L.A. Cinderella by Amanda Berry Page A

shifted slightly while he retrieved a condom from the nightstand, but his mouth never left hers. His teeth nipped at her lips. He slid into her as his mouth continued to devastate hers. She sighed against his lips, and her body shuddered with longing.
    She’d wanted to feel this all her life. The connection, the intimacy. It swelled up within her. How could she ever let this go? But she had to—she wasn’t cut out for his lifestyle.
    He lifted his head and gazed down into her eyes. She needed his mouth back on hers. She needed him to move within her and take them over the edge. He was an addiction, and she just needed one more hit.
    His eyes searched hers. “Don’t leave.”
    Her core pulsed around him. “But—”
    “No buts . We don’t have to go public. I want you.” The muscles in his arms shook as he held himself above her.
    He moved within her slowly, maintaining eye contact. She could feel him touching her soul as he slowly drove her insane. She didn’t ever want this to end.
    “Natalie?”
    She met his heated gaze and felt the pressure building within her.
    “Stay.”
    Her resolve to end it now before it would hurt too much crumbled at the look in his eyes. It was going to hurt when it ended, but she couldn’t bear to let go. She’d take all she could get. Her body shook with her decision. “I’ll stay, Chase.”
    His mouth covered hers, and he thrust within her again. Her body convulsed around him as she returned his kiss. Joy filled her heart. His body arched into hers once more before he collapsed against her. Her fingers tangled in his hair as they both drifted back to themselves. Where was the harm in trying?
     
    By Monday morning the weekend rain had passed, leaving everything greener and brighter. Natalie had gone home Sunday, and Rachel hadn’t even missed her. Rachel had asked what she’d done last night, and Natalie had mentioned going out to a movie or shopping or something.
    Her heart had been full, and her body had been relaxed. She’d slept wonderfully last night, with only thoughts of Chase racing through her brain.
    Natalie had come in early this morning to get the report finished for Mr. Morrison. Her heart jumped every time the exterior door opened, knowing that Chase would be here soon.
    When Mr. Morrison showed up at nine, Natalie had handed him the report with trembling hands, sure he would sense she knew. Mr. Morrison took it and didn’t spare her another glance as he made his way back to his office.
    The morning dragged on, but still no Chase. Natalie lost herself in her work. When Mr. Morrison went out for lunch, she pulled out the copies of the bank statements and listedthe cash withdrawals. She made sure they were put away before he returned.
    She took a quick break to run and get something to eat at her desk. By then she figured Chase wasn’t coming in. She didn’t want to arouse anyone’s suspicions by asking the receptionist about him. Her nervous energy drained off as she spent the afternoon engrossed in an audit of another film that Mr. Morrison wanted her to do.
    “Good night, Natalie. That was a fine report you put together.”
    She broke away from the list of numbers she was adding to look up at Mr. Morrison blankly.
    “Chase and Robert have it on their desks now. Don’t worry about working late this week.” Mr. Morrison locked his door and left before Natalie could think of anything to say.
    Her head was spinning. Was Chase here? Why hadn’t she noticed him go by? Why hadn’t he said anything? She picked up her water bottle and headed down to the kitchen. She at least could check to see if his light was on.
    It wasn’t like they’d actually made any plans for today. Maybe he’d had time to think about it and really didn’t want to be with her anymore. Maybe it’d just been a line to make her feel better. Her stomach dropped. Well, it wasn’t like it was going to last.
    She slowed her pace as she reached the end of the hall near his office. His door