Gosh, he’s handsome. Nothing like the rugged cowboys I grew up around, but just as capable on horseback. My gaze skips over his broad shoulders to where his shirt is plastered to his torso. Then down to his hips where I want to wrap my legs around and hold on tight.

There’s no mistaking the bulge behind his zipper.

My pussy clenches. Needy little hussy.

Was he serious about showing him what I do on OnlySantas?

“Mhmm. Yeah, no, just arrived myself.” He glances to the window over the bathtub and I follow his gaze in the mirror. “Yeah, it’s picking up.”

The more I think about it, he didn’t seem mad about OnlySantas, but rather curious.

I slide my hands down my thighs and gather the material, hiking it a few inches. His attention swerves back to me and I swear I feel his gaze like an actual touch. Like his fingers and lips move across my skin, heating every inch.

This feels similar to the rush I get when I go live, but it’s so much…more.

Because this is Elliot.

And there’s no mistaking the look on his face as he watches me pull my dress just high enough to make him wonder what I’m wearing beneath.

“What was that?” he says, clearly missing what my father said.

I smirk and pull the soggy velvet higher, flashing a peek of my panties.

He inhales sharply.

Emboldened, I hook my thumbs over the edge of my panties and start pushing them down. The skirt of my dress follows my hands, sliding down around my thighs.

Impatience rolls off him, making his answer short and clipped.

When the red satin and lace panties hit the floor, I step out of them and kick them to the side. Then I hold my breath, waiting to see what he’ll do.

He doesn’t disappoint.

“Yeah. Looking forward to it. Don’t worry, I’ll take care of everything here. Travel safe.”

He disconnects the call without looking at his phone because his eyes never stray from mine. He’ll take care of everything here? There’s a note in his voice that says that statement includes me.

I shiver despite the heat of the shower.

My strong independent side turns up her nose at the idea of being taken care of. But even she melts under Elliot’s gaze as he steps back to the shower, phone forgotten. I watch him through the spray of the rain showerhead and my heart thumps against my ribs.

I finally haveallhis attention. And not the platonic kind.

This is the heated look a man gives to a woman, the look I’ve dreamed about for years. Long before I ever looked at Elliot that way, I wanted the kind of passionate, all-consuming relationshipthat people write stories about. I want a love that my grandkids will revere.

Taking a deep breath, I nod. This isn't a topic I thought I'd ever discuss with him.

I close my eyes, because I can't look at him and form complete sentences at the same time. But we need everything out in the air if we’re going to take the next step.

"I'm saving money for my business," I say carefully.

"You know I'd give you the money." His voice is raspy with disbelief and something darker.

"Dad offered," I say quickly. "But I wanted… I need to do it myself."

"Why…this?" He traces a finger down my side. Such a teasing touch.

As if my nipples needed to be any harder, crying, begging, pleading for attention.