Closer(8)

“Yes, I’m working on it.”

“Pitch me,” Lucas says, and Benny looks taken aback for a moment.

“Right now?” His eyes are wide like he doesn't believe him.

“Why not?” Lucas shrugs, taking a sip of his wine.

I pick up my wine glass and take a few big gulps. I’m feeling nervous for Benny because Lucas could make his dreams come true. And as much as Lucas is driving me crazy, I’d want nothing more than Benny to get what he’s always wanted. Who doesn't want that for their best friend?

Benny launches into his sales pitch, and I keep sipping on my wine. I’m trying to focus on what he's saying, but Lucas’s hand is too distracting as it ever-so-slowly slides up my leg. Shamelessly I spread my legs a little and blame it on the wine making me feel bold. Lucas’s body goes rock solid beside me when I do it. Heat hits my cheeks, and I don’t know if it’s the wine or a true blush.

I’m thankful when the food arrives. Maybe I’ll be able to think straight again because now Lucas will have to remove his hand. This is why I don’t drink. I can’t trust my judgment. But when the food is placed before him, he doesn't remove his hand. Instead, he keeps on stroking me, clearly not wanting to let go.

He leans over towards me. “You should eat,” he says into my ear while giving my thigh a squeeze. I pick up my fork and take a bite of the sliced beef. It melts in my mouth and I’m happy that I can finally let out a moan. But just as I do, the hand on my thigh tightens.

I decide to ignore it and keep eating. “This is wonderful,” I say, bringing another bite to my mouth. I glance over at Lucas and I notice he and Benny have stopped talking. Lucas is watching me eat and hasn't even touched his own food.

“Aren't you going to eat?” I ask as I lick my lips, suddenly feel self-conscious.

Benny is chowing down and all his focus on his food. I don’t blame him. I would be too if Lucas wasn't so damn distracting.

“I enjoy watching you eat.”

My face heats and I pick up my wine glass and take another big drink. Lucas pours me more when I finish the glass.

“Careful. She’s a lightweight,” Benny jokes, but I don’t care. I need this right now.

Finally, Lucas looks back to Benny. “Do you have locations in mind?” he asks as he reaches for a fork. But instead of taking a bite to his mouth, he brings it to mine. I open for him and it’s just as good as my dinner.

Then I blink and wonder what the hell just happened. Did I really just let him feed me? Okay, maybe I have had too much wine.

“Yeah. I was thinking—”

Lucas cuts him off. Reaching into his suit jacket, he pulls out his card. “Send them over to me and anything else you can think of. I think you’ve got yourself an investor.” Lucas looks over to me. “If Ava thinks I should.”

“Why are you asking me?” I say, looking between the two of them.

“I like hearing your opinion.”

“Yeah, I think you should do it,” I rush out. Benny is out of his seat before I even finish what I’m saying.

“I’m going to get on this right now. Thank you for the opportunity and for dinner. I’ll be emailing you tonight,” he tells him.

“No rush. I’ll be preoccupied for the next few days.” He looks over at me as he says it. Our eyes lock, and his hold so much promise.

I don’t even notice Benny saying goodbye and leaving the table. But what I do catch is Lucas saying that he’d be distracted for only a few days. I guess his attention doesn't last long.

“That doesn't mean I’m going to sleep with you,” I blurt out. “You can’t buy me off.”

What is this man doing this to me? Why is he working so hard for something he could get anywhere? Why doesn’t he pursue someone who at least knows what they’re doing with this flirting thing. I can’t stop blushing every two seconds and losing my train of thought. I don’t know if I want to run away or jump on him.

“What about blackmail? I learned a lot about you today. Rebecca even gave me your résumé.” He smiles and says it teasingly, but it still hurts a little. I jerk back, but he pulls me against him. “Your secrets are safe with me. I promise you that.” He leans in, his mouth brushing against mine. “Like the fact that you’re going to let me finish what I’ve started.”

He slides his hand up to my panties and runs his fingers along them before he pushes them to the side and slips into my wet folds. I should pull back. Maybe even smack him. But I don’t because I’m lost in his eyes. I’m willing him to go further as my body begs for it, but I can’t push the words past my lips.

My breath catches in my throat as his mouth comes down on mine.





Six





Lucas





The feel of her warm, wet pussy against my fingers is like fresh silk. When I push into her tight opening it’s almost too much for me to handle. The kiss is wild and possessive, and I don’t know if I can stop. But somewhere in the back of my mind, a voice tells me that we’re in a restaurant and people could be watching. We’re in the back and away from most prying eyes, but she’s not in my bed and that thought makes me growl. I want her on her back with her legs wrapped around me. She’s mine, and the fact that she doesn’t know it yet is making my skin tight.