Chasing Heartbreak: A Friends-to-Lovers Romance (Dark Love Series Book 6)

by Kat T. Masen

  “So, this is the West Coast team?” I ask, smiling politely at everyone in the room.

  “No, I have one more important person to introduce. In fact, someone you’ll be working very closely with.”

  I look at Lex, then Eric, as he clasps his hands with a mischievous smile. “Our Chief Executive Officer.”

  With a company so large, I’d need a management team strongly suited. With some of Lex’s larger endeavors, he hired a President and CEO. Fingers crossed I don’t get some asshole on a power trip who will make my life hell. Surely, Lex knows how I operate and what I won’t tolerate.

  My eyes wander to the black Givenchy leather shoes which have stepped into the room. Slowly, they lift to the tailored slim-fit navy trousers and linger around the waist. My breathing stills, sweat building in the palm of my hands, although the air conditioning is turned up to cool the room.

  Swallowing the lump caught in my throat, I bite my lip unwillingly as I continue to move upward past the white shirt and stop just where his chest is exposed—two buttons down. A thirst escapes me, the heat between my thighs rising as I make the final glance until I’m met with the eyes of Noah.

  I am rendered speechless as he moves closer, extending his hand.

  “Noah Mason,” he introduces, his stare burning through me like an uncontrollable blaze.

  I place my hand in his, the touch of his skin sending my complete body into meltdown, a slight shiver escaping me. Unbeknownst to everyone in the room, his gaze shifts toward my mouth, causing him to bite his bottom lip unknowingly.

  I clear my throat. “Kate Hamilton.”

  He releases his shake, taking a seat across from me, a playful smirk making it all the more uncomfortable to sit down given he’s practically made me soaking wet with a simple hand gesture.

  “Psst.” Eric leans over, keeping his voice low as others take a seat. “Are you guys going to have the hottest sex tonight because the sexual tension in here is smoking hot?”

  Eric has no idea how hot it will be.

  And that will be my challenge for the rest of the day, ignoring just how sexy Noah is and anticipating exactly what he’ll do to me tonight once we’re alone.

  Five hours later, and several American coffees consumed, everyone leaves the room with another meeting scheduled for tomorrow. There’s much to absorb, my mind riddled with information, but the biggest question on the forefront of my mind is how Noah kept this from me.

  Lex taps his pen on the table, switching his stare between Noah and me.

  “I assume your personal relationship is here to stay?”

  “Smart man,” Noah chides, leaning back in his chair.

  “Good,” Lex states before playing with the band on his finger. “Off the record, I’m happy to see you two together. You’re family to us. I wish you both a lifetime of happiness.”

  “Calm down, Lex.” I shake my head while laughing. “It sounds like you’re toasting a wedding.”

  A smile lightens Noah’s eyes as he taps his fingers on the table. “Is a certain someone, someone you’re married to, trying to probe into our relationship?”

  “I admit to nothing. Off the record, you know my wife can be a handful at times.”

  “Well, you tell my nosy cousin that we’re happy. One step at a time, right?”

  “One step at a time,” I agree, sunnily.

  “Well, good. I respect the two of you and wouldn’t have offered you this position if I didn’t think you were capable. I don’t trust many people, but neither one of you have ever let me down.”

  Lex directs our conversation to the outcome of the meeting, setting out an agenda for tomorrow. Shortly after, he leaves the room, so just the two of us are remaining.

  “So, was this your secret? Your “things in the pipeline”?” I use air quotes around the words.

  Noah is still sitting across from me, looking as delicious as he did the moment he stepped in. “Yes, I didn’t know how you would react. When it comes to working, you’re a control freak.”

  “Yes, I am. But we have a bigger problem,” I admit leaning forward, aware that my blouse has dropped, and Noah’s eyes are drawn to my breasts like a moth to a flame. “So, you’re telling me that I’m supposed to pretend like I haven’t felt you inside me? All day long, I’m supposed to be near you and curb the desire to touch you?”

  Noah’s smirk does nothing to calm me down, nor does the lick of his lips.

  “All day long,” he drags. “Luckily, the day is nearly over.”

  Noah rises from his chair, and instantly my eyes gravitate toward the crotch of his pants where he’s rock hard. Moving slowly toward me, he leans into my ear, his cock grazing against my arm. “As soon as we’re alone, you’re all mine.”

  I try to control my breathing as I head to my office to find a very excited Eric—the biggest splash of cold water I could’ve asked for.

  “Okay, tell me everything! Blow job, quick ram up the backside?”

  “Eric, Noah and I are professionals. Besides, I’ll take both later. So, you and Public Relations? You sure you’re up for it?”

  “Darling, I can be anyone you want me to be.”

  “Oh, really?” I chuckle.

  “Yes, now back to Noah. How big are we talking?”

  I shake off the laugh, not answering his question and asking him respectfully to leave me alone, so I can make a call to the Paris office. After Eric leaves, I send Charlie a quick text.

  Me: I got Eric in our custody battle? I thought you wanted sole custody.

  Charlie: Nah, he’s too much hard work. I do best co-parenting.

  Noah changes plans for us, telling me to meet him at his place in one hour. I don’t even have time to change or grab my things, knowing he left an hour ago with Lex to attend another meeting. He left a key for me with the receptionist, just in case he’s running late.

  I place the key in the lock and step inside the apartment to be met with all the lights turned off. Before I manage to find the switch, hands move around my waist before turning me around—the familiar scent engulfing me.

  “Noah,” I breathe.

  He doesn’t say a word, lifting my skirt and entering me with a grunt. I gasp in his grip, moving in sync, our lips crashing against each other unable to get enough.

  “You’re such a tease, wearing this skirt, pursing your beautiful lips. How will I punish you for taunting me all day?”

  My arm wraps around his neck, pulling him in, begging to go deeper. “Baby, you can’t punish me. You want me too much.”

  I pull him out, sliding my back against the wall until I’m crouched, and his beautiful cock is in front of me. I take it all in, watching him arch his back until he wraps my hair around his hand and pushes me deeper, exploding inside of me. I move up as he inserts his fingers, my back pressing against the wall until a sudden flush of warmth spreads to every inch of my body, possessing me in a way only Noah can do.

  My breaths are uneven, a rasp in my throat from my deep moans. I grip onto his shoulders to gain my balance and adjust my skirt as Noah cups my face, planting a loving kiss.

  “I have to tell you something,” he says, walking me to the bedroom where he strips my clothes off, leaving me completely naked—kissing my shoulder. “I knew Lex was offering you the position. He spoke to me first and, of course, I thought it was brilliant. He texted me after he spoke to you.”

  “Is that why you were quiet when I called you?”

  “I was afraid you would say no.”

  “I’ll admit I had to think about it, not because I didn’t want to be with you but because I needed to make sure I was strong enough to be the person you need me to be.”

  “And are you?” he asks, inches away from me.

  “With you in my bed every night, I’m Wonder-fucking-Woman.”

  He carries me in his arms, laying me on the bed as we make love all night long to the sounds of the waves crashing against the shoreline.

  Another perfect night in the arms of t
he man I love.

  ***

  I always knew three days would fly by so quickly. Work commitments have me occupied. Luckily, Noah is in on every meeting, so I get to still see him even though it’s on a professional level. Since I haven’t worked with him before, to see him command the room is something else. I have to keep reminding myself to focus and not think about him completely naked buried between my thighs.

  We do, however, have a strong management team. There are a few roles we still need to hire for which Lex left to us, but all in all, I’m pleased with the skillset each person possesses and feel confident about reaching our set targets with global domination insight.

  Our company owns and funds many larger hotel chains across the States, meaning travel is imminent. Our team put together a short-term itinerary, which means both Noah and I will be traveling separately to different places over the next few months. The silver lining to all of this is that although we will spend some days apart, we’ll have more time together than if I stayed in Paris.

  On my last night, we lay in bed all night long, relishing the moment before my early flight.

  “I wish you didn’t have to leave.”

  “It’s not for long,” I remind him while caressing his arm. “I’ll be back in three weeks for good.”

  “I know. But I’m selfish and want you now.”

  “Good things come to those who wait.”

  “Speaking of good things, I was thinking—”

  “It’s never good when you’re thinking,” I interrupt him with a smile playing on my lips. “It can end up with us in a jail cell again or me taking it back door outside on your balcony.”

  “Hmm… dirty mind, Miss Hamilton. I was just thinking about how beautiful you’ll look spread out with your ass ready for me.” His lips find me again, but he pulls away, leaving me breathless. “But that isn’t it. I was thinking, this place isn’t big enough for us. It’s a fair distance from the office, and I don’t want to spend my time on the road when I can be here with you.”

  “You want to move to where?”

  “Us to move.” He looks deep into my eyes. “Something bigger, a room for Jessa when she stays and one for Nash.”

  “Wait, back up. Nash? Has something happened?”

  “Olivia agreed to move to LA. I pitched your idea, and she’s managed to find a local job. You know, she’d love to meet you… her words, not mine.”

  “I… I’d love to meet her, too. I mean, if Nash is going to stay with us some days, I guess I need to get to know her, right?”

  “I’d love for you to but no pressure.”

  “I’ve just never been around kids much, aside from Charlie’s.”

  “One day at a time. We’re still trying to put together a schedule, and I want you to be part of this.”

  I pull the sheet over me, my chest hitching as the room begins to heat up. “Noah, I… this is a lot, okay? I’ve never had to factor kids in, ever.”

  “I know it’s a lot. But we’re together now, and soon you’ll be my wife so…”

  “Um… hold up. Your wife?”

  “Where did you think our relationship would lead?”

  “I don’t know… I didn’t think about marriage,” I sputter, momentarily beyond words, while trying to digest this all. “I just thought about us being together, and that’s it.”

  “Okay, well, here’s the thing. I’m in love with you, and I refuse to let you go again. I want a future with you. I want to call you my wife, one day, apparently the day you stop freaking out over it…”

  I smack a pillow in his face. The overwhelming feeling fades, and the realization of his pure intentions bring a welcoming smile. “You’ve just caught me by surprise. And besides, as if I could ever say no to you.”

  Noah angles his head, brushing his lips against my mouth in a soft kiss. “I’m charming. It’s one of the only things I have going for me.”

  “Uh-uh. That’s not true. You also have beautiful lips and nice hair.” My hand wanders between his legs where he is rock hard. “And the most perfect cock in the world.”

  “Hmm,” he moans. “According to Eric, it’s supposed to be Orlando Bloom.”

  I climb on top of him, sliding myself on. “You’ve got five hours left to show me just how perfect it is.”

  “Oh, baby,” Noah groans, bucking his hips. “Get ready.”

  Like he has always done, Noah makes me forget that the entire world exists, and the only thing on my mind is him.

  Saying goodbye is hard but knowing I’ll be back forever, changes my outlook. We agree to go house hunting upon my return, our first step to cementing our relationship. Although Noah makes it known that he has little patience for architecture, if I brought up the words ‘meticulous craftsmanship’ or ‘wainscotting,’ he said he’d swap him out for Eric.

  A typical male and lucky for him, I love architecture and design. So does Eric.

  I decide to keep my apartment in Paris, renting it out to someone who works at Lexed. In ways, it feels like I’m giving up everything I’ve ever known, but I welcome this new journey because it’s time to live my happily ever after.

  I even connected with Olivia on Facebook. She’s actually pretty easy-going, and one day, she calls me to chat. I can see why Noah is more relaxed with her. Olivia is very rational and wants to get together when I come home. She also asks about how comfortable I will be in Nash’s life. Given that I haven’t met him, I don’t know exactly how to respond, but I suggest we talk more when I get back.

  As for Morgan, Noah says she won’t be easy. It isn’t about another woman being in Noah’s life.

  It’s me.

  The woman who she believes has always owned Noah’s heart.

  I know this will be a battle, and one I have no idea how to conquer. So, for now, unlike Olivia, who welcomes me into her son’s life with open arms, I’m yet to have any communication with Morgan Bentley.

  The biggest hurdle is yet to come—meet face to face with the woman who hates me most of all.

  A scorned ex-wife who holds her cards close to her chest, ready to strike at any moment.

  But before I embark on what’ll be my greatest journey yet, I have to say goodbye to one of my greatest loves—Paris.

  Standing on my balcony as I’ve done many times before, I take it all in from every angle possible. The cool air and soft breeze rustle with the leaves falling on the sidewalk. Warm, earth-tone colors replace the blossoming flowers with the hint of winter upon us.

  This city—romantic, magical, in a league of its own—will always be my first true love.

  I’ve rediscovered who I am and have allowed myself to explore things outside of my normally controlled comfort zone. I’ve been bold with my choices, yet disciplined when faced with challenges. And I’ve learned that the most cherished memories you’ll ever make are with the person you love.

  Paris taught me how to fall in love.

  With a place, my best friend, and most importantly, myself.

  “Au revoir mon amour,” I whisper in the autumn night. “Until next time.”

  KATE

  Noah loves his toys.

  When I say toys, I mean his Lexus.

  His other baby.

  “Listen, I’m not a car enthusiast like yourself, but when are too many cars too many cars?”

  Noah keeps his eyes on the road, shifting gears as he drives up the steep street.

  “You can never have enough.”

  “But explain to me again why you want to look at the house with the four garages when you only have one car?”

  “Correction… I have a motorcycle, too.”

  “Okay, so that’s two.”

  “And there are the boat and jet ski...” he trails off.

  “You have a boat and a jet ski? What else have you been hiding?”

  The corners of his mouth lift. “Nothing yet. But I do love water sports.”

  “Well, I’m English, so our water sports consist of watching crazy-minded people
swim the English Channel. I also should sort out my own car soon. Care to go shopping for me because I couldn’t think of anything worse.”

  “A mini-van? Because you know, once we actually have kids, you’ll have to cart them around to soccer games. Living the mom life.”

  I keep my smile fixed. Noah enjoys pushing my buttons just to goad me. That much is evident when I see him side-eye me with an annoying smirk on his face.

  “You know, maybe, I hear soccer moms get bored with their workaholic husbands. Always away at the office. Before you know it, I’ll be binge-reading romance novels when the kids are at school waiting for the plumber to arrive,” I tease, watching his face fall. “Oh, wait, or is that a carpenter? I can never remember who wears the short shorts with the tanned-colored work boots.”

  “Okay, jokes over. I like you in the office where I can keep my eye on you.”

  I lean back in the seat with a satisfied smile and admire the large houses we drive past.

  I’ve only been here for a few days when Charlie springs on me a place not too far from hers which just came on the market. They are motivated sellers, something about a nasty divorce and a wandering pussy. Charlie’s words—not mine.

  Noah agrees, but the only time we can fit it in is today during lunch. It should’ve been a quick trip if Noah didn’t insist on taking a detour because he claims he’s suffering blue balls.

  Despite my arguing that not only did we have sex for four straight hours last night, we also snuck in some anal in the shower this morning. He continues to amaze me with his stamina, something I thought I could keep up with but clearly, I’m drained. Adjusting to the time zone becomes more problematic than I thought, my body still on Parisian time. Nevertheless, he got the blow he desperately craved on some abandoned street near a hiking trail.

  Noah pulls up to the house as we hop out of the car and greet the realtor.

  The house is privately gated, English Tudor nestled within the historic Santa Monica mountains. It has six bedrooms, five baths, large living areas, plus a gourmet kitchen. Noah holds my hand as we walk through, and I bite my tongue to stop myself from commenting on the wainscoting.