Page 224 of Trouble from Abroad
“It’s warm, calm. Inviting.”
“What grabbed your attention first?”
“The side table. With the mini library underneath.”
She hums in the most sexual way. Or so my dick says.
“What else?”
“The paintings.”
She slaps my right shoulder. “There are no paintings in the room, Dr. Preston.”
“Sorry, you relaxed me too much. I closed my eyes. You only have yourself to blame.” Another slap, but this one is lighter and comes with giggles. “The curtains. I love to sleep in the dark, and the heavy, dark curtains pulled me in.”
“Do youwantto add paintings?”
“No. Pictures. New ones. Around the house too. Make new memories.” Her hands drift up my neck. My head bows into her hands. Her thumbs press behind my ears, and another moan escapes me.
“I’ll message Zaha and ask her to add that to the project. Can’t believe I’m askingyouthis, but… let’s be practical now.”
I laugh—until her hands coast down my front. Fingertips teasing over my chest, nails dragging down, then up my abdomen. The laughter dies in my throat.
“Miaaaa…” It comes out as a stretched-out warning.
“Sorry.” It drips with fake innocence, very much notsorry. “Guess I got distracted too. Told you I can’t think straight if you’re not wearing a shirt.”
Her hands return to my shoulders as she steps in closer, mouth next my ear.
“One last look. What else do you want in your bedroom? What’s still missing before we can call it perfect?”
You. I want you in it.
“A scent diffuser,” I say instead.
“Oh, I didn’t know you were into aromatherapy.” I can hear the smile in her voice. “Do you have a favorite scent?”
“Lemon and honey.” I don’t think before I say it, but it’s out. It’s her scent. Her hands pause just long enough to let me know she heard it.
She recovers quickly. “Anything else?”
I scramble. Change the subject. Miss the mark completely. “I like the dark gray bathroom tiles. The tub that looks like a pool.”
Mia laughs, lightening the mood. “You could fit three people in there. Maybe even four.”
“No.” I roll my neck, feeling more relaxed. “Just two. With enough space to move around.”
I know the innuendo isn’t lost when her nails dig into my skin. Good. I’ll wear the marks as a badge of honor.
“You’re getting too good at this,” I praise.
“What? Massages?”
“That, and getting the truth out of me. You’re such a quick study, Miss Thorne. I can’t wait to start our next lessons and teach you some other things.” I start to turn around, but she stops me.
“As I’ve said, I’m on the clock.You come first and?—”
“Oh no, I don’t.” I cackle. “Not when I’m teaching you.”
