Not as edible as you do, Gavin countered, trying to mentally talk down his growing wood tenting his slacks.

Well, she whispered coyly, touching her lips to his ear, we can enjoy dessert a little early and finish up what we didnt get to complete last night. If Im not mistaken, theres whipped cream in the refrigerator. My makeups done. Ill just pin my hair up and shower again if youre unable to lick it all off my body.

Let the full-on battle begin. Gavin cleared his throat, backing away. He tossed a nervous hand through his hair and pulled open the closet door. We have to leave soon, he said in a strained rasp, the lie bitter on his tongue.

Taken slightly aback, considering he was just looking at her as though he was about to pin her to the bed, Emily sighed. Glancing at her watch, her lips turned down in a pout. We have almost two and a half hours until we have to be there, Gavin. Thats more than enough time. We can skip the whipped cream and get right to it. I need to burn off some of this nervous, edgy energy about tonight.

Fuck. Hed already played the lets see if we can cover every inch of Emilys body with whipped cream game with her. That alone was enough to give him blue balls just thinking about it. But an edgy, nervous Emily on top of him working off her stress put being in a strip club surrounded by twenty beautiful, naked women to shame.

Think, motherfucker, think. My mother called and said dinners earlier. We need to leave now. Get your coat, and Ill meet you at the door.

After yanking a pair of Zelli Mario dress shoes from a rack, Gavin shamefully sat on the bed as Emilys pout deepened. After rolling her beautiful green eyes and crossing her arms over her luscious breasts, she turned on her heels and walked out of the room. Gavins chest ached with hollow longing, his heart growing heavier with each passing second. He shoved his feet into his shoes and stood, padding over to the mirror. Adjusting his tie, he stared at his reflection, sick to his stomach.

Youre an asshole, he mumbled under his breath. Sighing, he dug the keys from his pocket, hoping the car ride wouldnt be as awkward as the evening itself.

An hour, and a not-so-awkward drive later, Gavin pulled into the driveway of his childhood oasis. Located just outside the city, the grand, Tudor-style home sat on the shores of Sheldrake Lake in the plush hills of Croton, New York. It was one of the few places Gavin always found reprieve. However, as the rich, crimson glow of the sky started to fade into darkness, Gavin wasnt sure this evening would bring much peace. As Emily slipped from the car and reached for his hand, Gavin could tell her mood had shifted. His heart sank like a rock as he swallowed her up in his arms, cradling her protectively against his chest. Her body trembled with that all-too-recognizable fear Gavin had unfortunately come to know.

I swear to you everythings going to be all right, baby, he whispered, pressing his lips against the top of her head. The promise came out as easy and instinctive as the love he had for her.

I hope so, she answered meekly, tears in her eyes when she looked at him. Itll kill me if your relationship with your mother becomes messed up by this.

I dont want you worrying, he said, tracing figure eights on the small of her back. Everythings going to be fine with my mother. My father knows how to work her. Thirty plus years of marriage does that.

Emily gave a weak nod, wanting to believe him. She pulled in a slow breath and tangled her fingers in his as they began to climb the cobblestone steps up to the front door.

Gavin stopped, able to tell she was still a mess. Twenty questions.

Now? Emily asked, confusion jumping over her expression.

Yes now. You need it. Gavin circled his arms around her waist, pulling her into him. Ill make sure youre not thinking about anything that has to do with my mother by the time Im done with you.

Emily shook her head, a light giggle escaping her lips. Oh, theres no doubt in my mind youll have me thinking about something else. Go ahead. I know you get to go first.

A slow grin slid across Gavins mouth. He already knew the answer to his first question. Emily always had her face buried in one. Books or movies?

Emily rolled her eyes. What do you think?

I have no idea. Gavin shrugged, attempting to play stupid with his sexy bookworm. Thats why Im asking.

Books, Emily sighed. Youre not as observant as I thought.

Gavin chuckled. That all depends on what Im observing. He held Emily closer, enjoying that she looked somewhat annoyed. Hed definitely taken her mind off the mother situation. Your turn.

Bond or Bourne?

Gavins mouth twitched into a smirk. As in James or Jason?

Youre a quick one.

Im as quick as they come, sweets. Gavin brushed his lips against hers. And of course Im a James Bond man. Remember? My balcony?

I have not a clue what youre talking about, Emily replied with a furrowed brow.

It seems youre not as observant as I thought. Emily stared at him blankly, and Gavin took the opportunity to dramatically roll his eyes. The night we first played bottle caps on my balcony. You came out. I scared you. I said, No. Its Gavin. Gavin Blake.