”Okay, I'm going to need you to explain yourself, Reid. What is going on?” I pushed the barely eaten sandwich away.
He sighed and took a sip of his water. “Don't think this gets you out of telling me about yourself. I still want to know about you, Addison. I've known you the last three years you've been in my law classes. I’ve seen your work in action from class assignments and discussion. But, I want to know you.”
The statement held so much weight. I didn't know how to take it. Did he want to know me professionally, personally or both? I’d figure that all out later.
I needed to know what it meant I was no longer working for Arlene. Was she no longer working at the firm? What did that mean for the other people reporting to her, Kayla and John? Well, John really worked for Joe, but he still did work for Arlene.
He must have seen the wheels spinning in my head again. “Before we get into all that you’re thinking about, first eat,” he said, pointing to the discarded sandwich. I promise I will explain everything.
I looked at the sandwich. He was right, I was starving. I picked it up and nibbled at the edge. It was delicious. I don't know if it was because I was hungry or if it was because he made it. Either way, it was still delectable. I savored the bite and took another. He nodded and took a bite of his own sandwich.
I started talking, not knowing where the dialog came from, but with him it seemed too easy. “I've always wanted to be a lawyer.; you know, ever since I was little. Growing up there were a couple things with my family, legal battles and such… There was nobody to really stand up for them and represent them. I ended up in corporate law somehow, though. I mean there's nothing wrong with that. There's always the underdog in the corporate world that needs protected, too.” He nodded and indicated for me to continue.
“I can't believe law school's almost over. It seems like I started this journey yesterday, and here I am, about to graduate.”
“Where do you see yourself after graduation? Do you want to stay on with the firm, or do you want to continue on at another practice?” he asked.
I thought about his question. I liked what I did, the job, my clients; it was just my boss…Arlene. But, if what Reid was saying was true, she wouldn’t be a factor. But now this new distraction… I didn’t know about working for him. He wasn't even an employee of the firm. He just showed up and took over. I guess that's the perk of being friends with the managing partner of the firm.
“I like my job. I'm doing important thoughtful work. I'm helping people go after their dream. This merger wouldn't be happening if it wasn’t for what I proposed in my reports. I think it was a damn good proposal and a good business move for all parties involved.” I was damn proud of the work I did on this. No one, not the likes of Arlene or anyone else, would take that away from me.
“It is a sound business move. The partners are pleased with your work. Trust me, they know it was you that did the work, too. Arlene can’t take credit for that anymore. You will get the commission on this. I promise you that.” He changed gears so quickly, I didn’t have a chance to take in what he’d just said. “Tell me about your family.”
I shook my head making sure I’d heard him right. “Um, family, right. None of them are here. I'm not from this area. I came to New York for school.”
He nodded. “Where are you from then?”
“From the south. Alabama.” I clarified.
“Is that where you got your undergrad?” he asked.
I knew he knew this. He had to, I'm sure. I was in his classes in school and now, I work for him. If he didn’t have access to my transcripts, he sure as hell had access to my resume. I'm sure he had my information.
“Yes. Economics at the University of Alabama. Roll Tide,” I said with pride of my alma mater.
He grinned. “I guess it wouldn't serve to tell you, I'm a Georgia Bulldog. “
I dramatically rolled my eyes. “Get the hell out of here. What the hell are you doing in New York?”
“The same as you, law school. I just stayed here and built my career. Never went back home.”
“I guess you do have a few years on me.” I blushed, looking up at him through hooded lashes. He’d probably graduated law school when I was a freshman or sophomore in high school.
He chuckled. “Yea, a few. Does the age difference intimidate?” He got up from his chair and went to the cabinets, grabbing wine glasses. He set them in front of me and leveled me with a gaze.
“There isn’t that much of an age difference. Ten, maybe eleven years?”
He nodded once before reaching into a small fridge underneath his center island, pulling out a bottle of wine.
“Are you ready for the bar exam?” he asked.
I cringed. I was ready but not ready ready; if that made sense. The thought of taking the bar made me anxious. I did not want to have another attack in front of him. He saw the look on my face and shook his head.
“You'll do fine, Addison. It's not as scary as you think. You already have the knowledge in you. Hell, I taught you. I've seen your work. You'll do great. You'll be one hell of a lawyer before you know it... and my associate.”
That comment caught my attention. I looked back up at him as he poured wine in the glasses. “Do you work for the firm now?” I asked.
“I’ve always worked for the firm in some capacity. I'm not a full-time employee, but I do case work for them. This time, I'm working on this specific project because I am representing the interest of the client. I'm working with your firm to get this deal done.”
“So, you're working both sides of the fence... How does that work?” I asked for clarification.
“I'm just closing the deal for them. No negotiations or anything that's already done. You did a stellar job. Your proposal was excellent. They like it, now they want to sign off on it.”
“Well, why wasn’t Arlene able to bring it to fruition? I don't understand.” I felt like Reid was talking around something and wasn’t giving me the full details.
“What aren’t you telling me, Reid?” I asked.
He paused before he answered, sliding the glass of wine he poured to me. He lifted his glass as if to make a toast, and I mirrored his movements.
“To the merger and the fantastic job you did on setting it all up. And, to your graduation and pending passing of the bar. Salut.”
He clinked his glass to mine.
“Cheers,” I said, eyeing him above the rim. He never did answer my question.
I sipped the cool liquid savoring the taste as it slid down my throat.
When I put the glass back on the counter, he reached over and topped off my glass again. He leaned across the bar and studied me. “Do I make you nervous, Addison?”
“Hmm? What? No.” I fiddled with the crust of sandwich left on my plate. We both knew good and well that was a lie. Everything about him and this situation made me nervous. I was trying my damndest not to want all parts of it though. My body wanted the hell out of him, but my mind was telling me this was all shades of wrong.
I heard him chuckle, and I looked up at him. His handsome face looked lighthearted and free; his eyes shone with mischief. I wanted in on the secret. “What is funny?”
“You say you’re not nervous around me but your body language says otherwise. What can I do to calm your nerves?” His soothing voice was doing a damn good job for one.
As usual, I opened up and started talking, caution to the wind. “What makes me nervous is this situation. You know as well as I do this is… something neither of us should be doing. At least not now. Maybe after I graduate. I mean, with the whole Arlene situation; don’t get me started on that cluster… And, I feel like you are keeping something from me. Something that could be important to my career.”
He put his glass down and came around the opposite side of the island to stand in front of me, taking me completely off guard. He snaked an arm around me, pulling me up and off the stool. I grabbed his toned arms to balance myself. “What are you doing?” I looked
up into his gray eyes.
“This situation, whether we should or shouldn’t, I still want to explore it. I have you here, in my home, in the middle of the damn day to show you this is not a game to me. You aren’t an itch I’m just trying to scratch. I’m in your face, baby, up close and personal. You can’t say I’m ignoring you. You can’t say I don’t want you,” he said, moving his hardening front against my stomach.
I opened my mouth to protest, but he continued. “You can’t pull the race card,” he said, stopping me. He ran the back of a single finger over my skin. “I’m so very much attracted to you, Addison. It is a combination of things: your intelligence, your wit, your beauty. You are so goddamn beautiful inside and out.” He closed his eyes and planted a kiss on my cheek before whispering in my ear. “We aren’t in class. We aren’t at the law firm and we don’t have colleagues around us. It’s just me and you, Addison. You can’t tell me you haven’t once thought about that night...the law library, my bed?”
I’d be a professional liar if I could come out of my face and say it’s hasn’t been the only thing I’ve been thinking about for the last few days. Everything reminded me of his touch and how he felt pressing his length in and out of me. The thought of him alone sent chills up and down my spine. Before we’d even been intimate, he was what wet dreams were made of, and now, I had the real deal in front of me telling me everything I’d wanted to hear.
“Answer me, Addison. Tell me you don’t want this, and I’ll leave well enough alone,” he said, lowering his mouth to my ear. He nipped the sensitive skin and then soothed the slight sting with soft lips. My insides turned to mush. He knew exactly what he was doing. This was my trouble zone. A girl couldn’t use rational thought when he knew all the right places to bring me to my knees. I wouldn’t have been able to resist him even if I wanted to. There is nothing about me that wanted to resist him, though. I wanted his hands on me like I needed my next breath. The scent of masculine soap and aftershave filled my senses and intoxicated me more than the wine could ever do. He kissed my jaw line as I grasped onto his arms for support. He kissed down my jaw stopping at my lips. He searched my eyes, both of us knowing where this would lead. We’d been here before, but he needed to know I was sure.
Chapter 13
My voice was small when I answered his wordless plea, but it picked up steam. "Yes, Reid... I want it… I want you. It’s been on my mind ever since that night in the library and in your bed. I’ve missed the way you feel, moving inside me..."
I looked from his lips back up into his gray eyes. I needed him to take control again. Every stupid thing I said, the hesitation about wanting this, about not wanting him; it was not true. All I wanted right now, all I could think about, was him.
His hungry gaze dropped to my lips. I immediately felt the reaction to his attention. My nipples tightened into painful buds against the lace chemise under my business suit. His arm moved tighter around my waist. The thought of his mouth on mine and his hands caressing every inch of my body came back like a flood. I inadvertently groaned. I needed it again. Now.
“What’s wrong?” he asked, making quick work of the buttons of my suit jacket.
“Mmm-hmm.” I shook my head not wanting to share all my dirty thoughts. I was so back and forth. One minute, no we shouldn’t do this. Next minute, hurry the fuck up and rip these clothes off me. He’d think I was crazy. I was even getting on my own nerves.
“You’re not being very forthcoming and credible,” he said, raising a brow.
I threw my head back and laughed giving him the reaction he obviously wanted by that comment. “You are really bringing first year law school lessons into this?”
“You were always my best student, Addison...”
“Maybe more now that we are out of the classroom?” I looked away from him. The storm of lust I was feeling would get me in trouble, saying all kind of kinky things I did not recognize as my own.
I tried to push him away so I could make sure I was in my right mind before I said the wrong thing, but he persisted.
“Don’t…push me away, dammit,” he replied, his voice an octave dangerous. “Tell me what you want me to teach you, Addison. You aren’t gonna stop there and not say anything else.” He cupped my face with his hand warm around my cheek. He swiped a thumb over my lips and my tongue darted out and licked it of its own accord. His eyes clouded over as I sucked the tip into my mouth imaging it was another appendage of his anatomy. The very one I felt jerk against my middle at that one slow movement with my mouth.
“Christ, Addison. Do you know what you do to me?” He rumbled a moan. I let go of the digit with a pop of my mouth.
I shook my head in an innocent school girl routine. “No, I don’t… Teach me,” I said the last two words on a whisper, and he growled his pleasure. “What do you want me to do to you, Reid?” I asked, letting my hand travel between us. I stopped at his belt buckle and pulled the strap of leather through the metal with a flick of my wrist. “Show me how to turn you on.”
“You have no problem with that already, sweetheart. Every part of you does it for me. Feeling you wet and ready around my—”
He let out a curse as I wrapped my hand around the very part of him he was about to mention. I stroked his silky steel length once, then twice as he bobbed in my hand. I rubbed a thumb over the slit slick with his precum. “Like this, Mr. Matheson?” I licked my lips and his gaze followed my tongue.
“You know what you are doing. No need for the professor to teach you this,” he murmured.
“Ah, I’ve graduated, huh? The student becomes the teacher?” I teased.
“Don’t push it,” he warned.
I winked at him. “You’re no fun.” I stroked him again, and he sucked in a breath.
“I’ll show you fun. Take off your damn clothes,” he ordered.
“Oh my, so bossy,” I said, sliding my hand up and down his shaft again, taking great joy in the hitch of his breath.
“Just teaching you what I like…” he responded.
I released him taking a step back. He watched me strip off the gray jacket of my business suit. The lacy chemise underneath was see-through and hints of my hot pink demi-bra showed through. My breasts swelled over the cups for his viewing pleasure, and he licked his lips as he rubbed at his length where my hands just were. He pulled the damn thing farther out of his boxers, and pushed his pants the rest of the way off, letting them fall to the floor. He stroked the thick erection as I continued removing my clothes for his viewing pleasure. I stood in my hot pink demi and matching boy shorts and he groaned. “You are a vision, Addison. You know I’m gonna be fantasizing about this for days.”
“You like what you see?” I asked, my tone coy. If his rigid cock and glazed over eyes were any indication, he liked it a lot.
“Hell, yes I do. Come here.” He pulled me to him with one hand as the other still circled his length. “You were too far away.”
“I’m standing right in front of you.” I laughed.
“Not close enough, sweetheart.”
“If I was any closer I’d be on the other side of you, Professor,” I whispered and swayed against him. His arms encircled me.
“We can bicker about our definition of how close is close, or we can just go with it, Addison. Going with it will be much more satisfying, I promise you.” He ran a hand down my back stopping at the small to press me closer still. My body shivered and immediately reacted to his touch. His dick pressed into my stomach. All kidding aside, I wanted to feel him inside me. An onset of wetness dampened my panties and a whimper escaped me. I closed my eyes when he placed a butterfly kiss to my lips. “If you want me to stop just tell me, Addie,” he breathed, before kissing me again.
“No,” I whispered and he pulled back to look at me. “Wait.” I reached out and grabbed his hand. “Well, which is it? You want me to stop or you don’t, Addison?” he asked, frustrated.
“I said no, because I don’t want you to stop, Reid.” I reached up and touch
ed a hand to his stubble-covered jaw. “Don’t stop now. You have me standing here wanting you.”
I heard his approval in the growl that rumbled through him. He turned his face slightly and kissed my palm.
I closed my eyes allowing Reid to run gentle fingertips over my lips, before kissing me once again. “God, you are beautiful.”
“Reid,” I murmured. I darted the tip of my tongue out and licked at his lips. His response was immediate. He opened for me and deepened that kiss until we were both breathless.
His moan vibrated through me. “You taste so sweet. I could kiss you all day.”
I grabbed at the front of his shirt and my fingers came in contact with the buttons that kept his amazing physique hidden from me. I worked quickly to remove the offending garment so I could run my hands over his chest. He struggled from the sleeves of the shirt allowing me full access to his hot flesh. I ran my hands over every contour I could reach. His muscles flexed under my eager touch as he worked to get out of his boxers. He stood naked before me, only giving me a brief show of his magnificent body before his mouth crashed against mine again. I could feel his hands creeping around my back fiddling with the clasp of my bra. He removed it, letting it fall with the growing pile of our clothing on his kitchen floor.
His hands found my breasts as he massaged and kneaded at them. His fingertips ran over erect nipples, and I moaned in pleasure. My body reacted to every touch, flick and pinch he gave my sensitive nipples. “I love how responsive your breasts are, Addison. A perfect size for my hands, baby,” he growled in my ear as he lowered his mouth to my right globe and sucked in a bud. The sensation made me gasp as I kneaded my fingers in his dark hair holding him to me.
“Yes, Reid. God, that feels so good.”
He made sure my left breast was not left unattended as he moved his attention back and forth before he let me go with a loud pop of his kissable mouth.
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