Page 65 of Take Hold of Me

With his words, my fingers open and I drop my keys back into my tote. “Damn.” I fumble around looking for them again. “I understand. But would you like to share a meal before you go?” I do not want to be alone after that meeting. I just need his reassuring presence with me for a little while longer.

He clears his throat, watching me pull out the keys again. “I guess I could eat.”

Releasing a sigh, I open the door and welcome him back into my house. “Have you seen the pool area? We could order take out and eat back there.”

He chuckles. “Does that mean I get to see you in a bikini again?”

I sway my hips from side-to-side. “Maybe. If you are nice.”

He grabs me by my hips and pulls mine to his. “Oh, I think I know how to be very nice. Don’t you agree?”

“Oui.” I wrap my arms around his neck and claim his lips.

“Let’s order Chinese. I’m in the mood for some sweet and sour pork.” He gives me one more toe-curling kiss, then directs me toward my bedroom. “Go change. I’ll order delivery.”

As I lickthe grease from the eggroll off my fingers, Wills says, “I’m glad to see you’re back, Angel.”

I tilt my head. “I have not been anywhere. Well, other than my closet to change.” I run my hands over my barely-there bikini. I love the color of the hot pink crochet top, and the way the bottoms are cut. Such a new take.

He kisses my collarbone. “And I’m glad you did. But that’s not what I meant. Ever since you went in to meet with Price, you’ve been out of sorts.”

I pause mid-lick and wipe my hand using a napkin instead. “Oh?”

“Want to talk about it?”

“No.”

His face falls, but he does not press me. Instead, he cleans up the rest of our dinner and throws it away. While he is doing that, I sit on the side of the pool and dip my feet in. He joins me, nudging my shoulder with his. “Hey.”

I return the nudge. “Hey back.”

“How can I bring your smile back?”

“It is still here.” I smile.

His fingers run over my eyelids. After he kisses each in turn, he says, “But it doesn’t reach here.”

“I have been thinking about what we talked about earlier. About my career.”

He frowns, his eyes tracking the water I displace. “I want you to be happy with your work life. You do know it’s okay to want something different from when you were a teen.”

“I am good at modeling.”

“You’re amazing.” He nods. “But, being good at something does not mean it is a good career choice. For instance, you told me you want more control over your schedule.”

“Well, yes. I need to confer with my attorney about the details of my new contract.MonsieurPrice asked me about that today.”

I kick harder. I want to be able to go to bridal showers and anniversary parties and dates with Wills. I want to take part in my life, not send videos and look at important events through photos. How ironic? I have made my living producing slick photos, and now I am reduced to living through them. Not anymore.

Without warning, I slide into the water. Holding my breath, I dunk my entire body underneath and twist so that I am between his legs. Grabbing his knees, I open his legs and pull myself up. As I am in the deep end, I cannot reach the bottom, so I slip my palms up his thighs.

“Ems, what are you doing?”

I need to connect with him. Talking about my future career path has unleashed a sense of anxiety only he can slay. I lick my lips as my hand continues its journey upward. “I am wet.”

He groans, his impressive length growing before my eyes. “Don’t you want to talk about your next career moves?”

“No.” His hips rock toward me, and I cup him over his swim trunks, drawing another groan out of his mouth.

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