Free Table for Two-epub by Jess Dee Page B

me. Feeding you was only part of the deal. Maslow’s needs, remember?  I still have to ensure you get some sleep. So, head on over to your room, change into your pj’s, and I’ll be there in a few minutes.”
    “I’m perfectly capable of falling asleep on my own.”
    “Really?” He raised a brow. “When last did you get a good night’s rest?”
    “Last night. Or the night before that.”
    “ Or the night before?”
    She shrugged.
    “You have circles under your eyes, and you yawned the whole way through dinner. I’m staying until you’re in dreamland.”
    She rolled her eyes. “Forgive me for doubting your motives, Jimmy, but somehow I imagine sleep is the last thing on your mind.”
    The corners of his mouth twitched. “You believe I have ulterior motives?”
    “The last time I saw you, you tossed me over your shoulder, hauled me into your flat, stripped me and fucked me. I have no reason to think tonight will be any different.”
    “The way I remember it, you did the stripping. And the fucking.” He grinned. “For the record? I loved every second of it.”
    She folded her arms over her chest. “For the record? I am not having sex with you tonight.”
    “You were too tired to unlock your door. I hardly assumed sex was on the agenda. I will, however, be there until you fall asleep so I can ensure you get the rest your body needs.”
    She dropped her arms to her sides. “You motives are that innocent?”
    “They are.”
    “You won’t try to strip my clothes off?”
    He placed one hand over his heart and the other beside his head. “Tonight I do solemnly swear to not remove a single item of clothing from your body.”
    She rolled her eyes again—she’d pretty much mastered the art—and opened her mouth to speak. He cut her off. “Liv, stop arguing and go get into your pj’s. You have my word I won’t try get you naked. Okay?”
    “I suppose,” she said on another yawn and disappeared into her room. A minute later the door to her ensuite clicked shut.
    James gave her a few minutes, then followed her into her bedroom, shut the door and kicked off his shoes. He set his keys and wallet on her bedside table and lay back on the bed, staring at the ceiling.
    The linen smelled like Liv, floral and fresh, and James inhaled deeply as he waited for her. Her room was chic and comfortable, like the rest of the flat, leading him to marvel at her taste all over again.
    It was shamefully unfair that someone as talented as she should be going through all this shit.
    Liv walked out of the bathroom dressed in pajamas that almost sent James into cardiac arrest. The pants were candy-striped boxers that only just covered the curve of her ass, and the top was a tiny pink singlet that clearly showed off the outline of her small, braless breasts.
    Electricity jolted through him. He couldn’t have hidden his reaction if he’d tried. Liv was staring right at him as his cock roared to life.
    “James! You promised.”
    “And I keep my promises.” Blood vessels almost exploded in his brain as he struggled to get a hold of his desire. “But you can’t blame a man for reacting to a beautiful woman.”
    “I don’t feel beautiful.” She rubbed a hand over her eyes. “I feel like a complete failure.”
    “You are beautiful. Jesus, Liv, you’re fucking gorgeous.” He jumped to his feet. “And Marion’s the one who failed, not you.”
    She just stared at him, looking dejected.
    He flipped the doona down then held his arms open. “Come here. Let me take care of you tonight.”
    Her lips twisted in indecision. “We’re not having sex.”
    “I know. Now come here.”
    With a big sigh, Liv padded over to him, stepped up close and placed her forehead on his chest.
    James closed his arms around her, holding her to him.
    She shifted in closer. “Feels good,” she murmured, her breath sending soft ripples over his T-shirt and the flesh below.
    “I’ll always try to make you feel good, pretty one.”
    James held her