I suck in a breath. “You’re kidding? You don’t have the actual band playing on opening night. It’s a cover band, right?”
“They’re the real deal, and I’ve heard they’re picky.” He leans against the desk. “They like certain liquor, flowers, and foods. I’ll tell you what I know, but you need to dig deeper. Happy bands mean great shows. The opening experience can make or break a club, so there’s a lot riding on this.”
“If you get me their manager’s name, I’ll get on it right away.”
He picks up a sticky note and writes something down. “I’ll make sure you have everything I have.”
“Perfect, and I’ll make sure they’re the happiest band ever.”
“Seriously, though, Kat, they better be.”
Trevor calling me Kat made me think of how Damon only calls me Katarina, and I love the way it sounds, in fact, I think I prefer it.
“Hey Trevor, can you call me by my full name? I am kind of partial to the sound.”
“No problem, Katarina. Now, go finish the bags, girl, so you can earn your keep,” he jokes.
“You’re a hard taskmaster.” I shoo him away.
“Tell that to my boss, and he can punish me.” Trevor bends over and slaps his own ass. I walk past him and smack him myself. He has no idea how close he is to actually knowing things about Damon.
“Mr. Noble isn’t your type.” I pinch my chin and look him over. “I see you with a gay version of Ryan Gosling.”
“Oh, yeah, I’ll do Gosling. I’d also like a piece of Ian Somerhalder.”
Who wouldn’t? “They’re both straight, but it’s not a bad idea to set your standards high.” I wave over my shoulder and head to the assembly room. “I’ll see you after lunch.”
Everything I need is here, and the only money I spent was on tissue paper, ribbons, and bows—and the one hundred copies of Bound that cost fifteen hundred dollars out of my budget.
The retail value is nearly nine thousand dollars per bag. I didn’t hit my goal of ten grand, but I’m proud of my accomplishments.
These gift bags have everything from designer chocolates to designer watches. They also include music, movies, books, spa packages, kitchen gadgets, and gourmet foods. A piece of all the elements of Ahz is included, and I would love to receive swag like this.
Why is it the people who can afford everything get stuff for free, and the people who would appreciate it most, never have an opportunity to receive it?
As I tie the last red scarf around the final book, my stomach grumbles, which means it’s time to eat—time to see Damon.
“Good afternoon, Ms. Cross. Go right in. Mr. Noble is expecting you.”
“Thanks, Greta.”
Damon sits behind his desk, talking on the phone. I enter quietly, not wanting to disturb him. With a push of a button, the lock clicks behind me, and I stroll to his seat. He smiles and pulls me into his lap without a break in his conversation.
The nearness of his body and the smell of his cologne creates an internal frenzy. I skim my fingers over his chest and follow the path of his buttons down to his belt.
His expression is stern as if warning me to stop, but I feel fearless, and there’s no way I’ll obey. If he wants obedience, he chose the wrong woman.
Let’s see if I can shock Mr. Noble with something unexpected today. Maybe it’s time I become a risk-taker.
I spent too many years waiting for some man to give me what I want, but last night, he opened a door I can’t close. I can have what I want as long as I go after it.
I ignore his stern look and slide down his body to my knees.
The surprised look on his face is worth the carpet burn I’ll get.
My hands run up his thighs, slowly hovering, taunting, teasing.
The hitch of his breath makes me bold. He’s having difficulty concentrating.
Bold Kat surfaces, and I unbuckle his belt, unzip his pants, and release him. He springs free as if it had been held hostage for an eternity.
His head falls back, and his eyes close. I know that feeling. It’s complete surrender to all the feels.
He strains to contain himself but stays on the phone. Hopefully, this is the most memorable call of his life.
His free hand threads through my hair and guides my head in the rhythm of his choosing, but I’m in charge, and I make the rules. I take control and nip and nibble and suck and lick.
“Max, I’ll call you back. Something’s come up I need to address immediately.”
And just like that, Damon is off the phone.
“What are you doing to me? I can’t work with your lips around me. I can’t concentrate with you on your knees. You’re killing me.”
I pause and watch his expression change to pure bliss when I refuse to stop, and he finds his release.
After a few breaths, he lifts me onto his lap. I lay my head on his shoulder and place my hand over his heart. It pounds against his chest only evening out several minutes later.
“Are you sure my competition didn’t send you to screw up my negotiations?”
“If they sent someone, they would have sent a professional. I’m an overzealous novice.”
“I love a girl who’s motivated. That might be the best experience I’ve had.”
“I can now honestly say I’ve tasted what others have enjoyed.”
He gives me a strange look, and when I think about what I said, I realize he thinks I’m referring to others who have tasted him.
“I meant, I’m glad I tried that. I liked it, and I’d do it again.”
He stands with me in his arms and carries me to the couch. When he sets me down, he devours my mouth like it was his last meal. He pulls away and looks at me.
“You’re sexy lying here on my couch.” Something animalistic takes over, and he changes from man to predator.
“I will unleash a storm in you that you can never control.”
His lips trail down my chest to kiss me where I’ve never been kissed before.
The storm he spoke of erupts within me. It’s a tsunami or possibly a category five hurricane. Damon is the tide that takes me away and carries me under.
We’re both half-dressed, and he’s fully aroused. When my eyes latch on to his length, he shakes his head and puts himself together.
“The first time will be meaningful. On my couch is not where I want that to happen.” He picks up my underwear and tucks them into his pocket. “I’m keeping these. Finish your day without them for being naughty. The thought of you running around my building without panties is a bigger punishment for me than you.”
“Are you serious?”
He ignores the question. “Can we meet for dinner tonight?”
“I can’t.” My stomach sinks with the weight of disappointment. “I promised to spend time with Em. What about lunch tomorrow?”
He hangs his head. “That won’t work. I’ve got a board meeting that will last most of the afternoon.”
“Tomorrow night, then. Should I meet you at your place, or do you have something else in mind?”
He doesn’t look like a man who’s had enough of me. His eyes are heavy and filled with desire.
“Yes, you can come straight to my place, and I’ll take care of everything. You just show up and bring at least one change of clothes—no pajamas because you won’t need them. I promise to make sure you won’t get cold. Do you remember how to get to my house?”