Even as big as it was.
“Why don’t you put him down?” Ellyn said.
He’d been staring as her eyes widened, then she seemed to recover. She’d been shocked, he could tell. His living room was larger than her whole apartment. And the view. He loved the view.
“I’ll put him down on the day bed in my office,” Colton said.
He carried the little boy, who hadn’t stirred, putting him on the single bed. He tucked the covers around him. Ellyn was at the door. She kissed her son on the head, and then followed Colton back to the living room.
“Will he sleep for long?” Colton asked.
“I don’t know. I’m glad I was able to get the first dose of antibiotic in him.”
“You hungry? I can make us dinner.”
She looked around at his place. Her gaze seemed to be taking it all in. “I could eat. You don’t have to go to any trouble.”
“I love to cook, but have no one to cook for.” He motioned for her to follow him. He entered his modern kitchen, and opened the refrigerator.
“Wow. That’s one stocked fridge,” Ellyn said.
She stood in the room as if lost among the cherry cabinets and stainless steel appliances.
“I have someone come in and do it for me every couple of weeks.”
“Do you cook for yourself that much?”
“I do, when I can. At least four times a week. If I can find someone to eat with me, all the better.”
He began to pull out items for a salad. He put them on the counter then rummaged around for tomato sauce. Everyone liked spaghetti. He even thought he had some ravioli in here. Nothing fancy. He would have loved to show off his culinary skills, but he figured Derek might not be interested in anything too odd.
“Can I help?” Ellyn said.
“Uh. No. You’re my guest.”
“I’d really feel better if you let me do something.”
He acquiesced. “Boards are under the counter there. Knives in the block. Can you make a salad?”
“Sure.”
She washed her hands then got to work. Colton found some bread and knew he had garlic so he could make garlic bread to go along with the ravioli. He put a pot on to boil and then sauce in another one to heat it up.
“What are you making?”
“Just some ravioli and sauce. Does Derek have any allergies?”
“No, thankfully. He’s pretty healthy, present sickness aside.”
Colton laughed. “Kids get sick. My sister has three boys and when they were Derek’s age they seemed to be sick all of the time.”
“You have a sister?”
“Yes. Younger. She’s married and lives in New Jersey. I go out to see her when I can. Her boys are teens now and running her ragged.” He snapped his fingers. “I forgot. I better get you some clothes.”
“Clothes?”
He picked up the phone and called down to the doorman. “George, I need some clothes sent up. Boys and a woman’s.” He handed Ellyn the phone. “You tell him what you need. I have toothbrushes and various shampoos, but he’ll get whatever you want.”
Ellyn looked at the receiver as if it were a snake, then took it from him. She spoke to the doorman, and gave hers and David’s sizes for pants and simple tops, then handed it back to Colton. “He’ll get us stuff?”
“Yes. One of the perks of this building. There are shops on the bottom floor and the concierge can get into them and charge stuff to my credit card.”
Ellyn looked at him as if he had two heads. “Wow.”
She went back to chopping tomatoes and greens for a simple salad, and she poked through the fridge, looking for a dressing. The water was almost boiling. Colton opened the package of ravioli, dumping it into the salted water.
Derek appeared in the doorway, his hair sticking up. “Mom, I’m hungry.”
“We’re making dinner, Derek,” Colton said.
Derek nodded. He seemed to be adjusting to Colton’s place better than his mother was.
“You thirsty?” Ellyn said.
“Yes.”
“Glasses are in the cabinet above your head,” Colton said.
“Juice?” Derek asked.
“I think I only have milk, son,” Colton said.
“That’ll be fine.”
She poured her son a glass then sat him at the table in the middle of the room. “Sit here.”
Colton watched the interaction between the two of them and it warmed his heart. Like a family. Like he had a family. Had he ever wanted one of those?
He’d spent so much time working, maybe it was time for him to slow down. After he launched Ellyn’s career. That came first.
“What?” Ellyn asked when she returned to the counter.
“It’s just nice to have others here. Especially a kid,” he said.
“Never considered getting married?”
“I’ve been married to my job. It wouldn't have been fair to a wife.”
“And now?”
“I’m thinking it’s time to slow down.”
*
Ellyn yawned and then put her head down on the pillow. This was the softest bed she’d ever slept in. She could get used to this. She yawned again.
Derek had gone back to sleep after dinner and a bath.
And Colton, well, he was in a room somewhere in here. She’d wished him goodnight after the wonderful dinner he cooked. He insisted that she looked beat and that he would clean up.
She’d wanted to argue but her yawns stopped her.
Her eyes drooped and then she was gone into dreamland.
She was suddenly back in her apartment. She could hear shots outside. Not an unusual occurrence, but today she knew the shooter was coming for her. She couldn’t get to Derek. Where was he? Did he sneak out the door?
She called him. He didn’t answer. She opened the door a little, but couldn’t see him in the hallway. She had to find him. Where was he? It was her job to protect him.
Her heart thudded in her chest as she slipped out into the dark hallway. More shots rang out and she froze.
There was Derek. At the end of the hall. Somehow, she knew the killer was climbing the steps. She called out to Derek, but he didn’t react. Did he not hear her?
She raced toward him, but the hall lengthened. She wouldn’t get to him in time. The door to the stairwell opened. There was the killer.
She yelled for Derek again. The shooter raised the gun to Derek’s head and Ellyn screamed.
She felt strong arms around her.
“Ellyn?”
She heard that voice in the distance as she struggled. She had to get to Derek. When she finally woke up, she realized where she was. In a strange bedroom. In Colton’s apartment. With Colton wrapped around her. He had his arms around her, and her face pressed into his muscular chest.
Wow. She did not want to move. Her breath hitched.
“Ellyn, it’s okay. It was just a dream,” he said.
She could hear his voice and feel the vibrations of it in his chest. He was warm and had a bit of hair on top of his pectoral muscles. She’d never felt as safe in her life as he murmured into her hair, stroking her back.
“I’m awake,” she whispered finally.
He didn’t let go. “You okay?”
Her heart still pounded in her chest. “I think so. I dreamt that someone was trying to kill Derek.”
“That’s awful, I’m sure. He’s safe in the next room. The building has the best security money can buy.”
She noticed he only had boxers on. The hall light threw light onto them and she could see his strong legs.
She shouldn’t be perusing the body of the man who would eventually be her boss, but she was enjoying the sights. And the touch of his large hands on her. She imagined what those hands could do and she shivered.
“You cold?”
He pulled the covers over her.
She nudged him away, not wanting to lose the contact, but needing some space. “I’m okay.”
“You were screaming.”
She wiped her face. “That was terrible.”
“I can imagine. I checked on Derek right before bed. He was sound asleep. I put his covers back on.”
“How long ago was that?”
“Ten minutes.”
“I need to go see him.”
He let her go, but followed as she looked in on her son. Derek was asleep, his foot outside of the covers. She tucked his foot back in then left him alone. Not thinking about Colton following her, she went back to her bed.
Colton stood in the doorway. “You going to be okay?”
She swallowed. He looked like a god standing with the light behind him. Tall, dark and handsome for sure.
“Not sure I’m going to get back to sleep.”
“You want to talk?”
The word “no” was on her lips, but she must have autocorrect, because she heard herself say, “Yes.”
She slid under the covers, but put a pillow behind her so she could sit up.
“Can I turn the light on?”
“Sure.”
He did so, then sat on the bottom of the bed. Clearly giving her some space. She wasn’t sure she wanted it. Suddenly making love with Colton seemed like a good idea.
She was alive and so was Derek. She needed to affirm that.
And it had been a long time since she’d been with a man. This man had made her feeler safer in one night than Chance ever had. He also offered her a future. Even if she didn’t sleep with him.
Which she wanted to do. Right now. She bit her lip.
“You look perplexed, Ellyn. As if you’re struggling with a decision. Are you having second thoughts about the contract?”
“No, not about the contract. I’m looking forward to getting started on that.”
“Then what?”
She sighed. “I’ll tell you when I’ve made my decision.”
He cocked his head. “Can I help with the decision?”
“I don’t think so.”
He moved closer to her, putting his hands on her arms. He leaned down, touching her lips with his. They were warm, soft, and inviting. If she leaned in a little closer, she could deepen the kiss.
Her head buzzed and she went for it.
***
Colton had fully expected Ellyn to reject him. He’d expected her to be mad at him, but he’d wanted to taste those full lips again. Could he kiss away whatever fears she had?
When she deepened the kiss and her tongue snaked out to meet his, his heart skipped a beat. His friend in his pants woke up. God he wanted this woman. In so many ways, but right now, he wanted her in his bed. Naked.
He broke off the kiss. “You sure about this, Ellyn?”
Her “yes” came out as a breathy whisper.
“Let me close the door,” he said.
He did, then returned to where she sat with her lips swollen from his onslaught. She was all woman right now. She gazed at him. She must be sure of her decision.
He shucked off his boxers and her eyebrows went up. He hoped she liked what she saw. It was all he had.
She patted the bed next to her and he didn’t wait another second to slide in beside her.
“Ellyn,” was all he could say.
Here she was. In bed. Not his, per se, but she’d invited him into the one she was going to sleep in. No reluctance.
He saw the passion in her eyes and he hoped he’d never see that in her photos. He wanted that dark look all to himself. Ellyn put her arms around his neck, pulling him close.
“Colton.”
He grabbed the hem of the nightshirt she wore. She let go of him to shrug out of it. She was naked underneath. He’d been talking to her when she had no panties on.
That was hot.
He cleared his throat as his gaze roved over her perfect body. There were miles of smooth, dark skin. Just a touch of hair at the juncture of her legs and then more smooth dark skin. All his for the night.
His mouth went dry and like a little kid at the candy counter, he wasn’t sure what to begin with. Not smooth on his part.
She tugged him back to her lips with one arm hooked around his neck and her hand snaked down to wrap around his dick. Damn.
“I would be careful down there. It might go off.”
She giggled against his lips. Then he kissed down her neck. She tasted of peaches. His lips tingled against her soft skin. He licked his way down to one of her breasts. Weighing it in his hand, he reveled in the softness of the globe before he put his mouth on her nipple.
She arched her back and her breath came out in pants.
“Oh, Colton.”
He hadn’t even gotten started yet and she was already squirming under him. If he didn’t distract himself, he was going to lose it. He wanted this to be perfect. He knew the first time could set the tone for the rest of their lovemaking.
He nipped at her nipple before moving to her other one. Her fingers held his shoulders in a death grip, her nails digging in.
While he worshiped her breast, his one hand went south. She was wet. For him. He found her nubbin and circled it with his finger. She spread her legs, giving him better access.
He rubbed, pushing just a little harder. Her back arched even further. Her breath came out in small pants. She was close. Her fingers dug in further.
Then she went stiff, her breathing stopped, then a “yikes” came out of her. He smiled against her stomach. He loved to do that to a woman.
Her chest heaved. Her eyes remained closed, her mouth slightly open.
“Damn,” was all she said.
He kissed his way back up to her mouth and took control of her lips. His hands ran over her whole body. He reached into the nightstand, hoping there was a condom. He hadn’t entered her room thinking of sex. Well, he had, but he never thought it would actually happen.
She grabbed the pack from him and he rolled off her to give her access. She rolled on the condom like an expert.
She turned over to her back, bringing him with her.
Then he entered her. It had been awhile and she was so warm and wet surrounding him.
He paused when he was fully in, taking in the sensation of her arms around him and her body around him. This never got old.
Then he moved, bracing his elbows on either side of her head. Her body reached up to greet him with every stroke. What a willing participant she was.
He was not going to last. Think about stock options and prospectuses. Numbers. Oh God. It wasn’t working.
Gritting his teeth, he slowed his rhythm. He gained control of himself. This had to be good for her. Her back arched and she could feel her vagina convulse around him. That pushed him over the edge, light exploding behind his eyes.
He stopped breathing while he thrust into her, then he was done. His body went limp, but he held himself over her, not wanting to crush her.
“Ellyn.”
Her eyes opened to slits. “Colton.”
From the look of pure joy on her face, he must have been good.
CHAPTER 8
Ellyn woke, but took a moment to get her bearings. She wasn’t at home. There was no toddler bed here with a Derek in it.
She wasn’t alone. A very male arm was flung over her body. A strong hand rested on the bed by her stomach. She heard slight snoring behind her, the breath from it wafting across her neck.
Not moving for a moment, it all came back to her. The nightmare. Then Colton waking her and holding her. Next, her libido taking control of her brain and her asking Colton to make love to her.
Oh. My. God.
Derek was in the next room. Was he awake? Why hadn’t he come in here?
“Shit,” she whispered.
What had she done? She had not been thinking as a mother last night. No, last night was about being a woman.
At least he’d worn a condom. Each time, since there had been more than one time. She hadn’t turned him down any of those times.
Holy crap.
Colton rolle
d away from her and then she could escape. She glanced at him, sleeping, his hair mussed, the sheet barely covering him. Sexy man, for sure. Too bad, there was no future.
She was all about the future. Dressing quickly, she then left Colton, closing the door softly behind her.
She let out the breath she’d been holding. When she looked up, a bleary-eyed Derek was in the doorway to the room he’d slept in. She put a hand to her lips. He nodded, while rubbing his eyes.
He looked better than yesterday. Less ashy.
“Get dressed,” she said when she ushered him back into his room. “We need to go home.”
“Yes, mommy. I’m hungry,” he said.
“We'll get something when we get home. I’ll make you pancakes.”
“Should we say goodbye to Mr. Hamilton?”
“He’s sleeping. Let’s leave him alone.”
“Okay.”
He dressed, while she resisted the urge to help him. She wanted to be out of here before Colton woke up. She could deal with him later. Not right now. She needed some distance from her actions.
She had to formulate what she would say to him. That could wait. Now she had to get Derek home and more medicine into him.
“Will we see Mr. Hamilton again?”
“Not sure, honey. He’s pretty busy.”
“Oh. Okay.”
“He runs his own company. That’s who Mommy will be working for.”
She hoped she would still be working for him. Signing that contract would be her priority come Monday. Hopefully, she could just deal with the Human Resources Department. Then she’d give her waitressing job notice.
How nice that will be.
With Derek dressed, Ellyn took his hand and led him to the living room where her purse was. She gathered their things and went out the door. Going down in the elevator, Ellyn realized that she had no idea where she was. Worse, she had no idea how to get home.
“Oh crap,” she whispered.
Derek stood next to her, yawning. The poor kid still hadn’t woken up fully. She’d rushed him out of Colton’s place, but she needed to get home. She needed to regroup.
More important, she must put her heart away. She could fall in love with that rich man upstairs.
The elevator doors opened and concierge greeted her.
How To Marry A Billionaire: A BWWM Billionaire Romance Page 8
