Read Online Come Together by Jessica Hawkins - Free Book Online Page B

Is this a joke?” I asked, turning back to the counter.
    “I’m sorry,” he said, coming up behind me and encircling my waist. “We’ve been friends for years, so I’d rather say something like that in person. But I’ll call her tonight. She won’t care, it’s not like she was my girlfriend.”
    “Tonight? Promise?”
    “Promise.” He inhaled and with a moan, said, “Goddamn, you smell amazing.”
    I studied his eyes in the reflection. They’d always told me the truth, and they conveyed nothing but sincerity now. I relaxed in his grip.
    “Why do you women wear this shit anyway?” He picked up my eye shadow palette and examined it. “You look perfect right now. Just go like this.”
    “In my robe and no makeup? I think I might get a few looks.”
    “Jealous looks. This robe was the best purchase of the day.” He slid his hand over the front of it, but I shook my head at him. “All right,” he said, releasing me. “You can put your dress on, only so I can take it off later.”
    He stepped aside and pulled aftershave from a hidden cabinet. I was instantly transported to Lucy’s office, to the first time we’d kissed, as the familiar, irresistible smell wafted over to me.
    When he’d left the bathroom, I finished applying my makeup and slipped into my dress. I stepped back to study my reflection.
    I hadn’t realized how long my golden brown hair had become. It now sat a few inches below my shoulders. I’d parted it off to the side and curled it into a soft wave. The Versace column dress I’d picked was almost the color of my skin; tight, long-sleeved and shimmery, it had a high back and a deep ‘V’ that plunged down the front. I opted for dark pink lipstick and rosy cheeks since I was otherwise colorless. Mascara in Noir was carefully applied to my lashes, darkening my green eyes. Despite my four-inch heels, the dress still grazed the floor.
    David entered the bathroom, one hand fumbling with his cufflink until he looked up and paused in the doorway. In the mirror, I watched his eyes skim over me, his hands drop to his sides. “You’re beautiful,” he said. “Turn around.”
    I smiled and turned against the counter. He whistled low and came to me, pinning my hips against the counter and taking my face in his hands.
    “A nude dress?” he whispered. “Do you want me walking around with a hard-on all night?”
    “That’s the idea,” I said between breaths.
    He brushed some hair from my face, and a ‘V’ creased his forehead. “There will be photographers there tonight.”
    I sighed. “I figured. I don’t think I’m ready for that. It would be tasteless considering everything that’s happening.”
    He frowned and rubbed his thumb along the hollow of my cheek. “I was looking forward to showing you off.”
    “Showing me off? Maria’s a hard act to follow.”
    He released me, stepping back suddenly. “What?”
    “I’m teasing,” I said. “But, come on, David. Maria is like Gisele 2.0 . . . . She’s stunning.”
    “Are you – what? Are you kidding?”
    “Um.”
    “Olivia, you are the most beautiful woman I’ve ever laid eyes on. You must know that.”
    “You’re sweet,” I said with a shy smile.
    He took my shoulders and turned me to the mirror. Wrapping his arms around my waist, he kissed the top of my head. His fingers trailed my neck as he pulled my hair into a loose ponytail. “Nobody even compares. I’m not blind. I know Maria is beautiful, but she’s nowhere near you, honeybee.” His hands complemented his words as he slid them down and over my backside, inspiring a burning need within me. “I had to know you the moment I saw you. Anybody would be lucky to have you.”
    I stared at his reflection. “I only care that you want me.”
    “I want you, all of you, any way I can have you. And anywhere,” he murmured, kissing my neck.
    I was speechless. David was in another league with sharp, defined features, jet-black hair and heavy eyebrows. His razorblade jaw