future in acting, to falling flat on my face—literally and figuratively.”
Desmond looks up into my eyes, his gaze soft and full of emotion. “That’s where you’re getting it all wrong. Did you ever stop to think that maybe your previously chosen careers weren’t the problem? Maybe it was the people you were surrounding yourself with. When I snap photos of you, you’re no puppet to me. You are your most authentic, vulnerable, and beautiful self. I see you through the lens, Maggie Stevens. I see your heart, I see your soul, and there is nothing to be embarrassed about.”
Tears drip from my eyes now, and my heart feels incredibly heavy. Desmond and I have come a long way since my first visit to the kitchen. Who would have thought he would manage to mutter the sweetest words anyone has ever said to me?
“What about you?” I ask in an attempt to lighten the mood by turning the focus on him. “Why did you lock yourself away in here?”
He groans and places his head in my lap. “I thought this was going to be my chance to show off all the work I’ve put into this place. I’m not comfortable doing that with some actress, who I’m sure is amazing, but she can’t possibly represent my brand. Not when we’ve never even met.”
I frown, hating that Desmond is feeling this way. This is his moment to shine, and he can’t even enjoy it for a single second. “Maybe you should put a stop to it, then. Tell Faye you need to plan the show together, or it doesn’t happen. I don’t feel comfortable with the fact that she’s not giving you a say at all. This is your kitchen, your baby. Don’t let her walk all over you.”
Desmond growls and snaps his head up. “God, you’re sexy when you’re bossing me around.”
My laughter doubles when he grabs my waist and pulls me off the desk and onto his lap. He cups my neck and pulls me down to his mouth for an explosive kiss, one that has me bursting from the inside and melting into him all at once. “This is probably a bad idea.”
“You think?” He runs a line of kisses down my neck and then to the space between my breasts. “Because I can’t think of anything better than this.”
He pushes his hips up into me, causing a gasp to slip from my throat. He manages to open my sweater, and his mouth is on my nipple when I realize how hard he’s become between my thighs. Instinct kicks in, and I start to grind against him slowly because I know that’s how Desmond will want to play this. He’ll want to take his time with me until I’ve had more than I can take. Pleasure and pain all blend seamlessly when he’s inside me, bringing me to the ultimate state of bliss.
“Desmond.” His name is just a breath as I find the perfect friction against him. “You feel so good.”
He pulls his mouth from mine and peers up at me.
His eyes are filled with lust, but only for a second. “Damn, you are gorgeous.” His palm slides up to my cheek and cups it softly. “So fucking beautiful.”
My movements have stilled, so I’m no longer grinding against him, but my breathing only quickens. He has no idea what he’s doing to my heart by saying those words.
“Do you trust me, Maggie?”
This time, his question feels heavier than the first time he asked it, and I don’t hesitate for a single beat. “Yes.”
“Be my cohost. I don’t want to do this with anyone but you.” He searches my eyes with his. “Only you.”
I’m seriously considering his words because I know that, this time, he’s serious and not just speaking out of fear or stress. Our connection is natural. It always has been, and there’s no way to manufacture something so pure.
My heart feels like it’s beating a million miles per hour when I settle on his gaze and bite down on my lip before confirming my response with my heart, mind, and soul.
And then I nod. “Okay, Desmond. I’ll be your cohost. I’ll do it for you.”
Desmond
Maggie’s lips are currently pressed against mine. The news she just delivered has me feeling a million times better than I did before walking into my office.
Then the sound of someone clearing her throat jolts me from my temporary heaven. Maggie tears her mouth from mine and freezes above me. We turn at