Rise - Part Two (Rise #2)(15)

It was the most intimate experience I've ever had with a man. He'd crouched over me on the bed as I gave in to the pleasure from my own hand. I'd called out his name as I found my release and then he'd sheathed his cock before he f*cked me slowly. It was tender in a way it hadn't been before and after he'd come, he held me against him, telling me that he was grateful that I'd gotten on that flight in Milan.

"Do you need to go to the airport now?" I don't want to lessen the moment but I know that when he pulled himself from my side it was because he had to leave. He wants to be there to greet his brother when the flight lands.

"I do." He finishes buttoning the blue dress shirt he's wearing before he tucks it beneath the waistband of his pants. "I'm scared."

I lean forward unsure if I heard him clearly. "You're scared?"

"I haven't seen my brother in years." He scratches the back of his head. "He's about to get married. He's going to be a father in a few months and I have to tell him about our dad."

"You're doing what needs to be done." I look down at my exposed breasts wishing I had reached for a robe before I walked out of my bedroom. "You have to tell him, Landon. You don't have a choice."

"I don't get you sometimes." He smiles softly.

"You don't get me?" I perch both my hands on my hips. "What is that supposed to mean?"

"You're way too insightful to be twenty-two."

I furrow my brow playfully. "Is that a compliment or did you just insult my age?"

"I love that you're the smartest, kindest and most insightful woman I know and that you're only twenty-two."

I can't argue with that. All I can do is kiss him goodbye before he walks out of my apartment and into the reality of facing his brother.





Chapter 14


––––––––

"Did you see Ansel when he was in town?"

"I didn't think you had time for lunch this week," I say completely ignoring Lilly's question. "I'm glad you made time for me. I'm going to California tomorrow."

"That's not going to work, Tess." She bites into a carrot before she quickly chews it. "I asked you a question. I want an answer."

I'd be offended if she didn't have a wide grin on her face.

I'm the one who suggested we squeeze in a quick lunch today because I honestly just needed to see my best friend. I knew that Ansel's name would pop up.

"I saw him." I sigh. "It was awkward and weird and I was glad when he took off."

She takes another bite of the salad she ordered. I take the opportunity to try and change the subject.

"I've been working on the details for the Corteck gala." I pick up my smartphone. "I have some notes. Do you want to see?"

"What do you mean awkward?" She pushes the plate away from her. "What did he say to you?"

I'm not about to replay word-for-word my conversation with my ex-boyfriend. The main reason is that I don't remember much about it at all. "He said he wanted to talk to me and then Landon showed up."

"Shut up," she almost screams the words across the table at me. Thankfully the Italian restaurant we're in is almost empty. "Landon met Ansel?"

I nod. "Ansel didn't know I was dating anyone."

"This is juicy." She pulls the name badge she wears to work each day from around her neck. "I can take a longer lunch break if you want. I don't even have to go back to the office at all."

I need her to go back to her office so I can finish packing for my trip. I'm completely organized in terms of what I want to discuss with the manager of the Liore boutique in Los Angeles. I haven't packed anything though. It's not that I need a lot. I'm going to be hanging out with my dad for most of the weekend.

"There's nothing more to tell, Lilly." I swallow a large mouthful of water.

She cocks a red brow. "Don't give me that, Tess. Your ex met your current. There's always a story to tell."

"Landon was polite and gracious to Ansel." I smile softly. "He told Ansel that I was an amazing woman and that was the end of it."

"He said you were amazing?" I hear the definite hint of sweetness in her voice. "Landon thinks you're amazing?"

Lilly is a true romantic spirit, which means that she wants everyone she cares about to find the same happiness she has. I saw that in her when we first met and it's one of the qualities that drew me to her. I love that she sees life the way she does.

"I really like him, Lilly," I confess quietly. "He's different than anyone I've ever known."

The soft smile on her face offers me a reassurance I didn't think I needed. "You've been different since you met him. I can see happiness in your eyes now."

I can feel it everywhere. I am happy. I'm happier than I've ever been before.

***

"How old are you?" Gianna holds my hand in hers. "You're eighteen, no?"

"No." I look down at her expensive manicure. "I'm actually twenty-two."

"You're twenty-two?"

I glance past her to the window of the airplane. I'd arrived before she did and when I asked to sit in seat 2B, the flight attendant on board had gently explained that the seats weren't numbered. I'd felt a surge of panic race through me.