Page 79 of Late Nights

She slapped my shoulder playfully. “I can’t say that won’t be my last attempt to distract you, but one day I will beat you fair and square.”

“And I can’t say that there won’t be some consequences for distracting me.” I gave her a wicked grin, her eyes widening right before I started tickling her.

She let out a high-pitched squeal, scrambling to get off my lap, but I had her strongly in my grasp. As she wiggled in an effort to get free, I found us in a position we’d been in more than once, with me above her while she laid back against the couch. We were both laughing as I tickled her and she attempted to tickle me.

I stopped tickling her and looked down at her, letting her ragged breaths ease for a moment. I lowered my head slowly, her body already melting underneath me. I bypassed her lips and brought my mouth down to the spot between her shoulder and collarbone. And then blew a raspberry into her skin.

The yelp of surprise and the laugh that escaped her had me laughing hard as I sat back, the worries and fears that clung to me, disappearing. I looked down at her, both of us laughing and happy. I could definitely get used to having more moments like this—laughing until our cheeks hurt, kissing until our lips were swollen, and spending late nights together soaking up the minutes and hours—together.

26

Cannon

Isat in the living room waiting for Demi to finish getting ready, my knee bouncing. I rarely got nervous, but tonight I was definitely nervous. Tonight was the Vanderhall Capital company party, and I was bringing Demi as my date.

Victor had told me to bring the woman I had told him about, and that’s what I was doing. I just hoped it would go as smoothly as he had made it sound like it would. And I also had to hope that West wouldn’t blow up at me for lying to him.

I was serious about Demi. We’d only officially been a couple for three days, but they had hands-down been the best days of my life. We’d start our morning off by eating breakfast together, then I’d pick her up from hair school to go to lunch, and then we’d either go to The Bridger together when she worked or go home and spend the evening together, with plenty of teasing and kissing throughout the night.

She’d ended up giving Robby her two week notice. Now that she was in a relationship—with me—she didn’t love guys coming onto her and feeling like she had to flirt to get a tip. She was currently looking for another job, and I was happy she didn’t want to work at The Bridger any longer. Turned out I was even more territorial about Demi once she had become my girlfriend. I think Robby was grateful to eventually not have me hanging around, scaring customers away.

Demi stepped into the living room, and my gaze snagged on the way the emerald-green dress hugged her curves. Slowly I stood, my mouth hanging open, amazed at how classy and sexy she looked. The dress was simple, and I was sure if it were on a mannequin it wouldn’t get a second glance, but on Demi it was mesmerizing. The fitted long sleeves, the boat neckline, and the midlength cut looked amazing on her.

“Do I look okay?” she asked, slowly turning in a circle, giving me a view from all angles.

I about choked on my tongue when I saw the back. The deep V zip closure started from the bottom of the dress and ended at her low back, leaving the smooth skin of her back exposed. Her hair was in a low intricate bun, showing off the gold zipper detail and sexy back. I had no idea a back could be so sexy, but Demi’s definitely was.

Finally finding my voice, I said, “You’re gorgeous.”

She smiled, her cheeks barely turning a shade of pink. “Thank you.” Her heels clicked against the tile floor as she made her way to me. She laid her hands against my chest. “You look amazing, too.” She reached up and placed a quick kiss on my lips.

I didn’t look much different than I did when I went to work every day. I wore a suit and tie but I had picked out a tie that had some emerald green in it to match Demi’s dress.

We arrived at the harbor where the annual company party was always held on the Vanderhalls’ personal yacht. Victor liked getting the yacht all spruced up for the party after it sat idle all winter. Although it was still early March, the temperatures had started to get warmer, and it was a beautiful night, the air only carrying a slight chill.

I grabbed Demi’s hand, and we headed toward the ramp to the yacht.

She tugged on my hand, bringing me to a stop before we had reached the ramp. “Are you nervous?” She looked at me with a quizzical gaze.

“No. I’m good.” I didn’t actually know if that was true, but it was what I was telling myself.

“Then why are you squeezing my hand like it’s your lifeline?” she asked with a playful grin.

I quickly dropped her hand, not realizing I’d been holding onto her so hard. “Sorry.”

She grabbed my hand this time, her petite hand swallowed up in mine as she gave me a reassuring squeeze. “It’s okay if you’re nervous.”

“It’s just that we haven’t told anyone about us yet, and showing up as a couple…” I paused, letting out a heavy sigh. “I don’t want to upset your dad or your brother. Especially not at a work event.”

She started walking again, tugging me along. “They won’t be upset. They’re going to be happy for us. They love you, Cannon.”

Her confidence and use of the word love calmed me. She was right. Victor and West loved me like family. Yes, I had a reputation of going from woman to woman, but they knew me well enough to know that I’d never get into anything with Demi unless I was serious about her—about us.

I smiled down at her as we made our way onto the yacht. “Thank you.”

Music played on the speakers, servers moved around offering champagne and hors d’oeuvres, and soft lights glowed over the dance floor. People milled around, talking and laughing, looking to already be having a good time.

I spotted Victor and Rose near the ice sculpture in the shape of the Vanderhall Capital logo. The table was covered with flowers and desserts.

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