“Stop,” she whispered. “You don’t have to explain it. I lived it, too, remember?”
He nodded, feeling an unfamiliar wave of emotion threatening to take him down. This wasn’t him at all. He’d made a huge mistake. This was all a mistake. He wanted to go back to not feeling anything, to keeping his worthless history a carefully guarded secret.
Adam set the remainder of his glass down on the coffee table, then ran a hand through his hair. She was probably disgusted with the real him. “I’m sorry for unloading on you. I’m a real Christmas downer.” He winked, hoping to make light of his little breakdown. “I’ll walk you back to the party now if you like.”
“I’ll do it,” she said.
“Do what?”
“I’ll take the commission for your art.”
Chapter Three
Alora opened her eyes, and at first, she didn’t understand where she was. The sun shone through the window, and she knew she wasn’t home. What the hell had happened?
Panic rushed through her until slowly, piece by piece, she knew exactly what had taken place.
Holding the edge of the blanket in her hands, she turned her head, knowing precisely what she would find. Adam lay next to her. The blanket had rolled down his body at some point, showing off the expanse of his chest.
“Holy crap,” she said.
She’d only had a couple of drinks with him. They had been about to leave, and he’d helped her with her jacket, and then his lips had been on hers, and he’d awakened something in her body.
Jerking up, she didn’t care if he woke.
As she pulled back the blanket, she saw the evidence of her virginity. It was on the bed, and after she eased back the blanket, she saw it was also on his very large cock.
She remembered.
So clearly as if it had just happened.
Adam had brought her to orgasm with his lively tongue. He’d been so wild, and she had loved every second of it. After she came twice, he’d moved up the bed, kissing every inch of her body.
“I’ve waited so long for this.”
He’d taken her.
The first thrust had been painful, but she’d been so wet, she barely even felt it.
“Morning,” Adam said.
She turned to him, her eyes wide, and her breath caught in her throat.
Her panic had woken him up.
Scrambling off the bed, Alora looked back at him, then at the bed. He lifted up.
“This was a big mistake,” she said. “Oh, God. A big huge mistake.”
“There was no mistake about last night.” He glanced down at the bloodstain and sighed. “Shit, I … how are you feeling?”
“Don’t do that,” she said.
“Don’t do what?” he asked, getting off the bed and stepping toward her.
She took a step back. This was all too much, too fast. Alora was not experienced. She certainly didn’t sleep around or try to seduce her own boss.
“Alora, you’re scaring me right now. How are you feeling?”
“I’m … fine. Okay, I just need to get dressed and leave. I’ve … this was a big mistake. We do not need to talk about it. I don’t want anyone to know that I slept with my boss.”
Just the thought of it was enough to have her whimpering, and not in pleasure either. She never mixed business with pleasure. Not that she ever had sex with anyone. She’d dated a few times, but since she never had sex on the first date, guys got bored.
I’m no longer a virgin.
She groaned.
Holding on to her virginity hadn’t been some stubborn act. She’d grown up knowing some really creepy men, and she’d vowed to wait for the right guy to come along. It was probably ridiculous holding on to the fairytale ending, but it was what helped her get through her time in the foster system. Her imagination, her hope, and the plan to live life how she wanted to when she was finally free.
“I can see you’re freaking out right now, and I don’t want you to. You can’t go anywhere. I’m going to need to order you some new clothes. The dress, if my memory serves me well, didn’t survive.”
She took a deep breath. Then another. “This can’t be happening.”
“I’ll run you a bath. That’s what you’re going to need. Don’t leave.”
“I’m not this kind of person. I’m not that girl.”
“Alora, I’ve never had a virgin in my bed. I get that you’re upset right now. I get it, I do. Please, I need you to know this is not a one-night stand. Not for me.”
She couldn’t help but burst out laughing. “How can you say that? All you do is have one-night stands. You’re known for it. It’s kind of your thing.”
“Yeah, but I know you, and I know these feelings we’re having are not because of one night of sex.”
She ran fingers through her hair, feeling a little crazy. “We can’t talk about what happened. Ever. Pretend you never met me.”
“I’m not going to pretend it didn’t happen.”
She winced as she moved.
Adam stepped right in front of her, but he didn’t touch her. “Let me take care of this. Let me take care of you.”
“I’m not a child.”
“I know. I know. Please, let me do this.”
She wanted to deny him, but with no dress to get home in, she didn’t want to do the famous walk of shame naked. “Fine. Fine. I’ll have a bath, and you’ll get me a change of clothes. Then I’m leaving.”
“Let me buy you breakfast?” he asked.
“Adam, I don’t think that is a good idea.”
“It’s the least I can do. Breakfast.”
She should say no. “Fine, breakfast sounds pretty good.” Her stomach chose that moment to rumble.
“Good. Good.”
Why did his smile have to be so damn sexy and adorable in equal parts?
He took her hand and led her into an even more luxurious bathroom. The tub was huge, easily designed for an orgy rather than one person. It was what dreams were made of.
She waited as he filled the tub. He read over some of the bath soaks and salts, adding one that smelled like lavender. She loved lavender.
There was a slight pain between her thighs, but nothing she couldn’t handle. He was being so sweet and thoughtful. It didn’t make sense. She had no idea he had it in him.
After he filled the tub, he helped her inside and made sure she was settled before he stepped back. “I’ll be back in a second. Don’t go anywhere.”
He looked hesitant to leave.
“I won’t. I mean … I can’t.”
She’d never seen Adam look so unsure of himself.
Alora watched him go, hating herself for admiring his ass as he did. When he’d taken her virginity the previous night, he’d looked so shocked and remorseful. She had a flash of memory of her grabbing that ass and holding him within her, not wanting him to leave.
She was never drinking alcohol again. Never ever. It clearly messed with her ability to function. She had broken every single rule she had in place, and that wasn’t funny.
Leaning back in the water, she pressed her palm to her forehead and gave herself a little slap. “Stupid. So stupid.”