Seconds pass before he says, “Safe to say there shouldn’t be any problems on the intimacy front.”
It’s the emotional side I’m worried about.
I pull myself free from the tight space between Christopher and the window and take a couple of steps away from him.
I have to be honest with him.
Turning around, I take a deep breath before I lift my eyes to his. “I don’t know if I can do it.” His expression instantly darkens, and it has me darting forward and grabbing hold of his hand. “Hear me out, please.” When he nods, I quickly continue, “That kiss was unlike anything I’ve experienced before. I can’t kiss you like that and not fall for you.”
Christopher shakes his head. “What’s the problem?”
“I want to be in a relationship where the guy is head over heels in love with me as well. Being the only one who’s in love…” I let go of him, and taking a step back, I shake my head, “it will kill me emotionally.”
He frowns at me. “You think you’ll be the only one who will fall in love?”
I wrap my arms around my waist as I nod.
He looks at me like I’ve just said the most absurd thing ever. “Dash.” Shaking his head, he closes the distance between us, and taking hold of my shoulders, he leans a little down. “I already fucking love you.”
I let out a frustrated sigh. “I’m talking about falling in love.” I don’t know how else to explain it to him.
He lifts his hands to the sides of my neck and leans down until I can feel his breath on my lips. “Listen to what I’m saying,” he grinds the words out. “I’m attracted to you. I want this with you. I. Want. You.”
My gaze searches his, and seeing he’s dead serious, hope unfurls in my chest.
CHRISTOPHER
Finally, my fucking words are getting through to her.
“Why is it so hard for you to believe that I want you?” I address the heart of the problem.
Dash pulls away from me and goes to sit at the round table. “We’ve been friends our entire lives. You never wanted me like that before, so why now?”
Pulling a chair out, I turn it, so I’m facing her before I sit down. Leaning forward, I take hold of her chair and turn it toward me, then I lock eyes with her. “Why do you think I’ve never had a serious relationship before? It wasn’t because we’re friends, Dash. It was because I just couldn’t. It felt like I was betraying you. After the shit with Josh, I knew you needed time to heal. You didn’t date, and I had you with me twenty-four-seven. I was okay with waiting until you turned thirty, and that was a mistake on my part. I’ve always loved you. You know this.”
She shakes her head. “But you were the freaking king of one-night stands at Trinity.”
“Seriously?” I shake my head and let out a silent burst of laughter. “I have not been with anyone since the night you ended things with Josh.”
Dash stares at me as she processes what I’m saying, then she says, “I know you love me, but wanting me is a whole different story. It’s hard to fathom that you see me as a woman and not just… Dash.”
Lifting my hands, I frame her face as I lean closer. “You’re the first face I see every single day. You’re the last thing I think of every night. I don’t want to marry you because you’re my best friend. I want everything with you because you’re the only goddamn woman on the face of this planet I want a future with. I can’t even comprehend not having you in my life. I’ve always put you first because that’s how much you mean to me. You’re my priority.”
Dash begins to shake her head, and it has me tightening my grip on her. “Let me finish.”
When she nods, I continue, “When you told me about your fucking insane idea of going to a sperm bank, I almost lost my mind. Just thinking about you having another man’s baby…” I shake my head hard. “I would never allow that because you’re mine. I wanted to ease you into a relationship with me, and that was another mistake on my part. The night you ended things with Josh, I realized you were it for me. Not because we’re friends. Because I love you as a woman, Dash. I want you body, heart, and soul.”
Her eyes begin to shine, and when she takes a shaky breath, I close the distance between us and press my mouth to hers. Slipping a hand around her waist, I push to my feet and hold her to me as I begin to show her how much I want her.
I know how important this is for Dash. Like I need to be dominant, she needs to be desired.
Breaking the kiss for a moment, I grab hold of her ass and lift her onto the table. I move my hands to her skirt, and pushing the fabric up on her thighs, I force her legs apart so I can step between them.
Her eyes are wide as I bring my hands back to her face, and then my mouth crashes against hers, and I kiss her with all the hunger I’ve felt over the past five years.
My tongue drives into the heat of her mouth, and I drink in the taste of her with hard strokes. When Dash wraps her arms around my neck, pushing her body against mine, the urge to claim her overwhelms me. The kiss takes on a life of its own.
My body shudders from how good it feels. I memorize the feel of her tongue brushing against mine. My teeth tug hungrily at her lips.
Christ, I want her right now. I want to sink deep into her.
I want to hear her moans.
Our bodies begin to move as one, each rub, every thrust creating an inferno of heat between us.
Air-deprived, we gasp while our mouths grow numb from the friction.
My hands slip down to her waist, and unable to keep my touch gentle, my fingers dig into her while my cock strains against my pants to get to her.
I’m a second away from fucking Dash right here on the desk when my phone begins to ring.
It shatters the moment and brings me back to my senses. Pulling back, I step away from Dash.
My breaths rush over my lips as I take in her disheveled state and her lust-filled eyes.
Fuck. If we were home, I’d fuck her so hard, there’d be zero doubt left in her mind about how much I want her.
Turning around, I stalk to my desk, and pressing the answer button, I growl, “Yes.”
“Sir, your four o’clock appointment is here. Mrs. Lamberd,” Cody informs me.
“Give me five minutes.”
“Yes, Sir.”
I end the call then turn back to Dash. She’s slipped off the desk and has straightened her clothes. Her hands keep fluttering over her top and skirt.
She’s nervous.
When her eyes lift to my face, it’s only for a split-second before they drop to my tie. She hurries to me and begins to straighten it. Her gaze flits up again, and then she brushes her fingers through my hair while whispering, “You’re good to go.”
When she turns away from me, I grab hold of her wrist. “Hand anything important over to Cody. The meeting won’t take long. We’re leaving right after.”
Dash nods. “Okay.”
My thumb brushes over her skin. “Don’t overthink things while I’m busy.”
She nods again and then pulls her wrist free from my hold. “I’ll send in Mrs. Lambert.”
Chapter 7
DASH
Don’t overthink things?
That’s all I’ve been able to do for the last thirty minutes.
I’ve just taken a contract to Ryker, and as I step out of the elevator, I see Christopher standing by my desk.
Nearing him, I watch as he turns off my computer, and then he picks up my handbag. Coming toward me, he takes hold of my hand then drags me back to the elevators.
The doors open instantly, and once we’ve stepped inside, he hands me my bag. I slip the strap over my shoulder, and as the floors count down to the basement, I’m highly aware of Christopher next to me and his strong fingers linked with mine. We’re quiet as we leave the building, and it only makes my body tense and my heartbeat speed up.
Climbing into the passenger's seat, I pull on the seat belt while my thoughts alternate between what Christopher said and the freaking hot kiss.
That kiss.
God, that kiss.
It felt like I had a fever.
I’m pretty sure I was rubbing myself against him.
I believe every word he said, but there’s still something niggling, and I can’t figure out what it is.
I’m so deep in thought, I don’t even realize we’re home until Christopher opens my door. “Come on.”
I unclasp the seat belt and quickly get out. Christopher takes hold of my hand, and linking our fingers, he tugs me into the elevator. He swipes his keycard and presses the button for my floor.
My gaze drops to our joined hands. We’ve done this thousands of times before, but it feels different today. His grip is possessive and comforting at the same time.
When the doors open, he pulls me inside, and then he turns to face me.
My heart instantly leaps to my throat when his eyes lock on mine. His irises are dark as night and intense as hell.
I pull my hand free from his and playing for time, I drop my handbag on the couch then walk to the fridge. Before I can open it, Christopher grabs hold of my hips, and in one effortless movement, I’m spun around and pushed back against the counter. He places his hands on the marble top, effectively caging me in with his body.
Tilting his head, he captures my eyes with his. “We’ve agreed to do this, so there’s no backing out. I understand you need time to adjust to us being in a relationship, but I won’t stand for you becoming awkward around me. How can I make this easier for you?”
I take a deep breath, then admit, “It’s not awkward, it’s…” My gaze drifts over his familiar handsome features. “I look at you, and I see my best friend, but when we kissed, it felt like you’re a different person. Does that make sense?”
His arms wrap around me, and he pulls me into a hug. My body instantly relaxes against his as I move my arms around his waist.
“That’s because I’m still your best friend,” he murmurs, pressing a kiss to the top of my head. Then he pulls a little back, and lifting his hand to my cheek, his head lowers until his mouth presses against mine. The kiss isn’t wild and all-consuming but tender. His lips make me feel treasured, womanly… wanted.
When he ends it, his eyes lock on mine. “And now I’m your boyfriend. It’s a whole new side of me you need to get to know.”
My lips instantly curve up into a smile. “My boyfriend?”
His gaze warms as a tender expression relaxes his features. “For now. Go change into something comfortable so we can talk.”
I let go of him and dart up the stairs. Once I’ve changed into a comfy pair of sweatpants and a t-shirt, I head back down to the living room.
Christopher’s taken off his jacket and rolled up his sleeves. He’s sitting on the couch, his forearms resting on his thighs while he stares at the coffee table.
When I get close, his head turns to me, and he leans back against the couch. I sit down beside him, and tucking one leg under the other, I position my body so it’s facing his.
Christopher assumes the same position, so we’re closer to each other, then he takes hold of my left hand. His thumb brushes over my ring finger. “Now that we’ve decided to do this, to be in a relationship, we need to talk about what’s next. You want a child. Honestly, if it were up to me, we’d get married tomorrow. But I want you to have your fairytale wedding, so all I’m asking is for us to get engaged before we have sex. I want my ring on your finger when you’re carrying my child.”
I can only stare at him as his words stun me to hell and back. It’s only normal we discuss this, but hearing him talk about it is… actually enticing. It makes him a million times more attractive to me.
My stomach flutters, and a smile creeps around my mouth. “Never in my life did I think I’d hear those words from you,” I say, letting out a chuckle.
The corner of his mouth curves up. “I also want you to move in with me.”
“What about my place then?” I ask, a slight frown forming between my eyes.
“You can rent it out or sell it. It’s yours, so you need to decide, but I’d prefer you keep it as an investment.”
“Okay,” I agree.
His mouth curves up into a sexy smirk, then he says, “So you’re moving in with me?”
“Yes. When?” I ask, so I know how much time I have to pack my things.
“Tonight.”
“Huh?” I gape at him.
“Spend the night at my place. We can move your stuff up to the penthouse this weekend.”
Tonight. Us.
I swallow hard before I ask, “Same room?”
He lets out a chuckle. “Same bed.”
Oh.
Ahhh…
Christopher lifts his hand to my face and brushes his fingers over my cheek and jaw. The soft touch makes my stomach tighten with anticipation.
“Let’s not forget the reason all of this started. You want a child. We’ll live together, get engaged, and let things happen naturally. I’m not going to jump you tonight.”
I let out a burst of laughter, and wrapping my arms around his neck, I give him a hug, then I mutter, “It’s scary how well you know me.”
CHRISTOPHER
I’m actually impressed with the ground we’ve covered today.
When Dash pulls back and our eyes lock again, I ask, “Do you want to shower before we head up or pack a bag?”
“I’ll pack a bag.” She gets up, then asks, “Will you order dinner?”
“Sure. Anything specific?”
“Calamari, please.”
I nod and pull out my phone while Dash gets her stuff.
Ten minutes later, I grab my jacket and press the button for the elevator so we can head up to my apartment. My eyes drift over Dash, and when she glances up, I smile.
We haven’t slept in the same bed a lot, and I know it’s a big adjustment for her.
When the doors open, I turn off the living room lights in her place and follow Dash inside the elevator.
Reaching my floor, we walk into my penthouse. I take the bag from her. “Will you pour our drinks?”
“Yeah, sure.”
I take her overnight bag to my room, and I’m just about to change out of the suit when my phone rings. Seeing it’s the concierge, I answer, “Yes.”
“There’s a food delivery for you, Sir.”
“I’ll be right down.”
I end the call and leave my room. As I head to the elevator, I say, “The food’s here.”
I step into the elevator, and meeting Dash’s gaze where she’s standing in the kitchen, I wink at her as the doors slide shut.
Going down, I pay for our food, and thanking the delivery guy, I head back up.
Dash is busy taking plates from the cupboard when I place the food on the counter. “Go change while I plate the food,” she offers.
Heading to my bedroom, I strip out of the suit and slip on a pair of sweatpants and a t-shirt before heading back downstairs.
Dash has everything waiting in the living room, and dropping down beside her on the couch, I notice the TV’s on. “What are we watching?”
“Nothing. I’m just putting on some music.”
An instrumental piece plays while we enjoy our food. Once we’re done eating, I take our dishes to the kitchen. Sitting back down next to Dash, I stretch my legs out, resting my feet on the coffee table, and then I lift my arm around her shoulders.
She snuggles into my side, placing her hand on my abs. Letting out a happy sigh, she says, “I can get used to this.”
“Yeah?” I murmur. “Being mine?”
She’s quiet for a moment, then she rubs her cheek against my chest. “I’ve always been yours.”
Not in every way.
There’s still something important I want to discuss with her. “There’s one more thing I want to talk about.”
Dash glances up at me. “What?” When she notices the serious look on my face, she sits upright. “Something bad?”
I nod as I pull her
back against me. “It’s about when you dated Josh.”
“Ugh, worst mistake of my life,” she mutters.
Trying to be sensitive about the subject, I ask, “Remember how I pointed out he was changing you?”
She nods. “Damn narcissist.”
I take a deep breath and let it out before I get to the point, “You took one hell of a knock from him, and I’m not referring to when he hit you.” The memory alone is enough to make my blood boil. “I mean emotionally and psychologically. He broke you down every chance he got. I thought you healed from it, but this past week, I picked up on things. You’re not confident when it comes to your own sexuality. I don’t think you doubt that I’ll want you, but rather, you feel there’s no reason for me to want you.”
The music fills the air after my words, as Dash sits frozen next to me. I can feel her mind racing at a mile a minute as she processes what I said.
After a minute, she murmurs, “I’ve been trying to figure out what was niggling at me the entire week.”
I tighten my arm around her. “It doesn’t matter how many times I tell you I want you, you’re not going to believe me until you accept that you deserve it.”
She nods, and when she doesn’t say anything, I place my hand under her chin and lift her face to me. When our eyes lock, I say, “You deserve the world, Dash. You’re beautiful, smart, sexy as fuck, and loyal to a fault. You’re everything I want in a woman.”
A look of wonder washes over her features, and then she moves, straddling me. She brings her hands to my jaw, her gaze drifting over my face. The moment is loaded as she leans in, initiating a kiss for the first time.
I move my hands to her hips as I let her set the pace.
At first, her mouth is tentative, but then her tongue finds mine and her hands slip to my hair. The kiss intensifies until it’s burning with passion.
I lose track of time as I get lost in Dash. Our lips speak a language of their own, sealing us together forever.
When she breaks the kiss, she buries her face in my neck. I wrap my arms around her, holding her tightly to me.
Tempted Heir Page 5
