Davis: Seduced By the Billionaire; A Friends-to-Lovers Erotic Romance: Thoroughly Educated, #3

​Chapter One

Luna

The first week of school had been rough, but easier than I expected. My classes were full of rambunctious but respectful students, and the other teachers were incredibly helpful in getting me situated in my new position. The hours were long, but rewarding. When Friday came around, I realized I was emotionally exhausted. Davis had arranged to take me to dinner, so I drove home and contemplated what to wear. I only owned one little black dress that served as the perfect outfit when he took me somewhere pricey. All it needed was some costume jewelry to dress it up, so I felt appropriate even existing in his life.

The incoming text caught me off-guard; he was early. I hurried to step into my shoes and snatched my clutch off the hall table before rushing out the door.

Davis waited for me at the curb, a sleek black car idling behind him. His beauty never ceased to amaze me; he was a few inches taller than me, dark hair falling in his eyes. As I drew near enough, I kissed his cheek in greeting. Davis moved to open the back door for me and climbed in beside me. I glanced up at Sorensen, Davis’s personal driver, and offered him a smile.

How are you? Davis asked as he took my hand in his.

Tired, but excited to get out and do something fun. I smiled gently.

My first week was boring as hell. He tugged at his tie to loosen it.

I’m sorry to hear that.

We weren't going far, so we both fell silent and waited until we’d arrived and were seated to speak again.

Why was your week boring? I asked.

Davis looked up from the wine menu. I spent my time learning the names of those supposedly under me when all they’re really there to do is babysit me. I don’t have any real responsibilities, even though I asked to run the commercial real estate division. In this town, it would have been a good place to get my feet wet, but I guess they don't trust me.

His parents’ company, Healy International, was a conglomerate that owned and operated several businesses. It’s going to take time to prove yourself.

Davis hummed his agreement and asked what I wanted to drink before placing our order with the sommelier. I felt out of place as always, but tried not to balk at the prices on the menu; I should be used to it. At least I was ready to order when the server returned.

What about your week? Davis asked.

My week was amazing. My grin was broad. I enjoy my students so far, and I can almost match all their names to their faces.

And what do they think of you? He gave me a smirk.

They seem to like me. I blushed. I haven't been hard on anybody so far, but they haven't given me any reason for that. Hopefully, I can maintain my nice streak for a while.

That probably won't last. He studied the bottle of wine the sommelier brought to the table, taking a drink of the sample he poured and approving it. I accepted my own glass and took a tentative sip. It was excellent, of course, not that I knew the difference.

The other teachers have been great with me. They didn't hesitate to answer my questions, and of course it was easier since I’ve already been an assistant there. Teaching made me happy, and the school I’d been hired at was a warm, friendly environment.

Good. Davis leaned forward in his chair and ran his finger over the back of my hand. What are your weekend plans?

I blew out a breath. So far, to sleep and work on next week’s lesson plan.

Sounds exciting. He raised his eyebrows at me, and I laughed.

No, I guess not.

We could always find something to do together.

Such as?

We sat back in our seats as the server came with our food. I tried not to notice the intensity in his eyes as Davis gazed at me.

More wine?

I agreed, quickly draining the first glass so he could refill it. I’d had a long week, and Davis made me nervous. The wine coursed through me, and I felt the familiar flush come over my body as Davis leaned close again. Alcohol and his proximity were a dangerous combination.

Are you doing any experiments this year?

I blinked at his question. Was I the only one with too-warm and overly sensitive skin? I-I think so.

Do you need any help with materials?

Watching him blow on a bite of food and slip his tongue out to taste it, I swallowed. What?

He chuckled. I asked if you needed classroom supplies, experiment materials, anything of that nature?

Oh. I frowned. I’ll have to let you know. For now, I don’t.

Okay.

I ate, testing the temperature much as Davis did. When I picked up my glass, I hardly noticed someone had refilled it again.

Have you heard from Reagan? he asked a few moments later.

Oh, I did. She sent me a card to wish me a good first week. I hope to see her soon. She’s got too much on her plate this weekend.

Grant told me he and Alex have set a date.

My eyebrows went up. Great news. I really liked Alex; she was perfect for Grant, my best girlfriend’s brother.

April fourth.

Eight months away. That’s an interesting choice.

She’ll be on spring break, and they’ll have the chance to take a few days to themselves.

I nodded at his explanation. I’m so happy for them.

Wonder when Hudson will get off his ass and propose to Reagan?

Davis didn't like Hudson and never had. Hudson had never made any secret of the fact he didn't particularly care for Davis either. I knew Davis thought the way Hudson treated Reagan in the beginning of their relationship was wrong, stringing her along and changing his mind about what he wanted. Davis was less offended by the fact that Hudson had been her professor at the time than he was by the treatment he felt she’d received at Hudson’s hands.

They're waiting until she graduates, Davis, I reminded him.

So they say.

Think of all the times someone has told them he’s ruining her life and all that nonsense. That she’ll drop out and be a kept woman or some shit because he’ll interfere with her education. She wants to prove everyone wrong, especially his parents.

Now, one thing we can agree on is that Hudson’s parents are assholes, Davis said wryly.

Is it any wonder he comes off as cold? He’s had them to deal with his whole life. She makes him a better person, you know. Hudson wasn’t close to anyone other than Reagan, at least as far as I could tell.

Right, but what does he give her in return?

Happiness.

He conceded the point and went back to his dinner.

Finishing off another glass of wine, I felt the buzz as it traveled through my body, but I didn't care. I wasn't driving, and I had nowhere to be tomorrow. I wanted to let loose for a change. I held my glass up and smiled at the wine guy when he came back with a second bottle. Or was it our third? I wasn't sure.

I miss this, Davis commented as he sat back in his seat and lifted his glass.

Miss what? I asked. He looked so handsome in the candlelight that I had to look down at the tablecloth.

Seeing you.

I looked back up. We see each other all the time.

Davis put a hand up. No, not since we graduated. It went from every day, or close to it, to every weekend, then a few times a month. Sometimes less than that.

I frowned. We’re adults in the real world now, Davis.

Yeah. I guess I’m afraid I’m gonna lose you to the real world.

Lose me? I touched his hand. You’re my best friend, Davis; you can’t lose me.

He shook his head, and I felt his agitation through the gesture. Just wait, some guy will sweep you off your feet and you’ll forget about me.

My head swam. There’s no guy.

Davis finished off his glass and signaled to the server. For now.

He ordered two desserts without asking me if I wanted any. Instead of coffee, he ordered brandy.

Don’t you understand, Luna? For four years I’ve loved you and waited for you. But now there’s the real possibility of you moving on with someone else.

My heart twisted the way it always did when he confessed his feelings for me, which was often. I know, I whispered. You know I love you too.

It’s just not enough, is it?

I shook my head miserably. We’d had the same conversation countless times over the years. I only wanted to be his friend.

He refrained from saying anything else, thankfully, and I figured he had more self-control than I did. I love you, Davis. You know that.

He didn't meet my gaze, and I knew I hurt him by refusing him. My feelings were twisted up inside me by the time dessert was delivered. I took a bite of the creamy tiramisu Davis had known I would love. I had never tasted brandy until the first time Davis took me to a fancy restaurant so long ago. I’d put on my best dress and still felt out of place when he ordered food I couldn't pronounce. He wasn't showing off; it was simply who he was. That was the biggest gap in our relationship; we were complete opposites. Davis treated me so well that I didn't know how to reciprocate. I gave him homemade things because that was what I knew, and he always told me how much he appreciated my efforts. But I wondered if he was simply too polite to tell me that my gifts were crap.

I sipped my brandy, enjoying the warmth flowing through my veins. Our conversation had chilled me, but now I felt happy again. I think I’m done, I said as I drained my glass and scraped my fork across my dish.

I’d say so. Don't lick the plate, sweetheart. He snickered, and I grinned at him.

Wasn't going to.

He raised his hand, and the server appeared with the leather folder that hid the check. Davis held out his black credit card without looking at the bill, watching my face as I watched him in return.

You’ll come up when we get back, won’t you? I asked with a bit of a slur.

He nodded slowly, pulling cash from his wallet and dropping it on the table for the tip. I tried not to count the bills, but I couldn't help myself, realizing it was enough to cover most complete meals. The server returned with the card and slip to sign, and Davis stood, pocketing the card and his wallet. He signed and took my hand.

Sorensen waited at the curb for us, opening the rear door, and we climbed in side by side. I leaned against Davis as the car moved, and he gripped my hand tightly in his own. When we stopped at my building, we waited for Sorensen to come around and open the door.

We entered together, still holding hands. I had only lived there for two months, since I’d graduated and my parents had given me the money they’d been saving to help me with the deposit. They worried about me being so far away from them, but it was in a safe neighborhood and had decent security. Davis pushed the button for the elevator and kissed the side of my head. I’d worn my hair up in a French twist for school and had simply smoothed it out before dinner.

When we reached my floor and headed down the hall, Davis stumbled into me, but I just laughed. It was rare that we got tipsy at dinner, but he was right about one thing; we hadn't seen each other in some time. I wanted to enjoy his company and forget about the real world for a little bit. Despite being glad to be on my way to a career I loved and being out of college, I had reservations about being a so-called adult now. I missed the simplicity of dorm life and seeing Davis in class every day. I missed Reagan being there every Monday for study sessions and every Thursday for dinner.

I fumbled the key but managed to get it in the slot. Oops.

Davis let me precede him into the front entrance of my place. I shrugged out of the light sweater I’d worn and let it drop to the floor with my purse. Then I watched Davis walk past me and turn as I locked the door behind us.

Davis.

Just that utterance was all it took. He closed the distance between us, stopping directly in front of me. Luna, he said in response. He caressed my name with his tongue as a lover would, and I shivered.

I knew he would never cross the line, so I did it for him. I tilted up enough to touch his mouth with mine, a tentative tasting of his lips. He groaned and fisted his hair, and I worried I’d overstepped or misunderstood. He was my best friend, and I didn't want to ruin that.

I put the barest breath of space between us and studied his eyes. They were blue fire as they gazed back at me. We can’t be anything more than what we are. You know that, don’t you? When he didn't respond, I grabbed his forearm. I can’t lose you, Davis.

His arm trembled under my palm. So we’ll be friends with benefits. No commitment.

I frowned. Did I want that? I was tired of fighting my feelings for him, but I knew the two of us together would spell disaster. Could I have the best of both worlds? Are you offering no-strings sex?

I . . . guess I am.

I closed my eyes and tried to think of why it was a bad idea. Nothing came to me. I nodded, a jerky and uncoordinated movement.

Davis grabbed my face and brought his mouth to mine, plunging his tongue past my lips and exploring me. The warmth that had ridden along my veins with the brandy expanded, morphing into a heat I couldn't withstand. I clawed at my dress, needing to feel cool air on my skin. Davis accommodated me, peeling it over my head and dropping it. I worked on his jacket and tie, stepping with him as he backed up and moved in the direction of my bedroom. Our mouths were fused together, molded to each other with years of suppressed need. I didn't even realize I was standing in my bra and panties and a pair of old high heels while Davis removed his clothes and kissed me continuously.

He only broke our kiss as he stripped off his shirt and worked his pants over his hips. I focused on his face as I removed my shoes and lingerie, then allowed myself to look down when he was naked. My breath caught as I realized what we were about to do.

Last chance for second thoughts, Davis murmured.

Foreboding told me we would crash and burn, but I was going to hold on for tonight. While I had the chance.

No bailing, I agreed.

​Chapter Two

Davis

Sitting on the end of the bed, I pulled Luna between my legs. I finally had the chance to touch her as I’d imagined for the last four years, and she surpassed anything I’d ever dreamed. Her skin was silky; my fingertips tingled as I ran them down her arms, linked our hands together, and stared at her green eyes glowing in the light coming through the open bedroom door. I’d envisioned her naked countless times, but realized now that I’d gotten it wrong. Muscles sculpted from playing soccer all throughout high school and college, legs that went for days, ribs and collarbones and angles she hated, all softened by modest breasts and flared hips. I loved the way she looked.

We'd had enough to drink that she wasn't as shy as she would have been—didn’t cover herself the way she would have—had she been completely sober. I latched onto her taut nipple with my mouth and swirled my tongue over it, feeling her fingers tighten around mine. I kissed where I could reach: her breasts, her stomach, her abdomen, and back to her breasts.

Luna untangled our hands and climbed on the bed, giving me a splendid view of her tight ass. I followed her, feeling the