by J. Sterling
He was smart as hell, too, so I’d liked him immediately. When we’d collaborated on our first business venture to develop a new cell phone app, he’d willingly taken a backseat to me. He’d said that when it came to the meetings and convincing people to take a risk on a couple of nineteen-year-old kids, I had an ability to charm money out of rich guys’ wallets better than anyone he’d ever known. He’d included his dad in that compliment.
In that moment, I’d trusted him not to fuck me over, and he’d been working for me ever since—although it was usually in a business-partner capacity. There wasn’t a single venture or business move I’d make that didn’t involve James.
“How was LA?” he asked between yawns.
“Warm.”
“Isn’t it always?”
I looked up at him as his eyes closed, and I searched for something on my desk to throw at his head. Settling on a pen, I chucked it across the room, and it landed square on his forehead with a dink sound.
Nailed it.
“Ow! Fucker!” He sat up, rubbing the red mark with his hand.
“Sleep in your own office. What do you want?” I knew exactly what he wanted.
James was the only person in the world who knew almost everything about me. There was very little I kept hidden from him.
“How was the Santa Monica meeting? Are we in or what?”
I groaned. “It’s a pretty groundbreaking idea.”
“Then, what’s the problem? Why the groan?”
“There’s a flaw in their basic system. It’s a minor issue, but it’s definitely a deal-breaker. I asked them to send me their business proposal and projections, so I could look them over one more time.” I left out the part where I’d walked out of the meeting as if my ass were on fire.
“Want me to check it out as well?”
“I do actually.” I nodded. “As soon as I get it, I’ll forward it to you.”
“Sounds good,” he answered.
He made no moves to get off my couch. I waited for the reason he’d really barged in, but he remained silent.
“Oh, for fuck’s sake, just ask already.” I stared at my best friend and tried to hide the smile forming on my lips.
He leaned back and howled out a laugh toward the ceiling. “Did you see Elizabeth or what?”
“Of course I fucking saw her. I told you I was going to.”
“And?” He waited.
“To be honest, I thought she was going to kick my ass. She scares the crap out of me sometimes.”
He howled again.
“Dude, stop howling. Serena’s going to think you’re dying, and she’ll come rushing in here to save you.”
Serena was my assistant—my very-married, very-mom-of-three assistant. It had been a requirement of mine to hire someone I wouldn’t be tempted to fuck when we worked late hours. I never fucked my employees, but sometimes, shit happened. So, I had taken that extra layer of precaution and made sure my assistant was not only not my type, but also not available. I never touched married women—ever.
“So, she didn’t get the roses?”
“Oh, she got them all right. They were sitting on her fucking desk when I walked into her office.”
“Ah, hell. This is great.” He continued laughing at my expense.
“Fuck off.” I was half-tempted to throw another pen at his head to get him to shut up.
“When do I get to meet her?” He leaned forward as he clapped his hands together and started rubbing them back and forth as if he were concocting an evil scheme.
I snarled, “Never.”
He threw his hands up in surrender. “Now, you know what it’s like not to have every girl fall at your feet. Can’t blame me for thinking that shit is funny.”
I didn’t. I completely understood, but that didn’t mean I liked it. “I like her.”
“I know.”
“A lot,” I added for emphasis.
“I’m aware.”
“So, what do I do?”
“Send more roses,” he said with another guttural laugh.
“I already did.”
“Fuck, Daniel. I was joking.”
“Either be helpful, or get the fuck out.” I glared at him, but it was no use. Trying to stay mad at James was like trying to stay mad at a puppy. It just wasn’t possible.
“Don’t get pissy. Let me have my fun. I’ve never seen you like this before, all riled up over a girl.”
“Well, enjoy it while it lasts.”
“You plan on getting over her soon?”
“Fuck no. I plan on getting under her—among other things.” I smirked.
18.
ELIZABETH
Barbara knocked on my open office door before waltzing in, carrying another vase spilling over with all white roses.
“My God,” my voice breathed out at the sight of them.
I wasn’t sure what it was about white roses, but when the first bouquet from Daniel had arrived, I had decided that they were my new favorite flower. I had also agreed that any lingering anger from the night before was officially gone as of this moment. It’d all stemmed from my ego and pride anyway.
“Seriously, Elizabeth, if you don’t marry this man, can I?” She placed the vase on top of the drawer of files behind my desk.
Spinning my chair around, I reached for the card, wondering what it would say this time.
All I see is you.
I swooned, out loud, before handing the card to Barbara to read.
“You should probably at least call him this time to thank him.”
“You’re so helpful.”
“I’m here all week.” She winked and closed my office door, leaving me alone.
It was her subtle way of telling me what to do.
Staring at my cell phone, I debated between sending him a text or calling him. Texting seemed too impersonal at this point, but after our phone call this morning, I wasn’t sure how much more of his words I could take hearing.
Fuck it.
I dialed his cell phone number and held my breath with each ring.
“Elizabeth,” he breathed my name into the phone.
Part of me melted into my chair. “Thank you for the roses, Daniel.”
He laughed slightly. “I’m impressed.”
“Why’s that?”
“You actually called me the day you got them this time. Unless…” He stopped mid-thought.
“Unless what?”
“Unless you only called me so that I wouldn’t show up at your work again. Are you trying to keep me away from you?”
It was my turn to laugh. “No,” I admitted honestly.
“Good. Have dinner with me tonight then,” he said.
My breath caught in my throat. “Tonight? Where?” I started looking at the door as if he’d bust through it again at any moment.
“At The Penthouse.”
“In The Huntley Hotel?” I wondered.
“You’re familiar with it?” he asked, his tone delightfully surprised.
“Of course.”
The Penthouse was one of my favorite restaurants to entertain in Santa Monica. It was eighteen stories up and had the most incredible view of the coastline on one side and the city on the other. Not to mention, the food and atmosphere were amazing.
“It’s beautiful there,” I added.
“It’s a date. I’ll pick you up at seven.”
I sucked in a quick breath. “Actually, I’ll just meet you there. You know I live only a few blocks away. It will just be easier.” After last night, I wasn’t ready for any more home-related expectations.
“Have it your way.” He didn’t fight me on it, which surprised me. “See you tonight.”
He ended the call.
Oh my gosh, I had just agreed to a real-life date with someone and not just any someone—him.
Please don’t break my heart. Please don’t break my heart, I silently prayed to the gods above, hoping like hell they were listening.
****
I stepped into the
lobby of the hotel, my red dress inching higher with each stride. Grabbing the bottom of it, I gave it one final tug, willing it to stay put against my thighs. He came into view, and he looked incredible in navy blue suit pants, a lighter blue shirt and a matching navy tie. The man was simply stunning to look at, and boy did I enjoy looking.
Watching his face light up at the sight of me made me feel sexy and wanted—two things I hadn’t cared about in so long. As we walked toward each other, his right hand moved from behind his back, and a single long-stemmed white rose appeared.
“For you.” He handed it to me before bending down and sweeping me into his arms in a tight hug. “You look beautiful.”
My cheeks warmed with the combination of being touched by him and by his compliment. “Thank you. You look very nice yourself.” I sniffed at the rose, loving that this was quickly becoming our thing.
We have a thing.
WE HAVE A THING!
Deep breaths, Elizabeth.
Daniel extended a hand toward the hotel elevator. “Shall we?”
I moved toward them, his hand resting firmly on my lower back.
We reached the eighteenth floor and stepped out into a plethora of candlelight.
A hostess immediately greeted us upon our exit. “Reservations?”
“Alexander, for two,” Daniel said.
She smiled. “Right this way, Mr. Alexander.”
We followed as she led us around the enormous bar and toward the part of the restaurant that faced the coastline. Although, in the dark, we couldn’t see it.
The table sat in the corner, away from other people, and I realized that Daniel had most likely requested that arrangement, so we could have some sense of privacy. I scooted into the comfortable bench seat, and Daniel sat across from me in a baby-blue plush chair.
I started to laugh.
“Why are you laughing at me?” He veered forward, his face glowing in the candlelight.
“Because you’re so manly, but that chair is so girlie. You look ridiculous, sitting in it.” I continued to giggle.
He leaned back. “You think I’m manly, huh?”
“Compared to the chair,” I fired back.
“My Elizabeth, always so sassy.”
I swooned—silently and to myself, but I still did it.
“I’m sorry again about last night.”
“I’m over it. Let’s not talk about it anymore.”
I wanted to be done with it. He’d apologized, and I’d forgiven him. It was time to move on.
“You’re incredible, you know that?” he complimented.
“You’re all right,” I teased.
Our waitress appeared, and I was thankful for the break in the awkwardness.
“Good evening. My name’s Heather, and I’ll be your waitress tonight. Can I start you off with something to drink?”
Daniel nodded at me, and I glanced at the wine menu. “I’ll take a glass of your dry Riesling.”
“Make it a bottle,” he interjected.
Heather smiled at him. She was charmed by the sight of him, the same way I had been. Only, it had taken her all of two seconds.
“Of course. Would you like to hear our specials?”
“Just the wine for now. Thanks.” He dismissed her. It wasn’t rude, but it wasn’t overly friendly either.
I watched as Heather’s smile dropped a little before she turned away.
19.
DANIEL
Elizabeth looked absolutely gorgeous. I couldn’t stop staring at her face, her eyes, her mouth, and her ass when she’d walked in front of me. Everything about this woman called to me. Hell, I’d already flown out to see her twice in as many days. I might need an intervention.
“So, Elizabeth,” I started, hoping she’d let me in on some of her mystery tonight.
“So, Daniel,” she countered before continuing, “are you going to make this sort of thing a habit?”
“What sort of thing?” I asked playfully.
Her head tilted to one side, allowing her long hair to spill down across her shoulder. With her bare neck revealed, I instantly hardened. I wanted to slide next to her and feast on her skin. Fuck dinner. I had everything I needed sitting across from me.
“Flying out here to see me,” her voice said.
I blinked twice to regain focus. “I’m planning on it, yes. Is that going to be a problem?” Please fucking say no.
She sighed, and I reached across the table for her hand.
“I don’t think so, but how can you afford to do that with your job?”
I stifled a laugh. “It’s only an hour flight, so it’s not like I’m losing much of my day when I’m in the air. Also, I can work from Southern California just as effectively as I can from my office up north.” Squeezing her hand for a moment, I added, “Well, almost as effectively. You’ve been a bit of a distraction lately.”
“Me? You’re the distraction, and I haven’t even had to leave my office. You bring the distraction to me.”
She half-smiled, and I wanted to kiss the edges of her mouth.
“Do you want me to stop?”
Her eyes skirted away from mine as she glanced at our hands. “No.”
“Good. I wouldn’t have listened anyway. To be honest, I think we have the perfect situation here.” My thumb lazily circled hers.
“How so?”
“Well, for starters, we don’t live anywhere near each other,” I practically shouted at her like an excited five-year-old.
“I think we’ve established that already. Why is that a good thing?”
“Well, contrary to what you think, I really do work hard and long hours. I get home late all the time, and I’m up early. I know you are, too. Neither of us has time for a demanding relationship, not that I think you’d ever be demanding. You’re too damn independent.” Her lips started to frown, and I quickly recovered. “That’s a good thing. I fucking love that about you.” I watched as her lips tilted up into a slight grin. “As I was saying, I think that us being long distance is the perfect way for you to take baby steps, which I’m assuming you need to do, before we go all in. And trust me, babe, we’re going all in.”
“Are you always this overly confident, bossy, and demanding?”
“Only when I know I’m right.” I smirked before bringing her hand to my lips.
“So, all the time then,” she teased.
“See? You’re the perfect girlfriend already.” The word effortlessly slipped off my tongue. I hadn’t had a real girlfriend in years, but I wanted this. I wanted her.
Heather reappeared at that moment with our bottle of wine and two glasses, and all I wanted her to do was leave again. We placed our order, and I informed her we weren’t in a rush.
“Will you answer me something?” I asked with slight apprehension.
“Sure.”
She looked tentative, but I was determined to convince her that she could trust me.
“Why are you so hesitant when it comes to me?”
“It’s not just you.” She sipped her wine.
“Then, what is it?”
“I don’t really date anymore. I kind of swore off men awhile back.” Her eyes averted mine as she stared past me.
“So, you only date girls now?” I tried to break the tension.
She laughed. “Oh, yeah. I’m sure dating a chick would be far less dramatic.” Her expression shifted.
“Tell me what happened. Please.” I looked into her brown eyes and saw the hurt in them.
She was so reluctant about sharing anything personal with me, and it fucking killed me. I wanted her to trust me.
“Elizabeth, I know that someone hurt you, but that someone wasn’t me.”
And it never will be, I promised myself.
“I know that. It’s so stupid.” She shrugged one shoulder. “I mean, it happened eight years ago.”
“But you’re still holding on to it?” I honestly wondered.
“Not in the way you’re thinking. It just affec
ted the way I chose to live my life.”
“In what way?” Now, we were getting somewhere.
“When it came to work and men.”
Her eyes stared through me. They willed me to challenge her. She wanted to let this out. I could tell. I just had to push her to do it.
“This is like pulling teeth, Elizabeth. Just tell me what happened.”
“Fine.” Her tone was clipped. “My ex cheated on me with my roommate. He told me it was all my fault that he did it, and that’s the gist of it.”
My eyes narrowed in both confusion and anger. That couldn’t possibly be the whole story because it didn’t fucking add up.
What kind of asshole would cheat on her and tell her it was her fault?
A young one.
“How was him cheating on you your fault? I’d love to hear how he explained that one.”
She sucked her bottom lip into her mouth, and my eyes zeroed in on it. The move momentarily stopped my brain from working and sent all my blood flowing south, but I forced myself to remain in my seat.
“He said that I was too focused on what I wanted for my future. I didn’t give him enough attention because my dreams were too big. And no guy would ever want someone like me because I wanted too much for myself.”
I couldn’t listen to another word without wanting to smash something. “What kind of insecure piece of shit doesn’t want his girlfriend to be successful?”
“That’s what I said!” Her voice became animated at this point. “But he said that guys wanted their women to take care of them and support their goals, not have goals of their own. He said that all guys thought that way, not just him. And he acted like he was doing me a favor by telling me, like he was clueing me in on some giant secret in the book of men.”
I shook my head back and forth so hard that I thought it might fall off my fucking shoulders. “I am so sorry that happened to you.” Anger pulsed through every inch of my body. I could feel it seething through my veins like blood.
Pushing out of my chair, I rose to my feet and sucked in three deep breaths before sliding into the bench seat next to her. Wrapping my arms around her, I pulled her against me and kissed her forehead. My heart pounded against my chest. It wasn’t because of the woman in my arms—although, that would have been enough. It was because my fucking adrenaline was pumping so hard. This guy had done a number on her, and I understood now why she had been so guarded.