now.” And the subject is closed.
“Are you having a good day?”
“The beginning was so great. Everything since then has been a disappointment until now, but things are looking up.” He nods to the couch. “Do you want to sit with me for a few minutes?”
“Sure. I don’t have to be back until one.” Sitting on the couch can only mean more kisses, and if I can’t get information from Damon, then I’ll settle for what I can get. I’m not one that gives up easily. One day he’ll let me in.
“How many pastries did you eat this morning?” he asks.
“I ate two. Why?”
“You’re still in my debt because I only received compensation for one. We haven’t even discussed the price for the coffee or the ride.”
“Those sound like expensive pastries, Mr. Noble. I’m not sure I can afford you.”
“We can draw up an installment plan.” He lifts his broad shoulders. “I’ll charge you interest, and I should warn you, my rates are high.”
“Hmm … I’ll make a down payment now, but before I leave, add my bill, so I know what I owe you.” I smirk.
“We could arrange scheduled payments. I’d be happy to draw up the agreement.”
“You’re a shrewd businessman.” I love it when playful Damon is present because he’s so much fun.
He scoops me up and sits me on his lap, where he plays with my hair and nibbles on my lip. His hand comes up to cradle my cheek while his thumb brushes lightly over the highest part of my cheekbone.
“Your blue eyes, combined with your blonde hair, remind me of an angel. All you need is a halo.”
“I’m no angel,” I say.
“You’re my angel.”
This man muddles my brain, first with his kisses and now with his words.
“I’m happy to be yours.”
“What does your schedule look like this week?” His thumb slides down my cheek until he is softly caressing my lower lip. He stares at me like a lion stalking his prey.
“I have to study tonight and read several pages for my book club meeting tomorrow night. I have lunch free all week, and Thursday night isn’t booked yet. Friday night, I have a date with this sizzling, Viking god.”
The clock on his desk ticks closer to one o’clock and our time is almost up.
He skims his lips across mine. “I’ll call you later, okay?”
“I look forward to it.” After a deeper kiss, I unwrap myself from his tight embrace and say goodbye. Then I leave his office and go to the third floor to finish my shift.
Chapter Fourteen
“I want every dirty detail.” Em pulls me inside and forces me to sit on the couch by pressing my shoulders down.
“There isn’t much to tell,” I say. “Damon found out I worked in the building, and that led to a meeting in his office. We shared some amazing kisses that led to dinner. He took me to his house, we kissed more, and he drove me home. That’s all there is to report.”
“Bullshit. He spent the night, and I walked out of my room to find you both nearly stripping each other naked in the living room.” Em crosses her arms in front of her and narrows her eyes. She tries to bully me into giving her more, but there isn’t anything else to share.
“We slept, Em. The plan was for him to tuck me in and leave, but he didn’t. When I went to the Philharmonic with him and his mother, I got angry with him for ignoring me. I had way too much to drink, and he ended up bringing me home, undressing me, and putting me to bed.”
“What? Did he do anything inappropriate?” She sounds indignant and angry. The one thing I can count on is Em having my back.
“No, he behaved, but he saw parts of me when he changed me, and I insisted on a do-over. Last night was it.”
“Go on,” she prompts.
“Em, there isn’t anything else to tell. We kissed, and he undressed me, then he spooned me, and we fell asleep. We didn’t have sex, although he wouldn’t have had to beg me because I more than want him.” I’m a twenty-three-year-old woman with two lovers and three experiences to my name. I want to end this dry spell and find out what all the hubbub is about.
“Tell me if I have this correct. You were naked in his arms all night, and he didn’t even try to have sex with you?” She shakes her head. “Something is wrong with