Chapter 40

The afternoon drifted by in a haze of quiet contentment. We lounged at home, curled up on the couch, talking, occasionally dozing off in the warmth of each other’s presence. By evening, we moved into the kitchen, preparing a light dinner together—grilled beef, a fresh salad, and warm bread.

Later, we ate outside on the patio, the cool night air settling around us. The sounds of crickets and distant owls filled the spaces between our easy conversation. It was one of those perfect, unhurried moments I found myself treasuring more and more.

After dinner, Monique suggested using the hot tub. She took the time to carefully wrap my cast, her touch light but efficient. Once she was satisfied, we stripped down and stepped into the steaming water.

I leaned back, sighing as the heat worked its way into my muscles. My gaze wandered over Monique’s body, watching how the water clung to her skin, highlighting the curves I had come to know so well.

“You’re staring,” she teased, smirking.

“I can’t help it,” I admitted. “You’re beautiful.”

She arched a brow, playful. “What do you like most?”

I smirked. “Everything.”

The conversation turned playful, teasing, then deeper, more charged, until slow, heated touches beneath the water ignited something impossible to resist. When she lifted herself onto the edge of the tub, an invitation in the way she parted her thighs, I leaned forward, my lips finding the warmth of her.

Later, she returned the favor, bringing me to the edge of pleasure before pulling me into the ensuite. Our passion continued against the cool bathroom counter, our reflections meeting in the mirror, lost in the raw intensity between us.

When it was over, when our bodies were spent and sated, Monique drifted off first.

I lay awake, staring at the ceiling, the plan in my mind solidifying.

I just needed to get to the office tomorrow—alone—to set it in motion.

With that thought, sleep finally claimed me.