Page 14 of Stick to the Plan
“Does he ever! And his smile. Oh man, Nic. You would die.”
“So, are you showing him some hospitality? Seems convenient, what with him already at your house and all.”
I sit up, shocked. “Of course not! One, I’ve known him less than a week. Two, that would be completely inappropriate - he’s a client! Three, I’m not interested.”
“Uh huh.” Nic sounds unconvinced. I hear a sigh from the other end of the line - the kind you hear right before some tough love. “Brianna, it’s been a year since Chris. I know how rough it’s been, but you need to get back out there, honey. Fine, leave the hot leprechaun alone, but if you don’t start easing back into dating soon, you never will.”
Closing my eyes against the prickle of tears, I lay back on the soft covers with a shaky breath. “I know, Nic, I’m not against dating. It’s just not a good time. I can’t be distracted right now. Stone said if this goes well, he’ll give me that promotion. Now more than ever, I need to keep my eye on the prize.”
“Alright,” Nic still doesn’t sound convinced, “but if you will not take advantage of that man in your house, I will!” There is a pause, and I heard some indistinct yelling in the background. “They’re calling me back in. I miss you and love you, and I’ll see you in a few weeks!”
I say my goodbyes and hang up. Talking to Nic always makes me feel enormously better. I hum to myself as I get into the still steaming bath with a giant glass of Merlot and my Kindle. Turning to my latest romantasy obsession, I push out all thoughts of work or roommates and immerse myself in the story.
As the fearless princess sneaks to the dashing knight’s chambers, my breath quicken. He pulls her into the room and pins her against the door, scared someone will see her. Wantonly, she drops her robes as she stands in front of him naked. His eyes heat as they consume her and he finally gives in to thedesire he’s fought for so long.
My nipples harden and my skin grows sensitive beneath the cooling water. I glide my fingers over my body, leaving a trail of goosebumps. Molten heat pools in my core.
Pausing, I listen for any sounds in the house. Only Riley’s occasional snore from the bathmat reaches my ears. I close my eyes as my fingers dip to my center before circling my clit. Shocks of electricity slowly spread outward as I rub myself.
My eyes fly across the screen as the hero effortlessly lifts and carries her to the giant bed. My fingers circle faster as he lavishes her body with his mouth, leaving her mewling. When he finally thrusts his impressive cock into her until they’re both lost to the passion, I shift my hand to slowly slip two fingers into my slick heat. Massaging that sensitive, magic spot, I close my eyes and chase my own release. Instead of the dark and scarred knight, Colin’s green eyes and dimpled smile fill my mind as I orgasm. Hard. A heavy moan leaves my lips.
The quakes subside, and I catch my breath.
Fuck.
Did I seriously just cum thinking about my client? So unprofessional, Brianna. I quickly wash and get into bed, desperate to avoid running into Colin tonight.
Chapter nine
Getting Dirty
Brianna
The Sunday morning sunshine glows across the tile floor. Colin has headed off to explore the local beach, and I’ve decided to stick to my typical routine: housework and pizza. Colin has spent little time at the house this weekend, so I figure I’ll have the whole day to myself.
Thanks to the pre-houseguest scrubbing on Monday, there isn’t much routine cleaning left to do. It’s a good day to tackle the less-common chores and get a head start on some proper spring cleaning. Dressed in an old pair of yoga shorts and tank, I crank up the radio, open all the windows, and get to work.
I scrub cabinets, dust behind the TV, wash curtains, and dig out the lonely sock stuck between the washer and dryer. Perched on a step stool, I attempt to give the entry chandelier a good scrub. Cleaning spray in one hand, dust cloth in the other, I try to reach a particularly stuck-on spot near the center of the light. I lean slightly further to get a better angle, but can’t quite reach. Putting the spray down, I place both feet on the top step and reach out again.
Justas I extend my arm for the light bulb again, three things happened in near unison. The door behind me opens, catching me off guard. Riley wakes up from his nap in the afternoon sun and tears off across the entry, barking his head off. I jerk at the sound, lose my balance. Making what I’m sure is an excellent imitation of a windmill, I drop the cloth and let out an indelicate squeal. Suddenly, warm hands grip my bare thighs, and a hard chest presses against my butt.
“Careful there. Don’t want ya to fall.”
“Never had a problem before,” I mutter, more loudly I add, “thank you, I’m fine now.” I can feel my face flaming as I look at Colin’s hands on my legs. Not sure if it is purely embarrassment or the warmth from his long fingers as they slightly dig into my skin, but a warmth spreads in my belly as well. Now is so not the time to go there.
“Sure ya are. I’ll spot you while you finish all the same.”
Colin slowly releases my legs, but keeps close as he moves his hands to my hips. That seems safer, but does nothing for the butterflies that feel as large as elephants in my stomach. Taking a gulp of air, I hurry to finish the last bulb and then climb off the ladder and out of his hands.
“Thank you,” I repeat as I turn to face him. He is standing so close, arms half outreached, ready to catch me again. He smells like summer - coconut sunscreen and salty ocean air. I quickly step back and drop my eyes to the floor, trying to rein in my thundering pulse.
He looks fantastic. The sun has left his face and arms slightly flushed. In a simple tee and board shorts, he looks just as handsome as in a three-piece suit. Which is completely unfair; I’m sure I look disgusting.
Fussing with the hem of my tank, I slowly raise my eyes to his face. I have to tilt my head back to meet his gaze. His typical grin is absent, his full lips quirk slightly in a softer smile. This close, I can see flakes of gold near thecenter of his emerald eyes. I swallow the sudden lump in my throat and lick my dry lips.
His eyes drop to my lips before sweeping over my face with something akin to amusement twinkling in their depths. Slowly, I watch him raise one hand towards my face. Subconsciously, I jerk back, shattering whatever spell I’d been under.
“You have a bit of dirt on your face.” His smile has faded slightly. “Just here.” Colin points to a spot on his own face.
