toward the bank of elevators. We all say our goodbyes and head to the coffee shop.
“Coffee? This late at night?” he asks when I get in line behind another couple.
“No coffee for me. I’m getting a green tea chai,” I tell him before placing my order. “Do you want anything?”
“No, thank you.”
With my drink in hand, we head to the elevators. Samuel is doing his best to keep his distance, but he hasn’t taken off the way I’d expect him to. I figured at first opportunity, he’d head to his own room, leaving me standing in the coffee shop. But he hasn’t. He’s stayed by my side, even if he’s not really sure why.
We get off on our floor and head toward our rooms. I start digging in my cleavage until I free my plastic keycard. “Seriously, I can’t believe you do that.”
“What?” I ask, glancing down at the card in my hand.
“Keep stuff…there.”
I shrug. “Where else am I going to keep it? It’s not like I have pockets on this dress,” I tell him as we approach his door.
He stops in front of it and turns my way. He seems to be struggling with what he’s trying to say. Samuel opens his mouth before shutting it quickly. When he opens it again, his eyes meet mine and he swallows hard. “You looked very nice today, Freedom.”
I have no idea why, but I start to blush. Sure, I’ve had compliments before, but rarely from Samuel. He keeps his thoughts guarded close, like state secrets. “Why, thank you, kind sir.”
“Well, good night.”
I reach for his hand and place mine on his as he goes to swipe the card over the lock. A jolt of electricity sweeps through my blood, and if the way he gasps and jerks against my touch is any indication, I’d say he feels it too.
“Don’t think you’re getting out of the massage,” I tell him, sipping my chai.
Samuel sighs loudly. “It’s late, Freedom. That’s not necessary.”
Shrugging, I tell him, “Maybe not, but it’s happening. I’m going to head over to my room and change out of this thing.” I pull on the skirt of my dress. “I’ll grab my oils and come back to your room.”
“You’re serious?” he asks, shocked, yet intrigued.
“As limp dick on your wedding night. Well, not our wedding night.” I wink at him.
“Jesus,” he grumbles, rubbing his forehead.
“I’ll be back in ten, Sammy,” I holler, as I head farther down the hall to my room. Inside, I sip my chai and throw on a pair of yoga pants and tank top. Usually, my go-to is a comfortable skirt, but since it’s close to bedtime, I’d rather wear the comfy pants. I pull my long hair up in a high ponytail and grab my small bottle of massage oil from my luggage. I usually take it everywhere with me, just in case.
With my oil and chai in hand, I slip my keycard into my waistband and head to Samuel’s room. I knock quietly and am surprised when he opens the door almost immediately. I’d honestly expected him to ignore the knock and keep me locked out. But he doesn’t.
He looks nervous as he opens the door wider for me to enter. I can’t help but notice he’s still wearing his suit, though he did shed the jacket. “I wasn’t sure what to wear,” he confesses, rubbing the back of his neck.
“Something comfy,” I reply, setting my cup on the desk. When I turn around, he’s staring at my ass. “My eyes are up here, Sammy.”
“Oh!” he stammers, glancing up and then looking away. “I was just checking out your…pants. I’ve never seen you in anything but a skirt.”
I shrug. “It’s almost beddy-bye, so I wanted to be comfy.” I take a few steps until I’m standing in front of him. Reaching up, I take that soft silk in my hand and carefully loosen the tie. Another flashback hits me in that moment. Me loosening his necktie just before I crush my lips to his. His hands grip my ass and pull me tightly against him, the hardness of his erection pressed between our bodies.
“You okay?” he asks with a choking sound that catches my attention.
“Oh. Yeah,” I assure him. When I glance at my hand, I see his tie clenched in my grip, my other hand resting on his pec. Desire swirls in my gut as I gaze up at those blue-green eyes. “I’m good.” Clearing my throat, I say, “Let’s get you undressed.”
Samuel’s