The small town of Castleton—only four traffic lights total—slept peacefully as Nate maneuvered down the empty streets. He parked in front of an elegant boutique. One small light inside the picture window clicked on, illuminating an exquisitely dressed, older man. He emerged from the shop, waiting patiently at the curb.
“Mr. Maldove.” His reverent voice greeted Nate as he stepped from the car. “It is a pleasure to see you again.”
“Thank you, Mr. Keller. I appreciate this favor.”
“Anything I can do for your family, Mr. Maldove,” replied Mr. Keller with a bow. His suit, dark in color, was impeccably tailored and moved as if it were sewn to his body.
“I trust you received all my instructions.”
“Yes sir.” Mr. Keller nodded. “Everything is as you requested.”
“Thank you.” Nate rounded the car and opened the door, offering his hand to Eliza. She accepted with a smile and rose from the vehicle.
“Is this the lovely woman?”
“It is.” Nate turned to Eliza. “Eliza, I would like to introduce you to Mr. Keller. He will bring you anything you need.”
“You’re not coming in with me?” Disappointment swam through Eliza’s body.
“No.” Nate lifted her hand to his lips and placed a light kiss on the back. “I have some calls to return.”
“Miss Eliza, please follow me.” Mr. Keller gestured for Eliza to follow him into the dim shop. The small boutique, posh by any standard, was filled with gorgeous, hand-tailored gowns and suits, each one unique in design and pattern.
“Wow.” Eliza’s jaw dropped as she stared at the elegant clothing. “These are beautiful.”
“Thank you.” Mr. Keller beamed. “My wife sews most of the dresses, but I’ve been known to create a gown or two.” He winked and hobbled through the racks, leading Eliza into the center of the store.
“I apologize for the early hour.” Eliza trailed after him, stopping to gawk at a rack of evening gowns. They glowed, casting tiny sparkles across the soft carpet.
“Not at all.” Mr. Keller cut off her apology with a wave of his hand. “It is my honor to assist the Maldoves with any of their needs.”
He pointed her to one of two dressing rooms, indicating a stack of clothing hanging from three hooks on the side wall.
“Select whichever outfits you prefer, all of them suitable for the occasion.” His eyes traveled critically over her frame. “I also included some sensible shoes, nothing too high, as well as underclothes—stockings, bras, and panties. The ones you are currently wearing will be unacceptable with these garments.”
“Thank you.” Eliza blushed under his inspection and glanced down. Unconsciously, she smoothed the folds in her shirt, tugging at the hem.
“That is not to imply there’s something wrong with your current outfit.” He smiled kindly, wrinkles creasing his face. “Mr. Taren’s uniform, I believe.”
Eliza nodded. “My shift ended last night.”
“A nice girl like you shouldn’t work at an establishment like that.”
“Sometimes you take what you can get.”
“Very true.”
Sensing the end of the conversation, Eliza shut the door, sliding a thin gold chain along a worn track. She lifted the first dress from its hanger. The deep purple hue transformed to royal blue as the material shifted under the overhead lighting. Slipping the dress over her head, Eliza guided the snug material over her hips, allowing it to flutter toward the floor.
She turned to the mirror, assessing her reflection. A small tag peaked out from under her arm, pinned to the seam. Lifting the tag, she gasped. “Six hundred dollars. Who can afford that?”
“I can.”
Eliza jumped as Nate’s voice crept under the door. She fumbled with the slide latching the door, and removed the chain. Suddenly shy, she peered around the side of the door.
“May I see it?”
Nodding, Eliza slid out from behind the door. Nate whistled.
“I’d say that dress is worth more than six hundred dollars.” He steered her into the room, easing the door closed and latching the chain again. Pausing a moment, his eyes wandered lustfully over Eliza’s curves, highlighted by the cut of the cloth. “I must remember to compliment Mr. Keller on his skills.”
Nate took another step forward, trapping Eliza between his arms and the cool glass of the mirror. He leaned into her space, his salty scent invading her nostrils. Her eyes closed as she inhaled deeply, and an involuntary shiver rocked her. She longed to press her hips against him, to feel him moving against her. Unconsciously shifting, she arched her back against the mirror. The cobalt in Nate’s eyes blazed darkly, possessively.
“If I remember correctly, you were in the middle of begging me before we were interrupted earlier this morning.” His mouth stopped centimeters from her lips. “Shall we pick up where we left off?”
“What about Mr. Keller?” Heat rushed to her stomach, curling wantonly.
“He mentioned needing some coffee and left; we’re alone.” One finger trailed softly down her cheek. Eliza swallowed nervously. Nate stepped away, allowing the shop’s chilly air to dance between them, his face a blank mask.
“Why did you do that?” Eliza pouted, disturbed by the sudden feeling of loss.
“You seem unsure.” Nate tilted his head. “Do you want me to leave?”
“No.” Eliza shook her head.
“Then what?”
Eliza bit her lip, drawing a small speck of blood. She took a deep breath. “It’s been a while since I’ve hooked up with anyone.”
“And you’ve forgotten how?” Nate shot her a playful wink.
“No.” Eliza cracked a small smile. “I’m unsure of the ramifications of this.” She gestured to the small distance between them. “What happens after?”
“Do you always overthink everything?”
“Yes.”
His lips twitched. Solemnly, he raised his left hand and placed it right over his heart. “Miss Eliza, I promise you a morning—and afternoon, if you let me—of meaningless sex with no obligations whatsoever, and on Sunday you can return to reality. Deal?”
Eliza dropped her gaze to the plush carpet tickling her feet. “I don’t get the luxury of ignoring reality.”
“You do this weekend.” Reaching out, Nate lifted her chin, forcing her to stare into his eyes. Very slowly, he leaned in, giving her ample time to protest. His lips brushed softly over her mouth, barely touching her skin. She sighed, her lips parting slightly. The pressure against her lips increased, pushing her mouth open. His tongue slid gently along hers, slowly, torturously, until her knees buckled.
Nate caught her, pulling away with the shadow of a grin. His hand rose to cup her face. Gently, his thumb traced a line over the seam of her mouth. She trembled. Skimming over her bare shoulders, his fingers slipped under the delicate spaghetti straps. Sliding the strings down her arms, he stripped the dress from her, dropping it onto the floor in a pool of elegant silk.
“I thought you liked the dress.” Eliza’s arms twitched, longing to hide her exposed skin.
“I do.” Wicked fingers dipped under the band of her panties, rolling them over her hips. He guided them slowly down her legs, dropping light kisses as he descended. Rising, his fingers retraced the same blazing trail his lips had followed, caressing each inch of skin.
Eliza flushed. Nate’s hands circled her waist, skating over her hips and cradling her butt. His grip tightened, rocking her hips into him, his erection evident.
Hungrily, his mouth captured hers, demanding and unrelenting. He stole her breath, causing her heart to flutter rapidly, a bird beating its wings against a cage. Without breaking the kiss, he lifted her body, separating her legs, and pinned her against the mirror. Her hands grabbed the sides of his thermal, yanking it upward, catching it under his chin.
Breaking the kiss abruptly, Nate ripped the shirt over his head, flinging it onto a chair. “Better?” he asked breathlessly.
“Yes.”
Nate set Eliza on the ground, shedding his jeans and boxers in one quick movement, before scooping Eliza up again and wrapping her legs around his waist. They crashed into the mirror, mouths locked together. He adjusted his grip, lifting her hips, and plunged deeply. She moaned against him, his mouth still feverously devouring hers.
He retracted, immediately slamming into her again, his urgent rhythm drawing whimpers from Eliza. She clung to his shoulders, her head tipped back, as Nate’s thrusts intensified.
“Nate,” she moaned. The heat in her stomach curled, winding tightly as she neared her apex. “Don’t stop.” Her fingers sank into his skin, his muscles flexing under her grip. He drove himself into her again.
“Come for me.” His teeth lightly bite the soft portion of her neck.
She exploded, screaming nonsensically as the orgasm ripped through her. Nate continued to pump into her, drawing out her ecstasy until her limbs vibrated with electricity. He moaned, ramming himself into her one last time and shuddered violently.
They collapsed together, sinking to the floor, each trying to regain their breath. “We are definitely doing that again.”
Nate’s eyes burned brightly. “How about right now?”
“Mr. Maldove?” Mr. Keller’s voice echoed from the rear of the shop.
Eliza’s eyes widened, and she blushed with embarrassment. Nate pressed his finger over his mouth and winked. “Yes, Mr. Keller,” he replied. “We’ve almost finished.”
“Excellent. What have you decided to purchase?”
Nate glanced around the room quickly. “All of it, Mr. Keller. We’ll take everything in this room. Please charge it to my account.”
Eliza’s jaw dropped. She shook her head vehemently, silently arguing against the offer. Nate smirked and nodded his head in response.
“Of course, Mr. Maldove.” There was an audible pause. “Do you require more time?”
“I think five minutes would be sufficient.”
“As you wish. Good day to you both.”
Blushing, Eliza rose from the floor. She reached for her panties, quickly yanking them up her legs. Keeping her back to Nate, she glanced up at the mirror, catching him staring at her. Still naked, he stepped behind her, pressing his erection against her curve of her lower back.
“Had we more than five minutes…” He dropped a searing kiss on the nape of her neck. “However, we have a boat to catch, and we should probably get you a toothbrush before we sail.”
“Thanks.” Eliza spun and took a playful swipe at Nate. He captured her wrists with his hand, his mouth finding hers and slammed her up against the mirror again, pinning her wrists above her head. His free hand wandering lustfully over her skin.
With a groan, he pulled away, a war behind his eyes. “To be continued.”