Page 79 of City of Sin (Men of Manhattan 1)

"Here." He moved right next to me and put his arms around my shoulders. "Better?" He raised his eyebrow at me.

"Yes." My voice sounded small. He ran his hand up and down my arm. I took a deep breath, smelling his cologne. He smelled like one of those cologne sample from a magazine. I let my head rest on his shoulder. Even though we were in bed together, it didn't seem like he was being forward. He was actually being a gentleman. Something that he swore to me he wasn't. He was so sexy, but he was also funny and easy to talk to.

"I can't read you at all. This whole week you were such a gentleman, despite the fact that you like to deny that you are. I just don't understand you."

"It's easy to be a gentleman around you. I think you bring out the best in me." He frowned again. He clearly wasn't used to saying things like that. He almost looked pissed at himself for admitting it out loud.

"You're different than other guys in this city."

"And why is that?"

"You're actually nice. I don't know anyone else who would have comforted me while I was crying after only knowing me a few days."

"I didn't like seeing you cry."

"I really like you." I shifted so that I could look up at him again. "I just want to know that it's more than just physical attraction."

"It's more than just physical. I promise you, it's more than that for me." He leaned down and kissed me.

Chapter 44

Mason

I looked down at the girl's head on my chest. Bee. Shit. I rarely ever spent the night. And I definitely never spent the night after not even having sex. We had made out a lot. But mostly, we had just talked all night. And laughed. She was so down to earth. So much different than the other women I had been meeting in the city. I ran my fingers through her long hair. I thought I was lying when I said it was more than just physical. But I wasn't. I was falling for this girl. She stirred and sighed against my chest. Shit.

I unwound her arms from around me and pulled my hand free from underneath of her. I tried not to make the bed move as I climbed off it. I stared down at her as I buttoned up my shirt. We must have fallen asleep talking. What the hell is wrong with me? This girl had crawled under my skin.

I needed to get out of there. I grabbed my suit coat and tie and headed to the door. My hand lingered on the knob. I turned back around. She was sleeping so peacefully. I couldn't just leave. She'd wonder where I had gone.

She rolled over in bed and reached out her arm where I had once been. She moaned softly, but didn't open her eyes. I didn't want her to think I was just going to abandon her once I was done with her. But isn't that the plan? I shook away the thought and walked back over to her bed. There was a notebook and a pen on her nightstand. I'd leave her a note, inviting her over to my place tonight.

The past week didn't matter and neither did the future. All that mattered was tonight. Finally claiming her. And if I could focus on that, and not the tightness in my chest, maybe I could get a grip. I was just messed up from not having sex in a week. The last time I had cum was in her mouth in that alleyway.

I lifted up the notebook and flipped to a random page. There were a few notes scribbled on the page.

Jenkins' pitch - Layla's Predictions - guessing penis size. Win a sample if she guesses wrong.

I laughed. That sounded like something Jenkins would pitch. I had heard of Layla's Predictions. Layla Torrez was a sexy weather girl from Miami. Was that what Kruger was currently working on? It didn't say what account it was for. But having Layla predict penis size was a pretty wild idea. How was she even supposed to do that on T.V.? There were scribbles over the words on the rest of the page. But I was able to make them out.

Idea - Local, guerilla style campaign. Knicks cheerleaders Central Park performance for selling tickets. Team up - have an actor spray himself with body spray and have the cheerleaders chase him through Central Park. Everyone would see it. No one would know if it was real or not. News stations would inadvertently pick it up. Attention grabbing and cheap.

That was a really good idea. Had she come up with that? I looked down at her sleeping. Clearly her boss hadn't liked it, or it wouldn't have been crossed out. I suddenly felt dirty. I shouldn't be reading this stuff. I flipped through the pages of notes until I came to an empty one. On the left side were a few more notes. I couldn't help but let my eyes wander over them.

Idea - Fairytale. Get a box in the mail with a dress and a note. Get dressed up and picked up for a romantic evening. Everyone loves a fairytale and the idea of finding your prince.

I smiled to myself and picked up the pen. She must have written that last night. I was no Prince Charming. But it didn't matter. After one night with me she'd be hooked. Maybe she already was. Which meant tonight would just seal the deal.

Bee,

Thanks for an amazing night. You looked absolutely stunning in that dress. I'm making you dinner tonight at my place. And I believe you said I didn't need to control myself anymore. So don't worry about what to wear, because you won't be wearing it for very long. I'll see you at 8.

-Mason

I put down the pen and turned toward the door. The apartment was dreary. I didn't want her to be in a place like this. It didn't even feel like her heat was working. I wanted her in my bed, ready for me whenever I wanted. I picked up the pen again.

P.S. The sleepover is at my place tonight. I can take you to work in the morning.

I put the pen back down and looked over at her. She looked so beautiful. She was still wearing the red dress, and it hugged every curve. I had the urge to kiss her cheek.

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