Mr. Black: A Billionaire Romance, page 29
“I can’t think straight with you standing there dressed in that towel,” I reply.
“My bad.” He uncurls it from around his waist, letting it drop to the floor below. “Better?”
“No.” I let out a small laugh. “You naked is even more distracting.”
There’s a smoldering look on his ridiculously handsome face as he crawls across the mattress to where I’m sitting cross-legged in the middle of the bed, and sorting through my emails. “I can assure you the view from here is no less distracting,” he says. “I have a bird’s eye view of your sweet cotton panties when you sit like that.” He moves my laptop out of the way, pushing me back onto the mattress as he gathers up his T-shirt I put on after my shower, bunching it around my waist. “I love seeing you wearing my clothes.”
“And I love seeing you out of your clothes,” I retort.
“Is that so?”
“Ah-huh.”
Ashton’s hungry eyes flicker back down to my underwear. “Ice-cream cones, Em.”
Bringing his face forward, he buries it between my legs. Running his nose up my center, he inhales deeply before replacing it with his mouth, growling. I can feel his warm breath on my sensitive flesh through the thin fabric. “Your panties are my kryptonite. You’re like walking food porn.”
“Carlee calls them granny pants.”
“Not on you, sweet-thing. They’re sexy as fuck.” He pulls me back up into a sitting position and drags the T-shirt over my head before lying me back down. “Do you have any idea how beautiful you are?” He makes me feel beautiful. “How much you turn me on?” He settles his face between my cleavage, palming my bare breasts with his hands. “I could suffocate right here and die a happy man. So soft… so fucking sweet.”
“I need you inside me,” I pant.
There’s a gleam in his eyes as he raises his head to look at me. “My favorite place to be.”
I can’t tell you how many times we’ve done it over the past six days. Ashton bought a large box of condoms the first time we went shopping, and we’ve almost gone through them. My father would have another heart attack if he knew what we’ve been up to, and the magnitude of places he’s taken me in this house.
This is all new to us, but it’s like we can’t get enough of each other.
Ashton places a chaste kiss on my lips before hopping off the bed. He makes quick work of sheathing himself with a condom and removing my underwear.
When he settles back over me and hooks one of my legs around his waist, he drags my arms above my head and entwines our fingers together. It’s the same thing he did the first time we had sex.
Our eyes are locked as he gradually enters me, stretching and filling me in the most delicious way. There’s something about the way he’s looking at me as he does that makes my heart race.
“Je t’aime, Emma Phoenix,” he whispers against my lips. I love you, Emma Phoenix.
I always swoon when he talks to me in another language, I only wish I knew what he was saying.
Forgiveness means you’re giving yourself a chance to make a new beginning. And I truly believe it’s not how we make mistakes, but how we correct them that defines us. And in the last nine days, Ashton has more than made up for his shortcomings. I’m far surpassed forgiving him, I’ve fallen head over heels in love. I’ve kept that to myself, though. I don’t want to scare him away again.
Once you peel back his many layers and find the real Ashton Black—the man who hides behind his huge ego—it’s impossible not to love him. Does he feel the same way about me? I don’t know, but he can’t deny we’ve grown closer during our time here.
“Have you got everything?” he asks, taking my suitcase out of my hand.
“I think so.”
“I’m going to miss being here… with you.”
“It’s been nice, all things considering. Thank you for making it so pleasurable.”
“Pleasuring you is my specialty,” he says, grabbing a handful of my butt cheek and squeezing it.
“Get your mind out of the gutter, Black. That’s not what I meant.”
“My mind is always in the gutter where you’re concerned, sweet-thing,” he says, chuckling.
“It’s going to be weird going back to Cali… back to our normal lives.”
“I know. I think when we get home, you should move in with me.”
“Very funny.” I laugh because I think he’s joking, but when I see hurt flash through his eyes, I’m not so sure he is.
We’ve spent the last few days here with my dad, making sure he’s settled and comfortable. I’ve cleaned the house from top to bottom, caught up on his laundry, stripped the beds, and prepared healthy meals for him for the next three days. Ashton worked out in the yard getting the lawns mowed and everything else that needed doing around the place.
I have organized for a community nurse to come by daily, and the neighbors all said they’d keep an eye on him. I hate leaving, but Ashton refuses to return to LA without me. And I have to get back to work. My kids need me.
A few weeks ago, I finally made some progress with Savanna, the young girl who refused treatment for her eating disorder because she wanted to die. We’re not supposed to talk about our personal lives with our patients, but out of pure desperation, I told her my story. Every sordid detail. The bullying, the bulimia, even the attempt on my life. We both cried and then hugged, but when we were through with our session, I saw something in her eyes that wasn’t there before—a glint of hope. I’ve been in contact with her and her parents via email while I’ve been here, and things are changing. There’s a long road ahead, but we’re finally starting to move forward.
When we get downstairs, we find my dad resting on his recliner in front of the television. He’s not the type of man to lie around and do nothing, so I know his recovery is going to be hard on him.
“Dad, we’re getting ready to leave. The cab should be here in a few minutes.”
Reclining his chair forward, he slowly stands. “I wish you’d let me drive you to the airport. I’m not an invalid.”
“You heard what the doctor said.”
“He’s a quack, he doesn’t know what he’s talking about.”
I hear Ashton snicker from beside me, so I give him a look to let him know he’s not helping. “Please, Daddy,” I plead. He gets a soft spot for me when I call him that. “Promise me you’ll take it easy. You know I’m going to worry as it is.”
“Okay. For you, pumpkin, anything.”
“Thank you.” I slide my arms around his waist, and he kisses my temple. My eyes clench shut as I will back the tears. I’m scared to leave him… I hope he’s going to be okay. “I love you.”
“I love you, too, baby girl.”
When I step back, he extends his hand to Ashton. “It was great meeting you, son. I’m just sorry it wasn’t under better circumstances.”
“It was great meeting you as well, Mr. Phoenix.”
“I’m going to feel a lot better knowing my Emma has you looking after her in California.”
Ashton’s face softens as his hand blindly reaches for mine. “Always,” he says to my father as our fingers intertwine.
A few minutes later, the cab honks its horn out front. Ashton takes our bags outside, and I give my dad one last hug.
“I’ll see you in a few days,” I say. Ashton and I are going to fly back on the weekend.
“You don’t need to do that, I’ll be okay.”
“Daddy, we already discussed this.”
“Fine. I’ll see you this weekend, pumpkin. I’ll look forward to it.”
He waves us off from the front porch, and the moment the cab pulls away from the house, the first tears fall.
“Come here,” Ashton says, gathering me in his arms.
Chapter 34
Emma
The Black family jet is waiting for us on the tarmac when we arrive at the airport. Jasmin is standing at the bottom of the stairs ready to greet us. Her eyes zero in on our conjoined hands as we approach.
“Mr. Black… Miss Phoenix,” she says with a warm smile.
“Jasmin,” we reply in unison.
“I gather we won’t be requiring any parachutes during this flight,” she states giving me a cheeky wink.
My face turns beet red, and Ashton chuckles. “No, she loves me again,” he replies, placing a kiss on the side of my head. “I knew she wouldn’t be able to resist my charm for long.”
Jasmin giggles when I roll my eyes.
She handles our luggage while we board the plane.
“I’m hoping you’ll sit next to me this time,” Ashton says, guiding me toward the seats where he sat on the flight here. “It felt like torture having you so far away last time.”
“Meh, I’ll think about it,” I reply with a casual shrug.
“You won’t just be sitting next to me, you’ll be sitting on my fucking lap, Emma,” he demands.
“So bossy.”
“You love it,” he counters.
No, I love you.
“It’s growing on me.”
“Let me guess, like fungus?”
We both laugh.
I spot the awaiting stretch limousine on the tarmac through the window when we touch down in LA. I’m not sure I’ll ever get used to this lifestyle.
Ashton and I are both tired. Utah has been an emotionally and physically draining stay, not to mention the lack of sleep from us spending our nights lost in each other.
I’m surprised to see Valentina exit the limo as we descend the stairs. I wasn’t expecting her to be here.
“Did you know your mother was coming?”
“No. She mentioned she’d have a car waiting for us when we arrived, though.”
The smile on her face is huge as we walk toward her hand in hand. “I’m so glad you two worked things out,” she says, pulling us into a group hug.
When she steps back, she focuses her attention on me. Her hand cups my face as she speaks. “How’s your father, dear? I’ve been so worried.”
“He’s doing a lot better. Thank you. And thank you for allowing me to use your jet.”
“It’s yours to use anytime you need it. You’re family now.”
“Mother!” Ashton scolds.
“Well, practically,” she says, waving him off, and I have to suppress my laugh.
“I’m sorry,” Ashton whispers in my ear. I squeeze his hand letting him know it’s okay. He’s mentioned how eager his mother is to see him settle down.
The driver puts our bags in the trunk of the car as we slide into the back seat. “Should we go have some dinner before Henry takes you home?” Valentina asks.
“We’re both tired, Mother. And we have work tomorrow.”
“Of course,” she says, looking disappointed. “Another time, maybe.” Her attention moves to me. “Emma, you’re coming to my charity dinner at the end of the month aren’t you?”
“I wasn’t aware of it,” I reply.
“You’ll be bringing her, won’t you, Son?”
“If she wants to come, of course.”
“Wonderful. Oh, that reminds me, I brought the thing you asked me to.”
His mother looks at me and smiles. Thing? I eye the large bag she passes him as he takes it from her and places it on the floor near his feet.
“Where would you like Henry to take you both?”
“It would be easier to drop Emma off first.”
“Okay.”
Ashton rattles off my address, and it makes me anxious. She’ll probably be horrified to see where I live, just like her son was the first time he came there.
The closer we get, the more apprehensive I become. I’m not ashamed, but I’m worried she’ll think I’m no longer good enough for her son once she finds out I’m a lowly commoner.
When we pull up outside my apartment building, Valentina sits forward in her seat, her gaze sweeping over the building. “Is this where you live, Emma?” she asks.
As well as installing a CCTV camera and security gate at the entry of the building, the new owners have given the exterior a slight makeover. Unfortunately, there’s only so much a new coat of paint can do. It’s like putting lipstick on a pig.
“Yes. It’s close to my work.”
Her eyes move to Ashton. “It’s quaint.”
Quaint is not a word I’d use to describe it, but at least she’s being polite.
Her son called it a dump.
The driver opens the door, and Ashton picks up the bag his mother gave him and exits the car.
“Well, thank you again for everything,” I say, scooting across the seat.
“You’re welcome, dear. Can we still have that lunch?”
“I’d like that.”
“I’ll call you. Sometime during the week, perhaps?”
“I work weekdays.”
“That’s okay. I’ll come to you. How long is your lunch break?”
“An hour.”
“Perfect. I’ll be in touch.”
I take Ashton’s extended hand.
When we arrive at my front door, he hands me the bag he’s holding. “What’s this?” I ask. I’ve been curious to know since his mother handed it to him.
“Open it and see.”
I peer inside at what appears to be a white jacket. Hesitantly, I pull it out.
“It’s my letterman jacket from high school. I want you to have it.”
“You do? Why?”
“I want you to be my Sandy, Em.”
My eyes widen. “You watched the movie?”
“I plead the fifth,” he says, holding his hand up in front of him.
The smile on my face is so huge, I’m surprised it doesn’t split in two.
“You want to be my Danny?”
“Yes, well, your Ashton, actually. You’re the one that I want, Em,” he says with a wink. “Pun intended.”
We both laugh. He did watch it, and that knowledge warms my heart.
“You’re showing your sweet side again, Mr. Black.”
“Only for you,” he says as his lips brush with mine. “You do know she doesn’t wear his jacket in the movie, right?”
“I know. But can I still keep it?”
“Yes.”
“Thank you.”
He rests his forehead against mine. “Are you sure you don’t want to stay at my place tonight? I’ve enjoyed waking up with you in my arms. I’ll miss it.”
“I thought you’d be sick of me by now.”
“Never. The more I’m with you, the more I want to be with you,” he says.
“I can’t thank you enough for everything you did for me… and for my dad.”
“You don’t need to thank me. I always take care of what’s mine.”
That single word sends my heart into a flutter.
Mine.
“I’ll miss you tonight.”
“Same,” he says. “So fucking much.”
“You probably shouldn’t keep your mother waiting.”
“I suppose.” The tone of his voice tells me he doesn’t want to leave. His arms slide around my waist, drawing my body flush with his. “I know you have work tomorrow, but will you have dinner with me tomorrow night? I want to see you.”
“I’d like that.”
“I’ll cook for you,” he says.
“I’d like that.” I feel his lips curve up as he places them against my mouth. His kiss is deep and passionate, and by the time we separate, I feel like I’m floating on air.
“‘Til tomorrow then.”
The smile on his face is huge as he takes a few backward steps. “Bye, my Sandy.”
“Bye, my Danny.”
I release a breathy sigh, hugging his jacket to my chest.
Sometimes the heart doesn’t know how to say what it wants, but actions speak louder than words.
Chapter 35
Emma
“I feel like a princess,” I say to Carlee when she walks into my bedroom dressed for our evening out.
“You look beautiful, Em. Absolutely gorgeous.”
“So do you.” I’m thrilled she’s coming tonight.
The boys surprised us with new gowns. Mine is red, and Carlee’s is emerald green. Considering they had no input from us, they did well. I love what Ashton chose for me. Red holds significance for us because I was wearing the same color the night we first kissed. It made me wonder if that’s why he chose it.
It arrived in a white box that was wrapped with a large bow. Just like my prom dress had been, and again it had me thinking was it a coincidence.
“And check this out,” I say, lifting my dress and bunching it around my hips. “Lace.” I finally ditched the cotton briefs… well, for tonight anyway. Ashton’s not Kyle, he’d never do what he did. I trusted him with my donut panties, and he didn’t let me down. He probably doesn’t realize I’ve noticed, but he sleeps with them under his pillow.
This man and all his idiosyncrasies make me all kinds of swoony.
It felt liberating to walk into a lingerie store and buy the sexiest pair of red lace underwear I could find for my man. As much as Ashton seems to like the cotton variety I wear, I think he’ll love these more.
“Aww,” she says, pulling me into a hug. “My little Em is finally all grown up.”
We both laugh. She knows what I went through in high school, but I don’t think she’s ever connected the dots. If she did, I doubt she’d give me such a hard time about my choice of underwear.
“Wait until he sees the waxing. Guys go crazy over Brazilians.”
“Really? I feel like a plucked chicken.”
As well as the waxing, manicure, and pedicure, Carlee and I both had our hair professionally done. My long brown locks have been pulled back into an asymmetrical French twist, with a few strands left loose to frame my face. Carlee did my makeup heavy around my eyes with ruby red lips. I can’t wait for Ashton to see me all made up.
I take a final glance in the mirror barely recognizing myself. The last time I felt this beautiful was the night of my prom, but unlike my past, I have renewed hope for tonight.
