by Lexy Timms
“Ben,” she gasped, when he pushed all the way inside her.
He could feel her little muscles squeezing and tightening, making him crazy. His body took over, instinct ruling all as he drove into her, pulling gasps and moans from her with every stroke. It wasn’t long before he felt her body explode around his, sucking him deeper inside her slick passage.
He let go, releasing himself inside her with a shout that originated in his stomach, making his throat raw as he held onto her hips, pummeling inside her body with violent thrusts he had no control over. He slowed his thrusting, sucking in deep breaths of air as his body wound down.
“Damn girl, that is a hell of a way to start the day,” he said, leaning down to kiss her neck.
She laughed before turning around and practically melting in his arms. “Yes, it was. I think that’s the way every day should get started. I could almost skip coffee if I had that.”
“That could be arranged,” he growled, nuzzling her neck again, the water still raining down over his head.
Water was running down her skin as she used her hands to push her hair back and away from her face. It was something reminiscent of every man’s wet dream. He could picture her under a waterfall in some tropical retreat, just the two of them. If she’d let him, he was going to bring that fantasy to life.
“We should probably get out before the water runs cold,” she smiled, kissing him before tracing a bead of water down his bare chest.
“Do we have to?” he groaned, wanting to hold her naked body forever.
She grinned. “I guess we don’t have to, but very soon this little situation is going to get very uncomfortable. We definitely won’t need coffee or have to worry about another quickie in the shower if that water turns icy cold.”
He burst into laughter. “You’re right. I’d rather not have you witness that scene. You might never let me touch you again.”
“I’m sure I could be persuaded,” she said with a wink before turning to open the glass door of his shower.
She stepped out, grabbing one towel off the warming rack before handing him the other. They quickly toweled off before walking barefoot back into his bedroom. She had packed a different suitcase for her overnight stay with him. He wanted to suggest she leave a few things at his place for those nights when she crashed, but figured it wasn’t the right time yet.
“I’ll make coffee while you finish getting ready,” he said, walking to where she was standing in front of the bathroom mirror, applying a minimal amount of makeup.
“Thank you. I’m a little nervous. This coffee shop is a bit more upscale than the ones I’ve worked in before.”
He kissed the top of her head, looking at her in the mirror. “You’re going to kill the interview.”
She smiled before he turned and walked out, giving her the privacy she needed to finish getting ready. She looked beautiful without a drop of makeup on. With the makeup, he saw a completely different woman. He saw a woman confident, put together and stunning. He would take her any way he could get her.
He started the coffee, opened the freezer to pull out a couple of breakfast sandwiches that had been premade and stored in there for moments like these. He rarely spent time eating breakfast in the morning and preferred to eat on the go. His cook had lectured him about starting the day right with a healthy dose of protein. Ben was pleasantly surprised to find he did function better throughout the first half of the morning if he took the advice.
“What is that delicious aroma?” Katherine asked, strolling into the kitchen in a sensible outfit that consisted of fitted black slacks, a white satin blouse and a pair of black pumps with a low heel.
“That is breakfast, courtesy of Roberto, my cook,” he replied, sliding the sandwich towards her.
She picked up the muffin, peeled back the top and grinned. “Bacon, egg and cheese.”
“I can get you one with sausage if you prefer.”
“No thanks. Bacon is my fave.”
She took a bite and closed her eyes, nodding her head as she chewed the sandwich.
“Good?” he asked.
“Amazing. Roberto knows how to make a simple sandwich taste great,” she mumbled around another mouthful.
“Do you want another one to take with us?” he asked, realizing she must be really hungry.
She giggled, covering her mouth. “I’m completely pigging out, aren’t I?”
“Not at all. I usually have two or three myself,” he lied, not wanting her to feel bad for wanting to eat. She could use a few pounds on her petite frame.
She shook her head. “This is perfect. I don’t want to be full and ready for a nap during my interview.”
“You look amazing by the way. I love this no-nonsense thing you’ve got going. It’s the ponytail. You look like a lawyer getting ready to go into a courtroom and eat someone for lunch,” he joked.
She sipped from the cup of coffee he handed her. “Thank you. I figured I better clean up a little. This coffee shop isn’t like the others I’ve worked at. It’s obvious they cater to a more exclusive clientele.”
He shrugged a shoulder. “Sweetheart, you look great in jeans or anything you put on. Just be you. If you’re not comfortable in that outfit, don’t wear it.”
“I’m comfortable. It’s just strange to dress up beyond the jeans and t-shirts. For so long, I tried to blend in. I didn’t want anyone to notice me. It’s going to take a little getting used to. I want this job. It would be nice to work so close to you,” she said with a smile.
“That would be great. I like the idea of having you a few steps away. I can visit whenever I get a free minute,” he said, very excited about the idea.
The upscale coffee shop did cater to the business men and women that worked in the area. Executives and their assistants frequented the shop. It was a coffee shop that focused on coffee, gourmet coffee. He knew she liked the bakery, but hoped this would make her happy as well.
She wiped her hands on a napkin, took another drink from her coffee and dashed back down the hall. When she returned a few minutes later, he saw a fresh sheen of lip gloss and could smell the minty freshness of toothpaste.
“Ready,” she said.
“Alright, let me grab my briefcase.”
Together they walked out to his Range Rover, and he held the door open for her as she climbed in. The drive into the city was fairly quick as he expertly navigated what he liked to consider his secret routes. He pulled up in front of the coffee shop and reached over to put a hand on her thigh.
“Wish me luck,” she muttered.
“You don’t need luck. You’ve got this. They’d be crazy not to hire you. I’m almost regretting encouraging you to apply here. All the young men are going to be flocking to this place to see you. I’d hate to have to break more noses,” he joked.
She leaned over and gave him a quick kiss. “We’ll see about that. Thank you for the ride. I’ll call you later.”
“Call and let me know how this goes. I’m rooting for you.”
She jumped out of the SUV and shut the door before turning to give him a small wave. He watched her walk in and hoped like hell she got the job. She needed to be grounded. Having a job would give her some roots as well as that independence she wanted so bad.
When he got to work, all he could think about was her. He knew she would be a good hire. She was gorgeous, friendly and had a way about her that was easy going, yet professional. She knew how to deal with the haughty folks that tended to work in the area.
Chapter Seven
Katherine
KATHERINE DID HER BEST not to stare, but she couldn’t help but find herself watching the man who had identified himself as the manager, Bruce, when she walked in and gave her name. The place was hopping. There was a steady stream of customers, and unlike the other shops she’d worked in, this place employed a full staff. She counted at least five people behind the counter, and Bruce said they were shorthanded.
She drank the water he’d given her whe
n he politely asked her to wait a few minutes while he helped out his crew through another rush. There was an easy symbiosis to the team as two people took orders at the registers and passed the orders along to the three people making drinks and calling out names. This place clearly prided itself on a quick, in-and-out service, which would be critical in this particular environment.
Katherine watched the line of men and women in fancy business suits, each of them holding a phone in their hand or against their ear as the line moved steadily along. Her eyes drifted around the interior of the coffee shop. It wasn’t anything like a Starbucks. There wasn’t any folk music playing. Instead, there was more relaxing piano music playing. She smirked again. They were catering to the more refined class of people that frequented the shop, not the millennials with their facial hair, beanie hats and their laptops.
There were a few business meetings taking place around her. Each table was set far enough apart from another to give an element of privacy. The lighting was bright, and the soft gray walls gave it a more conference room feel, than a coffee shop that encouraged patrons to hang out and settle in on a comfy couch.
Once again, she found herself watching the employees working behind the counter. They were a seriously well-oiled machine and they looked like they were having fun. She focused on the friendly smiles and the cashiers automatically knowing what each of the suits wanted. Every customer seemed happy, at ease and didn’t have that harried look she had come to expect from people that rushed into a coffee shop.
She smiled and nodded her head. She could really like it there. It was a busy place, which would make the time fly by. Talia would be missed, but Katherine was confident she could make new friends.
Her mind was drifting when she heard her phone beep in her purse. She had forgotten to put it on silent. She dug it out, expecting a message from Ben asking about the interview. She quickly put the phone on silent before distractedly pushing the envelope that would reveal the text. Her eyes were on Bruce moving back and forth. She didn’t want to appear impatient by checking her phone.
She glanced down and felt everything stop. The sound of the espresso machine whirring and whip cream being sprayed on top of every cup faded to a buzzing noise in the back of her brain as she stared at the text message on her screen. It was Tim.
Divorce papers? Really? You must think you’re really something special, Kat. But, guess what? You’re nothing but a little slut and I’m going make your life miserable. I’m not signing the damn papers. I’m coming after that new boyfriend of yours. What’s his name? Ben? I’m going to sue him for every penny in his bank account for breaking my fucking nose. I’m going to make you sorry you ever ran away from me. I’m going to ruin his life and yours. And it will all be your fault. You fucked with the wrong man.
Her mouth was dry, and she struggled to suck in a breath. She’d known this was coming. She knew there was a good chance he would do this. Tim would never sign the divorce papers and let her walk away. Meredith had insisted she demand half of his net worth. Katherine didn’t want a penny of Tim’s money. Meredith told her it was part of the process. They would settle for far less, but the pain and suffering and the giving up of her own dreams were worth something. Ben had agreed.
Katherine couldn’t stop staring at the message. He was going to sue Ben. Everyone was going to sue Ben because he had defended her. What kind of messed up world did they live when the hero had to pay a hefty price for saving the girl? It wasn’t fair. It was bullshit. She’d brought all this on Ben. He was a good man only trying to do the right thing. He didn’t deserve any of the drama she had dumped in his lap.
“Hi!” Bruce said, sliding into the seat across from her.
Her eyes darted up, feeling guilty at being caught with the phone in her hand. She put on her best smile, knowing it probably looked as fake as it felt.
“Sorry, I was just putting this on silent,” she said, her voice a little higher than normal. Her hands were shaking as she moved to slide the phone back into her purse.
She took a deep breath, trying to calm her nerves. She had to get through the interview. She needed a job—assuming she would be around here long enough to show up to her first scheduled day. Her stomach was rolling and fluttering and making it difficult to sit still. Her foot was nervously bouncing up and down under the table. She forced herself to stop fidgeting.
“That’s fine. I’m so sorry to have made you wait. Mondays are always so unpredictable,” he said, taking a long breath.
She nodded her head, trying to pull herself together. “They are. Mondays and Saturdays were always our busiest days,” she said, doing her best to sound friendly.
He chuckled. “Saturdays are dead around here and Sundays we’re closed altogether. Mondays and Fridays tend to be our busiest days. This entire street turns into a bit of a ghost town after about eleven on Saturday. You have those workaholics that pop in for a few hours and then disappear.”
Katherine was nodding her head, trying to appear like she knew what he was talking about. She had no idea. This was not her scene. This was Ben’s scene. Tim’s scene. What the hell was she doing trying to fit in? The little niggle of doubt and the general feeling of being unworthy began to blossom before she recognized it for what is was and tamped it down. That was the work of Tim. He had a way of making her feel like shit, like she didn’t belong in his uppity world of million-dollar earners.
“How many people do you generally have working?” she asked, wanting to satisfy her own curiosity and appear as if she were truly interested in working at the shop. She was, but in the back of her mind, she knew the risks of being close to Ben and having Tim show up again.
He shrugged a shoulder. “We try to keep it around five or six. Our number six just went on maternity leave and the other one,” he shook his head and waved a hand through the air. “Let’s just say he doesn’t work here.”
“I understand.”
Bruce seemed friendly enough and she really wanted to relax and let herself enjoy the moment, but Tim’s text had thrown her for a loop. She couldn’t get his threats out of her head. Every single time she thought she was moving forward and really putting him and his horrible ways behind her, he showed up again.
“Would you be interested in full or part time work?” he asked.
“Um, I would prefer full, but I would be okay with part time as well,” she replied, demanding her brain focus on the present.
He smiled again. “Great. We’re looking for someone to work around thirty hours a week for now, but that could always change. Tell me about your experience in the world of coffee.”
Katherine knew she was about to blow the interview and managed to summon the strength to push Tim’s message to a back burner in her brain. It could simmer for now. She inhaled a cleansing breath through her nose and looked Bruce directly in the eyes before launching into her spiel, doing her best to make herself sound like the best choice for the job.
Bruce was nodding and smiling, making her feel like he was really listening to her. She instantly liked the man. They talked a bit more about the business and their unique clientele. Katherine smiled and did her best to appear enthusiastic.
“You have an amazing place here,” she complimented.
“Thank you. I know it’s a little different than the average coffee shop, but that’s what we pride ourselves on.”
“Is there a uniform?” she asked, taking in the black slacks and polos everyone was wearing.
He shrugged. “Yes and no. Slacks are a must, but the color is your choosing. All shirts must be tucked in. The choice is yours. The polos and black just kind of seem to be what we all gravitate towards. Black hides the coffee stains,” he said with a grin.
She giggled and nodded her head. “I could see that.”
“Anyway, thank you for coming in. I have a few more interviews and will be making my decision by the end of the week. Again, I apologize the chaos you walked into. We are usually much more refined.”
&n
bsp; “It’s absolutely fine. I enjoyed being able to watch from a distance,” she told him.
He shook her hand and they both rose from the table. The second she was outside, she let out the breath she’d been holding. The breakfast sandwich she had scarfed down earlier was making her ill. She started walking, heading nowhere in particular. Her skin felt too tight. It was the same feeling she always got when Tim was stalking her. Everyone looked dangerous. Everyone looked like they wanted to hurt her.
With her eyes focused on the ground, she carefully navigated through the bustling crowds on the street, walking home. She knew Ben would be expecting a call. She promised she would call or stop by his office that was only two blocks from the coffee shop, but she couldn’t face him. Her instincts were telling her to run. Her eyes darted left and right when she heard a male voice that sounded like Tim. It wasn’t him. The last few weeks had been torn away from her with a single message. Gone was the carefree woman who’d slowly been climbing out of the dark.
By the time she made it to her place, her hands were shaking so bad she could barely maneuver the key into the lock. Her life was never going to be easy or normal. It had been foolish of her to think she could ever have a nice, normal life with a job and a great boyfriend.
She quickly shut and locked her door behind her before moving to the living room window and drawing all the blinds closed. The feeling of being watched was creeping her out.
“I’m so sorry, Ben,” she whispered into the empty room, feeling his absence like a huge hole in her heart.
Chapter Eight
Ben
“ARE YOU OUT OF HERE?” Rachel asked as he stepped out of his office.
“I am, unless you need me for something else?” he said, pausing at her desk.
She shook her head. “Nope. I’m about ready to leave myself. I think this day should be noted on the calendar, we are both out of here by five.”