by Abby Wilkes
Lacey
He claims me again that night. And again. Only interrupted by a bath—and another glass of champagne, accompanied by a little snack that he orders up to our suite. It’s the perfect hedonistic getaway, and I’m beginning to feel sad about the fact that this will be a one time thing.
The sleep that follows our play is as close to drug-induced unconsciousness as I’ve ever been.
When I open my eyes the next morning, it’s way past 10 am, and he’s lying next to me, smiling sleepily. I’m completely naked, only surrounded by the sheets and his arms.
"Good morning, kid," he whispers and pulls me closer to plant a little kiss on my cheek.
"Good morning, Sir," I reply. "Did you sleep well?"
He nods. "Surprisingly good."
"Surprising?" I ask. "After that night…"
He chuckles. "I guess you're right, it shouldn't be surprising. But it is to me."
"Why is that?"
He sighs and looks at me.
"You know," he whispers. "I don't like sleeping next to other people. It isn’t good rest for me. Usually."
I snuggle closer to him, amazed at how good he smells. And he looks confusingly cute with his ruffled morning hair. I never imagined I would ever see Mr. Cooper, my former boss, this way.
"Usually?" I ask.
"Usually," he repeats. "Different with you, though."
I can feel my heart jumping. Does he feel it, too? Might there be a little spark inside him that’s telling him to do things differently this time? Maybe this could be more than a one time thing.
He looks at me thoughtfully, raising his eyebrow.
"Do you think there's a chance for us to do this again?" he asks.
I smile up at him, thoroughly happy. "Yes, Sir. Definitely. If that’s what you want."
He ponders for a moment, gently stroking along my upper arm as he stares at the ceiling above us.
"I think I do," he whispers. "I want that. I need to see more of you."
"I’m happy to hear that, Mr. Cooper," I whisper.
“Erik,” he says. “Call me Erik.”
He squeezes me and plants another kiss on my cheek.
"There is something about you," he whispers. "It saddens me to know so little about you. About Lacey. The girl outside the office—and outside the bedroom."
I smile up at him.
"It’s rare for me to feel this comfortable with someone after such a short time," he continues. "And if that happens, it’s too special to ignore. I need to find out more about the person who’s turning my head. That young, beautiful, and talented woman I have such wonderful chemistry with."
He gently caresses my cheek with the tip of his finger.
"I need to know all about you," he whispers.
"All?" I ask, casting him a naughty smile. "Are you sure? You might not like some of it."
He smirks. "I'll take that risk. Gladly."
I reach up and take his hand into mine. He’s so warm, so familiar and affectionate.
"Where should I start?" I ask.
He looks at me with a loving smile and sighs.
"From the beginning."
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