6

6

Amelia

I run the red lipstick over my lips, replace the cap, and smack my lips. Adrenaline courses through my veins as if I drank a pot of coffee.

Calm down. It’s just a date.

I toss the lipstick in my small black beaded handbag along with my ID and keys. I run my fingers through my curls and add a few squirts of holding spray.

Perfect.

Taking a deep breath, I spin in front of the full-length mirror. My black dress has a low-cut neckline, and the push-up bra shows some cleavage, but not too much. The hemline is just above my knee and the dress hugs my curves.

I haven’t dated anyone since Collin and the last time I got dressed up, Collin never showed. I waited at La Casa Grande for over an hour. On my birthday. The first of many disappointments with my ex-boyfriend. I shake my head as if to free Collin from my thoughts.

I swallow hard when there’s a tap on the apartment door.

Sam

As I hold the car door open for Amelia and she slides into the front seat, her dress riding up well above her knee, I catch a glimpse of her long legs. Her sweet fragrance of strawberries entangles my senses.

She smells fantastic.

I take a deep breath and will myself to calm down as I make my way around the car to the driver’s side.

If we were in New York, we’d be in the backseat of the car with my hired driver taking us across town.

I start the engine. “How would you feel about going back to where we started?”

“At Cedar Springs Elementary?” She grins.

I shake my head. “Such a smart mouth on you.”

She shrugs.

“I’m talking about dinner at the Magnolia Hotel since our previous engagement was cut short the last time.”

“Because of the fire and flood.” She scoffs. “It was nice for a while.”

“And quickly turned to disaster.” I clear my throat. “By the way, I looked all over the parking lot for you that night. Somehow, you slipped away from me.”

“I got sucked into a group of people and once I got to the parking lot, I found Mia almost immediately. Although I insisted I was going to the lobby, that wasn’t happening.”

“No, they evacuated the whole place.” I sigh. “I kicked myself for not having my arms wrapped around you.” I shake my head. “That way I wouldn’t have lost you.”

Amelia smiles. Her face lights up. “Well, somehow a miracle did happen, and we reconnected.”

We talk about what we’ve been doing since we graduated high school. Amelia talks about college, her family, and her job as a realtor. I talk a bit about my work, but not enough to give away my status.

If I’m being completely honest, I like Amelia. I always have, but after what Ruby put me through, I’m not ready to share the details of my life with Amelia. I want her to get to know me. The real me. I want her to like me for the man that isn’t a multi-millionaire.

I run my hand across the bare skin of Amelia’s leg. Goose bumps form on her creamy skin that makes my hands ache to touch her. All of her.

I’d like to get a look at what’s under that black dress.

Amelia

Sam is impressive in his dark suit and tie. Looks expensive—not off the rack. He must do well in his company. And his shoes look pricey. Not your department store brand.

He pulls into the hotel’s parking lot and allows the valet to park his car.

As we walk to the front door, Sam rests his hand on the small of my back. He holds the door for me.

Such a gentleman.

We step into the hotel’s dining room and the area is breathtaking. One side has large windows that overlook the city. The center of the room has tables with white tablecloths, and a few booths are against the walls. Soft music plays and the smell of delicious food makes my mouth water.

Sam gives the host our reservation and we’re led to a cozy table for two next to the large windows. The view is phenomenal.

The host pulls out my chair for me. I’m not used to this.

Collin’s idea of a nice evening out usually included pool and beer.

After the host gives us our menus, we’re alone. I don’t look at my menu immediately, because I’m captivated by the beautiful view.

“If you look way over there, you can see the downtown skyline.” Sam points out the window.

“And they have the Marketplace section all lit up.” I turn to face Sam and take a drink from my water goblet. “Does seeing all this make you miss being home?”

Sam opens his menu. “In Cedar Springs? Yes and no, I suppose. I miss my brother, but I’ve made a life for myself in New York and I’m happy there. What about you? Are you happy living in Cedar Springs?”

I nod. “For the most part. It’s home, I guess. My family’s here.” I study the menu.

I let out a gasp when I see the prices of the meals. Sam looks up from his menu.

“Amelia, please get whatever you want. I invited you and I’m paying.”

“We could split the bill.”

What am I saying? Split the bill? Even if I bought the least expensive thing on the menu, I’d practically have to take out a loan.

Sam laughs. “Don’t be ridiculous. I’m treating you tonight, so just relax and enjoy yourself.” He gives my hand a squeeze. “Besides, I owe you for all your hard work selling the house.”

“Well, it isn’t sold yet,” I remind him.

He shrugs. “I’m just glad we ran into each other again. I would’ve always wondered about the identity of Lady Catherine.”

I sigh and nod. “Thank you. It isn’t often I treat myself to something like this.”

“Well, consider it my pleasure.”

We enjoy our food and laugh about our childhood living in Cedar Springs. Sam reminds me of some things about school that I’d completely forgotten about.

By the time coffee arrives, I wipe my eyes with my napkin.

“You’re beautiful when you laugh.” Sam’s eyes are soft in the candlelight. “Your whole face lights up.”

My cheeks burn and my heart ticks quicker. I can see the heat in his eyes.

Sam reaches across the table and covers my hand with his much larger one. “I haven’t been able to stop thinking about you.” He grins. “Since our night together.”

“Me either.”

His eyebrows raise. “Would you like to pick up where we left off when we were here the last time?”

“Before or after the flood?” I grin.

“From the patio,” Sam smirks.

“We could take our dessert to go.”

Sam adjusts himself and rises from his chair. “Should we finish what we started, Lady Catherine?”

I nod. “I assume you’re on your way to the front desk.”

“I could be.”

“I’d like that.” I lick my lips.

“Wait here and I’ll return for you.” He looks me up and down. “With a key card.”

“I’ll be here.”

As soon asthe elevator doors close, Sam envelopes me, his warm body pressed up against me. His mouth finds my neck. “You smell spectacular.”

I run my fingers through his hair as he kisses down my neck to my chest— above my neckline. He tugs on my dress with a growl.

“You’re so beautiful. Sexy.”

The elevator doors open, and Sam grabs my hand, hurrying down the hallway.

He fumbles with the keycard and after two tries, the door opens. Once inside, he kicks the door closed.

“It’s dark in here,” I whisper against his lips. He breaks the kiss and I instantly miss the warmth of his skin again mine. My body heats with desire.

Sam flicks on a lamp and the suite lights up. I swallow hard as I take in my surroundings. A couch, chair, wet bar, a wall of full windows leading out to a balcony.

“Wow.”

Sam unbuttons his suit jacket and tosses it on the back of a chair. Without taking his eyes off me, he removes his tie and flings it onto the chair.

Sam

“Let me help with that,” she says as she takes in my chest.

Not to brag, but besides running, I keep a tight schedule at the gym. My body is in tip-top shape.

Amelia reaches for the top button of my dress shirt and puts her soft lips to my neck. How can something so simple be so sexy?

Her fingers work the buttons on my shirt and her mouth and tongue run across my chest. By the time the last button is undone, her mouth is above my belt.

She straightens with a mischievous grin. “Hot,” she whispers.

“Now you,” I point to her. “Take off that dress so I can see you.”

She isn’t shy as she turns her back to me. “My zipper?”

She moves her long tresses aside and I work the zipper down her back.

“Thank you,” she whispers. She slips her arms out of the dress and it pools on the floor around her feet.

My cock practically rips through the zipper as I take her in, wearing a lacy black bra and matching thong.

I need to get my hands on her. My mouth on her.

I reach for her, and she slightly steps away.

“Now you.” She points to my pants.

I chuckle. “So, this how we’re gonna play it?”

She nods. “Anticipation.”

I undo my belt and let it fall to the floor. “You’re quite the temptress.” I slip out of my loafers and toss my socks aside. “Your turn.” I point to her.

She shakes her head. “Uh-uh. Pants.” She points to my dark trousers.

What is she doing to me?

I unbutton my pants and slowly slide the zipper down as I grin at her. My admirer’s eyes don’t leave me. I step out of my pants and toss them onto the chair.

I hold out my arms to her. “Come here, baby.”

Amelia takes two steps and wraps her arms around my neck. She wastes no time capturing my mouth in a searing kiss. I moan. Her tongue slides out and begs for entrance. I open for her.

“You feel so good.” I can’t stop myself from moving my hands all over her. I unsnap her bra and it falls to the floor as we continue kissing. Lifting her, she wraps her legs around my waist as I lead us to the couch.

Amelia straddles my lap, her hot mouth moving around my neck. Her hot center grinding on my erection.

“So hot,” she whispers as her lips skim my ear. I grab the globes of her firm ass and guide her down on my erection. We groan as I impale her.

Amelia wastes no time finding her rhythm. Finding her pleasure. A few thrusts and I’m already out of control—almost ready to come.

I suck in a breath as she tips her head back and sways her hips.

I latch onto her breast and run my tongue on the hard pebble, and she moans in pleasure.

“I’m close.” She digs her fingernails into my shoulders. “So close,” she groans.

I grab her hips and thrust into her heat until she’s writhing and crying out my name. I pump into her, find my release, and she collapses in my arms, holding each other as we catch our breath.

“Amazing,” she whispers.

“Very.” I capture her mouth in a kiss.

“Sir Alexander, please show me to your bedchambers.”

I chuckle. “You don’t have to ask me twice.”