Book 1 - Page 139 (1/2)
”Congratulations, Miss Steele. Now will you tell me where?” he teases.
”You don't know?”
He shakes his head, frowning slightly.
”Why would I know?”
”With your stalking capabilities, I thought you might have... ” I trail off as his face falls.”Anastasia, I wouldn't dream of interfering in your career, unless you ask me to, of course.” He looks wounded.
”So you have no idea which company?”
”No. I know there are four publis.h.i.+ng companies in Seattle - so I am a.s.suming it's one of them.”
”SIP”
”Oh, the small one, good. Well done.” He leans forward and kisses my forehead.
”Clever girl. When do you start?”
”Monday.”
”That soon, ehI'd better take advantage of you while I still can. Turn round.”
I am thrown by his casual command, but do as I'm bid, and he undoes my bra and unzips my skirt. He pushes my skirt down, cupping my behind as he does, and kissing my shoulder. He leans against, me and his nose nuzzles my hair, inhaling deeply. He squeezes my bu**ocks.
”You intoxicate me, Miss Steele, and you calm me. Such a heady combination.” He kisses my hair. Grabbing my hand, he tugs me into the shower.
”Ow,” I squeal. The water is practically scalding. Christian grins down at me as the water cascades over him.
”It's only a little hot water.”
And actually he's right. It feels heavenly, was.h.i.+ng off the sticky Georgia morning and the stickiness from our lovemaking.
”Turn round,” he orders, and I comply, turning to face the wall. ”I want to wash you,”
he murmurs and reaches for the body wash. He squirts a little into his hand.
”I have something else to tell you,” I murmur as his hands start on my shoulders.
”Oh, yes?” he asks mildly.
I steel myself with a deep breath.
”My friend Jose's photography show is opening Thursday in Portland.”
He stills, his hands hovering over my br**sts. I have emphasized the word 'friend.'
”Yes, what about it?” he asks sternly.
”I said I would go. Do you want to come with me?”
After what feels like a monumental amount of time, he slowly starts was.h.i.+ng me again.
”What time?”
”The opening is at 7:30 p.m.”