by Lacey Wolfe
“Thank you,” Steven said.
“Care to join me in my study, Steven?”
Steven glanced at Darcy and she nodded her approval. Steven leaned down and placed a kiss on her cheek before he left with her father. She set her own napkin on the table and turned her attention to her mom. “Need help cleaning up?”
“That would be wonderful.”
Darcy helped her mother clear the table and take the dishes into the kitchen. The kitchen had changed. Everything had been recently upgraded. New counters, appliances, cabinets, and so on. It was ironic to have top-of-the-line appliances when her mother almost never cooked.
“The kitchen looks nice, Mom.”
“It was time for a change.” Her mom set the last dish down. “I’ve actually been cooking a little more lately.”
“Really?” Darcy was shocked.
“I thought it was important.”
“Need me to wash these up?”
“No, let’s go sit and talk. I want to hear about Steven and how he stole your heart.” She leaned close. “I imagine he is chatting with your dad about you right now. Hopefully soon we can throw a big engagement party.”
“That will be fun.”
“I hope we stay close now. I’ve missed you so much.”
“Same here.” Darcy couldn’t bring herself to say she missed her mom. She did, but she’d put all emotions aside and didn’t want to bring them out. She wasn’t sure what would happen between her and her parents when this was over. Darcy let out a sigh and pushed the thoughts away. She didn’t want to worry about that.
“Are you okay, dear?”
“I’m fine, it’s just overwhelming. Everything is happening so fast.”
“That’s good, and it’s usually how it happens.”
Her mother spent the rest of their time alone talking about the ideas she had for the wedding and all the events that would lead up to it. Darcy just smiled and nodded and hoped one day her dreams would come true and she could have the glorious wedding her mother spoke about.
* * * *
Steven dropped his keys on the table and followed Darcy into the house. She had been quiet the whole ride home. Currently, her arms were crossed and she made a beeline for the kitchen.
He’d liked her parents—for the most part. When he’d chatted with Derek in his study, he’d given Steven his blessing for the marriage, but he did ask that Steven try to talk some sense into Darcy. He thought the idea of a bakery was crazy and Darcy could be doing so much more. Steven had reluctantly agreed with Derek and hated himself for doing it, but he hadn’t wanted to start their relationship on the wrong foot. After all, this was going to be a very long engagement.
“I’m making coffee, want any?” Darcy called from the kitchen.
As he entered the kitchen he said, “I’d love a cup.”
Steven leaned against the counter. Darcy poured water into the coffee maker and then scooped the coffee in. After she pressed the brew button, she turned and stared back at him.
“That wasn’t so bad,” he said.
She nodded. “Yeah, it was okay.”
Steven laughed. “Your parents were kind.” He reached his hand out toward her.
Darcy walked to him, taking his hand.
“Your dad gave us his blessing.”
“I had no doubt he would. Your family is well known.”
Steven wasn’t sure what had come over him, maybe it was the scotch he’d shared with her dad, but he couldn’t resist the beautiful woman in front of him. He tugged her to him, and her body molded against his perfectly. With his free hand, he pushed her hair behind her ear and then pressed his lips to hers. He expected resistance from her, but she opened up right away, wanting the kiss as much as he did.
Sliding his hand around her neck, he tilted her head so he could deepen the kiss. Her fingers danced around his waist and the little sensation went straight to his groin. Releasing her hand, he gripped her waist and pulled her into him. He was hard and it pressed into her and she didn’t seem to mind. Damn this woman! She should be pushing away from him, reminding him they were to stay friends, but instead he kept hoping her hand would find its way lower.
Could they do this once and then pretend it never happened? His erection was telling him yes, but his brain was telling him no. He started to pull away from the kiss, but Darcy wouldn’t let him.
God, he was turned on and wanted to touch her, taste her, explore her. He needed her!
“Stop, Darcy.” He pushed her off him.
She stepped back, a shocked look on her face.
“I can’t control myself. I want to take you to bed so bad.”
“I want that too.” She moved closer to him again and wrapped her arm around his neck and let her other hand dangle at his waistband. “Can’t we have a little fun?”
Do it or not? Yes or no? His core ached and taunted him. Taking a deep breath, he decided to listen to the head below. He lifted Darcy up and sat her on the counter. His lips were everywhere. Her neck, collarbone. His hands were greedy as they worked the buttons on her blouse. “Stop me now, Darcy.”
She gazed into his eyes and then cupped his erection through his pants. “No.”
“No turning back?”
“No turning back.”
He crushed his lips to hers, and his hand slid inside her blouse. He dipped right under her bra cups, squeezing. Darcy brushed her hand up and down along his length. He had a hard time keeping control of himself. If they were going to do this, they needed a soft surface and protection.
Protection…crap! He didn’t have any there. It was at his old place.
Breaking the kiss, he asked, “Do you happen to have a condom? Or are you on birth control?”
Darcy sighed. “No and no.”
Steven laid his head on her shoulder. “Then this isn’t happening.”
Her fingers curled in his hair. Now that the passion was subsiding, he knew it was for the best. He could never be with Darcy just one time. No, once he took her to bed, he’d want her in that bed each and every night.
“It’s okay,” she said softly. “Next time we go shopping, we can pick some up.”
“No, we won’t.”
Darcy groaned. “Why?”
He stood straight. “Sex would complicate things.”
She slid off the counter. “Not even two minutes ago things were hot and heavy. And if we’d had a condom, or I was on birth control, we’d be in your bed right now, naked and connecting.”
The image of her under him, legs around his waist, flooded his mind. His erection grew a little.
“We’ll talk about this later.” Steven walked away, he had to, or else he would drive down to the corner convenience store and buy the biggest box of condoms they had.
Chapter 10
Darcy set her book down. It was time to start cooking dinner. Steven would be home soon, and after last night, she wanted to make a meal they’d have to sit down together and eat so they could talk. They had to get things sorted out and she needed to figure out if they were more than friends or not. She was leaning toward being more, but he was resisting.
They would be living together for a few months or more, which meant no dating for either of them. They couldn’t risk anyone finding out and blowing everything. Why not share beds whenever they pleased and keep each other company? Friends with benefits. Yes, she would put it to him that way.
That never worked though. One person always had feelings for the other. But it wasn’t like they had a ten year friendship they’d be ruining. They hadn’t been in each other’s life since high school and when this was over, that’s how it would return. Besides, if they were breaking an engagement, it wouldn’t be on good terms. As far as she was concerned, they’d have to hate each other. Just the thought of disliking Steven tugged on the strings of her heart in a way she wasn’t expecting. She couldn’t imagine ever having bad feelings for him.
Darcy let out a loud sigh and began flipping through a cookbook t
o see if anything stood out for her to make. Finally a fairly simple pasta dish caught her eye. She read through the ingredients and checked the cupboards, pleased that everything was there.
Steven was usually home each evening by six. If she started now, she’d be putting the finishing touches on after he came through the door. Placing everything on the counter, she set out to do just that.
Almost an hour later, Darcy sat at the kitchen table—alone. It was after six, actually thirty minutes after. She was disappointed he wasn’t there yet, but it wasn’t as though he was that late. Maybe she shouldn’t have gotten so caught up in the moment of wanting to talk to him. Thankfully pasta reheated well. Now, she had to decide on eating now or later.
Picking up her phone, she shot him a quick text. What time will you be home tonight?
Her cellphone rang almost immediately after she’d sent the text and it was Steven.
“Hey,” she answered.
“Hey, I meant to text you earlier. I’m meeting up with a few of the guys tonight for drinks. I’ll be home late.”
“I wish you would’ve told me. I made a big dinner.” Her tone was laced with irritation.
“I’m sorry. I promise I’ll eat a big helping when I get home.”
“It’s fine. We can have it tomorrow. Have fun.”
“I’ll try. See you later.” He ended the call.
Darcy lay her phone down on the table. It looked like she was eating alone tonight.
* * * *
Steven walked into the bar and looked for his friends since high school, Kyle and Ryan. He spotted them near the end of the bar, closest to the TV, each with a beer already.
“What’s up?” he said as he approached.
“Not much. What do you want, man, so we can get that hot little bartender back over here,” Ryan said.
“What do they have on special tonight from the tap?”
Ryan raised his hand, and a beautiful brunette sauntered over in jeans and a black t-shirt which were so tight Steven imagined she’d have to peel them off of her.
“What can I get you boys now?” she asked with a flirty grin.
“This is Steven, and he wants to know what your specials are.” Kyle winked at her.
She went over the different beers, and then Steven told her which he wanted. She handed him a frosted glass and told them she’d be back in a moment if they wanted to order any food.
“Want to get a table?” Steven asked.
“And not be able to watch her ass all night? Hell no.” Ryan laughed.
Steven shrugged and climbed up onto a bar stool.
“So, dude, how’s work going?” Kyle asked.
“It’s going about as good as it can. My grandfather is preparing for retirement.”
“Did he give up on the demands that you have a wife?” Ryan took a chug of his drink.
Steven wondered if he should tell them the truth about him and Darcy or if he should make them believe as well he was getting married. He trusted them with his life and he was certain Darcy had told her friend the truth.
“Yeah, I took care of that.”
“How?” Ryan asked.
“I have an arrangement with a woman. We’re pretending to be getting engaged and married.”
“Please tell me it isn’t Terry.” Kyle groaned.
“Yeah, right. Could you imagine that? Terry and marriage.” Steven shook his head. “No, actually you might remember this woman from high school, Darcy White.”
They both looked as though they were thinking hard, but it wasn’t coming up.
“You know that hotshot attorney, Mr. White?” he added, and they nodded. “His daughter. We went to high school with her, but I guess she isn’t ringing a bell.”
“She hot?” Ryan asked…always with a one-track mind.
“Extremely,” Steven answered.
“You gettin’ some?”
Steven smiled and left it at that. He wasn’t about to tell them that he was living with a beautiful woman and not taking her to bed. He didn’t want to be laughed at. And at this point, it took every ounce of his self-control not to press Darcy against a wall and have his way with her.
The bartender came back over and they decided to order some wings and fries. Steven turned his attention to the game to see who was playing. Taking a drink of his beer, he watched, hoping his friends would drop any talk about Darcy. He wasn’t lucky though.
“So, when do we get to meet her?” Kyle asked.
“I don’t know.”
“She got any single friends?” Ryan inquired.
“I’m not sure.”
“Well, don’t go falling for her. None of us have gotten wrangled in yet, let’s keep it that way.” Ryan took a swig of his drink.
“We can’t be single forever,” Steven said. While some men liked the thought of never being with the same woman every night, that wasn’t him.
“Why not? I happen to like having different women in bed, or on the table, or—” Ryan began.
“We get it,” Kyle chimed in.
“Here’s your order, boys.” The bartender slid a few baskets of food their way. “You eating here or do you want me to take these to a table?”
“I think we’re going to sit here and watch the game. And talk to you, beautiful.” Ryan smiled, turning on the charm.
The brunette leaned forward, giving them all a very nice view of her cleavage. Steven felt guilty even looking and quickly glanced away. She said something to Ryan and then strutted away to help someone else.
“God, that woman is a gift sent from heaven. She’s smokin’.” Ryan took a wing. “You see, Steven, my friend, if you fall for Darcy, you can’t get a piece of that.”
Steven wasn’t so sure he wanted a piece of that. While the woman was pretty, she didn’t hold a candle to Darcy.
Darcy didn’t have to apply several layers of makeup to make him drool. Even with her hair wet, and a t-shirt and sweatpants on, Darcy was gorgeous. And that was the reason he had to keep his distance, he reminded himself for the billionth time. And he knew he would have to keep on reminding himself. After all, he’d almost slipped up the night before. And Darcy had been right. If he’d had protection, he would’ve taken her to bed. And he wasn’t sure if today he’d be feeling guilty about it or over-the-top in love.
Steven took a long drink of his beer. He had to drive home tonight, so after this one he was done. Reaching out, he grabbed a fry.
“So, who do you guys think is going to win this game?” he asked, hoping that for the rest of the evening they could talk about sports, cars, whatever. As long as a certain female name didn’t come back up.
Chapter 11
Darcy woke the next morning to clinking and clanging coming from the kitchen. Rubbing her eyes, she yawned and sat up. She inhaled deeply and the scent of bacon smacked her. She hopped out of bed and slid on her slippers and robe. If there was one thing Darcy could not pass up, it was breakfast.
The closer she got to the kitchen, the more the aroma welcomed her. She found Steven at the counter whisking what she assumed was eggs.
“Good morning,” she said. “Did you have a good night?”
Steven spun around and smiled. “I think I would’ve had a much more enjoyable evening here with you, but it was nice to be out for a little and forget things.”
She wondered what kind of things he was glad to forget—her? “I’m glad you had a good time.”
“You were asleep by the time I got in. I ate a big helping of pasta, as promised, and it was delicious.”
“Oh, I’m glad to hear that.”
“And now I’m making you breakfast.”
“I see that.” Darcy made her way over to the coffee pot and poured herself a cup. “Working today?”
“Nope, I decided to take a few days off. I realized I’ve been pretty neglectful of you.” He poured the eggs into the pan. “And I figured it would look good if I took some time off, so it would seem I am home and we’re getting engaged maybe. I�
�m also hoping we can get both sets of parents over for dinner soon.”
“What’s the story? You popped the question one romantic evening in front of the fireplace, and after I said yes, we kissed passionately and made love for hours on end?” She giggled.
“Actually.” He set the spatula down. “I’m doing it tonight at Marcello’s.”
“What?” Had she heard him right?
“I hope you don’t have plans.”
She took a long drink of her coffee. This was so unromantic. She was being told when they were getting engaged. And all the customers dining at Marcello’s tonight would get to see the whole charade.
“In light of me hoping you have no plans, I set you up a day at the spa.”
“You what?”
Steven laughed. “We might need to get your hearing checked.”
“You didn’t have to do that.”
“Oh, but I did.” He poured the cooked eggs onto a plate. “Everything is ready. Want me to put all these plates on the table, or should we do it buffet style?”
“It’s just us. We’ll just scoop things up and then sit down.”
After she fixed her plate and topped off her coffee, she headed for the dining room table. Once she was seated, Steven took his spot across from her. Was now a good time to give her friends-with-benefits speech? Maybe. After all, they were getting engaged tonight. And she imagined it would be rather romantic.
“Steven, can we talk a minute?”
He took a bite of bacon and nodded.
“I’ve been thinking about something.” She took a deep breath to brace herself for this talk. It was either going to go well or really bad. “I’d like for us to enjoy our time engaged.”
“I think we will.”
“What I mean is, I don’t want to keep this platonic. I think we should act on our attraction to one another. I don’t see the harm in it. After all, when this is over, we’re supposed to be enemies, so it’s now or never to act on these feelings.”
He stared at her and she wasn’t sure what he was thinking. Darcy prayed he didn’t flat-out reject her and he would at least consider it.