A Private Affair

by Dara Girard

  “Something cool to start things off would be nice as well,” he said kicking off his shoes and resting his feet on the coffee table.

  She didn’t know who he was, but he certainly was messy. Carissa moved his shoes out of the way and hung up his coat then poured him some lemonade. She didn’t know whether to feed him though. She went to Riverton’s room and knocked, wondering what was taking him so long.

  “I’ll be right out,” he said.

  “There’s someone here to see you.”

  The door swung open. He looked at her surprised. “To see me?”

  She was just as surprised at the sight of him with his shirt open, revealing a muscular chest. A man who ate like him had no right to such a beautiful body. She pulled her gaze away from him and glanced behind him. A selection of shirts lay scattered on the bed. “Yes, he wants me to—”

  “Hey lady, I’m starving!” the other man said.

  “Get him dinner,” Carissa finished.

  She saw Kenric’s face change to an expression she’d never seen before. “I’ll deal with him,” he said in an ominous whisper, storming past her.

  She followed behind him with a feeling of dread but decided to return to the kitchen.

  ***

  Kenric marched into the living room and found his brother lounging on the couch. “What are you doing here?”

  Joshua looked up at him perplexed. “So what happened? I thought I’d come in time to see the hot girl you bought instead I see your mai—”

  Kenric covered his mouth and said in a low warning. “Keep your voice down.” He removed his hand.

  He glanced towards the kitchen where Carissa was. “Why would she care? I’d hope I’d be interrupting something. But just like you…nothing. When are you going to have a little fun?”

  Kenric buttoned up his shirt. “What are you doing here?”

  “You know I had to see her for myself. Is she on her way?”

  “She’s already here,” he said tucking his shirt in.

  Joshua lifted a brow then studied his brother who was straightening his shirt. “Oh, you certainly work fast. Is she in the other room?” A sly grin spread on his face. “Is she getting herself together right now?”

  “No. You already met her. She’s the one.”

  “Who’s the one?”

  “The woman you met at the door.”

  “She’s the one what?”

  Kenric rested his hands on his hips, losing patience. “Are you pretending to be this dense to get on my nerves? She’s the one I got at the auction.”

  Joshua jumped to his feet and spun around then grinned as if Kenric had pulled a prank. “No way. That woman—”

  Kenric narrowed his eyes and kept his voice even. “I’m serious.”

  Joshua quickly sobered, realizing his mistake. “Your taste has definitely changed.” He headed for the kitchen. “Maybe I didn’t get a good look at her.”

  Kenric grabbed his arm. “And you’re not going to.”

  “No need to be embarrassed. You felt sorry for her, right? Just like I said.”

  “In two seconds she’s going to feel sorry for you.”

  Joshua frowned. “Why?”

  Kenric plastered on a false grin and patted his brother on the cheek. “Because if you don’t leave, I’m going to hurt you.”

  “At least let me get something to eat.”

  “No.”

  “Come on—” He stopped when Carissa came out of the kitchen carrying an extra plate of the salmon and rice. Joshua looked at his brother. “Just one bite and I’ll leave.”

  “No.”

  He poked him in the chest. “If you want to score, I can be your wingman.”

  Kenric sighed. It was easier to let him stay. “Eat fast.”

  He hurried over to a chair. “I’m sorry,” he said taking Carissa’s hand and kissing the back of it. “I didn’t realize who you were. I’m Joshua Riverton, Kenric’s brother.”

  “Carissa,” she said looking flattered then returning to her seat at the table.

  Kenric sat down, annoyed. His brother always had that affect on women. They ate and indulged in light easy chatter, Joshua praising Carissa’s culinary skills.

  She left to get dessert.

  Joshua watched her with interest.

  Kenric recognized the look and carefully set his fork down. “She’s mine,” he said in a low voice.

  “Why, because you saw her first? We both know that’s not good enough. Why don’t we let her decide.”

  Kenric’s tone hardened. He only had one last night with Carissa and he wouldn’t let his brother ruin it. “No.”

  “No?”

  “I told you to back off and I mean it. You have Jackie and what’s-her-name, Carissa is mine.”

  Joshua wiped his mouth with his napkin. “I like a challenge.” He placed the napkin back on his lap. “And the way she can cook could make any man change his ways.”

  Carissa returned with an apple crumble scented with cinnamon and topped with whipped cream and chopped pecans.

  The two men fell silent as they ate, but tension remained in the air.

  “I’ve never seen two men eat so fast,” Carissa said with a nervous laugh once they were through. She stood. “I’ll clear the table so you two can—”

  Both men stood in unison and said, “Let me help you with the dishes.”

  “No,” she said, looking a little uncomfortable. “That’s all right.”

  “Please, I want to,” Kenric said.

  And before she could reply, his brother handed him his plate. “Yes, let him take care of the dishes while you rest your feet. I’d love to learn more about you.”

  It was a smooth move. Kenric silently swore as Joshua led Carissa away. He stacked the dishes then took them into the kitchen, wanting to break them. It was just like when they were kids. Whatever Kenric had, Joshua had to have it too. Joshua could turn anything into a competition, but Kenric didn’t see scoring with Carissa as a game. She meant much more to him than that. But Carissa was a grown woman and he had no claim on her. He couldn’t protect her from his brother’s charm. Anytime he tried to warn a woman in the past, they just thought he was jealous. Usually he wasn’t, but this time he was seething. He turned on the faucet full blast. He was not going to let him win.

  “You should go check in on your brother,” Carissa said, coming up behind him.

  Kenric turned off the faucet and spun around. “Why?”

  “He just hurt himself.”

  Kenric went into the living room and saw his brother on the couch, cradling his wrist, his face in pain. “What happened?”

  “I think she broke it,” Joshua said.

  “What?”

  “I was just trying to be friendly and she went all ninja on me. I don’t think I’ll be able to drive.”

  “It’s just a sprain,” Carissa said coming in carrying a first aid kit Kenric didn’t even know he had. “You’ll be fine.”

  Joshua looked up at her in fear. “Stay away from me.”

  She sat down beside him and took his arm. “Stop being a baby. I gave you a warning.”

  “I didn’t hear you,” he shot back.

  “What did you do?” Kenric asked watching her bandage up his brother’s wrist.

  “Taught him some manners.”

  Kenric took out his cell phone and took a picture. “We’ll see how long that lasts.”

  His brother shot him a look then narrowed his gaze and Kenric knew his brother would come up with some sort of revenge. “I need to lie down,” he said then got up, went into Kenric’s bedroom and closed the door. Kenric almost burst out laughing. His brother lacked imagination, fortunately he didn’t. Joshua associated women and pleasure with one place, but Kenric knew he could enjoy Carissa anywhere. And he was determined to squeeze out as much enjoyment that was left in the evening as he could. Kenric assessed his options, wondering how best to play his new advantage, then feigned a weary sigh. “Sorry about that.”

>   Carissa flashed a rueful grin. “You haven’t met my sister-in-law.”

  “What did you do to him?” Kenric said, unable to hide his curiosity.

  “I just used a defense move I learned.”

  “Show me.”

  She hesitated. “I don’t want to hurt you.”

  He grinned. “That’s a first.”

  She grabbed his arm, twisted it behind him, bent his wrist then let him go. “That’s the soft version. I know better than to assault my boss.”

  He studied her thoughtfully for a moment. “What if I weren’t your boss?”

  Carissa folded her arms and lowered her gaze. “I know your brother’s a wolf.” She lifted her gaze to his. “But I’m not quite sure what you are.”

  “Let’s find out.” Kenric tapped his cheek. “Aim for here when you slap me.”

  “Why would I slap you?”

  “Because of this,” he said, before sweeping her into his arms and kissing her.

  Chapter Twelve

  She’d imagined what his lips would taste like, especially after watching him eat. Watching the soft, pink tip of his tongue touch the fullness of his lips as he licked the whipped cream. He definitely was a wolf too and likely could teach his brother a thing or two. His brother was a man she could read easily, but she couldn’t read Kenric, which made him a lot more dangerous. Unfortunately, she liked a little danger and she definitely liked him. A man with soft hands and a hard body.

  “You’re not slapping me yet,” he whispered against her mouth.

  “Remind me to later.”

  “I forget easily,” he breathed, dropping his mouth to the curve of her neck.

  “I don’t.” She released a soft sigh of pleasure when she felt the tip of his tongue against her skin. “I heard what your brother said.”

  “About what?”

  “About me not being your usual type.”

  He became still. “Do you want me to give him a black eye?”

  She laughed. “No.”

  “Have him walk with a limp for a while?”

  “No, I just wanted you to know you’re not my regular type either.”

  “Good.” He kissed her again.

  She drew away. “Aren’t you going to ask me what my type is?”

  “Why would I? All I care about is that I’m your type now.”

  “I’d better go.”

  “Yes,” he said but didn’t release her, placing kisses on her shoulder.

  “Do you really want me to slap you?”

  “All over if you want,” he said in a husky tone.

  She drew away and stared at him.

  He looked chagrined. “Too much information?”

  “No, you just gave me a lot of ideas. Too bad your brother’s in the other room.”

  “I can get rid of him,” he said turning.

  She grabbed his arm and held him back with a laugh. “No. I really have to go.”

  He drew her close again. “I wish you didn’t.”

  She gently but firmly held him back. “It’s getting late and I have work tomorrow.”

  He abruptly released her and swore. He stared at her dumbstruck. “Work? I’d forgotten about that.”

  “Don’t worry boss,” she said stretching the word as she headed for the kitchen. “I didn’t.”

  ***

  “How was your date?” Ashley asked Carissa that Monday morning when the two women met in the lobby. She hadn’t seen her since she’d run into her when Carissa had been shopping for a dress for the auction.

  “It was good.”

  “Only good?” She looked at her with pity. “Don’t worry, you’ll meet the right man soon.”

  Carissa wanted to say she’d already met a man, but of course she couldn’t. She still remembered Sara’s happy dance when she told her about Kenric’s kiss, but she couldn’t tell anyone else. No one else could know about her weekend, although it had been one of the best she’d ever had. Just the thought of him made her knees weak.

  She stepped into the elevator then turned and saw him. Their eyes met, he nodded in greeting. “Ms. York.”

  She nodded back. “Mr. Riverton.”

  They rode the elevator in silence. She was acutely aware of the others around her. She could sense his authority and the tension he brought. She noticed the glances sent his way, the way people tended to part to let him pass. She walked to her office wishing her heart would return to normal. She was at work, she couldn’t feel this way about him here.

  “Your face is flushed,” her assistant said.

  She touched her cheek. “It’s a hot morning.”

  “Sure you’re not in love?”

  “Love?”

  “The new clothes, the rosy glow.”

  “I’ve just had a busy morning that’s all.”

  Her assistant didn’t look convinced, but left her alone. Carissa walked into her office and closed the door. Of course she wasn’t in love, she was just a little flustered seeing him again. She took a deep breath. It was nothing. They had just had a nice weekend. He said he wanted to see her again, but what did that mean exactly? What if he just wanted to see her to get free meals? What if she was just a fun novelty?

  Her cell phone buzzed. She looked at it and saw a text: GOOD MORNING GORGEOUS.

  She couldn’t stop a smile. MORNING.

  R U ALONE?

  YES.

  She waited for a reply, but nothing happened until he walked through the door, closed it and sat down with a devilish smile on his face. “I found a great place to take you for lunch.”

  “You can’t.”

  His smile fell. “Why not?”

  His crushed expression made her heart leap, he was still interested. Really interested, she hadn’t dreamt it. “Because you’re the boss, remember?” she said, determined to be rational since he wasn’t. “Could you imagine the gossip that would spread if people saw us together? I couldn’t even tell anyone about this weekend. You’re leaving soon, but I have to stay and my reputation will be ruined.”

  He sighed. “I hadn’t thought of that.”

  “I know.”

  He lowered his voice and leaned forward, looking like a mischievous little boy. “It’s expensive. I’m sure few people from Simus Labs go there for lunch.”

  “It’s still a risk.”

  “There’s my place. You could—”

  “I knew it,” she said slapping her desk with false outrage. “You don’t want me.” She came around the desk and stood in front of him. “You just like the food. You want me to cook you lunches and—”

  He laughed. “Yes, you got me. I just want you for your cooking,” he said letting his gaze slide down her body in a slow, sensuous study.

  Carissa cleared her throat. “My eyes are up here.”

  Kenric kept his gaze focused on her legs, showing the same intent of a hungry lion spotting a gazelle. “I know where your eyes are.”

  She returned to sit behind her desk. “You’re worse than your brother.”

  His eyes met hers. “Only when it comes to you.”

  She swallowed. “We cannot do this.”

  “There’s a restaurant near my apartment. No one from Simus Labs goes there. It’s not far and no one will be paying attention with us leaving separately.”

  Carissa bit her lip. The idea was tempting. No, he was tempting. “I don’t know.”

  “Don’t you trust me?”

  “I’m not sure I trust myself.”

  “I’ll make sure no one knows about us.”

  She was taking a risk, but she didn’t care. “Okay, it’s a date.”

  ***

  Carissa spent the next week in heaven. Her secret lunches with Kenric were the highlight of her day. At the office, they could communicate without words, just a look or a nod from him made a jolt of delight course through her.

  During a department head meeting, she couldn’t keep her eyes off him, but this time she didn’t see a hatchet man, instead she imagined him with his shir
t off, which definitely wasn’t professional. When she saw the senior VP, Nathan Cole, send her an odd look, she straightened in her seat and returned her thoughts to the topic of the meeting. Nobody could know what was happening between them.

  Nathan came into her office. He was a slick man with commercial white teeth, who’d once tried to block Carissa’s promotion due to her lack of a college degree. Although she’d won him over, she didn’t trust him. “Riverton’s definitely a hardass,” he said taking a seat. “Not sure there will be much left after they’ve finished cutting us up.”

  “At least those of us left don’t have to worry about losing our jobs,” she said. “It’s basic restructuring.”

  “Are you actually starting to believe that BS? You think that talking puppet really knows what Barra Industries is planning for us? Do you actually think he gives a damn? Don’t be naïve.”

  “I don’t think he’s hiding anything. I think he’s been forthcoming and truthful.”

  Nathan flashed an ugly smile. “So is that how you’re going to play it? You’re going to swallow whatever he shoves at you because of a crush?”

  “You’re way out of line.”

  “Am I? One moment you’re talking to Wexler about how much you hate him…oh, you think I didn’t hear that? And the next you’re defending him like he’s our savior.”

  “Don’t exaggerate. I may not like everything he says or does, but I respect him as a professional.”

  He shrugged. “Hey, I don’t fault you. If I had an advantage I’d try to use it too.”

  “Advantage?”

  “He’s a straight guy and you’re a woman. You want to keep your job so—” He winked at her. “You want the boss to like you.”

  “I am not trying to—”

  “Come on York. It’s obvious. Everyone’s noticed your new look and attitude. And you look great, there’s no denying that. If I weren’t a married man—” He stopped when Carissa shook her head, sending him a warning stare. “I’m here because I want to give you some advice. Give up. You’re wasting your time with Riverton, so stop embarrassing yourself.”

  Carissa felt like falling through the floor in humiliation—people thought what she had was a one-sided crush?—but she managed to keep her eyes and voice steady. “I am not going after Riverton to keep my job. And I don’t want to hear you say that again.”