Chapter 10

Ten

Gia

I doubted my ability to resist Silas. I’d assumed Silas would give me space to work and not hover in the background, paying attention to everything that happened.

There was no way I could stay in that suite he’d arranged for me. It was sweet and thoughtful and completely unnecessary. But staying at the resort meant being close to him.

I needed space after spending the day with him. First our meeting, then sharing an incredible lunch at his five-star restaurant, and then planning time with John and Emma. I was exhausted, both mentally and physically. I was hyperaware of Silas’s every move as the day went on. And every time I checked, his eyes were on me.

I wasn’t sure what he was thinking. Did his offer to continue our physical relationship still stand if I made the first move? But I knew if I’d stayed overnight, I wouldn’t have been able to stop myself from knocking on his door. It was safer to keep distance between us, and I needed the space to regroup.

I needed more of these contracts, and if I had to work with Silas to get them, then I’d need to do it. I just couldn’t be involved with him while working together. It would complicate everything. No matter how much I wanted him, we had to keep things professional. And since he seemed incapable of that, I needed to be the one to set those boundaries.

When I got home, I headed inside and drew a bath. I filled it with lavender and bubbles and got undressed as the water level rose. I kept my phone nearby in case Harper needed me for something. She sometimes worked after her daughter, Evie, was asleep at night.

I’d just eased my tired body into the warm water and rested my head on the back of the tub when my phone buzzed.

Are you home, beautiful?

I smiled, enjoying the way it felt to be called beautiful, even if Silas had no business doing it himself. He wasn’t my boyfriend, even if he’d been my lover for a short time, and I wanted him to be my full-time one.

I’m at home, taking a bath.

There was a delay in his response. I wondered if he’d left his phone to do something else or if he was thinking of what to say.

I’m going to need proof.

I barked out a laugh. Silas was fun.

You wish.

Come on, beautiful. I’ve seen it before, and I’d love to see it again. If you won’t let us be together, you can at least tease me.

I was positive he wanted more than that. I wanted to drive him crazy. He asked for it, after all.

I held up my phone, testing angles so that my nipples weren’t showing. I gave the camera my most seductive look, and the result was glowing skin and the globes of my breasts visible above the bubbles.

I double-checked the image, satisfied it was sexy, and sent it to him. I don’t know what it was about Silas that brought this side out of me.

Why did the first man I wanted have to be Silas Sharpe? It was like the universe was laughing at me.

Gorgeous. I want to be in that bathtub with you. I’d sit behind you and cup your breasts, making your nipples hard, aching points.

I wanted that too.

Then I’d slip my hand lower to your pussy.

My breath came in short pants as I mimicked his words.

Are you there?

I fumbled with the phone and almost dropped it in the water.

I’m a little busy making that a reality.

The phone rang. Silas’s voice filled the small room. “Are you touching yourself?”

“What do you think?”

He broke off a curse. “If you were in the suite, I’d be knocking on your door.”

“That’s why I came home. It’s not a good idea.” But my words were slow to come to me because I’d slid one finger inside and circled my clit with the other.

“Are you making yourself feel good?”

“I miss you.” The words wouldn’t have left my mouth, but I was lost in the sound of his voice.

He groaned. “Are your nipples hard peaks?”

I glanced down. “Want to see?”

I was a little surprised he hadn’t called on video to begin with.

“Hold on. I’m switching to a video call.”

I took the time to set up the phone so it was propped against my cup of tea and showed my breasts. I lifted myself out so he could see, and the cold air made me harder.

“I’m so hot for you, Silas.”

“It’s like music to my ears.”

“Where are you?”

“I’m on the balcony of my penthouse, imagining you bent over my railing. Your legs wide as you wait for me to fuck you.”

I let my head fall back. “Yes.”

“Are you fucking yourself, beautiful?”

I lifted my head to meet his eyes on the screen and raised a brow. “Are you?”

He smirked and lowered the camera so I could see him fisting his cock. He was sitting on a chair with his legs spread wide.

“That’s hot.” I wasn’t sure what was hotter: him fisting his cock or his smirk.

He gripped his cock tighter, giving it one stroke. “I wish I could see you. The water covers everything.”

“I don’t want to let out the water. I’ll be cold.”

“We’ll make the best of it.”

I spread my legs and used two fingers to fuck myself like he suggested and used the other hand to tweak my nipple.

“If I was there, I’d suck on your nipples and rub my cock on your pussy.”

I licked my lips as he drove me higher with his dirty words. “If I was with you, I’d get down on my knees and suck your cock.”

“Fuck, baby. I love it when you talk dirty.”

“I don’t usually.” I wasn’t one for words. I usually took control and didn’t allow my partner a chance to make any moves.

“I can’t wait for you to be on your knees for me.”

Normally, I’d see that position as subservient, but it wasn’t when I knew I’d drive him crazy with my mouth. “I want that too.”

His face drew tight, his eyes wild with desire. “Are you going to come for me?”

There was something about his words and his voice, hard with want, that sent me over the edge. I bit my lip as my body spasmed with waves of mind-numbing pleasure.

“Fuck, yes,” he barked out as he went over too.

He relaxed into his chair, his eyes meeting mine. “I still want you.”

“I do too.”

This was hot, but it was a poor substitute for the real thing.

“I want to be in the same room with you. When are you going to give in and give me what I want?” His voice was low, seductive.

“And what is it that you want?” I asked carefully.

He raised a brow. “I’d settle for a kiss but wouldn’t turn down your mouth on my dick.”

“I love it when you talk dirty.”

“I love it when you send naughty pictures.”

I considered him for a few seconds. “This thing we’re doing is dangerous.”

He grinned. “It couldn’t be more innocent.”

There was no chance of pregnancy, but there was still a very real chance of me losing my heart. “You know what I mean.”

“You feel like you can’t trust me, but you can.”

“I can trust you with my body. But what about the rest of me?”

His forehead wrinkled. “What do you mean?”

“How can I trust you with my heart?” I swallowed down my misgivings. I shouldn’t have admitted it was a possibility, but it was the reason I was holding back.

“I don’t know what this thing is between us. I can’t guarantee you anything except I’ll always protect you and put you first. I’ll take care of you and make sure you feel good.”

It was something but not enough. “What about our businesses, my brothers?”

“I don’t have all the answers. But why do they have to be involved in our relationship?”

I liked that he’d referred to us as being in a relationship. “I need to think about it.”

“Let me know at the fundraiser. I can’t wait any longer.”

I nodded. That was the night when everything would change. When I’d make the first move, or I’d erect a wall between us. “Aren’t you worried about what it could mean for our business arrangement?”

“I’m always considering the angles, weighing the risks and benefits. But what I know is, whatever happens is worth it. I just want a chance with you.”

I just want a chance with you.

“Everything about you drives me crazy. You make me see things differently. You make me want things I’ve never considered before. And the one thing I’ve learned is that when something special comes along, you have to go for it. Take what you want, no matter the consequences.”

A tingle ran down my spine at his words. “You’re very convincing.”

“I’ve never wanted anyone or anything the way I want you. You’re worth pursuing. You’re worth blowing up everything.”

“Wow.” Silas didn’t mince words. He said exactly what he was thinking, and it was enlightening.

“I go after what I want, Gia, and I want you. I won’t back off. Not unless you tell me you don’t want this.”

“You know I do. I’m trying to be good.”

“What’s the sense in being good when we can be very, very naughty?”

My face flamed at the intensity in his voice. He made me want to be reckless for him. To forget everything that was on the line and let go with him. But I knew it would be a mistake to make any decision tonight when we’d spent the day together.

Silas leaned back in his chair and sighed. “I’m a patient man.”

After his speech, I wasn’t so sure about that. But after our initial hookup, he had given me space.

“Let me think,” I finally said, because everything felt disjointed. If I chased a thought, it disappeared. I felt like I was coming apart at the seams, and I wasn’t sure how I’d ever get myself together. Panic bubbled up in my chest, making it difficult to breathe.

“Take a breath, Gia. It’ll be okay.”

Tears pricked my eyes because it wasn’t. Silas had changed everything, and I had a feeling he’d change me if I let him. I couldn’t let that happen.

I’d worked too hard to build a life I was proud of. I wouldn’t let a man come along and make me think I didn’t need it anymore. He wanted to distract me and dull my focus, and I wouldn’t let that happen. “Give me some time.”

Silas’s expression was disappointed, and it hit me in the sternum, stealing my breath. “You can have all the time you need. I’ll see you on Saturday.”

He hung up, and I instantly felt searing regret. Silas wanted me. He wasn’t intimidated by my success or my confidence. He was one of a kind, and I liked him.

But I couldn’t help but think it wasn’t enough. That I couldn’t have it all. The guy and the business. I couldn’t be independent with a man by my side, especially not one like Silas. They shined like the sun, and everyone around them paled in comparison.

I didn’t want to be some trophy wife or a woman supporting her man. I wanted to keep my focus where it belonged—on my business.

I’d been working hard to impress my father, and it hadn’t happened yet. But if I could take Happily Ever Afters to the next level, maybe then Papà would respect me. Maybe then he’d tell me I’d done a great job.

My chest ached as I emptied the water. I should have been basking in the aftermath of another amazing orgasm, but I wasn’t. Instead, I ached for a different reason.

I wanted to connect with Silas. I wanted to be all in with him. I wanted to see where it could go. For the first time in forever, I felt like I’d met my match. I just wasn’t sure he was good for me.

I needed to talk to Harper about the new contract with Silas. I put it off because I wasn’t sure she would think it was the best business decision. I worried she’d see right through me and know exactly what I wanted, and it wasn’t to increase revenue.

“You seem jumpy today,” Harper remarked during our morning meeting.

We usually spent the time going over the schedule for the week, finances, and business expenses. We brainstormed ideas and talked about our lives. It was the benefit of working with your best friend.

“I have something on my mind.” Or more like someone .

She raised a brow. “Are you worried about cash flow?”

I smiled ruefully. “I’m always worried about that.”

“Did something happen?”

I took a shuddering breath. “Yes, but I think it’s a good thing. Silas came to me with a proposition.”

Harper rolled her eyes. “He’s famous for those. You turned him down, right?”

When I didn’t answer, Harper’s startled gaze flew to mine.

“He wanted to partner with me to plan the wedding of one of his high-profile wedding couples.”

“You said you’d never work with him.”

I sighed, hating that I’d lied to my best friend. But I didn’t want to admit to anyone that I’d been rejected. “Early in the business, I suggested it to him, and he turned me down.”

Harper’s mouth opened, then closed. “I had no idea.”

“I didn’t want to admit that I’d failed.”

“I wouldn’t see that as a failure.” Harper considered me for a few seconds. “But why wouldn’t you tell me?”

“You didn’t work here then, and Silas never mentioned it. I didn’t want anyone to know I’d gone to him.”

“Whatever issue you have with Silas is personal, and I know you keep business separate.”

“Not this time.”

Her eyes widened comically. “You agreed to his proposal?”

“It’s what I’ve always wanted. We need high-paying clients to float the rest of the business. It’s everything we’ve been talking about.”

“But we’re starting to see traction with our marketing around Annapolis as a destination wedding. I thought that was the answer.”

“I don’t believe in relying on any one thing. The money could come from anywhere, and everything in me was saying I should do this.”

“Your intuition.”

“Exactly.” It’s never steered me wrong.

“Are you sure your intuition had your business needs in mind, and not something or someone else?”

“What are you saying?” I asked, not surprised she could see right through me.

“It’s clear to anyone who’s been in the same room with you and Silas that you’re attracted to each other.”

“So?” I asked, my cheeks hot. Did everyone know I couldn’t resist Silas?

“Do you like him?”

I closed my eyes, remembering how sweet he always was with me. He made sure I got home safely. “He’s a good businessman.”

Harper huffed out a laugh. “You know that’s not what I was talking about.”

I sighed. “I’m attracted to him.”

“Was that so hard to admit?” Harper teased, her expression pleased.

“Yes, because it’s Silas. If it was anyone else—”

Harper rolled her eyes. “Please. You wouldn’t have patience for anyone else. You need someone like Silas. He’s smart, strong, and successful, and the best part is that he’s not intimidated by you.”

“He’s not.” I knew that about him, but it was still refreshing to think about. That Silas was my equal in every way. He was a businessman who had good instincts. The difference was, he had the capital to buy the resort outright and renovate it.

I built my business from nothing. There was an art form to figuring out where to spend your money and what would have the best return. There were times when I didn’t have enough, when I thought I’d failed, and it was coming out of those scary times that made me the businesswoman I was today. I was fearless and strong in my focus. I wouldn’t let anyone, or anything, derail me from my goals.

“You’re worried he’s a distraction.”

“You know he is,” I insisted as I moved around the desk and sat next to her. We weren’t talking business anymore. This was purely personal, and there was no one I trusted more than Harper. We’d been friends since we were kids. She was practically my sister, especially now that she was engaged to my brother.

“Love isn’t a distraction. It’s this amazing thing that lifts everything around you. It motivates you to be and do better. It makes you see everything in a different light.”

I laughed without any humor. “I didn’t say anything about love.”

Harper grinned. “Lust, then.”

“That sounds right,” I said, not willing to disclose my feelings.

“So, you don’t have any feelings for him?”

“We aren’t close,” I said, carefully skirting around the truth.

Harper stood and moved her tablet to the desk so she could pace. I was surprised there wasn’t a path worn on the wood floors from her doing that during our brainstorming sessions. “Of course, you’re not close. You won’t let him be.”

I frowned. “You have it all wrong. It’s purely a physical attraction, and maybe there’s some mutual respect there. But that’s it.”

She stopped moving. “Tell me what happened. I need to know everything.”

I let out a breath. “It was at Chris and Naomi’s wedding. The night you went home with Leo.”