My heart stutters as I fall back in the chair. It takes me a second where I need to gather my wits. Connor moans as I absently play with my hard nipples.
“Want to break into your house and drive into you, shit.”
I laugh, a little delirious before we’ve even done much. “This feels a lot different. I know you’re watching me.”
“Hell yes, baby. I’m not taking my eyes off you. It’s just you and me. There’s nothing to be embarrassed about,” Connor croons. “Show me.”
With a shaking breath, I spread my legs, resting them over the arms of my chair. Connor goes still, staring at me with such intensity, it’s like I can feel him in the room with me. His eyes drink me in.
“Thea,” he whispers hoarsely.
The reverence in his tone gives me courage to let go. I coast my fingers down my stomach, over my mound, and stroke my slick folds. I tip my head back with a soft sigh.
“That’s it. God, I want to lick your pussy until you cry. But I won’t stop, I’ll keep going until I’ve made you come so much, you’re wrung out.”
My heart pounds and I shift my hips to roll against my fingers as I rub my clit. “Ah. Feels good.”
“Yeah. Keep going.”
I push a finger back inside and imagine it’s Connor fucking me on his long fingers. My brows pinch. I need more. “Please.”
“I’m right there with you, sunshine. You hear me? I’m kissing your neck and sucking on your nipples while I thrust my fingers in you.”
Gasping, I pinch a nipple and buck against my hand.
“God,” Connor bites out as his hand fists his cock. “See this?” Connor moves the phone so I can see how he’s leaking pre-come over his knuckles. “This is you, baby. So hard for you.”
A ripple of pleasure crests over my body and I cry out. Distantly, I’m aware of Connor cutting off a curse and groaning while I ride out my orgasm. As I come back down to earth, Connor chuckles. He’s moved to his bed, covering his lap after tossing aside a used tissue. Blushing, I scramble for my discarded body suit and shift around to curl in the chair with more modesty.
“You feel better now?” Connor asks. His eyes are bright with amusement. “All ready for me to tuck you into bed?”
“I, um.” It hits me hard. I just had phone sex with Connor. And I started it. So do I want him? Blinking, I push my hair out of my face. “Yes?”
His shoulders shake as another amused sound rasps out of him. “Sweet dreams, sunshine.”
Whether he can tell I need the space after taking things so far with him, or he got what he wanted and he’s eager to get rid of me, he winks and ends the video call. I melt into the chair and hide behind my hands. When I peek between my fingers, his shadow fills his window again, facing my bedroom. He doesn’t hide behind curtains as he watches me because he doesn’t have them. I close my sheer lavender curtains and dive into bed, not bothering with getting dressed.
“Well. That happened,” I say to the empty room.
My heart races. I have to face Connor tomorrow and we just did that. Were my last two brain cells on vacation?
Eighteen
Thea
As I pace by the front door, waiting for Connor to knock when it’s time to go, my hands itch to sink into dough. I still don’t know what happened the night before. I mean, I know the obvious. Phone sex. Really hot phone sex.
My cheeks heat and I fan my hands to cool myself off so I don’t mess up my makeup. The elegant, beaded gold gown I’m wearing swishes as I pace. It’s the prettiest thing I’ve ever worn.
I don’t know what I want. I don’t know why I started things with Connor last night.
A knock on the door makes me startle. “Oh god.”
I open the door and gape. Connor stands there, one hand in his pocket and the other braced on the doorframe. His tuxedo is tailored to fit his body, and his floppy light brown hair has some product in it, styled to make him look even more dapper.
This isn’t fair. My heart lurches.
He looks amazing. Irresistible. Then he smirks at me and I lose all breathing capabilities.
Sweeping his gaze over me, his full lips stretch into the charm-up-to-eleven smile I’ve never experienced the full force of. Oof.
“Looking good,” he says, offering his hand. “Ready to be thrown to the lions?”
I have every intention of responding, but my tongue gets twisted. Connor takes my hand and tugs me against him.
“Don’t worry, little mouse. I’ll protect you.”
Behind him, an expensive SUV is parked in the street. He waits for me to lock the door, then tucks my hand in his elbow, guiding me to the car.
“I’m nervous,” I admit.
Connor pauses halfway down the walkway from my house. “Hey.” He cups my face, smoothing a thumb over my cheek. “I’m the one who made you go. I won’t abandon you. I’ll be with you all night. Okay?”
I nod, feeling better.
My nerves spike again as we pull up to the hotel where the benefit is being hosted. Photographers and reporters line the plush carpet leading into the building.
Isn’t Connor’s mom running for city council? This is like a movie star or presidential welcome. It’s a lot more attention than I expected for a local event, but this is Ridgeview. Everything is a big to do.
Connor squeezes my hand as he helps me out and tucks me against his side. Camera flashes and questions start up immediately as we turn to follow his parents.
“Just keep your head down or look up. Those flashes are blinding,” Connor says.
“Councilwoman Bishop, this way! Are you hoping to beat out the funds raised from your election campaign last term tonight? Are you here with your family?” The reporter catches sight of me. “Miss, what’s your name?”
Connor holds me close and strides past the press gauntlet without answering any questions while his mother lingers to smile. I peer over my shoulder before he pulls me through the carved lacquered double doors leading into an ornate, Victorian style parlor room.
“Cocktail hour is in here, then dinner through there.” Connor indicates another set of doors inlaid with frosted window panes.
“This place is so fancy.” I tip my head back to take in the deep colors and the intricate high ceiling, where crystal chandeliers dangle overhead. “Wow.”
“I’ve always thought it was stuffy.” Connor shrugs and swipes a piece of fruit from the spread of appetizers. “Remember our story if anyone asks.”
“Okay.” Interested in the table of puff pastries, I take Connor’s hand and pull him over to inspect it. I pick one up and take a bite, moaning as buttery crust, creamy brie, and tart cranberry burst on my tongue. “Wow, this is so good. How did they get their pastry so flaky?”
Connor stares at me intently when I turn to offer him a bite. He parts his lips and I peek around us. He waits until I give in, feeding him. His lips brush against my fingers, sending a shiver racing down my spine. His gaze stays fixed on me as he chews.
“They’re the top chefs in the country. Mom has them flown in for the event.” His deep voice washes over me as he places his hand on the small of my back. He leans close enough to press his lips against my ear. “Moan like that again where anyone could hear you tonight, and I’ll have to steal you away and stuff something in your mouth to keep you quiet.”