Page 81 of Charm

My hands fall to his hair. I rake my fingers through it, feeling a sense of calmness that I haven’t felt since I left him in East Hampton.

When he looks up, there’s a soft smile on his lips. He doesn’t need to tell me what this means to him. I feel it, too.

Gazing into his eyes, I see something I never thought I would. I see a future with Holden.

He tenderly washedme in the shower after we made love. The sex was different. It was as mind-blowing as every other time we’ve shared ourselves with each other, but today, there was more emotion wrapped around it.

As he entered me, he whispered how divine it felt to be that close to me.

When I came, he told me I was the most beautiful thing he’s ever seen, and when he climaxed, he called out my name in a growl.

It was guttural and raw and followed by a kiss so lush and deep I felt my toes curl as he slowly slid his body from mine.

I wait for him to finish drying off. I’m dry courtesy of his thoughtful touch. He wrapped me in one of his robes after, even taking the time to fold up the sleeves until my hands were visible.

He wraps the towel around his waist, tucking in the end so it stays put. A quick rake of his hands through his hair, and he’s smiling at me. “I should take my contact lenses out.”

“Yes, please.” I nod vigorously. “Holden Sheppard in glasses is one of my kinks.”

That earns me a hearty laugh. “I want to know the other ones.”

“In time.”

“We have all the time in the world, Greer.” He reaches for a bottle of contact lens solution and a container to hold his lenses that are on a shelf. “I don’t mean tonight, but…”

“I know what you mean.” I glance out the bathroom door toward his bedroom. “I should go look at my phone, just in case.”

“Go,” he directs me with a wave of his hand and a smile. “Check on your girl and I’ll get all hot for mine.”

I can’t help but laugh. “You have to know how good you look in those glasses you wear.”

“All I care about is that they make you want me.”

I want him for so many reasons. The glasses have fallen to a spot near the bottom of the list. His compassion, warmth, and the respect he’s shown me regarding my role as a mom and a businesswoman top the list now.

“I do want you,” I whisper.

“You have me,” he says evenly. “I’m yours for as long as you want.”

Forever dances on my tongue, but I keep that word to myself. I’m part of a package deal, and the thought of introducing him to my daughter both thrills and terrifies me.

“I’ll go check on my little girl.” I take a few steps forward to kiss his bare shoulder. “Then I’ll meet you in the kitchen.”

“I’ll be there.” He spins around quickly to kiss me on the lips. “No rush, though. Take as much time as you need. You’re always worth the wait.”

CHAPTER FORTY-NINE

Holden

I sprintto get to where Rook is waiting for me. It’s been just over an hour since Greer left my apartment. She wanted to get home to kiss Olive goodnight, so I suggested we meet up for dinner later this week. She was on board for that.

Something important shifted between us today. It’s not going to be easy telling my brother that any chance of a deal with Sweet Indulgence is now dead, but he’ll get it. I know he will once I explain that something substantial is brewing between Greer and me.

“You look happy,” Rook says as soon as I’m near him. “Are you in love?”

I have no fucking idea. I thought I was in love when I married Finella Livesay. I popped the question and went through with the ceremony because I thought it was the right move for me. At the time, it was. Not only did it quiet Finny’s questions about whether I’d ever take things to the next level, but it won me a race. My grandmother awarded me the role of CEO of Carden because I got married before my brother.

Dollar signs and control were what pushed me to marry Finella. Her infidelity tore us apart. I mourned the relationship briefly before I put the entire fiasco behind me.