Page 20 of The Photo
“Yup!” I’m not lying, they are my favorite. Although something tells me, I could easily replace those little salty snacks. “Peanuts,” I agree with a nervous laugh.
“I’m so turned on,” Chelsea groans.
Noah and I both turn our heads at the time to find Chelsea stuffing the last piece of donut into her mouth and chewing like she’s engrossed in the show. “Carry on. You two are hot.”
Nine
By the time it’s taken Rowan to eat a three-course meal in the function room, I’ve been to my apartment, and now I’m back at her hotel. I tried to sit calmly over a coffee, but I wasn’t concentrating and added too many packets of sugar. Then, I wandered to the restrooms for something else to do. Now, I’m acting shifty by a large pot plant in the elevator lobby.
We arranged to meet at eight, giving her time to freshen up after a busy day. However, the hours were deliberately dragging. I was aware of every single minute as it ticked by. So I gathered my jacket and arrived thirty-eight minutes early.
To be honest, I wouldn’t care if she turned up in the cute dress she wore earlier. It gave her a trendy, stylish vibe, unique and stunning. I’m keen to see those hidden curves in a tight dress or fitted jeans. Fuck that, I just want her naked and under me.
I pace, or prowl, or whatever a horny guy does when he knows the hottest woman alive is getting ready to meet him. There’s a wired energy surrounding me tonight, like I’m going to prom with my high school sweetheart.
Back at my place, I’d taken way too long to decide what clothes to wear for our date. Which it is—it’s a fucking date, even if her college friends are tagging along.
For the entire afternoon, I’ve danced around the idea of a one-night stand. I’m revved up, and now the goal is to get this woman out of my head. It can’t be anything more than temporary when she lives in Ireland. My dick is big, but it’s not big enough to cross the Atlantic Ocean.
Everything about her leaves a bold impression. I knew the minute she walked away from me on the street I needed to fuck her. Hell, who am I kidding? This infatuation has been building for days. I guarantee her lips will feel a thousand times better sucking me off than my solo hand effort.
A rush of lust buzzes inside me. I’m riding a heightened sense of high alert. I haven’t been able to think of much else, other than that kiss. The way she responded makes my senses go haywire, even now. The dirty little moan was a promise of more to come, and I sure as hell want her to come, with my balls deep inside her.
Our chemistry was more than just a reaction, it was molecular. I’m super charged and hooked on the sugary sweet taste of Rowan Hudson. I swipe both palms over my cheeks. What the heck is happening to me?
When the elevator doors slide open, I’m obsessed by those ideas of having her all to myself. As the mingling crowd parts, I search for her. My greedy gaze settles on the most attractive woman I’ve ever seen.
Shit. She’s out of this world attractive.
I’m oblivious to the friends flanking her side, escorting my date right to me.
Lustrous locks are tamed, now sleek and shiny. A thin charcoal stripe closely lines long lashes, framing her eyes so the whites glow brighter, and a shimmer of highlighter emphasizes high cheekbones. She could be a fucking model with those bewitching features.
I’m blown away. Not only by the minty green form fitting dress hugging her curves, but the way she moves demure yet strong. Rowan stands out to me like a rare gem, shining among strangers.
We don't know each other, not really, yet I can’t shake the notion she’s the one I’ve been waiting to find, without even realizing I was searching.
“Hey.” Full black lashes flutter as they look up at me, not flirty, more shy or timid.
“You’re stunning, Rowan.” My hand slips into my back pocket. “I hope you don’t mind.” I turn my attention to the necklace twinkling on her milky skin. “Thought you might need this.” I slide out a brand-new phone and offer it to her. “I saw how smashed your screen was. There’s no way you can use it. All you need to do is transfer your SIM card over. It’s the same one.”
She stares at it blankly. “I can’t accept that. I don’t have the money to pay you back.”
My heart stills when her expression tightens. Why the hell is she concerned about paying me back, surely she knows I’m rich. “It’s a gift.” I shrug. “I don’t expect you to pay me back. How else will you update your social media?” I throw her a persuasive grin.
She understands exactly what I mean. Her friend, Chelsea, leans in. “Take it and let’s go. I can’t stand around for too long in these heels.”
“But.” Her plump lip dents under her teeth, and my pulse boosts to high speed. Those lips are mine.
I lower my mouth to the side of her face, close enough to the curve of her ear and far enough away that we don’t touch. It’s a risky move to get so close again. My pulse is hammering. “It’s a gift. However, if you’d rather repay me, we can come to an arrangement later.” I don’t mean it to sound so suggestive, but it comes out of my mouth filthy.
Rowan’s eyes flash with unspoken questions. “Okay,” she replies. That one word is quick, yet it offers acceptance. A fast wave of goosebumps skitters over me when her fingers brush the sleeve of my shirt. “Thanks, Noah.”
I wink. “You’re welcome.” And I’ll happily make her work for it later, if I’m lucky enough to take her home with me. As a group, we walk to the exit. “I brought my car.” I flick my ticket to the valet guy.
“What? No way! You’re not drinking with us?” Chelsea smells like she’s already had a drink, and her face scrunches like I’ve pained her. “Go big or go home, Noah.”
“Chelsea, he can’t drink and drive.” Rowan’s shoulders draw back like she’s protecting me.
