by Layla Hagen
I was lucky to still have a job, what with the ever-changing landscape in the print world. I’d escaped all three layoff waves at the newspaper, and my boss had assured me more than once that I was a highly valued employee. I wasn’t kidding myself, though. The way the news world evolved, I was certain that in a few years, I’d have to pivot and find another career. By then, though, Avery would be older, and I’d have time to breathe and actually consider my options. Maybe I could even venture into a similar industry, like publishing. I’d always been a bookworm... eh, truth be told, I’d always wanted to write a book. But that wasn’t for another few years. Until then, I just had to make sure I didn’t fall off the hamster wheel.
“Ruby, I think I’ve got a lot of intel from you.”
“Oh, no. You’re sure we can’t keep on going for another hour? I love my job. But a break now and then doesn’t hurt,” she said with a wink. I laughed, shaking my head.
“I still have to talk to four other colleagues of yours.” She’d given me a list. Ryker’s name wasn’t on it.
I’d decided not to dwell on that... or on Ryker in general.
By the third interview, I knew I had a winning article on my hands. Maybe it would even get me that entire bonus paid out earlier, but I didn’t want to get ahead of myself. I was happy enough if I got half the bonus. Then I wouldn’t have to leave my girl in someone else’s care three nights a week.
During every interview, I managed to forget about Ryker, but during every break... oh boy, oh boy. He was everywhere. At the coffee machine. At the water cooler. How did he know exactly when I had a break? I felt his gaze on me everywhere I went.
I was exhausted by the time the day was over but so happy that I could jump up and down with joy. My instinct had been right. I had a winning article on my hands. I’d have to come back at least once for more interviews, but my priority right now was editing the material I had.
Ryker was nowhere to be seen as I left his floor. Had my instincts been right about him too? I was just trying to convince myself it was for the best when I stepped out of the building and noticed a certain sexy venture capitalist who doubled as guitarist twice a week waiting for me with a smile the size of Texas.
Chapter Eight
Heather
He was almost one block away, leaning against a lamppost, legs crossed at the ankles. Straightening up, he walked at the same pace with me, and we met at the next crossing. I had no idea how to act. Was I supposed to be mad at him? I wasn’t even sure... but I found myself smiling. I’d gotten caught in his charms again without even realizing it. How was that even possible?
When he came close enough, I immediately identified the culprit: those dimples of his. I couldn’t be mad at someone who had dimples this gorgeous when he smiled.
“Fancy seeing you here,” I said. We’d stopped at a corner where we risked being trampled by passersby, a mix of Wall Streeters leaving work and tourists come to see the glittering glass buildings at sunset.
“I was waiting for you.”
“I thought I’d get to interview you today too.” My voice sounded mutinous.
“I sense I’m about to get my ass roasted.”
I almost melted under the intensity in his eyes but stayed put.
“You feel like you deserve it?”
“Utterly and completely.”
I laughed. What was going on?
“Well, okay, then. Why did you act so... I don’t know—not like you?”
“Owen wasn’t happy that we know each other. I didn’t want anyone giving you a hard time.”
“That still doesn’t explain why I didn’t get to interview you.”
Ryker cocked a brow, smiling sardonically, as if the answer was obvious. Well, it wasn’t to me.
He stepped closer, bringing a hand to my cheek, pressing the back of his fingers against my jaw. The contact electrified me. For one brief second, it felt as if the traffic had stopped, the passersby vanished into thin air. I was only aware of his skin against mine, his warm breath on the tip of my nose.
“Because I didn’t want to push our luck... I don’t think I can be in the same room with you for longer than five minutes and not make it clear to everyone what my intentions are.”
I was so overwhelmed by him that I didn’t know what to do with myself. This close, the leather and cypress in his cologne permeated the air. They were much fainter than at lunch, but strong enough to ensnare my senses.
“Ryker....”
“I haven’t handled this too well. Let me make it up to you with dinner.”
“Ah... you did say you want to lure me back to Mary’s burgers. But I can’t tonight.”
“Can’t or won’t?” His eyes flashed, determined and demanding.
“Avery’s chorus lessons finish at seven.”
He flashed me a triumphant smile. “That still leaves half an hour.”
“The train ride takes twenty minutes.”
“I’ll walk you to the station, then. I can give you insights about the fund. All unofficial, of course. But you reporters like that, don’t you? Insider knowledge and all that.”
“How come you’re even done with work? There were still lots of people inside.”
“The perks of being a director. Hours aren’t as long, though when we have a deadline, I have to pull all-nighters occasionally. If you get past the initial years when you have to practically sleep at the office, things get better.”
“That makes sense. Where do you live?” I asked as we walked side by side.
“Nearby,” he said vaguely.
I grinned. “Let me guess. Penthouse overlooking Central Park?”
He laughed. “Nah. Bachelor pad on Duane.”
“Thought you didn’t like the noise of downtown.”
“I dislike long commutes even more.”
“Ah, that makes sense.”
I was relieved we were walking. I was hoping that would help diffuse this tension between us, make me less aware of this constant thrum in my body when he was near me.
I took a deep breath when we crossed the street together with a million other pedestrians. The smell of spring was thick in the air. Unfortunately, that thrum hadn’t lessened, not one bit. And when Ryker placed an arm around my shoulders as if it were the most natural thing in the world? That thrum turned to an inferno.
“What are you and Avery doing tonight?” he asked as we descended the steps to the station.
“Nothing special. Just painting our nails, ordering pizza.”
I felt all warm and fuzzy just because he was asking about her. Ryker was different from anyone I’d met before. What would it feel like to be with him? No, no, no. I couldn’t allow myself to even think about that. There was no more room for risks in my life right now.
I searched my brain for a way to change the subject.
“Oh, by the way... I got wind today that your last name is Winchester.”
“It is.”
“As in the Winchesters behind the Ballroom Galas?”
“Yes.”
“Holy shit! That’s amazing. Why didn’t you say anything?”
“It didn’t come up.”
“Well, I think the whole thing is just genius. I’d love to go to one.” Their galas raised a lot of money for charity. They ran several events every year, and one never knew just how many events would take place in a year—which made invitations even more coveted. The station was semi-empty. I groaned when I looked at the digital display. The train had a five-minute delay.
“I’ll wait with you,” Ryker said.
“You don’t have to.”
“And miss out on five more minutes with you? No chance. I’m staying.” His voice was determined, final.
I shivered.
“And warm,” he added, stepping closer. God, I shouldn’t want him, shouldn’t want this, but I did. His nearness, his touch... I wanted all of it. When he lifted his hand, I felt fire dancing on my nerve endings in anticipation. Where would he touch me? My wa
ist, my shoulder? He surprised me by cupping my cheek. For a brief second, I thought he’d rest his thumb on my lips, but he pressed it gently on my jaw before he slid his hand to the back of my head. He brought me closer until his mouth was barely touching mine, kissed one corner softly... then captured my lips. His kiss was demanding and determined. A shudder ran through me. I was consumed by his passion—the way his fingers first pressed against my skin, then tugged at my hair. I needed to be closer to him, touch more of him. When I felt him pop open a button of my jacket, sliding his hand around my waist, my knees weakened. I didn’t think I could feel that skin on skin contact and not make a fool of myself.
He slid his hand slowly around to my back, bunching the fabric of my sweater in his fist. I felt his fingers hover a fraction of an inch away from my skin. The anticipation was killing me. When he splayed his palm wide on my lower back, I moaned against his mouth.
Far from giving me any reprieve, Ryker intensified the kiss until I felt completely owned. That tiny skin-on-skin contact sent me spiraling. I had no idea how I could react like that.
I lost all sense of time and place... right until the sound of the train snapped me back to reality.
Ryker reacted first, taking his hand away and buttoning my coat again. When I attempted to pull away, he kept me in place, threading his fingers through my hair, resting his thumb just above the shell of my ear.
“No, just a minute. We have one more minute until the train arrives.”
“Maximizing every minute, huh?” I teased.
“Every fucking one.”
My knees buckled. After that kiss, I had a hunch that anything he’d say would spur such a reaction. I did step out of his arms, though, because the train was pulling in.
“Umm... not sure when I’ll see you again,” I said quickly.
“But I am.”
“Oh, care to share with me?”
“Nah. When it comes to you, the element of surprise is my best shot.”
He watched me board the train. I didn’t break eye contact as the doors closed, or even as we lurched forward. I kept eye contact right until he was out of sight.
Only in this case, out of sight wasn’t out of mind. Quite the contrary. The second he wasn’t in my field of vision anymore, giggles bubbled out of me, and I didn’t even try to rein them in despite all the curious looks I got. It wasn’t every day that I got so thoroughly kissed. Why make apologies for it?
Chapter Nine
Ryker
My mind was so full of Heather that I couldn’t even think straight or focus enough to decide what I wanted to do next. I could still taste her, feel the light tremor in her body, the way she’d opened up, tugging at my hair and demanding more. I’d been on the brink of obliging her. I’d almost forgotten we were in a train station. I never lost my head—not when I was making million-dollar bids, not even when I was playing my guitar at the Northern Lights. I was always in control—of the situation, of myself. I hadn’t been in control with Heather, not by a long shot. I’d been driven by an impulse that was completely new to me—to be closer to her in every way possible. I’d needed to touch her more than I’d ever needed anything else. I still needed to.
Turning around, I searched for the schedule of trains, then zeroed in on the one I was interested in. It was arriving in twelve minutes. I could jump on it and catch up with Heather. She’d told me the station where she was getting off.
No, wait. She’d gone to pick up Avery. I couldn’t go after her. What was I thinking? I wasn’t... not really. I was still acting on impulse.
Just to be on the safe side, I rushed out of the station before I gave in to the temptation to take the next train. I couldn’t just barge in on Heather’s life.
I needed a better plan.
I needed my sisters. Instead of heading to my apartment, I headed to Soho, to their shop. I didn’t need to call them to know they’d be there.
Tess and Skye weren’t in the front when I arrived, but the light was on.
Stepping inside, I asked, “Anyone here?”
“Yes. We’re in the changing rooms,” Skye called.
I strode to the back and found the girls propping a ladder in the first changing room. Several things had been delivered since I’d last been here, including the curtains of the changing room and the rods, and boxes of shelves and lamps.
“To what do we owe this surprise?” Skye asked.
I clutched at my heart theatrically. “Surprise? You wound me. I’m your trusty handyman around here.”
Tess pointed a finger at me. “Yeah, but today is not your day. It’s Cole’s.”
“Why isn’t he here?”
“Oh, he had some stuff to do. So... what gives?”
“Can’t believe this. I’m getting shit for trying to be a good brother.”
I shouldn’t push my luck too much, because once they caught on that I wasn’t here only to help, they’d give me hell.
Tess sighed, dropping her chin to her chest. “I’m sorry. We’ve just got screwed over today with a delivery, so I’m extra jumpy. Forgive me?”
She rose on her toes, giving me a kiss on the cheek. Skye followed suit. Oh, hell... now I was feeling guilty.
“Who screwed you over?” I asked.
“We paid for one thing and received another,” Skye said. “They delivered it when I was here alone, and I think they thought I’d just accept it, because they only talked to Tess before. But I roasted their ass.”
I bit back a smile. Next to Tess, she always seemed quieter, even shy. But if you pissed her off, you were in for a scare.
“Can I help with anything?” I asked.
Tess smiled like a Cheshire cat. “The answer to that will always be yes.”
“We’re hanging some lamps in the changing rooms.” She pointed to the ceilings.
“Say no more, I’m your guy.”
“You need us? Otherwise we’re out to sort the merchandise from the new collection,” Skye said.
“I’m good. You go do your thing.”
Some lamps turned out to be twenty-five spotlights. My arms felt as if they were about to fall off by the time I was done. The changing rooms were enormous. Some even had a black velvet chair inside. I could imagine myself sitting there while Heather tried on lingerie in front of me. I pressed the heels of my palms against my eyes. It didn’t help. If anything, the vision became more vibrant. I just couldn’t stop thinking about Heather, could I?
I headed straight to the front, where Tess and Skye stood behind the counter Cole and I had assembled two nights before. The girls were elbow-deep in boxes.
“Girls, do you have any printed invitations left for the March Gala?”
“Yeah, we always have a few spares,” Tess said without looking up.
“I need one. Actually, two.”
“Just tell us the names and I’ll send them tomorrow,” Skye murmured.
“They’re new guests. Just add plus two to my name.”
Skye looked up. “Okay. We still need the names though. For the seating chart.”
“They’ll sit with us.”
Skye’s jaw went slack. Tess looked up too, eyes wide.
“Wait a second... you’re inviting someone new... and they’ll sit with us. We do need to vet them first, though. It’s protocol,” Tess said.
“I’ve already vetted her.” Big mistake. I tried to correct myself. “Them. I’ve vetted them.”
My sisters’ expressions turned from shocked to smug in a fraction of a second.
Tess propped her chin in her palm, studying me before turning to Skye.
“So... what do you think? A couple?” she asked.
“No way. He looks like his tongue is stuck to the roof of his mouth.”
“A lady friend who’s coming with another friend?”
Jesus, they weren’t going to give this a rest.
“A lady friend. And she’s bringing her daughter,” I said finally. My sisters turned their attention to me at once.
Skye straightened up. “Ryker... we have a no-secrets policy in our family.” To be honest, usually I stood by the no-secrets policy. It had been in place ever since Dad left. We had zero dollars for therapy, but Tess decided that we all needed to talk among ourselves at least. For now though, I wasn’t sharing anything.
“Besides, we’re going to meet them anyway,” Tess pointed out. “But I’m putting two and two together. One... you’re keeping secrets. Two, you asked for invitations, which means you want to impress said lady friend. Am I right?””
“Yes. Give me the invitations, please.”
“I’m on it, I’m on it,” Skye said. “I have some in the back.” She disappeared through the door to the back room. “Aha, you’re lucky,” she exclaimed a few seconds later, running toward me with two golden envelopes. “These are the only two I have here.” She was clutching them to her chest. “I can write the names for you. I have the most calligraphic writing out of all of us.”
“Nice try, Skye.”
She handed the envelopes over with a pout.
Tess narrowed her eyes. “I can’t believe you made us feel guilty for suspecting you have a hidden agenda.”
Ah, I was surprised she’d waited so long to play that card.
“Want to have dinner together?” Skye asked.
“Already ate,” I said. I’d grabbed a snack before I met up with Heather.
“Second dinner. Or just cake,” Skye said.
“Girls, I have a call early tomorrow. I can’t stay.”
“You’re ditching us? Especially after the shitty day we’ve had?” Skye pouted, leaning into me. I laughed, putting an arm over her shoulders, kissing her temple.
“I’m not ditching you,” I assured them. “Just need to be rested for tomorrow.”
Skye sighed, stepping away from my half hug. I was grinning as I slid the envelopes in my pocket. After bidding them goodbye, I headed out on the streets with renewed energy. I didn’t want our next meeting to be at the fund.
I wanted Heather in my domain this time.