Just Business

Chapter Eighteen: David

 The word darling left his mouth before he could do anything to stop it, but it was worth it to see Marcia shiver at just his words. God, did he want to know what he could make her do with more than just his words. But he would not be touching her until he was certain she wanted it, and wanted him.

The living room had been slightly rearranged: the armchair now sat opposite the sofa rather than aside, a camera on a tripod set up next to it. To achieve this, the TV had been pushed unceremoniously off to the side.

Candice had them sit down on the sofa, allowing a few minutes for a blond woman to dab some concealer on them.

"Just answer honestly, don't swear and try not to ramble too much. It's better to just get to the point," Candice instructed. "I'll be in the room if you need anything, but Lina will be asking all the questions."

Lina Kluvick was a German model-turned-host. She was tall and angular, but presented as friendly enough online. She had been with Great British Business since its pilot, and David had always thought of her as the face of it. The hosts were shuffled occasionally, but Lina stayed firm. It felt bizarre he would actually be meeting her. He had the childish urge to text Jake and gloat, seeing as his older brother had taped a poster of Linda to his bedroom wall as a teenager.

"Lina's going to be here? In my house?" Marcia asked.

"Not going to be. She's here. She's just in the bathroom doing final touch ups."

"Christ," Marcia whispered.

"You'll do great," Candice said. A crew member came and tapped her on the shoulder, saying something into her ear. "I'll be right back."

Marcia let out a deep breath. David took her in out of the corner of his eye. He was reminded again of this kiss, of her soft lips on his own, her gentle weight on top of him. He wasn't sure what to make of it, didn't know if she wanted him to do it again. He had to be patient, be sure. But just being around her made his skin itch and blood set alight. He didn't know what he would do if he could never touch her like that again. Just the thought of never getting to hear her moan for him left him feeling hollow. He would just keep flirting, and hope eventually he would get an answer. Then, he hoped to take her to bed, push her down and have his wicked way until the only thought in her mind was his name. He wanted to lick every inch of her sweet skin, teasing her until she was desperate for something only he could give her.

She had changed subtly since the kiss. He was sure no one else would have noticed, but his whole being seemed attuned to hers, realising if even one note was off key. She was more careful about when she looked at him, only doing it when she thought he wouldn't notice. He still caught her, and had begun to take advantage. As soon as he noticed her eyes on him, he made sure to do something. Sometimes I would take something random off the top shelf, letting his shirt ride up and show off his flat stomach. Other times he would stretch, flexing his hard earned arms until she bit her bottom lip.

When she looked at him, David felt pleasantly warm. She smiled, and he had to fight the urge to kiss it.

"You ready for this?" she asked.

"As long as you're here, I'm ready for anything."

She laughed, but a tired look passed over her face.

"You're the best business partner a girl could ask for," she said.

"One day I'll get you to admit we're friends," he replied.

She looked at him straight on finally, and it felt like coming home. Until she spoke.

"I wish we could be friends."