by Piper Rayne
The corset I’d chosen for her—I knew she’d secretly love the sweet, feminine color—looked far more sinful than sweet on her body. The boning of the garment narrowed her already slim waist further, creating curves that my hands itched to touch. Her breasts were pushed so far up, they almost spilled out. She wore the matching panties, which I knew were only a scrap of lace. Sure enough, when she turned to show me the entire effect, and her perfectly round peach bottom was fully exposed to me, it was confirmed.
Unwittingly, I let out a low growl and stepped toward her. “What are you doing, Abigail?”
She turned to me, her face a mixture of defiance and desire. “Isn’t this why you bought it? Because you wanted to see it?”
She was playing a dangerous game. In more ways than one. And she knew it.
I didn’t miss the way her nostrils flared, her eyes narrowed in challenge as she refocused on me.
“Abigail.” I worked hard to keep my voice under control. As it was, it came out low and gruffer than I wanted it to. But I couldn’t help it. The sight of her was doing things to me. Still. I needed to stay in control. “You don’t want to—”
“You have no idea what I want.”
I was pretty sure I did. I just didn’t know why.
Her tongue slipped from between her lips and licked slowly along her plump bottom lip.
Two steps, and I was in front of her. Without thinking, I grabbed her forearms and held her tight. The need to kiss her, to taste her after all this time, was almost too strong to resist.
She tipped her head up, her eyes closed.
More than anything, I wanted to feel her lips on mine, her body pressed against mine.
I inhaled slowly. She waited.
No. Not like this.
I released her and swiftly walked back to my desk, where I put both hands flat against the hard surface and dropped my head, dragging in one deep breath after another.
I couldn’t breathe with her so close. Let alone half naked.
Behind me, I heard her make a noise. But before I could react, Abigail grabbed my arm and tugged. I spun around to see her beautiful face flushed a sexy shade of red, her mouth set in a line of determination.
“Abigail, I—”
“I told you. My name is Abby.”
She pushed her slight body up against me. Hard. She moved a bare leg between mine and pressed against my throbbing erection with her thigh, right before she took my face in her hands and kissed me.
I hoped like hell I wasn’t making a mistake. It was a risk, to be sure. But…
There was something between us. There always had been. It would just be better to get it out of the way. The tension, the unspoken need.
No more games.
I wasn’t the unsure twenty-something he remembered. I’d changed. I’d learned. And I knew enough now that if I was ever going to get what I wanted, I had to go after it.
So I kissed him.
And the moment my lips touched his, all of my bravado melted away because…damn.
I definitely wasn’t going to be able to get him out of my system. The touch of his lips had stirred up a whole lot more than unfinished business.
Taken off guard, his lips resisted, but only for a second before they softened and melted into the kiss. For a second, I thought he might push me away again, but then one hand clamped around my waist to hold me tight, while the other twined through my hair as his tongue found mine and plunged into my mouth, deepening the kiss.
Yes. This is what I’d wanted. And so much more. Phillip had always kissed me as if his life depended on it. That hadn’t changed.
My entire body lit up with a desire so intense my knees buckled. I groaned and pressed into him harder, using my thigh to rub his swollen erection.
He moaned, and used my hair to tug my head back before his mouth found the sensitive skin on my neck. He sucked, nipped, and even bit down a little; the slight shot of pain traveled through me and intensified the throbbing between my legs.
It had started as a challenge to myself and sure, maybe a little bit of spite, too. But now that I was here with Phillip’s mouth on my hot skin, I wanted more. Needed more.
As if answering my unasked plea, he slid his hands down my body and over my exposed bottom. He cupped my flesh and squeezed, before scooping me up. I wrapped my legs around his waist and pressed against him, kissing him with abandon as Phillip turned me around and set me on his desk.
Yes.
Finally.
I groaned and tipped my head back as his hands worked their way down my body, exploring and teasing over the pink silk and lace of the corset.
“Yes.” The word was a moan on my lips. “Phillip. It’s always been…” My words faded away and he stilled. Waiting. “I…”
How could I tell him how I felt when I didn’t even know myself?
Instead, I chickened out and simply said, “I missed you.”
He jerked away from me so quickly I almost lost my balance on the desk. I felt the loss of his nearness, of his fingers, of his touch, as if he’d thrown a bucket of water on me.
“What the…”
Phillip had turned away from me and was zipping his pants.
My mind raced. What the hell? He’d set this up. He’d planned it all. He’d bought the sexy lingerie. I was so confused. He had to want this the way I did.
And I did. I wanted him.
“You should go.”
“Phillip, I…” I what? “I’m sorry…” I wasn’t exactly sure what I was apologizing for. The money? For coming on to him? For saying whatever it was that I said that stopped this?
I didn’t know. And it didn’t matter because he still wouldn’t look at me.
He was rejecting me, again.
“No.” Confusion, hurt, and rejection welled up in me. Still, he didn’t turn around. “I mean, yes. I am sorry. But I…I just don’t know why I’m here, Phillip, and I…” I blinked hard. I would not cry. Not now that I’d just thrown myself at him and he’d pushed me away.
There was only so much one woman could take.
“Do you know why I’m here?” I lowered my voice, unsure whether I could even say what I was thinking. It was easier that he wasn’t looking at me. I took a deep breath. “Not because you made me a deal, or I did something I shouldn’t have, or I was scared to lose my job.” I swallowed hard.
“I’m here because it was you, Phillip. Because it’s always been…”
I couldn’t believe what I was saying. All these years, and I’d never even allowed myself to think such things, let alone say them aloud.
When he turned to look at me, I saw the pain and hurt in his eyes for the first time. The confusion and the…what?
“It’s always been what?” He didn’t wait for an answer. He scrubbed a hand over his face and shook his head. “I don’t blame you if you want to leave. And as I said before, the deal is off. You can go whenever you want. I don’t want you to ever…I can’t bear you thinking less of me…”
He turned again and walked to the window, his back to me.
I’d been dismissed. Or discarded. Or…I just didn’t know.
Confused and more hurt than I cared to admit, I did the only thing I could think of to do.
I left.
Chapter Five
I could have walked away. And maybe I should have. But I didn’t.
After I ran out of Phillip’s office, humiliated and confused, hurt and pissed off and…all the things, and I got back to my room, I hate to admit it, but I saw the shower that had at least two giant shower heads in it and a steam function, and I just couldn’t pass it up.
Just a shower, I told myself. Then I’d leave.
But after spending almost an hour under the hot water, I was feeling better. Well, not better better, but not quite so hurt. And when I came out of the bathroom, wrapped in only a towel, I could see Mrs. Mclean had been there.
A tray with meats and cheeses, fresh fruit, and a bottle of wine was laid out on the tabl
e by the window.
I looked for a note, disappointed there wasn’t one. So I popped a grape in my mouth and picked up my phone to check the group chat I had with the girls.
There were at least ten messages, looking for details.
I poured myself a glass of wine, sat, and filled them in.
Fifteen minutes later, I’d finished the glass and caught the girls up on my humiliation.
If you couldn’t be honest with your best friends, who could you be honest with?
What I didn’t tell them was that the whole thing had started with just having a little fun and getting him out of my system, but I’d been terribly wrong. Because the moment my lips were on his, every single feeling I’d ever had that I thought I’d buried deep all those years ago came flooding back.
I couldn’t admit it out loud yet, but I was one hundred percent sure I still had feelings for Phillip. Which was also why I’d decided to stay.
Never mind that the wine and snacks were delicious and I was feeling very tired and that four-poster bed looked so much more inviting than my old single mattress in my crappy apartment. A good night’s sleep would help me see clearly.
I slept in almost to noon the next day. The bed was magic!
In the morning, with no note or message, I went in search of answers and found them with Mrs. Mclean in the kitchen.
As if she’d expected me, she slid a plate of eggs Benedict in front of me and handed me a cup of coffee.
“Mr. Conrad is out for the day. He had something to take care of at the office.”
I picked up the mug of coffee that had been poured for me and hoped my disappointment didn’t show on my face. One cream, one sugar. Just the way I liked it.
“He requested you make yourself at home and enjoy the pool if it suited you. He also asked me to tell you that he would still very much like you to accompany him tonight.” She watched me closely for a reaction.
“I will.” I glanced up. “I’ll be ready on time tonight, not to worry.”
I added the last part for Phillip, who, if I didn’t know better, had security cameras all over this house. After all, it was how he’d made his millions. He’d be watching. No matter what had happened last night, I’d be there.
I wanted him to know that.
There was only one dress hanging in the closet that would be suitable for a function at the pretentious country club. Aspen Valley might be a small town in a valley at the edge of the mountains, but that didn’t stop the members of the club from behaving as if they were very important.
Aspen Valley was known for being full of millionaires, and more and more billionaires. With the hot summers and mild winters, it was a little pocket of paradise for the wealthy to golf, entertain, and show off their money on the lake with their ridiculous boats.
I was raised modestly as an “other” in Aspen Valley. Until the summer I met Phillip, and then subsequently Daniel, I’d been sure I would follow a similar path as my friends: college and a job, or married with children, working an unassuming job that supported the rich residents. Never in a million years had I thought I would ever be one of them.
And now I wasn’t.
I spun in the mirror and took in the length of the blue, shiny dress. It was slit high on my thigh, just short of scandalous. The fabric hugged my body in the most flattering way, pushing my breasts up and together, in a way that I knew would have more than one tongue wagging.
I loved it.
My rejection from the night before still stung, but when I walked down the hall into the foyer where Phillip was waiting, looking like some sort of GQ model in his tux, my heart stopped and did a little flutter in my chest before starting up again.
Even from a distance, I could see his nostrils flare and his eyes darken. He liked what he saw.
Yes. There was definitely something going on with him. How could he push me away one moment, but look like he could eat me up the next? He was behaving as if nothing had happened between us the night before. As if I hadn’t thrown myself at him. As if we hadn’t shared the most passionate kiss I’d ever had. As if he hadn’t wanted me as badly as I wanted him. As if he hadn’t pushed me away.
Instead, he flashed his sexy smile at me. “You look ravishing.” He held a hand out for me, which I took. I tried to ignore the spark that rushed through me at his touch. He pulled me close and gave me a chaste kiss on the cheek.
“Ravishing?” I teased. “Interesting choice.”
“There really is no other word to describe you, Abigail.” Phillip looked at me seriously. “Are we…are we okay?”
His vulnerability softened any leftover tension I felt from the night before. I nodded. “For now.”
“I’ll take it.” His handsome grin once more slid over his face. “Are you ready for this? For these people? There will be questions.”
“I’m counting on it.”
But what I wasn’t counting on was how hard it was to actually be with Phillip. To have his hand on my back guiding me through the room, his arm around my waist holding me close, almost possessively as we made small talk with the other club members. My entire body was on alert. Every nerve ending acutely aware of his proximity and how good it felt to be with him. Even if it wasn’t real.
Together, we fielded inquiries from nosy members.
“Interesting to see you together. Are you…”
“Enjoying our evening?” Phillip would say, playing dumb. “Absolutely. And doesn’t Abigail look ravishing?”
I smiled politely and let Phillip do most of the talking. It was easier to stay quiet, making my thoughts known with a few pointed looks before Phillip swept me away to say hello to someone else.
Finally, I needed a break. There was only so much small talk I could make.
I excused myself to the ladies’ room, which was mercifully empty. I quickly locked myself into a stall and whipped out my cell phone from the tiny clutch I carried.
Everything felt so surreal. Being at the club. Phillip. The feelings crashing through me. It was a lot. I needed to touch base with reality.
This is crazy.
I quickly texted the group chat.
What am I doing here?
It only took a second before a reply appeared. Jessie.
I can’t imagine how weird it is. Take a breath.
I nodded. I could almost see her reassuring smile. I did as she suggested and inhaled deeply.
How’s Phillip?
It was Britt who asked. Before I could reply, Darla chimed in.
Sexy as hell I bet.
I couldn’t help but laugh a little as I typed my reply.
Definitely! Also…I don’t know…being with him feels…
I chickened out. I still couldn’t tell my best friends that despite everything I was still in love with the man.
Don’t overthink it, Abby. Your heart knows what to do.
I blinked twice at Sandy’s comment. I was positive she disapproved of the very fact that I was there. Before I could reply, the bathroom door opened and I heard voices. I quickly texted my good-bye to the group chat and tucked my phone away as I heard a familiar nasally voice say, “Can you even believe the nerve of her to show up here?”
Janine Lister. Inwardly, I groaned.
“Right? And looking like…that.” Another voice I vaguely recognized as Bitsy Neville chimed in.
I rolled my eyes because I knew perfectly well that Bitsy was just jealous. She couldn’t eat a grape without gaining five pounds.
“And with Phillip Conrad. Do you think they’ve been sleeping together all these years?”
I bristled, but stayed put.
“Definitely,” Bitsy agreed. “It’s no secret that Phillip’s been desperately in love with her forever.”
It wasn’t?
“But to bring her here, of all places? After she stole all our money. I can’t—”
“Why, hello, ladies.” I couldn’t take it anymore. With a smile I didn’t feel pasted on my face, I stepped from the stall.
The shock of their faces was almost reward enough for having to listen to their vitriol. “Sounds like you’re having an exciting night.” I stepped between them to the sink, where I washed my hands and dried them with one of the plush hand towels. I took my time, both Janine and Bitsy watching, open-mouthed but silent, until I was done.
I tossed my hair back and straightened as I turned to face them. I looked each of them in the eye and smiled as sweetly as I could. “I’m glad that Phillip and I can provide you with something to talk about in your boring, empty lives.”
Janine’s mouth opened and shut like a dying fish, but she couldn’t seem to find anything to say.
“Have a great night, ladies. I don’t want to leave my date waiting.”
I walked confidently past them but the second I was in the hall, I took a deep, gulping breath. I did my best to put on a strong front, but I was rapidly hitting my limit. I didn’t know how much more of this I could take.
Chapter Six
I saw it the moment Abigail stepped back into the ballroom.
Something had happened.
I excused myself from the conversation I wasn’t paying attention to anyway, grabbed a glass of champagne from a nearby waiter, and went directly to her.
As if it were the most natural thing in the world—which it felt like—I slipped my arm around her waist and handed her the glass as I spoke into her ear. “You look like you could use this.”
She trembled ever so slightly in my arm as I held her fast. Whatever had happened, it had definitely shaken her. But she was strong—again, one of the things I loved about her.
Abigail had every reason not to walk into the club with me, especially after the way I’d pushed her away the night before, but she had. With her head held high. She was amazing and courageous. Even if she was having a moment right now, I was already so proud of her for coming this far with me.