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Jackson looked at her. “That’s hardly fair to you.”
“I would do anything for you, so hear me again: Whenever you want. No questions asked, no strings attached, and no spilling secrets.” She put her arms around his neck and felt his close around her.
“You’re making it impossible for me to resist you,” he whispered, his lips against her ear.
She pulled slightly away and looked up into his eyes as her hand moved below his waist to caress him.
“Ah.” He put his head back and closed his eyes in pleasure.
“Why would you try to resist me?” Her voice was silky. “I told you. I’m here for you. Come to me for whatever you need. Our little secret.”
Thirty
Amber clutched a silky pillow to her, closing her eyes to get a few more minutes of sleep. She and Jackson had been sleeping together for over two months now, and they had stayed up all night making love. She was drifting off again when she felt him shaking her arm.
“You’ve got to get up. I forgot! Matilda’s here to clean.”
Her eyes flew open. “What should I do?”
“Get dressed! Go in the guest room and make it look like you stayed there last night. We’ll have to make something up for Daphne.”
Annoyed, she threw on the robe at the foot of the bed and ran down the hallway to the guest room. Would it be so terrible if Daphne found out? Yes, it was too soon. She had to make sure he was firmly in her grasp before anything happened to jeopardize her position. Outside of his office she was the consummate professional, but inside, with the door shut, she used every trick at her disposal to make sure he couldn’t get enough of her. It got a little tiresome—especially his affinity for blow jobs—but she could retire her services after she had a ring on her finger. And afterward, she demanded nothing and went about the day as if they had nothing more than a professional relationship. They usually stayed together at the apartment a few nights a week. She loved that the best. Waking up next to him, in that fabulous apartment, as if it was all hers. Now she made sure to schedule late appointments and dinners for him so he’d be more inclined to spend the night, and she always had an overnight bag at the ready.
***
It was becoming harder and harder to play the part of Daphne’s best friend. She hated having to pretend that she was nothing more than Jackson’s assistant; that she didn’t know every inch of his body probably better than his own wife did. For now, though, she had to play it cool. But when Daphne phoned to send her on an errand, she was livid.
“Amber, dear. Can you do me a big favor?” Daphne had asked.
“What is it, Daphne?”
“Bella has a party to go to and needs an accessory for one of her American Girl dolls. I just can’t get into the city in time. Would you mind picking it up for me and bringing it to the house?”
She damn well did mind. She wasn’t Daphne’s servant. Amber had planned to stay overnight at the apartment, but now she had to change her plans.
“Certainly, Daphne, what is it?” she said with a distinct lack of enthusiasm.
“She wants the Pretty City Carriage. They’re going to pretend they’re in Central Park. I’ve called and charged it already. They’re holding it in your name.”
Amber was still fuming when her train got in to Bishops Harbor just before six. She took a cab right to their house and wondered if Jackson had returned from his business trip yet.
When she arrived, Daphne was in the kitchen with the girls, and Jackson was nowhere in sight.
“Ah, you’re a doll. Thank you!” Daphne gushed. Tilting her head toward Bella, she went on, “I would have had a major meltdown on my hands if you hadn’t come through.”
Amber forced a smile. “Can’t have that.”
“Drink?” Daphne held up a bottle of red wine, half empty. It was a little early for her, Amber thought.
“Just one. I have a date with Gregg tonight,” she lied. She didn’t want to get stuck here all night. “I see you’ve gotten a head start.”
Daphne shrugged and poured a glass for Amber. “TGIF.”
Amber accepted the glass and took a sip. “Thanks. Where’s Jackson?”
Daphne rolled her eyes. “In his office, where else?” She lowered her voice so the girls wouldn’t hear and stood closer to Amber. “Honestly, he’s been gone all week, and the first thing he does when he gets home is complain that Bella left her shoes in the hall.” She shook her head. “Sometimes it’s easier when he’s away.”
Don’t worry, honey, Amber wanted to tell her.You won’t have to put up with it for long.She put on her concerned face instead. “You’re ruining my fantasy of marriage.” She laughed.