“He turned up last night just because he needed to see me.”
My aunt swoons.
“Tell me what he’s like. What does he do for a living? What about his family, are they here too?”
I tell her everything I know before coming to what I think is the most important part. “He’s lost people too. He… he gets it. He gets me. Neither of us have talked about it yet, but I can see it in his eyes.”
“That’s good, Harlow. I mean, not that he’s lost loved ones. But that you both have that understanding of loss. Maybe you’re meant to be. Maybe he was sent to you to help you finally heal from everything and move on.”
I’m not sure I entirely believe her, but I can’t deny that it sounds pretty damn good.
“I hope so, something just feels so right, so comfortable when we’re together.”
“So… when are you seeing him again?”
A smile breaks out across my face. “Tonight. I’m cooking for him, for when he finishes work.”
“What the hell are you doing here then?”
“Um… checking in on you.”
“Have you got everything in the car?”
“Yeah, why?”
“Bring it in. I want to help.”
I stare at her. “I’ll remain seated at all times and just give you orders. What are you making?”
“Moussaka and cheesecake.”
“Right, well let’s make sure it’s the best damn moussaka and cheesecake that man has ever tasted. You want to get back in his bed, right?”
My chin drops in shock. “You did not just say that.”
She gives me an innocent shrug and sips at her teacup like a lady. Lady my ass.
“I was with your uncle all my life, my dear. Don’t you be thinking we were boring.”
“Christ, I’m going to get the groceries.”
I walk out of her house with a wide smile on my face and a new excitement for life that I haven’t felt in a very, very long time.
With the best moussaka and cheesecake ever made sitting safely in the footwell of my car. I make a quick pit stop at home to shower and dress for tonight.
I’m standing with one towel around my body and another bundled on top of my head when a knock sounds at my door.
“Is it safe to come in?” Bailey laughs.
“Like it would stop you.”
“Seriously,” she says, poking her head inside and looking around as if he’s going to magically appear, “the last thing I expected to find this morning was a naked man in your bed.”
I think back to what it felt like having the hot skin of his body pressed up against mine, and my temperature soars. It’s damn good after so long.
“Trust me when I say I understand.” I let out a sigh as I continue staring ahead. “I don’t know what to wear.”
“Something easy.”
“Easy?”
“Yeah, you’ve snagged the guy now, so while you still want to look sexy, you need to ensure easy access at all times. Don’t make him work harder than necessary to get the goods.”
“Jesus Christ,” I mutter. “So jeans are out then.”
“Unless it’s a skirt or dress—panties optional—then yes, it’s out.” She comes to stand beside me. “This?”
I stare at the dress she pulled out.
“No, too dressy. We’re just hanging out at his place.”
“Okay, then… this?”
“Yeah, actually. That’s perfect.” I take the hanger from her and hold the full-length maxi dress against my body.
“It’s got a lot of fabric. I’m not sure how easy access that is,” she mutters.
“Ah, but you’re missing something.” Reaching down, I pull the split in the dress open.
“Ahhh… see, I was underestimating you,” she laughs, reclaiming her seat on the edge of my bed. “Honestly, I think you could probably turn up in a trash bag and he wouldn’t bat an eyelid. Have you seen the way he looks at you?”
“Um…” I bite down on my bottom lip. I know how it feels when he looks at me. Chemistry and desire crackle between us, butterflies erupt in my belly, and things I’m not sure I’ve ever felt before happen between my legs. I might be a long way from a virgin after my former years, but no one back then ever turned me on like Corey. That was purely about escape, there was nothing more to it.
“Well, let me fill in those gaps for you. He wants you, girl, and I don’t mean just out of that dress. He might not want to admit it, but you’ve got that man under your spell.”
“We’ll see,” I say, taking a seat at my dressing table.
“You will. And then, you’ll teach me how you did it.”
“I didn’t do anything, B. I just kinda fell into his lap.”
She thinks for a few moments. “As if sent from above.”
“Whatever,” I laugh. “What are your plans for the night?”
“Going to see the parentals. I was going to invite you before you had a better offer.”
I smile at the thought of her parents. I haven’t seen them in ages. “Aw, I wish I’d known.”
“Don’t even pretend you’d have blown off your hot date.” Okay, so she might have a point. “Anyway, you’ll see them at your fundraiser in a few weeks.”
“They’re still coming?” I ask hopefully.
“Of course they are. They want to support you and your first big event.”
“Give them a hug from me.”
“I will. And, I’ll even gladly fill them in on why you can’t attend. They’ll be thrilled you’re spending a night with a Brit between your legs.”
“Please don’t say it like that.”
“Can’t make any promises.” She makes her way to the door as I groan. “Have a good night. Remember, if you can still use your legs in the morning, then he didn’t do it properly.”
“Have a good night,” I call back, ignoring her comment but blushing at the thought of dragging myself into work in the morning.
With thirty minutes until Corey is due to finish, I leave the house and head for his studio. I told him I’d meet him at his place once he’d finished,
