hand skims up her ribs, bound for her breast, but she catches my arm before I reach my intended destination. “Nuh-uh. No way, buddy. No more nipples for you until sunrise.”
I groan pitifully, making her laugh. “You’ll live,” she says, kissing my cheek. “I promise. We both will. Now let’s finish supper so we can get to dessert. Cheesecake is my favorite. Aside from ice cream and cupcakes and the rum bread that Theo makes at Christmastime.”
Reluctantly, I reclaim my spoon. “You know that’s fruitcake, right?”
Colette scoffs. “No, it’s not. It’s rum cake, and I won’t believe otherwise. Theo and I decided long ago that we’re way too cool to like fruitcake.”
“You are,” I agree, squeezing her thigh beneath the table. “I’m so glad you’re here with me. I’m enjoying the hell out of getting to know you better.”
Her lips curve in a shy smile. “Me, too.”
“Poker for pennies after dinner?” I ask, knowing we’ll need something to keep our mind off the lust still simmering below the surface, ready to put an end to all our noble intentions. “I’d like to see if you’re as good as you say.”
“Oh, I’m better, baby,” she says with a confidence that sends my softening cock back to full mast all over again. “I’m going to take all your pennies and leave you begging for a rematch.”
I’m going to be begging for something tonight, but I seriously doubt it will have anything to do with cards.
Still, I kiss her, and say, “You’re on.”
It’s going to be torture to wait, but as long as she’s beside me, it will be sweet torture.
We finish dinner, watching the stars put on a show unlike anything visible in the city, even a small one like Hidden Kill Bay, and take turns washing and drying the dishes so Nancy won’t have to clean up after us tomorrow. Then we play cards, and as promised, Colette takes me for every penny we can dig out of her purse and my car’s ashtray. Finally, around midnight, we turn in, waiting until our eyes are closing on their own before we change into pajamas in separate rooms and slide under the covers together in mine.
I pull her against me, tucking her into the small-spoon position where she fits just right, and prepare for another night of sleepless torture.
But within a few minutes of closing my eyes, I’m out, dreaming of all the things I’m going to do to Colette in the morning and hopefully for many, many mornings after.
Chapter Fourteen
From the texts of Colette Blanchett
and Theodora Devi
* * *
Three days later
Theodora: Are you still alive? What’s going on up there? I don’t want to interrupt if you’re having fun, but we’re all starting to get a little worried. Ping me back when you get a chance?
* * *
Colette: Oh my God, Theo! I’m so sorry! I meant to call last night before the party and wish you a lovely wedding bash, but I completely lost track of what day it was. I feel terrible. Can you ever forgive me?
* * *
Theodora: Of course! It’s not a big deal at all. I’m just glad you’re okay. You had me worried. So I assume everything is going well?
* * *
Colette: Very well.
* * *
Theodora: Yeah? Care to elaborate on that?
* * *
Colette: Zack and I are having a great time, he’s getting tons of work done, and I’ve submitted four job applications and almost finished beefing up my portfolio for the Hearth Dreams gig. I could probably send it now, but I’m obsessing. I want it to be as perfect as it can before I roll the dice. I’d love to be a part of their team. They’re doing so many fun, creative things.
* * *
Theodora: That’s great. I hope they jump at the chance to hire you, even if it will make me sad to have you an hour away instead of just across the square. But that’s not what I meant when I asked you to elaborate, and you know it.
I want the juicy details, woman!
What kind of “great” time are you and Zack having? “We’re starting a book club” good time? Or “we’re getting busy making babies” good time?
* * *
Colette: Well, considering I prefer romance novels and Zack’s a music history buff, I think we’d have a difficult time deciding on book club material.
As for the other…
* * *
Theodora: Oh my God, I knew it! You’re banging like bunnies! I’m so excited for you! You and Zack are going