Page 36 of Brazen
He closed his eyes. “Okay, go to your interview tomorrow. I’ll go to work, but let’s research the airline industry and where there might be a potential to make money. Maybe it’s a good idea, but it sounds like a big decision.”
My lips curved. This was biting off more than I had ever chewed, but maybe for once in my life, everything would work out. A job was safe and dependable and paid the bills, but Charlie was right. It was a big decision, and we both needed to be on board if it meant changing my entire life. I sighed. “Sounds smart. I want to help you as I promised, but you need to meet your potential.”
His eyes widened. “I have potential?”
I was pulsating in my skin as I took his hand. “You have more than you realize.”
“You’re sweet, Hope. It’s one of your best qualities.”
I couldn’t take it anymore. I kissed him. I wanted to believe we might be more, and I ached for only him.
Chapter Nineteen
Charlie
* * *
My entire body was hard and ready for Hope. I wasn't sure I would ever have enough of her. Fire rushed in my veins from her kiss, but one thought extinguished it. She’d made the rules, and after Paris, it was clear she hadn’t expected to see me again. I needed to convince her and hear her tell me how she felt and that we were both important to each other.
As our kiss finished, I stepped back. “Let’s finish our wine.”
Her face pinkened, and she gazed down. “I thought?—"
I squeezed her hand and pressed my forehead to hers. I would never embarrass her. “I want to know it’s what you want, and taking a minute won’t change anything.”
She took a deep breath then sat back on the sofa, picking up her wine. “What’s going on?”
I met her gaze, hoping she was honest with me. “I promised not to kiss you without going first.”
She clinked glasses. “Well, mission accomplished.”
We sipped. My heart was beating a mile a minute. Then a thought hit me. Fuller had told me about the delivery, so I jumped up and put my glass down. “Wait here.”
“What?” She stood and held her wrist.
I rushed to the dining room and returned as fast I could. My heels went up to stop my motion, but then I handed her the box. “It’s the ring we picked out. I meant to give it to you before we left, but I figure now is a good time.”
She laughed and opened the box. I took the diamond from her and slipped it on her hand. It felt right.
She had tears in her eyes, but she swiped them away. “I’ve never seen your bedroom.”
I placed my hand on her back, and a spark rushed through me. “Let me give you a tour.”
She laughed, but we walked through the penthouse, skipping most of the place, making a beeline down the hall to the back bedroom. I opened the door for her, and she stepped inside.
As I locked the door behind me, her gaze went up. “Floor-to-ceiling windows.”
Time to be alone. If she wanted me, I was all hers. I sighed. “We close them with a push of a button.” The windows blacked out, and I flipped on the light.
She pivoted then slipped off her pretty little sundress. “So you’re ready to satisfy me now?”
I slipped off my shirt and met her at the bed. “I’m always ready for you. I just needed you to be sure.”
She sighed and unzipped my pants. “I’m not sure of anything, except that I need you.”
Without waiting for another second, I kissed her. She would get anything she would want, ever, from me.
Chapter Twenty
