by Layla Hagen
“You know I’m right.”
“You always are. You made me a lot of money.”
“Then trust me on this one. The stock value will recover within a month. All indicators are in line with that prediction.”
I got to my feet, signaling that this meeting was over. Usually, I didn’t hurry clients, but I needed him out in the next few minutes. Heather had been here for a few hours. She was finishing the interviews in about ten minutes, and I didn’t want to miss the window of opportunity to see her.
“Okay. Okay. Let’s keep in touch next week.”
“Of course. My door is always open.”
Except now.
I showed him out, using the pretext to check where Heather was. Still in the meeting room. She had her back to me, but her interview partner, Melissa, waved when she saw me. That prompted Heather to look over her shoulder. Her eyes widened slightly. I didn’t do anything to give us away, just walked back to my office and texted her. I was craving her nearness. I’d thought it was hard to behave around her the first time she was here for interviews... but now, after I’d touched her, after I’d had a taste of her, I couldn’t be around her and not want to be near her.
I paced the office, smiling when I heard a knock. I went to open it right away. Heather stood there, looking sexy as hell in her little black suit.
I pulled her inside, locking the door.
“Did you just lock the door?” she asked.
“Yes.”
“Why?”
“Don’t want anyone walking in on us.”
“And a locked door wouldn’t give them any reason to question what’s happening in here?”
She made a good point, only I didn’t particularly care. I walked her backward to the wall, cupping her head as I pushed my hips against hers, and kissed her the next second.
She tasted like coffee and chocolate, and I fucking loved it. She moaned when I coaxed her tongue, pushed her hips into me when I skimmed my hands down the sides of her body. I tugged at her shirt before remembering where we were. Damn. I was hard. I pushed myself into her, wanting her to know.
She moaned again, rubbing against me. I planted both hands on the wall to keep from just yanking away her clothes. “Wow, that’s a hell of a greeting,” she murmured, but then wiggled out of my grasp. I noticed my right sleeve was loose. Heather had dislodged one of my cuff links. We both saw it on the floor. She blushed when I wiggled my eyebrows at her.
“Don’t go. Stay just for a little while. We can make up a reason,” I said.
“I wish I could... but I need to drop Avery off at JFK. Mom is arriving from Phoenix at four o’clock to pick her up. Then their plane leaves for Phoenix one hour later.”
I wanted her to stay a while longer. What had I been thinking, imagining that a few minutes would be enough? Honestly, this was so new to me that anything I imagined was probably incorrect.
I stalked toward her, but she held up a finger. “No, no. I can already feel that my lips are swollen. Probably a bit red too. You can’t kiss me again.”
“Want to bet?”
She laughed, rubbing her neck with one hand. “When do you finish work?”
“Probably around seven.”
“Want to have dinner together? At my place?”
“Fuck, yes.”
“Okay. We’ve got a plan. Aaand I’m off before you try to kiss me again.”
“Hey, you’re the dangerous one.” I pointed to the cuff link on the floor. She laughed, but she scurried out the door the next second, closing it behind her as if afraid I might go after her if she didn’t. Well, there was a real risk I would. I couldn’t believe that I felt euphoric just because she wanted to catch up later. It meant that she couldn’t wait to be with me any more than I could wait to be with her.
***
Heather
The rest of the day was a marathon in the true sense of the word. Mom waited for Avery and me in front of the check-in counter, as usual.
“Hey!” I kissed her cheek, pulling her into a hug.
“My girls, I’ve missed you.” She hugged us both before pulling back and giving me what I liked to call the Mom-check. I was still wearing the black suit I’d conducted my interviews in, but my hair was in complete disarray. My mother never left the house looking anything short of perfect: coiffed hair, flawless makeup.
“Hon, why don’t you take some time off and join us?” Mom asked.
“I have a lot of deadlines coming up. I’ll visit soon, though. I promise.” I turned to Avery. “Be good, okay? And listen to Gran and Pops.”
“Yes, Mommy.”
“Okay, check-in all done. Say goodbye, girls, we need to go through security,” Mom said.
It always broke my heart just a little that Avery had no problems saying goodbye, while I just wanted to wrap my arms around her and not let her go, but this also meant that she was completely happy spending time with my parents. Whenever Mom picked her up, it was as if her life in New York didn’t exist. It was all about her room in Arizona, her toys there, her chickens, and her pony. Their bonfires and exploration trips. It made me miss home like crazy, and I was happy my daughter got to experience a piece of my childhood.
The moment they were out of sight, I went into a frenzy. I still had so much to do today!
I had two hours left until Ryker would come to my place. I wanted to prepare the perfect dinner. Not just the food, but the ambiance too. I had that last part down: romantic, but not too feminine. Diffuse lighting but no candles. It would take me no time at all to set it up.
But the food... I had no idea what Ryker liked to eat. I tried to recall what he’d had the few times we’d met up... and came up blank. Holy shit, and I prided myself in having an excellent memory. But I’d been so wrapped up in him that I didn’t even remember what I had eaten on those occasions.
I went to a shopping area near my place, but after entering and exiting the second store empty-handed, I decided that I needed a new plan. A better plan. I was going to call Skye.
Was I crossing boundaries by bringing his family into this? Then again, he’d plotted first, when he’d conspired with them. Besides, he’d conspired with Avery too. Ryker wouldn’t mind. Besides, it was better to cross boundaries than poison him. My food was mediocre at best when I cooked freestyle, but if I followed a detailed recipe, it was delicious.
I sat on a bench under a crab apple tree. The white blooms looked like something out of a fairy tale, and the sweet scent made me hungry. Mid-April was one of my favorite periods in the city. I couldn’t wait to have some time to venture to Central Park and see the cherry trees in blossom.
Before I could talk myself out of it, I called Skye.
“Hey. Is this a good time to talk?” I asked.
“Sure. I’m just sorting out some inventory. Fire away.”
“So, umm... Ryker and I have a date tonight, and I want to surprise him by cooking for him. What’s his favorite dish?”
“Roast beef and au gratin potatoes.”
“That sounds... like something I can completely screw up. Do you have a recipe? The more detailed the better.”
“I’ll look one up and send you the link. Just give me a sec.”
“Thanks! You’re a lifesaver.”
“No one’s asked me this before,” Skye said. “I think my brother’s hit the jackpot with you.”
I laughed nervously. “Wait to see the result of dinner before you praise me too much.”
“Oh, I trust you, Heather Prescott.”
I was still in a frenzy after hanging up. While waiting for Skye to send me the recipe, I decided to take a time-out. I found a vintage coffee shop and sat at one of their tiny round tables. The white paint was chipping off, but in a lovely rustic way. I ordered a cappuccino and a scone.
Damn, big mistake. I was already jittery, and the coffee didn’t help. Neither did the sugar. By the time Skye messaged me, I was so nervous I could barely sit.
And that recipe, oh God. It
had a million steps. It also required a meat thermometer, which I didn’t have. Okay, I could do this. I could definitely do this.
I went to the butcher across the street. A panicky feeling overcame me when the butcher glanced at the recipe and proclaimed it was all kinds of wrong and that I’d ruin a great piece of meat by following it. Well, that was not helpful.
I just smiled politely, paid for the products, and darted out of the store before he could scare me some more.
By the time I arrived home, I didn’t have that much time left.
I could shower and get all pretty and fancy for Ryker while everything was in the oven. Yeah, I could do that.
Five minutes into following the recipe, I realized it was even harder than I’d anticipated. Still, I persisted. I’d even bought one of those fancy thermometers. When everything was in the oven, I hurried to the bathroom. I was late. Ryker was supposed to arrive in forty minutes, yet the beef needed ninety in the oven. Oh well, I just had to entertain him until it was done... and I was quite good at that.
After a quick shower, I put on a short, silky dress that just spelled seduction and sprayed on a new perfume. I didn’t style my hair aside from blow-drying it, but it fell into loose curls all around me.
I was ready for the evening to start.
When the bell rang, I had to reconsider that statement. My heartbeat went from normal into overdrive in a fraction of a second. I pressed a palm on my chest, hoping to calm down, but feeling the wild pulse under my hand only made me more aware of it.
I hurried to the door, opening it with a big smile. He’d taken off his coat already, giving me a prime view of his suit. My gaze automatically went to his right cuff link—the one I’d dislodged today. He’d fastened it back.
“Already thinking about tearing it off again?” he teased, putting me at ease a little.
“Of course, but not before I feed you.”
I’d asked him here on a spur of the moment impulse, before I had time to second-guess anything. And right now? My stomach was full of butterflies, and I hadn’t even let Ryker in yet.
Chapter Nineteen
Ryker
“Heather, you look amazing.”
“Thanks. Come in.”
“What’s that smell?” I asked as she led me to the living room.
She glanced at me over her shoulder. “Roast beef.”
She’d cooked for me? That was... I had no idea why that got to me.
“It’s my favorite.”
“I know. I asked Skye.”
“You called my sister to ask what my favorite meal is?”
“That’s right. I’m excellent at following recipe instructions. And I’m proud to announce that I now even own a meat thermometer and know how to use it. At least, for your sake... I hope I do.”
I swallowed hard. She’d called my sister? Just to surprise me? No one had done anything like that for me. Her gaze turned from playful to uncertain.
“I overstepped boundaries, didn’t I?”
“What? Hell, no.” I grabbed her by the waist, turning her around so she was facing me.
“You just surprised me, that’s all.”
I captured her mouth. I’d been dying to do that ever since she’d been at my office today—kiss her like I really meant it... which lately translated to not stopping, not wanting to let her go. Especially right now, after this welcome.
“Thanks, Heather. You didn’t have to go to so much trouble.”
“It wasn’t too much trouble.”
“Liar.”
“Fine, I am lying. I spent the entire afternoon running around like a crazy person. So even if you don’t like it, you have to say you like it.”
She was avoiding my gaze, moving up and down on her toes.
“Am I making you nervous?” I brought my hand to her face, touching her lips with my thumb.
“Yes.”
“Why?”
“I... I don’t know,” she said.
“There’s no reason to be nervous. It’s just me, baby.”
Coming home to you.
The thought just popped into my brain, completely unexpected. But hell if it didn’t sound right. Feel right. I’d never had anything like this before.
“And I’ll like your roast beef even if it’s burned to a crisp.”
She buried her head in my neck, chuckling. “Hey. Don’t jinx it.”
“Come on. Let’s check on it together.”
“Okay.”
She led me to the kitchen, proudly pointing to the oven.
“How does it look?”
I knew before I even opened it that the beef was completely dry. But she was so nervous already that hell would freeze over before I admitted it.
“Like it’s ready.”
I carried the food to the table while she brought plates.
“How did Avery take leaving for Arizona?” I asked as we were about to sit.
Heather looked at me warmly. “Thanks for asking. She was psyched. She’s always over the moon when Mom takes her. I’m more emotional than her. I’ll be melancholic the whole week.”
She sighed deeply, her smile fading. I moved closer, touching her neck with the back of my fingers. “I’ll distract you from that.”
“You are amazing at distracting me, that’s true.”
“And I haven’t even used my best weapons yet.”
“Oh, I see. Keeping the best for when we’re alone?”
“That’s right.”
That brilliant smile was back on. Mission accomplished. I skimmed my hand down her body, cupping her ass, pushing her hips against me. Damn, I was already turned on. Her eyes widened.
“Wow. You plan on starting right now?” She batted her eyelashes, running her hands down my chest.
“No. Just giving you a taste.”
She frowned, stepping back. “Tease.”
I grinned, happy I’d managed to take her mind off Avery’s trip.
“Let’s eat. I’m starving,” she said.
We sat at the table, helping ourselves to beef and potatoes. Heather watched me intently.
“Why are you looking at me like that?” I asked.
“Trying to check if you really like the food.”
I had a great poker face. Staying calm and composed despite the stock market’s volatility was a job requirement. But in my personal life, I’d rarely had to use it.
“Heather, stop fretting. What are your plans for the week?” I changed the subject smoothly.
“I have a few deadlines coming... but I’ll come by the Northern Lights and watch you play.” In a lower voice, she added, “Then I’ll take you backstage and jump you.”
“Why are you whispering?”
Giggling, she shrugged. “Habit, I guess. When are you playing?”
“Tuesday.”
“I’ll be in the front row. I can’t wait. You’re walking seduction with that guitar.”
I touched her legs under the table. “Don’t need a guitar to seduce you.”
She blushed, biting her lower lip. “That’s true, you don’t.”
We chatted about our day until we cleared our plates, because neither of us had really eaten much of the meal. It wasn’t bad, just well cooked—I’d have to interrogate my sister to see what she was up to.
Heather jumped out of her seat screeching, “Oh my God, I completely forgot the wine.”
She started to go to the kitchen, but I caught her hand, pulling her back, and sat down with her right into my lap.
“Heather. Stop. Fretting.”
“Yes, sir.” Grinning, she placed her hands on my shoulders. “I just want you to feel good here. Maybe you’ll stop by again.”
“I will. You’re not getting rid of me, Heather.”
“Yeah?
I kissed up her neck, nibbling at her earlobe before rising from the chair and placing Heather on the empty portion of the table. She leaned back on her palms so I had all the access I wanted. I moved my mouth down her chest, teasing th
at soft skin, claiming it inch by inch.
I needed her, and I needed her right now. I couldn’t focus on anything other than kissing her, touching her, but one thought nagged at the back of my mind: I wanted to be more than a fun time for Heather. I wanted to be so much more. Claim every part of her, make her mine.
Odd thoughts for a flirt like me but that’s how it had been since the beginning with Heather. Just one look and I was hooked.
Her dress had three buttons running from her neckline to just above her stomach. Opening them only gave me a teasing look at her soft skin and bra, but I needed more. I pulled her dress over her head before taking a step back so I could see her better. She was wearing a flesh-colored bra and matching panties. They drove me crazy. How could she be this beautiful? I wanted to touch her too much to linger at a distance. I lavished her breasts with attention, kissing the upper part that rose out of the bra cup. She wrapped her legs around me, her heels digging in the back of my thighs.
Jesus, I needed to move her somewhere more comfortable before I completely lost control, or I’d fuck her right here on this table. I pulled back, laughing when she looked up at me with a pout.
“Let’s go to the bedroom.”
“Why? I like the table.”
“I need a bed for what I have in mind.”
“Ooh. Okay, then.”
She pushed me away playfully, jumping down from the table. I kept my hands to myself while she led me to the bedroom. The second we were inside, she turned on a lamp.
“So... this is my humble bedroom.” She paused and looked nervously around. “A bit small—”
I didn’t care about any of that. I pinned her against the door with my hips, licking her lower lip. I unclasped her bra before lowering myself on my haunches. I dragged my fingers from the sides of her knees up her thighs, watching her skin turn to goose bumps. Her breath quickened as I moved higher. She gave me a nervous laugh when I hooked my thumbs in the elastic band of her panties.
She had absolutely nothing to be nervous about, but I knew telling her that wouldn’t help. I was going to show her. I lowered her panties down her legs, watching her, looking her straight in the eyes as she stepped out of them. Then I hooked her right knee on my shoulder, kissing her inner thigh until I reached her apex. I kissed that soft skin until she scratched at the door.