Seven Nights of… Audiobook part1/3

Name: Seven Nights of… Audiobook part1/3
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00:00:00This is Audible.

00:00:02Narrated by Jacob Morgan and Andy Arndt

00:00:09CHAPTER ONE

00:00:10DOMINIC

00:00:11Pressley is standing on the curb as I pull up to the gas station.

00:00:16I took the Porsche, not the SUV.

00:00:19She doesn't get to see that part of my life any more.

00:00:22She lost that privilege about the same time she destroyed whatever trust we had built,

00:00:27shattered it like a crystal glass thrown against a concrete floor.

00:00:31It's messy.

00:00:32The ugly remnant's still there, mocking me by reminding me of what happened and of what

00:00:37we had.

00:00:39I still feel so deceived, so hurt and angry, but I'm here.

00:00:46I'm still not entirely sure why I'm here, but I guess it's because she sounded so desperate

00:00:51on the phone, the sound of tears evident in her shaky voice.

00:00:57Not that she told me much on the call, only that she needed me to come get her.

00:01:01Curious and a little bit worried, I called Francine to come over, then grabbed a jacket

00:01:06and took off once she arrived to watch the girls.

00:01:09I had a lot of questions, and even more spring to mind now that I see how Pressley is dressed.

00:01:15She's wearing the same little black cocktail dress and heels she wore on our weekend at

00:01:19Roger's Lake House.

00:01:22Was she on a date?

00:01:24My hands grip the steering wheel harder.

00:01:27It shouldn't matter.

00:01:28We're broken up now.

00:01:29I don't even want to be involved with her anymore, but none of that reasoning stops

00:01:33the twinge of jealousy I feel low in my stomach.

00:01:36When I get closer, I see her makeup is smudged beneath her eyes.

00:01:41She's been crying, either before or after her frantic phone call to me, I'm not sure,

00:01:48and she's shaking like a leaf.

00:01:50What the hell is going on?

00:01:52How long has she been standing outside?

00:01:54More importantly, why is she standing out here all alone?

00:01:58It may be summer in Seattle, but the nights like tonight can be chilly.

00:02:02Her arms are bare, but still, she waited out here for me.

00:02:07When I park beside the curb, she scurries to the passenger door and quickly gets into

00:02:11the car.

00:02:13Thank you so much, she says through chattering teeth, rubbing her exposed arms.

00:02:20I didn't know who else to call, I know it's late.

00:02:23I'm really grateful.

00:02:25I nod in acknowledgment.

00:02:27I should ask where to drop her off, but for some reason I can't bring myself to take Presley

00:02:32to her apartment and leave it at that with no explanation.

00:02:36Telling myself it's because I want answers first, I turn toward her.

00:02:41So what's going on?

00:02:43I ask.

00:02:44I deserve at least some answers as to why I was her first phone call, don't I?

00:02:51She stares ahead, not meeting my eyes, fidgeting with her purse strap.

00:02:56Well, my phone was dead, and the only number I could remember was yours, so...

00:03:05That explains why you called me, but it doesn't explain why you needed my help.

00:03:09I want to know what happened.

00:03:13Although I'd never abandon a woman stranded alone at night, I make no effort to soften

00:03:18my tone.

00:03:19My genetic makeup won't allow me to ever walk away from or hang up on a female in need,

00:03:25but I also don't have to forgive her betrayal just because she's in trouble.

00:03:31Presley's gaze drops to her lap, and her hands wring her purse strap so hard I'm surprised

00:03:36it doesn't break.

00:03:38I...

00:03:40She pauses, hesitating.

00:03:43I say nothing.

00:03:44Just wait.

00:03:45We can sit here all night if that's what it takes.

00:03:48The only sound is the subtle purr of the Porsche's engine.

00:03:52It's a sound that used to calm me, but tonight I feel anything but.

00:03:57On edge, anxious, pissed off, sexually frustrated, hell, maybe even a combination of all of them.

00:04:05Presley mutters,

00:04:06I was doing a gig for Allure.

00:04:11My gut twists so hard at her admission that I'm glad I waited to start driving, because

00:04:16I'm pretty damn sure I'd have wrapped this car around a tree with the physical reaction

00:04:20I have to this bombshell.

00:04:23Rage burns hot inside me, and it takes a minute to respond because my heart is hammering so

00:04:27hard blood roars through my ears.

00:04:31You what?

00:04:32Allure?

00:04:33Like, as an escort?

00:04:36She winces.

00:04:37I needed the money.

00:04:39I thought I'd lost my job because of, well, the whole Genesis thing.

00:04:45She twists to face me, her eyes pleading.

00:04:48Dominic, I'm so sorry, but...

00:04:50Stop.

00:04:51We're not doing this right now.

00:04:54Her mouth snaps shut.

00:04:56After a tense few moments, I grit out, we can talk about it later.

00:05:02Her eyes flit over her face.

00:05:05At work?

00:05:06No, tonight.

00:05:07I'm taking you to my place.

00:05:11I pull back out onto the street.

00:05:14A different kind of surprise flashes across her features now, mixed with emotions I can't

00:05:19read.

00:05:20Is she happy about that?

00:05:22Apprehensive?

00:05:24Just plain confused, I don't know.

00:05:27I can barely sort out the chaos inside my own head, let alone try to figure out what's

00:05:31going on in hers.

00:05:33But I do know the last thing I want to do is take her back to a darkened apartment,

00:05:37not knowing what the catalyst was for her to be out here all alone after having just

00:05:41left God-knows-what type of situation that would warrant her calling me from an out-of-the-way

00:05:45gas station.

00:05:47This possessive feeling I have over her is entirely inappropriate, but in this moment

00:05:51I give zero fucks.

00:05:53I'm driving too fast, but I'm angry and hurt and beyond frustrated with her.

00:06:01Why would she have put herself in an escort-type situation?

00:06:03Why do I even care where she was tonight?

00:06:07Those files and the jump drive she had in her bag are all I should give a damn about.

00:06:11I am still pissed about that, beyond pissed, but this stings in a different way.

00:06:19And deep within my anger is a tiny grain of relief that even though she was with another

00:06:23man in whatever capacity, at least he wasn't a man she really cared for, which just makes

00:06:28me even more furious, this time at myself.

00:06:34Back at home I take a deep breath, trying to slow my heart and guide Presley toward

00:06:39the guest room.

00:06:41She watches me with wide eyes, pausing in the center of the plush carpeting with her

00:06:45heels dangling from one hand.

00:06:47Get comfortable, I say in a gruff voice, then head straight to the kitchen to pour myself

00:06:53a neat scotch.

00:06:56On second thought I make it a double.

00:06:58I'll need some serious alcohol if I have any hope in hell of falling asleep tonight with

00:07:02this swarm of contradictory emotions fighting in my gut.

00:07:08And with Presley sleeping just a few yards away, whispers a voice from deep in the less

00:07:13evolved parts of my mind, here with me in my home where we once shared so many happy

00:07:19memories.

00:07:20I drink like I'm forcing down medicine.

00:07:24No, I'm not going to dwell on her, I'm not happy she's here.

00:07:29Go the fuck to sleep and deal with it in the morning, like I told her.

00:07:33Stick to the plan.

00:07:35Francine steps into the kitchen and watches me.

00:07:38I didn't even bother to turn on a light, and in the dim glow cast by the moon I can see

00:07:43her frown as she watches me.

00:07:45She must have a million questions about what's going on between Presley and me, but I have

00:07:50exactly zero answers.

00:07:52It's a very unusual predicament for me.

00:07:56Thanks for coming in.

00:07:57I'm sorry it's so late.

00:07:59I say, my throat hoarse from the liquor.

00:08:02She makes a sympathetic noise and crosses the room to stand before me.

00:08:06For a moment I think she's about to hug me, which surprises me because Francine and I

00:08:10have never had any kind of physical contact.

00:08:13Even though she's always treated me with a motherly warmth, it's always lacked any affection,

00:08:18which has been just fine by me.

00:08:21But rather than hug me, she reaches around me and grabs her purse from the counter.

00:08:26Good night, Dominic.

00:08:27Try to get some rest.

00:08:28You need it.

00:08:30She touches my forearm once, pats it softly, and then disappears around me toward the door.

00:08:37Drive safe, I mutter into the darkness.

00:08:42Once the tumbler is empty, I head back down the hall.

00:08:45But something slows me as I walk past the guest room.

00:08:49It occurs to me that I never checked to make sure Presley was okay.

00:08:54What's wrong with me?

00:08:55That client clearly scared her.

00:08:57She called me begging for help and I didn't even bother asking about what happened.

00:09:02I need to know if he hurt her, did something to upset her, touched her.

00:09:08There will be hell to pay with allure if that prick did something to her.

00:09:13Their screening process is supposed to be rigorous, specifically to keep sick fucks

00:09:17away from their escorts.

00:09:20The idea of Presley entertaining another man is an unpleasant one.

00:09:23I shake my head.

00:09:24Dammit, I don't care who she did or didn't fuck.

00:09:28Taking care of her is just the right thing to do.

00:09:30I'd do the same for anyone in the same situation, wouldn't I?

00:09:34I'll just check on her quickly, I tell myself, and then head to bed.

00:09:39Just to see if she needs any help.

00:09:41She's a guest and she's my employee.

00:09:44Something bad obviously happened tonight.

00:09:46It's the least I can do.

00:09:49I ease open the door as quietly as possible and peek in.

00:09:52She's facing away, her dark hair spilled luxuriously over the pillow.

00:09:57Her side rises and falls in a gentle, even rhythm.

00:10:01Fast asleep.

00:10:03I should leave now.

00:10:05So naturally I find myself seated on the edge of the bed because I've made some pretty stellar

00:10:08decisions when it comes to this woman, obviously.

00:10:13Her lovely face is peaceful.

00:10:16As far as I can tell in the dim moonlight, there are no bruises or any other marks, thank

00:10:21God.

00:10:22The covers have slipped, revealing her bare shoulder and the strap of her dress.

00:10:28It's obvious she would sleep in her clothes without anything to change into, and because

00:10:32I didn't even offer her one of my t-shirts to wear.

00:10:36Real smooth, Dom.

00:10:38I carefully pull the top blanket back over her, and she sighs.

00:10:43What am I doing?

00:10:44I have no idea, maybe I never did.

00:10:49I must have fallen asleep sitting up, just like I used to do next to the girls' cribs

00:10:54when they were babies and restless, because I quickly wake at the sound of the toilet

00:10:58flushing.

00:10:59I grunt and rub my eyes before glancing at the clock on the nightstand.

00:11:04Three in the damn morning, terrific.

00:11:07Presley pads barefoot out of the ensuite bathroom, spots me, and freezes.

00:11:12Dom?

00:11:13I clear my throat.

00:11:16Coming in here was obviously a mistake, I don't act like this, ever, but here I fucking

00:11:21am.

00:11:22I came to ask if you needed anything, but you were asleep.

00:11:27She nods, not moving any closer.

00:11:31I guess I fell asleep too, I admit.

00:11:35Are you okay?

00:11:39She moves to sit on the bed, giving me a wide berth, because she doesn't want to be

00:11:44near me, or because she thinks I don't want to be near her.

00:11:47I do, which is precisely why I shouldn't.

00:11:51I'm okay, she says.

00:11:55What happened tonight?

00:11:58She looks down at her hands, stalling for time.

00:12:02I went out with a client, I told you that.

00:12:05Needed the money.

00:12:07Her voice is small, barely above a whisper, the embarrassment about her financial situation

00:12:12obvious in her tone.

00:12:15And your client?

00:12:17I ask, my voice cold.

00:12:21She looks up, meeting my eyes.

00:12:24He was an asshole.

00:12:28Rage stirs in my veins.

00:12:29Knowing that she went out with another man shouldn't bother me this much, but it does.

00:12:33I was the first man to touch her, the first inside her.

00:12:36The intimate moments we shared meant something, although apparently all that's behind her

00:12:40now.

00:12:41I see, so you've sucked two dicks now, I ask.

00:12:48Her face tightens, on the verge of crumpling.

00:12:52It didn't get that far, she says, her voice choked and wavering.

00:12:58She swallows hard.

00:13:00In fact, when he tried to push me into touching him, that's when I ran away.

00:13:05I shouldn't have said that, it was mean and pointless and it just leapt out of my mouth

00:13:09like a toad.

00:13:10Feeling like an asshole, I look away.

00:13:13Did he hurt you?

00:13:17She shakes her head.

00:13:19He was really gross, but not violent.

00:13:22Did he touch you?

00:13:23Yes, not, uh, anywhere under my clothes, though.

00:13:29I consider asking for his name, then decide it's better for me not to know or else I might

00:13:33hunt him down and kill him.

00:13:37She had told me it would just be dinner, she says.

00:13:40Just companionship.

00:13:41Then that's what she believed it would be.

00:13:44This piece of shit must have been trying to game the system by lying on his request form.

00:13:49Report him and enjoy the fireworks.

00:13:52Presley manages a feeble, heh.

00:13:55Her weak smile tugs at my insides.

00:13:58I can't spend all night in here or I'll do something I'll regret.

00:14:02I stand up and start for the door.

00:14:05Get some sleep.

00:14:07Dom?

00:14:09Her tiny voice stops me in the doorway.

00:14:13I really wasn't going to go along with Austin's plan.

00:14:16I'd never sabotage anyone's company like that, let alone yours.

00:14:21When he first approached me, I thought it was a happy coincidence.

00:14:24I thought he wanted to be friends.

00:14:28She wets her lips.

00:14:30But then after a few get-togethers he told me what he really wanted and of course, it

00:14:34was all a set-up from the very beginning.

00:14:37He was saying all these things about what happened with Aspen and Genesis that didn't

00:14:41match the official story.

00:14:42I just didn't know what to think about it all so I took his dossier home to read later.

00:14:48Instead of turning and walking away like I should, I ask coldly, in the jump drive.

00:14:53I was going to analyze the files on it and then hand it over to I.T.

00:14:57Her eyes beg me to believe her.

00:15:00I want to believe you.

00:15:02I drag my hand over the stubble on my cheek with a loud, aggravated sigh.

00:15:07I'm just so drained.

00:15:09Maybe I do, but I still don't know where we stand, whether I can trust you anymore, even

00:15:17if I wanted to.

00:15:20She presses her lips together, blinking fast, then nods.

00:15:24That's fair, I just wanted to tell you.

00:15:29I have to check on the girls and you need to get some rest.

00:15:33At the threshold, I add a quiet goodnight.

00:15:38Everything should have already ended between us, but closing the door still feels like

00:15:42I'm tearing something fragile apart for good.

00:15:45It scares me how much I hate it.

00:15:51Chapter 2 Presley

00:15:53I'm frozen, staring at the guest room door.

00:15:59I can't move an inch, not even to bury myself under the covers in the bed behind me.

00:16:04To think, not long ago, I was in his bed, thrumming with the amazing clarity of knowing

00:16:09I was exactly where I wanted to be, giving him a gift I'd held onto for someone special.

00:16:14Oh, God.

00:16:16The knot in my gut tightens with each passing second.

00:16:19My mind is racing with questions, and not for the first time, I berate myself for being

00:16:24so damn stupid.

00:16:26What was I thinking?

00:16:28How could I have been so blind?

00:16:30I should have never taken that file from Austin.

00:16:33He had seemed so harmless at first.

00:16:36He was nice to me, interested in my work, good with Bianca, but a complete parasite

00:16:41the entire time we spent together.

00:16:44The sheer arrogance of the guy—no, damn it, my own arrogance.

00:16:49Why would I take the file if I knew that it would jeopardize my already unstable standing

00:16:53at Aspen Hotels?

00:16:55Why would I risk Michael's future like that?

00:16:58Why hurt Dom?

00:17:00That's the bigger question.

00:17:02Just when he was starting to open up to me, to trust me.

00:17:06He'd let me in, however briefly, and let me meet his daughters.

00:17:10I knew how big of a deal that was.

00:17:12He keeps them highly guarded from the public, the media, everyone.

00:17:17I was one of the few people he trusted to meet them.

00:17:20And now I've made a real freaking mess of things.

00:17:23I'm not one to let things die, though, especially not if I'm the one who dropped the ball.

00:17:28If there's a problem, I'm going to face it head on.

00:17:31Still, I don't think I've ever been this unsure, this terrified about addressing a problem.

00:17:38This isn't quite a spat between co-workers, or even friends.

00:17:42I don't even know what we are, so there's no surefire way to approach this situation.

00:17:47Regardless, I know what I have to do.

00:17:50I need to try, at the very least.

00:17:53I place a firm hand on the doorknob.

00:17:56I can see through the crack of his bedroom door that Dominic still hasn't gone back to his room.

00:18:01Good.

00:18:02As I sneak down the hall, my feet pad lightly across the wooden floor.

00:18:06I can hear his murmuring voice, calming a scared little girl.

00:18:10My heart falls from my throat to my belly.

00:18:13I wonder if the noise of our argument, discussion, whatever the hell it was,

00:18:17woke one of his daughters from a deep sleep.

00:18:20Am I to blame?

00:18:22I make a small promise to myself to make it up to her later.

00:18:26I'm also struck at how, in the midst of his personal turmoil,

00:18:29Dominic still has to take the time to be a dad,

00:18:32to offer soothing words, to place his child's needs ahead of his own.

00:18:37My heart breaks a little more at the thought that I've hurt this man.

00:18:41When I reach Dominic's room, I don't think.

00:18:44Instead, I pull my dress off over my head.

00:18:48And since I've already removed my bra before getting into bed earlier,

00:18:51I'm in my birthday suit in less than a second.

00:18:55Showing Dominic how sorry I am,

00:18:57showing him that I'm willing to put all my insecurities,

00:19:00my doubts,

00:19:01my freaking self-preservation aside to get him to trust me again,

00:19:05is the only thing on my mind.

00:19:07I'm offering myself up on a silver platter,

00:19:10offering to fix this without words.

00:19:13Sex is a language that Dominic knows well,

00:19:16and one I need to use to communicate what he means to me.

00:19:20Just like I felt backed into a corner to go to work for Allure to save Michael,

00:19:24this is my last shot to salvage my relationship with Dominic.

00:19:28My only chance.

00:19:30God, I hope it works.

00:19:32I slip under the silky sheets and fluffy duvet and wait,

00:19:36one elbow propping myself up so I can watch the doorway.

00:19:39My heart hammers wildly behind my ribs.

00:19:43His footsteps sound from down the hall,

00:19:45and my heart rate picks up.

00:19:47This is it.

00:19:49The look on Dominic's face when he enters the room is almost comical.

00:19:53He's so confused, his beautiful eyebrows drawn together,

00:19:57his stormy eyes fixed on mine.

00:19:59It isn't fair how this man can wear any expression and still look like some

00:20:03flawless male model on a billboard.

00:20:07Hey, he says,

00:20:08almost as a question.

00:20:11Hi. Here goes nothing.

00:20:13Before he can say anything else, I sit up,

00:20:15letting the sheet slip from my breasts.

00:20:18His gaze drops to my naked chest,

00:20:20his eyes widening slightly as my nipples tighten in the cool air.

00:20:24His lips part.

00:20:25Bingo.

00:20:27Can you forgive me?

00:20:28My voice is soft,

00:20:30barely above a whisper,

00:20:31and my self-confidence is gone.

00:20:34Presley.

00:20:35His tone is so broken,

00:20:37I feel it like a sharp stab inside my chest.

00:20:40I promise.

00:20:42I promise I was never going to sabotage you.

00:20:45You have to believe that.

00:20:46If that's all I wanted, I wouldn't still be here now.

00:20:50I can't read his expression.

00:20:52God, I wish more than anything that I could just get one tiny peek into the

00:20:56mind of this exquisite, confusing man.

00:20:59Not that he'd ever let me.

00:21:01Dominic looks at me with dark, seeking eyes.

00:21:04He licks his lips,

00:21:05his thumb pressing against the lower one as he watches me.

00:21:09What's your plan?

00:21:11My plan?

00:21:12Confused,

00:21:13I tilt my head.

00:21:15His thumb slips away from his lip, and he nods.

00:21:18What are you going to do to make up for it?

00:21:21Oh.

00:21:22My plan.

00:21:23I rise to my knees,

00:21:25the sheet completely abandoning my bare flesh.

00:21:28I don't know where this confidence has come from,

00:21:30but I'm plenty aware of what my body does to his,

00:21:33and vice versa.

00:21:35Maybe this is what I need to do.

00:21:37Be brave and make him forget all the ugly, messy things that have happened

00:21:40between us.

00:21:42I cock my head at him and smile,

00:21:44holding one hand outstretched.

00:21:46Come here.

00:21:48He remains stock still, watching me.

00:21:50And God, he's so beautiful,

00:21:52so masculine and commanding,

00:21:55while I feel small and frightened and unsure.

00:21:58The balance of power is tipped entirely in his favor,

00:22:01and right now I don't care at all.

00:22:03He has all the control.

00:22:05Everything that happens next is up to him.

00:22:07God, please let him choose me.

00:22:10Dominic takes two steps forward,

00:22:13and then he practically attacks me,

00:22:15his mouth on mine in a hard, brutal kiss of passion.

00:22:18No matter how angry he may be,

00:22:20no matter how confused he is,

00:22:22right now I can tell that he wants me,

00:22:24that he wants to put all this behind us.

00:22:27And with the way his tongue sucks shamelessly on mine,

00:22:30he can have whatever he wants.

00:22:32I melt into his touch,

00:22:33my heart now hammering for an entirely different reason than it was a moment ago.

00:22:38I clutch his dress shirt in my fingers as his hands sink into my hair,

00:22:42holding me close.

00:22:44You know what they say,

00:22:46I whisper between gasping, open-mouthed kisses.

00:22:49Mm-mm.

00:22:50The fingers of his right hand slide up my thigh.

00:22:53I know what his destination is,

00:22:55and I can't wait to feel those fingers caressing me once again,

00:22:59readying me for his thick length.

00:23:02The bigger the break-up, the better the sex, I whimper.

00:23:06His kiss is now almost bites against my throat.

00:23:10This is going to work, Presley.

00:23:12This is actually going to work.

00:23:14But then he pulls away.

00:23:16Dominic?

00:23:18The man before me wears an unreadable mask.

00:23:20He steps back, releasing me.

00:23:23I can still feel the warm imprints of his hands,

00:23:25now suddenly exposed to the cool air of the room.

00:23:28His breathing is ragged, his chest rising and falling quickly,

00:23:32and there's an unmistakable bulge beneath his zipper.

00:23:36I want you, Presley.

00:23:37You know that.

00:23:39My throat tightens.

00:23:41But I can't trust you.

00:23:42And trust, he swallows, his eyes locking onto mine.

00:23:47It's everything to me.

00:23:49Don't just stop.

00:23:50I've been burned before.

00:23:52His eyes are dark and unreadable,

00:23:54and I know that the moment has passed.

00:23:57Their mother?

00:23:58Yes, he says, his voice hoarse.

00:24:01I hate to press him on this,

00:24:03but my curiosity has always gotten the better of me.

00:24:06He's vulnerable.

00:24:07Now may be the only chance I'll get to peek inside.

00:24:11I sit back on the bed and pull the sheet up to cover myself,

00:24:14while he remains standing beside the bed.

00:24:17Who was she?

00:24:18He weighs my question for a moment,

00:24:20and I'm not sure if he'll answer.

00:24:22It wouldn't surprise me if he didn't.

00:24:24He's not exactly known for being the type

00:24:26to offer up personal details.

00:24:28But then his lips part and he meets my eyes again.

00:24:31Her name was Sarah.

00:24:33She was an escort I hired for an event.

00:24:36We clicked and I started requesting just her.

00:24:39It went on that way for a couple of months.

00:24:41Then we got careless and I clear my throat.

00:24:45She got pregnant.

00:24:47He nods.

00:24:48She didn't want them.

00:24:49She didn't want to be a mother.

00:24:51She wanted her life back.

00:24:52But the paternity test said they were mine.

00:24:55So I paid her.

00:24:57Paid her?

00:24:58I cock my head to the side.

00:25:00Dear God, the things this man does with his money.

00:25:03To give birth,

00:25:04rather than have the abortion that she wanted to.

00:25:07Oh, my skin feels cold and my heart hollow.

00:25:12I can see how much this hurts him to tell me.

00:25:14I can see it in his eyes and hear it in the tremor

00:25:16of his deep, full voice, now strained with emotion.

00:25:20I never wanted him to relive that devastation,

00:25:23but I'm the one who pushed him to the edge.

00:25:26I'm so sorry to-

00:25:27I think you should go.

00:25:29There, I've really done it now.

00:25:32I've jeopardized my job, my brother's future,

00:25:35my, whatever this catastrophe of a relationship is.

00:25:39I have no place here.

00:25:40Dominic's life is a complicated mess,

00:25:42and I've only scattered the pieces even more,

00:25:44like a selfish child.

00:25:47It's time to grow the hell up, Presley.

00:25:49I screwed up,

00:25:50and now I have no choice but to live with the consequences.

00:25:54Without a word, I stand.

00:25:56I put on my dress and panties under his watchful gaze,

00:25:59my fingers trembling,

00:26:01and head to the guest room where my bra lays on the floor.

00:26:04After I gather my purse and shoes,

00:26:06I slowly make my way down the hall,

00:26:08past the girls' bedroom and through the front door.

00:26:11The door clicks shut behind me.

00:26:14Never once in my walk of shame,

00:26:16shame over everything I've done,

00:26:18does he try to stop me.

00:26:20Why would he?

00:26:25Chapter Three

00:26:28After my roller coaster of a weekend,

00:26:30coming into work on Monday morning is a relief.

00:26:33The atmosphere at Aspen is fast-paced and high-pressure,

00:26:36as always, but it's also familiar.

00:26:39I'm in my element here, in control,

00:26:42unlike in certain other areas of my life.

00:26:46I grab a cup of coffee and settle in at my desk

00:26:48with an inbox full of emails and release a heavy sigh.

00:26:52My improved spirits last for all of an hour

00:26:54before Oliver pokes his head into my office.

00:26:57Hey, boss man, he says.

00:27:02Looking up from my computer screen,

00:27:03I give him a wry look.

00:27:05I have told you not to call me that.

00:27:08Even if I am his boss, he's also my best friend.

00:27:12Oliver just shrugs as he strolls inside

00:27:14and settles into the armchair in front of my desk.

00:27:18What's going on with Presley?

00:27:21My stomach tightens, but I train my features to remain calm.

00:27:25Oliver couldn't possibly know the extent

00:27:27of what's gone on between us.

00:27:29Presley wouldn't have spilled the beans, would she?

00:27:33I wouldn't expect that of her,

00:27:34but given everything that's happened in the past 48 hours,

00:27:37I clearly don't know her as well as I thought I did.

00:27:41I never thought in a million years

00:27:42she could be bribed by the competition

00:27:44or that she'd join the ranks at Allure.

00:27:48Careful to control my tone, I reply,

00:27:51What do you mean?

00:27:52She's not here, that's what, and nobody's heard from her.

00:27:57Oliver scratches his head.

00:27:59I guess that means you haven't either.

00:28:02Weird, I figured if she'd said anything to anyone,

00:28:05it would be you.

00:28:07Me?

00:28:09His eyes narrow.

00:28:10Yeah, her direct supervisor.

00:28:14I sit back in my chair.

00:28:17Right.

00:28:19His eyes widen as he watches me.

00:28:21I have no idea why she's not here.

00:28:23Is she too upset to work?

00:28:25That doesn't seem right.

00:28:27Knowing what I do about her personality,

00:28:29I would have guessed she'd at least call in sick,

00:28:31not just disappear.

00:28:33Then I remember the comment she made

00:28:35when I rescued her two nights ago.

00:28:37She thought she'd lost her job, that I'd fired her.

00:28:41At the time, I'd been too focused

00:28:42on all the other crazy shit going on to address it.

00:28:46I'll give her a call right now and check on her, I say.

00:28:50Oliver nods and crosses one ankle over his knee,

00:28:53apparently settling in for the long haul.

00:28:57I meant in private, I add.

00:29:00He rises and walks out with a grunt.

00:29:02I'll deal with his moody ass later.

00:29:05Right now, all I care about is dialing Presley's cell.

00:29:09After a few rings, she answers with a confused.

00:29:12Hello?

00:29:14You're not fired, I say.

00:29:16But I...

00:29:18Get to your desk.

00:29:20A long pause.

00:29:22But...

00:29:24Her tone wavers and then firms.

00:29:28Yes, sir, I'm sorry for the misunderstanding.

00:29:30I'll be right there.

00:29:32She's as efficient as ever.

00:29:35In under half an hour, I hear heels tapping on the floor

00:29:39outside my office and a knock at the door.

00:29:41I call out abrust.

00:29:43Come in.

00:29:45Presley looks polished and beautiful

00:29:47in her black pencil skirt and white silk blouse.

00:29:50Of course she does.

00:29:51She's always lovely, no matter what she wears.

00:29:54And my body hasn't forgotten last night's

00:29:57interrupted make-out session

00:29:58and subsequent case of blue balls.

00:30:01But I can't notice details like that anymore.

00:30:04I have to lock away everything we've done,

00:30:05everything personal we've seen about each other,

00:30:07and go back to just being her boss.

00:30:09Strictly professional.

00:30:11It's the only way.

00:30:14Violating my trust isn't something that I can overlook,

00:30:17no matter the person.

00:30:18But I don't want to raise any suspicions at work,

00:30:20so it's better if she's here.

00:30:22Business as usual.

00:30:24Do you have a question?

00:30:25I ask.

00:30:27Yeah, actually, I was surprised to get your call.

00:30:29I thought we were...

00:30:31She looks around to make sure no one is in earshot.

00:30:34You know, done.

00:30:37We are done.

00:30:38Outside the office.

00:30:39But your internship isn't over yet.

00:30:42She blinks.

00:30:44I thought you said you didn't trust me anymore.

00:30:47I don't.

00:30:48However, the fact remains that your work here

00:30:49has been top-notch,

00:30:50so I'd like to give you a chance to prove me wrong.

00:30:54Plus, her finishing her internship here

00:30:56will mean fewer questions from Oliver

00:30:58and the rest of my staff,

00:30:59but I don't share that tidbit.

00:31:01It's been obvious to everyone that Presley

00:31:03is one of the most talented interns here,

00:31:05so firing her wouldn't make any sense.

00:31:08A flurry of emotions flit through her eyes,

00:31:10then she suppresses a smile.

00:31:14Challenge accepted.

00:31:17I resist the urge to watch her walk away

00:31:18and instead force my gaze to return to my laptop.

00:31:22I seriously need to pull my shit together.

00:31:25What kind of boss is the last person to notice

00:31:27when their own intern doesn't show up?

00:31:29Fucking hell.

00:31:31Oliver must know something's up,

00:31:32but I'll deal with that later.

00:31:35Not 10 minutes later,

00:31:37the intercom on my desk beeps and I almost groan.

00:31:40For God's sake, what now?

00:31:43I press the button.

00:31:45Yes, Beth?

00:31:47There's a phone call for you from Mr. Harwood.

00:31:49Shall I put him through?

00:31:51I sigh and rub my temples.

00:31:54Go ahead, thank you.

00:31:56Another beep and Roger's jovial voice booms.

00:32:00Morning, Dominic.

00:32:01Hope you're having a good day so far.

00:32:04Not remotely.

00:32:05Same to you.

00:32:07I reply with as much friendly cheerfulness as I can fake.

00:32:11What's on your mind?

00:32:12Well, I've been chewing over everything we've talked about

00:32:14and I've got to say, you make a damn compelling argument.

00:32:18I think I'd like to invest

00:32:19in Aspen's international growth.

00:32:22This is everything I could have wanted.

00:32:24All those long evenings of elbow rubbing

00:32:26have finally paid off.

00:32:28So why aren't I doing a touchdown dance at my desk?

00:32:31Maybe I'm just too distracted by this whole Presley mess.

00:32:35That's fantastic news.

00:32:37Great to hear we've impressed you.

00:32:39I'll have Beth send a, not so fast, son.

00:32:42Roger chuckles.

00:32:43I want to at least see the property

00:32:45you plan to build on first.

00:32:47You know what they say about location.

00:32:50That's fair.

00:32:52Looks like I can't put off that scouting trip any longer,

00:32:56but the idea of being so far away from Amelia and Lacey

00:32:59for so long is unpleasant enough

00:33:01that I've been pushing it back for months.

00:33:04There are a few spots in London I've had my eye on.

00:33:07How's your schedule look for, say, next week

00:33:10for a little trip across the pond?

00:33:13He laughs.

00:33:15You get right to the point, don't you?

00:33:17Sure I can make time.

00:33:18Surprise the missus with a little vacation.

00:33:21Then I'll see you there for high tea.

00:33:24Sounds terrific.

00:33:25I'll bring the paperwork.

00:33:26Speaking of significant others,

00:33:28will your lady friend be joining us?

00:33:30I certainly enjoyed talking to her

00:33:31a hell of a lot more than you.

00:33:34He almost belly laughs at his own humor

00:33:36while I inwardly groan, fuck.

00:33:40Presley is the main reason why Roger warmed up

00:33:43to the idea of working with Aspen Hotels,

00:33:45but I can't see her outside the office now,

00:33:47let alone jet off across the Atlantic

00:33:50for a week of pretend canoodling.

00:33:52On the other hand,

00:33:53I am so close to locking down this deal I can taste it.

00:33:56I have to bring my A game,

00:33:57or in this instance, my P game.

00:34:01Presley.

00:34:03I refuse to risk blowing a massive deal

00:34:05at the last minute over such a tiny detail.

00:34:08You still there?

00:34:09He asks.

00:34:11I clear my throat.

00:34:12Sorry, I was just thinking.

00:34:14I'm not sure I'll have to talk it over with Presley first

00:34:18and make a brutally tough decision.

00:34:21Being in a hotel with her all week

00:34:22is bound to invite complications

00:34:24and send her the wrong message.

00:34:26Of course, and while I'd love to see her,

00:34:30Roger's voice turns teasing.

00:34:32I understand that a man needs to fly solo

00:34:34every once in a while.

00:34:37Something about his choice of words rattles me.

00:34:40I've been flying solo for most of my life.

00:34:43I go out of my way to avoid messy entanglements,

00:34:47and look where that's gotten me.

00:34:49I inhale and try to focus.

00:34:52I'll email you as soon as I know.

00:34:54Have a good one.

00:34:57I hang up and lean back in my chair,

00:34:59my fingers steepled over my mouth and thought.

00:35:02Roger just gave me the out I was looking for.

00:35:06I can claim that I want to use this business trip

00:35:08as a girlfriend-free getaway,

00:35:10but now that I've thought about it,

00:35:12maybe bringing Presley to London with me

00:35:14wouldn't be such a bad idea.

00:35:17Maybe I can kill two birds with one stone.

00:35:20Or maybe being alone with her will kill me.

00:35:23Who the hell knows at this point?

00:35:29Chapter Four

00:35:30Wait, let me get this straight.

00:35:33Austin was like a spy?

00:35:35Bianca sits across from me in a small cafe

00:35:38a block away from our apartment.

00:35:40Her hands are tightly wrapped around her tea mug,

00:35:42her fingernails a deep navy blue.

00:35:45She leans forward like an angsty preteen,

00:35:47hungry to eat up some hot gossip.

00:35:50That's really not the important part, I say with a sigh.

00:35:54I had my reservations about telling her any of this,

00:35:56but who else is there?

00:35:58It's not like I can tell Michael.

00:36:00He would blame himself for any pain he's caused me.

00:36:03He'd also freak out if he knew about my finances,

00:36:05but he needs to focus on school.

00:36:08Plus, he would think it's somehow his fault

00:36:09that my life is such a colossal shit show.

00:36:12No, there's no way I can share any of this with him.

00:36:16It would break him.

00:36:18I breathe in the steam of my herbal tea,

00:36:20willing it to calm my buzzing nerves.

00:36:23Hello, are you still there?

00:36:26Bianca's gazing at me with a confused expression.

00:36:29I blink.

00:36:30I'd completely zoned out,

00:36:32spiraling down into the pit of my despair.

00:36:35Bianca reaches over and places a hand on mine.

00:36:38She squeezes it tightly,

00:36:40as if to squeeze the thoughts right out of me.

00:36:43Sorry, Bee, what did you say?

00:36:45I asked if you were okay.

00:36:48I laugh, feeling anything but okay.

00:36:51Honestly, no.

00:36:53I let out a long, slow exhale.

00:36:56I'm freaking out.

00:36:57Because of the job,

00:36:59or because of your hot boss who hates you,

00:37:01she asks before taking a sip of her tea.

00:37:04Both, I say, my voice tight with the tears I refuse to cry.

00:37:09Bianca rubs her thumb across the back of my hand

00:37:11in a sweet gesture of comfort.

00:37:13I look into her eyes,

00:37:15searching for any bit of wisdom she may have to offer.

00:37:18I'll take just about anything right now.

00:37:21No situation is completely unsalvageable.

00:37:25Take me back to the beginning.

00:37:26And so I do.

00:37:28I tell Bianca about meeting Dominic in the bar

00:37:30on that fateful night,

00:37:32about how my heart practically leaped out of my throat

00:37:34when he proposed the arrangement,

00:37:36a two-week arrangement of being his fake girlfriend.

00:37:40I don't tell her how well-versed he is

00:37:41in this kind of thing,

00:37:43preferring to only date high-end escorts.

00:37:45Even if he's no longer mine,

00:37:47I do still have some sense of wanting to protect him.

00:37:50Not that Bianca would run to the media

00:37:52with that information.

00:37:53I know I can trust her.

00:37:55We've been besties

00:37:56since we were freshman roommates in college.

00:37:58But still, if that got out, it could crush him.

00:38:02And he'd know I was somehow involved with it getting out,

00:38:04and that would damage our relationship beyond repair.

00:38:07It's already hanging on by a thread.

00:38:10I explain how nervous and insecure I was

00:38:12before I realized that I'm a natural actress

00:38:14around men with heavy wallets,

00:38:16men who are capable of cinching

00:38:18a million-dollar deal over appetizers.

00:38:21And then, how electric every touch and caress felt

00:38:24when Dominic and I became physical.

00:38:26And finally, the moment I realized

00:38:28that he was a single father of two tiny children,

00:38:32and a truly fantastic one at that.

00:38:35At this point, Bianca interrupts me.

00:38:37Wait, he's a dad?

00:38:40He's like 25.

00:38:42He's 26, actually.

00:38:44Well, I am no less amazed right now.

00:38:46A single dad to twins and running a huge corporation?

00:38:49That's impressive, to say the least.

00:38:52Believe me, I know.

00:38:54And the craziest thing is, he makes it look so effortless.

00:38:58Sure, he has Francine, but still.

00:39:00My runaway thoughts are interrupted

00:39:01by another question from Bianca.

00:39:04Where's the mama, she asks, leaning forward on her elbows.

00:39:08Her name is Sarah.

00:39:10She was, I swallow, an escort.

00:39:13Excuse me, what?

00:39:15She blurts out.

00:39:16She was a, no, I heard you.

00:39:18He knocked up an escort?

00:39:20Bianca leans back in her chair

00:39:21as if to let this new information breathe

00:39:23in the space between us.

00:39:25Wow.

00:39:27He has custody of the children.

00:39:29Why, because she was too coked up to care about her kids?

00:39:32Bianca, it wasn't like that.

00:39:34I'm surprised by how stern my tone is, but I mean it.

00:39:38I don't want Bianca to think any less of Dominic

00:39:40for the situation he was in,

00:39:42or even Sarah, for that matter.

00:39:44The whole situation is so fucked up, but who am I to judge?

00:39:49He really tried to take care of her.

00:39:50He wanted to do the right thing.

00:39:52Okay, okay, I'm sorry.

00:39:54I'm in hyper-defensive mode because my friend is hurting.

00:39:57This is all just so crazy.

00:39:59And honestly, who else do I direct all this anger toward?

00:40:02Tell me.

00:40:03I don't know, I moan, burying my face in my hands.

00:40:07Me?

00:40:09Presley, you did nothing wrong.

00:40:10Dominic is the dickhead here.

00:40:12Don't say that, I say, my voice muffled by my palms.

00:40:17Why?

00:40:18Give me one good reason.

00:40:20Because I think I have feelings for him.

00:40:23I press my hands over my face, groaning.

00:40:26There's a solid 10 seconds of silence.

00:40:29I peek through my fingers to see Bianca studying me

00:40:31when she absentmindedly picks off her nail polish.

00:40:34She's waiting for me to say more,

00:40:36to divulge all my innermost thoughts.

00:40:39Do I have to?

00:40:41I feel like all I do lately is ruin things.

00:40:44I used to think I had my shit together,

00:40:46armed with my fancy new degree.

00:40:48I was on the fast track.

00:40:50I was going to storm the business world,

00:40:52take care of my brother, be everything to everyone.

00:40:55And now the only fast track that I'm on

00:40:57is to become the world's hottest mess of a failure.

00:41:00And it's only taken me a matter of weeks to get here.

00:41:02Good times.

00:41:04I just thought I had him pegged from the beginning, you know?

00:41:07I thought he was arrogant, unfeeling,

00:41:10hot, but totally insufferable.

00:41:12And then he completely surprised me.

00:41:14He has this side of him

00:41:15that's so incredibly gentle and considerate.

00:41:18And when I got a glimpse of that,

00:41:20hell, when I got a piece of it myself, it was so good.

00:41:24The sex, Bianca smirks, watching me.

00:41:28Obviously, even though we only did it once.

00:41:31But it was more than that, I say, shaking my head.

00:41:34He was broken.

00:41:36And I got to see the parts of him that were still whole.

00:41:38You should have seen him cutting up grapes for his daughters.

00:41:42Well, I got to say that that's not my definition of sexy,

00:41:45but hey, you do you.

00:41:47We both fall into a flurry of giggles.

00:41:49I'm so relieved to have talked to someone about all of this.

00:41:52I've had it clutched tightly to my chest for so long,

00:41:55thinking that no one would understand.

00:41:57But Bianca would never judge me for feeling what I do.

00:42:01What do you think I should do?

00:42:02I ask, clasping my hands under the table

00:42:05like I've got my heart in my lap.

00:42:07Bianca chews her lip thoughtfully.

00:42:10Well, he didn't fire you.

00:42:12True.

00:42:13The opposite, in fact.

00:42:15He demanded I get to my desk on Monday

00:42:17once he noticed I was missing.

00:42:19That's a good sign.

00:42:21Is it?

00:42:22I'm not convinced.

00:42:23The way Dominic has been treating me

00:42:25feels like I'm only one minor misstep away

00:42:27from being blacklisted from the entire industry forever.

00:42:31He wouldn't do that to you, would he?

00:42:33Not knowing makes the back of my neck

00:42:35feel hot and cold all at once.

00:42:38You're going to keep seeing him at work.

00:42:40Since he hasn't completely removed you from his life,

00:42:43you've got this opportunity before you.

00:42:45Maybe you can win him over again and he'll let you back in?

00:42:48After all of this?

00:42:50Bianca sees the question in my eyes

00:42:52and puts up a hand as if to say, stop right there.

00:42:55It's his loss if he's too stubborn to let you back in.

00:42:59Don't sell yourself short for a man, sweetie.

00:43:02Let me back in.

00:43:04Those are apt words for what I'm looking for

00:43:06from Dominic now.

00:43:07When I met him, he was a locked vault

00:43:10and not just anyone was given the key.

00:43:12I was lucky enough to get a chance to connect with him

00:43:15on a level I never imagined possible.

00:43:17Now I just want him to open the door again.

00:43:20Maybe then we can revisit what we had,

00:43:23the banter, the chemistry, the tenderness,

00:43:26before he ripped it apart and threw it in the trash.

00:43:29You've got this, Presley,

00:43:31Bianca says with a confident smile.

00:43:34You're the strongest person I know.

00:43:36If anyone can figure out how to wade through this mess,

00:43:39it's you.

00:43:41My lips turn up and my heart warms.

00:43:44If Bianca believes in me,

00:43:45then maybe I do have a fighting chance.

00:43:51Chapter five.

00:43:54My flight to London and the hotel room are booked.

00:43:57Francine has confirmed she can stay

00:43:59in my apartment for a week.

00:44:01I'll pay double her normal fee as thanks for her trouble.

00:44:04She insisted I didn't have to,

00:44:06but she's going the extra mile at the last minute

00:44:08and there's no one I trust more to care for my girls.

00:44:11There's only one detail left to arrange.

00:44:13I almost buzz Beth and think better of it

00:44:16and dial Presley's desk phone myself.

00:44:20This is Presley Harper, operations department.

00:44:22How can I help you?

00:44:24She says.

00:44:25It's Dominic.

00:44:26Can you stop by my office for a moment?

00:44:29Oh, hi, Dominic.

00:44:32In the background is some brief rustling

00:44:34and the sound of keys tapping.

00:44:37Yes, I'll be right there.

00:44:39I lean back in my chair and try to relax.

00:44:42It isn't long before I hear a knock.

00:44:44I don't get up, only call out.

00:44:47Come in.

00:44:48Today she's wearing a simple black sheath dress,

00:44:51but the hint of her curves beneath the supple fabric

00:44:54makes a painful knot form in my throat.

00:44:58Presley shuts the door behind her as she enters,

00:45:00her brow creased quizzically.

00:45:03You wanted to see me?

00:45:04Is something wrong?

00:45:06I don't blame her for being curious about what I want.

00:45:09It's not like we had a meeting scheduled

00:45:11and for anything short of an emergency,

00:45:13I usually just email her,

00:45:15knowing she'll respond within an hour or two,

00:45:18but this matter deserves a face-to-face talk.

00:45:22No, nothing like that.

00:45:23I just had a proposal for you

00:45:26and thought I should extend it in person.

00:45:30She blinks but says nothing,

00:45:32only watches me with those wide blue eyes

00:45:34and waits for me to explain.

00:45:37Would you like to sit down?

00:45:39I ask.

00:45:41Without a word, she lowers herself gracefully

00:45:43into the leather chair in front of my desk.

00:45:45Swallowing, I weigh my options

00:45:47for how to present this to her.

00:45:49I have to approach it with care

00:45:50if I want to avoid giving her the wrong impression.

00:45:53I keep my face and body language neutral,

00:45:55fully leveraging the cold, calculated persona

00:45:58that's served me well in so many business dealings.

00:46:01If she's searching for a hint of what I expect from her,

00:46:04she won't find it.

00:46:06Steepling my fingers beneath my chin, I say.

00:46:11Next week, I'll be in London

00:46:12to scout potential building sites

00:46:14for Aspen's first international location

00:46:17and finally nail down an investment deal with Roger.

00:46:21We're expanding?

00:46:22And Roger's on board too?

00:46:24She grins.

00:46:26Wow, that's great news.

00:46:29It is.

00:46:30Her delight is contagious,

00:46:32and I allow myself a small smile.

00:46:35Why not?

00:46:36We've won a big victory

00:46:37and with an even bigger payout after all.

00:46:40But let me finish.

00:46:42I was thinking I should invite you to come along.

00:46:47Excitement spreads over her face,

00:46:49her eyes widening and lips parting slightly.

00:46:52You want me to sit in on your meetings?

00:46:55Does this mean we're okay?

00:46:59I fight to ignore how cute she looks

00:47:01with her face all lit up like that.

00:47:03I can't betray any hint of the affection

00:47:05that despite my best efforts still lingers in me.

00:47:09Not exactly.

00:47:10You wouldn't be attending strictly as my intern.

00:47:13What I had in mind was more selfish on my part.

00:47:19Her smile vanishes.

00:47:21Now it's my turn to search her and come up dry.

00:47:24I'm not too worried.

00:47:25I already knew this would be a gamble

00:47:27and I doubt she'll go running to HR,

00:47:29but having no idea what's going on in her head

00:47:31grips me like nothing else.

00:47:34At last, she says slowly,

00:47:37what do you mean by that?

00:47:40It's seven nights, Presley.

00:47:42You can do as you please while I'm busy during the day,

00:47:44but in front of Roger, out at dinner,

00:47:47we'll pretend we're still dating.

00:47:50I fix her with a sharp look,

00:47:52assuming you can handle that.

00:47:55She sucks in a breath.

00:47:57Was that a tiny shiver or just my imagination?

00:48:01So when you say pretend we're dating,

00:48:04I assume her voice is quiet.

00:48:08I assume we won't be doing anything date-like for real?

00:48:12No, that time is over.

00:48:15If you accompanied me to London,

00:48:16it would be for work only, plain and simple.

00:48:19You'll obviously be compensated handsomely

00:48:21for your time away.

00:48:24Presley drops her gaze.

00:48:26She's trying to hide it, but I can tell she's hurt.

00:48:28Hell, if it stings me to say those words,

00:48:30it must feel a hundred times worse to hear them,

00:48:33but I'd rather err on the side of being

00:48:35a little too harsh than lead her on.

00:48:37I can't make her think that this offer

00:48:39is about anything emotional,

00:48:41anything beyond keeping Roger

00:48:43in a happy, cooperative mood.

00:48:46Just to be crystal clear, I say,

00:48:49I want to emphasize that you're absolutely free to say no.

00:48:52Your job doesn't depend on agreeing to this trip.

00:48:56Sure, she came on to me a few days ago,

00:48:58but for all I know, maybe she's totally over the idea

00:49:01of sleeping in a hotel room with me ever again.

00:49:05The thought triggers a twinge of hurt

00:49:06that I immediately squelch.

00:49:08I can't unduly influence her decision

00:49:11just because she thinks it's what I want,

00:49:13even though I do want it so damn badly.

00:49:18She still doesn't respond,

00:49:19just keeps studying my office carpet, looking torn.

00:49:23I can practically hear the gears

00:49:25spinning in her agile brain.

00:49:28After another few moments of silence,

00:49:30I wave my hand airily.

00:49:32There's no rush.

00:49:33You have a few days to think it over.

00:49:35My flight doesn't leave until, I'll do it.

00:49:38Her tone is firm.

00:49:40I blink.

00:49:41What?

00:49:43Presley looks up again, still unsure, but determined.

00:49:47I want to go to London with you.

00:49:51She's caught me off guard.

00:49:52I didn't plan on that.

00:49:53I expected hesitancy, and instead she's given me urgency.

00:49:58I hate it and love it too.

00:50:02Are you sure?

00:50:03I wouldn't be angry or let it affect our work relationship

00:50:06if you'd rather not.

00:50:08I know, Presley replies,

00:50:10like it's so obvious it goes without saying.

00:50:14You wouldn't hold my career hostage just to get your way.

00:50:17You're not the kind of man who'd do something like that.

00:50:19I trust you, she hesitates,

00:50:23and I want you to trust me again.

00:50:26She said want, not need.

00:50:29Maybe I'm reading way too much into one little word,

00:50:31or maybe I'm not.

00:50:34What else do you want, Presley?

00:50:36I can't resist asking.

00:50:39I tell myself it's not because I'm desperate

00:50:41to hear about her feelings.

00:50:43I just need to know for sure

00:50:44why she's agreeing to do this again.

00:50:46Is it entirely about earning her way back

00:50:48into my good graces, or is there more to it?

00:50:52Pink creeps over her cheeks,

00:50:54but her voice is strong when she answers.

00:50:57I'm not sure.

00:50:59I purse my lips, then slowly nod.

00:51:02That's fine.

00:51:03Lust isn't dangerous in and of itself.

00:51:05The most likely scenario is that nothing will happen

00:51:07between us, and worst case,

00:51:09say we do fall into bed together.

00:51:11Two mature adults can fuck without things

00:51:14getting weird and complicated, right?

00:51:17Okay, I'll have Beth reserve an extra plane ticket for you.

00:51:21What about the hotel, she asks.

00:51:24The corner of my mouth twitches up.

00:51:27We won't need two rooms.

00:51:28You'll be staying in mine, remember?

00:51:31Oh, right, of course.

00:51:34Her blush deepens.

00:51:36I suppress a smile.

00:51:38You can go back to work now.

00:51:40After she's gone, I'm still staring at the door,

00:51:43suddenly not sure whether I made a genius win-win decision

00:51:46or a huge mistake.

00:51:49There's a very fine line between the two

00:51:50when it comes to Presley.

00:51:53Can we really prevent emotions from getting involved here?

00:51:56I have no freaking clue,

00:51:57but I guess I'm about to find out.

00:52:00Sighing, I shake my head.

00:52:02I'm way overthinking this.

00:52:04Fine, it's just to please Roger, I tell myself.

00:52:09At the very least, her company let me unwind

00:52:11from the hectic work that awaits

00:52:13and keep my mind off all the miles between me and home.

00:52:17Being away from my girls displeases me,

00:52:20and so any distraction will be a welcome one.

00:52:24And I can't think of a better distraction

00:52:26than Presley in my bed.

00:52:31Chapter six.

00:52:34London is colder than Seattle, right?

00:52:36I ask Bianca.

00:52:38She's lounging across her bed

00:52:39next to an impressive pile of sweaters

00:52:41in all shapes and colors.

00:52:43I leave for England with Dominic this afternoon,

00:52:46and in my distracted state,

00:52:48I've procrastinated packing the necessities,

00:52:50like clothes and toiletries,

00:52:53which means I've emptied my suitcase and duffel bag

00:52:55onto her bed so she can help me pack.

00:52:57Bianca pulls out her phone and scrolls briefly.

00:53:01The weather app says it will be rainy.

00:53:03That doesn't necessarily mean cold, though.

00:53:0560s during the day and 50s at night.

00:53:08Hmm, all right.

00:53:10So maybe something a little breathable, like this?

00:53:13I hold up my favorite,

00:53:14a peach-colored cardigan in a clunky knit.

00:53:17Bianca squints at it.

00:53:19I don't think that's gonna be breathable enough.

00:53:22Really?

00:53:22I like it, I say,

00:53:24examining the texture between thumb and finger.

00:53:27I wore this cardigan through most of my time at Brown.

00:53:30It's been through some of the best

00:53:31and worst times of my life,

00:53:34from late night essay writing

00:53:35to early mornings at my favorite coffee shop.

00:53:37Presley, Bianca says, sitting up with a huff.

00:53:41You don't need sweaters, you need lingerie.

00:53:44What?

00:53:45I practically snort.

00:53:46Didn't he say you wouldn't be there strictly for business?

00:53:50I'm just reading between the lines.

00:53:52She wiggles her eyebrows in my direction.

00:53:54Just because I won't be there only for business

00:53:57doesn't mean I should only pack underwear.

00:53:59It's not underwear, it's lingerie.

00:54:03I know you have some, I've seen it.

00:54:05She's right.

00:54:06She was there when I bought it.

00:54:08We'd gone to a discount boutique

00:54:10to look for something for her latest sexcapade.

00:54:13Naturally, I ended up in a dressing room as well.

00:54:16I remember turning around, looking at myself in the mirror,

00:54:19admiring the way the lacy pink bodysuit

00:54:21hugged my slight curves.

00:54:23Although it took me a minute to get used to it,

00:54:25I liked how it looked on me.

00:54:27The sheer silk fabric caressed my skin like a kiss.

00:54:31My nipples were almost completely visible,

00:54:33perky and curious in this new getup.

00:54:36The thong sat high on my hips

00:54:38with garters stretching down my thighs.

00:54:41Looking over my shoulder at my reflection,

00:54:43I knew I had to buy it, even if I had no one to wear it for.

00:54:47I've never worn those, I admit.

00:54:50Never?

00:54:51We got them months ago, Prez.

00:54:53It's now or never, she says, peeking inside my duffel bag.

00:54:57Where did you stash them?

00:54:59I slide past her and pull out a gift bag

00:55:01from where I stored it.

00:55:03I open it and we both peek inside.

00:55:06Tags still attached?

00:55:08Wow, you really never wore these.

00:55:11I shrug.

00:55:12Never had the inspiration to.

00:55:14What about now?

00:55:15I chew on my lip.

00:55:17I can very clearly imagine the look on Dominic's face

00:55:20if he were to undress me and find this underneath.

00:55:23The way his eyes would grow dark and his lips would part.

00:55:26God, my heart rate kicks up just thinking about it.

00:55:29I guess I am a little more inspired now, I admit.

00:55:33Hell yeah, you are.

00:55:35This is an incredible deal.

00:55:37You get to literally just laze around

00:55:39in one of the most beautiful cities in the world,

00:55:41all expenses paid, with a gorgeous man.

00:55:45I snort and shake my head.

00:55:47I'm joining Dominic on this business trip

00:55:49as a sign of good faith.

00:55:50I want to prove to him that I'm worthy of a second chance.

00:55:53And if he wants me to come along, of course I'll go.

00:55:57I have nothing holding me back here.

00:55:59And if this internship leads to a full-time position,

00:56:02the perks will be absolutely unbelievable.

00:56:05Maybe I'll fall in love with London

00:56:07and even take Michael on a trip there someday.

00:56:10We could get tickets to the Royal Ballet

00:56:12and spend the evening exploring the cobblestone streets.

00:56:15Wow, my belly swirls with butterflies.

00:56:18This trip may be the worst decision I've ever made,

00:56:21or it may very well be the best.

00:56:24But only time will tell.

00:56:26Bianca plants a kiss on my cheek.

00:56:29Lucky duck, just give me a shout when you're ready to go.

00:56:33You don't have to drive me.

00:56:34I can just get an Uber.

00:56:36Hey, I'm your friend.

00:56:38I want to at least see this guy

00:56:40before I let him take you across the Atlantic.

00:56:42With a wink, Bianca leaves me alone to finish packing.

00:56:46My passport gets stuffed into my purse

00:56:48along with a pack of gum

00:56:49and a mystery novel for the plane ride.

00:56:52My suitcase goes plenty of sweaters to keep me warm,

00:56:55plus the lingerie in case things get hot.

00:57:01Later, I roll my suitcase down to Bianca's little sedan

00:57:04and we make the short drive

00:57:05to Dominic's luxury high-rise building.

00:57:09Okay, I have to ask,

00:57:10are you sure you want to go through with this?

00:57:13Bianca's hands are on the wheel

00:57:14and her foot is on the brake pedal.

00:57:16We've just arrived outside of Dominic's apartment building

00:57:19and I'm about to step out.

00:57:21Bianca's hand slips from the lock on the door.

00:57:23What do you mean?

00:57:25I'm not used to Bianca being the voice of caution

00:57:27in our friendship.

00:57:28Actually, she's the opposite.

00:57:31She lowers her sunglasses to the tip of her nose.

00:57:34I know things have been shaky between work and Mr. Mann.

00:57:38I just want you to be sure about it.

00:57:40You don't have to go if you don't want to.

00:57:43I sink back into my seat, grateful for her concern.

00:57:47I'll admit I'm kind of nervous.

00:57:49This isn't really me

00:57:51and Bianca isn't who I thought I was.

00:57:54I meet her eyes, continuing in a braver voice.

00:57:57But now I'm learning things about myself on the daily.

00:58:01This new Presley is someone

00:58:03I'd like to get to know a little better.

00:58:05So I figure why not follow my instincts

00:58:07and go on an all expenses paid trip

00:58:09with the hottest guy I've ever met.

00:58:11Bianca throws her head back and laughs at that.

00:58:14And I say, I feel like leaning into this.

00:58:18The adventure?

00:58:19I don't know why.

00:58:20Bianca leans over and wraps me in her arms.

00:58:23And for a second, I feel safe and warm and loved.

00:58:27After the tumultuous few days I've had, it's nice.

00:58:30Having her approval during this wild chapter in my life

00:58:33is everything to me.

00:58:35I squeeze her tight.

00:58:36I'm thankful for you, I say, finally pulling back.

00:58:40Oh, I'm thankful for you too.

00:58:42Now go get some dick.

00:58:44I bark out a laugh and exit the car.

00:58:46Yeah, right.

00:58:48Unfortunately, Bianca doesn't get to examine Dominic

00:58:51in person like she wanted.

00:58:53After being let in by the doorman,

00:58:55I ride up to the 12th floor alone,

00:58:57just me and my worn out suitcase.

00:58:59I pause at his front door,

00:59:01my fist hovering inches from the door.

00:59:04Come on, Presley.

00:59:05It's hardly leaning in if you can't even knock on his door.

00:59:09Before I can make a decision, the door suddenly opens.

00:59:12Thought you'd be there, Dominic says,

00:59:14those sharp eyes appraising me.

00:59:16Come in.

00:59:18I follow him inside,

00:59:19taking note of the comfortable clothing

00:59:21he's wearing for our flight.

00:59:23I don't think I've ever seen him in a pair of jeans,

00:59:25but damn, his tight glutes are just as awe-inspiring

00:59:29in denim as they are in dress pants.

00:59:31And to make everything worse,

00:59:33the cotton T-shirt he has on perfectly hugs

00:59:35his broad shoulders and firm biceps.

00:59:38I can't help but wonder what he'd look like peeling it off.

00:59:42I don't have a lot of time to ogle this new look

00:59:44before I'm distracted by Lacey and Amelia's

00:59:46small voices down the hall.

00:59:48They're not the cheerful voices I remember

00:59:50from my brief visit with them.

00:59:52Of course, they wouldn't be happy to lose their father

00:59:54for an entire week, I get that.

00:59:57They must be so confused.

00:59:58Work trips aren't really within the realm

01:00:00of a two-year-old's understanding.

01:00:02I wonder how Dominic is feeling,

01:00:04having to leave his two little girls

01:00:06for an extended trip like this.

01:00:08Stay here, he says, relegating me to the front hall.

01:00:12He disappears around the corner,

01:00:14his voice a low hush compared to the whimpers

01:00:16of two toddlers.

01:00:18Despite his order, I tiptoe after him,

01:00:20leaving my suitcase at the door.

01:00:22Curious to see what the interaction

01:00:24with his daughters will be, I peek around the corner.

01:00:28Don't go, Lacey whines, her tiny hands clasped

01:00:32around Dominic's fingers, who crouches before her.

01:00:35Amelia sits sulking on the floor next to Lacey,

01:00:38her eyes wide and wet with tears.

01:00:40I can hear Francine bustling around in the kitchen,

01:00:43giving the family the space they need

01:00:45for this tearful moment.

01:00:47I'm going to miss you both too, Dom murmurs,

01:00:50kissing each little girl on top of the head.

01:00:53You have to promise to call me every night, okay?

01:00:56The girls nod vigorously,

01:00:57their curls bouncing around their faces.

01:01:00My heart warms at the sight.

01:01:02Dominic so easily made his girls feel better,

01:01:05not by being patronizing or cliche,

01:01:08but rather by admitting his own feelings to them.

01:01:11If only he were like this

01:01:13with people his own age.

01:01:14He turns to see me watching him and my breath catches.

01:01:18Let's go.

01:01:19The limo ride to the airport is awkward and quiet.

01:01:23We sit in silence, a stark contrast

01:01:25to our more recent highlights in limos.

01:01:28He barely speaks to me at all,

01:01:29even when we arrive at the airport.

01:01:32We only make eye contact once when he offers

01:01:35to lift my luggage onto the counter for me.

01:01:37Please, I say, my voice cracking with disuse.

01:01:42His gaze seems to pass right through me

01:01:44as if I'm merely a stranger in line

01:01:46he happened to do a favor for.

01:01:48Now, as we make our way down the aisle

01:01:50to our first class sleeping pods,

01:01:52I'm itching to speak to him.

01:01:54Have you been to London before?

01:01:56Where will we be staying?

01:01:57What's going on in your head right now?

01:02:00There are so many unanswered questions desperate

01:02:02to slip out of my mouth

01:02:03and onto my growing list of regrets,

01:02:05but there's no opportunity for even casual conversation

01:02:08when he slides into the seat behind mine.

01:02:11He doesn't want to talk to me.

01:02:13He's made that plain,

01:02:14and he's making it abundantly clear

01:02:16exactly what his expectations are concerning me.

01:02:19Then why the hell am I here?

01:02:22I turn away from his pod,

01:02:23refusing to waste any more time staring at his profile.

01:02:26If he wants to acknowledge me, he will.

01:02:29I won't beg for his attention.

01:02:31No, I'll eat my dinner in silence

01:02:33and watch a mind-numbing movie

01:02:35about someone with bigger problems than my own,

01:02:37or I can read the book I brought with me

01:02:39and get lost in the pages.

01:02:41I won't spare another regretful thought

01:02:43about this situation I've willingly placed myself in.

01:02:47As the plane takes off

01:02:48and rumbles with turbulence during the ascent,

01:02:51I sink into my seat and close my eyes,

01:02:53welcoming the escape of the roaring noise

01:02:55to drown out my own thoughts.

01:02:57Even as I slip off into sleep,

01:03:00I can't help but wonder,

01:03:02what will tomorrow bring?

01:03:03Chapter Seven

01:03:06We touch down at Heathrow around dawn

01:03:08and take a taxi to our hotel,

01:03:10a ritzy affair in the heart of downtown.

01:03:13Once we're checked in,

01:03:14I disappear into the bathroom without a word,

01:03:17leaving Presley to unpack

01:03:18and wander around the opulent suite.

01:03:21With only an hour to get ready

01:03:22for a packed day of meetings,

01:03:24I have no choice but to be efficient here.

01:03:27I shave, shower, comb my hair,

01:03:29and dress in a freshly washed suit.

01:03:31I shave, shower, comb my hair,

01:03:32and dress in a fresh suit

01:03:33without paying much attention to her.

01:03:36At least I pretend not to,

01:03:38because I can never stop myself from noticing Presley,

01:03:40no matter how hard I try.

01:03:42I can feel her big blue eyes following me

01:03:44as I move about the suite.

01:03:47I know I'm being kind of a dick,

01:03:49but the gaping hole where our trust used to be

01:03:51still gnaws at me,

01:03:52and I don't particularly feel like talking shit out.

01:03:55It's not something that can be solved

01:03:57with a few words anyway.

01:03:59Besides, I had the excuse of a tight schedule

01:04:01to use in my arsenal of avoidance techniques,

01:04:04so I continue saying as little as possible.

01:04:07Hey, Dom?

01:04:09Presley says quietly.

01:04:11What is it?

01:04:12I don't look at her, busy tying my shoes.

01:04:16Nevermind, you're in a hurry.

01:04:18Let me know when you're coming back,

01:04:19and I'll make sure to be here.

01:04:22I give her an affirmative grunt.

01:04:25The last I see of Presley

01:04:26is her sitting on the edge of the bed,

01:04:27still watching me.

01:04:29Then the door closes, and I leave her behind,

01:04:31still wondering what she was going to ask me about.

01:04:34My first stop is breakfast

01:04:36at the very posh Ramsey Terrace

01:04:37with a pair of top real estate agents,

01:04:40who will pitch the living hell out of their property

01:04:42before taking me to view it.

01:04:44I order a full English breakfast with all the trimmings.

01:04:47I won't have time to grab much more than a bagel for lunch,

01:04:50and plenty of coffee.

01:04:52Correction, loads of coffee,

01:04:55because even a first-class pod

01:04:57can't negate the fact that a bumpy airplane ride

01:04:59is nowhere near as restful as sleeping in my own bed,

01:05:02near Amelia and Lacey.

01:05:05That's not the only reason I didn't sleep well.

01:05:07I was too aware of Presley just down the aisle,

01:05:10of her beauty and our unresolved tensions.

01:05:13It's too bad I couldn't have breakfasted with her

01:05:15instead of chattering salespeople.

01:05:18If I weren't so damn busy this week,

01:05:20I could have shown her around my favorite spots in London.

01:05:24No, I catch myself.

01:05:27Even if my time were my own, I still couldn't.

01:05:30That's not what this trip is about.

01:05:32I didn't bring her along

01:05:33for some fucking romantic getaway.

01:05:36Still, I feel a little bad

01:05:38about ditching her to fend for herself.

01:05:40I should have at least fed her before leaving.

01:05:43Oh, for God's sake, she's a grown woman.

01:05:45I made sure she knew to charge anything

01:05:47she needed to the room,

01:05:48ensuring she could take care of herself,

01:05:50and beyond that, she's more than smart enough

01:05:52to figure it out on her own.

01:05:55Don't you agree, Mr. Aspen?

01:05:56One of the brokers asks.

01:05:58I shake myself out of my thoughts.

01:06:00My apologies, I guess I'm not completely awake yet.

01:06:03Can you repeat that?

01:06:06I manage to focus on business

01:06:07for the rest of the meeting and the tour afterward,

01:06:10which is just as well

01:06:11because the location is absolutely stunning

01:06:13with a view of the bustling city beyond the Iron Gates

01:06:15where a tower once stood.

01:06:18In a taxi bound for my second appointment,

01:06:20I pull out my phone and dial Frank,

01:06:22the head of Aspen Hotel's legal department.

01:06:25It's a phone call I've been meaning to make for days.

01:06:28If nothing else, I can at least address the problem

01:06:30that started this whole shitstorm.

01:06:33It's Dominic, I say.

01:06:36A man named Austin asked one of our employees

01:06:38to infect Aspen's computer systems with a virus.

01:06:42He was working for Genesis Software.

01:06:44I need you to get in touch with Genesis about this.

01:06:46Tell them to back off, preferably fire this Austin guy too,

01:06:50but I'll take what I can get

01:06:52or else we'll press charges for attempted sabotage.

01:06:56A pause, which is impressive.

01:06:58It takes a lot to rattle Frank.

01:07:01I'll take care of it right away, sir.

01:07:04In case this escalates, do we have evidence?

01:07:07Yes, in the top left drawer of my desk,

01:07:09you'll find a flash drive containing the virus

01:07:11and a folder marked Genesis.

01:07:14And who was the employee he approached?

01:07:17I hesitate.

01:07:19Do I want to subject Presley to interrogation?

01:07:22She didn't actually do anything,

01:07:23at least based on what she divulged.

01:07:25And at this point, I think I believe her

01:07:27when she says she never intended to.

01:07:29Just because this whole incident has scared me straight,

01:07:32so to speak, reminding me how important it is

01:07:35not to let anyone get too involved in my personal life.

01:07:38It doesn't mean she deserves to get tangled up

01:07:40in legal repercussions.

01:07:43Finally, I say, I'd like to keep her out of this.

01:07:47I see, he says slowly, in a tone that means he doesn't.

01:07:54If we do end up taking Genesis to court,

01:07:56I'll talk to her about testifying, of course.

01:07:59But for now, call it an anonymous tip.

01:08:01I don't want to punish employees for reporting trouble.

01:08:05All right, anything else you need?

01:08:07That's all, thank you.

01:08:09I hang up.

01:08:11A few minutes later, my cell rings again

01:08:14and I glance down as the taxi pulls to a stop.

01:08:17It's Frank.

01:08:18That was fast.

01:08:20Frowning, I climb out of the car

01:08:22and into a light drizzle of rain.

01:08:25Yes?

01:08:27I head under the awning of a nearby building,

01:08:29my phone pressed to my ear.

01:08:32Sir, I thought you'd want to be made aware

01:08:34Austin Champlain isn't an employee

01:08:37whose employment would be easily terminated.

01:08:40He's the son of Genesis Software's owner.

01:08:42I see.

01:08:44No wonder the kid had balls.

01:08:45He's got a huge stake in making sure Genesis doesn't fail.

01:08:50I step inside the glass and chrome building,

01:08:52shaking the rain droplets from my briefcase.

01:08:55That doesn't change things on our end,

01:08:57although I guess the suggestion

01:08:59that they fire him won't be met well.

01:09:01No, sir, I don't see how it would,

01:09:03but I'll make the call and keep you posted.

01:09:06I appreciate that, Frank.

01:09:08I'm in London all week, so make sure you call my cell

01:09:10and leave a voicemail in case

01:09:11the time difference gets in our way.

01:09:14Absolutely, enjoy your trip, he says before clicking off.

01:09:20My day continues how it began,

01:09:22in a whirlwind of sales meetings

01:09:24and on-location visits until twilight falls

01:09:28and it's too dark to keep looking at properties.

01:09:31The last group of agents insist upon treating me

01:09:34to dinner at their favorite restaurant, Dalloway,

01:09:37which I happen to know is one

01:09:38of the most expensive places in London.

01:09:40It's obvious that they're trying to butter me up,

01:09:42but why not?

01:09:44They might be a chance to get a better deal out of them.

01:09:46Unfortunately, Roger and his wife won't arrive in London

01:09:49until later tonight,

01:09:50which means I don't have an excuse to bring Presley,

01:09:53though part of me still wants to.

01:09:55But we head out right after leaving the last property,

01:09:58an undeveloped strip of land far outside of the city center.

01:10:03I hope we've made you feel welcome,

01:10:06says the jolly man seated next to me,

01:10:08whose name I can't remember for the life of me.

01:10:11I force my most winning smile.

01:10:14Except for the jet lag, everything has been amazing.

01:10:18The others chuckle politely.

01:10:20Damn, that joke wasn't as funny out loud

01:10:22as it was in my head.

01:10:24I'm off my game.

01:10:26While I'm more or less satisfied with how the day has gone,

01:10:28I'm still exhausted and very much in the mood

01:10:30for a pick-me-up, something to relax me,

01:10:33something to help me work off this excess stress

01:10:35and my foul mood, and I know exactly what I want.

01:10:39Struck by inspiration, I text Presley.

01:10:43I'll be done in one hour.

01:10:45Meet me at the hotel bar.

01:10:47Don't wear any panties.

01:10:49It's bold of me, and who knows,

01:10:51she might not comply with my demand.

01:10:53In fact, she'd have every right not to.

01:10:55But something tells me the game Presley and I

01:10:57have been playing isn't nearly done,

01:11:00and that she'll be tripping over herself to please me.

01:11:03At least that's what I'm hoping.

01:11:05Just the prospect of what I have to look forward to

01:11:08puts me back in shape for the rest of dinner.

01:11:10When the waitress comes by to pick up our plates

01:11:12and asks if we'd like anything else,

01:11:14jowly man nudges me.

01:11:17How about it?

01:11:19He asks.

01:11:20A few cocktails, Delaware's famous desserts,

01:11:23all on our agency's tab, of course.

01:11:25My personal favorite is a blood orange cake

01:11:27with chocolate mousse.

01:11:30As delicious as that sounds,

01:11:32I stand up with an apologetic dip of my head.

01:11:35I should actually get going.

01:11:36I have an early morning tomorrow

01:11:39and a much more tempting dessert

01:11:41waiting for me at the hotel.

01:11:46Chapter Eight.

01:11:49So far, my experience of London hasn't made it

01:11:52past the view from the hotel room window,

01:11:54although you really can't call this a hotel room at all.

01:11:57First, it's much larger than Bianca's entire apartment.

01:12:01There's a formal entryway with crystal vases

01:12:04containing fresh-cut flowers, gleaming marble floors,

01:12:07then a formal sitting area with teal-colored velvet chairs

01:12:10and elegant paintings on the wall.

01:12:13The living room boasts a gray sectional sofa

01:12:15and a large flat-screen TV.

01:12:17A bar area is beyond that,

01:12:19with a wall of windows that overlook the city,

01:12:22and then a private bedroom

01:12:23with a massive adjoining bathroom.

01:12:25The bed is positively oversized,

01:12:27and the slate-colored carpeting

01:12:29is the plushest I've ever felt.

01:12:31This place is a dream.

01:12:33Bored, I've already filled my cell phone's camera roll

01:12:36with pictures of its opulence.

01:12:38I don't know why Dominic's wealth still surprises me.

01:12:41He is a billionaire, after all.

01:12:43But I guess I haven't wrapped my head around that just yet.

01:12:47Sighing, I sit perched on a tufted stool

01:12:50in front of the floor-to-ceiling windows in the bedroom,

01:12:52gazing out at the bustling city below.

01:12:55I'm not complaining.

01:12:56It's a spectacular view.

01:12:58Our hotel stands tall,

01:13:00towering over the dense fog of the city.

01:13:03The skyline here is so different than that of Seattle.

01:13:06But even though the buildings are different sizes and shapes,

01:13:09the blue-gray hue of the city reminds me of home.

01:13:12So far today, I've napped and eaten room service, twice,

01:13:16and surfed the channels on the TV,

01:13:18amused by the posh accents of the newscasters,

01:13:21and have been content, for the most part,

01:13:24to sit taking in the view.

01:13:26But it's been hours since Dominic took off

01:13:28to do his business in the city,

01:13:29and I'm getting increasingly antsy as the minutes tick by.

01:13:33I'm not used to napping during the middle of the day,

01:13:36nor am I used to having so much downtime to myself.

01:13:39Even before college, I've always operated at 110%,

01:13:43balancing my studies with work and a social life.

01:13:47I never knew it would be so hard to actually relax.

01:13:50My only excuse is that there is quite literally

01:13:53nothing for me to do here but laze around.

01:13:56If I'm going to be confined to the hotel,

01:13:58I may as well make the most of it.

01:14:00The freestanding bathtub is massive,

01:14:02with all sorts of bubble bath concoctions to choose from.

01:14:06I select the one called Peachy Clean,

01:14:09listening to the satisfying glug, glug, glug

01:14:11as I pour it into the steaming water.

01:14:13One foot at a time, I submerge myself in the bath.

01:14:18Holy shit, this is heaven.

01:14:22I let my back slide against the warm ceramic,

01:14:24an involuntary sigh escaping my lips.

01:14:27As a 20-something always on the brink of breaking the bank,

01:14:30I never have the luxury of taking a bath.

01:14:33My morning routine is simple.

01:14:35Get up, take as fast a shower as I can and get out.

01:14:39My showers aren't even enjoyable

01:14:41since I'm usually saving the hot water for Bianca,

01:14:44cognizant of my couch surfing status.

01:14:47To make it worse,

01:14:48the pipes in her building are old and finicky.

01:14:50I'm lucky if there's decent water pressure.

01:14:53I sink deeper into the bubbles,

01:14:55willing this moment to last forever.

01:14:57I can barely remember the last time I took a bubble bath.

01:15:01God, I must have been only five or six years old.

01:15:03Our mother always bathed Michael and me together,

01:15:06probably because we were so inseparable at that age.

01:15:09Michael, I should buy him a present while I'm here.

01:15:12He'll totally flip out when he learns I've been to London.

01:15:16What should I get him?

01:15:17More importantly, how will I explain this trip?

01:15:20I can't exactly tell him

01:15:22that I'm accompanying my megalomaniac boss

01:15:24on a business trip as his fake plus one.

01:15:27No, I'll just tell Michael what he wants to hear.

01:15:30It was a work trip.

01:15:31I was chosen to accompany my boss.

01:15:33I'm his intern, after all.

01:15:35We stayed in a fancy hotel

01:15:37with huge windows and complimentary room service

01:15:39in separate rooms.

01:15:41I had a lovely time.

01:15:43At least that last part is true so far.

01:15:46Once I'm clean and shaved

01:15:48and my fingers look like pale little raisins,

01:15:50I wrap myself in a towel

01:15:51and re-enter the bedroom to get dressed.

01:15:55It's already past six o'clock.

01:15:56Is tonight the night to wear lingerie?

01:15:59Should I put it on now?

01:16:00Is it something women usually change

01:16:02into later in the evening?

01:16:04So many questions about one tiny article of clothing.

01:16:08Worry about it later, I grumble to myself.

01:16:11I take the time to dry my hair,

01:16:12but don't bother with any makeup.

01:16:15Then I slip on a pair of leggings and a loose T-shirt.

01:16:18There is exploring to be done first.

01:16:20I'm not supposed to leave the building,

01:16:21but surely there's some wiggle room in that restriction.

01:16:25On the first level of the hotel,

01:16:26I find a tiny gift boutique

01:16:28that sells pleasant and affordable little trinkets

01:16:31ranging from functional to simply ornamental.

01:16:34I find a magnet for the Royal Ballet.

01:16:36Perfect.

01:16:37It's just within my budget too.

01:16:39Should I get anything for Bianca?

01:16:42What about for Dom's girls?

01:16:44I'm certain that Dom

01:16:45would be extremely uncomfortable with that.

01:16:47I snort at the imaginary scene playing out in my mind.

01:16:50Me giving tiny snow globes of London

01:16:53to those wide-eyed beaming angels

01:16:55while Dominic sweats from a distance.

01:16:58My phone buzzes in the pocket of my leggings.

01:17:01I pull it out to find a message from the devil himself.

01:17:04Meet me in the hotel bar in one hour.

01:17:06Don't wear panties.

01:17:09Heat floods my cheeks and belly all at once.

01:17:12He can't be serious,

01:17:14but that's the thing about Dominic.

01:17:15He's always serious.

01:17:17Oh my God.

01:17:19I pay for the magnet with trembling hands

01:17:21instantly forgetting my plans to shop for anyone else.

01:17:24I head straight for the elevator,

01:17:26ride it up to our floor and fumble with the door key.

01:17:30Once inside, I toss the magnet on the table

01:17:32and dump the contents of my suitcase on our shared bed.

01:17:36The little black dress I brought

01:17:37has miraculously survived the trip without any wrinkles.

01:17:40Thank goodness.

01:17:42I tug off the leggings and T-shirt

01:17:43and put them and the rest of the clothes I've scattered away.

01:17:47Taking the dress over to the full length mirror,

01:17:49I pull it over my body,

01:17:51smoothing the material over my breasts and hips.

01:17:54I'll have to run a brush through my hair

01:17:55and put a little color on my lips.

01:17:58But first, I slide the dress up my thighs,

01:18:01slipping my hands underneath.

01:18:03My skin is silky soft,

01:18:05freshly shaved and moisturized from my bath.

01:18:08Imagining Dominic's hands on my skin later

01:18:10makes my entire body break out in goosebumps.

01:18:13I hook my thumbs around the lacy underwear,

01:18:16pulling them down inch by inch

01:18:17until I can step out of them.

01:18:20Looking at myself in the mirror,

01:18:21I take in my long hair hanging over one shoulder,

01:18:24my breasts round and firm within the bodice of my dress

01:18:27and the feeling of nothing between my legs.

01:18:30Shit, I'm already turned on from a text.

01:18:33Jesus.

01:18:35I check the clock.

01:18:36I have 40 more minutes to get ready.

01:18:39With how excited I am, I could probably get ready in 10.

01:18:42Instead, I take my time in the bathroom,

01:18:45applying my eyeliner in a perfected black stroke

01:18:49and add a little highlight here and there to my skin.

01:18:52The final touch is a swipe of pink lipstick.

01:18:55The gloss slides across my lips with purpose,

01:18:57painting my mouth a striking pigment

01:18:59a few shades darker than my natural coloring.

01:19:02With my hair brushed and lips plump,

01:19:04I'm ready to handle whatever Dominic has planned.

01:19:07I can't help but rub my thighs together,

01:19:10noticing the lick of cool air that meets my bare flesh

01:19:12whenever my dress swishes.

01:19:15One last glance in the mirror and I'm ready,

01:19:18ready for whatever this evening throws my way.

01:19:21Although if Dominic has plans for us

01:19:22to entertain investors with me in this state,

01:19:25I'm fairly certain all my composure will vanish.

01:19:28By the time I make it down to the hotel bar,

01:19:31my heart is hammering against my ribs

01:19:33and I'm eager to see Dominic.

01:19:35Composure, Presley?

01:19:37My heels click on the dark tile of the bar floor.

01:19:40The lighting is dim and sultry.

01:19:42The result of low hanging lanterns and tea light candles

01:19:45strewn randomly across the small tables.

01:19:48I pause, uncertain if he's here yet.

01:19:52You're early, good.

01:19:54I practically jump out of my dress.

01:19:56Dominic's lips are against my ear and his hand is on my hip.

01:20:00I can feel the warmth of his body

01:20:02passing across the inches of empty space between us.

01:20:05I swallow.

01:20:06Can he feel that I don't have underwear on?

01:20:09That I obeyed his commands?

01:20:11Being early is being on time, I say,

01:20:14impressed with how steady my voice is.

01:20:17Who is this woman with her straight back

01:20:19and unwavering charm?

01:20:21I don't know her, but I love her.

01:20:24Without touching me again,

01:20:25Dominic leads me to the far corner of the bar counter.

01:20:29We sit as the bartender places a glass of dark liquor

01:20:32and a glass of bubbly before us.

01:20:34Dominic must have placed the order before I even arrived.

01:20:38Okay, why is that hot?

01:20:40I sit down, acutely aware of how nervous I am.

01:20:43Dominic sits next to me, raising his glass to his full lips.

01:20:47Which Dominic am I getting tonight?

01:20:50The confident CEO of a multimillion dollar conglomerate?

01:20:53The soft-spoken, sensitive father with a broken heart?

01:20:57Or the insatiable sex god

01:20:58I've recently come to know and crave?

01:21:01Based on his criteria for my wardrobe this evening,

01:21:04I'm guessing it's the latter.

01:21:06How was your day?

01:21:07He asks, his lips twitching with a smile

01:21:10as he watches me.

01:21:11Did you keep yourself entertained?

01:21:13Nodding, I reach for my glass of champagne

01:21:16and take a slow sip.

01:21:17I can feel his eyes on me the entire time,

01:21:20that kissable smirk still plastered across his mouth.

01:21:23I may do.

01:21:25That's good to hear, he says, his tone low.

01:21:28And how about you?

01:21:30Did the amazing Mr. Aspen lock down any deals today?

01:21:34I bat my eyelashes for effect and he laughs.

01:21:37God, that laugh.

01:21:38I've missed it more than I thought possible.

01:21:41This feels a little surreal right now,

01:21:43us flirting like this when he's barely spoken to me

01:21:46since I walked into his penthouse.

01:21:48Just days ago, all hope seemed lost.

01:21:51Maybe rules on heartbreak and betrayal don't apply

01:21:54when you're on a different continent.

01:21:55Who the hell knows?

01:21:57I feel so out of my element and consumed,

01:21:59but there's one thing I'm certain of.

01:22:01Dominic is staring at me.

01:22:04As his dark blue eyes roam over me,

01:22:06examining every curve hidden by my dress,

01:22:09warmth spreads across my chest and neck.

01:22:12I return the favor, enjoying his look for the day,

01:22:15a slightly stubbled jawline, a navy blue suit jacket,

01:22:19and a matching tie now pulled loose from his throat.

01:22:22He takes off his jacket, folds it, and sets it on the bar.

01:22:26I would be lying if I pretended

01:22:27I didn't want to kiss every inch of him,

01:22:30starting with his full mouth

01:22:32and then down the thick column of his throat.

01:22:35I don't have long to fantasize about touching him

01:22:37because he beats me to it.

01:22:39I almost don't feel the brush of his fingers on my knee,

01:22:42his touches so soft at first.

01:22:45But then more firmly, his hand presses against my leg,

01:22:49his thumb rubbing pulsing circles into my skin.

01:22:52I don't break his searing eye contact,

01:22:55afraid that I'll lose him to some passing thought or whim

01:22:57if I let go of him now.

01:22:59And there's no way in hell I want that hand pulling away.

01:23:03He does move his hand though, but not away from me.

01:23:07Instead, his fingers inch up beneath my dress,

01:23:10caressing my inner thigh.

01:23:13I draw in a breath, realizing what he's doing,

01:23:16and squirm when he pauses

01:23:17just before discovering my lack of panties.

01:23:20While my heart hammers against my ribs,

01:23:22he casually takes a sip of his drink before setting it down,

01:23:26and then his hand inches higher.

01:23:29I panic for a moment, glancing down at my lap.

01:23:32My dress covers everything still,

01:23:34even if I do feel exposed.

01:23:36With the cover of the bar,

01:23:38no one would know what he's doing, what we're doing.

01:23:42And I never expected it,

01:23:43but the secret thrill of being discovered

01:23:45makes my blood heat even more.

01:23:48When I part my thighs a little,

01:23:49Dominic makes a low groan of approval

01:23:51and his fingers brush against my center.

01:23:54I see you followed my instructions perfectly.

01:23:58I gasp out a breath and give him a shaky nod.

01:24:01Of course, Mr. Aspen.

01:24:03He shakes his head in disapproval.

01:24:05Dominic.

01:24:07I lick my lips.

01:24:08Right, Dominic.

01:24:11I recall how he corrected me my first few days

01:24:13at Aspen Hotels,

01:24:14telling me to call him Dominic instead of Mr. Aspen.

01:24:18I was only trying to be cheeky just now,

01:24:20trying to regain some of the control

01:24:22in this crazy situation.

01:24:24His fingers part me,

01:24:26his index and ring fingers

01:24:27sliding up and down my soft folds

01:24:29while his middle finger teases my center.

01:24:32He presses deeper

01:24:33and I shudder and whimper audibly,

01:24:36finally breaking eye contact.

01:24:38I take a long swallow of my champagne,

01:24:41trying to focus on the sensation

01:24:42of the bubbles on my tongue

01:24:44rather than the sensation of his finger finding my clit.

01:24:48Well, that's obviously impossible.

01:24:51Dominic is skilled,

01:24:52perhaps too skilled at foreplay.

01:24:55His touch is soft and gentle

01:24:57and wholly focused on my pleasure.

01:24:59He knows exactly what to do

01:25:01to bring me right to the brink.

01:25:03My fingers clutch the cool granite of the bar

01:25:05to avoid rocking my hips against his hand.

01:25:08I'm remembering exactly how it felt

01:25:10to have him press inside me

01:25:11and I want nothing more than to...

01:25:13Dom, is that you?

01:25:16My heart stops.

01:25:17A man stands just behind us,

01:25:19his hand on Dominic's shoulder.

01:25:22Dominic turns and smiles broadly,

01:25:24but he doesn't remove his hand

01:25:25from its spot between my legs.

01:25:28Jerry, it's been so long.

01:25:31Oh God, don't shake his hand,

01:25:32don't shake his hand,

01:25:33don't shake his hand.

01:25:35He fucking shakes his hand.

01:25:37Luckily with the one not covered

01:25:39with my sticky sex nectar.

01:25:42He hasn't removed his hand from between my legs

01:25:44and I can't decide if I want him to or not.

01:25:47I just pray it's not obvious what we're doing.

01:25:50Before I can even process what's happening,

01:25:52Dominic glides one confident finger inside me.

01:25:56I clear my throat to hide the squeal I make,

01:25:59then snatch Dominic's jacket

01:26:00and hold it tightly over my lap.

01:26:03You look great.

01:26:04And who is this?

01:26:06Fuck my life.

01:26:07I turned to Jerry with a terrified smile.

01:26:10He has thin blonde hair

01:26:11and the appearance of a man

01:26:12who could definitely get you fired

01:26:14with one wrong look.

01:26:15Rather than speak,

01:26:17I just smile,

01:26:18knowing I can't possibly open my mouth

01:26:20for fear of whimpering like a horny idiot.

01:26:23This is Presley.

01:26:25She's accompanying me on a business trip.

01:26:27What the hell are you doing in London?

01:26:29I thought you relocated to Amsterdam.

01:26:32Oh, I did.

01:26:33Business is going well over there,

01:26:35but there are still a few loose ends

01:26:37I have to tie up here and in New York.

01:26:39You know how it is.

01:26:41I can only imagine.

01:26:42Relocating your headquarters must be complex.

01:26:45It is, but the move has been a good one.

01:26:48So you're still in Seattle.

01:26:51Rain or shine.

01:26:52Jerry nods.

01:26:54That's a good spot for you though.

01:26:56As they talk,

01:26:57Dominic pumps his finger in and out of me

01:26:59in a steady, unforgiving rhythm.

01:27:02My hands shake as they grasp at his jacket,

01:27:04which barely hides our dirty little deed.

01:27:07I can feel my body responding

01:27:09against his delicious finger,

01:27:11my pleasure blossoming.

01:27:13I'm so close to falling apart

01:27:14in front of this stranger.

01:27:16If I wanted to,

01:27:17I could clamp my thighs together

01:27:19and stop Dominic from finger-fucking me into oblivion.

01:27:22I could join the conversation

01:27:23and shoot a well-deserved dirty glare at him

01:27:26for putting me in such an embarrassing situation.

01:27:29I could do all of that,

01:27:30but I don't.

01:27:32Finally, he and Jerry wrap up

01:27:34with promises of getting lunch

01:27:35before we depart for Seattle.

01:27:38Dominic turns back to me,

01:27:39his face now a mask of pure lust.

01:27:42His finger slides out of me with a slick pull,

01:27:45and I nearly gasp at the loss.

01:27:48Let's go.

01:27:49I step down from the bar stool

01:27:51with quivering limbs.

01:27:53I'm following close behind him,

01:27:54my cheeks flushed and my brain fuzzy,

01:27:57confused and uncertain,

01:27:59and still reeling from the immense pleasure

01:28:01he can make me feel.

01:28:02What just happened?

01:28:04Why did I let that happen?

01:28:06Jesus, Presley, what line won't you let him cross?

01:28:10In the elevator,

01:28:11Dominic doesn't touch me.

01:28:12He just stares straight ahead,

01:28:14watching the numbers change

01:28:15as the elevator climbs higher.

01:28:17He looks angry,

01:28:19and I have no idea

01:28:20what could have possibly set him off.

01:28:22I want him to back me up against the wall so hard

01:28:25that the handrail makes an indentation in my ass.

01:28:28I want him to lay hot, open-mouthed kisses

01:28:30against my throat while he cups my breasts

01:28:32and grinds his leg between mine.

01:28:35But he doesn't do any of that.

01:28:36Instead, he stands a foot away from me,

01:28:39quiet and seemingly uninterested.

01:28:42I feel like I'm back on the plane

01:28:44with the man who wouldn't so much

01:28:45as acknowledge my presence.

01:28:47Meanwhile, I'm still trying to catch my goddamn breath.

01:28:51What the hell is this?

01:28:53Once the sweet door is closed behind us,

01:28:55Dominic finally touches me again,

01:28:58but it's not the kind of touch I like.

01:29:00It's harsh, unfeeling.

01:29:02He pulls at the zipper of my dress,

01:29:04yanking it off me in a few ungraceful motions.

01:29:07The fabric bites at my skin as it leaves my body,

01:29:10and suddenly I'm completely naked before him.

01:29:13With one hand, he grasps my breast,

01:29:16and the other, he dips between my legs again.

01:29:19But this time I stop him.

01:29:20I take one step back and another.

01:29:23When he follows, I place a firm hand against his chest.

01:29:27Stop!

01:29:28My voice shakes, but I'm not afraid.

01:29:30No, I'm fucking furious.

01:29:33Dominic stands before me, his eyes dark

01:29:36and his chest heaving with labored breath.

01:29:38Yes, he's turned on, probably even more so than I am,

01:29:42or was, but he stills at my command.

01:29:46Stop, he asks, his voice filled with questions.

01:29:50I stand my ground.

01:29:51This little game he's playing will not be on his terms.

01:29:55It's going to be on mine.

01:30:01Chapter Nine

01:30:03Stop.

01:30:06Presley's voice trembles,

01:30:08and her hand presses firmly against my chest.

01:30:11Taken aback, I drop my hands immediately.

01:30:14We freeze together in the dark, panting.

01:30:17I'm burning up.

01:30:18I've undressed her already,

01:30:20only her lacy black bra remains,

01:30:22and I ache to finish the job.

01:30:25I could feel that she wanted me

01:30:26when I touched her at the bar.

01:30:28So why is she calling a timeout?

01:30:30I'm the one who should be pissed off, not her.

01:30:32One touch and she has me losing all control.

01:30:36I flip on the light so I can meet her eyes

01:30:38while she explains herself.

01:30:41Are you going to have a hard time

01:30:43following instructions on this trip?

01:30:45I ask, my voice still low and husky

01:30:48with the desire she so abruptly blocked.

01:30:51Presley is flushed too, but she stares back defiantly.

01:30:57I don't want you like this, this version of you.

01:31:00I'm no different than I've been all along.

01:31:02This is the real me.

01:31:04Bullshit, I know you well enough by now.

01:31:08Her expression is serious,

01:31:10and I have no idea what I've done to anger her.

01:31:14What do you know about me, Presley?

01:31:17I ask, cocking my head as I watch her.

01:31:20She swallows, gathering her courage.

01:31:24You're not this man, this hard, unfeeling, dominating.

01:31:31I place one hand against her cheek, caressing her skin,

01:31:34and Presley leans into my touch.

01:31:37The truth is, I don't know who I am anymore.

01:31:41Before Presley, my life was a series

01:31:42of well-orchestrated details.

01:31:44Commute, work, home, more work,

01:31:47the occasional fuck session to blow off some steam.

01:31:50She's turned everything upside down,

01:31:51all in a matter of weeks.

01:31:53Who could blame me for trying

01:31:55to get back some of the control?

01:31:57Presley swallows, still watching me with wide eyes,

01:32:01waiting to see which version of me she'll get next.

01:32:05You aren't this man, Dominic.

01:32:07I've seen it when you let me in, she whispers,

01:32:12wrapping my hand in her much smaller one.

01:32:15What do you want from me?

01:32:18My voice is more anguished than I intended,

01:32:20and I inhale deeply, trying to calm my raging heart.

01:32:25You, just you.

01:32:28I'm here, aren't I?

01:32:30I'm trying.

01:32:32She nods, her eyes finding mine.

01:32:36I am too.

01:32:38What do you need?

01:32:40She wets her lips with her tongue, watching me.

01:32:44Kiss me.

01:32:46I realize she's right.

01:32:48We broke up, and then I had my fingers up her dress

01:32:50before we'd even officially made up,

01:32:52before we'd even kissed.

01:32:54Sometimes I forget how young she is,

01:32:56how inexperienced, and how much

01:32:59of a dominating prick I can be.

01:33:02Using two fingers, I tilt her chin up

01:33:04and press my lips softly to hers.

01:33:07That better?

01:33:09I murmur, my lips still brushing hers.

01:33:13She reaches up, curling her fingers in the hair

01:33:15at the back of my neck.

01:33:18Yes, more.

01:33:21We kiss again, slower this time, deeper.

01:33:25Her rapid heartbeat flutters against my chest

01:33:27as my fingers work at undoing the clasp of her bra.

01:33:31Everything in me strains toward her,

01:33:33screams to eliminate the distance between us.

01:33:36I want to forget every messy, fucked up thing

01:33:39and just lose myself in her.

01:33:42Instead, I correct her.

01:33:44I'm the boss, not you.

01:33:46We agreed that you wouldn't be the one in charge.

01:33:50Except I was never in charge to begin with

01:33:52when it comes to her.

01:33:53Whenever I see her, I have to have her.

01:33:56If the slightest shadow passes over her face,

01:33:58I need to do whatever it takes to bring back her smile.

01:34:02I haven't forgotten that.

01:34:04Presley looks up and her bold blue eyes lock with mine.

01:34:08I came to London, didn't I?

01:34:11I seize her mouth.

01:34:13The fire that's always simmering between us explodes.

01:34:16Tongues writhe together, she moans against me

01:34:19and I gasp for breath.

01:34:21I must be pressing her backward

01:34:23because suddenly we're on the bed

01:34:24and her fingers are tearing at my buckle and shirt buttons

01:34:27like she can't get me bare fast enough.

01:34:30Damn, this woman is dangerous.

01:34:32I've never known anyone who gets under my skin like her.

01:34:36My restraint has already frayed to a thread.

01:34:39Deciding I need to take back control of this situation

01:34:42before giving in to our unresolved lust

01:34:44becomes something far too intimate,

01:34:46I pull myself away, rising to my feet

01:34:49at the edge of the bed.

01:34:51Presley blinks up at me in confusion.

01:34:54She's mesmerizing, naked and pink-cheeked with arousal.

01:34:58Her lips plump and damp from our ferocious kisses

01:35:01and I have to steel myself not to just dive back in.

01:35:04Enough of that, I say more gruffly than I feel.

01:35:08I want you on your knees now.

01:35:11She looks surprised for a moment

01:35:13before a mix of desire and determination

01:35:15comes over her face.

01:35:17She sinks gracefully to the floor at my feet.

01:35:21Very nice, I say, petting her hair.

01:35:24And I mean that.

01:35:26Maybe I shouldn't be praising her on a night

01:35:28that's supposed to be all about my needs,

01:35:30but she is a pretty sight,

01:35:32ready and waiting to serve me however I ask.

01:35:36Take out my cock.

01:35:38My shirt is already hanging open

01:35:40and my belt is God knows where,

01:35:42but I'm still going to enjoy watching her trembling fingers

01:35:45unzip my dress pants.

01:35:48That's it, I say, encouraging her

01:35:51when she wraps me in her warm fist.

01:35:54She grips the base tight, my heart racing.

01:35:57I watch her soft pink lips meet the tip of my cock.

01:36:01A loud groan of relief escapes me

01:36:03as they part to slide down over the shaft.

01:36:06It's been too damn long since I've had her.

01:36:09I'd forgotten how combustible we are together,

01:36:11how quickly I lose the battle for control when she's near.

01:36:16She follows her hand up and down, sucking hard,

01:36:19her tongue lapping like she's missed this as much as I have.

01:36:23The sight of her is overwhelming.

01:36:25She sure as hell isn't new to sex anymore.

01:36:28She knows exactly what to do now.

01:36:31Still, I can't let her just do whatever she pleases tonight.

01:36:35I tangle my fingers tight in her hair

01:36:37to direct her where to go,

01:36:38how fast to bob her head and work her sweet mouth.

01:36:42She lets out a soft murmur

01:36:44that burns in the pit of my stomach.

01:36:46I make a mental note

01:36:47that she's partial to a little hair pulling,

01:36:49then remind myself for the millionth time

01:36:51that what she enjoys isn't what this trip is about.

01:36:56You look amazing like this.

01:36:58My voice comes out as a groan.

01:37:00I didn't mean to say that aloud, but it slipped out.

01:37:03Whatever.

01:37:04A little encouragement can't hurt, right?

01:37:07I could watch you suck me all night.

01:37:10She sighs and squirms, rubbing her thighs together.

01:37:13The thought that she's trying to ease her own arousal

01:37:15makes me throb.

01:37:18But when I notice her free hand creeping between her legs,

01:37:20I say sharply,

01:37:22I didn't say you could touch yourself.

01:37:24I'll give you your turn soon enough,

01:37:27right after I'm done fucking your mouth.

01:37:30She makes a tiny noise that could be a whimper

01:37:32and moves her hand up to cut my balls.

01:37:35Oh, fuck.

01:37:37I won't last long if she keeps this up.

01:37:40Sighing, I start slow, rocking my hips in shallow strokes.

01:37:44The head of my cock sliding over her tongue feels incredible.

01:37:47She adjusts quickly,

01:37:49keeping up her own work while letting me move her.

01:37:52I thrust faster, deeper, still careful not to gag her.

01:37:56I'm sure she doesn't know how to handle that yet,

01:37:58but taking my pleasure rather than letting her give it to me.

01:38:03Blood roars through my ears and pulses in my cock.

01:38:06Fuck, this woman is the hottest thing I've ever seen.

01:38:09She looks up at me, her lashes fluttering,

01:38:12her lips still sealed around me.

01:38:14And suddenly I'm way closer to my own release

01:38:17than I planned to let myself get.

01:38:19I pull her away, but she continues to stroke me

01:38:22and my orgasm threatens.

01:38:24Enough, I growl.

01:38:27She snatches her hand away sheepishly.

01:38:31I haul pressly to her feet

01:38:33and give her a quick light slap on the butt.

01:38:35A startled squeak escapes her.

01:38:38You almost made me come too soon.

01:38:41I'm just...

01:38:42I crush my mouth to hers, cutting her off.

01:38:45I'm going to devour her.

01:38:48What more can she possibly give me?

01:38:51Keeping my fingers knotted in the silky hair

01:38:53at the back of her neck,

01:38:54I slide my other hand down her body.

01:38:57She sucks in a sharp breath

01:38:58when I push two fingers into her.

01:39:00For the second time tonight, I'm knuckles deep inside her.

01:39:04She's so wet, so perfectly ready for me.

01:39:08My thumb finds her swollen, eager bud

01:39:11and she arches, clutching at my back and shoulders

01:39:14like she's trying to hang on for dear life.

01:39:16I want her to lose that control,

01:39:18to surrender everything to me.

01:39:20I devour her mouth as her hips buck

01:39:22and stutter forward into my touch.

01:39:25I'm consumed by her scent, her sounds of pleasure,

01:39:28the feel of her under my hand.

01:39:30Yes, this is exactly what I wanted tonight,

01:39:34for both of us to forget the past

01:39:35and the parts we're supposed to play.

01:39:37We're not boss and intern or even lovers

01:39:40because lovers have a shared history

01:39:42and complicated emotions I'd rather ignore.

01:39:46Tonight, we're just man and woman

01:39:48giving into our mutual lust for each other.

01:39:50Our kiss evolves into a messy clash of lips and tongues.

01:39:55She's moving into my hand now, writhing in my grip

01:39:59and her begging cries grow louder and more urgent.

01:40:03Suddenly, she gives a desperate whine

01:40:04and her arms tighten so hard they tremble.

01:40:07My aching erection twitches up, straining.

01:40:10She's coming already.

01:40:12It's um.

01:40:14She groans and I kiss her deeply, possessively,

01:40:18as she spasms around my fingers in rhythmic waves.

01:40:22That's it, she's mine now.

01:40:25It's time to take what I've been needing

01:40:26but didn't let myself have since she broke my heart.

01:40:30I keep rubbing, letting her cling to me

01:40:32until her quaking subsides.

01:40:34Then I withdraw, releasing her hair.

01:40:37Both of us are flushed, sweaty, panting from desire.

01:40:43I pull out of her with a slick noise

01:40:45and can't resist bringing my hand up to taste her arousal.

01:40:49Her eyes lock onto my tongue, running over my fingers.

01:40:53Then I press them to her lips

01:40:54and she only hesitates a second

01:40:56before opening up to suck them.

01:40:58I cock bucks at the feel of her eager mouth

01:41:01closing around my fingers.

01:41:03When she's done, I press a kiss to her forehead.

01:41:06Get back up on the bed, on all fours this time.

01:41:10She obeys with shaking knees, still out of breath.

01:41:14I admire the view, her pert ass raised up like an offering

01:41:18and the needy spot between her legs glistening,

01:41:21ready for me.

01:41:24Quickly, I open a condom and roll it on.

01:41:27I kneel behind her and drag my tip

01:41:28over her sensitive flesh, teasing her.

01:41:32She tries to thrust back

01:41:33and my hands clamp down on her hips to hold her still.

01:41:37I'm the one who dictates when we start

01:41:39and I'll dictate when we finish.

01:41:42Last chance to call this off.

01:41:45My voice is deep and rough with desire.

01:41:48It would just about kill me if she took that chance,

01:41:51but I'm almost certain she won't.

01:41:54We aren't going to stop until I'm satisfied.

01:41:57Please.

01:41:59She says so softly, I almost miss it.

01:42:02Good girl.

01:42:04I bite the back of her neck

01:42:05and bury myself deep in her wet heat,

01:42:08trying to forget everything that happened

01:42:10between us before this moment.

01:42:13It almost works.

01:42:18Chapter 10.

01:42:21Tonight has taken a turn I never could have imagined.

01:42:24I know I should guard my heart,

01:42:26that I shouldn't romanticize this moment,

01:42:28but it's too late.

01:42:29We move together perfectly,

01:42:31my soft pants punctuating the moment

01:42:34that has grown heavy with expectation.

01:42:37His cuff links rest beside my earrings on the bedside table.

01:42:40Our laptop bags sit side by side

01:42:42on the floor near the desk.

01:42:44I have no idea what it all means,

01:42:46but something big, surely.

01:42:49I feel so many warring emotions at once,

01:42:52it's hard to focus on them all.

01:42:54First, there's pleasure unlike any I've ever known,

01:42:57but more than that, there's relief at his forgiveness.

01:43:00And somehow too, I can also feel him releasing

01:43:03all the baggage of his past,

01:43:05excising it with precision as our bodies meld together.

01:43:09Dominic fills me in a way I never could have imagined.

01:43:12He must feel it too, this powerful pull,

01:43:15because we release a simultaneous groan

01:43:18in the otherwise silent room.

01:43:20He withdraws briefly, guiding me onto my back

01:43:22so he can hover over me.

01:43:24In this new position, I can see his eyes.

01:43:28I just wish his emotions were as easy to read

01:43:30as his pleasure.

01:43:32His pupils are dilated and his lips part

01:43:34with a silent moan.

01:43:36He pushes into the hilt,

01:43:37and I wrap my legs high around his hips,

01:43:39grinding myself closer.

01:43:42Ah, that's so good, baby.

01:43:44He groans, his voice deep.

01:43:47I know by now not to read too much

01:43:48into the sweet endearment.

01:43:50He moves in long and deep strokes.

01:43:53I'm still so sensitive from my earlier release

01:43:56that I have to dig my fingernails

01:43:57into his shoulders for stability.

01:43:59I can hear the sounds of our sex,

01:44:01a loud, wet slap of flesh against flesh.

01:44:05My breasts bounce with the efforts of his thrusts.

01:44:08I can't help but release quiet gasps

01:44:10every time I feel the tip of him hit

01:44:12that once mythical, now very real sweet spot inside me.

01:44:16With every pump, I feel closer and closer

01:44:19to the man who has remained such

01:44:20an emotional anomaly to me.

01:44:23As I watch his sculpted body move over me,

01:44:25memories of our brief history flood my brain.

01:44:28The moment when he picked me up on that horrible night

01:44:31and the instant relief I felt just being near him.

01:44:34The moment his gruff voice over the phone

01:44:36promised that I still had my job

01:44:38and elation soared inside me.

01:44:40The moment in his office when he told me

01:44:42he wanted me with him on this trip.

01:44:44Dom, when I cry out his name,

01:44:47he leans closer so our naked, sweaty chests

01:44:49are pressed together in an intimate embrace.

01:44:52He moves above me, taking everything I have to offer.

01:44:56I comb my fingers through his thick, dark hair,

01:44:59gripping it in my fists.

01:45:01I can feel the goosebumps rise on the back of his neck.

01:45:03I can feel him coming close

01:45:05with every shaky breath he takes,

01:45:07and I love knowing that I'm the one

01:45:08bringing him to the brink.

01:45:10With every nip at my neck, my earlobe, and my lips,

01:45:14I can feel the secret tenderness he tries

01:45:16so desperately to keep reined in.

01:45:19His thumb finds my center and rubs it

01:45:21in methodical circles, just how he knows I like.

01:45:25As I get closer and closer to the edge,

01:45:27my eyelids flutter closed, and I brace myself

01:45:30for yet another fall into bliss.

01:45:32And I am falling for him.

01:45:35Despite my best efforts, I have fallen.

01:45:38When I tumble over the edge again,

01:45:40Dominic gathers me close, holding me against his chest

01:45:43as I tremble and gasp.

01:45:45With his lips against my neck and a hand on my breast,

01:45:48Dominic releases a soft grunt,

01:45:50and his grip on me tightens as he finds his own release.

01:45:54The sound he's making, somewhere between a gasp

01:45:56and a groan, is like a drug.

01:45:59I would let him do anything to me

01:46:01just to hear that sound again.

01:46:03When he's recovered, he lifts himself up,

01:46:06propped on his elbows over me.

01:46:08His eyes are hooded, and his forehead is beaded with sweat.

01:46:12I hold his firm biceps in my shaking hands,

01:46:15rubbing my thumbs against the muscle

01:46:16with a tenderness I can hardly describe.

01:46:19But in a blink, he's gone, both physically and mentally.

01:46:24He climbs from the bed, removing himself from my soft touch

01:46:27almost as fast as he ripped off my clothes.

01:46:29He walks across the room,

01:46:31tosses the used condom in the trash,

01:46:33and picks up his boxers, tugging them on.

01:46:36Then he grabs his laptop.

01:46:38He's already on his way into the living room of the suite

01:46:40when I find my voice.

01:46:42Where are you going?

01:46:44I hate how vulnerable I sound.

01:46:47I have some work to do.

01:46:48You can go to bed without me.

01:46:51And just like that, I'm alone.

01:46:54What the hell?

01:46:55Surely he felt it, the same things I did,

01:46:58the intimacy, the closeness, the intensity.

01:47:02That's why he left.

01:47:03He's not ready to face it, to accept it,

01:47:06and I'll have to be okay with that, for now.

01:47:10My body is still warm and flushed

01:47:12from the mind-blowing experience we just shared,

01:47:14but my heart is cold.

01:47:16I fight back the sting of tears,

01:47:18determined not to waste any time feeling sorry for myself.

01:47:22All I can muster is the will to wrap myself

01:47:24in the fluffy duvet and curl into a ball on the bed.

01:47:28After I take a few deep breaths, my heart begins to slow.

01:47:32A voice in my mind that sounds a lot like my mother

01:47:34lulls me to sleep.

01:47:36Just be true to yourself, Presley.

01:47:39Be true to what you want.

01:47:44Chapter 11.

01:47:47The next day, I come back to the hotel early,

01:47:50well right on time by normal standards,

01:47:52but I had to politely fend off a dozen offers

01:47:55of dinners, cocktails, anything that would keep me

01:47:57listening to pitches for another few hours.

01:48:00Not that I mind skipping out.

01:48:01I have a 5.30 date I wouldn't miss for the world.

01:48:05When I enter the suite, Presley is on her laptop,

01:48:08her lips pursed in thought.

01:48:10Working, of course.

01:48:11Both of us are always working.

01:48:14She looks up when she sees me,

01:48:15her lips curving into a grin.

01:48:18I'm still not sure how I feel about what happened

01:48:20between us last night.

01:48:22I have the sense that I'm playing with fire

01:48:24and will most likely get burned.

01:48:27But I return her smile, my lips twitching as I take her in,

01:48:31with her black leggings, an oversized sweater,

01:48:33and messy bun.

01:48:35She looks every bit the college co-ed she was not long ago,

01:48:39and I'd be lying if I said that wasn't tempting as hell.

01:48:42How was your day, dear?

01:48:44She teases.

01:48:46I chuckle.

01:48:48Just fine.

01:48:49Yours?

01:48:51Same.

01:48:52She says, cheerily.

01:48:54There's a lot we need to talk about,

01:48:56but first I need to do something else.

01:48:59Can I borrow the desk for an hour?

01:49:01What?

01:49:03She looks back at her laptop.

01:49:04Oh, sure, no problem.

01:49:05I can use the bed.

01:49:07I repress a quip about how we used the bed last night,

01:49:11and it most certainly didn't involve

01:49:13working or checking email.

01:49:15Now isn't the time.

01:49:16And as today wore on,

01:49:18last night's events had started to not sit right with me.

01:49:22But I don't have time to examine

01:49:24my selfish actions right now.

01:49:26I pull out my own laptop,

01:49:28open up video chat, and call home.

01:49:31After a few rings, the faces of Lacey, Amelia,

01:49:34and Francine fill my screen.

01:49:37Daddy!

01:49:38My girls cry ecstatically,

01:49:40and the sound of their loving voices

01:49:42calms the uncertainties inside me almost instantly.

01:49:46They've just had their breakfast,

01:49:48Francine informs me.

01:49:50What did you eat?

01:49:52I ask.

01:49:53Poo-poo.

01:49:54Lacey's stage whispers,

01:49:56and they both collapse, giggling.

01:49:58Come on, you guys.

Seven Nights of… Audiobook part1/3

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