by Lucy Darling
Stalking his Claim
Lucy Darling
“There are friends, there is family, and then there are friends that become family.” -Unknown
Contents
Summary
Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Chapter 3
Chapter 4
Chapter 5
Chapter 6
Chapter 7
Chapter 8
Chapter 9
Chapter 10
Chapter 11
Chapter 12
Chapter 13
Chapter 14
Chapter 15
Chapter 16
Chapter 17
Chapter 18
Chapter 19
Chapter 20
Chapter 21
Chapter 22
Epilogue
CONNECT WITH ME!
Also by Lucy Darling
Love on the Line
Chapter 1
Summary
He’s always taken care of me. Watched over me. Protected me. Though he’s older than me, I’ve always seen him as someone I can relate to on every level. He still sees me as a little girl, so I tell myself I have to let him go. Then the world comes crashing down on me. And where do I run? Right into his open arms. Now that I’m grown up, I want him to see me as more than the little girl he used to dote on. I want him to see me as the woman who loves him with every breath I take.
She’s always had a place in my heart. When she was little, I loved spoiling her. As she got older, I was happy to be a shoulder for her to lean on. And when she was all grown up? That’s when I realized I needed distance, that I couldn’t trust myself around her. She’s too young, too innocent, too everything-I’m-not. That doesn’t stop me from keeping tabs on her, though. Watching her every move from afar. Until one day she comes running, and I finally let myself hope for more. But can she love the man who’s kept her at arm’s length the past few years? Or will she run again when she finds out all I’ve done to make her mine.
1
Reed
“Is she home?” I ask Robert, my PA, as he walks into my office. I could check her location but that always makes me feel like a stalker. As if asking Robert is really any different. I don’t feel the least bit bad that I’m always checking up on her. She had come here to stay safe. And that’s exactly what I plan on keeping her.
“How about I tell you when she doesn't arrive home? That might be easier.” Tinsley’s appearance was like clockwork. I knew her schedule in and out and she always kept to it. She went to classes and back home. Oftentimes she stops at the bakery on the corner or drops into the library but not for long. She wasn't one to linger when she was outside of our place. She got what she needed then came right back home. I both love and hate this.
“Do I not pay you enough to answer my redundant questions?”
“She’s fine. At home in the kitchen eating a lemon muffin.” He comes to a stop next to my desk. “You’ll never believe what she’s doing now.” I know he’s mocking me. “She’s reading.”
“Are you done?” I ask, tired of his shit already.
“As soon as you sign these.” He drops the contracts down for my newest investment.
“I was going to ask why you’re buying a bath bombs company but I think I know why.” I sign the last of the contracts, pushing them back toward him. Tinsley has a fascination with bath bombs. She uses them every night in her bath. I never knew there were so many different smells and colors. Let’s not forget the time she did the gold glitter bath bomb.
That had been a special treat. She sparkled more than usual for an entire week after that one. But her favorite is the vanilla scented one. That’s her go-to. I have to say that I favor the scent as well. It reminds me of her. I know buying this company will give me something to talk to her about. That it will distract her for a while and have her giving me her undivided attention.
“James wants to know if you can catch dinner tonight.” I give him a look. “I already told him no. He asked about drinks later.” What if Tinsley wants to do a movie? She hasn't suggested one in a while.
“I might be busy.”
“You need to get a life. You agreed to look out for the girl. Not devote your life to her.” Robert grabs the contracts off my desk. I’d fire him if he wasn’t so damn useful. Plus, Tinsley is used to him. She is so skittish around the opposite sex. It takes her time to warm up to someone. I can’t blame her after what she’s been through. I wouldn't do anything to disrupt what I’ve built around her already. She’s come so far in such a small amount of time. I won’t have anyone jeopardize that. Not on my watch anyway.
I let myself fall back into work for a few hours. Every day is the same. A countdown to when I can go home. My highlight each day is the few hours of time I get to spend with her. My phone dings on my desk.
Tinsley: I’m gonna spoil my dinner. You should sneak out early and join me.
Me: On my way.
Attached is a picture with a counter full of stuff to make an ice cream sundae. I see my house manager, Rita, in the background with a not-so-happy face about it. I’m sure Tinsley made sure to get her into the picture on purpose. I’m out of my office chair, grabbing my suit jacket off the back of it.
“You’re leaving?” Robert stands from his desk.
“I’m sure you’ve got it handled.”
“I’ll email you about some crap.”
“Don’t know when I’ll get to it,” I toss back as I step onto the elevator.
“It’s about Tinsley,” I hear him say as the elevator doors close. I don’t know if he’s bluffing or not. Either way he knows I’ll check my email now. My driver holds the door open for me while I bring them up to see if Robert has sent the email yet. I refresh a few times until it hits my inbox.
I read over what he’s sent me. How the hell am I going to bring this up to her? It’s information I shouldn't have but I’m a nosy bastard and keep close tabs on her. It’s the only way. Every piece of information I can get about her is oxygen to breathe for me. It keeps me going. More than anything it keeps me from doing something I shouldn't do.
Taking what I think of as mine but isn't. I know I can’t have her, that it wouldn’t be right when she trusts me to be her safe place. That doesn’t mean that I don’t want her. It only means that what I want doesn’t matter. To her I am her protector. She just has no idea how unsafe my thoughts are of her.
It doesn't take long until we’re pulling up outside my building. I don’t wait for the driver to open the door. I’m out and heading inside to the private elevator that goes to our floor. I bought the place because of it. Another way to make her feel safe. She didn't need to be trapped in a small space with other people. Especially men. She hates it. A product of her past.
I loathe the idea of another man being anywhere near her. Breathing the same sweet air that is always around her. It is mine.
When I enter the condo, I ditch my jacket, rolling up the sleeves of my shirt before pulling my tie off. I try to make myself look as relaxed as possible. I’ve been told I look like an asshole. It’s probably because I am one. With her I try to be different. Over the past few months I’d finally got her texting me. I want her to know me. I’ve never had that need before.
She keeps getting closer and closer to me. I wasn't going to let her get away. As much as I want her to come out of her shell, I fear she’ll come out too far. That she’ll see she no longer needs me and try to leave the nest I’ve made her.
At least she thinks it's a nest. A safe place. Deep down inside of me I know what it really is. A cage to keep her from leaving. She thinks it's to keep others out. She’s right in a way, but what she hasn’t figured out is that I'm the only one that will ever
hold the key.
No one gets in and no one gets out without my say. My reputation of being an asshole isn’t one I haven’t earned.
2
Tinsley
I swing my legs back and forth wondering when Reed is going to get here. He is coming home early. I bite my bottom lip, excited. Carly said he would if I text him. I wasn't so sure, but she was right. Even though the man’s whole life is work, as soon as I contacted him, he dropped whatever it was he was doing. That warmed me inside.
Carly: You take your ugly cardigan off?
I look down at my white cardigan that has pretty pink flowers along the edge. It is my favorite. I unbutton it, letting it drop into my chair before I text her back.
Me: Yes
I send an emoji with its tongue sticking out with my response. I’m not sure why we thought this was going to work. I know nothing about the art of seduction. I might end up falling right on my face and then where would I be? Hopefully not with a roommate that’s suggesting it’s time I move out? Worse, it could get really awkward all the time and I’d have to make myself move out. Fear creeps up my spine at the thought of being out on my own.
Carly: Glasses too!
Grr. I reach up, pulling them off my face. I often forget about them. I only really need them when I’m reading for long hours. It’s a habit of mine. I sit up a little straighter when I hear him enter the house.
Rita peeks over at me from where she is preparing dinner. I duck my head to play with my phone, trying to hide my excitement.
Me: He’s home.
Carly: I knew it! Lick the spoon all sexy when you eat your ice cream.
Yeah, we really suck at this seduction thing. Lick my spoon? Really. I mean, I’m willing to try anything, but that almost sounds like it will get me busted. I wonder where she’s getting these ideas from. I’m guessing she googled it because her romantic life is as non-existent as mine. I’m not even sure why I’m choosing to take her advice on this. But since she’s the only person to walk this earth that I would trust my secrets with, I listen to her.
“Tinsley.” I look up from my phone when Reed comes strolling into the kitchen looking as handsome as ever. His dress shirt hugs his broad shoulders and my fingertips tingle with the need to touch what I know lies underneath it. Carly always says she doesn’t get my attraction to him. She thinks Reed looks scary. He might be, but all I’ve ever seen him as is my savior. I’ve been in love with him since he pulled me from the pool when I was twelve and then proceeded to punch Ben in the face for pushing me in. Okay, I might have been in love with him long before that too. He’s hot as hell with a body that always made all the girls try to get his attention. Let’s not forget about his perfect lips and killer smile. If he only knew how many times I’d touched myself at night dreaming it was him that was bringing me pleasure, he’d probably move out.
He had always been the quiet boy, who never really looked like a boy at all, that came over every summer with his father. I was always trying to get him to play with me. Sometimes I could get him to come out of his shell and sometimes I couldn't. I think his dad might have told him to be nice with me. Why else would he sit on the floor with me and pretend to be interested in what I was doing?
I don’t think playing Barbies was really his cup of tea. Yet, each time he sat with me as I played. The only issue with us knowing each other for so long is that I believe he still views me as that little girl. I just want him to stop seeing me as a little sister. I want him to open his eyes and recognize that I’ve grown into a woman. One that desires him. One that thinks naughty thoughts about him. It isn’t only the physical part that I want him to notice but the fact that I love him.
“Hey.” I sit up straighter, turning my phone over so no one can see any of Carly’s texts. I give him a smile that only earns me a nod. I try not to let it bother me. Reed doesn't hug anyone. Sometimes I’ll steal one but he always stands there stiff as a board. You’d think he has no idea what a hug is or something. I wonder if it’s because he never had a mom to give him one. “Come here.” I motion for him to come over to me. He hesitates for a moment before he draws closer. You’d swear I was the giant scary one out of the two of us by the way he approaches me.
I love this time of day. His normally shaved face is starting to turn a little gruff. He’s got his sleeves rolled up now. I reach up, undoing the rest of his tie. He closes his eyes and I can tell his breathing changes. I’m not sure why he always acts this way around me. Maybe I’m overstepping my boundaries. He doesn’t tell me to stop, so I keep doing what I’m doing.
“Work is over. You can relax with me,” I try to order him. I pull the tie free, dropping it down onto the counter. His eyes spring open as soon as I’m done.
“You still have a few finals,” he reminds me. So he is listening when I talk. Sometimes I’m not so sure because he can be a man of few words.
“So I can’t have a break?”
“You can have anything you like.”
I smile, knowing he walked directly into my little trap. I’m not trying to trick him into anything but maybe spending some time with me.
“Then sit with me and have some ice cream before Rita tries to steal it from us.” I pat the chair next to mine. He comes around, sitting down.
“Can I get you anything to drink?” Rita asks him as she slides something into the oven.
“I’m good.” He gives her the same nod he gave me. I grab the ice cream, spooning us both out some, then topping his with extra sprinkles. He needs them. Sprinkles make everyone's day better.
“Were you busy today?” I try to make small talk. It's hard to get him to open up. He’s not one for small talk, so I have to practically pull the words out of him. I often try for a while then give up. Then I get mad that he won’t budge and don’t talk to him for days. My anger usually subsides and I’ll be back at it again. If I’m anything, it’s persistent. Especially when it’s something I want. I may not be aggressive or in his face about it, but I’ll continue to chip away and be patient until he’s ready. He probably thinks I’m crazy. He might be right.
“Normal.” He takes a bite of his ice cream.
“Any plans tonight?” I take a bite of mine and keep on pushing. He gives me a look that says When do I ever have plans? “You could have a date or something.” I shrug, trying to pretend that wouldn't bother me. When really it might shatter me.
“I don’t date.” He says the same thing he always does. I’m not going to lie; him saying it always makes me feel better.
“Not true. You dated Shelly,” I remind him. I’d never met her.
“Who?” He puts his spoon down.
“Shelly,” I repeat. I hate saying her name. Sometimes I wish I could have met her to know what she looked like. If Reed has a type or something.
“The woman you dated when Tinsley first came to live here,” Rita supplies for him. She doesn't even look our way. She keeps on chopping vegetables for the salad, I’m guessing.
“Right.”
“How can you forget the name of someone you dated?” I shove a spoonful of ice cream into my mouth. Because right now I need all the sprinkles I can get. How can he care that little about who he dates?
“Yeah, Reed.” Rita turns to look at us. “How can you forget someone you dated? It’s almost like she didn't exist at all.” I nod in agreement. I wish that was true.
“I’m busy. I can’t remember everyone’s name.” He grabs the sprinkles. “You need more.” He shakes them into my bowl.
“You can never have too many,” I agree, taking a bite of my ice cream. He nods in agreement. We sit in silence as we both eat. I try to think of something to talk about but I’m suddenly nervous. I’m working myself up. I see him all the time. Why am I being weird now? Oh, because now I’m trying to seduce him. That’s right. As you can see, that’s not going too well for me. I can barely get him to talk, never mind anything else.
“You have something.” Reed reaches with his thumb, swiping below
my bottom lip. “Ice cream.” He brings it to his mouth, sucking it clean. My heart races. That did not just happen.
“Ahh!” I scream when my phone rings. Both Rita and Reed look at me like I’ve lost my mind.
“Sorry.” I grab my phone. “Gotta go.” I rush out of the kitchen before I make a bigger fool of myself. I answer the phone. “I failed,” I grumble. God, I suck at this.
3
Reed
The scotch burns my throat as I swallow it down in one gulp. I close my eyes, trying to relax. My whole body is strung tight. Dinner was hell. I don’t know what is going on with Tinsley. After she practically ran from the kitchen, she’d gone quiet. She came back to dinner a few hours later and we both ate in silence.
Normally she goes on about her day, sometimes just chattering to fill the silence. She usually tells me everything she did that day, but tonight she’s different. I’m on edge because I’m used to her lively stories after a long day at the office. I look forward to hearing every single word that comes from her beautiful mouth.
I'm curious to know who called her. Her demeanor seemed to change after that. That had to be it. She was happy when I got home. She took my tie off and made me a bowl of ice cream. Then I touched her. Her lips are even softer than her skin. Again she smelled like vanilla. I always thought vanilla was plain. Boring even. Then Tinsley came along and now I have a small obsession with it. Or maybe it’s her I have the small obsession with.