The Broken One (Corisi Billionaires, #1)(26)

At thirty-eight, I still had a good sexual appetite, but it had become more discerning. Like with beer, I still enjoyed a good one now and then, but I’d outgrown any desire to tap a keg. Quality over quantity.

Marriage had taught me how to take my time and that my partner’s pleasure increased my own. Five years of playing the field had enhanced the variety in my skill set, but I couldn’t say I’d had mind-blowing sex since Therese.

Sex could be good with a woman I wasn’t in love with—but earth shattering? That required more.

Could I have that with Heather?

She rolled again, swatting at a curl of hair that tickled her nose. She was the first woman who made me think it was a possibility.

Her eyes flew open. “Sebastian?”

“How do you feel?”

She sat up, adjusted her shirt, and rubbed a hand over her face. “A little better.” After taking a sip of water from the glass that had been full of ice chips, she looked at me and winced. “I wasn’t sure if you were actually here or if I’d dreamed the whole thing.”

“No, I’m here.”

“And Godzilla? Because he was here too.”

I smiled and turned the television off. “Sorry, I fell asleep with it on.”

She lifted the blanket off the floor and hugged it to her stomach. “You didn’t have to stay. What time is it?”

I glanced at the clock near the television. “Five thirty. I wanted to make sure you were okay.”

“Thank you.”

“Don’t go there.”

She cocked her head to the side in confusion.

“Every time you thank me, I say something stupid, and you either slam the door in my face or hang up on me. It’s a pattern I’d like to break.”

She looked exhausted, but when she smiled her eyes did as well. “Well, then stop saying stupid shit.”

I chuckled. “I suppose I could try that.”

Her subsequent laugh ended with tired, slow blinking.

“You should try to get some more sleep.”

She nodded and gave me a look I understood. With the crisis over, my presence was . . . awkward.

I stood and straightened my tie. “Is there anything you need before I go?”

The look she gave me had me wondering if I was reading more into the moment than there was. I did something else that was out of character for me—I hovered over her, unsure if I should stay or go.

Finally, she said, “No, I’m fine. Thank—”

“I thought we’d agreed not to go there again.”

She laughed. “Right.”

I told myself that was my cue to go, but I stayed rooted where I was. “I’d like to see you again.”

Her mouth rounded in surprise. “Really?”

I fought an urge to kiss those sweet lips of hers. Like the shower, though, there would be a better time and place for it. I raised and lowered a shoulder. “What can I say? I’m a sucker for a woman with a good snore.”

She gave me a long look. “I didn’t take you for someone with a sense of humor.”

“I’m fucking hilarious once you get to know me.”

She laughed. “I would call you on having an inflated opinion of yourself, but I believe I’ve already told you I’m incredible.”

“That you did. And I’m inclined to agree. My productivity at work has significantly decreased recently. Your fault.”

Her hand went to her adorably mussed hair. “Is someone paying you to say this?”

I took in the image of her, all eyes, feet tucked up beneath her, color back in her cheeks. Beautiful. “How have you never showered with a man?”

The question hung in the air.

I’d thought it but hadn’t meant to voice it.

“I’ve had sex,” she declared in a burst.

I laughed.

She groaned and smacked her forehead. “I can’t believe I just said that. Why are you not running away?”

I leaned down until our eyes were level, bracing myself with one hand on the arm of her couch. “I like you.” With that, I kissed the red mark on her forehead and stepped back. “I am going to head out, but I’ll call you.”

“Okay” was all she said.





CHAPTER FOURTEEN



* * *



HEATHER

I’ve had sex.

Brilliant, stunning comeback.

“I’ll call you,” he’d said.

And what had I left him with? “Okay.”

Okay.

I deserve celibacy.

I checked the time. Another shower was not out of the question, and then, if I could pull myself together, I just might be able to get some work done that day. Phone calls could be made from anywhere.

I went to stand up, but my legs were shaky, so I sat back down. It was still early. A short nap wouldn’t hurt. I lay back, pulled the comforter over me, and closed my eyes.

I woke to the sound of someone moving around my house and the smell of Lysol.

“She’s alive,” Erica said cheerfully as soon as she realized I was awake.

I pushed myself into a seated position. “What time is it?”

“Noonish. When I drove the kids to school, I noticed a certain car was no longer parked out front, so I figured it was safe to come in.”