***
The strong smell of coffee beans washed over her as she entered the coffee shop. The place was packed with people of all ages, shapes, and sizes. She found Philip quickly. He stood up and motioned for her to join him. His blue eyes were electrifying; the joy on his face was warm and welcoming.
"Hey. Don't you look like a sight for sore eyes?" He winked and pointed to the table in front of him. Three small chocolate donuts sat on a large white napkin.
She laughed and dropped her purse in the seat, picking one up and taking a bite before responding. He watched her closely. His attraction to her was nothing to guess about—he made it obvious—but not in an overbearing sense like Damon had. She was a person, not an object, so why was she so smitten with the idea of belonging to Damon?
"You look good." She nodded, reaching to catch a crumb that rolled down her chin.
"You look better. Go get you a coffee, and come tell me about the drama you've been dealing with. I want a full report." He winked again.
Bethany turned, a smile playing on her lips. Philip would be good for her—safe, but there wasn't any chance. Her heart contracted painfully at the thought of Damon. Her lust roared to life at the mere whisper of him being close, at the possibility of tasting his lips or feeling his hands on her. Their night of passion hadn't come close to all of the things she needed to do with him.
"Crazy ... fucking crazy," she whispered to herself as she approached the counter.
The teenage boy taking orders chuckled. "Am I crazy or are you?"
"Hmm? Oh me, for sure. I'll take a double espresso with milk and sugar."
He took her order as she moved toward Philip, the handsome guy finishing one of the donuts and licking at his fingers.
"How long do I have you?" His eyebrow lifted as he sat back, picking up his drink and taking a tentative sip.
"I have about an hour. I need to pack and get ready for a trip."
"Where are you going?" He pointed to the seat. "Take a load off. They'll call your name."
Bethany looked over her shoulder at the counter for a minute before dropping her purse on the floor and sitting down.
"Seattle. Mr. Bryant wants me there for an audit the location is going through."
"Damon?"
"No, Kent."
"Oh good. So how did they take the news about Sadie?"
"I didn't tell them. I don't know why I didn't, I just hurried home and got lost in the problem. I spent the evening with my brother and just totally let the fact that I needed to call them slide." She broke the last donut in half, sitting back to take her time enjoying her portion.
"That's not good. Damon doesn't seem like the kind of guy who’s okay with having news sprung on him."
"Yep. He was rightly pissed. We had a big fight."
"Are you guys a couple? I mean, you don't have to say anything if you don't want to."
"Yes. We were. Not sure what we are now. It was ugly."
"My fault?" Philip leaned forward, pressing his elbows to the table.
"Not really. More my fault for not being clear with him about Sadie. I think you were just the cherry on the sundae."
"How so?"
"He thinks we're seeing each other behind his back." She popped the last of the donut in her mouth and stood as her name was called. She thanked the barista and walked back to the table. A quick sip of her drink burned her tongue. Curses slipped from her mouth.
"Did you tell him that we're not?"
"Yes, but he didn't hear me. I think I did." She took the top off of her drink and blew at the hot liquid, steam rolling off the top.
"Is there a chance that we might start anytime in the future?"
She smirked at his confidence. His voice was beautifully different, his features so handsome. Yet he wasn't a playboy. He didn't feel the need to lord over her sexually and make her crazy. Was he an option?
"No. As much as I wish it were a possibility, I'm crazy about Damon. I hate that I am. He sure as hell doesn't deserve it, but I am nevertheless. I want to break into the core of his heart and steal his breath like he steals mine." She set her coffee down, closing her eyes for a moment to stop the flood of emotion headed her way.
"If anyone can reach him, I bet it would be you."
She looked up as the tears rolled over onto her cheeks. Philip offered her a napkin, laughing as he shook the donut crumbs from it first.
"I think it's over between us. He's damaged goods, and I'm pretty close to it. He plays games with me and really every woman that he's with, from what I hear."
"Most guys that are hurt do. It's a way to test the girl and save yourself another heartbreak." Philip shrugged, breathing in deeply as he watched her closely.
"I don't know how to pass these tests."
"Sure you do. Just push and remain agile when he pushes back. Meet him in the middle and show him what he's up against. He doesn't want you to break, Beth. He wants to see how far you'll bend with him. It's natural."
"Why are we having this conversation?"
"Because I was honest when I said I wanted a friendship if nothing else." Philip laughed and nodded toward the pastry counter. "More donuts?"
"Yeah, I think we need them." She smiled as he got up. Her phone buzzed. Her mother letting her know that Kent had called and wanted to talk.
"Great ..."
Chapter 22
The conversation the night before had gone much better than she imagined it might. Where Damon had been accusatory, Kent was understanding and willing to give her the benefit of the doubt. How Damon had turned out to be so different from his father would be a mystery if she hadn't had a heart-to-heart with Matt.
She finished packing her things, the house quiet. Not having heard from Damon, Bethany walked to her small dresser and picked up her phone, growling softly. She would have to get in touch with him to see when the flight was, if nothing else. She dialed his number, her stomach flipping in circles and pushing against her chest.
The phone rang three times before he picked up. She almost assumed he was asleep or just unwilling to talk to her.
"Bethany." It wasn't a question of who was calling, but a declaration that he was all business with her.
"I need to know what time to be at the airport today."
"Change of heart?" His voice was deadpan, the lack of any emotion toward her stabbed hard at her. She let out a soft, shaky sigh.
"Yes. I spoke with Kent last night. We both feel it's a good thing that I continue with the firm."
"I agree. I'll be there in an hour to pick you up. Be ready. I don't like being late."
The phone went dead. Bethany pulled it from her face and growled. He was back to being an ass. Memories flooded her, one in particular: Damon had almost looked shocked the day before as he stood at the door, his face a mixture of emotions.
"You love me?"
Did he not think himself worthy of receiving love, or had it just scared the hell out of him? Was he willing to love her back, or was that proof that he was too self-absorbed to consider such a fallacy as love? She didn't know, and part of her didn't care. Emotions flying all over the place left her confused and feeling out of place in the middle of the large mansion, in the middle of this new life.
She focused on packing for the next bit and dressed in a comfortable but business-appropriate cream-colored dress. Damon would most likely be dressed to impress. Looking like a has-been next to him wasn't going to fly. Bethany dropped her small suitcase in front of the door before walking to the kitchen in search of food. She ran her fingers through her long chestnut locks, wanting him to notice how she had worked on her appearance to touch on the things he liked best about her.
The sound of the front door opening had her heart stilling in her chest. She reached up and brushed her fingers over her upper lip, a shaky breath lifting from her. Everything was fine. They were going on a business trip. He would treat her like an associate, and she would treat him like her insanely hot boss. She looked over her shou
lder as her stomach tightened. No matter how much she wanted to hate him, she couldn't bring herself to do it.
His blue slacks hugged his thin waist. The white polo shirt that slipped in just above his belt brought out the tanned creaminess of his skin, the darkness of his gaze. He reached up and ran his fingers through his hair, his eyes never leaving her face.
"You ready?"
"Yes. Just hungry."
"We'll grab a coffee at the airport. Let's go." He turned and walked from the room as Bethany reached out and touched her hand to the counter. She needed something to ground her, to pull her back into reality. Should she apologize? It seemed trite, and honestly, he was as much at fault as she was for what happened between them the day before.
She grabbed a water bottle from the refrigerator and walked into the hall in time to see him pick up her suitcase.
"I can get it."
He looked over his shoulder and chuckled, the sound not joyous at all. "I have it."
She shrugged as he walked out the front door, her eyes moving to the perfect curve of his ass. Remembrance flooded her. Watching him undress in the open door of his closet, his body the most beautiful she had ever seen. How badly she needed to connect with him physically even if they were miles apart emotionally.
Bethany walked to her side of the car, breathing in deeply as she passed him. He looked up and turned his head toward her as if questioning her actions. She chuckled and got in the car, rolling her eyes at herself when alone. Was she really going to use their physical attraction to heal whatever happened between them?
Yes.
Even if it didn't assist in creating a long-term relationship and fostering love. The sensually delicious man getting into the seat beside her was every painfully good fantasy she had ever had. If he was slipping away, she wanted to create a few more memories before he was gone.
Was she acting bipolar? Yes.
Did she care? Fuck no.
Damon got into the car and closed the door, started the car and pulled out without so much as a grunt toward her. She reached up and turned on the air conditioner before settling back. If he thought the silence between them was going to cause her to choke up an apology, he was wrong. She would surely give up eventually, but she wasn't near that breaking point just yet.
***
The drive to the airport should have been uncomfortable, but it wasn't. Sitting in silence and simply listening to the sound of him breathing had almost offered relief. She was lost to him, and no matter what stupidity she threw at him about the two of them being done , they weren’t. She couldn’t allow it. Her fingers ran along her thigh, her eyes closed as she contemplated reaching over and touching him.
His breathing pattern shifted slightly. Looking over at him subtly, she wished for a different situation altogether. Would it still contain explosive attraction if their relationship wasn't so taboo?
"What are you thinking?" He glanced over at her, the deep timbre of his voice sliding between her thighs and stroking. She bit her lip and shook her head.
"I don't want to say."
"Embarrassed?"
"By my thoughts, yes. By my actions yesterday, no."
He chuckled, the smile lifting the side of his mouth, lickable. He pulled up to the front of the airport and nodded toward her. "I'll get the bags; just wait inside."
She got out, grabbing her purse and walking toward the door. She glanced over her shoulder as Damon worked to get the bags out of the trunk. His eyes averted to her, dragging down the back of her as he breathed in deeply.
Good. His thoughts weren't far from her.
It wasn't but a few minutes later that they were checked in and headed through security, which was a pain as always. However, sitting in first class gave them a chance to arrive just before the plane took off, Damon having called in that they would be there just in time. She moved in front of him as they walked toward the opening of the airplane, his fingers brushing along her lower back as he moved up beside her.
"Are you embarrassed?" she whispered, looking over at him.
"Never. I say what I mean. Do what I want."
"That so?"
"I'm interested to hear your story about how I got everything wrong with Philip, as I'm sure you're going to work to save his ass, but I was in the right."
She reached over and pressed her palm to the top of his slacks, dragging her hand over the curve at the front of his pants, her thumb brushing over him and flicking softly. His breath caught as he reached for her hand. She moved it before he could move it for her.
Damon shifted her in front of him as they walked on the plane, the look on his gorgeous face a warning. They weren't on good terms. He hadn't relented yet, and it would seem that until he did, she was going to cave to his demands. He slid his hand around her waist and pulled her flush against him, the thickness of his center pressed against her. She stifled a groan. A quick glance over her shoulder to see him left her breathless, her body reacting violently to him.
"You didn't sleep with Philip, did you? I'd hate to kill the boy."
She pressed back against him, her hand extending behind her to run her fingers along the side of his thigh.
"No. There is nothing with Philip."
"Why is that, Beth?"
She turned and faced him, her hand coming to rest on his chest. "Because I want to belong to you. Simple, really."
"Find your seats, please." The chirpy voice of the flight attendant tried to interrupt the moment, but Damon reached out and held her to him as if they were beyond time and space, interruption and annoyance.
"Then earn that spot."
He nodded to their seats just behind them, motioning for her to sit down. The flight attendant sighed loudly, and Damon turned to her before taking his seat.
"Did you need to get something off your chest, ma'am?" he asked the woman.
Her cheeks burned as she seemed to lose her thoughts. "Um, no. It's nothing."
"Good," he responded and turned back to Bethany.
Bethany buckled her seatbelt, the leather chairs large and much more comfortable than anything she had experienced on a plane before. Damon sat down in the seat next to her and buckled his seatbelt as well. He leaned his head back, closing his eyes and letting out a long sigh. Reaching over to take his hand, Bethany slid her fingers into his and pulled their entwined hands into her lap. He rubbed his thumb over hers but kept his eyes closed and his demeanor serious.
"I'm sorry about overreacting yesterday." She hated that she was apologizing, but sitting next to him, staring at him, left her no choice. Her heart begged for reconciliation, her body for the long hard fuck she planned to get while in Seattle.
"Me too. I had evidence to justify my actions, but perhaps there is sometimes another side to the story." He glanced over at her. His dark eyes held her captive. A million questions seemed to rush across his face as she reached over and brushed her fingers over his lips.
"I'm not a cheater, but ... we're not together."
He reached up and took her hand, pressing his nose to the palm of it and kissing softly. His actions resurrected the feeling of his mouth on her, the passion on his face as he drank her pleasure over and over again. She whimpered softly, Damon's eyes adverting to her face.
"I don't date, Bethany. My body you can have. My heart isn't for sale. If that leaves us bankrupt, then it is what it is." He pressed his teeth against the thick part of her palm, tugging softly before licking at the same spot. Damon turned, his hand sliding into her hair as he pulled her toward him. Bethany closed her eyes, her mouth open and waiting for the warmth of his tongue. His kiss was angry and filled with the mixed emotions of spouting about not wanting love and yet desperate for it like the rest of humanity.
She breathed him in, her hand sliding along his as she mumbled “Mmhmm” against his mouth. He tightened his grip on her hair, his tongue rolling along hers. The sensuality of his motions left her dizzy, the ache in her chest only outdone by the one in her lower stomach. He b
roke the kiss, rubbing his nose along hers as he glared at her.
"Delicious ..." he whispered, closing his eyes and kissing her again. Every nerve ending came to life, hot desire sliding down from their kiss to touch every part of her. Needy and emotionally strained from the day before, it wouldn't take much for him to have her naked, wet and panting hard.
She broke the kiss, sliding her fingers over his lips to keep him from moving back in. Her eyes widened as his other hand slid up her thigh, his thumb brushing by the front of her panties.
"I can smell you. Divine." He growled softly, moving to pull her fingers into his mouth. He sucked them, his eyes locked on hers. She pulled her fingers from him, a soft growl leaving her. "I need to taste you again. So perfect, Beth. Most delicious thing I've ever had drench my tongue."
She moved from him and laid her head back, his fingers slipping under her panties and dipping into the mess he had made as she groaned softly.
Chapter 23
He released her from his hold. Bethany looked over at him as the flight attendant approached.
"Something to drink for the two of you?" The thin blonde smiled down at Damon, her hand pressed to his seat in front of him. The smile on the older woman's face was anything but professional. Beth sat up, her eyebrow lifting.
"I'll have a Jack and Coke." He glanced to Bethany. "Baby, what do you want? Get something strong. I want you pliable for later."
It took a moment for Beth to find her words. The flight attendant moved her hand from on top of the seat, Damon's words showing quickly that he was a taken man.
"Bloody Mary, please."
The woman nodded, her sensual smile falling as she walked away. Damon turned, his eyes rolling over Bethany. "Nothing happened with Philip?"
"Nothing. He wants a relationship. I told him no. He knows I have feelings for you."
"What are those feelings, Beth?" Damon ran his palm over his crotch before adjusting himself.
"I'll let you know when I figure that out myself." She leaned back and crossed her legs. Another pair of panties would be hitting the trash thanks to the sexy man beside her. He reached over and stretched his hand across her thigh, moving up to the middle of her leg and resting there.
Mister Big Stuff: A Single Mom Friends to Lovers Novel Page 38