“Food,” he stated. She choked out a chuckle and he added, “I don’t spend much time there. Just to sleep, mostly.”

  “Do you have any issue with me doing some cooking? I’m kind of particular about what I eat. Maybe it’s because my mother is such a good cook.”

  “Please tell me she passed that talent down to you,” Dylan said.

  “Of course. I practically grew up in that kitchen.” She sighed. “It’s going to be weird not going in there every day.”

  “Having second thoughts? I mean, if you are, I can drive you back home, if that’s what you want.”

  “Trying to get rid of me already? We haven’t even made it up to your apartment.”

  “Sofia, I’m serious. I want you to be happy.”

  She saw the look in his eyes. It wasn’t one that questioned his decision, but was questioning hers. “Leaving wasn’t a spur-of-the-moment decision. I’ve been wanting to do this for many years. And for the record, I didn’t do this for you, either. This decision was made based on what works best for me. At least, for now.”

  “Ouch. That’s a kick to my ego,” Dylan teased.

  “You know what I mean. But if your ego needs some stroking, then know that I wouldn’t have agreed to live with anyone else.”

  Dylan smiled. “My ego is intact, but I’m glad to hear that anyway. And don’t let this go to your head, but I wouldn’t have extended the offer to anyone else, either.”

  Surely someone like Dylan Lawson had women banging down his door to move in. She could only imagine how many had spent the night here in his bed. That thought didn’t appeal to her one bit. She wasn’t the jealous type, and really there wasn’t anything to be jealous of. He was still just being supportive of her…acting career? She was just telling herself that, so there was no chance of getting hurt. But no man would go to this length. He cared about her and she…was only there because she cared about him as well. Just neither was ready to admit it.

  “All I know is, I can’t wait to get upstairs and get into a hot shower.”

  “Then why are we sitting in the car?” he asked.

  “Because it’s your place, and besides, I don’t even know which apartment is yours,” she teased.

  He pointed to the top of the building. “All the way up.”

  She stuck her head out the car window and looked up at the skyscraper. “You’re joking, right? That’s the penthouse.”

  “To me, it’s a place I lay my head. Lawson Steel builds skyscrapers or major developments all over the world. I take it you didn’t know.”

  She continued looking at the building and said, “Dylan, when you asked me to live with you, I thought…well…that you had an apartment. Not…this.”

  “Sofia, can you please stop looking at the building and look at me,” Dylan said, taking her hand in his. When she did so, he said, “Sofia, do you know what I like about you?”

  “I believe you said my eyes.”

  Dylan grinned. “They are beautiful and I could stare into them for hours. But this isn’t just something physical. And I hope you know that.”

  “If I thought so, I wouldn’t be here now. But what does any of that have to do with your living arrangements?”

  “Absolutely nothing. They are just things, things that don’t mean much to me. If you’re uncomfortable staying here, then tomorrow we can look for a place that might suit us both better.”

  She was shocked. “Dylan, this is your home. Why would you leave it?”

  “I told your parents that you’d be here with me and I’d protect you. I meant that, Sofia. Part of that is making sure you’re happy. If this place makes you uncomfortable, then we find someplace else. That simple.”

  Simple for you. “Dylan, I’m sure your place will be fine. Like yourself, I’m going to be working so much, I’ll hardly be there either.”

  As they made their way up to his place, she couldn’t help but wonder why she was feeling this way. It was ridiculous that she was even having thoughts like this. What his place looked like really shouldn’t matter. Heck, her dream was the rich and famous lifestyle, and here she was, about to live it. But this wasn’t hers, it was his, and she didn’t want to get used to it. Most actresses lived a hard life until they got their break, if it ever came at all. Staying in a penthouse apartment in New York City, even for a brief time, was more than most would ever see.

  Maybe that’s what was troubling her, that it was beginning to feel more like a fairytale. Dylan was no prince, and he admitted to it, and she wasn’t some damsel in distress who needed rescuing, either. So what did that leave? A relationship of…convenience? That didn’t seem Dylan’s style, and sure as heck wasn’t hers. But if you removed the kisses from the equation, her being here really could be just a case of one person helping out another, no strings attached.

  She’d been looking for her freedom for so long, and she finally had it. The last thing she wanted was to be tied down to anything or anyone. The best thing she could do was keep this, whatever it was, platonic. It wasn’t going to be that hard. Well, as long as they never kissed or touched or got too close to each other. Then it was all over. Not only couldn’t she hold back, she didn’t want to. The sexual attraction between them was powerful. And although she thought she could act pretty well, hiding it from him was impossible.

  Oh hell, who am I kidding? I don’t want the PG fairytale version. What fun would that be?

  When the private elevator doors opened up and they stepped out into his apartment, Dylan said, “You’re awful flush. Don’t like elevators?”

  She hadn’t even paid attention. “Guess I’m just a bit nervous about the next step.” More like anticipating. Excited. Desiring. But we’ll go with nervous. It sounded less…bold.

  “I guess that is a good question. We never discussed sleeping arrangements. I do have a spare bedroom that you’re welcome to.” Dylan stepped closer and tipped her chin up to meet his gaze. “Or you can share mine.”

  Her heart pounded so loudly it seemed to fill the room. This is what she wanted. Why wasn’t she falling into his arms and going for it? Because falling is what I’m afraid of. She liked him more than she wanted to admit, and it was going to hurt like hell when it was time to say goodbye. For someone like Dylan, it wasn’t if that would happen, it was when. Was it better to have loved and lost than never loved at all? Was the pain worth the pleasure? Guess I’m going to find out.

  * * *

  What the hell is wrong with me? Dylan knew he was moving too fast; he wanted to put it out there and let her decide. But fuck, it was killing him to be so close and not pull her into his arms and kiss every inch of her. Never before had he wanted anyone the way he did her. It wasn’t all about making himself feel good, although he knew he would. He wanted to please her even more than himself. Whatever she wanted, he’d respect and honor.

  But those big honey brown eyes of hers staring back at him were driving him nuts. He could tell she was debating what she wanted. All it would take was for his lips to touch hers and he knew he could sway her decision. But that would be an asshole move. Not that he wasn’t one, but he didn’t want to be with her like that. If she needed time, she’d have it. No matter how tight the bulge in his jeans became.

  The attraction to her was getting stronger each time he saw her. Knowing that they were traveling to the city to stay together had only enhanced his desire. All he wanted was one more taste of those sweet lips. At every traffic light, he fought the urge to pull her into his arms. He didn’t, because he wouldn’t have been able to stop. Her white blouse had been professional in the office, but now it was pressed tightly against her breasts by the seatbelt, her taut nipples teasing him, as though begging for his attention. It was no wonder his cock was aching.

  So when Sofia stepped a bit closer and asked, “Which bed is more comfortable?” Dylan had her answer.

  Wrapping an arm around her waist, he pulled her up against him and said, “I really don’t know. Maybe we should give them both a try and find out.”

  “It’s always wise to do your research before making a decision. And I believe in being thorough, too,” she said with a wink.

  What little restraint he had was gone. “Holy shit woman, you’re making holding back, very difficult.”

  “I’m sorry.”

  No you’re not. He could hear the desire in her voice. It matched his own. Dylan gently touched her chin, tipping her face to look up at him. Her honey-brown eyes were now dark, her olive skin, flush. “Do you know how beautiful you are?”

  “Tell me,” she said seductively.

  She laid a soft hand on his chest, instantly causing blood to rush through his veins. When she ran her hand lower, his muscles tightened. He moaned, gripping her more tightly, leaving little question about how much he wanted her.

  “I’d rather show you,” he said, his voice almost a growl. “I’m going to kiss you, Sofia. If you are not positive this is what you want, I suggest you tell me now. Because once I taste those sweet lips of yours, I’m going to want to taste all of you.”

  She opened her mouth, and he feared she was about to tell him no. If she did, he’d stop. He might need to put some ice in his pants to cool his jets, because even a cold shower wasn’t going to be enough to put out this fire. But shit, he’d respect her wishes if no was her answer.

  He felt her legs tremble against his and she reached up, wrapping her arms around his neck. That was all the invitation he needed. He bent to kiss her, slowly at first, tracing her lips with his tongue, teasing and encouraging her lips to open for him, which they did. He loved how she clung to his shoulders, pulling him even closer, wanting more. She was driving him over the edge, and this was only the beginning.

  His hands found their way under her blouse to cup her breasts. Sofia moaned and arched her back. Dylan pulled them back out and his fingers struggled with each button, trying to be delicate, when all he wanted was to rip the fucking thing off. She must have picked up on his frustration and her hands replaced his. Finally, she slipped out of her blouse. Then she reached around and unhooked her bra, letting it drop to the floor and exposing her breasts.

  Perfect.

  His mouth was back on her, this time trailing kisses slowly down her neck, to her collarbone, and finally stopping at her breast. Taking one nipple gently to his mouth, he sucked and nibbled it until her moans filled the room. Then he moved his attention to her other breast, repeating the process. Her hands ran through his hair, and she seemed to be prodding him lower.

  “Don’t worry sweetheart, I’ll get there,” he nipped her nipple, “eventually.”

  “Dylan, please,” she pleaded.

  There would be plenty of time for slow, but he didn’t want to rush it so that she didn’t enjoy herself. Because once he got inside of her, it wouldn’t take much for him to totally lose it. But she wanted more, and he was about to give it to her.

  He removed his mouth, tracing kisses lower, over her flat stomach. As he knelt in front of her, his hands slid up her bared legs and beneath her skirt, where they stroked the curve of her ass. Fuck. He should’ve known she’d have a thong on.

  Sofia reached behind her back and unzipped her skirt, letting it slip down lower. Dylan moved his hands so it could drop to the floor. Then he reached up and hooked his thumbs in either side of the strings across her hips, sliding down the thong. Sofia rested a hand on his shoulder as she stepped out of them, leaving her standing naked in front of him.

  His mouth kissed and licked its way to her clit. He felt her shudder and her nails dug into his shoulder. “You taste so sweet,” he muttered against her flesh.

  “Dylan, please…I can’t…” she said, her legs trembling.

  He trailed kisses up again to claim her lips. Swiftly, never lifting his lips from hers, he picked her up and carried her down the hall to his bedroom. He laid her on the bed then quickly stripped off all his clothing, the buttons from his shirt echoed as they made contact with the hardwood floor. He could see her eyes roaming over him, taking in the view. Her tongue even darted out and she licked her lips as her eyes lingered over his cock. There was no way he was going to let her have a taste, because he was barely holding on now.

  But before he could return to her, she was on her knees, reaching out to him. Her tongue darted out and licked him. Fuck. He knew he should push her away, but his body resisted. A low, husky growl echoed through the room and encouraged her to take more of him. His hands tangled in her long, dark hair, moving strays away from her face so he could watch as she licked him. She gripped his cock and took him fully into her mouth. Oh fuck! Her could feel her moans vibrating around him.

  “God, baby, that feels so damn good.” Dylan added, “Too good.”

  She hungrily took all he had to offer, sucking him deeply. Her tongue pressed firmly against his base to the head before circling and taking him in again, sucking harder and faster than the time before.

  Dylan pulled away from her quickly, before it was too late. His cock was throbbing and close to release. Huskily, he said, “I don’t want this to end before it even starts. And I want to taste you again.”

  Sofia didn’t resist, and lay back on the bed. Her confidence in the bedroom was a fucking major turn-on. When he joined her on the bed, Dylan parted her legs with one hand, giving him full access. His mouth quickly devoured her and her cries echoed through the room when his tongue first touched her clit. He used his tongue to tease while his strong hands clenched her ass, pulling her up closer to him. One hand slid around, and he dipped a finger into her hot core. He could feel her tighten around him.

  “You’re so wet,” he said against her folds. Once again, she tightened around his finger. As he entered her again, it didn’t take long to find the spot inside that made her quiver and rock her hips. Using his thumb, he stroked her clit faster and faster, until he felt the waves of her climax take over and her body tense.

  He whispered, “You don’t know how badly I want to feel you wrapped around me.” He pulled away slightly but wrapped her legs around him, trying to hold her in place. “Sweetheart, I just need to get a condom.”

  Only then did she release her hold. He reached out to the nightstand, opened the drawer, and pulled out a gold foil packet. He sheathed himself, then returned to kneel between her legs.

  “Please,” she begged.

  Once he looked into her smoldering, lustful eyes, he entered her in a swift thrust. Yes! He knew exactly how to please her and positioned himself so he stroked her G-spot with each thrust. Quickly, another climax shook her.

  As her moans filled the room, he found it impossible to contain his own. He stopped briefly to adjust his position, so her hips lifted from the bed, before he thrust deep within her again. He knew when to take them forward and when to pause long enough for the intensity to heighten. Sensing her need for more, he went even deeper and faster to bring her to climax a third time. But this time, Dylan couldn’t hold back. His own release shook him as he erupted into an explosive wave.

  His body trembled, and sweat dripped from his head. That was fucking mind-blowing, and he was spent. Collapsing beside her, he rolled onto his back. Dylan pulled her so she rolled half onto him. With their legs entwined, breathing slowing, they lay holding each other.

  Dylan could barely think, and his entire body seemed to have been drained of all energy. What the hell just happened? He’d been with many women, but never had a reaction like this. It more powerful than he’d ever imagined anything could be. And Sofia was so responsive to his touch that he figured she was feeling the same.

  She stirred in his arms and said, “That was…amazing.”

  “I’m not going to argue with you on that.”

  “But we better get to sleep. Tomorrow is my first day on the job, and I don’t want to go into work with bags under my eyes.”

  Dylan laughed. “Funny you mention that. I scheduled you to meet with HR tomorrow after lunch.”

  Sofia lifted her head off his chest and looked at him. “You mean I don’t have to be up bright and early tomorrow?”

  “Nope. Why?”

  “Well, I haven’t finished my research.”

  “Research?” he asked.

  “Yes, on which bed I want to sleep in? What if the other one is more comfortable?”

  “Oh, I think you’re right.” He rolled over and got up, then bent and scooped her up into his arms. “I’m not sure, the couch might need testing too.”

  She giggled. “I think we might need to try everything more than once, just to confirm our findings.”

  “Fuck.”

  “What’s wrong?” Sofia asked.

  “I should’ve had you start next week instead, because this is a big apartment.”

  “Then I guess we better get started,” Sofia said as she nipped his neck.

  I am so cancelling my meetings tomorrow.

  13

  Bacon? That wasn’t a smell Dylan was used to waking up to. He knew there wasn’t any in his house, so how the hell could it be possible? It couldn’t, which meant sadly, he was still sleeping. It was a damn good dream though, Sofia cooking him breakfast and delivering it to him in bed. Of course, she would be naked when she brought him his tray. No matter how good the food smelled, he’d rather have her for breakfast.

  Rolling over onto his back, he stretched and noticed the soft body that had been next to him wasn’t there. Odd that he’d miss it after only being together for one night. But when he did eventually succumb to sleep, it was probably the best he’d had in a long time. Holding her in his arms, Sofia cuddled up against him, lightly snoring, almost like a purr in his ear. It was something he easily could get used to.

  “If you don’t get up, you’re going to be late.”

  He lifted his head to see Sofia standing in the doorway dressed for the day. How the hell did she pull that off without him noticing? Maybe it’d been the lack of sleep for days that had wiped him out. But at least he had plenty of energy for what was important last night. And I’m hoping for a replay this morning.

 

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