“You know what I mean.” Rather than bring to her attention all the things he’d noticed about her and start asking for clarification, he preferred to keep this encounter light. “You did great with Cassie today. She made it to the altar in one piece.”
Sasha’s laugh felt forced to him. “Getting her there wasn’t the problem. It was keeping her from sneaking out to find Ian.”
“He would’ve welcomed a surprise visit from her.”
Her shoulders dropped a little as more tension fled. She eased a little closer to him, and he nudged just slightly tighter against her. “I bet. If that had happened, we might’ve ended up with a runaway couple fleeing the wedding to elope in Vegas.”
“That would’ve pissed off the parents,” he said, smiling against her hair. He wasn’t doing anything sexual with her, but holding her this close was arousing him on a deeper level. If he wasn’t careful, the evidence of that would be external as well, and the last thing he wanted was to scare her with an erection when he was just beginning to gentle her. Whatever was going on with this woman, he knew it would take time for her to adjust to him. The fact that he wanted her to felt somewhat odd, but he knew himself well enough not to ignore his instincts. He wasn’t delusional to the point that he believed in love at first sight, or hell, that Sasha could be anything more than a friendly hookup. His lack of interest lately should be a warning not to hope for anything beyond basic companionship. Besides, he had no idea what her sexual interests were. He hadn’t been with a vanilla woman in so long, he wasn’t sure how to even do that.
Oh shit. Why had he even thought about it like that? Normally, when he wondered about a woman’s sexual experience and preferences, he naturally wondered about her kinks and how submissive she was … never did he not think of that first.
But he knew the answer. He’d thought of that because whatever desire he felt for her came from deep within him. It didn’t matter if he tied her up and spanked her or if he pulled her underneath him and fucked her missionary style without any props or directives.
He just wanted her. However he could have her.
No way was he going to analyze that right now.
When the song ended, he didn’t push his luck. She quickly stiffened as if she were going to make a run for it anyway, so he kissed her cheek and thanked her for the dance. When they parted, he kept his gaze on her as she made her way to the ladies’ room and he to the open bar.
“I need a favor.”
Aaron glanced over his shoulder before he turned around to face Cassie. “And I need a scotch.” He nodded to the bartender to make sure he heard the order and smiled at his new sister-in-law. “But it’s your special day, so name it.”
“You know Sasha is new in town.”
It wasn’t a question but he nodded as if answering anyway, wondering just what Cassie was getting at.
“She needs help finding a place. I told her there’s no rush, but she’s insisting.” Cassie licked her lips and shifted a little. “And … well … you’re the best real estate agent I know.”
“Ah, flattery. I like that.” He took the glass from the bartender and sipped. “Why didn’t she just ask me?” When Cassie didn’t respond, he tilted his head, watching her closely. Too many reasons why were flying through his head, and he didn’t like the options he’d come up with. He cleared his throat. “Does she know you’re asking?” he asked instead.
“Not exactly.”
Aaron stared at her, but she couldn’t maintain eye contact. That didn’t bode well, but for whom? “What are you up to?”
She took a deep breath and moved closer. “Look. I want her to get out and date, and she’s using the excuse of not being settled here as a reason not to enjoy the single life. She’s been through some crappy stuff, and it’s time for some tough love. You don’t know her, so you probably see the bubbly person she wants everybody to see, but she’s not herself. I want to help.”
He didn’t comment on just what it was he saw when he looked at Sasha. That was for him alone. When it came to this request, though, he wasn’t going to assume anything. “How exactly do I fit in here? Am I her agent or are you expecting more?” He didn’t like the idea of being pimped out, but a large part of him was willing to grab hold of the opportunity Cassie was laying before him without question.
“No, no, no. I trust you to show her around and not let her get a shitty deal…” Her gaze blinked away briefly.
“But?” He raised an eyebrow, knowing there was more to it.
Sighing, she said, “But you’re also an attractive man. Maybe spending some time with you will help her in other ways, too.”
Aaron wanted to know what she meant by that, why Sasha would need his help in other ways, but held back from barking the questions. He took another sip and tried to act casual, but inside he felt anything but. When he knew he wouldn’t sound hard, cold, he asked, “Why does she need help? And I’m not talking about finding her a home.”
Cassie’s throat worked as she swallowed. “It’s not my place to say. Honestly, I don’t know everything anyway, but she had a bad breakup about six months ago and hasn’t dated since.”
That explained it a little, but how bad had the breakup been? When he opened his mouth to ask, Cassie continued.
“I want her to stop hiding.” She lifted her chin, and he fought a smile. His new sister-in-law had a little stubborn streak in her. He liked that.
“With my help.”
“Yes.”
He nodded slowly. “Sounds like you’re pretty sure here, like you’ve thought a lot about this.”
“No comment.” She smiled.
He chuckled. “Okay then, if she doesn’t know you’ve asked me to assist with her property search, how do you propose I broach the subject with her. I can’t just offer to help her find a place, because she’ll think Ian put me up to it.”
Cassie waved a dismissive hand. “I already told her I’d set her up with Ian’s agent. She just doesn’t know it’s you.”
He barked out a laugh. “Damn, girl. That’s sneaky.”
She shrugged, not offering anything else.
He watched for several seconds as he acknowledged to himself what he’d subconsciously already decided. “Yeah, I’ll do it.” He’d started to turn to put his glass on the bar when she grabbed his arm.
“I know you find her attractive.”
His smile died. He’d talk about Sasha, but not himself, especially when he wasn’t even sure what was going on. “I find most women attractive,” he said without any inflection.
She shut her eyes briefly and shook her head. “Just please go easy with her. She’s backed herself into a corner emotionally, so the last thing she needs is for you to push her against the wall even more.”
From what he’d seen of Sasha, he knew she had issues, but sometimes facing them was the only way to break free. If he had to push, he would. He would do it for her, no matter what it exposed of him. The Dom in him would put her needs ahead of his regardless of what it did to his own issues of late.
And maybe … just maybe they could both break through their walls together.
Chapter 5
Sasha sighed in total relaxation, the water sluicing off her as she rinsed the conditioner out of her hair. After the long night, she was dang near tickled she’d actually slept in this morning. Something she didn’t do very often anymore and not at all since moving out to California. Sleeping like that was a luxury for her.
It hadn’t always been like that though.
Stopping that thought process before it got a chance to start, Sasha shook her head and turned off the water. She dried quickly and donned some yoga pants and a threadbare shirt she got at a concert when she was in college. Hair wet, but combed, she traipsed into the kitchen and prepared a ham sandwich. She took a bite before she even sat down on the stool.
This was nice, relaxing on a Sunday … alone. She hadn’t been able to do that since before she relocated, and even then she hadn’t felt mu
ch peace being by herself.
Damn Dwight. She hoped he rotted in hell … or got shanked in the big house. Though she knew if he were dead she’d still feel leery around men. He scared her, yes, but he’d also changed her. Regardless of his breathing status, she wouldn’t be any more comfortable around men in general.
And Cassie knew that, too. It was why she was nudging Sasha along with a pitchfork. God love her, but Cassie could be pushy at times. Even at the reception, she’d managed to bring up men. More than once, she’d not-so-subtly mentioned how handsome Aaron was in his tuxedo.
As if Sasha hadn’t noticed. Christ on a cracker, that man was hot with a side of awesome sauce. Her eyes weren’t the problem. Anybody attracted to men would have to be old and decrepit not to feel a little breathless around him. It was her brain that slammed on any brakes in the warm-and-gooey feelings department.
An odd sound coming from … somewhere stalled her thoughts. She chewed slowly as she looked around, wondering what the hell that was. Not hearing anything more, she swallowed and slowly rose, dropping the remaining sandwich on the napkin. Just because she couldn’t hear it now didn’t mean she was going to ignore it. She was too cautious of person to just disregard something like that. Employing stealth, she crept into the living room and looked around. She heard it again and relaxed.
“Jesus,” she muttered and walked into the guest room where her phone was. She’d never turned it off silent after the wedding, and the metal tray where she’d left it had echoed with the vibration of it going off. She picked it up and frowned at the display showing she had a missed call and voicemail from Cassie. The woman was supposed to be on her honeymoon. Why had she called?
Then she began to listen to the message and understanding dawned.
“Hey, girl. I talked to Ian’s real estate agent last night, and he agreed to help. He’s coming over at noon today to pick you up and show you some properties he’s lined out. He said something about today being better because you could hit up some open houses in the area, too. Sorry for the short notice. Ian has been keeping me very busy.” Cassie giggled, but Sasha was too panicked at the moment to feel any happiness for the newlyweds and their bliss. Cassie said he. Had she mentioned before that the agent was a man? Sasha couldn’t remember, but at the time she’d been too focused on agreeing to whatever was necessary just to get Cassie off the subject of her dating. “Anyway, we’re headed to the beach, and I was just informed that no phones would be allowed. Remember, don’t rush into anything. Umm … signing papers or … otherwise. Okay, gotta go. Love you, bye.”
What the heck did that mean, not rush into anything? Sasha listened to the message three more times before deleting it. How the hell could she get out of this? The agent would be here today.
At noon.
She looked at the clock on her phone and cussed. She had ten minutes. Ten freaking minutes! Jeez, that wasn’t enough time to dry her hair, much less put on makeup. Why didn’t she get the name of this agent before? She could call and cancel if she knew how to contact him.
Him. Crap. Was he nice? Old? A shithead?
The doorbell sounded, and she jumped. Double crap! The dude was early. She took a few deep breaths and made her way to the door. She eyed the peephole, but the man was holding up a tablet, which blocked her view of his face. His body was really nice, though. Firm legs encased in khakis, a dark green polo showcasing solid arms. Definitely a nice body.
And she looked like a drowned rat.
Not that it mattered.
Swallowing, she left the chain on the door and opened it slightly. “Yes?”
“Hey,” Aaron said, pulling the tablet away and smiling.
She gasped, shut the door to remove the chain, and quickly opened it again. “What are you doing here? Now’s not a good time.” She held the door open, and he walked in. Damn, he looked as good from the back as he did from the front.
Not that it freaking mattered!
He turned to face her. “I told Cassie Sundays were better for house hunting.”
“Huh?” Surely she didn’t hear him right.
His brows knit together, “Tell me she told you I was coming.”
That he was coming? She opened her mouth to spew the denial, but then closed it, taking in his business casual attire as reality washed over her. Aaron was the real estate agent…
And Cassie was the devil!
Sasha barely bit back a groan as she wondered how best to reply. “I missed her call. I was probably in the shower, but I got a message that an agent would be here at noon.”
“But not me.” It wasn’t a question.
“She failed to mention that little detail.” Although failed implied an accidental omission, and Sasha was sure Cassie’s actions had been very deliberate. She should have noticed the horns sticking out of her friend’s veil last night.
“And you’re not ready?” He indicated the mop on her head.
“Oh, I forgot to say I got that message like two minutes ago.” The message from Cassie not informing her that Aaron was the real estate agent who would be showing her some properties. Her friend was up to something. Sasha would have to be stupid not to recognize it.
He chuckled. “Sounds like my new sister-in-law didn’t want to give you a chance to freak out about it first.”
She gritted her teeth. “I’m not going to freak out.” But she would be maiming her friend when she got back.
He watched her silently before replying, “I know.” There was so much calm confidence in his voice that her pounding heart slowed a little. It was as if he soothed her without really doing anything. She didn’t understand her reaction to him, but it wasn’t the first time he’d been able to do that. It left her feeling uneasy for a different reason, but the calming effect overrode that.
“I-I should dry my hair. Give me ten minutes.”
He glanced at his watch, nodding. “Don’t take too long. I’ve lined out several that I want you to see, so we’ll need to hurry if we want to squeeze them all in.”
Instead of replying, she darted into the guest room. Drying her hair didn’t take long since it was so short. She scrunched some product in it and slapped on a little makeup. She also changed into jeans and a shirt that wasn’t readying itself for a second life as cleaning rags. She wouldn’t win any beauty contests, but at least she wasn’t in the rodent category anymore.
When she came back into the living room, Aaron was staring at his tablet, frowning.
“I’m ready.”
“Okay. I’m not sure if we can get into the apartment by the farmer’s market— ” He stopped talking as he looked up and at her.
Sasha shifted her weight to her left foot, feeling uncomfortable being the subject of his penetrating stare. She blinked a few times, wondering if she should snap at him to quick ogling her or pretend everything was fine.
She preferred denial—no uncomfortable confrontations with that option. “How do you know what I’m interested in?”
The corner of his lips lifted, and her heart raced at how suggestive that question had sounded even to her.
“Baby, I’m a professional.” He winked at her, and she couldn’t help it. She laughed, partially relieved he didn’t take the easy bait and spout off an innuendo comeback.
“Please tell me that line never works.”
“I don’t sell and tell.”
She rolled her eyes and picked up her purse. “Well, I’m not holding out much hope. I don’t even know what I’m looking for.”
He inclined his head toward the door. “Maybe you just need the right person to show you what you want.”
He’d said it without humor and with a look in his eyes that spoke of confidence that had nothing to do with real estate and everything to do with her now-pounding heart. She swallowed and walked past him. To lighten the sudden seriousness, she said as she opened the door, “Yeah that, or an Internet connection and an online search.” She continued walking out the door.
His loud laugh behind
her had Sasha smiling in response. God, the man was sexy even when he laughed. That was so unfair.
Any evidence of humor she displayed was quickly suppressed as she locked up. She couldn’t let him think she found him charming. It would just complicate things. Cassie had gotten her into this mess, so Sasha would just make the best of it without muddying the waters with flirtation. At least she was somewhat comfortable with Aaron.
Except that she found him hot as hell, which made her seriously uncomfortable. Yeah, she knew she was screwed up in the head.
He didn’t look at her as he led the way out, and her eyes immediately went to his tight ass. Just because men made her nervous didn’t mean she couldn’t admire a nice specimen when she saw one. And boy was Aaron the cream of the hottie crop. When he stopped walking, she reluctantly tore her gaze away from his very nice asset and glanced up.
And into a pair of piercing eyes.
He was looking over his shoulder at her.
Watching her.
Catching her ogling him.
And smiling.
There went her pounding heart again.
Oh yeah, I’m screwed up … and totally fucked.
“This place is shit,” Sasha grumbled, hands on her hips, as she scrutinized the kitchen.
Aaron groaned, rubbing his hands over his face. The first place was too small. “Jeez, I’m not claustrophobic, but I would be if I had to stay here longer than five minutes.”
The second one was a ground floor unit. “Why don’t I just put out a sign that says Come Rape Me?”
The third one was too far away. “I’ll have to book a daily flight to get to work.”
The fourth one was too close. Yes, close! “I’d never be able to skip work. They’d know when I was faking it.”
He knew she was making excuses, but he couldn’t figure out why she was trying so hard to not like anything. It was as if she were going out of her way to find fault just to keep from getting her own place. What Aaron didn’t know was if her reasoning was related to her fears regarding her ex or if she was always this damn picky.
Love Against Odds Volume One (Love Agaist Odds Book 10) Page 14