Breach of Honor by Naomi Porter

9 Miranda

“NOT MARRIED?” I really was an idiot. How could I think such awful things about William? I was deplorable. I had no proof, just a botched-up phone call with a secretary I never should’ve called in the first place. In my flustered state, Mrs. St. James’s subtle clues had blown right over my head.

For God’s sake, I could have Googled to find out if he was married.

Was it fair to hope for a second chance? A do-over?

Lily would probably get down on her knees in the elevator to make it up to him in this situation. The thought intrigued me, but I wasn’t as audacious as her. Maybe an apology and an offer to take him out would suffice.

Be confident, Miranda. Go after what you want.

But what about no distractions? I couldn’t think about that now.

Go after William.

I left the bathroom, determined to regain control of the gala meeting. Afterward, I’d ask to speak to William in private. Talking in front of his mother would be bad form and embarrassing.

The moment I entered the room, I felt William’s eyes on me. “Sorry for the delay. Let’s continue.”

“Perfect.” Claire smiled amicably.

I didn’t look at William for a reaction. His intense eyes would have been my undoing.

“Now back to the color palette. If I may be so bold? Blue and purple are lovely colors, but they’re also quite popular selections because they are considered regal. That’s perfectly fine, but SJI is not typical nor should it follow trends. It should be a leader in creating trends.”

“I couldn’t agree more!” Claire’s face lit up. “Please continue... and don’t hold back.”

I took a breath, heart racing, pits sweating. I could feel William’s eyes drilling into me fiercely. I needed to keep calm. “If it were me, I’d select…”

The time breezed by while I was in my element. Seamlessly, I led the meeting from the color palette to flowers and invitations. I didn’t stumble over my words or lose my train of thought, and I didn’t look at William once.

Coward, right?

A half hour later, iPad and files put away, the meeting was over.

“Simply splendid, Miranda. I can’t tell you what a relief it is to have this meeting completed before Thanksgiving. Again, thank you for taking the time.” Claire beamed, putting me at ease.

As it turned out, I changed the accent color entirely to the two I had initially liked, burgundy and a blushy mauve. I’d owned the meeting, and Claire had praised me more than any other client had done before.

And through it all, my skin had tingled as William ogled me. My heart thrummed hearing him clear his throat. If he moved even slightly, I smelled his musky cologne and it made my mouth water.

He’s not married danced at the forefront of my mind.

God help me, I wanted him desperately.

“Thank you so much, Claire. I’ll get out of your way now. Have a wonderful holiday.” I collected my bag and looked at William pointedly. “We need to talk.”

He rose from his chair promptly, went to the door, and held it open for me.

I issued a small wave to Claire and the assistants as I walked out. Faintly, I thought I heard her whisper, Be careful. Or perhaps my imagination was playing tricks on me because I was nervous with William beside me.

“This way to my office,” he directed and placed his hand on my back. I liked his eagerness.

Glances shot our way, but they didn’t bother me like the last time I had been in the building… and walking with William.

This place was quite large and luxurious. We walked down two long hallways until we finally arrived at his office. With every step I took, the tension between us grew. I fought the urge to reach for my earring. Instead, I slowed my breathing and rubbed my thumb and index finger against each other like a cricket’s wings. Thankfully, my need to fidget didn’t make noise.

If he yelled at me for thinking horribly of him, it would likely make me cry.

He opened the door. Several steps in, he took my hand, startling me. My breathing hitched as I whirled around. I saw it coming. The hunger in his eyes mirrored my yearning. I dropped my bag as his hands reached for my face.

Seconds ticked by, our lips a pucker away, his breath caressing my skin. “I’m not married.” His commanding timbre enveloped my senses. “You were sick?”

I nodded.

“You didn’t stand me up?”

“No…but I thought you were married.”

The pads of his thumbs stroked my cheeks, his eyes appraising me pleasurably.

I swallowed, the heat between my legs ablaze. “I’ll never be the other woman.”

“You’ll be the only woman.”

Our lips crashed together in a desperate, emotional kiss. His anger—my fury—all gone. What better way to put our misunderstanding in the past than with a kiss?

I involuntarily squeaked as he spread my lips apart, slipping his tongue into my mouth. I followed his lead, touching his and nearly weeping into his sublime mouth. Softly he kneaded and nibbled, all while inhaling me as if filling his soul with my essence.

A passion ignited between us as I released my shield of doubt, opening his jacket. My God, rock hard abs greeted me. Gliding my hands to his back, I felt muscles everywhere, tense and firm. This man thrilled me.

William’s arms encircled me, pulling me closer, swallowing me up. Just like that, I was losing myself in him.

The secret desires of my heart cheered when William cupped my ass and heat traveled from my lower half up to my chest. I wanted him more than I’d ever wanted anyone.

He wasn’t married. He was free to be mine.

Will

Everything about this moment was spectacular: supple lips against mine, velvety sweet tongue, her soft gasps swirling in my ears. Miranda was more decadent than I’d imagined. This enchanting woman was possessing me in every way possible with her petite body pressed to mine and small hands roaming beneath my jacket.

I wanted to take Miranda right here and now. Sink into her tight heat and make her mine. I would sear our hearts together and never hurt her, ever.

“I’m sorry,” she said through her kisses. “I’m so sorry.” Her dulcet voice melted me.

“Nothing to apologize for. It’s in the past.” I captured her lips again, I could devour her whole. She tasted so fucking good. Sweet like the berries she’d eaten earlier.

It was then that I noticed her rubbing against my firm erection. I entangled my fingers in her silky hair and inhaled her soft, airy scent, reluctant to end this unforgettable kiss.

But my father could walk through the door at any moment. He shouldn’t see our bodies fused together or hear the beautiful sounds Miranda made.

“Sweetheart, if we don’t stop, I might rip your clothes off.” I cupped her face, brushing my lips across hers. Damn she was gorgeous in her aroused state. Her blue eyes were on fire… for me. “You are radiant.” I kissed the tip of her nose.

She exhaled, holding on to me. “I’ve never been kissed like that before.”

“Never?”

“No.” She shook her head, struggling to catch her breath.

“Well, there’s a lot more where that came from.” I pulled her close, hugging her tightly. “I want to see you tonight. Dinner?”

She nodded. “I’d love to… and more kissing.”

“Lots more kissing. But first, let’s exchange phone numbers.”

She threw her head back, a giggle bubbling out of her, and it took every ounce of strength in me to not feast on her neck.

“Yes! I’ll give you my number, and I’ll even let you pick me up. If you want?”

“I want.” I wanted a lot more than I probably should with a woman I hardly knew. But not sex. Something meaningful. Constant.

With Miranda, I felt different. My gut told me she was special. Still, I wouldn’t let my thoughts drift to deeper, more intimate affections. The kind that led to a trip down the aisle and saying I do.

For now, I would only revel in her delectable lips.