Total pages in book: 35
Estimated words: 32796 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 164(@200wpm)___ 131(@250wpm)___ 109(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 32796 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 164(@200wpm)___ 131(@250wpm)___ 109(@300wpm)
“And you are devastatingly handsome.” I turn around looking up at King. His hand is on my bare back. We are in a secluded area of the office. Not that I think anyone would say a word. The food is catered, there’s a cash bar, and holiday music is playing softly in the background. Kingston is wearing black on black on black in the form of a suit. I love that he’s not huge on wearing ties and leaves his dress shirt open at the collar, giving me a sexy glimpse of not only his throat but his chest as well.
“Dance with me?” My hand that’s holding the glass of red wine trembles. It seems King really is okay with showing his hand in more ways than one. He made a statement last week, and it seems he’s sticking to it.
“I’d love to.” I place my wine glass on a table, loving that there aren’t too many chairs set up, more pub-style tables with white tablecloths, giving off the vibe that mingling is better than sitting down and doing nothing. King takes my hand and pulls me out to the makeshift dance floor. My heels give me height, so we aren’t completely polar opposites with him being so much taller than me. How can you buy a dress without buying new shoes? I did mention I have two addictions, right? Clothes shopping of any kind along with candy. I’m only lucky the latter hasn’t given me so many cavities. Great genes are an awesome thing.
“I’m the luckiest man here tonight, temptress,” King whispers in my ear as he holds me on the dance floor, our bodies pressed together, our hands interlocked and held against his chest. His other hand is still on my lower back, and I feel a finger slide dangerously lower.
“I think we’re both exceptionally lucky, don’t you think?” I ask him, tipping my head up. I desperately want to feel his lips pressed against mine. Anytime I’m near King, I’m intoxicated by his presence, the need to be near him, dying to hear his voice even if he’s talking about something as mundane like making a to-do list for around the house.
“That I do, Tessa, without a doubt. Come with me to my office. I have a gift I’d like to give you without anyone around us.” We didn’t quite work out logistics with the holidays or how Mae and my parents could potentially handle things. We’re both hoping for the best but preparing for the worst.
“Kingston, that’s not fair. I didn’t bring yours with me tonight.” I placed his presents along with everyone else’s, well, minus my parents’ seeing how those were a bit too big to place under the small artificial tree I have set up, flocked with white lights and colorful ornaments. Even though I’m not home often, I still wanted it to be decorated. Plus, Christmas-scented candles are where it’s at, and this time of year, you don’t get ridiculed for always burning them. Yes, I’m guilty of keeping them out as long as I possibly can. That’s how much I enjoy this season.
“You didn’t have to get me anything anyways. This won’t take long, then we’ll come back out, say our goodbyes, and head home.” He’s already leading the way, and judging by the room, it seems a lot of people have cleared out already. Mace and Tyra being the first to leave, needing to get home to their family. Some of the older employees not wanting to be out late at night close to the holiday left as well. That’s okay because some of my favorite moments happen within King’s office walls with only the two of us here.
17
KINGSTON
I watch as Tessa takes a seat on the couch I have in my office. Not skimping on the furniture in here has been worth it since she’s come along. Before, it was all about comfort; now it’s about more, like being able to sit on the couch with Tessa straddling my lap after eating lunch together, or if she needs to take a break during which she can lay down and relax, sometimes coaxing me away from work long enough to wrap her body around mine. It doesn’t take me long to go to my desk, grab the present out of the drawer, and sit beside her, my hand engulfing the small square-shaped gift.
“This is for you, temptress.” I open my palm, moving so I can take her in when she opens the present. It’s not a ring. Not yet, at least. Before that happens, I want us both on solid ground with our relationship and our family supporting us.
“King, you shouldn’t have.” That doesn’t stop her from gingerly tearing the wrapping paper back. Thankfully, the jewelry store offered to take care of that pesky thing. Big hands and fingers don’t work all that well with small areas. “Oh my god, it’s beautiful. Thank you.” She launches her body at me. My arms wrap around her, pulling her towards me until she’s straddling my waist, the skirt of her tight dress sliding up. One of my hands moves to her hip. I want her as close to me as I can possibly get as her lips meet mine.