Big Shot
Page 17
A knock sounded at the door, and Natalie groaned and dragged her fingers through her hair. “God, I hope that’s not my brother. I managed to avoid Connor when I took the walk of shame out of Wes’s office last night, but he knew something was wrong, and I figured it was only a matter of time before he’d start prying.”
Another knock, and Richard got to his feet before she did. “I’ll get it for you.”
He walked to the door and looked out the peephole, then glanced back at her with a huge grin that both confused and worried Natalie.
“Who is it?” she asked.
“Mr. Big Shot,” he said, and his delighted expression grew. “And I’m betting money that he’s here because he came to his goddamn senses and realized that you are the best thing that’s ever happened to him.”
Natalie wasn’t so sure, but she was definitely interested in what Wes had to say . . . and yes, she had something to tell him, as well.
* * *
When the door to Natalie’s condo opened, the last person Wes expected to see on the other side was Richard. And for the smallest, briefest moment, he experienced a jolt of possessiveness that stiffened his entire body—until he reminded himself that Richard was gay and had no interest in Natalie that way.
Thank God, because he wouldn’t hesitate to fight to the death for what was his. Okay, to the death was extreme, but ever since his conversation with Connor last night, and coming to some insightful realizations about his own feelings for Natalie, Wes was prepared to do whatever it took to ensure that she knew she belonged to him and with him.
And seeing her standing behind Richard in the living room, looking beyond beautiful and like everything he’d never known he needed only cemented every feeling he had for her and every decision he’d made since she’d walked out of his office last night. Never again would she walk away from him with the intention of ending their relationship. He’d make damn sure of that.
“Hey, Wes, what brings you by?” Richard greeted him affably.
Wes switched his gaze back to the man in front of him, realizing by the amusement in his eyes that Richard was totally messing with him. He obviously knew what had happened between him and Natalie, so it was pretty clear what Wes was doing there. But just in case Richard needed him to spell it out, he did.
“I’m here to talk to Natalie,” he said. “Privately, if you don’t mind.”
“Nope, don’t mind at all,” Richard replied and moved back to let him in. “She’s all yours. Literally,” he added with a knowing wink that helped Wes to gauge Natalie’s frame of mind—and where she stood emotionally.
After giving the other man a grateful nod, Wes walked into the condo a few steps, then glanced back at Richard, only to find him blatantly staring at his ass. Really?
“Eyes up here, dude,” Wes said, pointing to his face, though he wasn’t at all offended but, rather, amused. “And you need to stop staring at my ass. It’s not polite.”
Richard laughed. “Damn, it’s a really nice one. You two kids play nice,” he said, then he was gone, closing the door behind him.
Wes looked back at Natalie, seeing the hope in her eyes that hit him square in the chest and made him realize what he’d almost lost for good. And it was that thought that prompted him to walk across the living room to her, and when he reached where she stood and she looked up at him with those big, gorgeous blue eyes, he didn’t even hesitate to frame her jaw in his hands and tip her mouth up to his for a kiss.
The moment his lips touched hers, she moaned softly, her body swaying toward his, telling him everything he needed to know. She wanted him, just as much as he wanted and needed her. And Jesus, the knowledge almost brought him to his knees.
He had so much to tell her. So much to say, and even though it was one of the most difficult things he had to do, he ended the kiss. But he didn’t let her go. He held on to her face, gently, tenderly. The vulnerable gleam in her eyes matched the one in his heart. A heart he’d never given to anyone before, and he was suddenly glad about that, because it only belonged to one person. This incredible woman who held it in the palm of her hand. Every part of it.
“Tell me, Minx,” he said in a soft command as his thumbs stroked her cheeks. “Tell me what I want to hear. What I desperately need to know.”
“Wes . . .” Her voice quivered with uncertainties.
He understood, and he sought to reassure her. “Trust me, baby. Take the leap. I’m here to catch you. I’ll always be here to catch you. Trust me.”
He knew he was asking for a lot, and as he stared into her eyes, he saw the greatest gift he knew he’d ever receive from this woman. It was confidence and exhilaration and a tenderness he wasn’t quite sure he deserved but he’d do everything in his power to earn.
“I love you,” she whispered, and Jesus, his heart fucking soared. “I love you so much, Wes Sinclair.”
He didn’t make her wait for his own leap of faith. “I love you, Natalie Prescott. More than I ever believed was possible.”
She shook her head. “But you didn’t say anything last night . . . ”
He didn’t mention that she’d withheld her feelings as well, because really, at this point, who cared? “You never gave me the chance. And once you told me about Atlanta, I thought you’d made up your mind and that I would be the last person you’d stay in Chicago for.”
“You would be wrong,” she said, placing her hands on his chest and leaning closer into him. “Very wrong.”
“I’ve never been happier to be wrong,” he teased as he pressed his forehead to hers, a happy smile curving his mouth. “And just so you know, being wrong doesn’t happen often.”
She laughed. “No, I imagine it doesn’t.”
He kissed her again, reveling in the open way she responded and the fact that he had endless days with her to enjoy more kisses. Daily kisses. Morning kisses and evening kisses. And even some in between, at work . . . Oh, yeah, work.
He lifted his head so he could look into her eyes, so she could see how serious he was. “You’re staying right here in Chicago with me. And you’re going to work at Premier Realty as a broker. I talked to all the guys earlier today, and we all agree that we want you there. It’s stupid not having you work there, and I’ll admit it was because of my personal insecurities. Which I swear we’ll work through.” That’s why he hadn’t come sooner. He’d had a meeting with the guys to ensure they were all on the same page. Or rather, for Wes to prove to friends that he’d finally pulled his head out of his ass and was making the right choice for the firm and not just himself.
Her eyes went wide, and she shook her head. “I don’t need that,” she insisted. “I only need you.”
“You have me. Exclusively. And the deal is nonnegotiable.”
Her smile was huge and intoxicating. “As long as you’re part of the package, I accept.”
“Oh, baby, I am.” He swept her up into his arms and took her into the bedroom, where he pulled off that cable-knit sweater so he had access to all the creamy skin beneath.
He stripped off her bra and panties but made her leave those hot-as-fuck knee-high socks on her legs. Once he was completely naked, he joined her on the mattress, moving over her and settling right where he wanted to spend every single night for the rest of his days. In her bed. In her arms. Between her soft, welcoming thighs.
He braced his arms next to her head and looked into her eyes, already dark and needy with desire. All for him. They had so many more things to talk about. Details and plans for the future and figuring out how to make everything between them work. He knew it wouldn’t always be easy and there would undoubtedly be obstacles for them to overcome. He expected there to be bumps in the road while the two of them navigated this relationship thing that was so new to him.
He was wholly committed to her, and they’d already established the most important thing between them, and that was being in love. The rest would come.
Thank you for reading BIG SHOT. We hope you enjoyed Wes and Natali
e’s story! We would appreciate it if you would help others enjoy this book by leaving a review at your preferred e-tailer. Thank you!
Up next, Max Sterling in FAKING IT.
Confirmed bachelor Max Sterling isn’t into rescuing damsels in distress, but when the very tempting Hailey Ellison needs his help, there’s only one thing for him to do. Step in and pose as her loving fiancé. Except there is nothing fake about his attraction to her, or how much he wants her beneath him in his bed, moaning his name. But what starts as a fun, flirty, temporary engagement quickly becomes something more serious that neither one ever anticipated.
Order FAKING IT today!
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ABOUT THE AUTHORS
CARLY PHILLIPS
Carly Phillips is the N.Y. Times and USA Today Bestselling Author of over 50 sexy contemporary romance novels featuring hot men, strong women and the emotionally compelling stories her readers have come to expect and love. Carly is happily married to her college sweetheart, the mother of two nearly adult daughters and three crazy dogs (two wheaten terriers and one mutant Havanese) who star on her Facebook Fan Page and website. Carly loves social media and is always around to interact with her readers. You can find out more about Carly at www.carlyphillips.com.
ERIKA WILDE
Erika Wilde is the author of the sexy Marriage Diaries series and The Players Club series. She lives in Oregon with her husband and two daughters, and when she’s not writing you can find her exploring the beautiful Pacific Northwest. For more information on her upcoming releases, please visit website at www.erikawilde.com.