Total pages in book: 74
Estimated words: 68743 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 344(@200wpm)___ 275(@250wpm)___ 229(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 68743 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 344(@200wpm)___ 275(@250wpm)___ 229(@300wpm)
She turned and resettled herself on the bed, crossing her legs beneath her. Meeting his gaze, she asked, “How many twenty-one-year-olds do you know that have traveled the world? Modeled in New York, Paris, London, and Milan? Met the DC elite, the current president, and is the daughter of a potential future leader of the Free World?”
A grudging smile of admiration lifted his sexy lips. “So what I’m hearing is you’re not most women.”
The teasing note in his voice released the knot that had formed in her chest, and she shook her head. “I never have been.”
“Nikki…” He stroked a hand down her cheek, a touch she felt deep inside. “I already told you I can’t make promises…”
“And I’m not asking for any.” Even if she wanted them, she knew better than to demand one. Her relationship with Asher was as fluid as the enigmatic man himself.
Not finished touching her, he tucked a strand of hair behind her ear. “I also can’t claim to know what the future holds.”
“I never said you were a fortune teller, Asher. I agreed to time on the island only. I’m just saying to open your mind while we’re together. Your father made his point, and after that comparison you made, he’s not going to give you a hard time again. Pot, kettle, and all that.”
He let out a wry laugh. “True.”
“I like your family and you said they like me. We’re not shoving our relationship in their faces, and we aren’t exactly putting on a PDA show. They won’t even know what we are to each other while they’re here. They might guess but that’s all it will be.” She held her breath, hoping he’d agree.
“They saw you hugging me by the pool,” he told her, his lips twitching. “Zach’s got us all figured out, and if my father felt the need to mention the age gap, so has he.”
She lifted her shoulders. “So? Are they going to gossip to my brother?” Because that was Asher’s other main worry. Letting down the good friend who’d trusted him.
Nikki could handle Derek, but until there was a reason to tell him, she’d rather cement her relationship with Asher first. That would give Asher a reason to fight for her rather than let her go. That was her ultimate goal, even if he didn’t know it yet. But the decision was his. She couldn’t force him to want to be with her in the future.
“They won’t talk about us to anyone,” he said, sounding certain.
“Then we don’t have anything to worry about.” And she intended to make him forget anything that still lingered in his mind, upsetting him. “Talk time is over.”
Scooting closer, she reached for the hem of his shirt and lifted it over his head. With his help, she pulled off his top and tossed the garment to the floor. She rose to her knees and pushed him back against the pillows.
No sooner had she moved than the dog rose to his feet.
Asher glanced over. “Lucky, bed.” He gestured to the fuzzy dog bed she hadn’t noticed in the corner.
She blinked in surprise. “When did you get that?” she asked, looking from the floor to Asher.
He shrugged. “I asked Corey to pick one up today,” he said, as if it were no big deal.
But it was. It really was.
Too bad Lucky didn’t understand.
With a groan, Asher pushed himself off the bed and whistled for the dog. Lucky hopped off and Asher, in his commanding alpha mode, pointed at the spot he wanted him. “Come on. Go.”
With a reluctant whine, the dog slowly made his way over and lay down, looking sad and put out.
Nikki smiled. “I wonder if someone owned him before he ended up as a stray. He’s so good.”
“Probably. I can’t say I’m thrilled with him watching us,” Asher muttered, climbing back onto the bed and stretching out the way he’d been before.
She held back a laugh at the comment, and instead of focusing on her pet, she crawled back to Asher, picking up where she’d left off.
She worked open the button of his shorts and lowered the zipper over the bulge of his erection. He lifted his hips, sliding his shorts and boxer briefs down his legs. He kicked them off and sprawled back against the pillows, eyes glazed with desire.
Though she felt the pulse deep in her sex, she ignored her own needs. She had Asher naked, spread out for her, and she took advantage. She started at his lips, kissing him deep, showing him what was building in her heart. She took her time, enjoying the way his hand came up to cup her head, grip her hair, and tug on the long strands.
Desire pulsed between her thighs, and she let out a moan but she was determined not to let him take over. She slid her mouth downward, licking the warm skin at his neck, inhaling his masculine musky scent, and sucking along his collarbone.