Total pages in book: 40
Estimated words: 35957 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 180(@200wpm)___ 144(@250wpm)___ 120(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 35957 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 180(@200wpm)___ 144(@250wpm)___ 120(@300wpm)
My eyes close, and my hands slide beneath the fabric of his shirt as I feel his own move down my back. A whispering touch of sensations, he presses the tips of his fingers into my lower back, massaging the aches and pains that he has no idea have been bothering me. I sigh in response, and he keeps at it while continuing our deep and passionate kiss. My breasts become heavy, nipples rasping against the fabric and making me want to rub against Crew to find some relief.
“Fuck, this isn’t what I had in mind when you came over, Serena.” He doesn’t sound the least bit perturbed. I’d say he likes how he’s able to make me lose my mind very easily.
“And what did you have in mind?” I smile at the look he sends my way. The five-o’clock shadow, the wetness to his lips, and the mussed hair on top of his head.
“Show you around my place, sit on the couch, and tell you my intentions. Maybe have a glass of wine and somehow manage to convince you to spend the night with me.” He guides me through the foyer, his arm staying near my hip, and we bypass the kitchen and living room.
“I’ll take the talk and glass of wine. As for spending the night, I think you’ll have to be a heck of a lot more convincing than what you’ve done so far.” He opens the doors to the balcony, and I’m astonished by the view. “This sure makes up for the lack of yard space.” It’s like we're on top of the trees, hovering near the clouds, the soft whooshes of the noises from cars driving by down below.
“Designed this place. My first big project, seeing it through from start to finish.” I can tell by the clean lines and symmetry. Working with Crew this week, there’s always a slight nuance to any type of artist, whether it’s digital, drawing, or the like.
“It’s beautiful, especially out here.” I walk toward the concrete railing. Between each baluster, there’s glass to not obscure the view. I look over the edge, and Crew comes up behind me, hands going to my shoulders.
“Not as beautiful as you.” His chest rumbles with laughter. “Christ, that was fucking cheesy. Not a lie, though.” I look over my shoulder, wanting to see his eyes. They hold me captive, a lot like everything else Crew does.
“Thank you, even if you feel like it’s cringey. I’ll take it as a compliment all the same.”
“You’re welcome, sweetheart. Come on, let’s sit down. I’ve already got a bottle of wine ready.” Crew’s thought of literally everything. The view caught my attention before the furniture he has situated out here, oversized to fit his big, able body, comfortable looking like you could sink into it. The tall heaters are already illuminated to ward off the chill from the slight breeze since the weather has a bit of a chill to it.
“A man with a plan. I can’t say I’m surprised. I’m still not spending the night. I have a lot to prove. The last thing I want is to walk into the office tomorrow looking like a cat got dragged in. A woman needs her beauty sleep. Plus, I’d have to stop by my house to shower and change, and I don’t even want to think about the probability of my mother popping in, asking a million and one questions. Then I’d be late, and I think the boss would probably look down on me being late,” I say with a light laugh.
The couch greets my back. I kick off my shoes, happy to have the forethought to put on socks, and tuck my legs beneath me. Crew sits down beside me, placing my legs on his lap and massaging my calves, one after the other. My eyes close, and I enjoy the moment.
“I’m pretty sure your boss would let it slide. As for your mom, does she stop by often? Am I going to have to bob and weave until we figure out how to bring this up to Todd? And as for you proving something to people, I think it isn’t necessary. Still, I get it. I’ve been around my friends’ women long enough, along with my mom, to know when to choose and when to fight their battles.” He picks up the bottle, pours a small amount in both of our glasses, hands one to me, and I take a sip. The red wine explodes on my tongue as notes of cherry, oak, and pomegranate invade my senses.
“You’re a smart man, so why are you drinking something you don’t like is beyond me.” I noticed the wince on Crew’s face when he took a sip.
“There’s no one else in this world who could make me try something I wouldn’t otherwise choose. The same goes for a certain woman who has me breaking my rules.” He abandons his wine, and his hands go back to me as a sheer look of fierce protectiveness crosses his face. “Only you, Serena. Only you.”