7. Yvette

Chapter 7

Yvette

Two weeks. That's how long it's been since Banks barreled unexpectedly into my life and made it impossible to think about anything else. I was fine on my own—at least, that's what I told myself. But there's not much you can do when someone as genuine and unexpectedly charming as Banks decides to shake things up and forces you to rethink everything.

Somewhere along the way, he freaking stole my heart when I wasn't looking.

It's Friday night, and after a grueling week back at work, punctuated by Mark, my shadow/bodyguard, tailing my every move, I'm ready to stop second-guessing and act.

The whole week it's been Banks occupying my mind every second, Banks interrupting my thoughts during dull meetings, Banks making me laugh harder than I have in ages. It's time to find out if this connection between us is real or if I'm just caught up in the moment.

I drive Banks' personal truck up in front of the big house and look in the rearview mirror to see Mark parking behind me. It's the same routine every night. He follows me home and sits out front until Banks arrives. A bit much, maybe, but it's reassuring knowing I've got someone looking out for me at all times. Especially with Richard roaming free.

Inside the cozy home, the day's stress starts to peel away. I toss my purse and computer bag on the edge of the sofa and head straight for the shower. I stand under the steaming hot water, letting it wash away the remnants of my busy day. Each drop helps to shake off the day, making way for the boldness I'll need tonight.

Stepping out, I find the red dress hanging in the back of the closet where I hid it. It's sleek, daringly simplistic, and makes my heart race just to look at it. The thrill of wearing nothing underneath the slinky dress is more empowering than I imagined, like a secret weapon.

As I slip into it, I glance at myself in the mirror and take a deep breath. Tonight, I'm taking the plunge.

I pour myself a glass of wine to calm the nerves, watching the clock as the minutes tick by, contemplating my plans for the night. Banks has been more than patient with me since we met. In fact, he's too freaking patient. I've been ready for him to make a move on me for days, and he hasn't gotten the message, so I've decided to take matters into my own hands.

Just when I think the anticipation might consume me, I hear the familiar rumble of Banks' work SUV.

He steps through the door, the day's exhaustion clinging to him yet doing nothing to diminish his magnetic presence. His eyes widen when he sees me. The moment freezes and the whole evening pivots and crystallizes in his expression.

"Wow," he breathes out, and it's all I need to hear. Without another word, the evening shifts as the casual air evaporates, replaced by a charged electricity.

"I'm glad you like," I say and let all my reservations fall away. "I figured it was about time to stop fighting the inevitable."

There's a flicker of relief that crosses his face and in his stride toward me. "Who's fighting?" he teases, his voice low as he closes the distance. "I stopped fighting this the moment I saw you." When his hand brushes mine, I nearly melt into a puddle of goo at his feet.

"I'm sorry it took me a little while to catch up," I start, my voice steady yet carrying the weight of days of silent longing. "You've kind of stolen my heart, you know."

He breaks into a grin that feels like sunlight cutting through the darkest clouds. "Likewise. I'm fucking glad we're finally on the same page."

When he pulls me against his hard, muscular body, I wrap my arms around his waist and lean up to kiss him.

His warm lips move slowly against mine. His tongue slides into my mouth and tangles with mine as his hands slide up under my silky dress to find bare skin. "Very nice," he breathes against my lips.

"I thought you might like it." A shiver runs through me when he slowly slides his warm palm up my back. He wraps his warm hands around my ass cheeks and gives a little squeeze that causes my knees to buckle.

He lifts me effortlessly, and instinct kicks in as my legs find their place around his hips. My heart hammers in my chest as he carries me down the hallway toward his bedroom. I've been in here before, seen this space a few times, but today, everything feels charged and electric.

When he lays me gently on the bed, all my thoughts scatter like leaves in the wind. There's just him, taking a step back, his eyes locked on mine as he peels off his clothes with deliberate slowness. My gaze rakes over his muscular chest, taking in every line and curve, and my mouth goes dry with anticipation. It's as if everything else fades away, leaving just this moment, intense and consuming.

I prop myself up on my elbows, curiosity buzzing inside me. He's even more impressive up close, and I'm taking inventory of every ridge and muscle when my mind shuts down and I lose track of what he's doing.

Before I know it, he's unhooking his belt and pushing his pants down. The sight of his gorgeous, nearly naked, hot body snatches my breath away.

My eyes go wide, and I bite my lip, feeling my heart race. A wave of shyness washes over me, wanting to look away as he stands there in nothing but his tight boxer briefs. But I'm not about to let that urge control me tonight. I keep my gaze locked on him.

He catches me staring and winks, a playful grin spreading across his face. "I love feeling your eyes on me," he says, his voice low and smooth.

He steps over to the bed and slowly crawls over me. His warm hand slides under my silky dress, and I arch my back to get closer to his touch.

His breath is warm against my skin, a soft caress that makes my heart skip. He starts with a gentle kiss on my forehead, a spark that sends a current of anticipation racing through me. His lips trail deliberately, lingering at my temple, then tracing the curve of my cheekbones. Every kiss is tender and charged, leaving a warmth that simmers long after.

His hands follow the journey of his mouth, firm yet gentle as they skim over my skin. Fingers brush my neck, coaxing my head back to reveal more of my skin. He leaves a kiss on my jaw, then another that travels to my throat, every touch unhurried and intentional. His voice, low and filled with awe, murmurs, "You're goddamn perfect," and my pulse quickens in response.

I sit up slightly to help as he drags my dress up my body and over my head. The cool air against my heated skin snaps me back to reality, breaking through the Banks-induced fog that had me floating. For a moment, I realize just how quickly everything is escalating. But instead of letting my mind spiral into panic, I shift my focus back to him, pushing aside any lingering fears. He's right here, and that's all that matters.

He kisses his way down my chest, pausing to place soft, deliberate kisses on each of my nipples. When his lips close around one, I can't help but grab onto his head, pulling him closer. Sensations wash over me in waves, every touch sending electric sparks dancing along my nerves.

When his hand slides between my legs and starts to explore the sensitive skin along the inside of my thigh, I realize I need to come clean about something. "I… uh…" Damn, this is harder than I thought it would be. I take a breath and try again, "I've never done this before." Wow, that's just embarrassing.

"You have no idea how fucking happy that makes me," he breathes against my skin, his voice filled with sincerity.

"Oh." That's not what I expected. But hey, I'll take that little surprise and run with it.

Talk about surprises. "I love you," he mutters, completely knocking the wind out of me. I'm so taken aback that I barely have a moment to process it before he starts kissing his way down my body, stopping to leave little nibbles on my sensitive skin along the way. Each kiss is a thrilling jolt, distracting me from the whirlwind of emotions bubbling up inside me.