Page 64 of Strictly Business

“You were amazing, Amara,” I praise, seeing her eyes light up. “I want you to know that.”

She nods, her lips pressing together, and I let out a breath, closing my eyes as I pull her into me.

This was a line I told myself I’d never cross, but now there’s no turning back.

And I don’t regret it at all.

Chapter twenty-two

Nicholas

I’ve never been the type of guy who stays in bed once my alarm rings. It’s a waste of time. Lying here, doing nothing while I could be knocking things off my to-do list makes my mind race.

But today? I’m almost willing to make an exception.

Because if this is the view that greets me every morning, maybe I can learn to enjoy staying in bed for a little longer.

A slow, satisfied smirk tugs at my lips as I look down at Amara. She’s sprawled across my bed, her dark orange hair spread out on my pillows, completely bare. I can’t take my eyes off her. The sheet only just covers her, leaving just enough to drive me crazy, teasing me with the curve of her hips.

I let my fingers trail lightly over her skin, tracing the outline of her jaw, the curve of her cheek. It’s soft—so soft—and I can’t help but revel in the sensation. I’ve never had a woman in my bed. Never had a woman stay over. She’s the only exception. The first and last.

Last night was incredible… She was incredible, and the urge to do it again hits me like a tidal wave. My body reacts instantly, my cock hardening at the thought.

I try to ignore it, leaning down to press a quick kiss to her lips. They’re plump and pink, so inviting, like fresh cherries. As I pull back, I feel her stir beneath me. She hums softly, shifting closer, her body finding mine instinctively.

Just as I’m about to kiss her again, I hear the unmistakable sound of little paws padding across the floor, a soft click of a door opening, followed by the familiar pitter-patter that can only mean Pumpkin’s here to ruin my moment. Either that, or she’s here to attack me for stealing away her owner.

I glance down at Pumpkin, who’s now jumped onto the bed, purring like she owns the damn place. I narrow my eyes at her. “She’s not yours anymore,” I mutter under my breath.

The little furball blinks at me, before letting out a low meow.

I roll my eyes. “Fine. How about we share her?”

Pumpkin responds with a soft purr, as she curls up on Amara’s head, licking her face. Damn cat is kissing my woman. Amara’s eyes flutter open and she blinks at me in confusion. Realization hits her a few seconds later, her lips tugging into a smile as the memory of last night floods back.

I can’t help but chuckle, leaning down to press a kiss against her lips. “Morning, honey.”

“Morning,” she rasps, her voice thick with sleep, andgod damn, it makes everything inside me tighten. I want to stay in this moment, right here with her, but reality is a bitch. I’ve got an office to get to, phone calls, meetings. But Amara… This woman… She makes everything else seem irrelevant.

I groan, pulling her face up to mine again, my lips crashing into hers. My cock stirs, needy and desperate. She responds with a soft moan, her legs parting instinctively, giving me room. Pumpkin jumps onto the floor, and I grin as I kiss her harder.

I win. She’s mine now. Pumpkin: 0, Nicholas: 1.

“Nicholas,” she breathes, her hands pushing gently against my chest, breaking the kiss. Her green eyes meet mine, wide and unsure. “What happened last night?”

I arch an eyebrow, a teasing grin curling my lips. “I know I fucked you hard, but didn’t realize I’d given you amnesia.”

She squints, shaking her head, her expression confused. “No, I remember,” she says, her cheeks coating with a delicious shade of pink. “I mean… What does this mean… forus?”

Ah. The dreaded talk. I roll off her, releasing a long breath as I try to gather my thoughts.

I wasn’t planning on any of this. I just wanted her.God, did I want her. And last night, she was right there, telling me she wanted me too. I let go of my control just enough to indulge in what was in front of me without thinking about the consequences.

But now? Now, I’m not sure what to do with all this.

I sit up and look at her, her green eyes wide with uncertainty, waiting for me to put this mess into words.

“The contract ends in two months,” I begin, running a hand through my hair. “It wouldn’t be smart to… start something. I’m not even sure I want a relationship. Ever. And I don’t think you’re in the right headspace for something serious, not so soon after…” I stop, my throat tightening at the thought, unwilling to say his name.

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