Virtuous(99)

While we wait for my dad’s driver to bring their car around, I discover I’m more than a little drunk and Natalie isn’t in much better shape. She’s leaning into me with a sort of reckless abandon that I find wildly attractive. Who am I kidding? Everything she does is wildly attractive to me.

And my parents are tuned in to the connection between us. I’ve noticed them watching us with barely restrained glee. They know this is different as much as I do.

Dad’s driver pulls up to the main door of The Beverly Hilton. They get out to kiss us both good night.

“Proud of you, son,” my dad says gruffly as he hugs me.

His praise brings tears to my eyes. “Thanks, Dad.”

“And Natalie, you look positively gorgeous tonight,” Max says when he hugs her. “I hope we see you again very soon.”

“I hope so, too, Mr. Godfrey.”

“Max. Please call me Max.”

“Thank you, Max.”

We hug and kiss my mom and wave them off as they leave. I take Natalie’s hand and lead her into the lobby, which is still full of people even in the middle of the night. I’m waylaid by well-wishers and requests for autographs, which I take care of quickly so I can get Natalie upstairs.

We have the elevator to ourselves, so I sag against the back wall and she sags against me. I wrap my arms around her waist and nuzzle her neck.

“My feet are killing me. I haven’t worn four-inch heels in, well, ever.”

“I’ll give you a foot rub.”

She groans in anticipation, and that quickly, I’m rock hard.

“You were the most beautiful woman in that room tonight.”

“Sure I was,” she says with a laugh.

“You’re the only one I noticed.” I hold up the award that hasn’t been out of my hands all night. “Hang on to this for me?”

“Sure…”

I love her gasp of surprise when I sweep her up into my arms and carry her down the long hallway to our suite.

“Flynn… What’re you doing?”

“Your feet hurt. I’m just giving you a lift. Can you grab the keycard out of my shirt pocket?”

She roots around inside my suit coat until she finds the key, which she hands to me with a goofy smile.

“You’re drunk.”

“I’m not drunk. I’m pleasantly buzzed.”

I put her down outside the door and use the keycard to gain entry. She goes in ahead of me, and I love her reaction to the elegant suite. “This is awesome!”

“I’m glad you like it. You’ll find your bag in that room.” I point to the larger of the two rooms, which I’ve designated as hers. Addie has seen to all the details, as always.

Natalie kicks off her shoes and groans again from the relief of being free of the shoes. That groan of hers is an incredible turn-on. “Will you unzip me?”

I cross the room to her, where she stands before the window that looks out over Beverly Hills and Hollywood in the distance. I find the zipper tab under her right arm and ease it down below her hip, nearly drooling at the sight of the silky, smooth skin that comes into view as the dress falls open.

I’m unable to resist temptation, which is how my right hand ends up encircling her ribs. Her head comes back to rest upon my shoulder. “Flynn…”

“What, sweetheart?”

“Take me to bed. Please?”

“You have rules, honey. Rules that are important to you.”

“They were my protection. I don’t need them with you.”

“I don’t want you to hate me after.”

“I’ll never hate you. I love you too much to ever hate you.”

“What happened last night…”

She turns to me then, looking up at me with those expressive eyes that act as mirrors to her soul. “I’ll be all right because it’s you, and you love me.”

Her faith humbles me. “Yes, I do. I love you so f*cking much, it’s not even funny.” I’m willing to change who I am for you, I want to add, but I don’t. I’ve said enough.

“Show me.”

I push the dress off her shoulders, and it pools at her feet, leaving her in only a black strapless bra and matching thong. Taking her hand, I help her step out of the dress and then sweep her up again to carry her to the bedroom. She makes for a very sweet bundle, especially when she loops her arms around my neck and lays her head against my chest.