by Jennifer Ann
Wow, that was slick. What am I, the fucking ambassador for New York? All I know is the way Sofia looks at me with those sparkling blue eyes does things to my head that I don’t have time for when she’s only in town for a short while. Besides, I have no business thinking about her that way. I need to get the fuck outta here before I say something really asinine that will bite me in the ass later.
“I’m staying in New York,” she blurts. “I mean…permanently.”
When I frown and shake my head, waiting for her to clarify, she simply stares back at me, clearing her throat. I could stand back and watch her squirm all day. Something tells me it doesn’t happen that often, and it’s fucking hilarious.
“Sofia has accepted a transfer with Anisten and Behr to their office in Manhattan,” Sharlo cuts in. “New York just acquired the country’s best up-and-coming corporate lawyer.”
Game. Changer.
“I was under the impression you had an aversion to this city,” I tease Sofia with a quirked eyebrow, hoping she can’t see the excitement I’m trying like hell to contain. “Last time I saw you, it seemed you couldn’t blow out of here soon enough.”
With a coy smile that lights her eyes, she tells me, “I decided there’s no use fighting it. First Evelyn moves here, then James…seems everyone in my family is destined to live in The Big Apple.”
Sharlo throws me a predictable—nonetheless still incredibly annoying—wink. “She’s staying with us until she finds a rental. Perhaps you could help her find something reasonable in your neighborhood. Tribeca is quite lovely. I imagine you’d fancy taking a break one day this week to provide her with a proper tour.”
Hell yes I’d like to give her a tour. The idea of spending time alone with Sofia has me so adrenalized that I stutter on a reply. “I can—I mean, I could—”
“You don’t have to,” Sofia insists, holding one hand up as her shoulders square. She’s so damn sure of herself that it’s easy to envision her taking charge in the courtroom…and in bed. “The firm hired a realtor to assist me. I’ll do just fine on my own.”
“Shar’s right, I could use a break,” I say. “I’ve spent my entire life in Manhattan. If you want someone to show you around the city, I’m your man.”
All at once, slender fingers wrap around my wrist and I’m met with the familiar, peppery perfume that I swear to god I’ve formed an allergy to. I flinch when thin lips press to my cheek. Why did she have to fucking kiss me in front of Sofia?
“Correction, you’re my man,” Avery says possessively. Her intense green eyes immediately narrow on Sofia. “Who’s this?”
Chapter 2
SOFIA
Though we’ve met before, and even spent a few days comforting each other while Sharlo was in a coma, Nolan Zimmerman still has the power to makes me nervous as hell. Not many people have that affect on me outside of appellate court judges. I’m naturally drawn to his broad features and dark complexion just as much as his well-toned body and undeniable charm.
He's not as cocky as I remember him being the first time we met, when he accidentally pushed me headfirst into a bush, but there’s still an arrogance that comes with his type: filthy rich and panty-soaking attractive. The way he stalked over to us was like watching a jungle cat in action. I shiver with the fantasy of witnessing all those muscles coiled and flexed to strike.
There’s a complex story waiting to be told behind those russet-colored eyes, studying me like I’m something of interest, and I suddenly have a peeked interest to hear it. Between the allure of his expression, his neatly trimmed beard, the Rolex on his wrist, and his thick torso strained beneath a designer button-down, I’m forced to remind myself why I chose to dive head-first into my career and forego a romance of any kind beyond the occasional tryst.
The kind of men I’m drawn to have always been trouble. The kind of trouble that can ruin my very existence. And Nolan doesn’t seem to be an exception.
Thankfully the brunette vixen wrapped around his side claims his body in a way that makes it crystal clear he’s unavailable, though I don’t miss how Nolan’s broad shoulders stiffen with her touch, as if he’s repelled.
“I do hope you’re not asking who I am,” Sharlo tells the woman, turning to secretly roll her eyes my way. “As unforgettable as it may be, we have met before. Several times when you were drunk off your tits.”
The woman’s narrowed gaze stays on Sharlo long enough to create a wall of tension between them. Bitch much? Sharlo doesn’t seem the slightest bit intimated or ready to give in anytime soon, reminding me why I’m glad she’s going to be a part of our family. I don’t have time for women who can’t stand up for themselves.
Nolan gestures my way. “This is Sofia Kendall. She’s Evelyn Walker and James Kendall’s sister.”
The woman gives me a once-over, sneering. “You’re related to Charlie Walker?”
“That’s generally how it works when your sibling marries someone,” I answer with as much snark as possible. “Even with rockstars.”
With a small grin that pops dimples into his cheeks, Nolan’s eyes flip from me back to the woman. “What are you doing here, Avery? In your last text you said you were calling it a night since you have to leave early in the morning.”
“The apartment is too quiet without you there,” Avery answers, pursing her lips and lifting one shoulder. “Besides, it’s an eight hour flight to Milan. I can sleep on the way.”
She’s a spindly thing with graceful features, almond-shaped eyes, and lustrous dark hair that flows down to her elbows in perfectly executed beach waves. I recognize her navy dress from Dior’s latest line and she wears the same red-souled Louboutins I bought from a second-hand store last spring. Without having to ask, I’m certain she’s flying to Milan because she’s a model. Based on her wardrobe and striking looks, I’d guess she’s a highly successful one at that.
My stomach roils with the alternative, that Nolan showers her with expensive gifts. Before I started to gain traction as a respected lawyer, I found creative ways to provide myself with a designer wardrobe so I’d be taken seriously in the professional world. I can’t fathom expecting expensive things to be gifted to me by a man. Even though Nolan’s sinfully good looks and family fortune would allow him to have his pick of any woman, I never imagined he’d put up with the entitled type.
“I won’t make it out of here before you have to leave,” Nolan tells her, pushing his fingers inside the pockets of his designer jeans as his tongue appears to wet his lips. Every movement he makes is controlled and deliberate, knocking his sex appeal up another notch. “It’d be best if you’d go back to your place.”
Avery sticks her lip out in a pout that makes me inwardly groan. “You’re not taking me to the airport? I’m going to be gone for three whole weeks!”
I subtly look away, rolling my eyes. Is this woman for real?
Frustration oozes from Nolan’s hard expression when I dare to glance back his way.
“Excuse us…I’ll be right back,” he says. Next thing I know, he’s leading Avery away by her hand, and unsightly pangs of jealousy are stabbing at my insides.
Seriously. He could do so much better.
The moment they’re out of sight, I whip back to face my future sister-in-law with my arms crossed over my stomach. My brother once admitted it’s hard to stay mad at his fiancée for any reason, and I’m beginning to understand why. Not only is she almost always bubbly and upbeat, but her beautiful blue eyes are usually filled with so much light and kindness that’s highly contagious. The way she’s looking back at me, I feel guilty for even considering yelling at her.
Plus there’s the fact that her accident was partially my fault. If I hadn’t pitched a fit, acting all irrational about being around my family, she wouldn’t have been in the street chasing after me. And now that she’s carrying my niece or nephew? Forget it. She’s become one of my favorite people of all time.
“So he’s not single,” I remark, unable to mask the displeasure in my voice.
I laugh, even though the situation is far from amusing. “What makes you think I’m interested? And why is he with someone like that?”
“We all want someone to keep us warm at night, yeah? Although, I am beginning to suspect that one’s made of cold marble, so I’m not sure what’s the point. Poor love may need to have his noggin examined if it continues any longer.”
I shake my head to myself. Is he only with Avery because she’s hot? He was so sweet and genuine after Sharlo’s accident that I had assumed there was more to him than a sculpted body of raging hormones. It would seem my humanities professor knew what he was talking about when he said that most people will surprise you at every turn, no matter how well you think you know them.
A ruckus stirs up behind us as the quirky lead singer with blue hair reclaims the stage alongside her bandmates. The bar soon becomes animated with the low rumble of guitars and the small woman’s soulful voice. I’ve always been a fan of some of the classics like Zeppelin and The Doors, but hadn’t considered this form of rock until now. It’s catchy, and would be perfectly suited for channeling my anger and frustrations. Plus watching the musically talented woman thrash around is highly entertaining.
For a moment I imagine what it would be like to trade places with the woman. I don’t know how to play guitar, but I have a decent singing voice and love belting lyrics to my favorite songs whenever I’m alone in the car or my apartment. What would it be like to let loose…to color my hair, get a few tattoos, and dance around on a stage in front of a crowd like I don’t give two fucks? Obviously it’s a moot point with the kind of career path I’m on, but it’s fun to fantasize for a minute that I’m someone else who’s wild and carefree.
When I realize how much I’m enjoying myself, my lips stretch with the kind of wide, carefree smile that reminds me of Sharlo. I could get used to this—coming to this quaint little bar every weekend to watch live bands like my siblings often do with their friends.
As I’m watching intently, sucking down the last of my martini and bopping my head to the sick beat, Nolan returns by himself. His expression is pinched until we lock gazes. By the time he’s standing beside me, there’s a sexy smirk on his lips. My toes tingle with his leathery scent and the heat of his impressively built body when he leans in close.
Knock it off. He’s unavailable.
“Does tomorrow work for that tour of the city?” he half-yells, the warmth of his breath causing my neck to break out in goosebumps. “I just need an hour or so in the morning to tend to business, then I’d be free for the rest of the day.”
Damn he’s nearly as delusional as he is sexy. Does he think it’s that easy after he just introduced me to his girlfriend?
“What about Avery?” I ask, glancing over his shoulder. I half expect her to come charging back to us with a butcher knife. “I suspect your girlfriend wouldn’t appreciate the fact that you want to spend time with another woman while she’s missing in action.”
“You say that like you saw the death stare she was passing me a moment ago,” Sharlo intercedes, standing from the stool. She huffs like the act drained her of energy. “Avery’s a peach when it comes to Nolan befriending women of the opposite sex. Right, love?”
Shaking his head, Nolan chuckles before leaning back down to tell me, “If Avery has a problem with you and I being friends, I’ll handle her. Besides, I’m in the market for a new lawyer to assist me with an upcoming project. We can end the day with a business dinner.”
Friends?
Business dinner?
Now those are things I can grasp. It’s not like he’d be the first gorgeous man with a fat wallet on my clientele. I’ll simply have to avoid any and all contact with his fuck-me eyes, and keep it strictly professional. Piece of mouthwateringly delicious cake.
I’m a professional and I have everything under control.
It’s a simple mantra, but one that has gotten me through a lot of hairy situations.
“In that case,” I decide, looking down as I offer my free hand for a formal shake, “As your friend, I look forward to the prospect of becoming your counselor as well.”
His warm hand connects with mine, and something that can only be described as an electrical charge flickers down between my legs like the lick of a tongue. Trying not to audibly gasp, my eyes dart up to meet his. He’s attempting to hide his bewilderment, but I can see it plain as day behind his beautiful brown gaze. The attraction goes both ways.
This certainly doesn’t feel very professional. Spending a day alone with him may be harder than I surmised. The way my body buzzes from our connection is hard to ignore.
“Well that was lovely,” Sharlo says, her voice heavy with sarcasm. Goddamn, I could kiss her for bailing me out from the uncomfortable moment without having to ask, even if she is being facetious. “Now that we’ve established this rather unnecessary definition of your relationship, what time can your mate expect you at my door?”
“I’ll be there at ten,” Nolan answers, staring into my eyes like I’m the one who asked.
Holding my chin high, I give him a stiff nod. “I look forward to it.”
“Me too.” Finally dropping my hand, he offers an easy-going smile that again knocks his charm up to a whole new level. “Shar, tell Hope to get Sofia anything she needs.”
Sharlo gasps with mock-hurt. “You’re not going to pick up my tab? What kind of mate leaves a girl to pay for her own water?”
Laughing, Nolan presses a kiss on the top of her head. “I’ll check in with you again later.” He flashes me a warm smile before he saunters away. My eyes are unable to draw away from his sexy ass shifting inside his tight jeans as he disappears into the crowd. That visual might actually get me through until our “business” date, or at least until later when I’m safely locked in James and Sharlo’s guest room and able to relieve the pulsating ache between my legs.
I almost burst out laughing when envisioning Nolan bracing himself over me, sweaty and gloriously naked because there was a time I would’ve been sickened by such a fantasy. After a suave football player forced himself on me in high school, impregnating me the same night I lost my virginity and pushing me into a regrettable solution, it took years before I was no longer appalled by the mere idea of sex.
But once I was ready to explore my sexuality, I did it with a bang. Sleeping with random men in college merely became a way to make myself feel good and nothing more. Any trust I had in men was destroyed when Bobby Krager took advantage of my innocence. It’s crude and not something I would ever admit to another living soul, but my motto was “fuck ‘em and leave ‘em” until Spencer came along in law school.
Our year-long relationship was cold and cordial, almost as if it was more of a pairing of convenience as we had similar career and life goals: become a partner at a prestigious firm before buying a house in a quiet, suburban neighborhood and living happily ever after. Though he was maddeningly handsome and I was attracted to him from the start, there was never a real spark to perpetuate our courtship. And I was never in love. The mere idea of being in love makes my skin itch.
My sexual liberation came to a halt with Spencer in more ways than one. Being intimate with him was awkward and hurried, lacking in passion and orgasms. I found myself counting the seconds until he was finished. I made myself unavailable to him over time, realizing I wasn’t truly ready for the responsibilities of a long-term commitment—especially once he brought up the idea of children. When he ended things in a pathetic email, I hoped he’d explore the idea of whether or not he was gay.
Since that nightmare ended, I vowed I wouldn’t let a relationship with a man upset my life that way again. Hav
ing just taken the biggest step in my career that will require endless hours of overtime to prove my value to the firm, I can’t let a playboy like Nolan get under my skin or inside my panties. Especially when he’s already committed to someone else. Even if he were single, having a meaningless fling would be a nightmare considering he manages my brother’s MMA career. I only wish he wasn’t so damn irresistible.
“Are you there, love?” Sharlo sings, pulling me from my thoughts.
“I’m going to grab an Uber back to your place.” Slipping one arm into my coat, I add, “It was a long flight, and I’m exhausted.”
“Nonsense,” she says, grabbing my free wrist. “By midnight Avery will sod off and you’ll have a fair go at Nolan. It’ll be a good reminder to him that the apocalypse is not upon us and he has a bit more time to shop around. Trust me, he’s aware that Avery is not the one for him because he’s tried numerous times to end things. It’s a bit of a mystery why he stays with her. He’s normally not this daft.”
Laughing quietly, I shake my wrist from her hold and finish slipping into my coat. “I know you and James think I need to find a good man, but I’m not interested in pining after someone who is taken, even if his girlfriend isn’t The One. As far as I’m concerned, anything I have with Nolan will remain strictly platonic. Besides, my new job and the move will keep me busy. I don’t need an uncertain relationship with a man to complicate things any further. So I’d appreciate it if you’d step back and let me do my thing.”
“Noted,” Sharlo says with a rejected sigh. “You’ll have to forgive me for hoping one of these days he’ll come to his senses so I no longer have to deal with that shallow cow. I’ll never forgive myself for being the reason they met. If I hadn’t brought her here for a pint to discuss the possibility of our fashion line being featured in her employer’s magazine, Nolan would be a free agent and none of us would be forced to listen to her incessant whining.”
“Careful, you’re starting to sound like my brother,” I warn her with a stern look, trying to appear unaffected by the news that Avery is not a model. “You of all people should be aware that guilt can be a dangerous thing.”