Chapter 353
**Sara**
I heard him moving around the room, the soft click of lamps being turned on, and the sound of his shoes being kicked off.
"Come on, Sara. You'll be more comfortable in pajamas." His voice was closer now, right beside the bed. "Or nothing at all."
I turned my head just enough to peek at him with one eye. "Is that your professional opinion, Professor Blackwood?"
"Absolutely." He sat on the edge of the bed, his hand finding its way to my back, rubbing slow circles. "Scientifically speaking, sleeping naked improves circulation."
"Mmm, sounds suspicious." I rolled onto my side, facing him. "Did you read that in a peer-reviewed journal?"
"The Journal of Getting My Girlfriend to Take Her Clothes Off." He grinned, leaning down to kiss my forehead. "Very prestigious publication."
"I bet." I smiled despite myself. "Fine, you win. Help me up."
Tom took my hands and pulled me to a sitting position. I kicked off my shoes, letting them fall haphazardly to the floor.
"Your turn," I said, tugging at the hem of his shirt.
He obliged, pulling his shirt over his head in one smooth motion. The sight of his bare chest still made my heart skip a beat, even after all our intimate moments.
"Like what you see?" he teased, catching me staring.
"Just appreciating the view." I started removing my clothes. "It almost makes up for the torture you put me through today."
"Almost?" He stood, undoing his belt and stepping out of his pants.
"I'm still negotiating the terms of forgiveness."
Tom reached behind me to unhook my bra. "What are your demands?"
"Breakfast in bed tomorrow." I let the bra fall away, too tired to feel self-conscious. "And a full-body massage."
"Done and done." His fingers traced lightly down my spine, making me shiver despite my exhaustion.
"And no sunrise activities. The only acceptable reason to wake me before nine is if the hotel is on fire."
"What if I'm on fire?" He raised an eyebrow, now completely naked and looking unfairly good for someone who had climbed hundreds of steps today.
"That would depend on the kind of fire," I replied, scooting under the covers. The cool sheets felt amazing against my bare skin.
Tom turned off the lights and joined me, his body radiating warmth as he pulled me against him. I nestled into the crook of his arm, my head finding its familiar spot on his chest.
"You know," he murmured into my hair, "you were amazing today. Not everyone makes it all the way up that bridge their first try."
"Are you saying I exceeded expectations?"
"Always." His fingers traced lazy patterns on my shoulder. "You continue to surprise me, Sara Parker."
"Good surprises, I hope."
"The best kind." He kissed the top of my head. "Now get some sleep. Tomorrow we conquer Bondi Beach."
"The only thing I'm conquering tomorrow is a nap in the sun," I mumbled, already feeling sleep tugging at the edges of my consciousness.
Tom's chest rumbled with quiet laughter. "Sweet dreams, sunshine."
I wanted to respond with something witty, but my brain was already shutting down, lulled by the steady rhythm of Tom's heartbeat and the gentle rise and fall of his chest beneath my cheek.
The last thing I remember before drifting off was the feeling of his arms tightening around me, holding me close as sleep claimed us both.
When I opened my eyes, sunlight filtered through a gap in the curtains, creating a golden stripe across the plush white comforter. For a moment, I couldn't remember where I was, but then the memories of yesterday flooded back—the bridge climb, dinner, and drinks with Leo and Kate.
I blinked away the sleep and turned my head to find Tom still deep in slumber beside me. His hair was tousled against the pillow, his face relaxed and peaceful. The sheet had slipped down to his waist, revealing his bare chest rising and falling with each breath. I became acutely aware that we were both completely naked, our clothes scattered somewhere on the floor from last night's tired undressing.
He looked different when he slept—younger, almost vulnerable. No trace of the confident professor or billionaire heir, just a man lost in dreams.
I propped myself up on one elbow, taking advantage of this rare opportunity to study him without his knowing smirk or raised eyebrow challenging me back.
As if sensing my gaze, his eyelids fluttered. I quickly pretended to be adjusting my pillow, not wanting to be caught staring like some lovesick teenager.
"Morning," he mumbled, his voice husky and sleepy.
Before I could respond, his arm snaked around my waist and pulled me against him. The warmth of his body enveloped me as he tugged me closer until we were chest-to-chest.
"Were you watching me sleep?" he asked, eyes still half-closed but a smile playing at his lips.
"Absolutely not," I lied. "I was contemplating the economic implications of trade policies."
"Mmm, sexy," he murmured, and then his mouth found mine.
What started as a gentle good morning kiss quickly deepened. His hand slid up my back, fingers tangling in my hair as he held me to him. I melted against him, my body responding instantly to his touch. His tongue teased mine, and I couldn't help the small sound that escaped me.
The sheet between us felt suddenly restrictive as his kiss grew more demanding. I could feel his hard dick pressing against my thigh, making it abundantly clear how awake certain parts of him already were.
"Someone's an early riser," I whispered against his lips.
"Can you blame me?" His hand moved down to cup my ass, squeezing appreciatively. "Waking up next to you would give any man ideas."
I arched into his touch, enjoying the way his fingers dug into my flesh. "What kind of ideas are we talking about, Professor Blackwood? Academic ones?"
His eyes darkened as he rolled me onto my back, hovering over me with that cocky smile that never failed to make my heart race. "Nothing that would be appropriate to discuss in a classroom."
"Thank god," I breathed, reaching up to trace his jawline. "Because I don't think I could concentrate on finance with what I'm thinking right now."
"And what exactly are you thinking?" He lowered his head, his lips brushing against my neck.
"That I want your mouth all over me," I admitted, my voice already breathy.
"Your wish is my command."
His lips found mine in a kiss that started gently but quickly turned hungry. I opened my mouth, welcoming the slide of his tongue against mine. My hands roamed across the broad expanse of his back, feeling the muscles shift beneath my fingertips as he adjusted his position above me.
"You taste like fucking heaven," he murmured against my lips.
I laughed softly. "Pretty sure that's morning breath."
"Nope. Definitely heaven." He nipped at my lower lip before trailing kisses down my neck. "And I'm about to worship every inch of you."
His mouth moved lower, leaving a path of heat across my collarbone. When he reached my breasts, he paused, looking up at me with a wicked gleam in his eyes.
"These," he said, cupping one breast in his hand, "are a goddamn work of art."
I would have rolled my eyes if I wasn't so turned on. "Are you going to admire them all day or—"
My words cut off in a gasp as his mouth closed around my nipple.
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