Here With You (A Laurel Heights Novel) - By Kate Perry Page 0,31

Mr. Gallagher. For how many nights?"

"One night," he replied as though he showed up in hotels after midnight with a woman in tow all the time.

Nicole didn't like that thought.

Was this a bad idea? Maybe she shouldn't be there.

But even as she had the thought, she knew there was no question that she was going to go through with this. She wasn't promiscuous, always taking care in picking who she ended up with, and this was happening way faster than normal. But it felt inevitable. Right.

And, if she were honest, she really wanted Grif.

Thanking the receptionist, he turned to Nicole. "Ready?"

Any more ready, and she'd be naked right there in the lobby. But to reassure herself that she was doing the right thing, she got up on her tiptoes and kissed him.

The contact zapped her even though she'd meant it to be light. This was why they were in the Four Seasons, taking such a big chance with their friendship. This crazy electric thing between them.

He hummed, his hand gripping her hair. "It's not too late to back out."

She thought about the kiss and remembered being draped across his body early that one morning. She'd be out of her mind to back down now. Marley would never forgive her.

So she did the only logical thing: she pressed herself against him and kissed him again with all the nervous eagerness in her body.

He groaned with a hunger that excited her, catching her up in his arms. "It's going to be great, Nic," he murmured against her mouth.

Yes. Nodding, she led him to the elevator.

When they reached their floor, instead of leading her to their room, he surprised her by lifting her into his arms and carrying her. Without releasing her, he opened the door and headed straight to the bed, lowering her and following directly on top of her.

She sighed, loving the weight of his body on her. She tugged his shirt up and touched his naked back, hooking her legs in the crook of his knees to keep him close.

Leaning on one arm, he pushed up all her layers—coat and shirt—until his hand cupped her breast over her bra. His fingers teased her nipple to standing through the thin lace, rolling and massaging until she was writhing under him.

"Grif," she gasped, trying to get closer to him.

"Yes?" He nibbled on her collarbone.

"I need more."

"I can give you more." He sat up, undid her pants, and pulled them and her underwear down. Then he dumped condoms out from his pocket and unbuttoned his jeans.

She stared at the condoms littering the bed. "Planning ahead?"

"It's called hope." He pulled his erection out and covered it in one of the rubbers.

Nicole wanted to tell him she had a clean bill of health and was on the pill, but maybe this was better. It was a symbolic barrier—a reminder not to get too close.

Grif worked her coat and top off and then slid his finger under the strap of her exposed bra. "I'm torn between asking you to model this for me and tearing it off you."

"That's a dilemma."

"I'm not sure I can last through a show. Can I get a rain-check? For next time?"

"There's going to be a next time?"

"I know I'm jumping the gun, but based on the events so far, I'm willing to bet that we'll want a next time. Maybe you'll even model something you've designed yourself."

She stilled. "What?"

He had the grace to look abashed. "I may have snooped. But before you get bent out of shape, your lingerie designs are incredible. I especially like the sheer black one."

"You weren't supposed to look," she said weakly as she blushed. She'd designed that black one with him in mind.

"I know, but I'm happy I did. It gives me something to look forward to for the next time."

His praise caused a rush of delight followed immediately by uneasiness. She hid her feelings behind a sassy smile and ran her hands along his chest. "Bold, making promises for the next time when you haven't delivered this time."

"Are you worried I won't deliver?"

Arching up, she said, "Well, you have been all talk so far."

"And I'm not meeting your needs. I'll have to rectify that." He lowered his head and kissed her.

Blazing hot, it stole her breath. She arched up into it, giving him space to reach around her to unhook her bra. He swept it away and, kissing his way down the center of her body, to take the tips of her breasts in his