Page 41

Before I can take another breath, I’m being pulled off the table to stand. Dalton’s hands race to yank down my panties and find the dress’s zipper, while I slide down his sweats until his cock springs free and I can stroke the hard length of him.

“Fuuuuck.” Dalton’s hands stall on the zipper at my back. His teeth clenching shut, head tipping back.

‘’Lay down,” I tell him, letting go only long enough for him to kick off his sweats and lay back on his elbows on the plush living room rug.

Dress still on, I snag an oversized pillow off the sofa, tossing it to him with a teasing grin.

Dalton props the velvet pillow behind him, eyes devouring every inch of me as I step over him, straddling his hips.

His hands shackle my ankles, thumbs tracing my skin.

I relish the hunger in his eyes, the impatient glide of his hands up my calves and to my thighs as I lower myself.

Dalton's fingers dig into the crease at my hips as I rub my bare slit against the head of his cock. It jumps at the contact, Dalton letting out another low groan. Placing my palms on his perfect abs, I can’t help the wicked smirk as I glide over him twice more.

The friction is delicious against my swollen and still sensitive clit.

His fingers squeeze, desperate to pull me onto him, fighting the urge to let me maintain control.

I tilt my hips, teasing us both as the head of his cock nudges against my entrance.

“Damn it, woman. Keep that up and you’ll be the death of me,” he growls.

With slow precision, I slide onto him, taking an inch before pulling back, only to take another two.

The progression is sinfully slow, each inch leaving our bodies grinding for more.

When I’m seated, Dalton’s hand glides up to find the half open zipper at my back, pulling it down.

The top of my dress slackens. He smoothes the fabric over my arms until it pools at my waist, leaving my bare chest on display.

One hand cups my breast, kneading the sensitive flesh.

I rock against his touch, the motion setting us into a churning rhythm.

He fills me so perfectly it’s like our bodies were made to fit one other.

The stretch bordering on painful then easing to pure, eye rolling pleasure.

We rock together, Dalton’s fingers toying with my nipple as I ride him, his other hand pulling me deeper with each thrust.

The pressure that had just exploded builds again, and soon I’m clinging to his chest to keep myself grounded in the moment.

Every part of my body sings under his touch with the sensation of him inside me.

My legs begin to quiver, core tightening and damn if I can’t keep the pace slow and teasing any longer.

Dalton can feel my need, adjusting to the faster, harder rhythm.

His hips rise to meet mine as he helps set the pace my body craves.

I’m teetering on the edge when he slams me down hard, holding me tight and I come, shattering apart. Twice his hips roll, pushing me through the orgasm’s waves, and then he’s coming with me. The two of us tipping over the edge together.

I collapse on Dalton’s chest, every muscle in my body turning liquid. His fingers stroke my spine as our breathing slows. The urge to deal with reality comes flooding back as his arms ease around my waist. I push it off for a few more minutes.

“You left my name on the security list.”

“One of the smartest decisions I’ve made these past few months.”

I chew my bottom lip, stopping only when Dalton’s thumb catches it. I kiss the pad.

“What are you thinking?” He prods.

“Did you consider sending the elevator back down?”

His eyes slide closed like they don’t want to face the truth. “I would be lying if I said I didn’t think about it. Getting emotionally invested isn’t an easy thing for me. If you were only here to hook up one last time, I would give you whatever you wanted, then get hurt in the process.”

“But you opened the door, anyway?” I stroke the creases at the corners of his eyes. They remain closed. I go for his kryptonite and force a joke, “The damn dress?”

It works. A smile spreads across his full lips, green eyes opening to meet mine. “That damn dress. Fuck me, if I knew how much trouble that thing would be, I might have just made you go naked on our date.”

“That would have been better?” I laugh.

“No, but at least people wouldn’t judge me for getting rock hard every time I looked at you.” Dalton’s hand smooths down my arm, inducing a shiver. Then he rolls us onto our sides, tugging a plush blanket off the sofa. I prop my head on the pillow next to his.

“Regrets?” I ask, needing his honesty.

“None.”

“Even if this doesn’t work out? I can’t promise this won’t go to shit in a week. Ex issues or otherwise. I’m not baggage free.”

Dalton cradles the back of my neck. “I’m not promising anything either.

The only thing I would regret is never seeing where this went.

Hence the punching bag tonight. I’m glad you came.

I have a lot of regrets in life. You, Jenna Grant, are not one of them.

Plus, I get the feeling your baggage matches mine. ”

Reaching behind me, Dalton produces the ratty ball of twine, rolling it between his fingers like a precious stone.

“You don’t have to keep that, you know. It was like ninety-nine cents.” I laugh as he inspects the threads I had nervously unraveled during the drive over.

Dalton’s hand closes over it before placing the ball reverently on the coffee table. His arm drapes over my waist, tugging me closer. “Don’t belittle my gift. That is a most cherished treasure. It’s not every day a self-proclaimed unavailable woman offers you literal strings.”

I snort, earning a kiss on my nose. Dalton sighs, sweeping a loose hair behind my ear, and I can hear reality knocking again.

“What do we do about Ellie?” He asks, his lips twisting around her name like a bitter taste.

“You were right. We take away her leverage. She can’t out me if the secret is already out.” I know that’s the right choice, but my heart still kicks at the thought of coming clean. Dalton pulls me closer like he can hear it.

“And your job?” A worry line pinches between his eyebrows. “I don’t want to be the reason you lose your dream job.”

I soothe the line with my thumb. “If I lose this job, it’s because of my own actions. I’ll live with the consequences. I don’t want this hanging over me for the rest of my career. If she fires me, then maybe that just means it’s time to step out on my own.”

“Ramona’s good at her job, but Jenna, watching you with the guys, the team’s successes in just the past few weeks—that’s all you.

And I’ll be here to support you.” Dalton catches my chin before I can shake off his offer.

“I know you don’t want my money. But if you won’t let me help pay for your dad’s care, then I can at least help you earn the money.

I know a few businesses in dire need of a good marketing and PR specialist.”

I nod. That’s an offer I can accept.

“What about the offer in Chicago? I can’t ask you to respect my job without respecting yours. I know being a coach is important to you.”

Dalton runs his fingertips down my cheek.

“It is, but not yet. I still have a few more years of play in me before shit starts falling apart. What I really want is to take this team to the championship. A Stanley Cup under my belt won’t hurt negotiations either. I’m not ready to step off the ice yet.”

I snuggle into him, grateful this is what we both want.

“So we tell Ramona tomorrow, set up a meeting and come clean?” Dalton asks.

“I kind of already started the process. Told her I needed to see her in the office tomorrow morning.” I admit, scrunching my nose in apology.

Dalton’s eyebrows arch, but he’s grinning. “Presumptuous.”

Honestly, I was planning to tell Ramona tomorrow, even if Dalton sent me packing. I don’t like the idea of Ellie having power over my career.

I shrug, “Hopeful.”

“I like hopeful Jenna. She’s a little brazen. It’s hot.” Dalton’s hand slides to my butt, jerking me against his already hardening cock. “What time is our meeting?”

“Six thirty.”

“We can head upstairs, get sleep or…” Dalton grinds against me again. I grin, anything but tired.

“You have coffee?” I ask, trailing kisses down his jaw.

“Just bought fresh beans.” Dalton’s hands roam under the blanket to help me untangle from the dress still caught around my waist.

“I always sleep better after an orgasm. Or three.”

“Happy to oblige.”

Even Dalton’s fingers lacing with mine can’t hamper the trembling raging in my knees.

Each step into the office feels like an earthquake.

Maybe the three cups of coffee weren’t a great idea this morning, but I know one thing.

Of all the stupid decisions I’ve made that led me to this situation, this is the second smartest thing I’ve done since admitting my feelings for the man standing at my side.

“You’re sure?” He asks, squeezing my hand.

“Positive.” I squeeze back.

His fingers slide from mine as the door dings open. With a steadying breath, I walk out of the elevator.

“You’re sure you don’t want me to come in?” Dalton asks for the tenth time.

“I need to talk to her first,” I reassure him again with a weak smile. His fingers trail the base of my spine as he heads to the waiting area.

“Good luck. I’m right here.”

Abby’s desk is empty. Probably better she’s not here. I stall, hand on Ramona’s door knob, then knock.

“Come in!” Ramona beckons.

I push the door open and find not one, but two people waiting in the morning-lit office.

Ramona’s eyes are razor sharp over steepled fingers. Her lips pulled into a tight line. Sitting across from my boss, a smug smile twisting her cover-girl perfect face into a leer, is Ellie Edwards.