“We sure are,” I assured her, and the door to the cabin opened. “Come on, let’s get out of here. I need to get to the hotel and email Neil.”
We went outside and stepped into the car that was waiting for us. I held the door for Mona, but she was so tired, I wasn’t sure she even noticed.
She slumped into the back seat, her bag clutched on her lap, and her head hanging as we pulled away and made our way through the warm promise of the London night.
It wasn’t the first time I’d been to London. I’d come years ago when we first started making real money at the company, and I was determined to make the most of it while I still could. That was years ago, though, and the city had changed a lot since then. Even what little I could see out the dark windows, had changed big time, and I couldn’t wait for the meeting to be over with so I could enjoy myself a little and get a better look around.
I’d only have a day or two in town before I had to fly back out, but I intended to make the most of it, all the same.
We arrived at the hotel, and I reached over to wake Mona. She lifted her head, opened her eyes, and frowned at me, as though pissed she’d been dragged from her peaceful slumber.
“We’re here.” I nodded up at the hotel, and she peered out the window, raising her eyebrows.
“Holy cow, is this actually where we’re staying?”
She looked over at me as we climbed out of the vehicle. I nodded and shrugged.
“It’s pretty nice,” I agreed and it was an understatement.
The building towered over us, a twenties-style façade on the outside and an enormous entryway covered by a gold and red canopy that glowed in the light of the street.
Mona hooked her bag over her shoulder and we went inside.
“Good evening,” I said as I arrived at reception, which was manned by an immaculately well put together woman around the same age as me.
From the looks of this hotel, it was the kind of place that hired people when they were eighteen and trained them until they were experts at their jobs.
She offered me a tight smile in greeting as I leaned up on the counter.
“Paulson and Richards? We should have rooms booked with the Masterson account,” I explained as Mona yawned widely beside me, trying to cover her mouth with her hand.
“I have a room under Paulson here,” the woman replied. “But nothing under Richards.”
“What?”
“It’s a double room.”
She glanced over at Mona and caught a glimpse of the ring she’d jokingly moved to her wedding finger on the flight.
“For you and your wife?”
“No, we’re not-”
I shook my head, and looked over at Mona.
“Two beds?” Mona asked the receptionist, and she glanced down at the screen.
“Just one,” she replied.
Mona looked up at me.
“I need to get some sleep,” she murmured, her eyes bleary. “I don’t mind if you don’t.”
“Fine,” I replied, maybe a little too quickly. “Can we book in?”
“Of course.”
We quickly got our keys and climbed into the elevator to head up to our room. Mona swayed on her feet, obviously exhausted, and as soon as we got into the room, she dumped her bag, kicked off her shoes, and crawled into the enormous bed at the center. Then, she turned over and looked around the room.
“Holy hell, look at this place,” she said, pushing herself up on to her forearms to look around.
I had to admit, the place was stunning – luxurious in that understated way the British did so well. Lots of polished wood, heavy curtains, thick carpets, the kind of place that a couple might splurge on for a romantic weekend.
“I should have a shower,” she mumbled as she got to her feet, heading to the bathroom and grabbing her bag as she did so.
“I think I’m going to get some room service. You want something?” I asked.
I knew it was late and that I would have likely been better off just getting some sleep, but with the meeting late into the morning tomorrow, I knew I could take some time to relax and de-stress before I went to bed.
“Yes, I’d love that,” she called through. “Just get me something light.”
“Will do,” I replied, and grabbed my laptop out of my bag as she pulled the door shut behind her.
I reached for a room service menu as my computer booted up and called reception to order some salad and something sweet to celebrate the fact we were finally here.
I turned to work on my computer, to let Neil know we were here safely and ready to move forward. Before I knew it, there was a knock on the door to let me know my room service had arrived.
I got to my feet, made my way over to the door, and glanced over in the direction of the bathroom – freezing on the spot.
The door had swung open, and Mona hadn’t bothered to pull across the shower curtain. She had her back to me, but I could see more than I ever should have seen. She was washing her hair, arms up over her head, water cascading over her sexy, naked body as she absently hummed to herself.
My eyes widened, and I knew I should have looked away, but it was as if my eyes were pinned to her. And then, of course, she turned around.
“Shit,” I mumbled, slamming the door shut.
She caught me. There was no damn way she hadn’t seen me looking at her. I opened the room door, grabbed the food from the guy, and turned back into the room to dump it all on the bed.
My appetite had vanished. All I could think of was her in that shower, her looking back at me, her eyes wide and her mouth parted as the cool water teased her nipples to attention.
This was going to be a challenge.
Chapter 15
Mona
I climbed out of the shower slowly. Had he really seen me like this, totally naked? I hoped he didn’t think I left the door hanging open intentionally. I was sure I had closed it, but either I was wrong or it had swung open on its own.
My head spun as I dried myself and I quickly slipped into my pajamas. The fabric was thick flannel, cozy, and I was able to forget for a second that my boss had just seen me completely naked.
My stomach rumbled. I was starving, and I couldn’t stay in here forever. Placing my hand on the door handle, I felt as though I might explode with nervousness. I just needed to breeze by this. I was a professional, and nothing that happened would change that.
I opened the door and Oliver was waiting outside, standing at the opposite end of the room, as though placing as much distance between us as possible would somehow shield us from any more uncomfortable situations.
“The food’s here.”
He gestured to the food spread bountifully on the table in front of him. There were a couple of salads and a steaming plate of something.
As I approached, I caught a waft of sweet, heavenly cinnamon, and my mouth began to water. I tentatively approached him and realized that the lights around us were low, the soft glow softening his features and creating a romantic atmosphere.
I wanted to reach out and slip my arms around him, to let him know I didn’t mind him looking at me. In fact, I wanted more. But I knew that I had to remain professional. I was here because I had proven to be an invaluable part of the project and I couldn't jeopardize the deal when we were this close to signing the contract.
I took a seat, pulled one of the salads toward me and began to eat.
“What’s that?” I asked, pointing to the small ramekin in front of me. It was steaming, and the sweet, fruity scent was amazing.
“Apple crumble,” he replied as he took his seat opposite me and began to eat his own salad. “I had it in London before, and it’s really good. Just what we need on a night like tonight.”
“Sounds perfect,” I agreed.
We continued to eat in silence, and I wondered if we were going to acknowledge what had just happened. I certainly wasn’t going to be the one to bring it up.
“So, when’s the meeting tomorrow?”
I finally broke the silence, forcing the words out just to get rid of the awkwardness.
“Eleven, I think,” he replied, glancing at his watch and frowning. “I need to catch up to local time.”
“I’m surprised they didn’t put your watch forward on the plane,” I teased. “They had everything else covered.”
“Yeah, except getting the rooming arrangements right,” he grumbled. “I’m so sorry about this.”
“I mean, we did give them the impression that we were married,” I pointed out through a mouthful of food.
The salad was delicious, and I didn’t even want to think how much the meal in front of us cost.
“Good point,” he grinned. “I guess we should make the most of this place while we can, then.”
“Agreed.” I nodded, reaching for my dessert. “I suggest all room service, all the time.”
“Maybe we could swing dinner at the restaurant downstairs one night,” he suggested. “I read up on it, and it’s meant to be amazing.”
“As long as I get to eat fish and chips at least once while we are in London. I’ve heard it’s the best in the world.”
“I think it’s more a street food than the kind of thing you’d see served at a fancy restaurant,” he replied with a chuckle.
Things were beginning to feel normal again between us, the shower incident successfully blown over.
“Well, then, I’ll just have to roam the streets until I find some,” I replied loftily.
I took a bite of the dessert, and even though it was so hot it burned my mouth, my eyes practically rolled into the back of my head with pleasure.
“Mmm, that’s so good.”
I finished up and stacked the plates carefully on the cart and then wheeled it out into the hallway for housekeeping to take away.
“I should get some sleep,” I said through an exaggerated yawn.
Sliding into bed, I pulled the crisp, heavy comforter over me and closed my eyes. It was colder than I was used to here, and getting under the warm covers was really nice.
“I guess I’ll sleep on the couch, then?” Oliver remarked, and I realized what I’d just done.
Without meaning to, I’d more or less told him I was having the bed.
“I don’t mind,” I blurted out.
“Don’t mind…?”
“I don’t mind if you sleep in the bed with me,” I replied, eyes drifting shut. “I don’t want to get out, but you don’t have to sleep on the couch.”
I yawned again, and my eyes watered with sleepiness, but I felt a jolt of excitement dance through me as he sat down on the bed next to me.
“Are you sure?” he asked cautiously, and his voice was soft.
“I’m sure,” I promised. “Let’s get some sleep. Okay?.”
“Okay,” he agreed, and it was clear that either he was too tired to make a good case for why this might be a bad idea. Either that or he was just as happy as I was to be sleeping together in the same bed.
Yes, it was crossing the line, but I didn’t care. I wanted him near me, even if I couldn’t act on my feelings. It was a bittersweet torment.
He vanished into the bathroom, and I peeked one eye open when he returned to the bed. He was wearing nothing but a pair of pajama pants, and he was so hot I thought I might combust at the sight of him. I closed my eyes as he got closer, and smiled to myself as I felt him climb into bed next to me.
The bed dipped a little and he let out a small sigh, something between comfort and relief. I wanted to turn over, to look at him, and to let him know that if we were going to do this, there was no better time than now.
But I knew I shouldn’t. Not now. Not tonight.
Still, I could smell him, the aftershave that had driven me crazy only a few days before was filling my senses once again.
He was in bed with me. In bed with me! If anyone back at the office knew what was happening, they would have told me I was crazy. If his old assistant could see, she’d be furious. All I knew was I liked this. I could easily get used to it.
Even though I was exhausted when I climbed into bed just a few minutes earlier, I felt as though every muscle in my body had awakened the moment he laid down next to me.
We were so damn close to each other. I could just reached over and lay my hand across his chest.
I craved him. It was visceral, more powerful than any desire I’d had for anyone in my entire life. Maybe it was because I knew that I couldn’t have him that I was so obsessed. I was addicted to dancing around the edge of what was appropriate.
What would happen if we just went for it? Here, in London, so far from the scrutiny of the others at the office that we could almost pretend they didn’t exist. What was the worst that could happen? We could hook up, get it out of our systems, and then be done with it, once and for all.
Or… maybe it would blossom into something more. Maybe that chemistry that seemed to spark off of us at every turn would lift us through and carry us into a real and lasting relationship.
I couldn’t keep the smile off my face, at the thought of it. He could meet my family, my friends, and I could enter into his incredible world of success and reward. If I could just turn over now, just find the nerve to touch him…
I heard him snort and shift lightly, and I knew at once he was asleep. I let out a breath and wasn’t sure whether it was more disappointment or relief. Then, to my complete surprise, I felt him shift toward me in the bed.
Before I knew it, he was behind me, his arm snaking around my waist as he pulled me close. His breath was warm on the back of my neck, and his cock stirred against my ass. I stayed completely still, knowing that if I moved I would wake him up, and he would pull away and apologize for his transgression.
No, I would lie here for a little longer and let myself get lost in the comfort and excitement of his touch.
Chapter 16
Oliver
The sun peeked through the half-drawn curtains as I clung to the warm body next to mine. Mmm. Who was she? I couldn’t remember, and it didn’t matter. I pulled her closer, and she wriggled against me, her firm body tempting against mine.
I buried my nose in her hair and inhaled. She smelled familiar, but I couldn’t put my finger on who she was.
My hand traveled over her stomach and flattened against her skin as she hooked her legs back to intertwine them with mine. My cock was hard, and I could feel her tender little ass against my crotch. Was she too sleepy realize what was happening, or was she fully cognizant and enjoying my torment as I pressed against her?
I groaned softly, and she lifted her head. Suddenly and all at once, I remembered where I knew that scent from.
“Fuck,” I whispered, as I realized the enormous mistake I was about to make .
I rolled away from her on the bed, putting as much distance between us as I could, and she turned over. Thank God she was still asleep.
Gawd. I was grinding up on my unconscious secretary. Thank God she wasn’t awake enough to process it.
I forced myself to get up and out of bed. How could I ever have thought that sharing a bed with Mona could lead to anything but disaster? I should punch myself in the face for making such an irrational decision.
I was thinking with my dick, the image of her wet, naked body etched in my brain.
I moved quickly into the bathroom to shower, memories of Mona’s warm body against mine still fresh in my mind. My cock was rock hard in the shower, and I double-checked the door was locked before I wrapped my hand around it and grabbed it hard.
I wanted to cum while fantasizing about her deliciously sexy body, her beautiful face, her dazzling eyes. I knew if I didn’t, I’d be horny all day. I didn’t want to know how that might manifest itself, considering my defenses had already been weakened by the sight and sensation of her naked body next to mine.
What would have happened if I’d just kept going? Would she have stopped me? If she didn’t, would I? I would have liked to think that I had enough willpower to s
hut it down before it went too far, but I know myself well enough to know I wouldn't have have stopped if she was receptive to my advances.
I let my cock grow long and hard in my hand before I started to run my hand up and down along the length of it. I poured shampoo on my hand to act as a lubricant, and the silky smoothness of the shampoo felt so good. I slid my palm along the underside of my shaft, where it was most sensitive, and squeezed near the base. With my free hand, I reached down to my balls and gently massaged my sack.
With a clear picture of Mona’s perfect mouth in my mind, my cock exploded, sending jets of cum across the shower. I watched as my cum shot against the far wall of the shower.
God, I was so ready to fuck that woman!
I’d never had an orgasm so desperate and so powerful. My cum arced three feet in the air before hitting that far wall.
When I was fully dressed, I peered out around the door to see if she was up and found her with her back to the door pulling up the zip of her dress. She was breathtaking.
“Morning,” I greeted her, and she smiled at me nervously.
“Morning,” she replied. “What time’s the meeting?”
“I guess as soon as the car arrives here.” I shrugged. “I’m not sure how far away their offices are.”
“Sleep well?” she asked, changing the subject, and my stomach swirled.
I regarded her carefully. Was she referring to what happened in bed, or was it just an innocent question?
“Yeah, not bad.” I nodded, averting my gaze in case she could sense what was going on inside my head. “You?”
“Yeah, not bad,” she replied casually. “I kept waking in the night, though. Guess it must be the unfamiliar bed.”
“I’ll make sure they get the sleeping arrangements sorted by the time we get back tonight,” I promised, and she shrugged absently.
“No rush,” she replied, and then immediately flushed as she realized what she’d said. “I mean, not that I want to sleep with you. Share a bed with you, I mean.”
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