by Dawn Brower
“I told you I was fine,” Lana grumbled.
He grinned to himself. His woman was a porcupine. All harshness that would stab you without a second thought, but a mushy pushover with those she loved. Sullivan turned to her and said, “Quit fighting, darling. The nice paramedic is trying to help.”
Lana responded by sticking her tongue out at him. Yes, she was all his, and he could breathe a sigh of relief. When he’d first arrived, he had thought that he might lose her. Now, with her sitting on a stretcher like a petulant child, he realized how lucky they both were. She had come perilously close to dying. Again. If he’d arrived even a second later...
He shook his head and glanced back at Lana. None of that mattered because he had been in time. That didn’t mean he wouldn’t figure out exactly what had happened, and if it hadn’t been an accident he’d see that whoever tried to harm his woman paid for it.
CHAPTER TWELVE
Lana rolled across the bed and wrapped herself in a sea of black silk and satin. Who slept in bedding like this? Oh yeah, those used to decadence. What happened to good ole thousand-something-thread cotton sheets? Those felt just as nice to sleep on, and she didn’t feel like she would slide off the bed and hit the floor.
She was going to have to replace the damn things. She couldn’t be expected to sleep on them for however many nights she’d stay at this apartment. Sullivan had brought her there after the paramedics cleared her. Thankfully, they backed her up when Sullivan insisted she still go into the hospital to be checked over. She was fine and didn’t want to sit in the emergency room for hours on end.
His concern had been a bit disconcerting, but she’d been grateful for his presence. She shuddered to think of what might have happened to her if he’d not come by. Sullivan had turned in to her real life knight-in-shining-armor, and he showed no signs of returning to the status quo. It appeared he had every intention of building something with her and having a sincere relationship.
The bed was comfortable despite the slippery sheets. She had no desire to crawl out of it, but she had to figure out what was going on with her house. Sullivan believed it wasn’t salvageable, and Lana feared he was right. She sighed and sat up at the edge of the bed. Hiding from her problems wouldn’t solve anything. She had always taken pride in remaining in control. This was no different than anything else in her life.
The odor of smoke filled her nose. Ah, hell, she’d slept in her pajamas. Those sheets would have to go no matter what. That smell would stick to it like superglue. After several washings, she might get it out of her hair. More likely it would linger for weeks, being lightly masked by the scent of her shampoo. Gag. What the hell was she going to wear after her shower? She should have made Sullivan find her some clothes—well, purchase something at least.
Lana walked to the master bathroom. A robe hung on the hook and she had an idea. At least she could wash away the smoky smell and lounge around in that. She’d make Sullivan get her something more to wear later. She turned on the shower and let it heat up, then stripped off her ruined pajamas and panties. They were going right for the trash bin when she finished bathing.
She stepped into the shower, thankful for the hot water, and that Brady Blue kept the apartment well stocked. Shampoo, conditioner, and body wash sat on a small shelf. Sadly, they had a more masculine scent, but she’d make do. Beggars couldn’t be choosers, after all. They probably had more men using the apartment then women, and therefore catered to their needs. It was still a bit misogynistic of them.
Lana washed and savored her shower perhaps longer than normal. She told herself she deserved it, having made it through a night from hell—a month, to be more apt. It seemed she was on a nice, long streak of bad luck. Hopefully it ended soon, or she might not survive it.
With much reluctance, she turned the shower off and grabbed a towel to dry off. She wrapped her hair in a different towel and then slipped on the robe. The ruined clothes remained in a pile on the floor. She kicked them to the side and would deal with them later. Touching them after scrubbing away the offending scent bothered her. Lana strolled out of the bathroom and headed toward the front of the apartment. There had to be some kind of food in the kitchen. She could make breakfast and watch morning television until Sullivan came by.
When she reached the front room to turn the television on for background noise as she cooked, she stopped short. Sullivan was spread out on the couch. His head was turned in a weird angle that would probably leave a crick in his neck. One arm was slunk upward above his head, and the other was hanging over the side. He had removed his shoes and untucked his shirt, but was still dressed. Why hadn’t he gone home? Lana walked over to him and nudged him. He didn’t move, so she shook him harder.
Sullivan spun around so fast he fell completely off the couch and hit the floor with a loud thud. “What the fuck...”
“Why are you sleeping on the couch?”
He sat up and leaned his back against the edge of the couch. Sullivan rubbed his face with his hands and then stretched. “Because you’re sleeping in my bed.”
Words she never thought to hear come out of his mouth... “You live here? Why didn’t you mention that last night?” How had she never known he didn’t reside at the mansion? She’d always assumed he stayed there. Why not? It was enormous and could house ten families comfortably.
“Would you have stayed here if you knew?” he asked warily. “Because sometimes I think you do the exact opposite of what I suggest to piss me off.”
“I do not,” she said offensively. There was some validity to his statement. She hated when he was right, and so she went out of her way to prove him wrong. It was rather fun to make him eat crow every once in a while. When she realized he was right on occasion, she made herself scarce. She didn’t want to confess she might have made things harder on him if she’d been aware he lived in the company apartment. “Why would you say this apartment belonged to Brady Blue if it’s yours?” Her go-to reaction was to go on the offensive. It was a tactic that had never failed her before. Ask a question and divert the attention away from herself.
“I have never once lied to you,” Sullivan said. “Why start now? The apartment does belong to the company. I claimed it for the time being. I’d like to buy my own place, but I’ve been too busy to go about finding one.” Sullivan stopped suddenly and stared at her. His gaze traveled from her feet up toward her face. “You look rather good in my robe. Please tell me you have clothes on underneath it.”
His voice was husky, and damn if he didn’t look sexy as hell sitting there on the floor. Mussed black hair, sleepy green eyes, and a mouth so seductive it begged to be kissed. She wanted to sit in his lap, wrap her arms around him, and kiss him until they were both breathless with need. “I do believe every stitch of clothing I own is now a pile of ashes.”
Sullivan cursed and stood. He stalked toward her with a predatory stride. Lana took a step back as excitement ricocheted through her. Finally, he was going to do more than kiss her. He had to. Right? When he reached her, he stopped in front of her and pulled the towel off her head then tossed it to the floor. He skimmed his knuckles across her cheek. “You’re so beautiful,” he said gutturally. It sent shivers up her spine.
They were so close, yet so far away. He was barely touching her, and she had never been so turned on in her life. Sullivan leaned in and pressed light kisses along her jaw and down her neck. He pushed the robe apart just enough so he could kiss farther down the parted V. Lana reached for the tie to loosen it, but he stilled her hand. “Don’t,” he ordered. “Have patience, Lisanna dear.”
Lana whimpered. She wanted to beg but refused to. She wanted to breathe him in and be so familiar with his scent that she’d recognize him anywhere. She’d never bared her heart and soul, but with him, she was perilously close to falling hard and deep. She’d always known that was possible. At the present though, she couldn’t imagine any other way to be. “Sully,” she whispered. It was as close to pleading as she would get.
“I’ve wanted to see you naked for years,” he said. “Now that I’m close, I find I want to savor it. I’ll never get a second chance to do this right.”
“You’re talking too much,” she said. “Touch me.”
He chuckled. “I plan on it.” He pulled her into his arms and nuzzled her neck. “But not as much as you want. Not right now, maybe not even tonight, but soon. I promise.”
Sullivan captured her lips with his and kissed her hard and deep. Lana brought her hands up to his hair and held him in place. She knew exactly what to do to gain his attention. This wasn’t her first time, and she’d be damned if she acted like a shrinking violet now. Sullivan might have his own agenda, but he was about to find out that it clashed with hers. She wanted him, and before the morning was done, she’d have him. On her terms, and in every way she could imagine. He wouldn’t know what hit him after the storm finished.
She raked her nails down his back and rubbed herself against him. Nipped him with her teeth and somehow managed to loosen the tie on her robe along the way. Let him try to push her away. Lana was no man’s pushover, and normally Sullivan was more than aware of that fact. Perhaps he needed a little reminding that she didn’t play by any rules but her own. She stepped out of his arms and shoved him back. “If you don’t want to see me naked today, then you can stop this immediately.”
Sullivan was breathless and his eyes had glazed over with desire. Still, he stayed in place, remaining in control. Lana tilted her lips into a sultry smile and slid the sash of the robe open. It dropped to the side, but the robe didn’t open. Everything remained covered except for a small slit that showed her bare skin. “Don’t,” he croaked.
“Don’t what?” she said. “This?” She slid her hand slowly down the edge of the opening. She pulled it back slightly. His breathing became more ragged as she inched it open a hair. Lana kept her gaze on his, waiting for the moment he gave in and let go. “Perhaps you would rather I showed more leg?” She turned to her side and shoved the robe to the side enough for him to see her bare hip.
Sullivan cursed. “Babe, you’re killing me.”
“Not yet,” she replied. “I’m not done with you.” The doorbell rang, echoing through the apartment. It was Lana’s turn to curse. Who the hell could be there? “Don’t answer that.”
“I don’t want to,” he said then groaned. “But they’re going to keep ringing the bell until I do.”
Lana glanced down and could see his erection pushing against his pants. At least they were both going to go a bit unsatisfied because of this untimely interruption. A little bit longer and she’d have had him naked. Then the possibilities were endless. She sighed and tied the robe back in place. Whoever was at the door had a serious death wish.
Sullivan headed to the door and looked through the peephole. “Of course it’s her.”
Lana didn’t know who he referred to, but at least he wasn’t happy to find another woman on the other side of his apartment door. “Make them go away.” Maybe there was a chance to rekindle what they were about to do.
“No chance of that, love.” He opened the door and said, “Go away.”
“Does that even work?” Jessica said as she entered the apartment.
“Normally,” he said gruffly. “What are you doing here?”
She ignored him and went over to Lana and wrapped her in a hug. “I stopped by your house and it terrified me. I admit to being slightly hysterical, but a nice fireman calmed me down and then directed me here. How are you?”
Sullivan shook his head and said, “I’m going to take that as my cue to leave.” He slipped on a pair of shoes, grabbed his keys and phone, then headed toward the door. He stopped suddenly and turned toward Lana. “There is a change of clothes in the first drawer. I had my assistant pick up a few things for you. You’ll also find a new cell phone too. Activate it and call me later.”
Lana wrinkled her nose. Did he have to think of everything? “I suppose I’ll go dress.” She went back into the bedroom and located the items Sullivan had procured for her. His assistant had found her a velvety soft pair of lounge pants, a tank top, and a zip up jacket that matched the pants. She’d even found lingerie in her size. How had she known what to get? Sullivan must have guessed or something. She didn’t want to think too hard on it.
After she dressed, she went back to the front room with a phone and a credit card in hand. He hadn’t just bought her a new outfit and phone. He’d left a way for her to shop too, and she was going to take advantage of it. Maybe a nice piece of sexy lingerie would make him lose that control of his.
“Let’s go,” she ordered. “We’re going to have a bit of fun and Sully’s footing the bill. How do you feel about some good ole fashioned retail therapy?”
“My favorite kind,” Jessica said then smiled.
Lana grabbed the set of keys Sullivan had given her to the apartment and locked up after they left. She’d activate the phone in the car on their way to the mall. She couldn’t wait to see him later and have a night to remember.
CHAPTER THIRTEEN
Shopping was usually not Lana’s thing. She would normally have rather poked herself in the eye with a sharp knife and twisted it; however, this served an entirely different purpose. She had plans. Wicked, decadent, and oh so sizzling ones... If she was going to take this huge leap with Sullivan, she might as well go straight to the deep end and savor it.
Besides, she did need some new clothes, and he would probably buy them for her if she didn’t do it for herself. This was his way of giving her the appearance of a choice. Either she shopped or he would—rather, his assistant would. This way she could pick out what she wanted and limit the amount of money being spent. As soon as she was able, she planned on paying back every dime she used on his credit card. If her own hadn’t burned up in the fire, she wouldn’t have bothered with his. As wonderful as walking around his apartment naked all day sounded, it was not exactly practical.
“Where else do you want to go?” Jessica asked.
“I have most of what I need,” Lana said. The everyday things anyway—she bought a few interchangeable outfits, two simple dresses, and some new work scrubs. “I need some shoes and lingerie.” Sully hadn’t thought of everything. All she had to wear out of the house was her slippers. She would have to make sure to point that out to him when she saw him later.
“Lingerie?” Jessica lifted a brow. “Have special plans?”
“Ha ha,” Lana replied sarcastically. “Not that I’m adverse to a sexy negligee, but I also need some panties and a bra or two.” Jessica didn’t need to know everything Lana had planned. That was for her, and well—Sully to find out later tonight.
“Easy now,” Jessica said, then laughed. “Can’t take a bit of ribbing, can you? Although, if you want my opinion, I think you should go for it. By the looks of things, it seemed as if I interrupted some sexy time this morning.”
Lana almost grumbled at that. She would not admit how close she had been to stripping and having her way with Sullivan. It still bothered her that he was keeping her at arm’s length. He said he wanted to be with her and had been a little too eager to go slow. Something didn’t add up in her estimation. If he was so enamored with her, why didn’t he seem eager to explore the more intimate side of a possible relationship between them? Did he not really desire her? “You didn’t do any such thing,” Lana lied. “Sully and I were having a bit of a disagreement. He thinks he is the boss of me, and I had to set him straight.”
“Sounds about right,” Jessica said. “That’s part of your foreplay. Won’t be long until you can’t stop the inevitable.”
Lana didn’t even bother to reply to that one. “Let’s go into this store.” They headed into the shoe store Lana had gestured toward. She found her usual work shoes in her size, a pair of strappy sandals, and a sexy pair of heels with three-inch spikes. She was short, and Sullivan towered over her. This would give her a little extra height to play her game later that night. Now she needed a
nice negligee to go along with them.
“Interesting choices,” Jessica said. “And complete opposites...”
“Never know when you’re going to need a good pair of black heels,” Lana replied flippantly. “The other two pairs are more for everyday wear.”
Jessica shook her head, a look of bewilderment on her face. “I don’t even want to know what your reasoning is, but I’m willing to bet your using those spiked heels for something in particular. If you feel like sharing, I have a willing ear to listen.”
“I like to keep some things a tad more private then that,” Lana said. “So, I’m not confirming or denying that.”
They purchased the shoes and left the store. Lana turned in the direction of the lingerie store. She halted before they reached it because she caught the sight of the one person she didn’t want to talk to. All right, there were probably a lot of people she didn’t want to see, but after the other day, she particularly didn’t want to have any interactions with Tony.
“Lana,” he called out.
Damn it, he had spotted her. “Oh, hey,” Lana said hesitantly. “Two times in one week, what are the chances?” Someone must really hate her. She couldn’t help thinking her run of bad luck had to end at some point. Then something like this would happen. Though, at least, this wasn’t as bad as a fire or car accident.
“It’s good to see you again. I meant to ask you for your number the other day so we could maybe have lunch sometime.”
“Oh...um...”
“Lana’s phone was damaged in the car accident, and she hasn’t replaced it yet. Maybe give her your number and when she has a new one she’ll contact you,” Jessica offered. Lana wanted to kiss her. She still had to activate the phone Sully had given her, but Jessica was well aware that she had a new one already.