Page 66 of My Ex's Best Friend

She winces. “You might say so.”

“His loss is my gain.”

“It should have taught me a valuable lesson not to get involved with a colleague, and yet here we are.”

I know she’s only teasing, but I shake my head. “You know it isn’t like that between us. We were friends long before you came to work for me. I never stopped thinking of you as one.”

“Oh.”

To my surprise and horror, tears gather in the corner of her eyes.

“I didn’t mean to upset you.”

She leans in, hugging me tightly. “You didn’t. I’m so glad you’re here.”

Our foreheads touch, and we look into each other’s eyes.

The air is filled with the sweet fragrance of blooming flowers as I sweep her off her feet, lifting her effortlessly into my arms. She giggles, her laughter echoing in the quiet night.

I carry her toward the grand entrance of the mansion. I smile, adjusting my hold on her.

Without a word, I lean in, capturing her lips in a lingering kiss. The world around us fades away as she kisses me back.

As the kiss deepens, I slowly begin to lower her, savoring it.

Her body slides down mine, the sensation of every inch of her coming in contact with me sending a shiver down my spine. Our kiss remains uninterrupted, her body rocking against mine.

I harden against her as she continues to sway side to side, her fingers sinking into my hair as she deepens the kiss.

My lips eventually kiss down her cheek and neck before I reach between our bodies to caress between her thighs softly, lifting her dress partially so I have easier access to her.

I crush my chest to her breasts as I slightly tilt her mouth toward me to deepen the kiss.

I trace a gentle path with my fingers along her cheek. “Kiera,” I murmur.

"Jake."

Her hands find their way to my shirt, fingers deftly working on each button, one by one, exposing the expanse of skin beneath.

I reciprocate, slowly unzipping her dress.

She shudders as my hands seek the warmth of her skin beneath. She clings to me as I finally get to the bottom of the zipper before I slowly peel the dress off her shoulder.

I softly kiss her on each shoulder.

Her eyes close, her arms clinging to me as if I’m her harbor in a storm. She melts into me as I continue to kiss down her exposed skin.

The dress eventually falls to the ground on a heap around her until that remains is a pair of matching panties and a lacy bra.

I trace my finger around her areola, seeking her nipple.

“Please,” she begs.

“I want you.”

I pick her up in my arms again, her legs wrapping on either side of my hips as I slowly carry her up toward my room.

17

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