Chapter １
1271 Words
Jessey was aware that the loft above the gallery had 17 steps, as was customary. It was unique. Were the walls becoming smaller? She adjusted her coat to allow air to flow. It was too warm for coats even late at night, yet she couldn't go upstairs in lingerie.
Jessey's fingers tightened. She could go back in time and pretend she'd never had this insane notion. Dodge would be unaware of her feelings for him while she worked at the gallery
They'll never get together if she quits now. Dodge completely missed all of her cues. She needed a stern strategy to put an end to her mother's matchmaking and find someone.
She opposed last year when Ian recommended she apply for the role of art coordinator at the gallery. Could she work for one of her brother's friends? She was enthralled when she entered the exhibition. Dodge's galleries displayed a wide range of art, although he specialized in sculpting.
Dodge was tall, with golden blond hair and twinkling blue eyes. They spoke for hours about art and sketches.
She came to a halt. The steps demanded every ounce of will. She was out of breath at the top, like if she'd run a mile.
Jessey stood up and proceeded down the hallway to the last door. Dodge's car in the parking lot indicates that he'll be in the gallery loft this weekend. She thought he'd started a new job when he claimed he'd started one today. He was engrossed with a new effort when he started it.
The knob felt cold as she entered the shadows of the loft. Dodge's paintings in the living room were visible in the light of the single bulb. Dodge's efforts enabled it to sell for a high price.
Jessey bypassed the second bedroom and the kitchen counter to go to the master bedroom. Her heart rate increased to the point that she believed it may burst.
She felt her smooth tummy. The simplicity of the midsection stood in stark contrast to the embellishments.
She bit her lower lip and took a condom from her coat pocket, uncertain of where to put it. She should most likely cease... No. Even if she wanted a family, being pregnant tonight would be a nightmare.
Jessey took a deep breath, gently opened the door, and slid inside. Even in the pitch-black darkness, she could see the massive bed across from the door. Okay. She'd make it.
Charley had strange dreams.
A woman entered his bed and spoke to him. He rolled over and stretched, puzzled about the significance of the whisper. As she leaned closer, he could feel her warmth through the sheet on his hips.
He wrapped his arm around her waist and brought her close to him. She was sensitive, which was the polar opposite of what he preferred. His subconscious most likely desired a change. When she leaned against him and traced a cautious hand from his shoulder to his hip, he concluded that something else was in order since this felt too good to be true.
Who would have guessed that going to his brother's art gallery would inspire a dream woman?
After the excitement, Charley exhaled and lay down for what he thought would be a good night's sleep, but then she kissed his neck and shivered against him.
Charley's pupils dilated as he examined the darkness. He wasn't hallucinating. His bed was taken.
He gasped as she kissed his jaw so lightly and lovingly. Staying in bed wasn't a good idea, but he couldn't resist a strong need. He raised his chin to allow her in and considered his options. Turn her off? Allow her to massage him? He hadn't seen her before.
She kissed him again, this time close to his lips. He put his hands on Charley's shoulders and leaned back to create room. The woman kissed his knuckles while his mouth was open, shorting out his brain. How many times had he tried to combat loneliness with a one-night stand, only to wake up feeling much more alone?
She ran her palm down his chest, her fingers dancing along the sheet's edge, before he could disentangle them. Charley sighed. How could he have forgotten her name if he didn't know it? She may be able to briefly warm him up. He'd have to face the repercussions the next day.
"Right?" His sleep-worn voice was hardly audible.
Her breath seemed to surround him. Charley waited for her reaction with bated breath. He almost didn't notice her modest words. "Yes"
He saw how odd this woman was, as her arms curled around his neck and her tongue brushed his lower lip.
Charley ignored his nagging thoughts and relaxed. Her fingers crept up his chest, lingered above his pecs, and cupped his jaw. Each touch felt was precious. It burnt Charley's body, forcing him to do more than just hold the woman. Instead of luring her in, he touched the back of her neck, marveling at how delicate she felt, before trailing his other hand down her side.
He found the soft flesh on her thigh. Charley made a throat grunt and shivered.
He curled his fingers around her thigh and hoisted her easily, lying her over his hips, deepening the kiss. As he rocked her, just two thin pieces of fabric separated them. He released go of her neck and kicked the covers down.
"You're naked,"
Exactly! Before Charley could ask, she kissed him again, this time more boldly. He pulled her dress off, shouting when she had to let her throw it away. She resumed the agonizingly gentle stroking. He advanced and licked one of her nips till her hips trembled.
Charley kissed her other breast till she shook. Through her silk underwear, he cupped her. Despite the lack of foreplay, she was eager. With his fingers, he hooked the material, just grazing her skin. When she grieved, he stopped mocking her and inserted one finger.
Charley almost passed out as he felt her drenching warmth and wanted to bury himself in her. He licked her first breast with his finger while slipping a second finger into her. Charley twisted his wrist, hoping to discover her weak spot.
Her body trembled as he massaged what he was looking for. "Oh......"
Charley wrapped his free arm around her waist, holding her till she arched her back and buried her claws into his shoulders.
Charley needed her right now. When she came, her hands flitted from his neck to his shoulders to his neck. Charley wants more responsibilities. "Hit me."
Before she roared, he had a half-second to consider if he'd said something incorrectly.
Dodge was not her roommate.
Jessey was naked, and he was riding the wrong guy.
She backed up and fell off the bed. Jessey was too preoccupied with avoiding exposing herself to notice how he sounded when he asked if this was okay—he had been sleeping, and why would there be another person in Dodge's bed?
She needed to catch her breath, but she heard him nearing the spot where she'd landed.
She struggled for the wall-mounted light switch. When the lights came on, she began to hyperventilate.
How did she mistake Dodge? They had a startlingly similar build and hairstyle.
Her chest was compressed, making breathing difficult.
Jessey swayed and slapped his back on the wall. She grabbed her chest, desperate for breath. Her chin was restrained, forcing her to look into brown eyes.
The wind made her dizzy. As his fingers pushed into Jessey's jaw, she shuddered. Wheezing, she smacked his hands away.
"Why?"
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