by Nia Arthurs
Greed had slowly taken control of me.
Messing with her was no longer the end goal.
Hell no.
Sleeping with her once wouldn’t satisfy me either.
I’d take a hammer to my own rules.
I wouldn’t stop at claiming her body.
Everything she was.
All of it.
I’d take her in entirety.
And then I’d give her everything inside me.
Because I wanted that frilly, forever type of crap. The holding hands while walking on the sidewalk. The cuddling after a movie on the couch. The talking about her bakery until I knew every inch of her dream like it was mine.
And then after all the talking, I wanted her spread out on my bed, her legs wrapped around my waist as I drove every thought from her mind and branded all her tight and hot places with my name.
But I, unfortunately, wasn’t the only man in the restaurant who had dirty thoughts when that woman showed up.
Clark’s solo strut through the restaurant was still causing a freaking stir.
She was grace and beauty personified. Of course other guys would sit up and pay attention.
But just because I understood didn’t mean I had to like it.
Because it was Clark.
Because she was mine.
My hackles rose.
The dial of my temper shot all the way to ten.
It was those damn jeans. Clark looked too freaking good in those figure-hugging things.
Should I buy her a new wardrobe?
Maybe I should drape her in something loose and flowing. Something that set off her light brown skin. That hinted at the goddess she was while hiding that gorgeous body beneath layers of fabric…
Who the hell was I kidding? Clark looked good in a brown shirt and baggy khakis. I could put her in a freaking potato sack, and she’d find a way to make my pants tighten.
I started to push out of the table.
Forget it. There was no way I’d leave that woman alone in this shark tank.
Gran grabbed my arm and yanked me back down. “Maverick DeMarco, what on earth are you doing?”
“I’m going after Clark,” I said, like it was obvious.
“It’s been two weeks.” She lifted her fingers. “Two. And you’ve already gotten into bed with the staff?”
“I wish.”
Gran stared at me with irritation.
I rubbed the back of my neck. “It’s not like that.”
“Good.” She blew out a breath.
“At least, not yet.”
“Mave!”
“What?”
“Pay attention. We have important things to discuss.”
“My discussion with Clark was just as important. You could have waited a day to talk to me.”
“Son, I will tackle you in this restaurant.”
I focused on Gran because I knew she was good for the threat. “It had to be today?”
“This was the only time I could meet with you. I’m booked out this week.” She tilted her head and watched where my gaze was fixed on Clark. “Are you that interested in her?”
I groaned. “Don’t.”
“What? I’m your grandmother. I’m entitled to know.”
“You’ve never cared before.”
“I’ve never seen you like this before. You’re doting on her. She’s either a very skilled bimbo or—”
“Clark isn’t a bimbo.”
“Then what is she?”
I sighed loudly as I tried to find the words to make Gran understand. “The most beautiful, intelligent, kind-hearted woman I’ve ever met.”
Gran’s lips curled up in a smirk. “You’re falling in love with her.”
“I don’t do that.”
“What?”
“The falling part. I do the loving just fine.”
Gran winces. “There’s a difference.”
“I’m aware.”
“You won’t admit it?”
“It’s dangerous.”
“Why? I think she’s nice.”
“She’s more than that. She’s…” I blow out a breath. “She’s amazing.”
Gran’s eyes sparkled. “That’s love, Mave.”
I glanced away. “You know how I feel about love.”
“The thing is,” she stretched out her hands and planted them over mine, “love doesn’t care how you feel because it doesn’t ask permission. It just bowls you over.” She mimicked a straight line. “Like a boulder.”
Sounds painful.
Licking my lips, I deftly changed the subject. “Let’s start our meeting so I can get back to Clark.” I hung my arm over the back of the booth. “I have something to ask you.”
“Go ahead.”
“I heard you’re retiring next month.”
“Did you?” Gran’s voice remained level.
“I was told it’s a sure thing. As of New Year’s Eve, you’ll no longer be CEO of the brand.”
If she was surprised by my line of questioning, she didn’t let it show. Her eyes remained steady on me and her lips were relaxed.
“Hm.”
“I thought we had an agreement. You’d stay on as CEO when this is all over. I don’t want to head the company.”
“You shouldn’t believe every rumor you hear.”
“Hit me straight. Are you leaving the company in a few weeks or not?”
“Mave, don’t you think I would have told you if I was stepping down soon?”
“That’s not answering the question, Gran.”
“Just focus on the store for now. That’s the most important thing.”
I frowned.
After glancing around to check for listening ears, she leaned forward. “Will told me about your suspicions. Are you sure the information in the company portal was tampered with?”
“Very sure.” I nodded.
Gran would tell me if something were wrong. I decided to trust her when she said that she wasn’t retiring.
“Tell me the details,” she whispered.
I did and then I finished with, “I think the company liaison is behind the suspicious accounts.”
“Maybe, but he wouldn’t have the clearance to touch the company files.”
“You think a board member’s trying to sabotage me?”
“He could have hired someone to hack it, but I wouldn’t rule out the board.” She gave me a worried look. “Even after all the work you’ve been putting in, there’s still discontentment about you leading the company.” Worry flashed in her brown eyes. “You need to be careful, Mave. I don’t want this to turn dangerous.”
“I can handle myself.”
“But you’d do well with some assistance.”
I drummed my fingers on the table. “I don’t trust anyone from the company to help with this.”
“Neither do I.” Her phone buzzed.
She glanced at it and a smile broke free. “What perfect timing.”
“Who’s that?” I gestured to the phone.
“Someone I want you to meet. He’s early.” She chuckled under her breath. “Extremely early.”
“While you call him over here, I’ll go check on Clark.”
“Mave, she’s not a child.” Gran tapped her phone, a wrinkle growing between her eyebrows.
“I’ll just make sure she’s okay.”
“It’s cute to see you this clingy, but don’t overdo it. Women don’t like an overbearing man.”
“Thanks for the tip.” I rose to my full height.
“He’s not answering his cell phone.” Gran huffed thoughtfully and then stood. “I’ll come with you. Maybe he’s waiting by the bar as well.”
I shrugged.
Will wordlessly joined us as we headed to the other side of the restaurant. The lavish room was divided into two by a thick, wooden wall. A long bar took up one side of the space and several empty chairs were tucked under the counter.
Two were occupied.
My eyes fastened on Clark
the moment I turned the bend.
She was sitting with her back to me, her legs hooked on the rung of the bar stool. Her light brown fingers clutched a glass filled with wine and she was leaning towards someone.
My eyes shot away from her to the person she was smiling so sweetly at.
A man.
Tall, handsome bastard.
He grinned at Clark, his eyes glittering with interest as he moved in to say something to her.
Jealousy snapped through me with such force it threatened to tear the whole building down.
I found myself moving.
Rushing over.
Standing there ready to punch the smug guy in the face.
That all happened seven minutes ago.
I left her side for a blink.
And she’s already got someone latched to her?
“Mave, this is your new accountant,” Gran says, pulling me back to the present.
Like hell he is.
It’s bad enough that this guy has been sniffing around Clark, but now he’ll have to work with us at the bakery everyday?
“I don’t think so,” I growl.
Gran’s eyebrows pop to the top of her head. “Excuse me?”
“I’m not working with him.”
Lover Boy blinks in shock.
“Why not?” Gran crosses her arms. “What fault could you have possibly found in him within an introduction?”
Clark is frowning hard at me.
I scowl back. “What are his credentials?”
“He was head of his class at a very prestigious university and graduated with his MBA a year earlier than his peers.” Gran tilts her chin up. “He worked at the biggest accounting firm in the city until he decided to branch out and become an independent contractor.” She arches an eyebrow as if to say now what? “Do you still have an objection?”
Lover Boy chuckles under his breath.
I hate him even more.
The simpering bastard.
“I don’t know him.” I turn to Gran. “He has no ties to the company.”
“That’s the point. We need someone from the outside.”
“I don’t trust him.”
“Trust has to be earned, sir.” Lover Boy goes in for a handshake. “And I plan on erasing any doubts you might have about my character or my work ethic.”
I stare at his hand. Slip my own into my pocket.
Clark huffs and marches toward me. In my ear, she scolds, “Why are you being so rude?”
“Why were you giggling with him like he was Dave freaking Chappelle? Is he that funny? Should he switch from an accountant to a damn comedian?”
“What is wrong with you?”
I have no idea.
I’m pretty freaking clueless about the chaos in my head, but the one thing I do know is that seeing Clark with another man drives me absolutely insane.
Lover Boy has clearly been charmed if his softening gaze when he looks at Clark is any indication. I don’t like to share and the fact that he’s wormed his way into Clark’s good graces in less than ten minutes while it took me several weeks starts a fire in my gut.
“Austin seems like a good guy,” she whispers.
“You’ve determined that in a few minutes? What the hell did he say to you?”
“Enough.”
“He looks slimy.”
“He does not.”
“You think he’s attractive then?”
She rolls her eyes. “Mave.”
“What?”
“Don’t fight this.”
I bristle. “No.”
“Give him a chance.”
“The only thing I’ll give him is a black eye if he keeps staring at you like that.”
Austin clears his throat. “If there’s a problem here…?”
“No problem,” Clark says sweetly to him. “We’re working something out. Just a minute.” My frown deepens when I hear how syrupy her tone is, but when she whirls on me, there’s nothing but a growl in her voice. “Stop throwing a tantrum and shake his hand.”
“Why should I?”
“You have no idea how excited he was about this job. He needs this gig to establish his company.”
“That’s not my freaking problem.”
“Mave.”
“He’s not working with us,” I insist.
Clark clamps her lips together. “Fine.” Nostrils flaring, she marches back to Austin’s side. “I’m sorry. Sometimes, our manager can get a little crazy.”
I give her a dark look. “Don’t apologize for me, Clark. I’m not freaking sorry.”
She scowls in my direction.
Lover Boy gawks at me. “Manager? Wait,” he focuses on Clark, “you work at the bakery?”
“I’m the pastry chef.”
His eyes brighten. “You don’t only look sweet. You bake them too.”
I almost throw up.
Gran’s heels click loudly as she approaches me. “You’re embarrassing me, Mave. Wipe that sneer off your face and think about the bigger picture.”
My jaw clenching, I glare at Austin.
He meets my gaze, an eyebrow arched.
“He’s good.” Gran tugs on my arm. “We need him.”
I try to put aside my personal feelings. Gran picked him out herself, which means he’s got his crap together.
Damn. But I really can’t stand the way he’s looking at Clark.
“Well, this isn’t going anywhere.” Clark tilts her head. “Austin, do you mind taking me home if you’re not too busy?”
His eyes widen like he hit the freaking lottery. “Sure. I’d love to.”
“Clark, I’ll take you home,” I growl.
“No thank you,” she states primly. “Since you’re set on being a jerk today, I’d rather not be in your presence.”
Gran coughs to hide her laughter.
Damn. Hell. Freaking bat crap.
Squeezing my eyes shut, I spit, “Fine. We’ll do this remotely. I’ll send him the files I have.”
“Actually, I’ll need to look at the paper trail too. See if there are any clues in the documentation.”
I grit my teeth. “You’re saying you’ll work in my office?”
“Oh, yeah. Working from a bakery has been a dream of mine.”
“Has it?” I frown.
“Being so close to so many sweet things all day...” He slants Clark another look of interest. “I’d like it very much.”
She grins back at him.
Watching them beaming at each other, my fingers dig into my palm and I make a fist so tense that my knuckles pop.
19
Clark
“Why are you still scowling?” I laugh at Mave who’s gripping the steering wheel so tightly if he yanks too hard, it’ll come flying at his face. “You’re worse than my nieces.”
“There you go, comparing me to little girls again.”
I turn completely to face him, pulling my leg underneath me so I can get comfortable in his front seat. My heels slip to the ground and thud on the mat. “Tell me something.”
“Anything.”
“You have a big inheritance to fall back on, don’t you?”
“What are you talking about?” His eyes dart left and right like a cornered lion.
“I’ve never seen a lowly store manager backtalking his superiors like that.”
“When did I?”
“You fight with Vulture like he’s your secretary—”
“I fight with Vulture because he’s a prick.”
“—and today, you told Leanne Antaya, the owner of our entire franchise, to go to hell.”
He looks genuinely troubled. “I did not say that.”
“Not in so many words.” I wave my hand absently. “But you told her ‘no’ to her face and refused to budge when she listed all the reasons why Austin was the perfect choice for the bakery.”
“I was stating my opinion. I have a right to do that.”
“People who need to survive don’t have that privileg
e. Not when they’ve got bills to pay and children to feed.”
“That’s a system we need to fix then.”
“You’re just lucky Leanne thought you were joking and didn’t fire you on the spot.”
“Trust me. She’s not going to fire me,” he mumbles.
“How are you so sure?”
Mave stays mysteriously silent.
I narrow my eyes. Lean forward. “Do you have a big inheritance?”
“If I said I did?”
“It would explain a lot.”
“You don’t sound impressed.”
“I wouldn’t be.” I cross my arms and squint my eyes at the sunlight. Snow’s falling again, but it’s not coming down too hard. “Someone who was born with a silver spoon wouldn’t begin to understand what it means to work hard. They wouldn’t appreciate anything they have because it’s been handed to them for as long as they’ve been alive. When you don’t earn money, it loses value. When you don’t suffer, you lose character.”
“That’s a broad statement.”
“But it’s true.” I lift my chin.
“Rather than see money as some kind of curse, why not see the opportunity? A rich guy would open your bakery for you. They’d take you on trips all around the world. Belize. Paris. Mumbai. They’d shower you with gifts and make your every dream come true.”
“You think I want to be a kept woman?” I ask, a little offended.
“I think you deserve to be spoiled. Dating a man with money would change your life forever.”
“I wouldn’t have much in common with someone who doesn’t understand the struggle.”
“What does struggling have to do with two people who have a connection?” He flicks the indicator.
“It’s a completely different world.”
“I disagree.”
“That person wouldn’t be able to understand me on a raw level. It’s like talking a different language.”
“I don’t get your point.” His eyebrows meet in the middle of his forehead. “That’s like saying you and I can’t be together because I’m white and you’re black.”
“We can’t be together because you’re my boss,” I remind him.
He shakes his head. “Assuming that I wouldn’t be able to understand you because I’m a different ethnicity is a reach.”
“Is it?”
He gives me an exasperated look that says duh.
“Mave, do you know what a weave is?”