“No way.”
“I’m telling you, Charlie. The first time, my jaw dropped—ditto for all the junior publicists who were working. He even brought me a special treat—an assortment of homemade cookies. Since he didn’t know which were my favorites, he went nuts and bought one of each.”
“Wow!”
“I know, right? As you know, I practically slept here the first night the news about Jason broke—”
“You’re such a trooper, Terry. You’re the best assistant I could have ever wished for.”
“I love you too, Charlie,” he gushes. “Anyways, back to Dr. McDreamy. After that all-nighter, Derek insisted on me leaving the office at a decent time to get some rest. After all, Doctor knows best," Terry chuckles.
"Look at you," I purr. "Someone has a crush, someone has a crush, someone has a crush," I singsong like a schoolgirl.
"Oh, stop it," Terry admonishes.
"There’s no shame in coming clean and admitting it," I say. "You like him. A lot. Just fess up to it."
Derek Bailey Montgomery is a Neurosurgeon at London Bridge Hospital—a leading private hospital in London. He’s forty-six, very tall and hot. Terry met the brainiac M.D. at a charity gala we were organizing for a client. I still remember the chemistry between the two of them when their eyes met. It so happened that they also met at a few other functions after that. The good doctor didn't immediately make a move, he waited. Something Terry isn't used to.
"I do," he lets out a long sigh. "Things are so dramatically different with Derek. I'm not used to this whole ‘let's get to know each other before jumping into bed’ thing. We’ve only kissed so far. Can you imagine?" Another sigh. "Maybe it’s because he’s older. Don't get me wrong, I'm not complaining. On the contrary. I'm enjoying it quite a lot. Not to mention that he's a wicked kisser,” he admits. “It's just that I don't even know how big his cock is yet—which I’m sure is huge.” We both laugh. “Usually with a bloke, it's fast, hard and hungry. It's me on the prowl to find a nice hard ass to fuck or vice versa, me looking for a big juicy cock that will dominate my ass.”
I can't relate to the former, but I definitely feel you when it comes to the latter.
"Speaking of which, how are things with Barrett?"
"Barrett?" I shriek. You wouldn't believe how quickly I blush. Thank God this isn't a video call. My flushed cheeks would be a dead giveaway. “I mean, Barrett.” Even with my second attempt, my voice goes up by several octaves.
"Yes. Barrister Ascott. Jason’s lawyer. The god of defense in the courtroom. Earth to Charlie.”
“Funny.”
“I do my best. How are things on a personal level? Are you able to work with each other without killing each other?" Terry chuckles.
I clear my throat. "Of course. We have a very level-headed relationship and we’re both dedicated to finding a swift resolution to this case. We've agreed to put the client's interests first. We’re professionals, after all."
"Oh. My. God."
"What?"
"Who are you kidding, Charlotte Wentworth?"
"What?" I ask again pretending I don't understand.
"That answer was way too perfectly packaged." Terry lets out a long sigh. "You couldn’t say no to him. Once again, you found yourself underneath him with nothing more than a feeble protest," he concludes.
"It's not—”
"Nope! Nope, nope, nope. Don't lie. Don't say a word. I might not be able to hold my tongue and as I said when I found out that Barrett was representing Jason, I love my job. A lot. I don't want to say the wrong thing and lose it. What happens in Athens, stays in Athens," Terry borrows Barrett's words.
"He makes me weak, Terry." I take a slow, deep breath and let it out, already preparing myself to be told.
"That’s because you’ve never been able to get over him. No matter how many times you leave him and close the door in his face—because of all this melodrama shit taking over his life—you still yearn for the sexy barrister. He just snaps his fingers and you’re already kneeling at his feet."
Considering Terry has no idea what goes on behind closed doors between Barrett and I, that was a pretty accurate summary.
"We’re just keeping each other company while we’re down here," I attempt.
"Sure." The scepticism is dripping from that single word.
"It's not like this will go anywhere once we get back to London," I say with a sharp pain tugging at my chest. I really don’t know why I feel this way. I know how Barrett operates.
Terry remains silent for a while.
"Terry?"
"There's another reason why I called."
That was abrupt.
"That's it? You're changing the subject?"
"Dear boss, please refer to Addendum A. All discussion points have already been laid on the table," he says in a pointed accent.
"Fine. You love your job. What's next on the agenda?" My tone is as curt as his.
“Your sister Julianne called. She’s heading back home to America next week. She understands what you're dealing with, but she’s still hoping to speak to you before she leaves.”
“Bollocks,” I shout. “Is it coming up that fast? Of course I want to speak to her. In my defense, she's the one who hasn't returned my calls or—"
"An idiot stole her mobile while she was at a restaurant when she went on an excursion a few days ago, hence why she no longer has your Greek phone number," Terry says.
"That would explain it. Here I thought she was too busy to call back her baby sister," I laugh.
My big sister flew in from California two weeks ago. After a week and a half hanging out with the family, she declared she needed some R & R time, so she headed south to the upscale Inia Spa in Corsica, France.
"Nope. She had a legitimate reason."
"Well it's good to know that it's more than just a case of ‘too many luxury treatments, too little time’.”
Terry and I laugh.
“Do you have her—"
"Actually, she said she’ll call you once her phone is fully programmed. She was calling me from her hotel phone."
“Okay. I guess I’ll wait.”
“Sounds like life is rough for Julianne,” Terry says.
“Care to translate?"
“Yeah, she was lamenting about being extremely bored at her posh spa. So much so that she’s making plans with Veronica to go on an escapade—a fun jaunt she says.”
“Isn’t she on an escapade right now?”
“That’s what I said. Seems that’s not enough for Queen Julianne.”
“Bloody hell, she’s spoiled. She’s just gallivanting around the globe.”
“My sentiments exactly. Oops, I mean, I agree with you, boss.”
“Good catch.”
“I thought so,” he chuckles. “In any case, Julianne wants to make sure she sees you before she drags Veronica to Paris for a shopping spree before heading back to California."
I explode in laughter.
"My sisters have it easy. Life is so good when you don't have a care in the world."
"Says the trust-fund baby whose family is as wealthy as the Royal Family—if not more—and who also happens to have a thriving PR company," Terry mocks.
"Yeah, but I don’t touch a penny of my trust fund and I work hard for my money. My sisters on the other hand married rich. Very rich."
Terry clears his throat. I expect him to follow that with a response, but he remains silent.
"What?"
"Barrett Ascott is ridiculously rich. And gorgeous. And husband material. I think it makes perfect sense… since the two of you can't seem to keep your hands off each other,” Terry says. “If you could just get it together," he adds.
I'm so not going there.
CHAPTER 32
Barrett
Since Charlotte was also on a call, it’s already eight o’clock by the time we arrive on the rooftop pool. Luckily, it’s deserted. At this time of the day, the sky is veiled with a rainbow of chat
oyant warm colors. Nighttime should fall soon. We make our way to one of the curtained cabanas where a bucket of ice with a bottle of champagne and a platter of our favourite Greek appetizers await. As much as I appreciate champagne, I needed something stronger. Not to mention, that tonight is a celebration. Only Yamazaki Mizunara will do. This rare Japanese whisky is a real knockout.
“I can’t believe we have this whole area to ourselves,” Charlie exclaims. “Who did you have to pay off, Mr. Ascott?”
“No one, doll,” I mock. “I’m sure it’s temporary. We’ll have company soon enough.”
The fact that this VIP section is divided by a cement wall that’s artfully decorated with climbing flowering vines allows us to pretend this is our private pool for the evening... even if it’s only for a few minutes.
“Well, for now it’s just you and me,” Charlie says with a grin. “I also think the hotel’s theme party works to our advantage.”
“You’re right. The lobby is buzzing with people, but it hasn’t trickled up here yet. People are far too busy downstairs to even consider coming up here."
The Rhodes Royal Olympia is having a Vegas Showgirls and Casino night. Nearly all the guests are downstairs enjoying the flamboyant show and having fun at the slots and other machine games the hotel brought in just for tonight. I’ve been to Vegas too many times to bother. So has Charlotte.
When we get to our cabana, I extend my hand to invite Charlotte to enter first. I stand there riveted as she stretches out her long and lean legs on the lounge chair. I noticed the seduction weapon she selected for the evening when I picked her up. Just like earlier, my loose-fitting sports shorts feel a little too tight. My cock definitely approves of those sexy yellow high-heeled sandals with a wide buckle cinched at the ankles she first wore at Ilis’ place a few days ago.
I wait for her to be seated before pulling back the thick white curtain to allow us to soak in the city as night falls. The sight of the stars illuminating the sky and the reflection from lanterns flirting with the pool water is truly magical. It would be a shame to miss this.
“Champagne?” I ask when I turn around to face her.
“Please,” she smiles.
I pop open the bottle of Krug Grande Cuvée Édition Spéciale and fill two glasses.
“Thank you,” she says when I drop her glass on the table near her.
“Cheers,” I say, lifting my glass up as I take a seat across from her.
“Cheers,” she repeats. She lifts her glass and clinks it against mine.
We both take a long sip before I say, “Here’s to two old friends enjoying each other’s company.”
“That's very diplomatic," she laughs.
"Well, that's not what I really what I wanted to say, but I thought it’s best to keep it at that."
"Since when do you refrain from speaking your mind, Barrister Ascott?"
"In that case, thank you Jason for allowing me to gorge on one of the most delicious women on the planet."
"Oh."
"That’s the non-X-rated version. What I really wanted to say is, thanks Jason for allowing me to remind Charlotte that her sweet pussy and her fine ass belong to me," I grin.
"Jesus, Barrett."
"A little too forward?"
"You mean a little too filthy, but hey, keep talking."
We both laugh.
"I have another reason to celebrate," I tell her.
She drops her champagne glass on the table before flipping to the side. She folds her elbow against the seat and rests her head. Her hazel eyes twinkle and that hot pink swimsuit cover-up dress she’s wearing over her swimsuit only emphasizes the green in her eyes. She's so beautiful. "Are there any new developments around Jason?"
"No. Nothing’s changed since I left Christos. Everything will remain status quo until we speak to the judge. It’s about Archer and Cormac.”
"Really?"
"Yup,” I nod. “It’s very good news, Charlotte."
"It's about time."
“Remember what I told you about them having dirt on Mum?”
“Yes.”
“Well, we found a way to make it impossible for them to keep threatening me. Within a matter of a few weeks, Mum will be untouchable.”
“Thank God,” Charlotte says.
“There’s still a lot that has to unfold, but this is the best opportunity we’ve had since Marlon approached me.”
"I’m thrilled for you, Barrett.”
“It’s a huge weight lifted off my shoulders, I can tell you.”
“Is it finally over after that?"
I can’t tell her everything. Not yet anyway.
"Almost."
"There's more?"
“I’m sure we’ll be able to kill two birds with one stone with what we’re about to do, but it’s too early to say much more.” It’ll be over when I’ve contained the situation around you.
"What a nightmare. I have no doubt Tyler can deal with this other situation with his eyes closed."
"I hope so too." I really do.
"Once you’re able to put this behind you, I hope Tyler yanks their balls off and feeds them to the wolves. Archer and Cormac don't even deserve them. They aren’t men. They're cowards,” Charlotte spits out.
"I'd hate for Tyler to rob me of that pleasure. I want to do the honors. And I have too much respect for wildlife to poison them with their filthy balls. I'd be happy to dip them in arsenic."
We both laugh.
“Tyler also needs to put a clamp on Witch Alvina and my nemesis Bitch Octavia," she says.
"I think once Tyler takes care of Archer and Cormac that should take the wind from under their wings."
"One would hope so."
"I'm fairly confident that Tyler will do enough damage to send a very clear message."
"This is definitely cause for celebration," she cheers.
“Hear, hear,” I say, lifting my glass.
We clink our glasses again and take a swig of the effervescent drink.
“Wow, this champagne is superb.”
“Only the best for you, kitten,” I wink.
She doesn't reply. She just stares at me with a small smile teasing her lips. I don't break the spell.
"I have an idea," she finally says.
"What?"
She drops her glass on the table and jumps to her feet. "Since we have the pool all to ourselves, it would be a shame not to take advantage of it."
"You want to go for a late evening swim?"
"Absolutely! There's no better way to celebrate and work up an appetite."
"I beg to differ." I rake my eyes up and down the length of her body and make very little effort to hide my desire.
"Oh, behave," she scolds.
"For now. I can't be held responsible for what happens later," I warn her.
"I've been told."
"Indeed."
She laughs and then bends down to unfasten the buckle of those sexy-as-fuck yellow sandals. In this position, she unwillingly flashes me her breasts. The visual of them hanging like this already has my mouth watering. “If you intend on having another marathon tonight—or triathlon"—she laughs—"I'm going to need more than just a few appetizers to sustain me after this swim."
"After that loaded comment, I'm willing to throw my entire fortune at whoever is going to keep the kitchen open all night long."
"That's hilarious," she laughs.
I watch, spellbound, as Charlotte kicks off her heels before crossing her arms in front of her to remove her swimsuit cover-up dress. I wasn’t prepared for what she was hiding underneath it.
Fuck.
Me.
She’s wearing what legally might qualify as a bikini, but only just barely—especially the bottom part.
Damn.
“Kitten, you’re playing with fire in that,” I say.
“What? This?” she asks innocently. She even pulls at the hot pink and white polka dot string that ties to the side of her cock-hardening aqua blue bikini.
Double Damn.
"You're begging for it," I say as I stand up.
“Let’s jump in the water,” she says before I have time to grab her in my arms. She's already shimmying away from me without a care in the world. I'm sure she's fully aware of how fucking gorgeous she is.
Have I mentioned how bloody tempting Charlotte's ass looks in that sizzling hot bikini?
I really should.
She doesn’t have a thick ass, but it’s plump enough to keep me very happy when I fuck her when she's on all fours or when I take her ass. The fact that it invites biting and fits into my large hand is a blessing.
And then there are those legs—firm, lean and endless.
Her slender hips, flat stomach and perfectly sized breasts have all been my demise at some point in time throughout the years.
My cock lengthens and hardens as I admire her.
There are so many shades and layers to Charlotte's sexiness. Even after all these years, the list keeps growing.
With my eyes riveted on her, I take in every inch of her body, lingering on her stomach. Why the fuck do I suddenly feel this urge to impregnate her? Make her undoubtedly mine? Force a part of me inside her?
I don't know.
I can’t explain it.
Babies aren’t in our future.
In fact, a proper relationship isn't in our future either until Archer and Cormac are part of my past.
I'm excited about what's to come, but those two are like creepy aliens. Once chopped off, they find a way to rear their ugly heads again. The thought that there are more skeletons in their closets turns my stomach. Still, I push the thought aside.
When Charlotte reaches the edge of the pool, she flips her blond hair with a swift head turn, hands on her hips. “Barrett, why are you still dressed? Aren’t you going to join me?” My feisty little butterfly.
"I will, kitten,” I rasp. "Once I'm done enjoying the view."
“You like?” She shakes her ass left to right before doing this sensual little dance that has my dick straining against my too-tight shorts.
You're All I Think About_Second Chance Romance Page 25