“I’ll wait to hear from you.” He brushes his lips over my cheek. “Travel safe, Eden. I’m a call away if you need me.”
I turn and walk toward the exit of the restaurant.
I do need him. I also need to come to terms with the fact that he’ll fight me tooth and nail in court.
I’ll confident that I’ll win, but I can’t help but wonder what it will cost me.
Chapter 32
Dylan
I had to track Eden down.
When her absence dragged into its fourth day, I ached to hear her voice.
I called her cell, Kurt’s office, and her office in Buffalo.
She didn’t answer, and no one I spoke with gave me any information.
I know that our conversation about custody in the Alcester case caused friction.
Eden’s coming at the issue from a different place than I am.
She’s walking this earth as an orphan. I have two parents and two stepparents who love me unconditionally.
The loss of her mom left a void in Eden’s life that was swallowed up by the pit that was created when her dad died.
She’s experienced the absence of parents in a way I never have. I pray I won’t for years to come.
I wave her over when she walks into Palla on Fifth.
She looks beautiful dressed in a pair of faded jeans and a patterned blouse.
Her hair is loose and in waves around her shoulders.
It’s breathtaking to watch her move. She’s graceful and elegant.
“Dylan,” she says as she approaches, her face breaking into a wide grin. “It’s good to see you.”
It’s fucking amazing to see her.
I missed her. Jesus, did I miss her.
Everything felt empty in a way it hasn’t before. I worked non-stop, and when I couldn’t find more to do, I went to the gym.
I didn’t even consider taking up the offer of a woman who hit on me when I was on a treadmill.
A month ago, she would have been my type.
Now, my type is the woman standing in front of me.
I scoop her into my arms for a full-on hug. She’s petite and perfect. I hold her against me, relishing in the feeling of her hands running a path up and down my back.
When we part, she points at the T-shirt I’m wearing. “You’re kidding, right?”
I glance down at the black shirt with the logo of a band I used to listen to in high school. “What?”
“Turn around?” Her finger spins in the air.
I comply, doing a slow turn.
She sighs. “That’s a tour shirt from last year. You don’t still love their music, do you?”
“Hey, now.” I scowl. “Do you see me hating on your taste in music?”
She seats herself in a chair. “I happen to have impeccable taste in music.”
“As do I.” I lean my hand on the back of my chair.
She gives me a raised brow. “You have questionable taste in music and clothing.”
I glance down at the jeans I’m wearing. “What the fuck is wrong with my clothes?”
Narrowing her eyes, she leans back. “The jeans are perfect. I’d lose the shirt.”
I drop both hands to the bottom hem of my shirt. “I’ll lose it right here.”
“You’ll get me a coffee first. Then we’ll negotiate you losing the shirt.”
I swallow. “Deal. It’s good to have you back in Manhattan.”
Her eyes meet mine. “It’s good to be back.”
***
An hour later, as we settle next to each other on my couch, I look over at Eden. “I didn’t handle our conversation about custody in the Alcester case as tactfully as I could have. I fucked that up.”
“You did fuck that up.”
I like that she calls me on it. I love that she’s ready to go head-to-head with me.
“Judge Mycella will determine what is best for the girls.” She purses her lips. “You and I are going to discuss what it will take for me to get you out of that T-shirt.”
I slip it over my head and toss it behind me in one fell swoop.
She laughs so loud that I can’t help but join in.
“Let’s talk about what it will take to get you out of that shirt.” I look down at the front of the blouse she’s wearing. “The jeans too.”
She slides to her feet. “This shirt?”
I nod. “What can I do to make you take it off for me?”
Her fingers start to unbutton the blouse. “Does the breakfast for dinner place deliver?”
I fucking love that she calls it that. “They do.”
“I want you to order food from there an hour from now.”
I’m spellbound as she slips the blouse off, revealing a soft pink bra underneath. “An hour? You’re sure?”
Her gaze drops to the front of my jeans. I’m hard and aching. “Two hours?”
“Two hours,” I agree with a nod of my head. “What else?”
She slides off her jeans, giving me a glimpse of the black panties she’s wearing. “You’ll bury the T-shirt in the back of your closet.”
“I can’t agree to that.”
Her bra is off next. Her gorgeous tits bounce as she slides off the panties. “Are you sure you can’t agree to it?”
How the fuck am I supposed to talk when I’m looking at the most beautiful woman in the world?
When she steps closer and drops to her knees, I hiss in a deep breath. “Eden.”
Her hands race up my thighs to the button of my jeans. “This is my final offer.”
I fist my hands in her hair when she slides my zipper down. “You do things to me.”
“I’m going to do something special for you.” Her lips curve into a sexy smile. “You’ll do something for me too.”
“Anything,” I hiss out.
I’d do anything for her. Anything.
“Take off your pants.” She plants a kiss right above the waistband of my boxer briefs.
I look down at the lipstick stain she left behind.
My lips move, but the words don’t escape, so I chant them over and over in my mind as I kick off my jeans.
I love you, Eden. I love you, Eden. I’ve always loved you.
Chapter 33
Eden
I read the email I received earlier today for the third time.
Dylan is asleep in his bed. My first instinct was to go back to Noelle’s apartment, but I won’t.
We had the most incredible night. I don’t want tomorrow to come.
I brought him to orgasm with my mouth. He did the same to me. Twice.
After he carried me to his bed, we made love. It was tender in a way it hasn’t been before.
He insisted we shower together before he ordered dinner. I’ve never had a man wash my hair, or slide soap over my most intimate parts.
“Are you working?”
I turn at the sound of Dylan’s voice. It’s deep and gravelly. There’s a hint of sleep in it.
He walks into his living room wearing only boxer briefs.
As he nears me, he lets out a laugh. “Goddammit, woman. I thought you hated that fucking thing.”
I tug on the front of his T-shirt. I scooped it off the floor after I slid my panties back on. “I hate the shirt. I love the smell of you.”
That stops him mid-step with a hand to the center of his chest. “Eden.”
He doesn’t need to say more. I motion for him to sit next to me. Once he does, I stretch my bare legs over his lap.
“It’s the middle of the night. Work can take a back seat to sleep.”
“Maybe in your world.” I joke with a pinch of his nipple.
He closes his eyes. “You’ll make me hard if you keep that up.”
I stare at him. I’ve never wanted a man this much. I can’t imagine I ever will again.
“Were you digging up more imaginary dirt on my client?” He chuckles.
I drop my phone on my lap. “It’s not imaginary, but no. This isn’t about your cl
ient.”
He reaches to run a hand over my cheek, chasing away a strand of my hair. “Do you want to talk about it? I’m great at giving legal advice.”
I slide my hand over his to bring it closer to my mouth. I nip at his thumb with my teeth. “So am I.”
“Again, I’ll get harder if you keep that up.”
I rub my calf over the growing bulge in his boxers. “You’re a beast in bed.”
His fingers trail over my chin. “Only for you.”
I know that’s not true. He was so comfortable when he approached me in the club that first night. He brought me home without thought. He took me into his bed. He’s done it countless times before with many women.
“We haven’t talked about Buffalo.”
I wonder for the briefest of moments if he’s going to ask me to consider staying in Manhattan. He joked about it once when we were negotiating the return of his jersey. He hasn’t brought it up since.
I haven’t either.
I take a deep breath. “What about Buffalo?”
He smiles. “Your trip back. How did that go?”
“It was fine.”
“Fine?” He runs his palm over my leg. “Was it good to be home?”
It was lonely. My condo felt empty and too quiet. I took the jersey with me so I could sleep in it. I packed it for the trip back here because I know I’ll have to return it before I go home for good.
When that happens, my memories will be all I take with me.
“What do they say about home?” I try to lighten my mood.
“Home is where your favorite T-shirt is.” He shoots me a cocky grin. “You already stole one of my shirts. Don’t think you’re getting out of here with that one too.”
“This one you can keep.” I tug it over my head, revealing my bare breasts.
His gaze moves across my body to my face. “I want to keep this one forever.”
For a split second I think he’s talking about me and not the shirt, but he scoops it into his palm and brings it to his face.
Inhaling, he looks over at me. “It has your sweet smell now.”
I know our time together is fading, but for tonight, I want to forget that. All I want is to get lost in the hunger in his eyes and his touch.
He doesn’t say a word as I move across the couch to straddle him.
His piercing blue eyes lock on mine, and with a hand in my hair, he pulls me into a deep kiss that leaves me breathless.
Going back to my life in Buffalo and leaving this man behind will be the hardest thing I’ve ever done.
Chapter 34
Dylan
Eden finally gives in and agrees to spend the night with me, and this happens.
What the fuck?
“I’m coming,” I say between clenched teeth after another series of raps on my apartment door.
I fell asleep with Eden in my arms less than an hour ago, and now this.
Thankfully, the constant knocking on my door didn’t wake her.
It has to be Mrs. Berinco. She lives down the hall. Whenever she has a nightmare, I’m the guy who calms her down with a cup of herbal tea and a story about college.
She’s ninety-six-years-old. Her husband died more than twenty years ago. She’s lived alone ever since.
“Mrs. Berinco.” I swing open the door.
“Is probably fast asleep.” Barrett looks me over. “You’ve been going hard with the crunches. Look at those abs.”
I drop my gaze to my bare stomach. I put on a pair of sweatpants before I left my bedroom.
I didn’t want to give Mrs. Bernico an eyeful.
“What the hell, Barrett?” I move so he can pass me. “Do you know what time it is?”
He glances at the watch on his wrist. “It’s nine a.m. in London.”
“Why aren’t you there?” I close the door and turn to face him. “Why are you here?”
His attention is on the clothing on the floor. Eden’s shirt, her jeans, and her lingerie litter the floor in front of the couch. My jeans and shirt sit in a pile near his feet. “You’re not alone.”
“I’m not.”
That turns him back around. “Eden?”
I nod. “Eden’s asleep.”
He stalks toward me. “I’m out of here. I should have called first, but you probably wouldn’t have picked up.”
I huff out a laugh. “I wouldn’t have picked up.”
“I’m flying out tomorrow afternoon.” He adjusts the strap of his duffel bag on his shoulder. “If you want to meet for coffee, give me a call. I’m going to grab a room at the hotel down the street so I can crash.”
“Barrett?”
We both turn at the sound of Eden’s voice.
She’s standing near the hallway. She’s wrapped in the blanket from my bed. She looks like an angel with the light filtering in from the window illuminating the side of her face.
“Eden.” Barrett raises his hand in a wave. “I’m sorry if I woke you.”
“You didn’t.” She takes a step closer. “I got a call. I need to go.”
I push past Barrett so I can get to her. I hear the tremble in her voice. I see the way she’s shivering under the blanket.
“What’s wrong?” I look down at her face.
Her eyes meet mine. “Kurt had a minor setback. Noelle is upset.”
“Is he alright?” I don’t consider Kurt a friend, but I respect the man. I want to see him back in the courtroom as soon as possible.
“He’s fine.” She sets a reassuring hand on my cheek. “Noelle could use a friend right now.”
“Do you want me to take you home?”
She leans closer, lowering her voice as her lips sweep over my ear. “I’ll be fine. I need my clothes.”
“Go back to the bedroom.” I kiss her forehead softly. “I’ll bring them to you. I’ll get a car to take you.”
“I ordered an Uber.” Her lips brush against mine. “Tonight was special, Dylan.”
I can’t take my eyes off of her when she turns and goes down the hallway, disappearing into my bedroom.
It was the best night I’ve ever had. I wish it could play on repeat for the rest of my life.
***
Four hours later, Barrett walks into my living room, showered and wearing jeans and a black dress shirt. He looks rested. I wish I could say the same for me.
I didn’t sleep at all after Eden took off last night.
I texted her twenty minutes ago to check in, but I haven’t heard back yet.
I hope to hell she’s fast asleep.
“You’re in love with Eden Conrad,” Barrett says, looking at me. “Don’t deny it, Colt.”
I could. Maybe I should, but why? I am in love with her. I doubt I ever stopped loving her.
“I’m not denying it.” I slide a dark blue tie under the collar of my shirt.
“What are you going to do about it?”
I take time with the tie. When it’s finally perfect, I look at him again. “Nothing.”
“Wrong answer.” He takes a step toward me. “You’re going to tell her how you feel because you fucked that up fifteen years ago and I’m not letting it happen again.”
I huff out a laugh. “You don’t have a say in this.”
His arms cross his chest. “I sure as hell do. I’m the one who watched you waste time looking for an Eden replacement. You’re not falling back into that.”
He’s right. I’m not. The thought of fucking another woman does nothing for me.
I can’t go back to that. I won’t get into bed with anyone else.
I want Eden, but her life is in Buffalo and from where I’m standing, she’s not looking to add me to the mix there.
“This has an expiry date. We both knew it going in.”
“Who had that brilliant idea?” Barrett raises a brow. “You?”
“We both agreed to it.” I slide my suit jacket on. “She’s heading back home once the case she’s working on is settled.”
“You can change that.
” He reaches forward to tug on the lapels of my jacket. “You need to tell her how you feel so she can decide whether Buffalo is home.”
“Buffalo is home to her,” I reiterate that fact. “She works there. She owns a place there.”
“You work in New York. You own a place here. All of that can be changed.” His arm waves in the air. “Your argument is weak, Colt. What the hell is really going on here?”
I shove a hand through my hair. “We’re having fun until she goes home. It’s what we agreed to.”
“Don’t blow this for a second time.” He takes a step back. “You didn’t tell her how you felt in high school. This is your chance to right that wrong. Don’t let it pass you by.”
It’s the only wrong I can right, but it’s not fair to Eden. If I want a future with her, I need to confess to the past I’ve kept hidden from her.
I doubt like hell she’ll find it in her heart to forgive me for that.
Chapter 35
Eden
“I wish there were two of me,” I say to Mrs. Burton. “Buffalo Eden and New York City Eden. The former could use a run right now. The latter wants a cocktail. Decisions. Decisions.”
The only response from her is a nudge of her glasses up the bridge of her nose.
Tough crowd.
I know I’m not Kurt Sufford, but you’d think by now she would have warmed up to me just a little bit.
She’s been in my office for the past two hours. We’re going over the finer details of a case that I told Kurt I’d work on.
He called Noelle this morning to reassure her that he’s fine. He had a blood pressure spike last night and ended up back in the hospital for observation.
He’s home now, resting and reading over every open case file.
I agreed to close out this one for him since the only issue left to settle is custody of two prized poodles.
I spent the afternoon working out a schedule that will give our client most weekdays and every second weekend with the pups.
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