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  “I reserved a table at Nova.”

  All I know about the restaurant is that my sister loves their food. She’s raved about it more than once. “That sounds great.”

  He glances over my shoulder. “I ordered a car and driver to take us there. I don’t see them yet.”

  Inching closer to him, I gaze up at his face. “What should we do until they get here?”

  His eyes linger on my scarlet lips. “Do you know how fucking hot that red lipstick is?”

  “Very hot?” I question with a smile.

  He drags his finger over my chin, tilting my head up slightly. “Hotter than that.”

  I lean closer, resting both hands on his shirt. “Is that a good thing?”

  Nodding, he tilts his head. “Kiss me, and I’ll tell you.”

  Just as I move to press my lips to his, a car horn wails outside. We both turn to look.

  “That driver’s timing is shit,” Calder says before he gives me a quick kiss. “Promise me that we’ll continue this after dinner.”

  That’s a promise I shouldn’t make, but I do. “I promise.”

  “I’ll hold you to that.” He reaches for my hand. “Follow me.”

  I do, happily knowing that tonight may be the start of something life-changing for me.

  Chapter 19

  Calder

  If someone were to ask me what I ordered for dinner, I’d tell them I don’t have a fucking clue. I ate it all. I finished the wine in my glass, but I don’t remember any of it.

  I’ve spent the last two hours lost to the charms of Raelyn.

  We talked about my process. She wanted to know where I find inspiration and if I’ve ever doubted my work.

  I have no idea where the question came from, but I answered honestly. The doubt has given way to confidence, but there are still moments when I stand back and wonder why the hell anyone would pay a premium price for a tangle of twisted metal that I created and named.

  The questions are in my corner now as she inspects the dessert menu.

  “When was your last relationship, Raelyn?”

  Her gaze drifts from the menu to my face. “Eight months ago.”

  I wait for more, but her eyes wander back to the feast of treats. Clearing my throat, I go on. “Tell me about him.”

  She sets the menu down. “Why?”

  Because I’m a nosy bastard who wants to know every detail about the man who let her get away.

  “I’m curious,” I answer honestly.

  She studies me for a moment. “Do things like that matter to you?”

  “Things like what?” I play the dumb card. It’s not a move I make often, but I want to see if she’s the least bit interested in my past.

  Running her fingertip around the rim of the wineglass in front of her, she shrugs. “How many? What were they like? Did any of them kiss better than you?”

  Since we’re heading down this path, I want answers to all of the questions. “How many lovers have you had?”

  Coyly dipping her chin, she smiles. “Enough.”

  “Enough?” I chuckle.

  “Enough to know whether a man is good or bad in bed.”

  My brows rise because I’m genuinely surprised by the answer. “Fair enough. Am I right to assume that I’m not going to get a straight answer about what they were like?”

  “You’re correct.” She leans back in her chair.

  Every move she makes is as sensual as it is graceful. She has to be a dream in bed.

  “The kiss.” I slide a finger over my bottom lip. “How was the kiss today?”

  “Our kiss?” she asks with a soft laugh.

  She’s teasing me, or some other lucky bastard had a taste of her lips today. If that’s true, I’ll run him out of town by the end of tonight.

  “It was perfection,” she purrs. “All of our kisses today were a dream.”

  “Tonight they’ll be better.”

  “I don’t think that’s even possible.” She drags her top teeth over her bottom lip. “How can it be better?”

  I lean across the table. Lowering my voice, I stare into her eyes. “Because I’ll be kissing you in all the places I’ve been craving to taste.”

  ***

  I had to sit still through dessert while Raelyn ate a piece of cheesecake as if it was the sweetest thing ever to touch her tongue.

  Even with my linen napkin in my lap, I was sure the server would notice I was hard as nails. He gave me a smirk before he turned back around to glance at Raelyn.

  Who the fuck can blame him? She’s every man’s dream.

  “Are you going to ask me to spend the night with you?” she questions.

  I level my gaze on her face. “Is that a real question?”

  A laugh bubbles out of her. “Yes.”

  “If I ask, will you say yes?”

  “Ask and find out.” She sips the last of the wine in her glass.

  I reach for her hand and cradle it in mine. “If you feel comfortable spending the night with me, I’d be the happiest man alive, but if you’re not, I’ll settle for an hour or two of kissing in my hot studio. Clothing optional, of course.”

  “Let’s start with kissing.”

  I’m game for anything that involves my mouth on her body. “Are you ready to leave?”

  She drags her fingertip over her bottom lip. “I think I’m as ready as I’ll ever be.”

  Chapter 20

  Raelyn

  We’re locked in a heated embrace the moment the door to his studio closes. I wind my fingers through Calder’s hair as he tenderly cradles me in his arms.

  He groans into our kiss. “Jesus, woman, you can kiss.”

  I smile at that. I like that he’s satisfied with just kissing me for now. I want more. I know he does too. I can feel his erection pressing against me.

  I know he’s large. I sense it when he rocks against me. Part of me wants nothing more than to drop to my knees, unzip his pants, and take him in my mouth.

  He inches me toward the wall until my back rests against it.

  I moan. “I want to.”

  He stops mid-kiss. Drawing back, he searches my eyes with his. “You want to what?”

  “Touch more of you,” I answer breathlessly.

  His suit jacket and shirt are on the floor before I can register a thought. His hands drop to his pants. The belt leaves the loops with a sharp hissing sound. When his fingers reach the button of his pants, he gazes into my eyes. “Tell me when to stop.”

  I don’t say anything.

  His pants hit the floor, along with his shoes and socks leaving him in only a pair of black boxer briefs.

  I’m not ashamed to stare. I want this man. I want to touch every part of him.

  Before Calder can say a word, I slide my coat from my shoulders. My dress follows, falling into a puddle of black silk at my feet.

  I feel his gaze burning a path over my body.

  His breath hitches when his eyes hone in on the pink lace bow in the center of my black bra. “Jesus, Raelyn. You’re so goddamn beautiful.”

  He reaches his hand out to touch me but pulls it back.

  “I need you to set the pace.” He chuckles. “If you leave it to me, I’ll be on my knees with my tongue gliding over your pussy in the next two seconds.”

  Everything is happening so fast, but it feels right. So right that it’s overwhelming.

  Touching my lips to his for a tender kiss, I whisper. “You set the pace, Calder.”

  “Fuck,” he hisses out between clenched teeth as he lowers himself down my body, kissing a path to my core.

  ***

  He takes his time charting a path over the skin of my inner thigh with feather-light kisses.

  I’m on fire. Every part of me is waiting in anticipation. I tremble when his hands tug on my panties.

  “Grab my shoulders to steady yourself, “ he says, looking up at me. “Hold onto me if you need to.”

  I reach one hand down to rest on his shoulder as he lowers the lac
e down my thighs.

  I close my eyes when I hear his breath hitch. A muted, “fuck me,” leaves his lips before he glides his tongue over my cleft.

  He licks me slowly at first, savoring everything. The sounds of pleasure falling from his lips set me closer and closer to the edge.

  I need to come under his touch, but I don’t want this to end.

  He slides his finger over the tip of my clit, stirring my need even more. “You’re so goddamn breathtaking, Raelyn. Every part of you is beautiful.”

  I sigh as I twist both hands in his hair. “Taste me. Take me.”

  He dives into me, his tongue trailing a hot path over my folds until it hones in on the swollen nub. He circles my clit, again and again, luring sounds from deep inside of me that I’ve never heard before.

  I cry out as I race toward my release.

  “That’s it,” he whispers. “Let me hear you come. Let me taste it. I want to feel it.”

  Two of his thick fingers dive into my channel as he takes my clit between his lips.

  It’s all too much. I can barely breathe as I fly over the edge into a soul-crushing orgasm that leaves me panting for breath and at the same time craving more.

  My hands dart to my face to cover myself. Tears are pricking my eyes. I know my skin must be flushed.

  I sense Calder moving. I feel the brush of the head of his cock against my leg. “Look at me, Raelyn.”

  I catch a fleeting breath and then another. “It’s so much.”

  He grabs my hands, dragging them far enough down that my eyes are visible. “Open your eyes and look at me,” he demands.

  I crack open one eyelid and then the other. His face is flushed, his lips wet. It’s his eyes that I can’t stop staring at. I see the need I feel reflected at me. He wants me. I see it. I sense it. I feel it to my very core.

  “I need to fuck you,” he spits the words out slowly. “I’m aching to be inside of you.”

  “Condom,” I whisper.

  He nods before he bends to pick up his pants. He rifles in the pocket, tossing keys and his wallet aside before he produces a foil packet. He slides off his boxer briefs, rips open the package, and sheaths his cock.

  I glance down.

  “I’m so goddamn ready for this,” he says before he presses his lips to the center of my bra.

  Reaching behind me, I undo the clasp. My breasts fall out as the straps slide down my arms before the bra tumbles to our feet.

  He takes one breast in his hand, roughly rubbing the pad of his thumb over my engorged nipple. “You want this. Tell me you do.”

  I nod. “So much.”

  With that, he spins me around, drags his hand over my ass, and pushes my feet apart with his foot.

  I brace against the wall. My breathing is heavy and labored. My heart is pounding so hard that it’s all I can hear until he guides the tip of his erection over my wetness. “Feel that, Raelyn? That’s pure desire. That’s how badly I want to feel your tight pussy grip my cock.”

  I let out a moan that trails when he slides into me with one long, painfully slow thrust.

  I inch my ass toward him. “Calder.”

  His hand circles my neck from behind. He tugs me closer, planting kisses over my shoulders. “You’re so goddamn tight. Fuck, it’s so good.”

  He starts his thrusts on a rhythm. When his fingers find my pussy, and he thrums his fingertip over my clit, I fall apart. I moan, whisper words of devotion, and scream as he fucks me harder and harder until we both come.

  Chapter 21

  Calder

  I carried her to my bed after we fucked. She insisted she could walk, but I wasn’t about to let her steal the pleasure of caring for her.

  I washed her pussy with a warm cloth, gave her a bottle of water, and fed her slices of oranges before she fell asleep in the middle of my bed.

  After I went downstairs to gather our things, I crawled in next to her and slept.

  I slept for hours with her body curved against mine and her cheek resting on my chest.

  The warmth of her body soothed me in a way I’ve never felt before. I woke up in awe that this is my reality.

  The temptation to leave her alone to rest was strong because I wanted to go down and work on the sculpture for her sister. I wanted to use the inspiration that has flooded me from the inside out to create something as beautiful as the woman who shared her body with me.

  If I weren’t a cynic, I’d think I’m falling in love with her.

  I’m smart enough to know that feelings set that deep inside of one’s soul take time and patience. If there’s a snowball’s chance in hell that one day Raelyn will love me, I’ll wait. I know that if I see her more and spend time understanding the woman she is, I’ll be lost to her forever.

  Her phone starts ringing in her purse.

  She stirs next to me. Her right eye opens a crack. “Are you real?”

  I chuckle. “Very real.”

  She moves her legs as the phone rings on. “I’m sore in places I’ve never been before.”

  “I’ll take that as a compliment.”

  Both of her deep brown eyes lock on my face. “You should. That was incredible.”

  I lean over to kiss her forehead. “That was the beginning.”

  As her phone quiets, she glances at her purse. “What time is it?”

  “Early,” I answer. “It’s just past six.”

  “I don’t have to be at work until eight tonight, so that gives us time for more.” A light-sounding giggle follows those words.

  “Time for more?” I ask with a pop of both my brows.

  She drags her thumb over my bottom lip. “This and ...”

  “That?” I grab my erection through the thin sheet covering us.

  She gazes down. “Yes, that.”

  Her phone rings again, and concern drapes her expression.

  Before she can ask, I move to grab her purse. “I’ll get that for you.”

  Her hand dives inside the moment I’ve placed it on the bed next to her. She glances at the screen. “Amsterdam? Who would be calling me from Amsterdam?”

  “Someone who speaks Dutch?” I smile.

  She returns my smile with a brighter one. “There’s only one way to find out.”

  Her finger slides across the screen to connect the call. “This is Rae Walsh.”

  Staring at her, I try to register what she just said. My eyes drift to the painting on the wall behind her. Even though the room is darkened, I can see the painting clear as day in my mind’s eye.

  A beautiful blonde woman is sitting on a swing in the vast expanse of an empty field. Her face is upturned toward the sun as the light blankets her in a halo. The colors are a muted mix of greens and blues except for the woman. She’s wearing a white dress. Her golden hair is caught in the wind created from the swing’s movements.

  It’s calming. It’s soothing. It has fed my soul for almost a year.

  When I asked the woman I bought it from who painted it, she pointed at the messy signature. All I could make out was a rounded R followed by Walsh.

  She said the name of the artist was Ray Walsh. Eleni Melo offered me the painting when I stopped by her compound in Brazil. I was on vacation alone. She was trying to shove one of her sculptures on me in exchange for a night spent together. I turned down both but made an offer on the painting that was sitting on an easel nearby.

  Her assistant, Ray, was off running an errand. She assured me it wasn’t a problem for me to buy it. “Ray will appreciate it,” she said.

  No. Rae will appreciate it.

  My beautiful Raelyn.

  I hope to hell she got every last cent of the five thousand dollars I handed to Eleni in exchange for the painting.

  I turn back to look at Raelyn as she talks to whoever is on the other end of the phone. I finally listen to her side of the conversation.

  “I’m very interested in the position,” she says, picking at a loose thread on the sheet covering her body. “I’d love to do a v
ideo chat. Can we set that up for tomorrow?”

  I want to grab the phone from her hand and fist it in mine. I selfishly want her in New York, not in a place where an ocean separates us.

  “I can start in a few weeks.” She lets out a heavy breath. “I’m visiting my sister and her husband right now and working on a special project.”

  Her eyes find mine. “A very special sculpture.”

  She trails her fingers over my bare shoulder as she listens intently.

  “I’ll speak to you soon and thank you for the opportunity.”

  Ending the call, she lowers the phone to the bed. “Where were we?”

  I was falling in love with you. You’re making plans to fly away.

  Fly Away.

  It’s the name of the sculpture that connected us that night. It’s the same thing that will tear her from my life.

  Chapter 22

  Raelyn

  Calder doesn’t say a word as I tuck my phone back into my purse. I watch him closely, noting that his breathing has quickened and his jaw has tightened.

  “You look like you’re ready to devour me or spank me,” I joke.

  His lips don’t move. A chuckle doesn’t escape him. He just stares through me.

  “Calder.” I reach forward to stroke my fingers over his cheek. “Kiss me.”

  He does. It’s intense, passionate, and with an arm behind my back, he lowers me to the bed. “Make love with me, Rae.”

  Rae. He’s never called me that.

  “I like that,” I whisper.

  He swallows hard. “Rae Walsh.”

  “Calder Frost.” I smile. “Now that we’ve affirmed our identities, we’re free and clear to make love.”

  He lowers his head to rest it on my breast. “Do you believe in fate?”

  I twist a lock of his hair around my finger. “I do.”

  “Me too,” he whispers. “I didn’t before I met you, but you changed that.”