I’m like a starving man, going at her with fervor. I kiss, lick, suck, bite and take until she’s writhing against the glass.
I pull back and stare at her. “You’re so fucking beautiful.”
“I need to come,” she whines. “More, please.”
Her ass tempts me again when she wiggles it. I part her cheeks, kissing each before I lick her again.
When I finally slide a finger into her tight-as-fuck channel that sets her off.
She chants my name as she comes.
I pepper her skin with kisses as her movements slow.
I take my time sliding up her body, stopping to press my lips to the center of her back before I drag myself to my feet.
Her cheek is resting on the glass, a mist forming next to her mouth. She’s breathing heavy, whispering something I can’t make out.
“Olivia.” I push her hair aside to kiss her neck as my hand drops to her pussy. “Spread for me.”
“No,” she protests weakly. “Give me a minute.”
“I’ll give you one second,” I hiss back. “One.”
I push two fingers into her pussy, bowing her back as she screams my name.
“Fuck my hand.” I kiss her neck again. “I want to feel you come on my hand.”
Her hand drops to mine, holding it in place, and as I watch her face, she comes again, this time almost falling to her knees.
***
I hold her in place until she stills. “Stay here. Don’t move.”
The only response she gives is a slight nod of her head.
I push my jeans and boxer briefs down on my way to the bedside table. I yank it open and tear at the box of condoms until I have one in my hand.
The package is on the floor in the blink of an eye, and my cock is sheathed.
My hunger for her takes over.
I press against her, my cock heavy and aching between the cheeks of her ass.
“I’ve been waiting for this.” I run my fingers over her cunt.
She spreads her legs to let me in. I enter her slowly, giving her time to adjust to the length and the width of my cock.
Every inch brings out a new sound from her throat.
Once I’m balls deep, I slide in and out, circling her clit with my finger.
“Please,” she begs. “Please, Alexander.”
I move slowly. It’s so achingly slow that I have to close my eyes and rest my chin on her shoulder.
I need this to last. I want to savor every second I’m inside this woman.
I’m so lost in my need for her that I swear to fuck I could come with one heavy thrust.
“Harder,” she whispers against the glass of the window.
I reach up and pinch her nipple. “I want you to come on my cock.”
She works herself over the length of my dick, using me as a tool to chase her release.
I bite back a groan when her hand falls to cover mine.
She’s searching for her clit. She wants to help get herself off, but this is mine.
She’s mine tonight.
I give in to my body’s demand to fuck her.
I pound into her with furious thrusts, giving her what she needs and taking what I want.
Her hands claw at the glass when she comes; screams tumble out from between her lips.
It’s all I need. I fuck her through my own climax, feeling her pulsing around me.
Chapter 30
Olivia
“You’re going to need to carry me back to my apartment.” I laugh as I fall onto his bed.
He flexes both biceps.
Wow.
Alexander has a gorgeous body. He’s muscular, lean and has more stamina than any man I’ve ever been with.
“I’m up for that, Olivia.” He drops onto the bed next to me.
His hand finds his cock. He strokes it once. “You sucked me dry.”
I did.
After we fucked by the window, I stumbled to the bed while he used the washroom to dispose of the condom.
The instant he was back he was between my legs again, coaxing another orgasm from me.
I returned the favor by sliding his cock between my lips.
“You should stay the night.” He turns on his side to face me. “I want you to stay the night.”
I graze my fingertips over his lips. “I need to go home.”
“You want to go home,” he corrects me with a wry glance. “Honesty, Olivia. That’s all I ask for.”
“I want to go home,” I echo what he just said.
“Give me ten minutes to catch my breath and I’ll take you.”
I’ve never needed a man to escort me home after sex. I don’t want that from him.
“I can get there on my own.” I press a kiss to his lips. “Tonight was fun.”
“Let’s discuss when we’ll have fun again.” He circles the back of my neck with his hand, pulling me closer for a deeper kiss.
“When we’ll have sex again?” I question in a whispered tone.
“When I’ll fuck you again.” His lips are on mine again.
I break the kiss and pull back. “If you kiss me like that, I’ll want to have fun again now.”
Before I can take another breath, his arms are around me, I’m flat on my back and he’s hovering above me.
“One last time, Olivia.” He kisses me slowly. “Let me hear you come one last time before you leave.”
I run my fingernails down his back. “How can I possibly say no?”
***
A loud knock at my door wakes me.
I reach to find my phone. I dropped it on my bed after I got home last night. I fell asleep before I could respond to Kate’s text message asking how my date with Alexander went.
“Olivia!” Kate calls from the other side of the door. “Are you in there?”
I haul myself out of bed and grab a pair of black sweatpants and a red T-shirt. I slip both on over my lingerie and head straight out of my bedroom.
I swing open my apartment door.
“That’s a good look.” Kate laughs. “Did I wake you up?”
“What time is it?” I try to rub the sleep from my eyes.
“Just past seven.” Kate brushes past me.
She’s already dressed and ready to face her day. The black pants she has on are topped with a white blouse. It’s one of my shirts that I’ve been searching my closet for.
I make a mental note to apologize to the dry cleaner down the block. I accused them of losing it last week.
She heads straight for my kitchen. “I’m going to make coffee. You’re going to tell me what happened last night.”
“I had sex,” I announce because that’s the only information she’s looking for.
It’s the reason she’s here at the crack of dawn.
My words turn her around. “I knew it.”
It’s obvious. I know my makeup from last night is still caked to my face. My hair must look like a bird made a nest in it.
I didn’t bother to clean up once I was home.
I was exhausted in the best way possible. I lost count of how many times I had an orgasm last night.
“Before you ask, yes, it was the best sex I’ve ever had.”
She busies herself with the coffeemaker. “Are you going to see him again?”
I inch closer to her, resting my hip against the edge of the countertop. “Yes.”
The aroma of the coffee wafts through the air, brightening my mood instantly.
“Soon?” She laughs as she grabs two mugs from my cupboard.
“I hope so,” I answer with a giggle. “It was fun. He’s fun.”
“You sound surprised, Liv.”
Do I?
My initial assessment of Alexander may have been off base. He’s cocky and arrogant, but he’s also funny, charming and an incredible lover.
She fills both mugs with coffee before she heads to the fridge to get the cream.
I pour a splash in mine and then I scoop a spoonful of sugar into it from
a bowl on the counter. “Thanks for the coffee.”
She picks up her mug and takes a sip. “You’re happy.”
I nod. “I am.”
“Good. Stay that way. You deserve it.”
Chapter 31
Olivia
Dammit.
I rub my hand over the tea stain on my red skirt. Sheryl assured me that it wasn’t noticeable, but it looks like a beacon of my incompetence to me.
I’ve always told myself to bring an extra set of clothes to the office, but I never followed through.
I drum my fingers against my forehead to try and cement the idea into my memory, so I’m never caught in this situation again.
I’m on my way up to Cathleen’s office.
Thanks to Kate, I got to work early today. No thanks to myself, the Earl Grey tea I picked up on my way to the office, spilled on my jacket and skirt on the subway. The only thing spared was my black blouse.
I cursed aloud which drew a few disappointed glances from the commuters sitting near me.
I silently apologized with a mouthed, “I’m sorry,” and a shrug.
The stain on my skirt wouldn’t have bothered me except now I’m going into a meeting that could decide my fate with Liore Lingerie.
I know Cathleen wants to discuss the position in London. Sheryl’s secret informant in HR tipped her off.
The elevator doors open with a swoosh and I take a step off.
I’m always hit with a jolt of nervous energy when I take the trip up here. This is where the people who make the monumental decisions spend their time.
I know I’m good at my job and I help my division run smoothly, but it’s not enough.
I want to take on a more challenging role in the organization and the job in London fits the bill.
“Olivia,” Cathleen calls out to me. “You’re right on time.”
It’s a habit I’ll never break.
My mom taught me that the best way to show someone you respect his or her time is to show up when you promise.
I take pride in how punctual I am.
“Cathleen.” I rest my hand on my stomach as I approach her.
I’m trying a diversion tactic. Maybe she’ll notice the large gold ring on my finger instead of the stain on my skirt.
Costume jewelry is my favorite, especially when it serves a dual purpose.
In this case, it’s an epic fail.
Her gaze hones in on the middle of my skirt, right where the stain is.
I resist the urge to explain it away. I’ll take the ignore and rise above approach. If I dazzle her with my sparkling personality and vast knowledge about the company, maybe she’ll forget that I’m clumsy.
She looks elegant in the black skirted suit she’s wearing. The black dress shirt underneath complements the serious look she’s going for.
Silver jewelry is the polishing touch.
“We’re going to spend a few minutes with Gabriel.” She rests a hand on my shoulder.
Shit.
I didn’t realize I’d be coming face-to-face with the big boss today.
She leans in as we walk down the corridor side-by-side. “Don’t worry about your skirt. Gabriel has strawberry jam on his lapel from breakfast. It’s his daughter’s favorite.”
Turning to her, I breathe a heavy sigh of relief.
“It works to your advantage. We’re not looking for perfection, Olivia. We’re looking for commitment, and you’re committed to rocking that look right now.”
I laugh. “I’ll run with that.”
***
“Tea for you, Olivia?” Gabriel’s assistant smirks as she hands me a cup of tea.
I run my hand over my skirt. “Thank you.”
Gabriel reaches for his cup of coffee. “As I was saying, we’re looking for someone who wants to grow with the company.”
I’ve been listening intently to him since I sat down next to this conference table ten minutes ago.
Cathleen took a seat beside me. She’s been quiet for the most part, blindly nodding her head in the appropriate places and smiling when she feels I need encouragement.
I haven’t had to pitch myself yet, but I sense that it’s coming.
“Tell me about your first day on the job, Olivia.”
“My first day?” I question for clarification. “Do you mean my first day as the District Operations Manager or…”
His hand darts into the air to stop me. “Your first day as an employee of Liore lingerie.”
“I was nineteen. I was hired to work as a sales associate at the boutique on Fifth Avenue.”
A smile graces his handsome face. His dark eyes widen. “One of the stores you oversee now?”
I nod. “It was a wonderful introduction. I learned a lot there.”
“You’ve worked your way up the ranks.”
I’ve clawed my way up. I had to fight tooth and nail to land the position I have now. “I believe that hard work is the key to success.”
“I believe that too.” He gazes at Cathleen before he looks in my direction again. “Cathleen tells me that you’re a dedicated employee. You envision a long-term future with us.”
“I do,” I agree with a smile. “I believe I have a lot to offer. I’m smart and I understand the market.”
“I don’t need to be convinced of that.” He points at the open laptop in front of him. “You’ve improved employee turnover rates in the stores you’re overseeing. Sales are up compared to our other boutiques in the region.”
In the region?
I’m surprised. I’ve always kept my head to the grindstone, but I keep an eye on what’s happening with our stores in the northeast. I had no idea that I was surpassing the expectations I set for myself.
“You can see yourself living in London?” He picks up the coffee cup and takes a drink.
I nod enthusiastically. “I can see that.”
“It’s a life-changing move,” he points out as he lowers the cup to the table. “Don’t underestimate the changes you’d have to endure.”
“I’ve given it a lot of thought,” I assure him with a warm smile. “I would do wondrous things for the company in London. I’d make you proud, sir.”
“I believe you,” he says as he snaps his laptop shut. “You’ve given me a lot to think about, Olivia.”
I take it as a sign that our meeting is over, so I push back from the table.
“There’s one other thing.” He moves to stand, straightening his black suit jacket.
I stand too. “What is it?”
“My wife and I are hosting a dinner tomorrow night to celebrate Alexander Donato’s contributions to the Philharmonic.”
I nod and smile as if I know exactly what he’s talking about.
“I assume you’ll be there?”
I don’t know how to answer that. The guest of honor hasn’t invited me.
Cathleen pipes up as she shoves to her feet. “I forgot to mention that Olivia is my plus one.”
I shoot her a look of gratitude.
“Good.” Gabriel picks up the laptop. “I’ll see you both there.”
As soon as he exits the room, I turn my full attention to Cathleen. “You didn’t have to do that.”
Her hands land on my shoulders. “I saw that deer in the headlights look on your face. I have no idea what’s going on between you and the conductor, but we’re going to that party and we’re going to have a blast.”
I don’t argue. If she wants me there, I’ll be there.
Chapter 32
Alexander
What the fuck is this?
I thought I was meeting Gabriel Foster for dinner at Axel NY. It’s been a favorite restaurant of mine for years.
When he called me last week and suggested we meet up tonight, I was on board.
I don’t have a lot of friends other than Jack. I’m not on the hunt for new ones, but Gabriel has become one by accident.
Our shared love of classical music is the foundation for a burgeoning friendship.
This is some fucked-up surprise party.
It’s not my birthday. I didn’t win any awards. I have no idea why so many familiar faces are staring at me as I walk through the entrance.
“You’re here.” Isla Foster rushes toward me dressed in a light blue sparkly dress that makes her eyes pop. “We wanted to do something special to show our appreciation for you.”
A case of beer would have done just fine.
My gaze slides to where Phoebe is standing. She’s wearing the same black sheath dress and pearls she always does when there’s a special occasion.
I raise a brow to her for not telling me this was happening when I talked to her this morning. She tosses me a shrug and a smile.
I doubt like hell I look half as good as most of the people in attendance.
I’m wearing a navy blue suit and a pinstriped shirt.
I haven’t shaved since I took Olivia to bed. Part of the reason was that I wanted her scent to linger on my face the next day. Today, it was pure laziness that kept my razor in the drawer in my bathroom during my shower.
I rake a hand through my hair. It needs a cut.
Gabriel approaches with a bottle of beer in his hand. “Your old friend, Jack, told me this was your favorite.”
I look over his shoulder to catch Jack raising a bottle in the air. I’m tempted to flip him the bird, but there are too many people in this room who wouldn’t find the humor in that.
Most of the musicians I work with are easy going, but a few take the job and themselves too seriously.
I scan the room examining every face. Some are familiar, others not, but one jumps out at me.
Christ.
I lucked out when I walked into this place.
Standing in the middle of the restaurant, dressed in a killer red dress is the woman I haven’t stopped thinking about in days, weeks if I’m honest.
Olivia Hull is here.
Maybe this night will turn out better than I imagined it would.
***
Lace Page 12
