Page 42 of Only Ever Mine

“Enough to feed three hundred guests,” she said.

I didn’t even blink. “Done.”

Scarlett’s brows furrowed. “Christian?—”

“I’ll make a call. We’ll get the shipment here before morning.” I pulled out my phone and walked a few steps away, dialing a contact who owed me a favor.

Scarlett followed, lowering her voice. “I appreciate the help, I do, but this is my problem?—”

I turned to face her, my patience thinning. “It was your problem. Now it’s ours.”

She stared at me, lips parted slightly. “Ours?”

I stepped closer, my voice dropping. “Scarlett, I didn’t get into this partnership just to stand on the sidelines while someone tries to take you down. You’re not in this alone.”

Her throat bobbed, her defenses wavering.

I brushed my knuckles against her cheek, voice softening. “Let me help you.”

She swallowed hard, then finally—finally—nodded.

I made the call. Within minutes, the problem was solved.

The shipment would be rushed in by morning, courtesy of a vendor I had on speed dial.

When I hung up, Scarlett let out a shaky breath.

“Just like that?” she asked.

I nodded. “Just like that.”

We ended up in her office after that, exhaustion catching up with both of us.

She leaned against her desk, arms wrapped around herself, and for the first time all night, she looked small and tired.

I crossed the room, placing my hands on her arms, running slow circles with my thumbs. “It’s handled.”

Her lips parted, her breath hitching slightly.

And then, as if something in her finally snapped, she reached for me.

Her hands fisted in my shirt, pulling me down into a kiss that stole my breath.

I didn’t hesitate. I deepened the kiss, sliding my arms around her waist, lifting her onto the desk.

She gasped against my lips, legs parting just enough for me to step between them.

Her fingers tangled in my hair, pulling, demanding.

I obliged, kissing her deeper, sliding my hands down her back, memorizing the curves of her body.

She made a sound low in her throat, a desperate little noise that sent a shudder through me.

I broke away just enough to meet her gaze.

Her lips were swollen, her eyes dark with want.

“I don’t know what this is between us,” she whispered. “But I want it.”

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