by Nicole Vidal
Dressed in leggings, a tunic, and a light sweater, she looks much younger than she did when I first met her. Auggie better not wait too long or someone else will scoop her up. She’s gorgeous, and the details I know about her are extraordinary.
“I’m here for my little brother, half brother. Auggie mentioned something in passing about your company. He was short on details, so here I am. If you can’t help Cooper, no problem. If you can, that would be wonderful for my family.”
“Do your parents know you’re here?” She nods. “Tell me about Cooper.”
I listen to Caro explain the issues with Cooper and his school. Then I explain the process for my services, how I determine if my services can assist Cooper, and my fees.
“What do you need me to do?” she asks with a bit of excitement in her voice.
I hand her a piece of paper “Jot down contact information for you and your parents. I’ll send over my intake sheet to see what, if anything, I can do.”
Caro throws her arms around my neck hugging me tight. “Thank you. Thank you. I’m hopeful you can help.”
We trade our water for wine and chat for the next hour or so. She leaves, indicating I’ll see her at the gala.
I consider her visit. Part of me is sad that her brother is going through so much at school, but the other part of me is giddy knowing I may be able to help another student reach their full potential. I have Cash to thank for that. As if he heard me, my phone rings with a video call.
43
Cassius
“Hi, tesoro. How was Mason today?”
I can tell something is off. Generally, she’s full of rainbows and sunshine after she works with Mason. Also, Mrs. Waller is also a great sounding board for her and her business endeavors.
“He had a small breakdown about his mom. When I explained that my mom died too, we talked more in depth.”
“Was that hard for you?” I wonder if anyone has ever cared enough to ask that question, a therapist maybe.
“Honestly, it was hard at first, but then I realized I could be for Mason something I didn’t have—a sympathetic ear.”
“What else happened today?”
“I got another referral, and Caro stopped by about me possibly helping her brother. What about you?”
“Wow! That’s amazing! I didn’t know her brother had developmental issues.” I’m not sure I knew Caro had a younger brother either.
“Did the meeting go poorly, Cash?”
“No, not at all. I’m still wrapping my head around it. I was with Mr. Elliott until thirty minutes ago. I want to have a third of his energy at eighty-five years old. He’s a spry guy and funny.”
“Cassius Morgan.”
Holy hell! That’s arousing even through the phone. Not only her saying my full name, but the bit of fire behind it.
“Say that again.”
“Cassius Morgan. Tell me!”
“That is so fucking hot, tesoro!”
A fierce blush appears on her face. “Cash, do you want to sleep on the couch?”
“You wouldn’t dare kick me out of my own bed.” It’s my bed. No, it’s our bed. I love this fiery side of her.
“If you don’t start talking, I will.”
“After Stacy processes the paperwork, I will be the proud owner of Mr. Elliott’s shares of Pemberton by the end of October.”
“Really! I’m so happy for you! I wish you were here so we could celebrate.”
“Me too.” I kissed her thoroughly before I left this morning, and it wasn’t enough. It’ll never be enough. I need her. I’ll be home soon, but I have a breakfast meeting with Jacob at Rick’s regarding security concerns for our new home. “What time is your spa appointment tomorrow?”
“I’m going straight there after working with Mason. I’ll need something relaxing. Plus, I want cute toes for the gala.”
“I should be home for dinner. I just need to pick up my tux from the cleaners.” I need to pick up jewelry to match her gown too. I asked Billie to pick out the perfect jewelry. I love that she’s willing to help.
“Good night, Cash. I love you more.”
“I love you more.” I end the call and sit listening to the ocean sounds through Billie’s French doors. Near the water would be perfect. Now to find a location that will make Noelle happy. That’s all I need.
When I arrive at Rick’s, Jacob nods from a corner booth along with another equally imposing man. I’m a fit guy, but Jacob and whoever is sitting with him would worry me in a dark alley.
“Good morning, Cash,” Jacob says as I near the table.
“Jacob.”
“This is Connor. He’s a member of my team and usually works on Kelly’s detail. He’ll be attending the gala tomorrow, so I thought you would like to meet beforehand. He and Noelle have met before.”
“Pleasure to meet you, Connor.” I extend my hand to him.
His huge hand takes mine. “You as well.”
A server approaches the table. After a moment’s pause, she takes our order and leaves. It wasn’t until Noelle that I notice people gawk and stare at her, but me as well. Pair me with these two, and the stares from the staff and patrons are comical.
“What can I do for you, Cash?” Jacob asks.
“Noelle and I will be looking for a property in the area soon. Are there areas or property types we should avoid, or is it case by case?”
“Are you looking for a general assessment or on-site security?”
“Noelle is adamantly against personal security. She has agreed for the gala because it’ll be our first public event as a confirmed couple. A reporter we trust will be releasing a vetted story and photo tomorrow, which necessitates having Connor present. She also agreed to have security when she’s alone in the city on the weekends I fly. I don’t believe on-site security will be necessary after we leave New York. I need an assessment of the property and installation or creation of a complete security system if we build.”
“Let me know when you narrow it down and send me the property sheets. I can make a cursory assessment. Once you narrow your choice to one or two, I can come and walk the properties with you. Griffin Harbaugh is a discrete local realtor. He caters to clients like you, including Kelly and Nicholas, in the purchase of their home.”
I nod and dig into my breakfast. After eating and discussing a few more details for tomorrow, the three of us part ways. Hustling to the airport, I hurry back to the city, along with my sister and Peter.
Pulling into my parking spot, I note that Noelle is home. As I step inside, she isn’t in the kitchen or living room. After a brief search, I find her sitting at my desk tapping away on her laptop with AirPods. Leaning against the door, I watch her. Her long legs tucked under her, wearing one of my shirts, her hair tied in a loose braid over her shoulder, her lower lip trapped by her teeth, she’s focused. Her brain makes her even sexier than her smoking-hot curves.
Me: Are you ignoring me?
I send the text and wait. As her phone lights up, she glances over and then looks up. A huge smile brightens her features as she moves into my arms.
“No, I was trying to finish this before you got home.”
I scoop her up, and her legs wrap around my waist as I carry her into the bedroom, my mouth against her smooth skin.
“I don’t like being away from you even for a day,” I confess.
“I’m not a fan either.”
“How was your last day with Mason?” I ask, continuing my quest to taste every inch of her tonight.
“Good but sad as well. Do you really think—" A moan falls from her lips.
Setting her on the edge of the mattress, I unfasten the top two buttons of my shirt while marking a southward path with my tongue.
“I’ll be able to answer your quest—”
Moving downward along the column of buttons, I open my shirt completely, exposing her perfect, lush breasts and a small triangle of lace barely covering her center.
“—while your mouth is on my—”
I feel the surrender when she fails to finish her sentence.
As I drag my tongue up her rib cage, nipping the underside of her breasts while pinching her nipples between my fingertips, she trembles under me. When I feel her heat through my pants, I purposely move back so I can take my time savoring her. The pout of her plump lips is almost enough for me to speed up.
Hooking the sides of her thong, I draw it down her toned legs. Kneeling on the floor, I start with her freshly painted toes and kiss a path upward from the top of her feet to the apex of her thighs. Pushing her legs apart, I hold her still before gliding the flat of my tongue from bottom to top, flicking her clit. I may have pushed off her release, but she’s teetering on the edge again. Lapping and sucking her folds has her arching off the bed. Holding her still, I continue feasting on her until she shatters from my tongue.
“Cash, I need you.”
“I need you, but I’m not finished memorizing you yet.” My response coupled with my mouth travelling along her hip elicits a groan.
Not content with my answer, she reaches for my belt, unhinging it with one hand. Moments later, her delicate fingers wrap around my shaft. Pumping up and down, she makes me lengthen and harden even more.
“Noelle,” I grit out. Determined, I continue my exploration of her body with my tongue and fingers. Releasing me, she attempts to push my pants off. I take advantage and pin her arms above her head and grab her pink point between my teeth.
“Cash, I need…. Let go of my hand.”
Gripping tighter, I slide my hand between her breasts, over the curve of her belly, and thrust three fingers deep into her heat. I plunge in and out of her slick channel, watching her body writhe. Seeing the effect of my hands on her—the flush of her skin, the bounce of her breasts as she vibrates with need and pushes against my hand, the strain of her abs as her release coils inside her—is a heady feeling.
“Let go, tesoro.”
As if my words are a catalyst, her walls clench around my fingers and milk them as she writhes beneath me. Before the throbbing around my fingers ends, she yanks her arm free and pulls me on top of her.
“Off! Your pants need to come off!” she commands.
Honestly, I didn’t plan on exploring any longer, but her words arouse me even more. I hover over her as she pushes my pants and boxer briefs down. Instead of using her feet or allowing me to remove them, she slithers under me, her taut nipples grazing my skin, her mouth marking my chest as she moves down. As I struggle to free my feet, she draws her tongue along my cock before swirling around the tip.
“Not happening right now, sweetheart! Get back up here!”
I hear a soft giggle as she moves up, drawing a circle around my nipple before making a path up my neck to my lips. When she finishes wiggling her way up, the desire in her eyes is unmistakable.
“I need to feel you deep inside me.”
I align my shaft at her entrance.
“How do you have this much self-control?” She whines at my pace.
I push forward a mere inch.
“Deeper, Cash.”
In one motion, I watch her center swallow me whole. I withdraw and thrust forward. The sounds of pleasure falling from her lips spur me on. I’ll never tire of making her shatter in pleasure from my body. Hard and deep, I thrust into her sheath. Her walls clench around me, her fingernails pierce the skin of my back, and her mouth marks my shoulder as she shudders around me. With another plunge into her heat, I pour myself into her. She’s every fantasy I have ever had come to life. I plan to spend every minute of that life showing her how much I love her.
Turning slightly, I lower myself next to her while kissing her deeply. “How does that keep getting better?”
“I don’t know, but we should keep doing it to find out,” she murmurs against my lips.
“Yes, we should.”
Forgoing dinner, we fall into a deep slumber.
44
Noelle
As if last night wasn’t enough, I wake to Cash pressing soft kisses to my shoulder blade and the back of my neck. The feel of him hard against me isn’t unwanted either.
“Mmmm, good morning to you too.”
“Morning. How much time do you need to get ready?”
“An hour or less, not including breakfast. Why?”
“I need to know how much time I have to worship you again.” Cash presses his mouth to the cap of my shoulder and starts to move down my arm.
I squirm under his mouth before succumbing to his fingers and body making mine sing again.
A few hours later, we stumble into the kitchen foraging for food. After filling up on a tasty breakfast, I pad into the shower before Cash. He steps in while I dry my hair. The brush stops moving through my hair almost immediately. Instead, I’m focused on the water running down his hard, naked body.
“You should pay attention to your hair, not me,” he says, catching me staring.
“You’re no fun,” I pout.
“That’s a bold-faced lie and you know it.”
I chuckle and resume drying my hair. When Cash steps out of the enclosure, it takes restraint to keep my hands to myself.
“Tesoro, as much as I would like to peel that luxurious silk off of your body, we can’t be late.”
I pull my lower lip between my teeth just to get a reaction out of him.
“You need to fight fair.” He slides his hand around my neck before kissing me. The heat of his kisses ticks up rapidly, and the next thing I know, I’m sitting on the vanity counter and his towel is on the floor. His erection pressed against my heated core.
“Fighting fair doesn’t work for me.”
“As much as I want to feel you wrapped around me, we don’t have enough time.” He grabs his towel off the floor and tucks it at his waist. Even still I’m still drooling over his bare chest. With a quick, chaste kiss, Cash leaves the bathroom.
My dress is gorgeous. Billie created a fitted gown with a scoop neck in an emerald green silk. The back is open except for two strands of gemstones attached at the top of my shoulders. Faintly I hear the intercom as I’m dressing. The next time I see him, I’m sliding on my shoes.
“What’s wrong?” I ask when he steps into the bedroom.
“You’re stunning.”
I feel heat seep across my skin. “It’s the dress. Your sister is gifted with design and fabric.”
“No, it’s all you.”
“Thank you. You look hot yourself. I was right about the tux; it’s better than the suit, and you look damn good in your tailored suits.”
“Did you stick with your other plan?”
I smirk. He remembered the “no panties” plan. “I’ll never tell.” I wink and move to spritz on some perfume.
“I want to strip that dress from your curves and find out right now.”
Heat pools between my thighs, and the ache I feel for him intensifies. “You’ll have to wait until we get home.”
He hangs his head before removing a box from his top drawer. “Billie said this would work with your dress.”
I simply shake my head and take the box from his hand. “There’s no way for me to stop you from buying me gifts, is there?”
“Probably not.”
Inside the box is a gorgeous tennis bracelet. I must admit, his gift choices thus far have been on point. Gaudy jewelry isn’t for me. As Cash clasps it around my wrist, I wonder what he got for my birthday. He reaches into the bureau and pulls out a small box.
“Are you inside my head?”
“Maybe a little.” He gently wipes the tear from my cheek. “You deserve all of this and more. Maybe next year, you can accept it on your day. Don’t cry. I love you more, tesoro.”
Nestled inside the box is a pair of diamond solitaire earrings.
“These are…. I love you more.”
Before leaving for the gala, Cash has Connor take a photo and send it to Jimmy. He replies instantly and thanks Cash for trusting him. Cash replies in kind. We probabl
y have thirty minutes before our phones start exploding. The line of limos is around the corner from the Plaza Hotel. I sit beside Cash, fidgeting with the clasp of my clutch.
He takes my hand to slow my fidgeting and shaking. “Tesoro, I won’t leave your side.”
I nod and stare deeply into his dark, loving eyes. I’m not sure what I’m worried about. We set it up to control the release of our relationship and put any other rumors to rest.
I inhale deeply as the car stops at the entrance to the gala. Here goes nothing. Connor steps out, followed by Cash. After buttoning his jacket, Cash reaches down for my hand. Looking up at him, I see my future. I also see that this is temporary. We won’t be here much longer. I can handle this for him. I slide my trembling hand in his, and he tucks it around his arm. The questions pelt us the moment my Louboutins touch the red carpet.
“Is she pregnant too?”
“What about Brittany?”
The type of questions shifts the moment everyone realizes they have been scooped by Jimmy. A proud smile creeps onto Cash’s face as we walk along the red carpet.
“Where did you meet?”
“How long have you been hiding her?”
“When does Ellis’s next movie release?”
“Does your brother approve?”
Yes, but I don’t need it. As we reach the door, we turn for the obligatory posed photo. The heat of his hand on my skin makes my heart race. After a full minute, Connor ushers us inside.
Cash leads me over to the side, crowding me against the wall so our conversation is private. Connor stands close enough to prevent a photo, although most of the photographers are busy with the arriving guests.
“I’m fine. Truly, but that was only half of what I need to handle tonight.”
“I love you more, tesoro.”
“I love you more, Cassius.”
After a kiss promising more sexy time later, Cash taps Connor on the shoulder and we walk toward the ballroom. As we approach, Billie rushes up to us, pulling me into her arms.
“Billie, your dress is phenomenal!”
“Thanks, but I think your perfect frame has something to do with it too.”