Free Engaged in Embellishments: Tulle and Tulips, Book 5.5 by Nikki Duncan Page B

her in bed and make sure she stayed there for a full night. On those nights, sleep became a luxurious indulgence made all the better because he stayed with her.
    “Enjoy what’s left of the night,” Lori said.
    Tabatha kissed Lori on the cheek. “Don’t work all night.”
    Her friends left, closing the door behind them. They hadn’t been overly chatty while they’d been working, but the silence settled around her like a favorite blanket. She loved her friends and counted herself lucky to work with them. Love and luck didn’t eradicate years of conditioning. And that conditioning made it hard for her to see safety outside of solitude.

Chapter Two
    The door behind Lori opened. Her senses kicked into high gear, rushing fear through her veins for the briefest moment. Then she caught the scent of Trevor’s cologne and fear subsided. Relaxation slid through her neck and shoulders, alerting her to the tension she hadn’t realized she held.
    Knowing, even without turning, he moved closer. She smiled. “What are you doing here? You weren’t supposed to get home until tomorrow morning.”
    “I missed my lover.” The cultured tone of his voice darkened when he called her “lover”. It always did. A moment later his lips brushed her neck, making her glad she’d put her hair up that morning. “What are you doing here alone?”
    She gave in, like always, to the instinct to lean into him. Resistance would be easier if he hadn’t been away for two weeks. “Working.”
    “You’re always working.”
    “You’re one to talk.” His warmth seeped into her, filling her with the satisfaction that no phone or Skype call could offer.
    “Just one reason we’re a good team.” Trevor leaned in and kissed her, sweet and tender with just a hint of hunger. “Here’s another.”
    He pulled a basket from behind his back. It was the same basket he’d sent her when she’d been putting Tulle and Tulips together. Now, just like then, he’d filled it with Snickers and Dr Pepper.
    “Oh, babe.” Her smile broadened, pulling at her cheeks. He’d shed his suit jacket and tie and rolled up his shirt sleeves. If they were home he would remove his socks and shoes, setting them neatly beside the bed. He’d be as relaxed in his slacks and shirt as he would be in sweats. And just as sexy. “I’m not sure what’s sexier. That basket or you.”
    “Ouch. I may have to stop bringing competition home with me.”
    “Poor Trevor.” She pushed up to her toes and kissed his neck. “I’ve dented your ego.”
    With his empty hand, he cupped her neck and held her close. “Mock me and it’ll be poor Lori.”
    She glanced from the basket to him. “You wouldn’t take that away from me? Would you?”
    He locked her in place with his most commanding stare. It was the one that probably got him everything he wanted in business negotiations. It definitely got him what he wanted from her. “That will depend on your behavior in the near future.”
    She almost laughed, but choked it back and played along with his game. He was always more playful after they’d been apart, and she didn’t seem to get tired of it. “I bet I could persuade you.”
    “How?”
    Lori took the basket and set it on one of the chairs she’d tied tulle to. “You want me to share?”
    “It’s the nice thing to do when a man brings you a few of your favorite things.”
    “I may be able to let you have half a candy bar.” She dipped her fingers in the waistband of his pants, moving them in just the right way to turn him on instantly. Her moves seduced herself just as easily as him. Taking it further, she released the buckle on his belt, then the button on his slacks.
    Trevor lifted a brow. “Only half?”
    “You know how I adore them.”
    He traced a finger along her neck and the button line of her blouse. “Then I hope you have a counteroffer.”
    “I was thinking…” She lowered his zipper. “In the interest of fairness…” She shoved his pants over his