Page 58 of Highest Bidder

God, I was going to miss this.

My arm wove around his neck as I kissed him back. Our tongues danced and sparred, and as usual, he won control.

And I happily gave it.

****

Jeff

She was packing her bag in the guest room, while I stayed in the living room and scrolled through my phone, trying to occupy my thoughts.

I had to tell myself to unclench my jaw as I waited for her. I’d fucking come to loathe Sunday nights.

She came downstairs a few minutes later in another long-sleeved dress, this one a cobalt blue that matched her eyes. Her collar was in place, and I’d be willing to bet my last dime that she wasn’t wearing any underwear.

I got up to meet her at the door, and skimmed my hand along her ass, just to doublecheck.

“Good girl,” I murmured in her ear with a smile.

She looked up and replied, “I do learn, ya know.”

“I know you do.”

The club car pulled into the drive, and I wanted to go punch the driver for being on time.

Her eyes flicked to the window by the door when she saw the headlights, then back to me. “I guess I’ll see you Friday.”

I nodded once.

She turned to go, but I caught her wrist and pulled her into me.

Then I fucking kissed her forehead.

What the hell am I doing?

I think she must have wondered the same thing, because she blinked up at me with her eyes wide, like she’d been caught off guard.

“Have a good week,” I said, and smacked her ass, ‘cuz, ya know, that would negate what I’d just done. (Insert eyeroll here.)

She nodded and walked out the door.

And I stood there in the doorway watching her get in the car, then waved when she pulled away.

The entire time wishing I had enough balls just to ask her to stay.

Chapter Twenty-Four

Vivian

I met Kit for an early dinner on Thursday before my evening shift. She picked a taco place that had cheap margaritas, and even though I never drank before or during work, I didn’t mind. The food was decent, and it wasn’t far from Club Allure, so I could head there once we were done. Plus, it was the kind of place where no one cared if you wore glittery stripper lashes while sitting at the bar or had a collar tucked beneath your hoodie.

“I still can’t believe he put you in his bed,” she said, dunking a chip into salsa. “That’s like, emotional intimacy, Viv. Are you sure he’s not catching feelings?”

I snorted as I picked a chip from the basket in front of us. “He told me I was nothing but a warm hole two nights ago. I think it’s safe to say that no, he’s not catching feelings.”

“Yeah, butafterthat, he tucked you in next to him in bed like a goddamn husband. So, which is it?”

“I don’t know,” I said as I chewed thoughtfully. “He’s hot and cold. One minute, I think he might actually like me. The next, he’s reminding me I’m just a whore he paid for.”

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