by Lily Harlem
“That’s good.” She hesitated. “Are you sure you don’t want company?”
“I am sure.” He stepped up to her and tucked a lock of her hair behind her ear. “But thank you for offering.” He brushed his lips over hers, then turned. “I will see you all later. Adiós.”
Raul left the apartment with the twins.
Olivia looked at Harry. He was tapping his fingers on the arm of the sofa he’d slumped down on. “Are you coming with Evan and me?”
“No.” He shook his head. “I’m not in the mood?”
His words surprised her. It wasn’t like Harry to not be up for something. Sure he could be intense, bossy too, but he wasn’t usually surly or negative. “Not in the mood for wandering around this amazing city?” she asked.
“I’ve been here before, lots of times.” He sighed. “I love it, yeah, course I do. But I have to brace for being recognized, and having shots taken of me for gossip mags, and right now, with Temptress gone, I’m not ready for the questions. The official press release from Riley was enough for them to be going on with.”
“That’s okay.” She sat next to him and took his hand again. “I totally get that. Evan and I will be able to wander around the sights unnoticed, you won’t.” She leaned closer and whispered, “And if I’m lucky, despite his fear of heights, I’ll get him up the Empire State Building. I’ve always wanted to do that.”
“If anyone can get him up there, you can.” He drew her hand to his mouth. “Thanks for understanding.”
“I do.”
He closed his eyes as he kissed her knuckles. He was so damn handsome she could hardly believe she was allowed to touch him, kiss him, hold him, whenever she wanted to.
The same as all the guys.
Is that just a bit too weird?
The same feeling she’d had earlier came back. She really did have five boyfriends. What would reporters and journalists make of seeing her with Harry and then with Evan? Or if a picture was taken of her with one of the other guys when she was linked to Harry? The headlines would state she was a cheat, a floozy, a woman stringing blokes along for the fun of it.
And that’s not how it is.
Another worry suddenly came to her. She hoped Harry wasn’t embarrassed of having his picture in magazines and on social media with her. She wasn’t his usual leggy, big-breasted, pouty type. That was a long way from her petite, natural image.
‘I hate the assumption the public always make about the type of women I like.’
His words on the island came back to her. The last thing Olivia wanted was to be one of the assuming public. He’d said those women were either friends of friends or actresses wanting to be seen with him. It hadn’t been a vain statement on his behalf, simply a fact. As a billionaire’s heir, and a hot one at that, he was an eligible bachelor and the American public loved to know the details of his life.
“Hey, Liv, don’t look so worried,” he said, frowning. “It’s all good. I promised to speak to my mother anyway. She’s a worrier, it won’t be a short call.”
“Okay, if you’re sure.”
“Of course I’m sure.” He tugged her hand and drew her closer. “Have fun with Evan, but don’t be too late back. It’s a big day tomorrow.” He set his mouth over hers, dipping his tongue in just a fraction.
She sighed and leaned into him. Would she ever get enough of Harry’s particular brand of kissing?
Eventually she pulled back, her emotions having calmed. “We won’t be late.”
“Nah, back for dinner.” Evan took her hand from Harry’s and tugged her standing. “Come on, babe. Let’s go take on this city.”
She was aware of Harry watching her as she headed to the door, and her ass cheeks heated. She was sure that’s what he was looking at. And in a short denim skirt, she knew he’d be having dirty thoughts about her butt.
Not that she was complaining. Harry’s dirty thoughts were something that fascinated her more and more.
“So where shall we go?” Evan asked as they rode the private elevator down to the lobby.
“I’m afraid to say,” she said, plucking a Chapstick from her pocket.
“Not like you.” He watched her roll the balm over her lips. “To not say something.”
“What does that mean?”
The elevator doors opened and they stepped out.
He chuckled. “You usually just come out and say what you’re thinking, it’s one of the things I love about you.”
“Love?” She stopped and turned to him. The huge lobby was silent and cool and suddenly felt vacuous. The ‘L’ word seemed to echo around the walls and up to the high ceiling.
“I…er…” He glanced outside at the busy sidewalk. “Sorry.”
“For what?” She took his hand. “Evan.”
“It’s too soon, isn’t it?” He paused and looked down at where she held his fingers. “I can tell.”
“To talk about love?”
“Yeah.” He swallowed, his Adam’s apple dipping low. Still he didn’t look at her.
She leaned in close and set her mouth by his ear. “We made love on Elysium. Remember? Remember how good we were together?”
“Yes.” He slipped his hand around her waist and pulled her closer. “It was incredible. You stole my heart that day.”
“And you mine.” How could she not love Evan? He was brave, valiant, he’d saved her life, he made her feel safe and happy. Everything about him turned her on. Throw in his handsome surfer dude image and his passion for the planet and nature, and she couldn’t imagine not having him in her life.
“I did?” He finally looked her in the eye. “Steal your heart, that is?”
“You know you did.” She pressed her other hand to his chest. “You must have felt it here too.”
He nodded. “Yeah. And I’m not gonna lie, I’m kind of pleased to have you to myself right now. Much as I like all the guys, being alone with you is special.”
“I feel the same about being with you.” She touched her lips to his. “So will you come with me, to the top of the Empire State Building?” She kissed him again, and again, small peppered kisses that stopped him from saying no.
He held her at arm’s length and laughed. “You’re a devious woman, you know that?”
“What, me?” She raised her eyebrows.
“Yeah, you know I hate heights.”
“Aw, I’ll hold your hand. You won’t be scared with me. I promise.”
“I don’t think you can promise that.” He shook his head and slung his arm over her shoulder in the casual way he often did. “But for you… I’ll give it a go.”
“Great!” She grinned. “It’s something I’ve always wanted to do, so romantic.”
“Is it?”
“Yes.” She tugged him toward the door. “Come on, Evan, how about practicing being romantic.”
“Hey, I gave you a flower on the island. A rare orchid.”
“Yes, you did. Thank you.” She smiled at the memory. The waterfalls they’d found were special, she’d never forget them. Making love next to them had been even more special and memorable.
They headed onto the sidewalk, but rather than taking a cab, crossed and made their way into Central Park. The sun was shining and they wandered hand in hand, enjoying seeing New Yorkers going about their business—lounging on picnic blankets, children playing in the ball parks, and dog walkers chatting. After passing a shimmering lake, several statues, and crossing a small bridge, they hit Fifth Avenue. Here it was much busier. They had to concentrate to walk amongst the flow of pedestrians and the sounds and fumes from the traffic were overwhelming.
“I’m craving the island,” Evan said.
“Yes, this is claustrophobic.” Not to mention hot and airless. She thought of the ocean, the endless blue of the sea and the sky, the breeze on her skin, and like Evan, craved to be somewhere else. “But it’s not far. Let’s get our heads down and forge forward.”
“Good plan.”
After what felt like
a mammoth walk in the heat, they arrived at the entrance to the Empire State Building. Olivia’s heart sagged when she saw the long, winding queue. Much as she’d always wanted to go to the top of the iconic building, the thought of standing in line for a few hours was enough to put her off.
“What do you want to do?” Evan asked, as if reading her thoughts.
“Bugger.” She placed her hands on her hips and frowned. “We should have come first thing this morning and missed the crowds.”
“Excuse me, sir, madam, are you Mr Tate and Ms Bailey?” A tall, slim man in a burgundy suit with gold lapels and a smart peaked cap stood before them.
“Er, yeah, that’s us,” Evan said.
He smiled. “Good, in that case, come this way?”
“But… why?” Olivia asked.
“Mr Vidal rang ahead and told us to expect you. I’ve organized a private viewing room.”
“You have?”
“Yes. One Dante Vidal uses for meetings—he’s a long-standing friend of the Empire State Building.”
“Oh.” Olivia looked at Evan and grinned. “Sounds great, don’t you think?”
“Yeah. I guess it pays off when one of your best mates can pull strings.”
Olivia’s chest squeezed. Harry was so thoughtful. This was her and Evan’s time, but still he’d gone out of his way to make it special. She also liked that Evan had referred to him as a best mate. He and Harry argued from time to time—both being headstrong and dominant did that to a relationship. But it seemed as if they were coping with that dynamic and not letting it ruin their ‘mate’ status.
They followed the member of staff past the long queue who looked on enviously as Olivia and Evan were led through a separate entrance.
Cool air conditioning wrapped around her and she inhaled deep.
“This way.” The member of staff smiled and gestured forward. “We’ll use the private elevator.”
“This is so exciting.” Olivia grinned as they walked over a huge tiled art deco lobby. The polished golden murals were stunning and she slowed to admire the detail.
“You like it?” Evan asked.
“It’s incredible.”
He smiled and slipped his hand around her waist. “Now I’m glad you persuaded me to come here.”
“We’re not at the top yet.”
“Oh yeah, there’s still that.”
They continued on their way to the elevator. Once inside and riding upward, Olivia found that her ears popped so she swallowed to get rid of the sensation.
“Here we are, the private level. You’ll get great uninterrupted views.” The member of staff indicated for them to leave the elevator.
Stepping out, Olivia gasped. Huge windows lined a large room that was set with tables as if for meetings and working lunches. Ignoring everything but the view, she headed for a door that was ajar and led to a railing-lined balcony. “Come on.”
She sensed Evan hesitate.
“Evan.” She reached for his hand and tugged. “It’s all good. And you’re here now.”
“I guess.” He didn’t look convinced.
“Ah, come on.” Still she pulled.
It was strange to see tall, brave Evan unsure of something. She’d seen him water-ski behind the yacht, leap into the centre of a pod of wild dolphins, hack his way through forests that held unknown creatures, yet here, at the top of one of the most visited tourist attractions in the world, he was thrown off kilter.
She tipped her head and studied his blue eyes. A lock of his curling blond hair had fallen over the right one.
Then suddenly, as if he’d sensed what she was thinking, he found his courage. “Come on then, babe, let’s do this.” He grinned, flashing his neat white teeth.
“Absolutely.”
They went outside. Instantly the strong breeze whipped Olivia’s hair over her cheek and she snatched it back into a ponytail. “Wow, this is amazing.”
Before her, downtown Manhattan sprawled, the buildings a medley of shapes, heights and colors. On the sidewalk below people were the size of ants, cars were miniscule and the criss-cross of the roads made perfect sense in the geography of the city.
She walked to her right, still holding Evan’s hand. “Look, over there. It’s the Statue of Liberty.”
“Oh yeah.”
So many times she’d seen the image on pictures and movies, but now, albeit in the distance, there was something magical about it. A tingling feeling went over her. She really was here.
Evan slipped behind her, wrapping his arms around her waist. “Is it what you’d hoped?” he asked against her ear as he pulled her back to his chest.
“Yes, it’s incredible, don’t you think?”
“I do, but mainly because I’m here with you.”
She chuckled. “I see you’re trying your hand at romance. Not bad for an Aussie.”
Chapter Three
“Are you complaining?” Evan asked. “About me being romantic.”
“Not at all. Though I’m not usually a hearts and flowers type of girl, more oil, grease and sails.”
“Which makes you my type of girl.” He kissed her temple and held her a little closer. “Never went for those who were into hair and makeup and had a drama every ten minutes.”
Olivia tore her attention from the view and spun in his embrace. She slipped her arms around his waist and pressed up against him. “So don’t hate me for this little drama then.”
“I could never hate you.” He frowned. “And what drama?”
The words she wanted to say had stacked up on her tongue. Evan was special, she knew that. And although he had a tough exterior he had a sensitive side and she felt so close to him. “On Elysium,” she said. “Mason, he… said that…”
“What?”
“He said that you’d all spoken about me.” She paused. “That you understood I liked each of you… as more than friends.”
“Yeah, we get how it is for you.”
“But that was there, on the island, and I don’t know if…”
“If it’s still the same now we’re back in the real world?”
She nodded.
“We had sex on the island, babe, it was special, for me at least.” He tucked her hair behind her ears to stop it flicking around.
“It was special for me too, Evan. Very special.”
“I’m glad.” He smiled. “And I’m guessing whatever fun you had with Harry and Raul was special too.”
She swallowed and nodded. “It was.”
“And I’m cool with that. We all are.” He paused. “It’s unusual yes, but we’re a team. You’re the female in the team and we all adore you, we all want you to be happy. What would be the point in fighting over you, bickering about who you were with? That would make all of us unhappy, most of all you, and that’s the last thing we want.” He stooped and brushed his lips over hers. “We want you to be happy, content and satisfied. You’re our woman, Olivia.” He paused. “We’ll do anything for you, even though we know you’re perfectly capable of looking after yourself.”
Olivia felt as though her heart would swell with happiness. Evan had put all her fears to rest. It really was the same here as it had been on the island. She did have five hunky men to call her own. As Evan said, it was unusual, but it made perfect sense, not least because they were embarking on their next challenge, and who knew what it would bring.
“Thank you,” she said. “I’d been worrying.”
“Don’t worry.” He ran his hand down her back and cupped her buttocks over her short skirt. “It’s all cool.”
“I’m glad.”
He dipped his head and kissed her, poking his tongue into her mouth and finding hers.
She sighed and sagged against him, enjoying the feel of his lean strong body in line with hers. Evan had a unique fresh flavor. It was as if the outdoors had penetrated his skin. He’d spent so much time at sea and on walkabout she wouldn’t be surprised if it had.
He deepened the kiss, slanting his head
and running one hand upward to fill his palm with her hair. He held the base of her skull and groaned as he squeezed closer.
Thoughts of the glorious view, and of bustling New York City beneath them left her mind. Evan filled her thoughts the way he had by the waterfall.
“God, I want you,” he murmured kissing over her cheek to her neck.
“So have me.”
He slipped his hand to her chest and cupped her breast over her top.
Heat spread through her body and her stomach muscles tightened. Could they? Here?
“You make me so hard,” he murmured, pressing his groin against her belly.
“Mmm, I can tell.” She smiled and held her face to the sunshine, fluttered her eyes closed so he could explore the patch of skin below her jaw with his lips.
“I want to be inside you again. Feel you, taste you.” He tweaked her nipple through her clothing.
“Oh, Evan.” Her internal muscles clenched and she was sure her panties would be a little damp. “Yes. More.”
“Excuse me, sir, madam.”
A deep voice to her right penetrated Olivia’s lusty thoughts.
Evan pulled back and released her breast but kept hold of her ass with one hand.
The member of staff who’d shown them up, stood holding the handle of the door that led back into the meeting room. “I’m afraid this area is about to be used. I need to ask you to leave.”
“Er, yes, of course,” Olivia said.
“Damn, just when I was starting to enjoy heights,” Evan muttered, releasing her left buttock and taking her hand
As Evan led her back indoors, disappointment spun inside Olivia. But would she really have gotten down and dirty with him up here? Where would they have done it? On the meeting table Dante Vidal no doubt used when he was in town? On the hard floor? Perhaps up beside the railings where all could see?
A tangle of frustration wound inside her for the second time that day.
“It would’ve been okay,” Evan said as they stepped into the elevator.
“What do you mean?” she asked, glancing at the member of staff who was standing by the control panel.