Page 18 of The Engagement
My smile morphs into a grin as I reach up to grab his shoulders and pull him down on me. He’s always so careful about initiating sex, needing to be sure I’m okay with it.
“I don’t see anyone stopping you,” I say.
When he lowers his mouth to mine, I open up to him. He eases himself between my thighs and presses the ridge of his erection to the heated, throbbing place between my legs. The feel of him, so hot and firm even through his briefs, is incredible, and I find myself pressing against him, seeking pleasure. Seeking a sweet release that I know is close.
I rock myself against him until I see stars behind my eyelids. When I cry out, my voice shaky, he drinks in every sound.
When my tremors finally subside, I help him peel off his underwear. And then he’s there, right where I need him, sinking slowly into my soft, slick opening. I’m so ready for him. He presses into me gently, giving my body time to adjust to him. I sigh as my muscles turn to jelly and my belly flutters with pleasure.
As he rocks slowly in and out, he holds my gaze the entire time as if to ensure I’m still with him.
It’s so perfect—he’sso perfect—I could cry.
There will be no monster in my dreams tonight.
Chapter 7 – Mack
Monday is a busy day. A huge shipment of two new releases was delivered to Clancy’s this morning—a psychological thriller and a romantasy. With hundreds of preorders for each book, the lines have been out the door all morning. Erin says these are the biggest release day numbers she’s ever seen. It’s like Christmas in July around here. So many excited readers are queued up to claim their books.
I’m keeping an eye on Erin as she flits around the store, directing employees where to stack the new releases, helping cover the preorder pick-up counter to speed up the process. She’s in her element, and I love seeing her so happy.
Beth came in to the store today because of all the extra work. Erin manages the store on a day-to-day basis, but Beth helps out when the work load is unusually high, like it is today.
Finally, after the crazy morning rush, things have started to slow down to a more manageable level.
I step behind Erin, who’s currently helping out at the preorder pick-up desk, and lean down to whisper in her ear. “Time for a lunch break. You’ve been running nonstop all morning.”
She glances back at me. “It’s been crazy,” she says, but the smile on her face tells me she’s loving it. “Shane’s bringing us lunch today. He’s coming at 12:30.”
“It’s twelve-thirty now, so please let someone else take over for you so you can take a break.”
Right on time, Shane walks through the front doors, sidestepping excited customers and dodging the long lines. He’s wearing his typical work attire—a charcoal gray suit, white dress shirt, and a gray tie. Mr.GQ. He looks like a million bucks.
Shane holds up two hefty take-out sacks from Erin’s favorite sushi restaurant just down the street. He points upstairs to the second floor, where Beth’s office is located.
I nod and signal that Erin and I will be right up.
As Shane walks up the curved wrought-iron staircase, I resume trying to lure Erin away. She’s so preoccupied, I don’t think she even saw Shane come in. “Come on, honey. The sushi’s here.”
That gets her attention. She loves her cream cheese Rangoon and roasted salmon sushi with sweet chili sauce.
After I flag down one of the staff members to take over for Erin, I steer her toward the staircase, and we make our way up to the second floor. We pass through the open employee workspace to Beth’s private office. I don’t bother to knock as the door is open. Shane is unpacking the food, while Beth grabs some paper plates and napkins from a cabinet. Sam is raiding the fridge for soft drinks and bottles of water.
The food is arranged on the coffee table in front of a long sofa, and we all gather around to eat. Besides everyone’s meals, there are a number of appetizers to share.
“That’s quite a crowd downstairs,” Shane says.
He’s sitting on the sofa next to his wife. Sam is seated on her other side. Erin and I have pulled two chairs up to our makeshift dining table.
“Cheers to two new releases,” Beth says, holding up her bottled water. “Erin did all the work and all the planning, so she gets all the credit for a well-run distribution process.”
We all toast.
As we’re eating, Sam fetches a tray of brownies. “Courtesy of Cooper,” he says as he grabs a corner piece and takes a bite.
“So,” Shane says to me and Erin. “Have you guys picked a wedding date?”
I look to Erin. This is her call.
