Tempting the Crown(256)

“Thank you.” She reached on her tiptoes to kiss him. “I’ll try all of it.”

He laughed. “You’ve been so adventurous tonight I didn’t think you’d want to stop.”





27

Cole



He stood on the stage, looking at the audience. Deacon was next to him. Cole looked over his shoulder. Abby was standing in the wings beyond the view from everyone else.

It had taken years for this moment. They were about to announce the creation of Soar. And it was crazy, but he felt as if Abby had brought it all together. Deacon had chosen her design for the branding because she was supposed to be a part of the project. Yes, she had the best concept. Yes, he saw something in her art. Cole had no doubt she was the missing link they had been searching for.

He smiled at her before turning toward the audience. She gave him a thumbs-up and a soft smile. Last night was extraordinary. They were bonded in a way that could take him to his knees.

The words to the speech she had helped with started at the top of the teleprompter. Deacon nudged him. It was time for the announcement.

The cameras in the front row began to flash and Cole heard the constant click and snapping sounds the photographers made as they adjusted their shots.

“Welcome, everyone.” He grinned widely.

Deacon waved.

“This is one of those times we don’t what happens here to stay here. Deacon Rockford and I have an announcement that we want you to take with you. Something that we hope transforms your lives the instant you leave this conference.” Deacon shook his hand as he began to take over the next part of the speech.

“Cole and I have been working on a project that’s going to take HiTech Global to a new level.” Deacon beamed at the crowd. “It’s time you know about Soar.”







Cole didn’t think he had shaken this many hands since his college graduation. He and Deacon were in a receiving line, thanking for everyone for coming. He guessed the pledges for Soar were already in the millions.

“Where is Abby?’ Deac asked.

Cole looked for her. She was trapped in in the corner talking to Andy Gallagher. “I think she needs rescuing. I’ll be right back.” He left Deacon to pry Andy away from their girl.

“Hi, Andy. Glad to see you again.” He slapped the businessman on the back.

“Excellent presentation. I like your vision. I was just talking to Abby here. I was wondering if she had any suggestions for one of my global projects.”

Cole slung his arm around Abby’s shoulder. “She has an exclusive with HiTech Global I’m afraid. You can understand though why we wouldn’t to let her get away, can’t you?”

He felt the softness of Abby’s eyes land on him.

Andy backed up. “Of course.” He pressed his lips together. “Well, if you get out of that contract, Abby, give me a call.” He pushed a business card in her hands.

“Thank you, Mr. Gallagher. I appreciate it.”

He walked away and Cole pressed a kiss to Abby’s temple. “Was he bothering you?”

She laughed. “No. Boring me, yes. Bothering me, no. Were you worried?”

Cole felt his chest tighten. Maybe this was what jealousy felt like. He’d never had it with Deacon, but seeing how Andy looked at her. How his eyes took in her legs and breasts, did something to him. He had an urge to punch the man who was about as interesting as a bologna sandwich.

“Never worried. Protective is all.”

“I think I like you being protective,” she whispered.

Cole looked around the room. Deacon was still talking to the media. He would keep them entertained for a while.

“Come with me.” He tugged Abby toward him, taking her behind the stage.

“Is something wrong?” she asked.

“Yes. Very.” He crushed his lips into hers. “You’re all I can think about.” He came up for air. His hands tangled through her long hair. “I want to be inside you again, Abby.”

He reached for the buckle on his pants.

She nodded, eager for the same thing. She reached toward his zipper, letting her palm slide over the full length of his shaft. He groaned, stepping backward. He needed to find a place more private for them.

There was a stage closet he spotted from the corner of his eye.

He staggered, dragging Abby with him. She pumped her fist over his cock, drawing it to its thickest width.

“Fuck,” he growled. “Everything you do…”

“What?” she whispered.

He shoved his pants to the floor.

“Makes me want to bury myself in your ass. So deep, baby.”

She whimpered. “Now?”

He shook his head. “Not yet.”

She sought his lips again, throwing her arms around his neck. His hand roamed over her back, trailing between her legs. He grinned. She wasn’t wearing her panties.