Page 35 of High Rise Secrets
They think I’m special?I look to him for reassurance, and he smiles down at me. He slides his hand to my lower back, and I feel sparks through my clothes. This is different than before. Before, it was lust coursing through me. This feels... lighter somehow. My cheeks flush as I pull my bottom lip between my teeth.
“Thanks. I’ll keep that in mind when he’s being a jerk.”
He opens my car door, and I slide in before he closes it behind me then gets in on the driver’s side. His body is relaxed, so different from what I normally see from him. Most of the time, his posture is stiff as if he’s carrying the weight of the world on his shoulders, which I suppose he is most of the time.
“I really like your family,” I say, placing my palm up on the center console. He slides his hand into mine, interlacing our fingers and smiling.
“They really like you, too. Thank you for coming tonight to meet them.”
What Liz said is still rolling around in my mind. “Hey, Ethan?” He hums, waiting for me to continue. “What are we? Liz seems to think we’re more than fuck buddies. I don’t want to give her the wrong impression if that’s what we are.”
His gaze flits between the road and my face. “You’re mine, Addy. You’re not just a fuck buddy. I don’t want you with anyone else. I want you all to myself.” He brings my hand to his lips for a kiss.
Mine.
The word echoes through my mind. I’ve never wanted something to be true so badly in my life. He’s offering it to me, so why am I so hesitant to jump at the chance?
Chapter 22
Ethan
Ihave to call Al Costanza and tell him I’m not taking him on as a client. My dad got wind of it over the weekend and tried to sucker me into taking it, even calling an emergency meeting with the board to push for it.Fuck that shit.This ismycompany now, and I know what’s best. Getting involved in whatever Al wants won’t be good business.
I dial his number, and he picks up on the third ring. “Hello, Ethan. I wondered when you were going to call me. I spoke with your father a few days ago.”
“Hi, Mr. Costanza. Yes, I’m aware. He called me after he got off the phone with you to tell me again about the services you’re looking for.” When he doesn’t say anything, I continue. “Unfortunately, at this time, we won’t be able to assist you with what you need.”
His tone is casual. “Oh? Your father made it seem like it was a done deal.”
Well, my father is a piece of shit.“Yes, well, as you know, he is no longer the head of this company, and while he has a seat on the board, he doesn’t know all the projects we have going on. At this time, we just don’t have the manpower to handle your request and provide the level of service we are known for. I appreciate you reaching out to us.”
He hums in understanding. “Yes, well, thank you for the call. Say hi toAshleyfor me. She seemed like a lovely girl when we met at the charity ball.” He ends the call without another word.
Something about that statement, and him, rubs me the wrong way. If Dad wanted me to get involved with him, that can only mean trouble. Addy walks into my office a minute later, her deep red dress hugging her delicious curves, and closes the door behind her, clicking the lock in place. My lips curve up into a smile.
A locked door? This can only mean one thing.
I stand and walk to the front of my desk, crossing my arms over my chest. “Ms. Snyder, what can I help you with?”
“Well, Mr. Freeman, as you know, I am supposed to be staying late to help you with a few contracts.” I quirk my brow at her. The thought of the two of us alone here makes my dick harden in my pants. With no one here, I can bring her to orgasm over every desk in this place if I want before I fuck her speechless. “Unfortunately, I have Auntie duties that came up.”
Not what I was expecting. I draw my brows together in question. “Huh?”
“Lia and Landry have a last-minute date night and asked if I could watch Aliana. Eden and Everleigh are busy tonight.”
“Who and who?” I assume she means some of the girls fromRISE, but I’ve never heard their names before.
She blushes and clasps her hands in front of her. “Oh, um, Roxanne’s real name is Eden, and Everleigh is Madam Isis. She texted you and handed me off when I was drunk after the charity ball.”
I smile at her. “I figured her real name wasn’t Roxanne.”
“Yeah. Anyway, would it be a problem if we moved tonight to my place instead?”
I take a few steps closer and place my hands on her upper arms. I dip my head so my lips tickle her outer ear. “If you wanted me to come over, you didn’t have to set up a ruse of babysitting. I can’t wait to fuck you in your bed this time.”
When I pull back, she’s smiling up at me. “As much as I would love to tell you it’s a ruse, it’s the truth.” She wraps her arms around me and pulls me close again. Being in her arms feels so right. Everything about her feels right. “We can head out a little early, pick up a pizza, and head to my place to wait.”
She rolls her hips against me, and I stifle a groan. She has me exactly where she wants me, and she knows it. Her hand slides down my body as she gives my dick a squeeze, working it over through the fabric.