by C. Morgan
My cheeks were burning. He’d outmaneuvered me. “Well, it’s one of the things I imagined,” I told him with a smile.
I was playing with fire and I didn’t care if I got burned. When the others started to trickle out of the banquet room, I knew it was over. I had to go home to my little apartment with no one in it.
“Make sure you pack,” he said as we walked out of the restaurant.
“I will pack.”
“Or don’t pack.”
“I’ll pack.”
“Don’t pack. I’d prefer you to have nothing to wear.”
I shoved his shoulder. “You are so bad.”
He walked me to my car and even opened the door for me. “I’ll see you Monday morning,” he said but made no move to walk away.
I stared into his eyes and couldn’t quite tell what he was thinking. “I’ll see you Monday,” I said and got into my car before I said or did something that would embarrass myself.
I drove home thinking about the flirting and how fun it had been. He wasn’t quite as bad as Naya made him out to be. There was a lightheartedness about him that was fun. He was flirty, but it wasn’t like he was serious. I didn’t feel like he was trying to pressure me to go to bed with him. This was all going to work out just fine.
Chapter 14
Ryker
I woke up to the sound of my phone buzzing. I blindly reached out for it. Who would dare call me first thing on a Saturday morning? Those were some serious fighting words.
I realized it wasn’t an actual phone call when I held the phone to my ear and waited for someone to answer me.
It was a text. With only one eye, I peered at the screen. It was my mother. She was home and demanding my presence at a family breakfast. I couldn’t exactly say no. I texted a thumbs-up before dropping the phone back on the nightstand. I gave myself another five minutes before I crawled out of bed.
I walked into the bathroom without bothering to turn on the lights. I didn’t need them. I just needed to wake up. I showered, turning the water just a little cooler than normal to help wake me up.
I had been up late last night. I wasn’t doing anything exciting except lying in bed and thinking about her.
Dinner with her had been enjoyable. Hell, the entire week had been enjoyable. We spent a lot of time together, and every day I was with her, I felt like I got to know her just a little better. While I would absolutely take her to bed given the opportunity, it wasn’t necessarily the only thing I wanted from her. I was cool with just being friends with her. I had to be. It was either be her friend and boss or not have her at all. As much as she flirted, I believed her when she said no sex allowed.
I changed into something casual to spend the day with my parents. People would assume the life of a guy like me was filled with weekends flying to exciting places or hanging out on yachts. Not me. I was a normal guy and I understood life was short. I loved my parents and I liked to spend time with them when I could. I knew the coming months were going to be busy, so I wanted to hang out with them before I didn’t have the time.
When I got to my parents’ extravagant home on the other side of town, I walked in without knocking. I never knocked. “Mom?” I called.
“In here!”
I followed my nose to the kitchen. She had on her usual frilly pink apron and a full face of makeup. She was a woman of the fifties. Well, she wasn’t born in the fifties but her mother instilled those same old-school habits and ways in her. My mother was always in a dress, hair done, makeup on, and cooking up something amazing and appearing to love doing it.
“What do you have here?” I asked. My stomach growled. The smells coming out of her kitchen were making my mouth water.
“Crepes,” she said with glee. “I spent a day with a French chef learning to perfect my art.”
“They look and smell amazing.”
“Sit, sit, we’ll eat.”
“Where’s Dad?”
She waved a hand. “He’s catching up on calls or something. He’ll be down soon.”
She moved around the huge kitchen. Some people might assume a woman of my mother’s means would have a cook in the kitchen, but not my mom.
Her kitchen was her domain. It wasn’t just a pretty part of the house. She actually used it. She had all the gadgets and gizmos and used them all preparing some delicious meals.
We sat down at the table to eat our breakfast. “How was your trip?” I asked her.
“Amazing. I just love Paris. I think I’m going to talk to your father about buying a house there. I want to spend more time there, and sometimes, we cannot find appropriate accommodations on short notice.”
My mom was humble, but she was also spoiled. She didn’t do cheap. She had money and she said it afforded her certain luxuries she wasn’t willing to compromise on. No one dared to argue with her. “I think you should do it,” I told her. “Maybe a little villa. Maybe a winery.”
Her eyes lit up. “Don’t tease me. Your father would have a heart attack if I told him I wanted a winery.”
“But he would do it for you.”
She smiled and took a bite. “Yes, he would. I bet he might actually like the idea of a winery. He is always looking for something new to try.”
“I would certainly be more than willing to be a taste tester.”
“Of course, you would. Maybe we can have your wedding at the winery.”
“Two fictional things,” I said and sipped my coffee.
“Is it, though?”
The way she said it told me she had some dirt. I needed to choose my next words carefully or I was going to end up spilling my guts and telling her more than she actually knew. “I have no idea what you are talking about. I have no plans to get married. There is no one I’m dating that would even be a contender.”
“I’m not blind.”
“I didn’t think you were.”
“I saw the two of you come into that banquet room the morning after.”
This was tricky waters. Again, I didn’t want to say too much. My mother was an excellent bluffer. She could be trying to get me to admit to something she suspected but didn’t actually know. “I still don’t know what you are talking about.”
“You and that pretty young lady. I believe her name was Trinity.”
I was busted. Denying it would be futile. “What do you know?” I asked with a sigh.
“I know she is a nice girl. I know she’s young and was a huge help to Naya and Ryan.”
I nodded. “I agree with all of those things.”
“I know something happened between the two of you.”
“Why would you think that?”
“I said I know. I don’t think. I know.”
Busted. “Yes, it did.”
“Ryker, I don’t have to tell you that sleeping with your brother’s new wife’s best friend is a little out of bounds. You boys have always been good about keeping things civil between the two of you. I would hate for this to come between you.”
“It won’t. I’m sure it won’t. I won’t let it. I should probably tell you something, though.”
“I’m going to be a grandmother?”
“No! Sheesh, Mom! I know better.”
“I wouldn’t mind. I’m anxious for grandkids.”
I snorted. “Trust me, Ryan and Naya are all over that.”
“I know and I’m thrilled. Imagine if your kids could grow up together. Wouldn’t that be fun?”
“You are getting way ahead of yourself.”
She shrugged but didn’t seem too daunted. “What do you need to tell me?”
“I hired her.”
“Hired who?”
“Trinity. She’s my assistant.”
Instead of lecturing me or telling me it was a bad idea, she smiled. “Did you now?”
“She needed a job and I needed an assistant. She’s worked with me all week and I have to say she’s about the best damn assistant a man could want. She’s capable and smart and everyone likes her.”
“What? What do you see?”
“I just knew I saw something between the two of you. I saw the sparks. I tried to get you two to meet earlier but you were always so busy.”
“You just said it was risky for the two of us to be together because of her friendship with Naya.”
She laughed. “I had to pretend to warn you off her. Truthfully, it’s going to be just fine.”
“How do you know that?”
“Because your story is familiar to me. If you remember, your father hooked up with his secretary.”
I groaned. “Mom, please don’t go into details. Just you saying hooked up is kind of weird.”
She laughed. “I wasn’t born old. I used to be young and pretty, and when your father hired me to be his secretary, I thought I won the lottery. I felt like I was the luckiest woman in the world. And then I noticed him noticing me, and life just got better. I don’t want to say we lived happily ever after, but we are on our way.”
“Mom, you are jumping into a future for me I’m not ready to embrace. I’m not there.”
“But you like her. Don’t try to deny it. I’m sitting here looking at your face and I saw the way your face lit up when you talked about her. Tell me more about her. I only know her from the few times we met at fittings. She seemed a little high strung, but she was always kind and polite. She never snapped at anyone and she was absolutely dedicated to making sure your brother and Naya had their dream wedding. Most girlfriends would not be so amenable to the numerous changes and hurdles that were put in her way.”
“She’s a good person,” I said. “Everyone at the clinic loves her. She always has time to talk to anyone that wants to chat. She always listens, like really listens. She helps out whenever she can. She smiles a lot and she is organized. She never complains and she is always eager to learn more. My life seriously feels like it is on track.”
I looked at my mother and saw her eyes shimmering. “Oh, son, I’m so happy for you.”
“Why?”
“You are in love.”
“Oh good god. No, I am not. You’re really jumping the gun now.”
“Okay, maybe not love, but you are definitely on your way. I like her. You should bring her over for dinner. I would like to get to know her better.”
“Mom, I can’t ask her to do that. We’re keeping things professional. If I start blurring the line between professional and personal, it’s going to make a mess of things. I do like her, but I’m not ready to settle down. I don’t want to risk her quitting on me either.”
“Why would she quit?”
I grimaced. “Because she made it very clear there could not be a repeat incident.”
My mother laughed, slapping her hand on the table. “Well of course she said that, but I bet you there is a little something on her side as well. I’m not a blind woman. I saw the little looks she stole when she didn’t think anyone was looking.”
“Maybe down the road,” I said. “Right now, the timing is off.”
“Son, there is always time for love.”
“Mom, my schedule is crazy right now. I’m going to be gone for months. Women don’t like that.”
“Isn’t she your assistant?”
“Yes, Mom.”
“Don’t get smart with me. If she is your assistant, won’t she be with you?”
“I had not thought of that, but still, it’s not right. Not now. I don’t want her to feel like I’m pressuring her. I don’t even know if this thing is real. It could just be an infatuation. It will pass with time.”
“Or not. If you want to be happy, you have to be willing to open your heart. You have to take some risks.”
“Why do you assume I’m not happy?” I asked.
“I think you’re happy, but not as happy as you could be. You could be enjoying a life filled with love. I want you to have the best of everything and that includes feeling what it is like to be well and truly loved.”
“Mom, thank you, but I’m okay. I’m not exactly lonely. I have a busy life.”
“But you don’t have anyone at home,” she said softly. “I want you to have what I have with your father and what Ryan has with Naya.”
“You want grandkids. You want a gaggle of them.”
She grinned. “That too, but I want you to be happy. I think you should give this thing with you and Trinity some serious thought.”
“Mom, you don’t even know her.”
“But I know you and I picked up on the signs.”
“Wishful thinking,” I teased.
“I don’t think so, but I guess one of us will be right.”
Chapter 15
Trinity
My weekend was flying by. I spent the day in my closet. I told myself not to stress about my attire, but I couldn’t help but want to get it just right. I was going to be rubbing elbows with professional athletes and likely their beautiful wives. I didn’t want to look frumpy.
I also didn’t want to look like I was trying too hard. I didn’t want to piss off any of the wives and girlfriends. If they thought I was attempting to move in on their men, things would get ugly.
After trying on what felt like a million different combos of jeans and leggings and skirts, I finally felt confident with what I had going on. With my suitcase packed, it was time to turn my attention to the task of getting everything clean. I hated going out of town for a couple of days and coming home to a mess.
While I was elbow deep in the toilet bowl, my phone rang. “Of course someone calls right now.”
I got up and pulled off my rubber gloves before rushing to the kitchen to grab my phone before it went to voicemail. Oddly, I thought it might be Ryker. He’d called earlier in the day to ask me about something on his calendar.
It wasn’t him but even better. “Hey you!” I said when I saw Naya’s face on the screen.
“Hey! Did I catch you doing something dirty?”
I laughed. “Yes, I was scrubbing the toilet. You know how wild I can get on a Saturday night.”
“Ew.”
“Yes, us peasants must clean our own porcelain thrones. One day, I might be able to have a maid but not today. Today I must clean my own toilet.”
“Very funny. Our housekeeper only comes twice a week.”
I laughed. “Got it. You are clearly suffering.”
“All right, all right, I didn’t call to be lectured.”
“You know I’m teasing. You are a lucky lady and you deserve to be spoiled and pampered.”
“What are you doing tomorrow morning?” she asked.
“Gee, I will have to check my calendar. I’m a social butterfly.”
“You are full of piss and vinegar,” she said with a laugh.
“Sorry. I’m just in a mood. You know I love you.”
“Yes, you do, which is why you are going to have breakfast with me tomorrow morning.”
I sucked in a breath through my teeth. “I don’t know if I can,” I told her. “I need to finish getting ready to go out of town.”
“You have plenty of time. We need to get together before you go.”
“All right, I can do that.”
“Good. I miss you. You’ve been so busy all week.”
“I know,” I said. “It’s been crazy. I’ll tell you all about it tomorrow.”
“Yes, you will.”
I ended the call and went back to my glamourous bathroom cleaning duties. Once I was done, I poured myself a glass of wine and settled in on the couch. The wine didn’t taste nearly as good as the stuff from the restaurant. I couldn’t afford to develop a sophisticated palate. It would take me months of saving to buy a single bottle of that stuff.
I grabbed the tablet he’d given me for work and pulled up my email. Ryker had been adamant I not work on the weekends but I wanted to make sure everything was just right. I wanted to have all of my t’s crossed and my i’s dotted. Everyone had complimented me on my work. I didn’t want to b
e a shooting star and flame out my second week. I had to keep up the stellar work.
I went to bed early that night. I wanted to get sleep now because I was certain my upcoming week was going to be crazy. I wanted to be well rested. As it had been every other night, I thought about him when I closed my eyes. I thought about him touching me. I thought about everything from that night and embellished it just a little.
When I woke this morning, it was with him on my mind once again. I quickly showered and dressed and rushed out the door to meet Naya for breakfast. We were meeting at my favorite place, IHOP. She could probably afford something much fancier, but we both loved IHOP. It was kind of our thing.
“Trinity!” she called.
“I’m with her,” I told the hostess and started on my way.
Naya jumped up and hugged me. “I feel like I haven’t seen you in forever.”
“It’s been less than a week.”
“But I have barely talked to you this week. I feel like we have moved a million miles away.”
“You’re a newlywed. You’re spending time with your new husband. I don’t want to intrude on that.”
“Are you upset with me?”
“No! Definitely not! Why would you think that?”
She sighed and offered a shoulder shrug. “I don’t know. I haven’t been very attentive. You busted your ass to help me with this wedding and then I just kind of fell off the radar. I want you to know I absolutely appreciate everything you did. I don’t want you to think I used you. I still want to hang out.”
I nodded. “Naya, you don’t have to apologize. You don’t have to feel guilty. We’ve just been busy. I know you are still my best friend. I’m giving you some space, but you know you can call me anytime you want.”
“Are you sure you aren’t mad at me?”
“No! Stop. Not at all.”
She smiled and I could see she was just teasing me. “Okay good. Tell me about your week. Is Ryker behaving himself?”
“He is. He’s been great. Really great. I love my job.”
She raised an eyebrow. “Are you just saying that?”