Page 35 of Just One More Temptation

“I’m here and I’m listening,” he said.

She pushed herself away and turned to face him. “She said she’s leaving me the gallery! And I didn’t know what to say. I mean, she has a son who she could give her business to, but she said she knows how much I love it and that I’ll pass on that love to people who come in to shop.”

“What a generous thing to do,” he said, as surprised as Fallon seemed to be.

She nodded. “I’ve always wanted my own gallery and she knew that. I do have a trust fund that I could use to open my own business, but I wanted to soak up as much knowledge as I could from Clara before I acted to fulfill that dream. I know how fortunate I am and I didn’t want to just open a gallery only to have to close it again because I hadn’t done my due diligence.”

“Smart of you,” he murmured, admiring her intelligence and ability to see past just having the money. He operated his life the same way.

Tears filled her eyes and he wiped at her damp cheek. “Happy tears?” he asked.

“A combination. I don’t like to think of Clara dying.” She visibly swallowed hard. “It reminds me of losing my mother.”

He sighed, feeling her pain. “You never told me what happened to her.” Reaching out, he took her hand, hoping their connection would allow her to trust him.

She glanced down, then met his gaze. “I was ten when it happened. My father owns an investment firm and he had a client that directed Dad’s investments, then blamed him when he lost a lot of money. Dad had tried to warn him but he believed the stocks would turn around.”

He waited in silence, letting her gather her thoughts.

She cleared her throat. “Anyway, one night over the summer, Dad was out at a business dinner and I was sleeping upstairs. Aiden, Jared, and Dex were at summer camp. Remy was seventeen and he’d stayed home.” Her voice shook as she spoke and he stroked his thumb over the top of her hand.

“Take your time,” he said, waiting patiently.

She blew out a breath and nodded, indicating she was ready again. “Remy was supposed to take Mom and me out for dinner but some girl he liked called and wanted to see him, so he blew us off.” Her lips lifted in a wry smile. “I remember being so annoyed at the time. But then Mom and I ordered in and watched a movie, and after, I went to my bed to sleep.”

She paused and Noah braced himself for… he didn’t know what. “Dad’s client broke into the house and shot my mother. He was punishing my dad for his business losses. He killed her while I was upstairs sleeping.” She sniffed and the tears fell from her eyes.

“Oh, sweetheart. I’m so sorry.” Noah held out his arms and she burrowed in, settling in his lap to accept his comfort. Sliding a hand up the back of her shirt, he rubbed slow circles, calming her as she cried.

After a while, she hiccupped and pulled back, her eyes red but she was no less beautiful to him.

“No matter how much time passes, when I talk about her, it still feels as painfully fresh as when it happened.”

“You were a little girl. You understand so much more now. It must be like reliving the loss.”

She nodded. Blinked. And more moisture leaked from her eyes. “I’m sorry,” she said, rubbing her eyes with the arm of her sweater.

“For what? Getting emotional? Please. I’m just glad you feel like you can let go with me.”

She tipped her head, studying him, as if seeing him for the first time. “I do,” she said, surprise in her voice.

She moved to him, placed her hands on his shoulders, and sealed her lips over his.

His desire to comfort her was as strong as his physical need. Pulling her against him, he slid a hand into her hair, cupping her head and deepening the kiss.

Chapter Fifteen

After telling thestory of her mother’s murder, Fallon needed to get lost in Noah and he was there, his big strong arms wrapping around her and positioning her more securely in his lap. Her sex sat on his hard cock and one rock had a wave of pleasure rolling through her.

Desperate for an escape from the memories, she focused on Noah. Sliding her hands between their bodies, she pulled up the shirt he wore and pressed her palms against his warm, hard stomach. The difference between her softer body and his rock-hard one was arousing and she ran her hands up his chest until she covered his nipples, pausing long enough to rub each one between her thumb and forefinger.

A low rumble escaped from deep inside him and before she knew it, he’d risen from the sofa with her in his arms. She locked her ankles around his back while he walked them to the bedroom, all the while kissing her and nipping at her jaw.

He deposited her on the mattress and stared down at her, his gaze almost feral, and said, “Naked. Now.” The barked two-word command seemed to be the only words he could manage as his hands went to his pants button and he began to follow his own orders.

Not wanting to wait a moment to join him, Fallon quickly removed the skirt and panties. Socks next. Her shoes she’d already left by the front entrance. Naked from the bottom down, with one hand she pulled off her shirt and met him as an equal.

His gloriously naked body had her sex turning wet with need and she reached out to encircle his cock with her hand. She slid her palm over the hot, hard flesh and she let out a moan of need.

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