"Hi. I didn't think I'd ever hear from you again."
"What? Why? Didn't you have fun the other night?"
I know he's feigning disbelief as to why I thought he wouldn't call. He knows as well as I do that he has a reputation for bedding women. It makes me jealous even to think about how many he's been with.
"I didn't think you'd call because I figured that I was just another one-night stand, a notch on your bedpost," I say honestly.
When I'm honest, it catches him off guard. I love to tell the truth to him so that he knows that I know exactly what he's up to. He's not going to play me without my full and total willingness to be played.
"You've been listening to too many rumors," he says.
"You think?"
"I'm calling for reason," he says, smooth as ever. "I want to take you out tonight. I can't stop thinking about you, Claire."
His words cause a nervous excitement to bubble up within me, but I caution myself not to take them too seriously.
"What do you have in mind?" I ask.
"I'll have a car pick you up tonight around nine, okay? Does that time work for you?"
"I have no plans, except for shampooing my hair."
He laughs. "Okay, baby. I'll see you tonight."
He hangs up and I'm left holding the phone, feeling the electricity that pulses between him and me even at a distance. Does he feel this, too? Am I insane to want to date a ladies’ man?
I recall my conversation with Charlotte and about how she wants me to spy on him. This gives me motivation to go out with him.
I have to meet with him to try to steal his ideas, I tell myself. I'm not going to fall for him; it's impossible. I'm smarter than that.
I get back to work and put the full force of my inventive mind into the process. I'm extremely motivated to land this project, so much so that I don't notice the building becoming quiet as everyone has left.
Evening has descended over the city. The days are getting shorter with the coming winter.
The darkness alerts me to the fact that I'm running late. I got lost in my work and now I'll barely have time to get ready before meeting Liam.
I wanted to have a proper bath before seeing him and I'll have to hurry if I'm going to do that.
I close up the office and take a cab to my place.
Once inside my little apartment, I'm completely inspired. I live downtown in a one-bedroom. It's enough space for me. And let me tell you, it's designed perfectly. My environment has to be beautiful or I simply can't function. It's part of being an artist and a designer.
I need to be surrounded by beauty at all times. My place is modern and eclectic. Everything I have tells a story.
The walls are painted dark and I've hung expensive artwork everywhere. Thin curtains make a partition between the living room and the kitchen. Soft, faux fur rugs adorn the floors and crystal chandeliers and pendant lights hang wherever I could find a spot.
But my favorite place is the bedroom. It's ultra-cozy, lined with several duvets and opulent pillows.
My flat screen faces the bed from an angle and I've got stereo speakers installed for when I need to hear music while I'm designing from home.
Even my bathroom is decked out. I light the many candles that surround the tub and then I pour warm, almost hot water into the claw foot bathtub. It's my favorite feature of this apartment.
I've spent entirely too many hours in the bath, reading and just lazing about.
Tonight I have other plans. I undress and am thankful to get my work clothes off. Standing naked in front of the mirror, I analyze every part of my body.
Luckily, I had the foresight to get a spray tan. I didn't know Liam would call, but if he's going to see me naked, at least I'll be at my best.
I play some Sade and turn off the lights. The glow from the dimly lit candles makes the mood more solemn as I sink into the tub with my vibrator.
I fully intend to get off to the image of Liam. It will help to release some of this tension before my date with him so that I'm not practically exploding in front of him.
The music plays softly and the candles flicker as I switch on my vibrator and start to finger myself. I lay my head back against the lip of the tub and think about him.
Dark green eyes penetrate me. Strong shoulders and arms around me. And that giant, massive cock enters me, slowly at first, then more roughly.
I envision the way his huge hands feel on my body. In my mind’s eye, he’s kissing me and it's enough to make me come.
I've never come so quickly in my life. This is proof that I badly want him.
I shiver and quake from all the sensations coursing through my body. My head spins and for a moment I'm lost, out of reality.
I want more.
I give myself a rest and then start again. This time, I imagine that I really am his girlfriend, the only one he has eyes for. This makes me feel safe and my body opens easily to the idea.
I circle the vibrator around my clit and think of that huge cock thrusting into me. I fantasize that I am on top. We're fucking in some huge, king-size bed. I circle my hips so that I can feel every inch of his manhood.
And from this position, he has a perfect view of my tits. He pulls up and starts to suck on one nipple while twisting the other. I ride his cock in a motion that stimulates my G-spot. In my mind, he lies back down and enjoys the view of me coming all around him.
I moan and arch my back against the bathtub. I'm coming almost violently.
The thought of him being in my life in any way is enough to set me over that cliff. I want him so bad. And in this moment of self-stimulation, in the intimate confines of my bathroom, I can let myself dream these things.
It's safe in here to imagine that Liam and I are together. It's okay for me to think of us being an item. It's just a fantasy, right?
In my oversized bathtub, none of the realities of the world exist. I don't have to think about how he's my competition and how he's the biggest player in town.
Instead, I can just dream.
I've come twice and I figure that's good for now. If I don't hurry, I'll be late. Plus, he’s sending a car.
That reminds me that Liam operates in an entirely different sphere than I do. He's used to limos, penthouses, travel, and private clubs. All of this is out of my realm and it's just very different than how I live my life.
My apartment is modest, my business is small, and I take an Uber almost everywhere. I feel nervous to be a part of his glamorous lifestyle. I feel like I just won't be enough.
I shampoo my hair and scrub myself with rose oil soap. I drain the tub and then pour sweet almond oil all over my body so that my skin will be silky soft. I put on all manner of essential oils so that he will love my scent, but not be able to define it.
Quickly, I blow dry my hair and glance at my phone to see the time. 8:45. Fuck.
I have to hurry. I go to my closet and pull out a little black dress. It's my go-to for the first date and it never fails.
I step into the dress and put on a lacy thong, no bra. Then I slide my feet into some pretty black high heels, grab my fluffiest faux fur coat, put some lipstick into my purse, and I'm out the door.
I make my way to the lobby of my apartment. The doorman nods at me.
Outside, the air is getting crisp and I'm glad I brought a nice coat. There's the town car waiting and I know it's for me. I take in a deep breath and realize I'm about to go see him, this guy I'm obsessed with.
The thought of seeing him makes me extremely nervous in that wonderful way. I never want this feeling to end. And yet, I scold myself that I need to know better. I can’t trust him.
The driver gets out and says, "Are you Claire?"
"Yes, I am."
Then he opens the door for me and I get in. The black leather seats are cold against my skin. It does something to cool my burning loins.
Here goes nothing.
Liam
Where the fuck is she?
I'm not used t
o waiting.
Normally, women are so excited to be with me that they arrive early, if not at least on time.
But not Claire. She apparently has to be defiant in every way. Whether she's late on purpose or not, she probably has left me waiting in some unconscious way. I know she's fighting the fact that we could be together. I know she's fighting her feelings.
Why couldn’t she would just embrace me and the moment, and quit worrying about the future? I certainly don't think about it. I just want her, tonight. One step at a time.
I've picked a private restaurant called The Rare Well to dine in. It requires VIP access which, of course, I have. I like places that are private, and that normal people don't get into.
Besides, this place is romantic. This table is set with tall candles and crystal and roses. It's dimly lit, and our table is away from prying eyes, by the window.
I'm aiming to impress her. Normally, I don't go all out for a girl but Claire's somehow different. I want her to think highly of me. And I know she deserves the best.
She walks in unbelievably half an hour late. For a moment I'm taken aback by how hot she looks. She's got some kind of small black dress on and killer heels. Her legs are defined, and I imagine spreading them wide and entering her.
I note the fact that she looks anxious and that pleases me. She should feel anxious around me. I'm gonna make her come from here into eternity.
I rise to greet her and kiss her on both cheeks. The hostess takes her fluffy fur coat and I'm glad that Claire will have nothing to cover up with for the remainder of the dinner.
We sit down, and I reprimand her for being late. I don't wait for anyone.
"You're late," I say with an unyielding tone.
She senses my displeasure and that makes me happy. She should know I'm not like other men. I won't be at her beck and call, rather she'll be at mine.
"I'm sorry Liam, I was working late and then in the...bath a little too long."
My eyes narrow upon her as I digest the meaning of what she said. She was in the bath, huh?
Suddenly, I feel like being less stern. I wonder what she was doing in there and who she was thinking about?
I decide to drop it.
"Well, you look beautiful," I say to her honestly.
She looks like a million bucks. This girl could be a supermodel. What is she doing in the design world when she could so easily make money off her looks?
It's refreshing to date someone that looks like a supermodel but who can also relate to me during conversations. I love that Claire and I have the same interests because were in the same field of business. It makes me feel like I could talk to her for hours about anything.
"Thank you, Liam, really that means a lot," she says.
God, this girl cannot be sweeter. She's like a princess, strong but determined, bold yet sensitive. She's a walking contradiction. She's complicated.
And that turns me on probably more than anything else.
I love a good challenge, an interesting puzzle, and I love that there are many layers to her. I'm dying to unwrap her and to see what's inside. You can't take her at face value. She's beautiful yes, but she also has a lot going on inside and that interests me more than anything.
"So, do you like the place of picked out?" I ask.
She looks around the room and before giving her reply.
"Actually, all of this glamour is a little hard for me to take in. It's beautiful here, yes, but I'm not used to this kind of lifestyle."
"Is that so?" I ask. "Well, you needn't feel that way. It's only money."
"No, Liam, you don't understand. I don't dine in places like this. I eat frozen dinners like every night."
I laugh. Her humility is humorous and becoming.
"So you don't like my choice?" I tease.
"The decor in here inspires me. As a designer, aesthetics are everything."
“Then you will love my penthouse. It was designed by one of the foremost architects in the city."
"I'm sure I will," she says.
"How about we order some wine? I know they have a great vintage here," I offer.
"Yes, that'd be great."
She looks a little nervous and the apprehension turns me on. My cock is getting hard beneath my pants and it's starting to get uncomfortable sitting here like this. I wish I could take her to the powder room and fuck her brains out. But no, Claire's a lady and I will treat her as such, for the time being.
The waiter comes over and I order a bottle of their finest red.
Soon we are dining and drinking, and it feels like the perfect evening.
"So, how's your campaign going for Velvet Luxe?" Claire asks.
I think about her question for a minute and decide how much I should divulge.
"It's going really well, actually. My team is working hard on it," I say.
"Mine too," she says over a sip of wine. "Actually, it's just me. I don't want anybody touching this project except for me. It's that important and it's that exciting."
"I guess that makes us different, doesn't it?" I say to her, probing her for reaction. "You see, I tend to delegate and to trust my people.
She looks slightly pissed.
"I trust my team, Liam. But I also like to get my hands dirty in the creative process."
"Like I said, we're different," I say.
"I guess we are," is all she says.
I have a feeling she doesn't respect the way I work. This could be our biggest point of contention. But I know that by doing everything herself, Claire is setting herself up for failure. It's important to commission work to other people. This, I think, is why her company is failing.
I'm anxious to turn the conversation away from work. I know Evan wants me to spy on her and to try to gain access to her ideas, but I know I won't be able to do that over dinner. There's no way she's gonna tell me what she's working on.
Instead, I turn the conversation away from work to something more substantial. I want to take the opportunity to get to know her.
"So where did you go to school?" I ask.
"Oh, a design school on the West Coast. From there I made it my mission to build up my own company. I never wanted to work for a suit, in the corporate world, and I still don't," she says.
She says the words and I know she's referring to me. I'm the ultimate suit.
"Well, the corporate world isn't so bad. There are perks, vacations, a gym, and a very ample bonus structure."
Her blue eyes stare directly into my own and I feel the heat, the connection between us.
"I'm not interested in that. I'm interested in working in a flexible, innovative environment. I'm inspired by beauty, not the money," she says without flinching.
Again, she's so direct. I'm not sure if I love it or hate it. I have a mind to bend her over my knee and to spank that tight little ass.
Every time she defies me and opposes what I say, it makes me want her more. It makes me want to dominate her into submission. Let her try to resist me then.
This has been an interesting evening, but it's not over yet. Internally, I make it my personal mission to make sure that Claire will be begging for it tonight.
We finish our wine and I offer to take her on a little stroll around the city before going back to my penthouse.
Claire
I hear the clacking of our shoes along the pavement and the crunching of the leaves underneath our feet as we walk, with no real destination in mind—or at least, not to my knowledge.
The air is crisp enough that I’d be uncomfortable without my jacket on, but right now, I’m toasty and content with it draped across my shoulders.
The company isn’t too bad, as well.
Liam is such a fucking dashing guy—although he is intimidating with his expensive tastes. Thankfully, tonight, I’m enjoying our quaint, aimless stroll around the city—as opposed to being wined and dined like usual. I feel like I really have a chance to get to know him better in quiet, genuine moments like this.
&nb
sp; We walk a couple of blocks in silence, just enjoying each other’s presence. Not long into our stroll, the breeze really starts picking up, the whistle of the night’s wind starting to blow.
It passes through us, and my dress waves effortlessly along, making me well aware of how easy-access I am tonight. I wonder if Liam has noticed, too…
The mere thought has me burning with desire.
I imagine his hands trailing along the length of my thigh, gripping my skirt and pushing it up, higher and higher until my pussy is protected only by thin fabric—
Get it together, Claire! I scold myself. Live in the fucking moment, would you?
I feel my cheeks flush red when Liam suddenly turns to me. “Is there anywhere you’d like to go? Any particular thing you want to see?”
“Oh, no. Not really. I’m following your lead tonight,” I respond, thankful for the interruption of my thoughts.
He raises an eyebrow at me and gives me a dazzling smile.
I wonder what he has in mind?
We continue walking, and more and more, I enjoy the scenic path we’ve decided to take. There are many trees stripping themselves of their leaves, beautiful colors all around, and tall, old buildings—the kind with so much character that you just can’t tear them down to make room for new ones.
I am completely captivated by this sight, by the breeze, by the subdued romanticism of everything that’s happening—which is why I’m caught off guard when Liam suddenly presses me against a wall.
He touches his lips to mine. Yet another pleasant interruption.
Surprised, I gasp before immediately kissing him back.
His lips are full and soft. Every feature of his is spectacular, but there’s just something about those lips.
His tongue finds mine, and as the two dance together, the wind comes whistling through again...but this time I’m so warm I barely notice it, not until I feel air where my skirt should be.
As we kiss, Liam hovers over me. I lift my leg to his crotch and rub my knee against his hard cock, bulging through his pants. His hands find my thigh, just like in my fantasies, except his hand right now is sliding smoothly higher, coming closer and closer to my sopping wet pussy.
The Marriage Mistake_A Billionaire Hangover Romance Page 113