21. Lexi

My toes dig into the mattress while Holden's eyes gleam and cascade down my body for inspection. There is something about a woman wearing white lingerie with garter belts and stockings; it brings innocence when we're the opposite. The fact that I'm sitting on the middle of the bed in the luxury suite of the Dizzy Duck Inn is even more special, I think.

I crook a finger to invite Holden to join me. "Surprise," I whisper.

A sly grin appears on his face as he steps forward while he unbuttons his cufflinks. "I thought we were having a meeting about last-minute touches for the opening in a few days." His knee dips into the mattress while he approaches me.

My palms smooth next to me over the duvet. "All the more reason to enjoy this room before others get to. Consider it my present to you for reaching a professional milestone in your life."

With his shirt now on the floor, his lips find mine, and I lose my balance only to land on my back. Holden joins me on his side, breaking our kiss, and his eyes strike below to watch his fingers feather along the lines of the lingerie.

He hisses a sound, very satisfied with this situation. "I completely approve of this outfit, and I completely approve of what you're going to do while wearing it," he warns.

"Oh yeah? What might that be?" I rasp.

His kiss on my lips feels stronger; it's the type that draws out my breath every time and also a kiss to remind me that, for the next few minutes, his mouth will be elsewhere. I'm correct when his lips begin to slither down my throat, skimming my skin, with my entire body curving up to offer him more. Sensitive ripples float through me like a wave, and the ache between my legs begins to make me feel impatient.

"I plan on inspecting every inch of this lace." Oh yeah, I asked him a question. His lips cover one nipple while his hand squeezes my other breast for attention. "The lace covers far more than I prefer, but it's so damn sexy on you."

"Mmhmm." I close my eyes when he travels below my bra, and I feel his hand sliding up my thigh to explore the edge of my stockings. My panties are already soaked because he's drawing on my navel with his tongue, pausing near the band of the garter to taunt me.

Snap. His fingers flick the thin straps holding up my stockings. "I think these might need to stay on when your legs are wrapped around me," he murmurs against my skin.

"Holden." I begin to beg as I'm desperate for a touch on the spot that will give me only a tiny bit of relief, eager for more.

A moan hits me as his fingers skim over the drenched lace between my legs and along my pussy. I'm mad now that I'm even wearing panties because I want his bare touch. I want all of him. Always.

"You are dying for my cock, clearly."

His fingers slip under the fabric for one long sweep through my arousal, but that's all I get as he abandons my pussy to bring his fingers up, ensuring that I'm watching him, with his eyes possessive as he sucks and hums, the sound of his fingers popping out of his mouth. "Sweet as always."

I nod once, mesmerized by his ability to lead and dominate us without my body or mind wanting to challenge.

He captures my lips for a soft kiss, his lips tracing mine side to side, and I know he wants me to taste myself on his mouth. "I taste good."

Holden laughs under his breath. "Damn right you do, but I want you to taste me."

I know my cue, which is why I urge him to lie back, and he obeys. My best sultry look appears on my face as I swing my legs over his hips to straddle him, with my hands working on his pants to open and slide them off his legs.

The moment my tongue darts to swirl around the tip of his cock, we're both nearly gone. I always love the sound that he makes when I begin to take more of him into my mouth. Wrapping my lips to suck, my eyes flick up to watch his face with that pleasured smirk. I release my own moan into my filled mouth. Our senses heighten when I bring him in deeper near the back of my throat, and his hands claw into my hair to guide me to ensure I give it to him the way he likes. Pumps that get harder, then slow, then harder. Every time he escapes my salivating mouth, I lick along his length before I repeat my actions.

But unless we are only doing a quick blowjob when we steal a moment, he always pulls me off his cock because he prefers to come inside me.

Holden scoots to the headboard. "On my lap but face forward."

"I think I like the sound of this," I tell him as I take action to get in place.

"You should."

My back is to his body, but we are tightly bound together, his hand roughly parting my thighs to ensure he has an open canvas before he tucks his hand into my panties from the top and instantly circles around my clit, bringing his other hand to cup my breast.

"You like that? Playing with your clit." His voice is thick and raspy in my ear, sending new tingles to my pulsing nub of nerves.

I cover his hand on my breast and bring the free fingers of my other hand to my untouched nipple. "So good. You always know where to touch me." My voice is heavy and my breath changes.

His movements on my pussy become more frantic, with one finger inside of me and the other rubbing my clit up and down, nearly punishing me for being so aroused.

"I think we've played enough." Both his hands abandon my body, and he drags my panties quickly off before he squares my hips to lift me slightly to ensure his cock has room.

The moment he aligns his tip, he plunges me down onto his length, and we moan together. His hard cock is snug in my body, and I need him deeper. I bounce on him, and he thrashes up inside of me. Neither of us want slow right now. We want our incinerating desire for one another to indicate the way.

Our moans sync, our bodies sync, and something else between us syncs too, but I can't pinpoint it.

But it becomes clear when he directs me off his cock and cues my body to lying on my back. In no time, he's over me and back inside of me, deep… but slower. My toes rest against his ass to keep my thighs wide. One arm gets pinned to the bed while our eyes connect.

A new gust blows in my body, but it's surrounding my heart—no, it's taken over my heart. I swear the sentiment that's flaring inside of me is mirrored in his eyes.

Our lips meld, and we move together as our foreheads touch. Both clearly about to fall in the same place.

* * *

"Well, that was…"I pant along with Holden as we rest on the bed, trying our best to come down from our high.

A breath sighs from his mouth. "It was."

Neither of us can find words to describe it. "Different?"

"A little beyond our usual savage tactics in the bedroom," he attempts to lighten the reality of the axis of our relationship changing.

I roll off the bed, holding my index finger up. "Hold that thought. I need to take care of something."

After cleaning up, I open the bathroom door and suddenly seem shy as I walk back to the bed. "Hi." My voice is etched with gentleness I'm not used to.

"Hi," he returns the sentiment.

Sliding back into his arms, we stare at the ceiling and there is silence, but it doesn't feel uneasy.

"We have to stop this," he mentions.

My head whips to look at him but remains set against the pillow. "What do you mean?" I must sound concerned.

But then the corners of his mouth hitch up. "Me asking housekeeping for a discreet favor because we keep using this room for our escapades… although worth it."

I smile in relief. "After tomorrow, we are passing on the torch to couples who will have a romantic night at the Dizzy Duck Inn."

Holden squeezes me tight against his body. "It's okay."

My lips press together and roll into my mouth. I've never been one to refrain from speaking my mind, but now I am. "Excited for tomorrow?" I cop out and talk as if it's an average day.

He chortles a laugh. "You want to talk about mundane subjects when we should be discussing this hot-as-fuck outfit you're wearing?" Holden looks down at me to capture my gaze.

I lift my shoulders. "I was saving it for a special occasion, and I felt that the mundane topic you just mentioned is actually kind of a big deal. You're really going to have a finished inn that is ready to shine."

"Because of you. I sure as hell didn't pick out paint colors or take down moose heads."

My fingers crawl up his chest. "It was one moose, and I'm not exactly sure why you didn't do it before."

"It was a statement piece that got people talking when they arrived."

"Solid tactic." I begin to stir out of his arms. "Now if you'll excuse me, I'm freezing and need to get out of this."

Holden sits up, disappointed, but then slants his head. "I guess we need to leave this room eventually today." His eyes pin on me with that devilish grin forming. "Can I have one picture of you like this? For my eyes only?"

I glance away, both honored and entertained that he would ask that. "How do you want me?" I agree.

He stands up and walks to his pants lying carelessly on the floor to grab his phone. "We can do several so I have options."

"Now this is a photoshoot?"

His eyes draw up from his phone. "Well yeah, I need you standing up, lying down on your back and belly, on your knees too. Would you squeeze your tits together once?" he quips, but I'm going to give it all to him anyway, which is why I'm crawling back onto the bed.

"Here you are, sir."

Holden stalls for a second, his eyes glowing with a shade that I can only describe as fragile. A thought seems to cross his mind, and I don't believe it has to do with dirty pictures.

"I like this surprise." It floats off his lips.

Our eyes linking together only confirms my suspicions. The thought in his mind has everything to do with us, but beyond the bedroom.

* * *

I examinethe lobby once more as various guests chat while trays of champagne and nibbles travel through the room. My fingers wrap around my wrists to keep busy, causing the fabric of my long-sleeved black dress to move. The lines of the dress follow my curves, and Holden fully approves, judging by the once-over I got earlier when everyone was placing the final touches here before guests arrived.

After discussing with the event planner, I asked that we have a few options that are a homage to the history and design of this place. How she mixed pioneer with 1920's flare, I'm not entirely sure, except I see champagne in classic goblets. I'm too nauseous to eat, but the corn-inspired food looks delish. The pride I feel for my work, I want to be validated. The other day when the press did a walkthrough for photos and to ask questions, it seemed positive. But now close family and friends, plus the Lake Spark mayor, are here. They will kill me if I got it all wrong. This is a place of history for the town. It's special to all for so many reasons.

The line of my lips moves from straight to curved when I see Lori and Harry next to the snack table. Of course, they go straight for the pecan squares. Lori even seems invested in the night, with a smile on her face.

"You did great," my father mentions as he stands by my side with whiskey in hand. He quickly stopped by, even though the team needs to be in San Jose tomorrow. My mother already had a girls' trip planned with friends in California.

My head turns to the side with elation from his comment. "Thank you. That means a lot to me. Also, that you managed to stop by, even if really quick."

His lips snag up. "Sorry about that, but hockey season calls."

I shrug my shoulders. "I know, it always does." I think I've become accepting of that fact. When I was younger, I didn't quite understand his absence due to his marriage to hockey, but it now makes sense.

"I wish I could stay for the toasts and grill your boyfriend a little, but that will be for another time." He's actually teasing me.

I chuckle at him. "More accepting now?"

"A higher percentage than last time." His mundane tone represents truth yet skepticism all in one, and I throw him a pretend glare. "I said hello to him and congratulated him on the opening. Even shook his hand. We're progressing."

"Best present of the day," I reply dryly.

My father leans in to kiss my cheek. "As long as he doesn't break your heart, then we'll be okay. Might even let him cut the turkey at future holiday dinners." I give a side hug, pleased with his comment. "Congratulations, sweetheart. Sorry I have to run."

"Thanks, Dad. I'll see you soon."

He squeezes my shoulder once in passing before he moves in the direction of the entrance.

My eyes scan the room yet again, but it doesn't take long for someone else to say my name.

"Hey, Lexi," Harlow's voice breaks my daze.

My eyes sideline to her. "Hey, nice to see you here."

Her welcoming face returns the sentiment. "Well, since my boyfriend has invested in this place and wants to do nothing with it, then I have to make an appearance." She's half sarcastic.

"Have to get his money's worth, right?"

"Totally. I love everything about the design of this place."

The compliment causes my face to brighten even more. "You had the whole tour of everything, including the bedrooms?"

"The master suite, oh my, gorgeous. I'm jealous of whoever books that," she gushes.

"Thanks, Harlow. It's nice to hear that. I mean, I've had a few new clients reach out even here for Lake Spark, but it's even better to hear from friends and family or at least, you know, from Holden's circle."

She looks at me amused. "Yeah…" She sips from her wine glass. "Heard that ship is sailing into calm seas. He also seems extremely happy. I've also noticed his eyes keep tracking you down. Saw it when Stone and I briefly chatted with him, and well, right now, he seems to have a hard look that's a cross between possessive and sentimental. And he's walking over here. Ciao."

My entire body thrums with excitement because it's a type of bliss unknown to me when someone in your life appears blatantly happy and it's your doing. Plus, he is extremely hot when he's wearing dark jeans with a white button-down and blue blazer. I could melt purely from seeing his image. Even though he strolls my way, it surprises me when he stands next to me to lean in to whisper in my ear. Everyone in the room can see us, and we very much appear as a couple, especially when he places his palm on my lower back to keep me close.

"Everyone is raving," he reminds me.

"I think so too. Oh hey, why is the principal of Lake Spark Academy here? Figured she would be last on your invite list."

Holden chuckles low. "Because it's strategy. First off, she's on the list of the essential Lake Spark people who consider themselves crucial to the running of our small town. Plus, I need to schmooze her for my kids."

I snicker a laugh. "Very smart."

"Want to get some air before I give the toasts?" he suggests.

"Sure."

He tips his head in the direction of the hall to the bar. It's the closest room with a door to the back of the inn for a view of the lake and the patio. We step on the stones from the patio to the bench swing that gives us a little more privacy.

Facing one another, with the sound of the party distant in the background, my heart beats fast.

"Lexi…"

What kind of conversation is this going to be?

"I love you." It just bursts out of my mouth without thought.

We both realize what words are now in the air, unable to be forgotten.

Maybe that's why Holden stares at me, frozen.

Which only makes my body weaken from fear.