Page 107 of Crash and Burn

I swiveled around in my chair to face Grant. My eyes only reached his chest unless I looked up.

“She said we can take that asshole down,” I grinned.

“I’m glad everything worked out in the end.” He pressed a kiss to the top of my head.

I tipped my head up and he gave me another kiss, this time on the lips.

"I think I feel like taking a break now,” I told him.

"I don't want to disturb your sewing,” he replied.

"I always have time for you," I told him.

His eyes went soft as he leaned down to rest his forehead against mine.

"I know you're on a deadline," he said. "You've got that important fashion show coming up."

My face lit up.

I’d been in touch with a clothing brand, the one owned by Sheryl, the woman I’d met at Grant’s photoshoot. I’d gotten in touch with her after the gallery showing, and after a few conversations she’d offered to hire me to design a new line for her company. She was expanding from lingerie into more casual wear, and she said she loved my style.

"I can't believe it's actually happening," I said. "All my hard work has really paid off."

Grant bent down to press a kiss to my lips.

"I'm proud of you," he told me.

My heart swelled.

"I'm proud of me, too," I said. "I always thought I'd be a disappointment to my parents if I didn't do what they wanted. But now I realize it doesn't matter. I don't need their approval. I'm proud of myself. That's the most important thing."

I wrapped my arms around Grant’s waist and buried my face in his stomach.

“But it’s definitely time I took a bit of a break and relaxed,” I said. “My back is killing me from hunching over for so long.”

He put his hands on my shoulders and squeezed.

“Would you like a massage?” he asked.

“Is this just an excuse for you to put your hands all over my body?” I teased.

“Yes.” He gave me a wicked little grin. “Now take off your shirt.”

My insides fluttered as I obeyed his command, tugging off my t-shirt and letting it fall to the floor. He swiveled my chair around until my back was to him so he could begin kneading the sore muscles in my neck and shoulders.

I let out small sighs and groans as he worked at the tense knots under my skin.

Then he slid his hands from my shoulders down to my breasts, cupping me over my bra.

“And I suppose this is part of the massage, too?” I asked.

“Of course,” he replied, brushing his thumbs over my nipples through the thin fabric. “Besides, didn’t you say it was time to take a break?”

He planted a kiss on my neck, then latched on with his teeth, nipping and sucking at the sensitive flesh. I moaned at the brief flash of pain followed by exquisite pleasure.

“Should we move this massage to the bed?” he murmured in a low voice.

“Yes, please!” I gasped out.