanksgiving. Then he finally turned to face her.
“What do you like?” he asked.
“Me? It’s not my house, Eugene. It’s yours. You choose what you like.”
“Yeah, but it’s just me. And maybe it’s not my forever house, but if and when I sell it, some family will likely buy it, so I’d want them to have something nice.”
“Okay, then. Let’s go.”
In short order, and after a few suggestions from Natalie, Eugene had chosen all the appliances, including a fantastic washer and dryer. Of course then Eugene had to drag her to the lawn and garden section, where he choose a mower, trimmer, and more than a few lawn beautifying implements.
When they finished there, they were off to the furniture store.
“This place is enormous,” Eugene said with a grimace. “This will take forever.”
“Well, you got rid of all your furniture,” she said, giving him a look. “All your everything, for that matter. So quit your whining and let’s get moving. We have a big list.”
They started with living room furniture. And while she was grateful appliance shopping hadn’t taken long, she figured this would take up the rest of the day. She was surprised to discover that Eugene zeroed in on what he liked almost immediately, choosing a sectional and a couple side chairs along with end tables and a coffee table. The dining table had been equally easy for him to pick out, and then they’d moved to bedroom furniture.
Now he wandered a bit, taking the time to step back and examine each suite.
“Too big,” he said to one as they walked by. “Not sturdy enough,” he said about another. At the third set, he wrinkled his nose in distaste. “That one’s just ugly. None of these are right.”
She laughed. “Okay, Goldilocks. There’ll be one for you that’s just right.”
He finally settled on a frame, dresser, and nightstands in black that suited his tastes. Natalie had to admit it had a sleek, modern look.
“With the right mattress, one nice and thick, it’ll be one hell of a bed.”
He grinned and put his arm around her. “Can’t wait to try it out with you.”
Her body tingled, making her heat all over. But she couldn’t deny the idea of being the first to be in that bed with him made her want to hurry this along.
He had already ordered furniture for his office and had already arranged for the wiring and work product he’d need delivered from his company, so she wouldn’t have to do anything in that room other than the wallpaper, flooring, and paint.
He picked out beds and dressers for the guest rooms, and they checked out.
“I’m done for,” he said, tucking his credit card back in his wallet.
“We still have all the accoutrements to deal with,” she said. “Pots and pans and dishes.”
“Ugh.” He dragged his fingers through his hair. “Do I have to?”
She could tell he was actually at the tipping point of not wanting to shop anymore. “If you trust me, I’ll do the selections.”
“I would love for you to do that for me. Thank you.”
“Consider it done.” She posted a note to herself to deal with it at the office tomorrow. “But for now, how about drinks?”
He looked at his phone. “You don’t have the kids?”
She shook her head. “They’re with Sean tonight. For the next three nights, actually. I told him he’d been lagging on being a good dad and that he was doing what I considered the bare minimum. I said he needed to step up and be responsible for the kids because I had some work things to deal with. And if he couldn’t do that, then I’d ask for more child support and full custody.”
As they walked out, Eugene cast a look of admiration her way. “Told him, didn’t you?”
“I did. I’m tired of him walking all over me, thinking he can do whatever he wants and nothing ever changes. So I’m just not dealing with his bullshit anymore.”
He stopped in the parking lot, turned, and grinned at her. “I like this feisty side of you, Natalie. Kick his ass.”
Admittedly, it felt good. “Thank you. I like this side of me, too.”
They resumed walking.
“Also, remind me not to piss you off,” Eugene said as they slid into the car.
She couldn’t help but smile at that.
“Do you have to go back to work today?” he asked.
She thought about it for a few seconds, then realized what he was asking. “No. I have some emails to deal with, but I can do that at home.”
“Okay.”
“What about you? Haven’t I monopolized enough of your time?”
He cracked a smile. “I make my own schedule, and we’re in a lull right now anyway while the physical design team creates some mock-ups to go with the programming.”
“It’s nice that you can take some time off.”
“Oh, I’m still working, just at my own pace creatively. Which means it doesn’t matter if I write code and review reports at three p.m. or three a.m.”
“I see. And, when exactly do you sleep?”
He shrugged, then exited the freeway. “I get enough.” He pulled into a restaurant and parked.
Natalie stared at the seafood place. “We’re eating again?”
“Hey, we ate a light lunch and then spent five hours shopping. I worked up an appetite.”
“I’m fine with eating.”
They went inside and got a table, ordered drinks, and settled in to read the menu.
Eugene looked up at her. “I think I want a cast-iron skillet.”
Natalie frowned and scanned the menu. “A skillet of what? I don’t even see that on here.”
“No, I mean, I want a cast-iron skillet.”
“Oh. For your house?” She pulled out her phone and jotted it down. “Okay, I’ll order one for you.”
“Thanks. You know, I can do all that myself so you don’t have to.”
She was making a few other notations while she spoke. “It’s not a problem. Plus, I’ll bill you for my time.”
He nodded. “As you should.”
They ordered food and spent time talking about his house, about paint colors and furniture placement and when things would be delivered.
After the food arrived, Natalie gave him a direct gaze, pointing at him with her fork. “You should have a housewarming party.”
He laughed. “Right now I don’t even have a finished house.”
“But you will soon enough, and it’s never too early to plan a party.”
“I don’t plan or have parties. Or at least I’ve never done it before.”
She lifted a shoulder while concentrating on her plate. “I’m a very good planner. I’ll help you.”
“And by help, you mean you’ll plan the whole thing and be there with me, right?”
She lifted her gaze to his and smiled. “Yes, that’s exactly what I mean.”
She watched as his shoulders settled back in their normal position, indicating the idea had made him tense. “Surely you’re not afraid of hosting a housewarming, Eugene.”
“Me? No way. And, hey, we don’t even have to do it. I know how busy you are, Natalie.”
She wanted to laugh but knew that wasn’t the right thing to do. “A housewarming wouldn’t be difficult, and I think it would be awesome to show off the house to your friends and family. You could even invite your mom and your other brother out from California. I’m sure they’d love to visit and see your place.”
He didn’t answer at first, and she thought maybe she might have overstepped.
“You know, that’s not a bad idea. And I’ve been meaning to do a get together with my team from work. This would be an ideal time to get everyone out of the office and have some fun.”
Relieved she hadn’t gone overboard with her ideas, she smiled. “That’s great. So you make a list and I’ll make plans. Then, once the house is finished, we’ll figure out a date that’s convenient for you and for your family.”
“Sounds good. And Natalie?”
“Yes?”
“Thanks. For the idea and for offering to help.”
What was it that whenever Eugene cast a direct gaze at her, coupled with that warm smile, caused her to melt into a puddle of goo? She was no lovesick teen who’d never fallen for a guy before. She’d had men in her life. She’d been married and divorced. She knew the realities of love and heartbreak. Shouldn’t she be immune to a man’s charm? A man’s smile? A man’s sultry, utterly sexual scent that seemed to always turn her…
Okay, fine. She most definitely was not immune to Eugene. And that caused her a great deal of consternation.
No, not tonight. She was not going to overthink her relationship—or whatever it was—with Eugene tonight. They were having a perfect time together, conversation was flowing, she felt good. What she wanted was to spend the rest of the evening—the night—with Eugene. And she wasn’t going to let negative thoughts interfere with that.
“Dessert?” he asked after their server removed the dinner plates.
She reached across the table and touched her fingertips to his. “Let’s have dessert at my place.”
· · ·
Eugene teased his thumb over the back of Natalie’s hand, feeling her shiver. Just the simplest of touches heightened his senses. And from the heated look in her eyes, she was as affected as he was.
“Yeah, we should go right now,” he said, signaling for the server to bring the check.
They made their way out to the car, and he held the door for her while she slid in. A gust of wind blew her dress up, baring her thighs. She looked up at him and gave him a seductive smile, not bothering to smooth her dress down until he closed the door.
His cock tightened.
Not a good time to get hard. Not here in the parking lot.
He slid into the driver’s seat and glanced over at Natalie, her hands balled into fists as she smoothed them over her dress.
“Tense?” he asked.
“You could say that.”
He laid his hand over her leg, teasing his fingers along the hem of her dress and under, taking in her harsh inhale of breath as he moved his fingers upward. “Something I could help you with?”
She laid her hand over his and moved it upward, spreading her legs. “Yes.”
He pulled his gaze away from her and onto the parking lot, which, while full when they’d arrived, had definitely lessened. Plus, their parking area distanced them from any other cars in the lot. And he needed to touch Natalie, now. He draped an arm over her shoulder, using his free hand to tease her sex through her silken underwear. She arched against his hand, silently asking for more. He was happy to give her whatever she needed, so he slipped his hand inside her panties and stroked her softness, circling the bud, driving himself to the brink while also taking her there.
His cock pounded and he wished they were somewhere where he could thrust inside of her until they both came, hard. But they weren’t, and this was about giving Natalie release. His could wait. But not too long, so he swept his fingers gently around her clit until she let out a moan.
“More,” she said. “More.”
He took a peek out the front windshield to see all was clear, and then he slipped a finger inside of her, pumping while he used his thumb to tease her clit. Her breathing quickened.
“Yes,” she said, grabbing on to his wrist. “Just like that. Don’t stop.”
“Oh, I’m not gonna stop, Natalie,” he said, his voice just above a whisper. “I’m going to keep fucking you with my fingers until you come all over my hand.”
She writhed against him and then shuddered, and when she came, she cried out. He took her mouth and kissed her, sucking her tongue into his mouth, absorbing her tremors as he continued to gently stroke her until she calmed. It took a few minutes, and he enjoyed the feel of her quaking against him.
He withdrew and she blew out a breath, raising her gaze to his. “Wow. That was good.”
“I could tell. How about we head to your place now?”
Her gaze heated. “Yes, I’m ready to get home.”
She smoothed her dress down and put her seatbelt on, as did he. The drive home was quiet, both of them sharing fleeting looks. All Eugene could think about was getting Natalie home and naked and in his arms. He really hoped she was thinking the same thing.
When they got to her house, he went around to her side of the car and helped her out, walking with her to the door. She turned around to face him.
“Well, I had a great time. Thanks.”
He blinked. “Uh…sure.”
She fished her keys out her bag and unlocked the door, then walked inside, giving him a teasing smile. “You’re coming in, right?”
Blowing out a breath, he walked inside and shut the door. “You’re a tease.”
She dropped her purse on the table and stepped over to him, sliding her hands along his chest. “Oh, you have no idea.”
Grizelda greeted them at the door. They both bent to give the pup some love.
“I’ll take the dog out,” he said. “Meet you in your room?”
She grinned. “Don’t be long.”
Natalie disappeared down the hall, while Eugene and Grizelda made their way outside. The night was cool, helping to clear his head from his and Natalie’s heated encounter in the car.
Not that it helped to cool down his body any. If anything, the longer he waited for her, the more he wanted her.
Unfortunately, Grizelda wanted to play, bringing him her ball. Since she’d been alone for a few hours, he didn’t want to bring her inside just yet, so he threw the ball several times, laughing as she happily pranced every time she brought it back. When Grizelda finally dropped the ball to go get a drink of water, he knew she was done, so they went inside. The pup grabbed her stuffed toy and stared up at him.
“Ready for bed, girl?” he asked.
She wagged her tail, so he headed down the hall, Grizelda staying in step beside him. The door to Natalie’s bedroom was open so he walked in. Grizelda went right to her bed on the floor, and Eugene headed to the bed, where Natalie was curled up under the covers.
Naked. Hot. And sound asleep.
He smiled and swiped a soft curl away from her face. She looked peaceful when she slept. She looked beautiful, too. Hell, she always looked beautiful. And yeah, it had been a busy day, so he wasn’t about to wake her. He walked around the house, made sure all the doors were locked and turned off the lights, then undressed and climbed into bed with Natalie. He pulled her back toward his chest. She wriggled her butt against him, making his cock twitch with painful awareness.
It was going to take a while before he’d be able to sleep tonight.