Total pages in book: 30
Estimated words: 26892 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 134(@200wpm)___ 108(@250wpm)___ 90(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 26892 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 134(@200wpm)___ 108(@250wpm)___ 90(@300wpm)
“When it comes to good food, yes,” he replies, his hand casually dropping from the top of the booth to settle on my knee. His large palm is heavy, burning straight through the fabric of my dress. I half hope he’ll pull the chiffon up and go a lot further. Instead, he keeps it there, further making my desire go up a notch. “Besides, you look like you need someone to take care of you, if only for a night.”
“You’re so sure?” His thumb begins to trace tiny agonizing circles just below the hem, making my breath hitch in my throat.
“I’m more than sure.”
“And how do you know this?” I look at the crisp black dress shirt that’s currently straining against his muscular build.
“I’m great with making observations. You don’t get to where I am without watching people.” He lets out a low, rough chuckle that makes my pulse jump. “I don’t spend all of my time behind a desk if I can help it. I like building empires, creating experiences, and controlling outcomes.” He licks his lips, making my eyes flutter downward to catch the movement. “Hospitality is a polite word for making sure every detail and every desire ends up exactly where you want it, when you want it.” The double entendre is not lost on me. If anything, it makes my breasts feel heavy and my thighs clench to relieve the ache building inside me.
“Which explains you being a CEO of the Summit House.” I could really use my drink right about now.
“You did your research, I see. I guess that leaves me in the dark. Tell me about yourself, Genevieve.” Gavin Rhodes is definitely a lion in sheep’s clothing.
“I work at Sterling Capital in the marketing department. It’s organized chaos, and I love every minute of it. I put out fires created by people who think branding is picking pretty colors.” A small laugh escapes me, and I relax slightly into his side. “It’s fast-paced, a lot of strategy, a lot of late nights trying figure out how to make the product appeal to the consumer, and they always need the marketing plan ten minutes ago.”
“Sounds like you’re good at what you do,” he murmurs, his hand sliding an inch higher up my thigh, dragging the dress with it. My heart races, and a sharp gasp escapes my lips before I can stop it. “A woman who knows how to get what she wants.”
“I try.” Having no idea what to do with my hands, I keep them placed on the wooden table. “Though right now, I feel like I’m a little out of my depth.” The admission rolls off my tongue without a second thought.
“Good. I like you right where you are. Vulnerable. Honest.” Our drinks arrive, along with a marble platter holding four delicate, beautifully prepared mini lobster rolls. The hostess sets them down along with our drinks. I reach for my espresso martini with a hand that isn’t entirely steady and take a slow sip. The rich, dark coffee and sweet liqueur wash over my tongue, giving me a moment to gather my composure. Gavin does similar, only he swirls the dark amber before taking a quiet drink, his eyes never leaving mine over the rim of the cut crystal.
“How old are you, Genevieve?” The directness of his question makes me blink.
“Twenty-five. You?”
“Forty-four.” He sets his glass down with a light clink. “Nineteen years.”
“Does that bother you?” I place my elbow on the table, resting my chin on the palm of my hand.
“Not in the slightest.” His fingers trail up my leg, further than before, leaving a wake of goose bumps, the edge of his thumb gently pressing between my thighs. And try as I might, I’m having a hard time remembering the reason I should say no to his advances. Besides, it’s only one date, right?
CHAPTER FOUR
gavin
My cock throbs. Not once has it subsided since Genevieve walked through the restaurant doors. If anything, sitting pinned beside her in the leather booth made it turn to steel. Throughout our dinner and drinks, I am losing my goddamn mind in real-time. I sit here like a man possessed, laser-focused on every movement of her plush, mouthwatering body.
I watch her sip her espresso martini, her light blue eyes darkening under the dim lighting.
I watch her take soft, delicate bites of her food, full lips parting, and when a bit of sauce catches on the tip of her finger, she brings it to her mouth to lick it clean.
I watch every single thing she does.
And almost lose my self-control in doing so, my jaw locks so hard, my teeth ache. Dessert, though… Jesus, fuck, dessert nearly has me growling out loud. Genevieve eating a dark chocolate torte, the smooth confection gliding over her pink tongue, yeah, it makes me snap. I can’t stop myself. I reach over, grip her jaw in the palm of my hand, and pull her mouth to mine. I kiss her, taking her completely, tasting her sweet lips, and all it does is make me desperate for more. If anyone were to pull the drape to the side, they’d catch me practically mauling her. It’s indecent what my mouth is doing to hers.