by Alexa Riley
I try and hide my smile as I come around to the end of the counter and hold out my elbow for her to take a hold of.
“Do you want to see flowers or fountains?” I ask, and she blinks a few times before her eyes meet mine. The dark brown has flecks of gold this close, and I can even see a hint of blue. What I’d assumed was chocolate is so much more, just like Eve.
“Both?” she says, and I nod.
We walk through the west wing and out onto the terrace. Stone steps lead outside to a rose garden and this side of the estate has fountains hidden throughout. There are trees and topiaries keeping it secret so even if you were on the terrace you couldn’t see people relaxing in the roses. It’s one of my favorite places on the property, and I’m happy that I get to show it to Eve.
“So,” I begin as we make our way along the stone path. “You’re single?”
Chapter 5
Eve
“I think your niece already got me to answer that one,” I say with a laugh as I turn my head away, trying to hide the heat that hits my cheeks. Is he asking because he wants to ask me out or is he only making small talk?
This version of Dasher is a completely different one than the man I met yesterday. Today he’s charming and sweet as he shows me around his property and talks endlessly about how the estate was built and all the reasons he loves it here. I get lost in him, and before I know it hours have passed. I swear I thought it was only minutes, but talking with him is so easy.
“Lunch?” he asks as we make our way back toward the house. His hand comes to my elbow when we reach the stone stairs. I think he keeps finding ways to touch me, or I could be making that up in my head.
Every time it's happened today, warmth has bloomed from that spot. This man does something to me, and I’m relieved he isn't married. Not they we’re going to do or be anything, but I feel less guilty about the sex dream now. It felt like a boulder was lifted off my chest that I didn't know was there.
“Are you cold?” Dasher asks. He reaches up and runs his knuckle down my cheek. “Or do you always blush when there’s talk about lunch?”
“It’s getting a bit cold,” I admit, and it’s at least enough of the truth.
We’ve been having a warm winter so far, but I heard that will be changing soon with the cold front coming in. Winter has plans to catch up before the year is over, and I would love to see this place covered in snow.
“Then let's get you inside. I’ll make us lunch.”
“I really should get back to work. There’s so much to be done.” He opens the back door for me, and it’s nice to have someone act like a gentleman.
“You’ll have lunch with me.” His tone turns firm, and something sparks inside of me.
“Okay,” I agree as we walk into the kitchen, and he pulls out a chair for me. “Do you mind if we go over a few things?” I reach for the clipboard I left inside when we went for our walk.
“A question for a question.” He smirks at me as he begins to move around the kitchen.
“I think you already learned a ton about me. There’s not much more.” When he walks over to where I’m sitting, he places a cherry 7 Up in front of me, catching me by surprise. It’s my favorite.
“I beg to differ.”
“My life is pretty simple,” I admit, taking a drink. “I went to college, lost my parents, and now I spend my days planning events so people can have the Christmas of their dreams.” In truth, though, it’s getting harder each year. The longing for a family of my own aches inside of me. The ache makes itself more known by the day, and I’m beginning to wonder what direction I want to go in.
“What’s your dream, Eve?”
My mind blanks. “I don’t really know, to be honest.” Dasher takes out everything for what looks like grilled cheese and soup. “I would be happy just to have family.”
Dasher stops what he’s doing for a moment but then continues as he thinks of another question.
“What is the one thing you always wanted for Christmas and never got?”
“A kitten.”
“You had that one ready to go.” He laughs and then slides a plate in front of me.
“My place is too small for one, and I’d feel guilty leaving a kitten at home all day. Take today, for instance. I hit the ground running when the sun came up and I won’t get back home until late tonight.” Dasher looks irritated at my response, or maybe I’m reading him wrong.
“You should eat.” He picks up a piece of grilled cheese and dips it into the soup.
“I’m starting to think this house is trying to lure me to stay,” I tease. “First with the roses, then with my favorite drink, and now you went and made one of my favorite meals. I make it at least twice a week.”
The way he’s looking at me now makes a little shiver of desire skate down my back. I shouldn't be doing this. This client is a big deal to Jewels, and this could get really messy.
I smile and then duck my chin as I do the same and eat my lunch. I let out a small moan as the taste explodes in my mouth.
“Three different cheeses is the key,” he tells me before I can ask him what he did to this sandwich.
Dasher’s heated eyes stay on me as he lifts his hand toward my face. I scoot back, forgetting I’m in a backless chair and begin to topple over. Thankfully Dasher saves me and helps me back in my seat.
“Are you okay?”
My face fills with heat. I’m as graceful as a baby giraffe at times. It’s why I don’t decorate. I point and plan or everything would be broken along with a few of my bones.
This time he brings his napkin to my face and wipes the edge of my lip where some of the soup must have stayed. The way he’s touching me and treating me is so tender, I get nervous.
“We can’t date,” I blurt out, and his eyebrows rise. “Not that you asked me to.” Why did I blurt that out? “I just mean it’s not a good idea with me working for you and really, I’m not your type.”
“Okay,” he says before his eyes leave me to go to his food.
Okay? Why does that feel so anticlimactic? He'd given me the okay as fast as I’d said kitten. I clearly misread what was going on, and oh God, I wish a hole would open up and swallow me.
I try to eat more of my food, but a knot forms in my stomach. Why am I upset? This is what I wanted, and he didn't correct me when I said I wasn’t his type. When I hear Rae’s little feet running into the kitchen, I’ve never been more thankful.
“You’re still here!” She runs over to me as I get off the chair and then I feel her arms hugging around my waist.
It catches me off guard, but she is the sweetest little thing. “I came up with more ideas.”
“Rae, the woman probably has enough on her plate.” Jillian shakes her head, but she’s smiling.
“It’s fine.” I grab my clipboard. “How about you help me check on everyone and we discuss these ideas while we do it?” I suggest.
“Do I need a clipboard too?” she asks, looking serious, and I fight a laugh.
“Of course. I have extras in my car.” I hold my hand out to her and she takes it. “Thanks for lunch, Dasher.”
I make my escape with Rae, but using her as an excuse doesn’t make a difference. He ends up following us around, and every time I look up, Dasher is there. I try not to fidget, not wanting him to know he’s affecting me, but then I wonder if he thinks I’m going to mess something up and he’s just being cautious.
I keep working because I’m feeling behind, and when my cell vibrates, I see all the pictures Chel took for me. I let out a breath because everything looks amazing. I glance at the time, and I’m thankful I always keep a holiday dress in my car for times like this. I grab my stuff and turn around, running right into Dasher.
“Oh, sorry.” He grabs me by the shoulders so I don’t fall back on my ass. Again.
“In a hurry?” he asks as I stare up into his handsome face. He’s good looking, really rich, sweet with kids, and cooks. Why did I think he was hitting on me?
“Yeah, actually. Do you mind if I use one of your bathrooms to change?”
“Change for what?” He keeps his hold on me.
“I have a holiday party tonight. I need to be there to check on things.” He stares at me for a moment, and I think he’s going to say something, but he drops his hands and steps back.
“Of course you can use one of the bathrooms.”
“Thanks! I’ll see you tomorrow.” I hurry out the door to get my bag to change. In record time I’m back in my car heading towards the Mills’ holiday party. Each mile I get farther away from the Sleighs’ that ache in my stomach grows worse.
That house is messing with my head and maybe my heart too. I need to get it together before I return tomorrow. I don’t want to make an ass out of myself once again.
Chapter 6
Dasher
I shouldn't be doing this, but what else am I supposed to do? It’s dark in the driveway outside the Mills’ house and it’s crowded with cars. They don’t live too far from me, and I happened to find out there was a party here tonight. Never mind how I got that information, the important part is that I see Eve’s car parked toward the exit, and I walk over to it.
Glancing around to make sure no one is watching, I try the door, and to my surprise it opens. I slip inside quickly and close the door so the light goes out, not that I think anyone would notice. Inside the house the party is in full swing, and no one is out here paying attention.
I look around Eve’s car and open the glove box. It’s not that I’m snooping, I just want to know everything about her. And more.
There are a few trinkets in her seat that I look at, and a bag of clothes in the back. I see the Christmas sweater she had on earlier, and I bring it to my nose and inhale. It smells like cinnamon and sugar, and I close my eyes savoring the fragrance.
I’m hard when I think about this being against her body and I glance around again just to make sure I’m alone. Sitting here in the dark with my cock aching, I wonder if I could just get a little relief. I didn’t have time to earlier with how quickly she left, and then I was trying to figure out where she went.
I slide my hand down the inside of my thigh and tug on my cock over my slacks. I clench my teeth with how excited I am, and I want to jack off. I want to jack off in her car while smelling her sweater and surrounded by her things. It’s the only way I’ll ease this ache because if I go into that party right this second I won’t be able to control myself. I also won’t be able to hide this tent in the front of my suit and the growing wet spot.
Once more I look around and see nothing but darkness as I unzip my pants. It’s so quiet the zipper echoes in the car, but I’m too hard, too horny to care.
I’ve never been so out of control before, and never has a woman turned my head like this. Eve Tinsel has struck me like a bolt of lightning, and I don’t think I’ll ever recover. The way she speaks, the way one side of her lips curls when she smiles, and the tiny freckle under her eye that I’m desperate to kiss are driving me mad. When she touches me, it’s like fire, and I don’t want to ease that ache. I want to throw gasoline on it and burn up with her love because I am so beyond desperate for it.
My cock is out, and I hold it in my hand, feeling the beat of my pulse in it. I bring her sweater to my face and inhale as I squeeze the hard length at the same time. I groan, looking down to see a small bag on the seat next to me. Inside is a bottle of lotion, and I groan thankfully and take it out.
When I open the bottle, the scent of vanilla and cake fills the car, and I lick my lips wondering if this is what her pussy tastes like. I squirt some in my hand and then quickly toss the bottle back in the bag before I begin to jack off. There’s no finesse or foreplay, I just go straight to my cock that’s jutting up from between my legs. Its tip is glistening with need, and I squeeze tight as my hand moves fast. Faster, faster, I stroke myself, needing to hit that high. I shove the sweater against my open mouth and breathe deep as I imagine her in front of me, legs spread and knees up. I think of her pink petals and what they’ll feel like on my tongue and how I want to eat her ass.
I grunt, but my cock responds faster than I do, and I spurt cum on her steering wheel. It catches me off guard and without thinking I shove the sweater over my cock and pump my release into it. It’s soft and cushioned as I thrust my hips up. It’s too late to stop now, and I couldn’t if I tried.
My head falls back on the headrest of the seat, and I close my eyes as a wave of bliss rolls over me. I only enjoy it for a second before my cock twitches again, demanding another. I want to do it again, but it’s enough to curb the edge for now, and I need to get inside. I stare at the steering wheel and use the sweater to wipe it up as best as I can. Once I’m done I contemplate taking the sweater and keeping it, but I have nowhere to put it. There’s also a dark part of me that wants her to have something of me with her, and although that may be fucked up, I’m not able to control myself when it comes to Eve.
I glance at myself in the rearview mirror and see how dark my eyes appear. Yes, this is crazy. I’ve broken into Eve’s car, jacked off on her sweater, and left it for her as a gift. I know that this isn’t exactly normal, but my need for her is overriding all of that.
Once I’ve cleaned up and put my cock away, I slip out of her car and down the long driveway toward the house. When I get inside, the place is packed, so I grab a drink from the waiter passing in front of me and move along the edges of the party. There’s a fair amount of people I know, but we don’t always run in the same circles enough for me to have been invited. This looks like a party for real estate investors, and I don’t dabble in land anymore. My investments are based on the market.
“Dasher Sleigh, I didn’t know you’d grace us with your presence tonight,” Penelope Cleveland says as she blocks my path.
“Just saying hello to a friend.” I nod, trying to move past her, but she side-steps me. I catch a glimpse of red out of the corner of my eye and I crane my neck to see Eve speaking to someone. “If you’ll excuse me…”
“One second.” Penelope grabs my arm, and I stare down at it like a snake has bitten me. “I was hoping to get to talk to you. We’ve got a party tomorrow night at Rich’s house.” When my face is blank, she smiles. “It’s for charity. I’d love for you to come as my date.”
I open my mouth to tell her no, but then I remember Eve mentioning doing an event at Rich’s house. That asshole definitely didn’t invite me, and it might be my only way in.
“I’ll have my assistant set something up,” I say, and it’s enough for Penelope to move out of my way.
“Speak to you soon,” she calls from behind me, but I ignore her.
I’m scanning the room quickly again, and it takes a second before I find Eve. She’s off to the side talking with a man that’s leaning in close to her. I don’t like the proximity, and as I move closer, I see her smile is tight and her hands are clenched in front of her like she’s uncomfortable.
Sneaking around the room, I get closer, and eventually I’m only a few feet away. I pretend to sip my wine and glance out the window as I listen to her conversation.
“Party planning must be a lot of fun,” the guy says, and there’s something about his tone that grates my nerves.
“It is. I should probably get back to the event.” Eve sounds like she’s trying to break off the conversation, but the guy isn’t picking up on it.
“I have a party coming up and I could use a soft touch,” he says, and I glance back to see him leaning closer. “You look like you’ve got something soft under there.”
I squeeze my now empty glass so hard it shatters in my hand, and I place it on the table beside me. A quick glance down lets me know I’ve cut my fingers in a couple of places, but I can’t feel a thing.
“I-I’m…uh,” Eve stammers, and I’ve had enough.
“Hey baby, I found you,” I say warmly as I slide behind Eve and wrap my arm around her waist. I pull her back to my front and lean in to kiss her neck, all w
hile never breaking eye contact with the asshole. “Who’s your new friend?”
Eve takes a deep breath, and I feel her sigh and relax against me. My cock is still hungry, and he stirs against her ass, but I ignore it. Right now I just need to make sure she’s safe.
“I’m sorry. I don’t think I caught your name. What was it?” Eve asks the guy, but he’s already taking a step back after I glare at him.
“Would you look at the time?” The guy glances at his wrist, where there’s no watch, and then he’s gone.
Eve lets out a small laugh as she leans against me, and I tighten my hold. I’m in no hurry to let her go now that I’ve got her close. After a long pause, she turns in my arms, but still I don’t release her waist. It’s like I’ve got to shield her from every potential asshole because she’s mine. She just doesn't know it yet.
“Thank you,” she says softly and bites her bottom lip.
“I’m glad I could help.” When I bring my other hand up to brush her hair out of her face, I see the blood dripping on my fingers.
She gasps and grabs my wrist. “Oh God, Dasher, are you okay?”
“Just a scratch.” I try to wave it off, but she’s shaking her head.
“I think you need stitches.” She looks around the room and then back up into my eyes. “Let me take you to the hospital.”
“Okay,” I agree because I would go anywhere with her.
Chapter 7
Eve
I sit in the chair next to the hospital bed, trying my best not to glare at the nurse who is falling all over herself to help Dasher. I can’t blame her; really, the man is beyond handsome. Not to mention the million other things he’s good at.
When I got to the Mills’ house tonight, all I did while working was think about Dasher. It’s safe to say I’m a resident of Crushville. It’s the only thing I can think to call this even though I’m not sure I’ve had a crush before. It’s exciting to some degree and scary too because I’m going to get my heart broken. I keep trying to put space between Dasher and me, but at every turn I’m running into him.
