Page 28 of The Upgrade

“Well, let me know if you need a last-minute job reference.” I choke back a laugh and wonder if I should get dressed. What is he doing here? “Sorry, I’m just…surprised.”

“No kidding.” He seems to realize he’s holding the drape and offers it to me. “Do you want to cover up?”

“Uh, sure.” Taking the sheet, I scoot to the edge of the table. His eyes trail my breasts as I feebly twist the fabric into a makeshift toga. The knot doesn’t stay and the whole thing slips down to my waist.

“Fuck it,” I mutter, lifting my gaze to his. “I think we’re a little past modesty at this point.”

Besides, I already know he likes my tits. Not because he said so, either. He can’t seem to stop staring, those gentle blue eyes devouring my breasts with a hunger that’s palpable.

“Feel free to stay naked,” he says with a shake of his head. “Your body is fucking beautiful. Don’t cover up on my account.”

“Thank you.” On the beach in the distance, a calypso song swirls with the soft splash of waves. There’s a clatter of plates and I wonder who’s sampling the Crystal Bliss culinary enchantments.

“You’re a consort.” I shift on the table and a bright splash of sunlight hits my face. I squint at Kit’s face and consider. “This is some kind of research thing?”

“Here.” He reaches up to adjust the shade screen, which also helps shield us from view. “Better?”

“Yes, thank you.” My legs dangle off the edge of the table. I feel awkward and strange and—I’ll admit it—still pretty turned on.

“Crystal Bliss hired me to gauge how employees—how consorts—hold up in this unique environment,” he explains. “Rather than conducting a traditional employee satisfaction survey, I’ll be working alongside them while interviewing staff members and studying the psychological impacts of the job.”

“Holy shit.” I still can’t wrap my head around this. “Have you done this before?”

“Gone undercover as a sex worker? No.” Kit drags a hand down his face. Probably the same hand he used to make me come my brains out. “My specialty has always been niche sexuality studies. As a social psychologist, I research interpersonal and group dynamics, how individuals are impacted by the people around them…” He trails off, shaking his head. “Never mind. I won’t bore you with details.”

“Do I look bored?”

His eyes sweep my body and go molten. “You look fucking delicious.”

We stare at each other for a few silent seconds. I can’t believe he’s here. Kit Plier, the man I haven’t stopped thinking about for a week. The man who delivered the best sex of my life.

He’s here at Crystal Bliss Retreat.

What are the fucking odds?

I’m slowly becoming aware that I’m naked and still unbearably aroused. He’s shirtless, and I survey the bare, broad expanse of his chest. Those huge, capable hands.

“Okay, um.” I tug at the sheet by my hip. “If it’s awkward for you, we can stop here. I’ll give you a great review, but you don’t need to complete the massage.”

Kit cocks his head and the corners of his mouth twitch. “Is it awkward for you?”

“No.” Oddly enough. “Awkward’s not the word I’d use.”

There’s that lip quirk again. “What word would you use?” Blue eyes drop to my breasts and turn fiery. “Because I have some of my own.”

“Like what?” My voice sounds high and breathy.

“Beautiful.” He takes a step toward me, eyes holding mine. “Breathtaking. Sexy as fuck.” Another step closer, eyes filled with desire. “Unbelievably hot.” One more step and his thighs bump my knees. “Shall I go on?”

I try to swallow, but my throat feels tight. I’m twitchy and way too aware of the ache between my legs. The echo of his hands on my body, his fingers inside me, his breath on my skin?—

“Eve?”

“Yes?”

Blue eyes search mine. “You requested a massage.” His hands cup my knees and I draw a sharp breath. “Unless you object, I intend to provide the service you requested.”

There’s a throb in my core as I swallow. “Don’t you meanenchantment?”

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