Dirty Work - Regina Kyle Page 0,40

we’re getting close to signing on the dotted line, he changes up the terms. I wonder what new wrinkle he’s thrown at us now.

Connor considers me for a long minute, then nods and starts for the door. “I’m still not convinced this is the right time for us to expand, but I’m trusting your gut on this one. Keep me in the loop, and let me know if there’s anything you need.”

The door swings shut behind him, and I move at light speed to lock it. My gaze strays to another door, the one where I left Ainsley tucked fast asleep in my spare bed, looking like a rumpled, fallen, hot-as-fuck angel. My cock twitches, letting me know exactly what I need, and I check the lock one last time before going for it.

Paperwork and Miami and Alex—hell, even Roscoe, who’s whining to go out—can wait. Time for round five and that soapy shower action.

CHAPTER THIRTEEN

Ainsley

“WHAT ARE YOU hauling me off to today?” Jake grumbles as I lead him across the artificial turf at Hudson River Park’s Pier 46. “Another drag show? A museum? Shakespeare in a parking lot?”

We’ve done all of those things—and more—in the seven stupendous sex-filled days I’ve been staying at Jake’s. Usually he’s not so surly about our little excursions. Sure, Mr. All-Work can take some convincing to switch to play mode. But he comes around pretty quickly. Especially when I sweeten the deal with the promise of a late-night excursion between the sheets. Or in the shower. Or on the kitchen counter...

Today, though, he’s moodier than usual. But I have a feeling I know what’s bugging him. I’m hoping this not-so-impromptu picnic will get him out of his funk. Then—fingers crossed—he’ll be in the mood for another late-night excursion when we get back to his place.

Maybe this time we’ll christen the balcony, me holding tight to the railing while Jake pounds me from behind with the New York City skyline, illuminated at night, as our backdrop.

Sweet zombie Jesus. My panties are getting damp just thinking about it.

“It’s a surprise.” I heft the basket in my right hand and tighten my hold on Roscoe’s leash with my left. The big lug’s been a prince all day, tagging along with me on errands like he’s done all week. But I don’t want to risk losing him in the crowd that’s starting to set up chairs and blankets in front of the giant inflatable screen at the far end of the lawn. “We’re celebrating.”

“Celebrating what?”

“Your good news from the doctor.” I gesture with my head to his right arm, newly sans sling.

Jake frowns. He’s been a grump since he met us after his follow-up appointment with the orthopedist. “If you call another week out of work good news. I don’t see why I can’t go back. My arm feels fine.”

“I’m sure the doctor’s just erring on the side of caution. He doesn’t want you playing bouncer again until it’s a little bit stronger. And he let you ditch the sling, didn’t he?” I stop at what looks to be a good vantage point, close but not too close to the screen and off to one side, so we won’t get crushed in the mob of moviegoers. “Baby steps. It’s all about the small victories.”

I ignore the voice at the back of my head telling me that this small victory has big implications for me. For us. With Jake back to two mostly usable arms, there’s really no reason for me to keep shacking up with him.

Well, except for the multiple orgasms.

“Small victories suck,” he mutters, taking Roscoe’s leash from me so I can put the basket down and pull out the blanket I’ve packed. “I have to get back to work. Shit’s going down on this Miami deal. The architect we hired is finishing up the preliminary drawings for our New York renovation. And we’re short two bouncers, thanks to the stupid summer cold that’s going around. They need me.”

“No one’s indispensable. Connor can handle things until you’re able to return.”

He flinches a little. Understandable. No one likes being told they’re an easily replaceable cog in the corporate machine. But my words aren’t meant to be hurtful, just truthful. Jake lives for his job. He needs a wake-up call, before it’s too late and one day he looks around and finds that’s all he’s got.

Like me.

I spread out the blanket, take a seat and pat the space next to me. “In the meantime, why not stop and smell