"You actually smell like her. How is that even possible?" Melanie wrinkled her nose at the thick, floral scent that clung to him the moment he stepped inside.
The sour mood she’d been bracing for—thanks to how stormy Adam had looked when he walked in—seemed to evaporate in an instant.
"Do I?" He sniffed absently at his sleeve. "She had those damn candles going, and there were roses everywhere. The whole room was basically soaked in perfume. I guess I didn’t realize I’d marinated in it."
"Candles and flowers? Well, it is cloying but I thought she invited you to talk? So, did she set the scene for seduction?" Melanie muttered and then rubbed her temple with a wince as the scent was already getting to her head "How did she even think of seducing with that cloting scent! It gives me a headache."
He watched as she closed her laptop and turned in her chair to face him, "So, did you find something? Why she reached out—"
Before she could finish her sentence, Adam suddenly grabbed her and tugged her onto his lap with all the subtlety of a misbehaving mutt. He pressed himself against her, nuzzling her neck like some needy animal.
"What are you doing?" she squealed, half-laughing and half-indignant.
" You must be the only woman who would be so causal about her husband’s ex trying to seduce him. Also, I’m rubbing her scent off me and getting yours on me so that you don’t have a headache," he said matter-of-factly, grinning like a kid who knew exactly how far he could push before she’d snap. He kept her pinned while he rubbed his cheek against her shoulder like she was his personal scent-swap station. She was about to swat at him, even as she laughed at his antiques when she noticed the glint of silver—he was wearing the lip ring again.
She flicked it with her finger, a small, automatic gesture that made his grin deepen. "Ha! You’re more obsessed with this one than the others. I put it on because you like it."
"I don’t like it," she defended quickly but he simply leaned in, teasing. "Really? Want me to check your pants for confirmation of your lie?"
His hand started moving, intent on making good on the threat, but she caught his wrist just in time and glared at him.
"Adam Collins! What the hell is wrong with you? Are you avoiding conversation by trying to tease me? Just tell me what she told you... Or is it that she was trying to seduce you so much that you are feeling horny?"
That caused him to raise his eyebrow and caught her neck," I am not trying to avoid anything. Just that, her ’demands’ are baseless and for now, I think I can handle her so I don’t want you to worry about it. As for her? She could stand naked in front of me, and I couldn’t care less. But you... on the other hand..." He rubbed his nose against her skin and whispered," You make me forget everything...and remember to know the need of what it feels like to hold you. I am curious... about how I’d feel inside you..."
"Adam..." Melanie spoke his name in a whisper and then before she could say more, her lips were caught in a kiss. However, as the kiss deepened, Melanie pushed back at his shoulder and stopped him," Adam... we need to take a step back. There are things we need to talk about."
Adam looked at her and leaned back in the chair," Talk about what, sweet melon? Talking is not a fun activity, while what I have in mind is much more fun."
Melanie grinned at that," How do you always manage to come up with these things!"
He shrugged and grinned," So, since I’ve impressed you with my wit, should we move to the bedroom where you can mark me with your scent properly?"
Melanie shook her head," Nope. We still need to talk."
Adam slumped back at that and asked," What?"
Melanie took a deep breath and finally spoke to him about what she had been thinking, "Adam... if we sleep together, things might change.
"I know you’re used to being with different women. And our pre- nup is clear about both of us being free to be outside... But while we’re still figuring this out if we do start sleeping with each other, you can’t be seeing anyone else."
His lips parted, but she held up a hand.
"I’m not saying don’t be interested in someone else", she added quickly, "I just... I need to know that if you want someone else, you’ll tell me. I don’t want to be blindsided. I’d rather hear it from you directly."
Adam didn’t answer right away. Instead, he just stared at her, and she moved to explain," I am not asking for feelings, emotions and all that okay? I just... I am not too comfortable with the idea of an open relationship..."
Adam smiled then, even as he looked at her worried face. Silly woman. She really did not know that it was already about more than se* for him. He had a suspicion that he might not actually be attracted to another woman ever again. But since it was too soon to know, he shrugged,"Okay? I agree."
Melanie blinked. "What?"
Heh! She had not been expecting that. So, he simply raised one hand, with only his little finger raised, "Pinky swear. No fu*king other women after I am with you," he said with a mischievous smirk.
Melanie let out a surprised laugh, one hand flying to her mouth before she giggled outright. "You’re an idiot."
"Mm-hmm. But do you dare to swear?"
She reached out, hooked her pinky with his, and gave it a gentle squeeze.
Then, without a single warning, Adam shifted. In one swift motion, he stood and scooped her up into his arms, causing her to squeal again and clutch at his shoulders.
"Adam!"
"You made your terms, sweet melon. I agreed. Now I’m claiming my reward."
"We’re still talking—!"
"We’ll talk on the way. You know I multitask really well," he said, pushing the door open with his foot as he carried her effortlessly down the hall." Or better yet, we’ll talk after..."