“What are you talking about? He’s wanted women before.” Noah practically treated chasing pussy like another full-time job, in fact.

Camryn shakes her head. “Not the same way he wants you. He seems really motivated to win you over. Like, for real. Not just for the company’s sake.”

My heart gives a little kick. I instinctively start to argue with her. “I’m sure he just . . .”

But then I stop because I realize that his efforts are sincere. To be honest, I always knew they were. And his romantic gestures didn’t slack off after we were married or after we slept together. So this can’t just be about the contract or the company’s public image, or even just about getting into my pants. From the beginning, Noah made no secret of being attracted to me, but lately the atmosphere between us seems like more than just sexual tension.

The attendant interrupts my stunned musings. “Would you ladies like me to apply any nail polish today?”

Wow, I must have been really spacing out. I didn’t even think of picking out a color.

“Pale pink,” I blurt, feeling playful. Very different from my usual palette of dark matte red, which feels professional and mature for the male-dominated office. Pastel pink, in a way, symbolizes my newly awakened soft side. I smile to myself, wondering what Noah will think.

“Can I see what new shades you have?” Camryn asks.

“I’ll bring you our color book,” the attendant says as she bustles out of the room.

I sink back into my thoughts. Can Noah actually have serious feelings for me? And if he does, what will I do with this information? How do I feel about Noah? I’m having fun now, but is he really long-term husband material?

As much as I’ve denied it just now, Camryn is right—Noah is changing my routine. Hell, he’s changing me. The old Olivia never would have let her hair down like I did last weekend. And we’re so much more in sync at the office. Not too long ago, we struggled to mesh our management styles, but now we effortlessly work together to solve problems with the easy grace of a rehearsed dance. We’ve grown across the gap to meet each other halfway.

Almost without my noticing, Noah has become one of my guiding stars. Someone I look forward to seeing each and every day. His smile alone has the power to speed up or slow down my heart. I’ve been so much calmer and happier lately . . . although that might just be a side effect of having multiple screaming orgasms every night.

As if Camryn can read my mind, she asks in an undertone, “So, have you two done the deed yet?”

Caught off guard, I look away, stammering, “Um . . .”

“Oh my God, you did,” she says with a squeal. “I’m so proud.”

Even though I’m staring intently at the wall, I can still hear the gleeful grin in her voice. My face feels hot.

“You’re being weird,” I protest.

“Are you kidding? You’ve finally broken your dry spell. Now I’m not the only one holding up the ‘sexy gossip’ end of our friendship. I want to hear everything. Hurry up and spill before the attendant comes back.” When I stay tongue-tied, she eggs me on. “Is his dick as big as the rumors say?”

“You’re unbelievable,” I say, groaning in defeat. “Yes, okay? He’s huge. Are you happy now?”

“Not until you tell me what he’s like in bed.”

I may never remove my eyeballs from this wall ever again. “Um . . . let’s just say he knows what he’s doing.”

She gives me a look. “No, let’s not just say that. Come on, Liv, I need more details!”

“Well, he’s . . . assertive. Passionate, but sweet. Very attentive. Sometimes he likes to tease. He takes things slow—” I think my face might burst into flame. “Until he suddenly doesn’t.”

Camryn gives a little whoop. “Get it, girl!”

Mortified, I frantically wave my hands back and forth. “Jesus, Camryn, keep it down. Half the salon can probably hear us.”

But I’m laughing with her even as I try to shush her. It seems that nothing can put a dent in my sunny mood. My heart is filled to the brim with hope—both about work and about my relationship with Noah.

Camryn opens her mouth, probably to keep grilling me. But I’m saved from further interrogation when the attendant returns with a small binder.

“Sorry about the wait, honey, someone else was using it,” she chirps.

As Camryn mulls over the color swatches, I pull my phone out of my purse to text Noah.

Olivia: Almost done at the spa. Going to pick up more condoms on the way home. Want me to get anything else?

On playful impulse, I add:

Olivia: Like maybe some whipped cream or chocolate sauce?

Then I hit Send, grinning foolishly to myself. I’m bubbling over with a joyful, sexy energy I’ve never felt before. I feel like everything in my life is finally coming together.

A few minutes later, my phone dings with a new message.

Noah: Hell yes. You know how much I love dessert, Snowflake.

I stifle a giggle. God, I’m acting like a silly schoolgirl and I don’t even care. If these past few weeks with Noah are anything to go by, I have a lot more fun and games to look forward to.

Chapter Thirteen

Noah

All day I’ve been delving into Tate & Cane’s financial situation, poring over dense, dry records. But I’m home now, and at the cheery sight of Olivia fresh from the spa, smiling at me as she stands in front of my chair, all my stress dissolves.