Chapter 10

I smiled to myself, thinking about my evening with Kain a few nights ago. I'd never had that much sex in one night. Kain had wanted me to stay the night, but I refused. I couldn't abandon Grandpa. Besides, I didn't want Grandpa to know I'd slept with Kain. He probably wouldn't care, but I didn't want to discuss my sexual escapades with my grandfather.

That would be awkward.

I wanted Kain to love me every night like that first night. My body had never been so satisfied than when he kissed and ravaged it. He had the most amazing mouth and skillful tongue I'd ever encountered. Just thinking about all the unbelievable things he did to me made my panties wet.

Grandpa was heading home today. His friends had called him, letting him know there was a bingo event this coming week. Grandpa couldn't wait to get back to his quiet neighborhood, where he didn't hear sirens or cars beeping every day.

I stood on the sidewalk with his small suitcase. "Let me know when you want to visit again."

"Maybe next year." He tapped my arm. "The city is impressive, but it exhausts me. All the noise and the bustle aren't for me."

"I'll drive up in a few months to visit you."

"I'd love that." He beamed. "How are you and Kain doing?"

"Good."

"Go on any more dates?"

I smiled. "Yes. I'm seeing him tomorrow."

"If things work out, bring him up to visit me."

"Will do." I kissed his cheek.

The livery car came, and I greeted the familiar driver, Mr. Kennedy.

"Call me when you get home, Grandpa. Have a safe trip."

"I will." He hugged me and kissed my cheek.

When I couldn't see the car anymore, I returned to my apartment and looked at my schedule for the week. Vacation week flew by, and I had to get back to work tomorrow.

My phone rang and Morgan's name popped up on the screen. Nerves twisted my stomach. She didn't call me unless it was something urgent.

"Hey, Morgan," I said.

"Sorry to bother you, Eva. Can you talk?" Sadness stirred in her voice.

"Of course. What's up?"

She heaved a sigh. "I'm going to sell the shop."

"No . . . What happened?"

"A lot of things. I'm going to move back to Florida to be closer to my mom and sister. This divorce is taking a toll on me. Frankly I just don't have the energy . . . or love for the shop anymore."

My heart bled for her. She'd worked so hard to start up the flower shop and see it grow in the last five years.

"I'd like to see you take it over. You're a great florist, and I know you love working at Happy Flowers."

I didn't know how to respond. It was my dream to own a flower shop, but I also hurt for Morgan as well. To see her dream didn't make me feel any better.

However, I understood her situation. She needed her family to help her heal.

Though the dream was beautiful, my mind swerved to practical matters. Numbers. I wasn't prepared financially for this yet.

"I'd love to, Morgan, but I'm not sure I can afford to right now."

We talked numbers, and sales had increased from last month, with the numbers still climbing. I knew Happy Flowers would continue to profit, but my savings wouldn't be able to cover all the expenses. She said she'd sit with me to go over everything tomorrow, so I would know exactly where the store stood.

After our conversation, the number of three hundred thousand dollars floated in my mind. That number included the takeover with enough wiggle room for changes according to my vision and so on. I had hoped to have a sizeable chunk saved, so when it was time to go to the bank for a loan, I wouldn't be in so much debt. Would a bank even give me that much right now?

She had other potential buyers in mind, but she made me the offer first. I asked Morgan to give me a week to think about it.

Was I ready for this change?

I decided a walk would help me juggle the pros and cons. This was a huge decision, and I didn't want to make a mistake.

I wandered through Coolidge Corner, distractedly browsing the adorable shops, and imagined myself as a shop owner. The freedom to create thrilled me. I could make all the decisions.I could offer mini floral arrangement classes for people. Just thinking about it excited me, but the numbers. Ugh.

Before I knew it, I was on Etched Street, glancing at the storefronts. A customer exited a flower shop called Helena's Flowers, carrying a bouquet of colorful Gerber daisies. From the window display, this store portrayed a country flair. It differed from Happy Flowers, which was more sophisticated and elegant—more my style.

A series of ideas bloomed in my head, making me smile.

I can do this.

Focusing on the joy, I wandered down Etched Street. The Etched Building had twenty floors, the top five floors being apartments for Kain and his friends. Kain lived in the massive penthouse apartment. The two lower levels had retail stores, including his tattoo parlor, Body Canvas. Kessler's Workout Studio took up the third and fourth levels. The rest of the buildings were composed of offices and smaller residential apartments.

The modern exterior had dark stones with matte black metal accents. A logo that looked like four capital Es were strategically placed to create a square-shaped design.

In that moment self-doubt surfaced again. Kain had a lot of money. He lived in a world separate from mine. Would our relationship survive this vast difference? Would he get bored of me? I hated this nagging insecurity.

I understood money wasn't everything, but in today's world people measured your value based on your bank account. It was how things operated.

Stop sabotaging yourself. You're worth more than numbers, Eva.

Switching off the negativity, I studied the building again. A car honked, startling me. I turned to the familiar white Land Rover. Kain pulled over to the curb and beamed at me from the window. I was still getting used to him being my boyfriend.

With amusement in his eyes, he crooked his finger. "Hey, gorgeous."

Seeing him brightened my mood.

I strode over to the passenger side window and peered in."How can I help you, handsome?"

He looked me up and down. "How much, baby?"

I arched an eyebrow. "You can't afford me."

"Name your price and I'll give you my bank account number."

A number appeared in my head. "Hmm . . . three hundred thousand would be a great deposit."

"Done. Hop in. I want to show you something."

Laughing, I slid into the car and he drove into the parking lot, which I could have easily walked to instead. We entered the gym and headed toward a section that had been roped off the other day. As I walked by, construction men drilled and hammered away.

Kain nodded at them and took me to an open space with a beautiful view of the street.

"This is where the café will offer healthy foods and drinks. It should be finished in six months."

"That's wonderful. My gym doesn't have that."

"I was thinking a small booth that sells plants would be nice in here too. People could pick up flowers for their significant others along with some food on their way home. Maybe you can help me with that?"

My heart leaped. Two offers in one day. Was it a sign from the universe telling me to go for it?

Ideas popped into my head. I could almost see an adorable set up with flowers, an assortment of terrariums, and potted plants packaged to entice people. If I were to open it now, I couldn't afford to hire help.

"Would you consider having your employees manage the area while I supply the flowers? You can purchase the plants from me. Or they can be on consignment. We could discuss it later."

He pulled me close to him. "So that's a yes?"

I smiled. "How could I resist such an enticing offer?"

A loud thump sounded from the ceiling, and I glanced up.

"They're adding in new flooring to the yoga and self-defense studios upstairs." Kain took my hand, leading me into his office.

I noticed the two potted plants from Happy Flowers. They sat at a table by the window. I strode over to check the soil and smiled to see it was moist.

When I turned, he yanked me onto his lap.

"What are you doing?" I shrieked, trying to wriggle free, but his thick armbanded around my waist.

"Taking whatI want." A devious smile flashed. "You agreed to three hundred thousand, didn't you?" He gripped my chin, turning my face to meet you. "Don't tell me you're backing out now. I'll be pissed."

"I was just kidding about the money, you oaf! Let me go!" I pushed at his arm, but he tickled me.

He leaned in and sniffed my neck. "You smell nice. I'm addicted. I can't let you go." His lips skimmed my neck, sending tingles all over me.

"There's people working here," I muttered.

"They're out there busy working. No one will come into my office." He sucked on my skin, dulling my defenses. "It's locked." His open mouth dragged all over my neck, my chin.

"Is this something you do often in your office?"

"Not until you, baby." His mouth hovered over mine, licking my lips. "Let me have you in my office."

Heat burst in my core. All the reasons I'd taken a walk evaporated from my mind.

"I bet you're already wet for me down there." He slid his hand to the waistband of my pants.

I gripped his hand and held it."Don't you have work to do?"

"I do. But I'm taking a break for some afternoon nookie." He interlaced his fingers with mine. "I have it bad for you. The things I want to do to you range from indecent to extremely filthy."

Those words just sent more liquid heat into my panties. I'd never had sex in an office before. But I wanted to let him ravage me here.

I loved the confidence and determination in him. He stated what he wanted without apology. The way he kept pursuing me even after I turned him down made me feel like the only girl on this planet.

And right now he inspired me to do something I never imagined. I felt like a bad girl taming a bad boy.

He lifted my hand to his lips. "Tell me why you threw out three hundred thousand dollars."

"For something personal."

"Tell me." He nuzzled my neck, sending all kinds of shivers through me.

Should I tell him? Communication was key to strengthening a relationship, and I wanted ours to last forever.

I traced the tattoos on his arm and an idea sparked. "If I tell you, then you have to tell me more about these tats."

We hadn't had time to talk about it the last time it came up. Orgasms had gotten in the way.

He stared at me, and those gray eyes darkened."Why?"

"Same reason you want to know about the three hundred thousand dollars—curiosity."

"Fine. But I'm taking what I want right now." He crushed his lips to mine, and I moaned, welcoming him.

His tongue dove in, sparring with mine. Drawing back, he stripped off my shirt and bra, tossing them onto the chair.

"My beautiful passionflower." Growling, he claimed a nipple, suckling me. I gasped as delicious sensations rocked me, bright and hot. His hand cupped my breast, kneading, and possessing while his mouth sucked and drawing on my nipple.

I gripped his shaggy dark hair, tugging as I watched him feast on me. The image excited me and I arched my back, wanting more. He looked like a wild beast with tattoos feasting on his favorite prey.

"Kain . . ." I muttered.

"Yes, baby?" He circled my nipple with his tongue.

"I—"

What did I want to say? I couldn't think straight. Heat gathered at my center, wanting to burst.

"I know what you want." He gave my nipple a hard tug.

How could he know?

Kain rose from the chair and lifted me onto the table where I could look outside at the busy street with people shopping. He shifted his chair, sat down, stripped off my pants, and stared at my purple underwear. If I had known I'd be in this position, I would have worn something sexier.

"Purple is sexy on you." He hooked a finger through the pantie, slid it off, and dropped it beside him. "Now, sit back and enjoy." A wicked smile stretched across his handsome face.

I leaned back and braced my hands on the table. A tidal wave of anticipation rose in me.

He nudged my thighs open, lifted one leg over his shoulder and shifted the other out to the side. I was exposed to him in every way. My face heated with embarrassment as he stared at my sex. No man had spent that much time looking at me like that.

"A magnificent work of art that's all mine." He pressed his face into me, inhaled, and licked me.

Oh my God.

My body jerked from the wetness of his tongue. The wave of pleasure crashed down on me. My thighs shuddered as his tongue continued the decadent onslaught.

He moaned. "So good. So perfect." He sucked on my bud and I bucked, sending my hips into his face. "You like that?"

"Yes," I gasped.

"Want more, baby?"

"Yes, please." I licked my lips.

He sucked me again and again. Then he slid two fingers into me while his mouth continued to feast.

Pleasure blinded me as my body collapsed onto the table. One hand yanked at his hair while the other gripped the edge of the table for stability. His fingers pumped and pumped, and I wanted his cock to do that to me. I wanted him to bring me pleasure.

"I want you inside me now!" the urgent command flew out.

He smiled. "As you wish, baby." He unzipped his jeans and dropped them along with his boxers, revealing his glorious cock. He stroked himself while matching my mouth open.

Desperation stirred in me. "I need you."

Smiling, he reached for a condom in his jeans pocket and ripped it open. After pulling it on, he positioned himself at my entrance, teasing me. "I need you too." He slid in and out of me, groaning as his thick cock stretched my muscles.

I loved how he filled me, making me feel complete. His T-shirt was still on while I was bared to him.

"More." I wrapped my legs around his waist, wanting him to own me.

"Like this?" He slammed into me again and again, going deeper and deeper.

I wanted to reply, but my mind couldn't register anything except the heat and desire rising to the top.

"Kain!" I cried as the pleasure flooded me, shaking my body.

He didn't stop fucking me. Instead, he kept going, and my body didn't know what to do but to succumb to the waves of bliss blinding me.

Then he pulled out, shifting me so I was bent over the table with my bare chest kissing the table's surface and my ass facing him. I didn't object to anything he wanted to do to me. My body was too relaxed—too satisfied. He slapped my butt twice, and I spread my legs for him.

He drove into me, chasing his own pleasure. "I love fucking you in my office. You feel so good." The raspy voice soon turned to a loud roar of pleasure.

I wondered if the construction worker heard us from outside the office. I woke this morning expecting a normal day. But what I got was an offer to take over a flower shop and the best office fuck I'd ever experienced.

Sex with him was on another level.

"Thanks for the best business meeting I've ever had." He lowered himself and kissed me.