No Strings Attached

Chapter Six

"Just try to have it signed by Friday."

I smile slowly. "Why?"

"You know why."

I rub my chest, feeling burning skin beneath my fingertips. "So, you're still going?"

"If you'd like me to be there."

"I mean, it's your choice."

"No, it's not. You tell me you want me there, and I will be there. It's that simple."

"Why do you always feel the need for clarity? Can't ever leave things to mystery?"

"Because I know what I want."

Jesus. I grab my pen simply to hold onto something. Rebecca knocks then once, entering without my call. I straighten in my seat, tensing up.

"You have Norman on the other line," Rebecca whispers, and I nod silently.

"So, will I be seeing you Friday?"

I press down on my lips, humming my assent. "Yes."

"Will you be going alone?"

"Yes."

He pauses momentarily. "Is someone with you now?"

"Yes."

My eyes flicker to Rebecca, who is going through her purse on her shoulder, prepared to leave for the day.

"I can't wait to taste you again."

Fuck.

I feel that everywhere.

"I will see you on Friday," I say quickly, practically slamming the phone down to the receiver. Rebecca looks at me curiously.

"You good?"

I nod, praying I'm not bright red. "I'm fine."

"You might be coming down with something. You look all flushed."

Damn. "I'll take something for it tonight. Can you send Norman over to me before you go?"

She nods, backing up. "Oh, by the way, have you purchased your dress yet for the party?"

I blanch. I hadn't even thought about it. "I have something I can wear from home."

I wonder if Giovanni will like it or if he'll give me grief on the lack of originality in a halter dress.

"Home?" she counters, grimacing. "It is a dress, right? Not a pantsuit?"

I growl. "Bye, Bec."

"Bye."

When she shuts the door, I finally take a breath, closing my eyes tightly. My thighs are pressed against one another with a tightness that makes me able to feel my own pulse racing between my legs.

I'm throbbing and aching, and he's thousands of miles away.

When my phone rings again, my boss on the other line, I struggle to pick up with a steady voice.

"Norman."

***

I step out of the shower, holding the towel firmly around all my important bits as I hear the buzzer ringing for the third time.

I press onto the attendant button that's flashing red, out of breath.

"Yes, Rog?"

"You've got a package down here. Nicely wrapped."