Page 66 of Never and Always
I finished with my lipstick and smoothed my hands down my gray, pleated midi skirt. I’d paired it with a cute, white blouse with pin tucks. Because I was feeling so good, I slipped into my very sexy, strappy Gianvito Rossi stiletto sandals. I couldn’t lose my head over this laid-back, protective mountain man. We were both very different people, who wanted different things from life.
But for now, it wasn’t going to stop me enjoying him.
We could be…well not exactly friends with benefits, but colleagues with benefits. It wouldn’t get awkward later because I’d leave and probably wouldn’t see him again.
I felt a funny squirm in my stomach. Probably from drinking too much.
When I strode back into the living area, he was in my suite’s tiny kitchenette. Toast topped with avocado sat on two plates.
His gaze lit up, traveling lazily down my body. As he lingered on my shoes, he smiled.
“Have I told you how much I love your skirts?”
“No. You’ve mentioned your disdain for my heels plenty of times.”
“Only because I worry about your ankles. They do amazing things to your legs though.” He nudged a plate across the counter. “I made a quick trip to the kitchen. Your fridge was very empty.”
“I usually just start the day with coffee.”
He pushed a mug toward me. “Today, you get coffee and toast. Next time, I’ll make you my special smoothie.”
Again, I felt a burst of warmth at the two of us sharing breakfast…like a couple.
No, Piper, not like a couple. Like colleagues with benefits.
I finished eating and gulped down some coffee. “I need to go.”
“Same. Luckily, I have a change of clothes in my locker.”
We headed out, walking toward the elevator together.
Once we stepped inside, I turned to face him. “Everett…thank you. For last night. For being there.”
He yanked me into his arms. “Thank me properly.”
“I’m not kissing you. The security team monitor?—”
His mouth hit mine.
And damn him, I kissed him. I pushed him back against the wall of the elevator and kissed him hard.
When he stepped back, he was grinning. It was smug. “Your lipstick didn’t even smudge.”
“It’s designed to do that.” The elevator doors opened and I lifted my chin. “Stay out of trouble, Murray.”
“You too, big city. You hear from your brother, get him to share where he is.” He grabbed my wrist, then his other hand touched my cheek. “Have a good day, and later, we need to go and check on the construction. The tent should be completed.”
My eyes widened. “Murray, it’s snowing like crazy out there.”
“It won’t kill you. You know people pay good money to come here and go out in it?”
I shuddered.
His smile widened. “See you later, and stay inside.”
Chapter 21
Everett
