19. Valerie

19

VALERIE

My heart is galloping as I draw back to gauge Carter’s reaction to my proposal. I settle my heels on the floor, but my hands stay on his shoulders.

I suck in a sharp breath when I see the fire burning in his eyes. The fingers holding my waist press into my skin. The pleasurable pressure travels to my core.

“What did you say?” His voice is a throaty growl.

“I’m staying at The W tonight.” Sweaty bodies and the loud atmosphere aren’t enough to pop the bubble that’s settled around us. “Come back with me.”

He licks his lips. Warmth floods my center as I think of that tongue in other places. “Are you sure?”

I’ve never been more sure of anything in my life. “Yes.”

His eyes dart between mine, searching. He and I both know the reasons why we shouldn’t do this, but he won’t find any sign of them in my expression. Not because of alcohol. At this point, I think adrenaline and anticipation have burned away any effect alcohol could have on my decision-making. I feel sober as a judge.

“What about your party?”

Oh… yeah.

I chew my bottom lip. I turn my neck to search for Megan. She put a lot of effort into arranging this surprise party. I can’t just disappear to have my way with my gorgeous boss. But when I find my best friend leaning over the VIP railing, smiling at me excitedly and making some not-so-subtle hand gestures, I know she won’t mind if that’s exactly what I do.

I haven’t told Megan what’s happened between me and Carter since I started working for him, but she knows I still find him attractive. If I told her about our kiss on the night of the accident—how I dream of Carter almost every night—I’m sure she’d encourage me to throw caution to the wind and go for what I want—just like when I quit my accounting job and moved to Dallas.

I smile at my friend and give a little wave before facing Carter with renewed confidence. “The party doesn’t matter. Take me to bed, Jones.”

Lust sparks in his eyes. “Lead the way, Valerie.”

The nerves don’t hit until Carter and I are walking across the fancy hotel’s lobby. My heels click against the marble, echoing in the open space. It takes effort to keep my breathing steady.

I’d been confident leaving the club with Carter’s hand in mine. We didn’t go back to the VIP section to say our goodbyes. My purse and all its contents had been checked in with the beautiful coat girl when we arrived.

I did send Megan a short text as we walked down the street, though, telling her I was heading back to the hotel after remembering she and I were supposed to be staying in the same room tonight.

My best friend had replied with a gif of a bed rocking against a wall and a short text letting me know she’d crash in Jennifer’s room. She also sent a plethora of emojis dripping with sexual innuendo.

I tucked my phone out of sight before any more salacious messages came through. My phone had vibrated in my purse several times during our walk to the hotel.

Now, I debate taking out my phone and looking through the messages, if only to have something to do with my hands.

I peek at Carter and marvel at his cool demeanor. The sweat that had glistened on his head from dancing has dried, and his wavy brown hair is delectably mussed from my fingertips. He looks around the lobby casually, the picture of ease. He smiles politely when he hears someone call out his name. His hand tightens around mine as we continue walking toward the elevator.

I tilt my head so my hair falls forward to hide my face when I see the guy who recognized Carter pull out his cell phone. I don’t know if he takes a picture. Nevertheless, it reminds me that I’ve been walking through downtown Dallas hand in hand with one of the more famous athletes in the city. I’d be shocked if no one snapped a photo of us and shared it on the internet

Why didn’t I think about that before leaving the club with Carter?

Because you were sex-blind, that’s why.

We reach the elevator bay. Carter pushes the call button without a word, then draws me in until I’m tucked into his side. My hands rest on his firm abs and hip. He kisses the top of my head. I sigh. He’s just… perfect. I don’t know how a man like him exists in the real world, but I’m a lucky girl to have found him.

This is just a one-night thing, I remind myself. Don’t get attached.

Carter dips his head. His lips brush against the top of my ear. A shiver travels through my body. “Are you cold?”

“No.”

I feel his lips curl. “Nervous?” He presses another kiss on my head.

I feign confidence I don’t feel at this moment and scoff. “Nervous? Me? Hardly.”

He chuckles. The elevator dings and the doors slide open.

We walk in and I select the top floor, swiping my room key to grant us access to the exclusive level.

“Top floor?” Carter raises an eyebrow. “Nice.”

I tuck the card key in my palm. “Yeah, Megan went all out for my birthday.”

“I’m glad.” His arm snakes around my shoulders. His other hand cups my chin and tilts my head up. “You deserve it.” The following kiss is slow and sweet. Desire is there, but the passion takes a backseat to gentle affection.

We arrive at the top floor. Reluctantly, I step out of his arms and break our kiss, but I immediately take his hand and gently tug him out of the elevator.

We walk down the hallway with ivory and green wallpaper in silence. My nervousness spikes, and I pray Carter can’t feel the way my hands tremble.

I lead us to the last door on the left. I tap the key card against the lock. A beep precedes the sound of the bolt sliding. I slide the card into my purse and open the door.

The main light is on, illuminating the entrance foyer and the light next to the landscape painting nailed above the couch. Megan and I hadn’t known what state we’d be in when we returned to the room, and neither of us wanted to be drunkenly fumbling for the light switch inconveniently located ten feet from the door.

I place a hand on the half wall separating the foyer hall from the kitchenette and bend my leg back to remove my shoes. I love wearing heels, and I’m usually nimble in them, but being around Carter makes me clumsy. I’m eager to free myself of the tripping hazard, but the buckle around my ankle doesn’t want to loosen.

“Let me.”

I look over my shoulder. The door behind Carter clicks closed right as he falls to one knee and wraps a large hand around my slender ankle.

I suck in a breath at the contact. My core clenches with want as I watch the broad, muscular man bend his head and start to work the delicate buckle free.

I wobble and shift my stance, placing my other hand on Carter’s shoulder to steady myself as my foot rests just above his knee. The handsome rogue turns his head to kiss my wrist before shooting me a wink and returning to his task.

I don’t need any foreplay. Everything Carter does primes me for a night of rolling around in the sheets, savoring every inch of his rock-hard body and gentle touch.

Seconds later, the heel is removed. I lower my foot to the floor. Carter wastes no time in picking up the other. This buckle is easier to loosen. He slides the heel off, kissing my ankle, before setting my foot on the ground. Then, Carter lifts his head, and my breath catches at the flames of desire flickering in his warm brown eyes.

Slowly, he stands.

My heartbeat quickens as my hand slides down as he unfurls his body. When he stops, my palm rests over his left pec. I feel his racing heart beneath my fingers.

“Better?” His voice is smooth as melted chocolate.

I lick my lips and nod. “Yes.”

Carter zeroes in on my mouth. The flames grow brighter. “This is your last chance, Valerie,” he says in a deep, panty- dropping timbre. “Say you don’t want this to happen, and I’ll walk right out that door without a fight.”

NO.

That’s the last thing I want.

“Or,” he continues, taking a step closer so my hand is trapped between our chests. He cups the side of my face and gazes at me with so much want that it’s hard to believe this isn’t a dream.

“Or?” I prompt, breathless.

“Or you let me kiss you and fuck you the way I’ve been picturing ever since the morning you snuck out of my hotel room.”

Option two! I pick option two.

I slide my hand free and lace my fingers around the back of Carter’s strong neck. His thumb caresses my cheek.

I rise on my toes and bring my mouth to his ear. “I think you should kiss me now, Jones.”

He growls in approval. “With pleasure, Palmer.”