I turn my head to the side to get away. Damn it, he’s under my skin, and I need to get him off.
“Hey,” he says.
I keep my face to the side as I pant. Tears threaten.
I’m completely overwhelmed.
“Anderson.”
I drag my eyes back to him. I like it when he calls me that; it’s playful and mindless . . . not deep and emotional, like how I’m feeling. His eyes hold mine for a moment, and as if reading my mind and knowing exactly what I need in this moment, he says, “You fuck all right for an old duck.”
That was the most unexpected thing I have ever heard. I smirk, then smile, and then break into a chuckle. Oh Lord. This man kills me. I laugh out loud as I stare up at the ceiling. “Only you.”
Unable to hold himself up any longer, he falls on top of me, and he laughs too.
He pulls out of me and kisses me once more and then hops up and goes to the bathroom.
My body is still throbbing from the pounding he has just given it, and I still feel like I’m teetering on the edge of insanity. I lie in the dark, still panting, as a myriad of emotions run through me. I’m sated and full and lethargic, and a strange twinge of fear loiters in the dark corner of my mind. I push it away as fast as I can.
He reappears from the kitchenette in my room and hands me a glass of water. “Here you are.”
I sit up on my elbow and take it. “Thanks.”
“Well, your voice is hoarse from moaning ‘Tristan’ all night.” He shrugs casually. “It’s the least I could do.”
I giggle. “Feeling proud of yourself?”
He puts his hands on his hips and puffs his chest out. He’s soft now and completely natural, but just as beautiful. “Ten feet tall, actually.”
I smile up at him and tap the bed next to me. This man is so unexpected; it’s like he’s two different people. He’s hard on the exterior for the world to see, but as soon as he got naked with me, it was like a different side of him appeared. This Tristan is a lot more appealing, and I wonder how many people get to see this part of his personality. “You should be; I’m very impressed.”
He gets into bed beside me and pulls me into his arms, and I put my head on his chest. “And before you kick me out in two hours,” he says, “I have the morning off, so I’m staying in this bed until everyone has already left for the conference, and then I will leave.” He kisses my temple.
“But if you’re still here,” I whisper, “how will I sneak in my other conference lover for a prebreakfast nooky?”
He reaches down and twists my nipple hard. “Shut up, or I’m going to fuck you into a coma.”
I burst out laughing as I try to escape his grip. “You already did that.”
“I’m going to do it again.”
The group laughs at something the lecturer says as he walks around the room.
It’s three o’clock in the afternoon, and I hate to admit it, but Marley was right: this conference was exactly what I needed. I feel refreshed and energized, and of course, that could have a lot to do with the nocturnal company I’m keeping, but whatever it is, it’s worked.
I’ve achieved what we set out to find—a clean and uncluttered mind. Ready to focus and tackle the next six months. I’m even considering signing up for next year’s conference as an early bird to get the pricing discount.
“Hello.” Tristan’s voice comes from the side of the room. In surprise we all turn toward him.
He’s wearing a light-blue suit, a white shirt with a paisley tie, and expensive brown shoes, and his hair is perfectly styled.
I want to beam a big smile at him, but I pretend not to care.
“Mr. Miles,” the lecturer says in greeting.
“Sorry to interrupt; I just came to say goodbye,” he replies, addressing the group.
I glance toward the door and see his black leather suitcase and suit bag waiting for him.
What?
He’s leaving?
He walks to the center of the room. “I have an unexpected meeting in Paris that I have to attend, so this is it from me. My flight leaves in a few hours. I’m on my way to the airport.” He smiles as he looks around at everyone.