Publicly, she pretended that they were only good friends, while privately she shared things about herself with Sawyer that she never told anyone, not even Maya.
He never pressured her for more than she was willing to give. In fact, he was nothing but a gentleman with her... and over the weeks, he truly had become one of her best friends.
It wasn’t enough for her though. She wanted more from him, but she was so afraid that he was too good to be true. They never talked about her family, beyond personal stories she shared with him, and they never talked about his business since it was in direct competition with MI.
Worse, she was falling for him. Hard.
No, not falling for him. She was in love with Sawyer, with his smile, his personality, and the way he made her laugh so hard that she’d cry.
Sawyer covered her hand with his, squeezing it lightly. They sat on the sofa in his living room, watching the Canes as they played against the Penguins on his flat screen. “What are you thinking so hard about?”
“Us,” she answered honestly. “I was thinking about how much I love spending time with you.”
“Maybe you should let your family know that,” he said.
She shook her head. “Not a chance. They’d get too involved and I wouldn’t have you all to myself.”
“I’m not as flattered by that statement as I used to be.”
She turned to him, crawling in his lap. He placed his hands on her hips and she rocked slightly against him. He wore a white t-shirt and grey sweatpants that did little to conceal how hard he was for her. “I can make you feel better.”
“Are you trying to bribe me?”
She leaned into him, brushing her lips over his. “Maybe.”
“Careful, Juliet, you can’t stay long enough to bribe me properly.”
She rolled her eyes at his nickname for her. “I think I have the exact right amount of time, Romeo.”
“Prove it.” He moved a hand away from her waist long enough to click off the television, the tugged his shirt over his head.
Running her hands over his broad chest, she traced a few scars. “How did you get these?”
“Side effects of going to war.”
Leaning down, she kissed each one, then traced the raised lines with her tongue. His chest heaved, his hands tightening on her hips. “Do you like that?” she asked, peering up at him.
“Fuck, yes,” he breathed.
She sat up, then wriggled out of her shorts and settled down on him again. he sucked in a breath. “What else would you like for me to take off?” she asked, kissing the tip of his nose.
“Your bra, but leave on the shirt.”
She did as he asked, the material of her shirt painfully arousing against her sensitive nipples. “Like this?”
He nodded, winding his fingers in her hair. “Tell me what you want.”
“I want to take things further, but,” She swallowed, “not all the way. I’m not ready for sex, yet.”
“Okay.” He rearranged them so that they were lying face to face on his wide sofa, his hand stroking her hip. “You are so sexy like this.”
“So are you.” She smiled, then kissed him, settling into an erotic cadence that made her throw a leg over his hip and grind against him.
His hand slipped between them fingers going under her panties. She gasped as he touched her, as he teased the tips of three fingers inside of her core. “You’re soaked,” he said, a smile on his lips. “You don’t know how much that turns me on.”
She gently grabbed his erection through his sweats. “I think I have a clue.”
His fingers went deeper. “Fucking tight.”
She stroked him faster. He turned suddenly, so that she was under him, his hands pulling her panties down while she pushed at his sweats, freeing his heavy erection.
“No penetration,” he promised, then caught her mouth his and began to move.
Violent delight took over her body as she rocked against him, his erection hot and slick as it moved against her. She was so wet that he glided easily against her clit.
She gripped his biceps, her back arching as he nuzzled her shirt and bite her nipple through the material of her shirt. She moaned his name.
He moved lower, his head now between her thighs, his tongue on her clit while his fingers worked their way inside of her. She widened her thighs, his hair brushing against her skin. Her hips jumped as he raked his teeth over her, as his fingers found a rhythm that made her want to reconsider her decision for no penetration.
She fisted her hands in his hair, tugging at the strands as her world narrowed to only the spot where he tortured her and made her a mindless woman who only wanted the orgasm that was just out of reach, until it wasn’t.
His name burst from her lips, her body bucking against his mouth as she came in waves that twisted her up inside. He reared up over her when she was done, fusing his mouth to hers as he stroked himself. Hot spurts hit her skin as tensed and then groaned her name.
He opened his eyes, lashes black and eyes so pure blue that she was sure she was drowning in them. “If what just happened between us can’t convince you that we should be together, then nothing will.
She had nothing to say to that. How could she? He was right, but before she could tell him as much, his lips thinned and he moved off of her and the sofa, pushing his sweats to the floor. “Stay there. I’ll get something to clean you up with.” He walked away, his very fine ass tight as he moved.
“Sawyer, wait.” He turned to her, his jaw tight. “I... think we should be together, too.”
“You say that now, but as soon as you leave, we’ll be right back to where we were before.”
13
Sawyer
He’d arrived at the bar later than he anticipated. He supposed he’d have to make it up to London, something he looked forward to doing, but he also wanted to talk to her about their relationship. Specifically, the conversation the night before.
He hadn’t done right by her. He hadn’t given her the benefit of the doubt or taken into consideration that she was only twenty-six to his thirty-two. Yes, he didn’t want to be her secret, but he also didn’t want to be an asshole and push her away either.
He was damned lucky, she agreed to meet him for drinks tonight.
Scanning the not too crowded bar, he looked for her gorgeous face and found her on the receiving end of obviously unwanted attention. And he wasn’t just thinking that because she belonged to him.
Anyone with half a brain could tell she wasn’t in the mood, but the clueless moron hadn’t gotten the hint. However, London could handle him. He didn’t have to rescue her unless things went sideways.
“Are you normally a bitch?”
Hello, sideways. This guy had a death wish. Sawyer was not only able but willing to send him to hell, but he pressed a kiss to London’s cheek instead. “Sweetheart, I’m sorry for making you wait.”
She blinked up at him, her pretty eyes widening in pleasure as he blocked Tory’s view of her. “Don’t let it happen again.”
He turned, sliding an arm around her tiny waist. “Didn’t see you standing there. Anything I can help you with?”
The guy’s eyes widened as he started to sputter. “Nah. Sorry, I thought I knew your... date.”
Yeah, sure you did, Sawyer wanted to reply, but he glared at the man instead. Let the dude think the worst instead of forgiving him. Suddenly, the guy shot out of the bar, like someone had set his ass on fire.
London laughed, tipping up her chin to look at him “Thank you so much. I’m London by the way.”
This was new.... He ‘d play along though. She was a fucking breath of fresh air for him, always surprising in the best of ways. “Sawyer.” He didn’t move his arm and she didn’t ask him to. He guessed she wasn’t going to pretend he was a complete stranger. “I’d offer to buy you a drink, but you look more like the dinner type to me... or the type that needs to relax after a long week.”
“Actually, I’m starving
.”
He could do something about that, in more ways than one if she’d allow it. “Would you prefer I pick the place or...?”
“The menu here isn’t bad,” she said with a grin.
“It’s not great either.”
She shrugged. “There’s also a little bistro I like, but it’s not so fancy.”
He leaned in, loving the way she smelled, all feminine with a hint of sweet smelling flowers. “Then it would suit me a lot better.”
“Yet you chose to come here tonight.”
“Maybe because fate knew I’d meet you.”
She laughed. “Is that a pick up line?”
He smiled. “Only if it works for you.”
“No it did not... but your honesty does.” She tilted her head to the side. “I’ll get an Uber unless fate has other plans.”
“How about I drive us.” It wasn’t a request.
She tapped the side of her cheek, each little flirty move turning on more and more. If he didn’t watch it, he’d be so hard that he wouldn’t be able to walk. “How about we walk?”
His brows crashed together. She wanted to walk? “It’s that close?”
She nodded. “Only two blocks up and then one over.”
He glanced at her black heels, then back at her face. “I might have to carry you.”
“I’m a big girl. I think I can handle it.”
“You’re a hell of a lot smaller than me.”
“You know what I mean.”
He frowned. “We’ll take an Uber.”
She eyed him. “I’m starting to think you’re bossier than my brother Drew.”
“Sounds like a smart man.”
“He’s smart all right but there are times he has the personality of a barracuda.”
“Lawyer?”
She shook her head. “CEO. Family business.”
“Any other siblings I remind you of?” he asked.
“My brother Connor has a reputation for being charming.”
He arched a brow. “Bossy and charming. Doesn’t sound like two things that go together.”
“Sometimes the oddest things fit together.”
“For example?”
“Laughing until you cry. Breakfast for dinner. Salty with sweet... shall I go on?”
“Hell yes, you should.”
She smiled, fully charming him. He wanted her so badly and not just in his bed. He wanted this woman in his life.
“I think I’ll go home now. Maybe we can have another fun discussion about opposites attracting another time.”
“You’re attracted to me.”
She blushed, looking so innocent that blood rushed to his cock. This game she played with him was sending his desire for her into overdrive. “You’re good looking. Fun to talk to and you rescued me tonight. I’m thinking that’s a good trifecta of qualities a man should have.”
“Any man?”
“Any man who is interested in getting to know me,” she clarified.
“I’m more than interested in getting to know you.” He moved his arm, pressing his hand against the small of her back. “Let’s take our discussion to your bistro.”
“I don’t know...” But she allowed him to lead her outside and into the crisp night air. Downtown Raleigh was vibrant at this time. People were everywhere—in clusters of groups as well as couples sitting outside of cafes while heat lamps kept them toasty warm. The streets were full of cars, buses, and bicycles. It was organized chaos, loud and vibrant and she loved it because it was so very different from the life the ordinarily led.
“Why do you think we’re opposites?” he asked.
“I don’t think we’re opposites exactly, at least not in terms of the things that matter.”
“As in traits you find attractive?”
“Yes.”
“What ones do you find attractive in me?”
She rolled her eyes. “Obviously, not cockiness.”
“That’s a lie.” He chuckled. “Besides, I’m confident that you’re attracted to me. Cocky is the moron back in the bar who assumed you should be attracted to him because he exists.”
“All right. You’re confident.”
“What else?”
“Persistent.”
“Won’t apologize for that. It’s gotten me here, hasn’t it?”
She laughed, shaking her head. “You are so... I can’t disagree with you.”
“Good because I hate being the only one who knows I’m right.”
“You are too much.” She laughed even harder.
“Parts of me have been described that way,” he said with a wink. “Now, point us in the right direction and tell me more about what you like about me.”
“Not what I don’t like?”
“You haven’t known me long enough.”
“I think I’ve known you for the just the right amount of time.” She pointed to the right. “The bistro is this way.”
“Still waiting.”
“Persistent for starters.” As one they turned, his hand still on her back as he kept her pace instead of forcing her to his. “Bravery, courtesy, honest... mindful.”
“What if those were merely a façade?” he asked, intriguing her even more.
“You are pretending to be those things in order to impress me?” she asked with a mock frown.
“That, and to get your number.”
“You are very hopeful.” And so very hot.
“Hope’s not a strategy for getting what you want. Drive is. Direction. Purpose. Hard work.”
“By your standards and assumption to be right—always right, I bet—my number is a foregone conclusion.”
He smirked. “It’s more likely than not that you’ll give it to me.”
“Unless I’m unimpressed with this sort of honesty.”
“But you’re not.” He stopped suddenly as a door was flung open, blocking it from hitting her and taking the brunt instead, grunting.
“Oh my gosh. Are you okay?” she asked as he held the door, smiling... or was it baring his teeth at the couple stumbling outside?
“Perfectly fine.” He exhaled. “Comes with the territory.”
“You think I’m a territory to be protected?”
“From harm, absolutely.”
“Any woman or me in particular?”
“You in particular.” There was no need to pretend that she wasn’t important to him.
She lifted a brow, glancing at him.
“Fine. I’ll concede that I think all women should be protected. However, I stand by my original assertion because you have all of my attention at the moment.”
“Only the moment... that’s such a small amount of time.”
He turned them, cornering her against the brick wall, not quite in the alleyway. “A moment can last forever with the right person.”
“Sawyer Taggart, I swear you are the sweetest talking man.”
Smiling, he leaned down, kissing her until she was breathless. “And you Ms. Montgomery will be the death of me.”
She smiled up at him. “Only if my family finds out.”
His smile gave way to a frown. “We have got to stop meeting like this.”
“Secretly?”
“Among other things.” He pulled her to him. “I did not enjoy restraining myself from beating the shit out of the man who called you a bitch.”
“Neither did I.” She trailed her fingers down the front of his shirt, making his dick swell with need. “You know... I’m thinking room service would be an even better idea tonight.”
“What exactly are you saying?” He cupped the side of her face, his thumb rubbing lazily against her cheek. “I want you in my bed London, and while I’ve respected your wishes, I draw the line at becoming your dirty, little rebellious secret.”
She bit the side of her lip, then said, “After this weekend, I’ll tell them everything.”
Finally. “You’re giving me the entire weekend with you?”
“Actually,” she began slowly
, “I want to give you everything.”
14
London
“Define: everything,” he said, his blue eyes roaming her face. “I don’t want there to be any misunderstanding between us.”
In answer, she rose up on her toes and kissed him, her fingers twisting in the material of his shirt. She nipped at his lower lip. “I want to sleep with you. I want to wake up the next morning and eat breakfast in bed. Yours, mine, or a hotel room bed. I don’t care. I’m done waiting. You’ve proven that you only want me, that you don’t give a damn about my family’s money or connections.”
“What about the fact that I plan to go head to head against your family’s business?” he asked and she knew how much that cost him, but she also appreciated his honesty. Above all, he was honest to a fault.
“Business has nothing to do with us. And as long as you’re upfront in your quest to beat MI, then,” she shrugged, “how much of a hypocrite would I be to tell you that it’s a deal breaker. I literally compete against people who went to college with me. We’re friends, and we don’t stop being friends because a client chose me over them, or vice versa.”
He pulled her to him. “Let’s go.”
They walked another block, then turned left. A six-story building rose in front of them. While the style was old, it looked brand new.
“I haven’t stayed at that hotel before,” she said.
“That’s not a hotel. It’s where I live.” He led her down a narrow street, then made a right and walked a few feet further until she was able to make out a door. “You can still say no, London.”
“I’m still saying yes.”
He shot her a heated look, then punched in a code on a control pad by the door. “Open the door.”
With a smile and her heart beating like crazy, she turned the knob and walked inside, Sawyer trailing behind her. The door shut, and she heard him punch in another code.
Elevator doors suddenly swooshed open, making her jump, then giggle.
“Are you that nervous?” he asked as they stepped inside.
She nodded, and he took her hands in his, lifting them to his mouth. He kissed her knuckles. “I’m also excited.”
“That’s what I want to hear.” He corralled her into the corner of the elevator and slammed his mouth against hers, feasting on her lips until she was panting and clinging to his shoulders for dear life. “I’m going to make this so good for you.”
Seducing the Billionaire's Daughter Page 8