Page 90 of Provocation (Temptation 3)

I peered up into his eyes, a twinge of hope within. But also a hint of resignation, as if fully expecting me to give him the same response I always did.

But things were different now. I was done being a pawn in whatever game Nick was playing.

Months ago, I’d claimed I was ready to jump.

It was time to finally prove it.

I brushed my mouth against his. “Yes.”

He sucked in a breath, eyes widening. “Yes?” he repeated, unsure he’d heard me correctly.

I nodded, biting my lower lip in an attempt to reel in my smile. “Yes, Lachlan. I will come to California with you.”

“People might see us. I flew commercial back here from California on a red-eye Thursday night after my game so I could be there for you yesterday. I’d planned on flying commercial back, too. I could try to arrange a charter, but—”

I placed a finger over his lips, silencing him. “Let them see us. Let the world see us together. I’m done hiding what we have.” I frowned. “As long as you’re okay with this. I’m sure—”

Before I could utter another syllable, his mouth covered mine, tongue teasing mine in a kiss I felt everywhere.

Including my heart.

“I’m more than okay with this. If you recall, I’ve been waiting for this day for quite some time now.”

“Yes, you have.” I waggled my brows. “I think you deserve a reward for your patience. Wouldn’t you agree?”

A mischievous glint in my eyes, I slid down his body, his erection hardening again the instant I wrapped my fingers around it.

“What kind of reward did you have in mind?” He rested his hands behind his head, the picture of relaxation.

“Let me show you.”

I brought my mouth to his tip, about to drag my tongue along his length, when the doorbell rang.

“Jesus, Mary, and all that is holy,” Lachlan groaned, squeezing his eyes shut. “You’ve got to be kidding me.”

Hesitating, I considered ignoring whomever it was. But it was barely eight in the morning. I had a feeling whatever the reason for someone showing up this early on a Saturday had to be important.

“Let me just see who it is.” I leaned over him, draping my body along his as I reached for my phone on the nightstand.

“And tell them to bugger off so you can suck my cock.”

I laughed, playfully swatting him as he ran a hand up my thigh. “Such a gentleman.”

“I never purported to be one, love. In fact…” He thrust against me. “I’m pretty sure you prefer it when I’m not a gentleman.”

I glanced over my shoulder at the heat in his gaze. “You know I do.” I held his stare for a moment, then returned my attention to the phone.

When I opened the doorbell feed, I scrambled off Lachlan and shot to sitting.

“Who is it?” he asked, leaning over my shoulder and peering at the screen.

“Ethan.”

He squinted, watching as Ethan paced my front porch, hair disheveled, shirt wrinkled. Completely out of character for a man who was always clean-cut and organized, his attire ordinarily impeccable.

“I’m going to throttle that cockblocker.”

“Can you wait until after he tells us why he’s here? It might be important.”