Strictly Business (Mixing Business With Pleasure Series Book 1)

by Ace Gray

  She shrugged. “I caught an earlier flight. Can I read the contract? Does it have all the kinky stuff you guys do lined out like the book?”

  I laughed at her again, realizing I did, in fact, like her. She was ridiculous in the best possible way.

  “For the love of God, Ari, no, there’s no contract,” Nick bellowed. “She owns her own business, we met a function, and it’s none of your fucking business what we do in bed. With that in mind, get out of my room. We’ll be out shortly to deal with you.”

  She knew a Bryant dismissal when she heard one. Unlike everyone else, she didn’t exit quickly. She stood up and came to the head of the bed. She kissed him on the cheek and said, “It’s good to be home to deal with you, too.”

  She sashayed out of the room allowing a flustered Jaime to shut the door behind her. I barely let the latch click before I started laughing even harder.

  “She’s fantastic, Nick. I just about died.”

  “I’m glad you find it funny she thinks you’re submissive, plain, and weak.”

  I raised my eyebrow. “I think it’s funny that’s what you took away. She thinks you’re a crazy control freak, unable to maintain a functional relationship.”

  “Well, at least she already thinks we’re perfect for each other.”

  He’d finally caught the infectious mood. He shifted on top of me, pinning my arms to the bed. My lips parted in anticipation of a steamy kiss. Instead, he started tickling me. His heavy body kept me still as I yelped and laughed and cried out to him. I thrashed and kicked at the covers, but he wouldn’t relent.

  “Please, Nick, no!”

  I was still laughing, but it was that gasping, awful misery associated with tickling that brought the sharpness out of my voice. “Stop!”

  I shouted, and his hands fell away. He almost looked hurt.

  “You’ve never told me to stop before.”

  “Don’t tickle me.”

  I smacked his chest playfully and put on my best pouty face.

  “You’re fine with everything else I’ve ever done to you, but you won’t let me tickle you?”

  “It’s miserable to be tickled. Everything else you’ve ever done is far from miserable.”

  I pushed the remaining covers back, intending to get dressed and head home. As happy as I was, I knew mixing me with family—along with everything else that was going on—was hard for him. I had no desire to make it harder.

  “I’ll be out of your hair as soon as I’m packed.”

  He frowned as he watched me dig around for my skinny jeans. “No, please no. I need all the help I can get dealing with her.” He paused a heavy, thick pause. “Also, I’ve been meaning to mention that I leave for Hong Kong on Tuesday and I won’t be back until Sunday. I’d like to be with you as much as possible before I go.”

  “You’re leaving on Tuesday?” I tried not to let the anger and desperation welling in my chest peek out.

  I pulled on a draped Helmut Lang T-shirt and combed through my hair.

  “Yes. It came up Friday. We weren’t, uh, communicating very well on Friday.”

  I couldn’t help my loud, “HA!” in response before adding, “And I’ll stay.”

  “Maybe stay throughout the week? You could make sure Ari isn’t miserable.”

  “I know I just met her, but I highly doubt Ari does miserable. Or that she needs me for a good time.”

  I didn’t know how I felt about being in the penthouse without him anyways. Dodging the subject seemed the best course of action. He changed into his always-delicious weekend wear; a pair of perfectly fitted jeans and a soft, hugging tee. He grabbed my hand and we headed down the stairs. Ari was seated on the breakfast bar counter, waiting for us.

  We didn’t even have a chance to sit before she started chattering away about her European travels, meeting Frederico, moving in with him, and finally the blow out fight that’d sent her packing back to the States. I sat on Nick’s knee, and we listened to her recount story after story in what could have been a telanovela. She had her mother’s charm, her brother’s fight, and a comedic timing all her own. I only interrupted to offer her more coffee, which she accepted.

  “Nick, what about you?”

  Ari’s face froze when I asked him. He didn’t think anything of it; he simply nodded.

  “You let her call you Nick? I’m not even allowed to call you Nick! You made that quite clear when we were little.”

  “You’re still not allowed to call me Nick.”

  I kept my head down as I poured the cups so neither one of them could see my smirk.

  “You really like her. Oh my God! Do you love her?!” She taunted the way only sisters could. I tried not to hold my breath for his answer.

  “Ari, you know how I feel about that word,” he warned.

  My heart thudded before jumping into my throat. It was thundering so loudly I didn’t notice Nick had walked over until his hand rested on my shoulder.

  “I’ve told her and I’ll tell you, she’s my world.”

  It was nice to hear, but those weren’t the words I was oddly desperate to hear. And with the things his mom and sister were saying, I had a feeling I wasn’t going to. I took a deep breath, knowing I had to give him time. And trust. Two things I was decidedly terrible with. It was either that or face a full out brawl. And I didn’t feel like fighting, even if it was over those all-important three little words.

  “So, Kate, Nicholas said you own a business. What do you do?” She was every bit as adept as her mother at defusing a situation.

  “I own Vesper Fitness and Apparel.”

  “Shut up! I love your stuff. I mean, like, obsessed!” I laughed as she reverted back to shrieking.

  “I think you should go into shoes. I love shoes. Do you do tech stuff at all? I want a Vesper iPod holder. You’d make it classy instead of chunky.”

  She was going so fast that she missed the look I shot Nick at the mention of technology; we were still hammering out the details on the chips. He met my eyes and mouthed, “Hong Kong,” while Ari kept rattling.

  So that’s why he’s going.

  “Ari,” Nick snapped, “lay off!”

  “What? Why?” She seemed stunned.

  “Because you’re talking so fast it’s ridiculous. If I didn’t know better, I’d swear you’re on drugs.” He arched his eyebrow at her; she pinched hers at him.

  Before things could escalate, I interjected. “You’ll have to come and see the facility. We’re finalizing the spring line. I can get you some preview pieces.” I smiled broadly. “Oh, and I’m glad you like the brand.”

  She smiled and clapped her hands together. “I love you. I’ll say it even if Nicholas won’t. We’re going to be great friends.”

  “You should come out with Laura and me this week. She’s my best friend from forever ago.”

  “Speaking of girlfriends, I should let mine know I’m back in the city.”

  “Be careful about how many people you share your whereabouts with. I’ve asked Frank to come back to the city and coordinate your security detail.” Nick spoke to her from the corner of the kitchen.

  “You’re so uptight, Nicholas. Do I need to talk to Kate about how frequently you’re getting laid?”

  He almost choked on the coffee he was sipping.

  She was incorrigible. “I’m guessing it’s not nearly enough. Oh, and I know Mom stuck me with you because of the built-in overprotection. Don’t go off the deep end. I like Frank but I don’t need an army. Doesn’t it drive you bananas, Kate?”

  They both turned to face me.

  I studied the countertop and thought about it. “Having three people follow me around? It was hard at first, but it’s easier now.”

  It was certainly easier knowing there was a damn good reason the crew traipsed around the entire city with me. I hoped Bryant knew I was grateful despite the bullshit.

  “Three? Whoa! I’ve had two at worst. He must really care to overreact so spectacularly.”

  “That�
�s enough, Aribella.”

  She stuck out her tongue and jumped down from her counter perch. She bounded toward the stairs and took them two at a time.

  “Wow.” I raised my eyebrows.

  “To say the least. Frederico probably just got tired of the never-ending barrage. She can be overwhelming.”

  “I think she’s hilarious. She’ll get along with Laura marvelously.” He pursed his lips, a newly formed habit in response to hearing Laura’s name.

  Ari bounded back down the stairs in no time, dodging her brother and heading straight for the main elevator. She waved mischievously as she yanked yet another new security guard into the car and mashed on the door-closed button behind them. Nick stutter stepped after her but my hand on his stopped him short without me really trying. He simply picked up the phone and barked orders at a guard named Frank.

  As soon as he hung up, he pulled me to the couch. Nick and I spent the day cuddled up, reading, until she blew back into the apartment with the guard I assumed was Frank, in tow. She plopped down in between my legs and propped her feet up on the coffee table and sighed.

  “Ari, feet.” Bryant spoke without looking up from his book.

  “You’re worse then mom,” she pouted.

  “Yes. I am.”

  She was launching into a story about a handbag when Nick interjected.

  “Ari.”

  I knew the look he was giving her. He’d inevitably raised an eyebrow and was just peering over the top of his book. She pursed her lips in response. Both Ari and I expected a scolding.

  “What are your plans for tomorrow?” We were both shocked he hadn’t chastised.

  “I don’t know. I hadn’t thought that far ahead.”

  “Well, Kate and I work then I leave for Hong Kong early Tuesday morning, I’d like you to give it a little thought. If you’re making plans for the week in general please let me know as soon as possible.” He took a breath and squeezed me. “I’d like to have both of your itineraries finalized sooner rather than later.”

  “Like I said, I don’t know. Can’t I just tell Frank?”

  She echoed my thoughts. Couldn’t I just coordinate with Jaime?

  “You’re required to clear things with Frank, and Frank is required to report to me. You can cut some of the approval time out by settling your schedule in advance.”

  “I’m a grown woman, you know.” Ari crossed her arms and narrowed her gaze. I couldn’t decide whether being in between them was a good or bad thing. “I functioned perfectly fine on my own in Europe.”

  “You and I both know your problems didn’t follow you to Europe, but they love hanging out in the city.”

  Nick was growing more forceful; I imagined his posture would match hers if I wasn’t sitting in the way. I laughed at the caricature in my head.

  “You find this funny?” I felt his gaze shift to the back of my head.

  “I was thinking of something else.”

  “You understand this goes double for you, right?” His chest rumbled where it pressed to my back.

  “Well, I plan on…” I wasn’t able to finish my sentence before he interrupted.

  “I don’t want to hear your sarcasm, either.”

  With that he pushed out from under me, dropped his book on the coffee table, and walked away.

  “Sorry,” Ari whispered, “I didn’t mean to get you in trouble.”

  “You didn’t get me in trouble, Ari. I manage that all on my own. Quite frequently, actually.” I sighed wondering whether I should go after him.

  “He only does it because he cares. He’s always worried about protecting anything that matters to him.”

  “Oh, I know.” I smiled reassuringly.

  Her face fell. “He loves you, but he’ll never say it. It doesn’t mean he doesn’t feel that way, though.”

  “I got that tip from your mother too.”

  I tried not to sound too disappointed; we sat in silence afterward. What else was there to say on that particular subject, anyway?

  Eventually Ari left to watch TV and I picked back up my book, reading until I fell asleep. I was surprised when I woke around two in the morning, still on the couch. Was Bryant really so angry he’d left me here? What had I done wrong?

  It took a little while but I pulled myself together and walked upstairs to the bedroom, only to find the bed still perfectly made. Panic gripped my stomach. Where was he? With Ari sleeping somewhere in the apartment I didn’t want to call out.

  My fingers trembled as I dug through my purse and grabbed my cell phone. I mashed the button on my speed dial. I thought it was going to voicemail but at the last second he answered.

  “Doesn’t feel good, does it?” he murmured across the line.

  “What do you mean?”

  “Waking up and not knowing where I was.”

  “That’s not funny,” I hissed. “I said I was sorry and I meant it. Where are you?”

  “The office.” I hung up and stomped down the stairs to find him.

  “Were you trying to teach me a lesson?”

  “No.” His beautiful lips curled into my favorite crooked smile. “Did it work?”

  “Sort of,” I answered with a frown. “I was worried you were angry with me.”

  “No. Not at all.”

  He signaled that I should sit on his lap; I circled the desk and curled into him. He rested his cheek against my forehead.

  “I was angry with Ari for questioning me and making a show.” He took a deep breath. “I’m scared to leave you guys alone. What if something happens to either of you? I’ll never forgive myself.”

  “Nothing is going to happen.”

  I didn’t even think to knock on wood.

  28.

  Monday started out normal. We rode in silence while clicking away on our BlackBerries in the backseat of the Bentley. The car slowed at the curb, and I didn’t even take my eyes off the screen when I kissed Nick goodbye. He groaned and grabbed me when our lips touched, then pulled me on top of him so I could straddled his lap. Jaime was about to open the back door and expose us, but Bryant locked it before he could grab the handle.

  Nick pulled my hips flush; his hardness evident through his suit. I couldn’t help the slow rock of my hips as he moaned into my open mouth. His tongue lazily explored mine while his grip tightened.

  “I hate that Ari is in the apartment. I needed you last night.” He pulled away and looked deep into my eyes.

  “If you needed me, why didn’t you just say so?”

  I moved back to his lips, nibbling on the bottom one. I reached for his tie, ready to loosen it, when he stopped me.

  “I can’t. I have to get to work. I’ll probably be there late, too.” His words made me pull back with an exaggerated frown. “I know. I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have started anything.” He rubbed his hands up and down my arms as he apologized.

  “You’re always free to start it. I’m just sad you aren’t free to finish it.” I kissed the corner of his mouth.

  “I already can’t wait to see you tonight.”

  He slid me off his lap toward the door Jaime was waiting next to. He grabbed my hand before I could unlock it and pressed his lips tenderly to my palm. Only when he released my hand did I step out.

  I went up to the office to drop my things off and let Gemma know I’d be in the pool for the next hour and a half. Strategizing with Jaime was one of the many prep meetings Bryant had on his agenda, so Colton took up his post with Vesper’s security while Trevor followed me to the pool.

  The water cocooned my body and soothed my swirling brain. All the noise of Vesper, the press, and security melted away. I could relax underwater best of all, and I wondered why I forgot that sometimes.

  As I swam back and forth, I let my mind wander. It went to it’s usual haunt: Bryant. Each day he occupied it a little more. Did it bother me that Ari said he’d never say I love you? If he couldn’t say it, would he ever prove it? Beyond a shadow of a doubt? Did I doubt him? How did he feel about m
arriage? Why on earth was I thinking about marriage so soon? Better yet, period? I hated the idea of marriage. Spending your future with one person—someone to pin your hopes and dreams on—only led to heartache.

  Without even realizing it, 90 minutes flew by. I showered and dressed quickly, then met with trainers, discussed shoe designs, and got caught in Brennan’s office for a few hours to discuss the device. It was two in the afternoon before I made it back up the few flights of stairs to my office. I hadn’t been sitting at my desk for more than fifteen minutes when Gemma came in. She carried a large envelope from a courier.

  “This just arrived for you, Kate. It was delivered with specific instructions. For your eyes only.”

  “That’s odd.” I crinkled my nose.

  “I thought so, too. Please don’t let Mr. Bryant or security get angry with me.”

  I looked up at her. “Why would they be angry with you?”

  “I had to grant the courier access to your floor. I figured Colton would’ve approved her if she was in the building in the first place.”

  I pursed my lips but nodded. Colton certainly should have checked her credentials the second she walked in the door. I undid the seal with my nail and a number of photos spewed out and scattered about. The photo resting on top of the pile glistened and my hand hesitated in its direction. They were pictures of Bryant and me in front of my apartment, his place, both of our offices, and a slew of personal outings, but they unnerved me.

  The photos came in pairs—each a thick, glossy, original photo clipped to a weathered, many times folded, piece of newspaper. At first glance they matched, but after a second look, not quite. The glossy photos were undoubtedly taken by someone who’d been tangled in the throng of paparazzi, only the angles were slightly different than their newspaper counterparts.

  Two photos didn’t have a match. One had been in the paper just yesterday; it was of the two of us smiling at each other, Bryant wrapped around my waist and my hand resting on his chest at Saturday night’s gala. The caption was still attached; I remembered his words perfectly. Yesterday, they’d warmed my heart.

  Nicholas Bryant and Kate Elliott also stepped out to support the cause. It marked the first time they confirmed their relationship, landing them firmly among the ranks of New York’s “it” couples.