He rests his hand under my chin, tilting me up to look at him. I shiver at how I still have to look up at him, even though I’m in heels. I love, love, love how tall he is.

“You’re the most gorgeous woman within a thousand-mile radius.”

I mumble a thank-you, and his hand falls away. “So um . . . did you . . .” Words are damn near impossible after a compliment like that. “Did you want to get a drink or something?”

His eyes fall to my collarbone, which is exposed thanks to the open cut of my blouse. “No.”

Our stares connect, and everything around me, within me is ablaze. It’s that same look of lust he left me with before stepping off the plane the other day.

“What do you want, Callum?”

He uses his mouth to answer, but not with words. With a hand at my waist, he pulls me against him, then presses his lips against my collarbone. The soft contact turns my legs to jelly. It makes my chest ache and my breath catch. It’s been so long I almost forgot what arousal felt like. Almost.

My hands tangle through his hair as I struggle to steady myself.

The heat of his lips on my skin causes me to choke on my next intake of air. So, so soft. And then there’s the gentle scrape of his teeth. Thank heavens he’s holding on to me, because my legs are completely, utterly useless.

“I want you, Nikki. Now.” He leans back up, eyes still on fire.

Through a ragged breath, I manage to speak. “Let’s get out of here, then.”

•   •   •

Callum unlocks the door to a renovated multistory Victorian in Marylebone, a few streets down from the Grazing Goat.

I take in the massive foyer and the white marble floor that leads to a hallway straight ahead. A spiral staircase sits at the other side. There’s a small yet opulent chandelier made of prism-like crystals dangling from the ceiling. It’s a dazzling contrast to the off-white wall and the black-and-white photos of various London landmarks hanging along the hallway. Understated yet upscale decor.

“Wow,” I mutter. “Your parents have a nice place.”

“I don’t want to talk about my parents.”

Callum shrugs out of his suit jacket. Then he places his hands on my shoulders, slowly slipping my trench coat off. His lips land on the side of my neck, and my eyes roll back. There’s a phantom pulse between my thighs. It’s settled. Side-of-the-neck kisses are the hottest thing ever.

“You’re sure they’re not coming home tonight?” I say between a gasp and a moan.

Callum doesn’t bother to lift his mouth from my neck when he answers. “Positive. They’re staying with our other relatives at a hotel near the restaurant.”

“Thank fuck.”