by Anna Robbins
“I keep thinking it will go away,” she whispered when the kiss ended.
He knew exactly what she meant. “Me too. But I have a feeling it won’t.”
“I hope not.” She leaned in for another kiss before heading back toward the house.
When the engine started up, he waited to leave until she was inside. It was then that he noticed an ache in the pit of his stomach.
He missed her already.
Chapter 7
“This is a good idea,” Abby told herself in the rearview mirror as she pulled into the parking structure at Platinum Security. “This is a good idea. I was just in the area.” Which was true.
With the Shaws back on their vacation, Abby had more free time than she knew what to do with. So when her mother had asked her to swing by the caterer for their Christmas party to confirm the menu, Abby hadn’t thought too much about stopping by the building she had looked up last weekend.
When Dylan had told her his company’s name, she had been curious. Anyone would be. And since she was in the area, it seemed rude not to stop by and say hello to him, perhaps catch him for a lunch date.
But as she stepped out of her car onto the roof of the parking garage, she eyed the towering structure with growing unease. Modern in its design, clean lines and gleaming glass dominated the ten story building.
Considering its size, it was likely that their company only took up one of the floors and not the entire building, but it was still intimidating.
Dylan, while it was obvious that he enjoyed money, seemed down to earth, and not like someone that spent his days in the executive high-rise.
Taking a deep breath, her chin notching up, she walked across the sky bridge into the bitingly cool building.
Spying a directory, she found that Platinum Security was located on the tenth floor. The penthouse.
Obviously, the company wasn’t hurting for clients.
Her low-slung heels tapped on the large marble tiles in the hallway, announcing her presence to anyone nearby. The interior of the building reminded her of a bank. Large, open areas, shiny marble, classical décor, and bright lights. It wasn’t a place where she felt at ease, but it felt familiar enough to not have her running out the door.
Is it weird that I’m dropping by? she asked herself for the twentieth time. She hadn’t thought so at the time. It seemed friendly, comfortable. But as she reached the large oak doors that led into Platinum Security, she wasn’t sure if she had made the right choice.
Pushing open the doors, she was surprised to find herself in an office decorated much as the building was, but with added warmth. It looked wealthy, even smelled expensive.
The lobby was furnished with sumptuous couches of heavily-studded, butter-soft leather. Instead of a gleaming crystal chandelier, she was enchanted with the large, wrought-iron-framed fixture which teemed with small amber crystals that mimicked flames. Marble still abounded in here, the neutral tones still soothed, but she felt more. Felt a comfortable power.
No wonder they were so successful. Any customer wanting security would immediately know that this was a company that could handle any problem.
“May I help you?” The young receptionist smiled politely.
“Yes. Well, maybe. I’m here to see Dylan Thane.”
“Do you have an appointment?”
“No. I’m a friend of his. I was just dropping by.”
“Let me see if he’s available.” She gestured to the sofas. “Please, take a seat. Would you like a cup of coffee while you wait?”
“No. Thank you.” Abby sat in a plush chair, almost moaning at the comfortable fit.
“May I have your name?”
“Abby Carter.”
Picking up the phone, the receptionist whispered into it, only pausing for a moment to listen on the other end. She hung up, smiling at Abby. “You’re in luck. He had a cancellation.”
“Great.” Abby smiled, but suddenly felt nervous. How would he react to her unannounced visit? It had seemed like such a good idea at the time, but in reality, she didn’t know him that well. Couldn’t guess how different his work life was from his home life.
“If you’ll follow me, I’ll lead you back.”
Trailing closely, Abby didn’t take the time to look around her. She was still too anxious to see him.
“Abby. How are you?” A middle-aged woman came around the desk and greeted her with a handshake. The receptionist left with a last smile.
“I’m well, thanks.”
“Good. I’m Tina, Mr. Thane’s assistant.” She glanced back to her desk for a moment before returning with a warm smile. “He’s on the phone but I don’t expect him to be long. Can I get you anything while you wait?”
“I’m all right.”
“Okay, then. Just have a seat and I’ll let you know when he’s ready.”
Abby nodded, sitting in one of the twin leather chairs posted outside his office. Tina went back behind her desk, typing with an efficiency that stunned Abby.
“I’m glad that Dylan was able to see me,” Abby said, glancing around the room. “I know he must be very busy.”
“He usually is. Because he’s the owner, everyone wants to speak with him personally.”
“The owner?” Stunned, Abby could only stare at the woman, her mouth hanging open.
Tina hadn’t glanced up from her computer, distracted by whatever she was working on. “Yes. He founded this company ten years ago.” She laughed lightly. “He was so young then. But he made something for himself.”
“I should say so.” Abby’s throat felt hoarse. He was the owner of Platinum Security. His company. His yacht.
Abby gulped. Why hadn’t he told her?
“I wasn’t surprised when he had this building commissioned either. I always knew he would be successful. He has that drive.” Shaking her head, Tina looked up from the desk with a guilty smile. “Forgive me. I shouldn’t have gone on like that.” Her eyebrows wrinkled as she looked at Abby. “Are you all right? You’ve gone a little pale.”
“I’m quite all right.” Abby forced a smile. “Just lost in thought I guess.”
“It happens…” Tina glanced down at her phone. “Ah, I see he just got off. Let me tell him you are here.” After pressing a button, Tina informed him that Abby was waiting to see him. She hung up the receiver. “You can go in now.”
“Thank you.” Abby offered her a real smile before opening the door to Dylan’s office. The picture he presented seated behind his desk, lit by the light from two walls of floor-to-ceiling windows, was powerful and efficient. She was pleased that he didn’t look picture perfect though; in fact, he looked slightly harassed. His necktie was loose, and his jacket had been discarded thoughtlessly over the back of a chair. But the friendly grin he tossed her had her heart skipping a beat.
“Abby. This is a surprise.” He stood and walked to her, giving her a brief kiss before poking his head out the door to speak with Tina. “Hold all my calls.”
“Will do,” his secretary said, tossing him a wink.
He closed the door, leaning his back against it.
“I’m sorry to barge in on you like this. I was in the area and thought it would be nice to drop by and say hello.”
“Hi.”
Abby laughed nervously, not lulled by his relaxed stance. “Hi,” she said back. She turned, taking a few paces before turning back toward him. “Why didn’t you tell me?”
“Tell you what?”
“You know what.”
“I’m not quite sure I do.” His arms folded easily in front of him as a small smile remained on his lips.
“That you’re the owner.” His smile faded, and she could tell he really hadn’t known. “Tina let it slip.”
“I see.” He moved toward her. “Does it bother you?”
“Of course, not. I’m just surprised you didn’t mention it. You had the opportunity.”
“I suppose I did.”
“Then why?”
He shrugged
. “I didn’t think it would matter.”
“It doesn’t.”
“Most of the time, it does.” He said the words softly, his meaning flowing in his words.
“I see.” And she did. “I like you for more than your money, Dylan.”
“I know. But when we met, I didn’t know you, didn’t know if you were the type of person to take advantage of that.”
“I hope you do now.”
He slipped his arms around her, and she almost sighed at the feel of him. His strength, his security. “I do. I was sure of it that night on the boat, but by then I didn’t think to tell you.” He kissed her softly. “Mad at me?”
She chuckled. “No. I was never mad. Just confused why you wouldn’t mention it. But I understand now. Had I been in your position, I would have done the same.” She arched a brow. “Any more secrets you want to tell me about?”
“Nope.” He said it easily, but something in his expression caught her attention. “Have you had lunch yet?”
The question was enough to erase any thoughts of secrets from her mind. “No.” Her lips curved. “That was one of the reasons I stopped by. I thought you might be able to catch a bite with me.”
“I think I could manage that. It’d have to be quick though.” He glanced at his watch. I have a meeting in forty-five minutes. “There’s a sandwich place next door. Nothing fancy, but their Philly cheese steaks are great.”
“Sounds good.”
He pulled away, linking hands with her before tugging her out the door. The gesture surprised her since they would be walking through his place of business. The thought of so blatantly showing his feelings for her had her blushing.
“We’re grabbing a sandwich,” he told Tina, who only glanced at their hands with interest. “I’ll be back in time for the conference call. Do you want me to bring you anything?”
“No. I’ve already ordered something. You two have fun.”
Nodding his goodbye, he walked her out of the building and around to the sandwich place. True to his word, the cheese steaks were amazing.
The conversation was easy between them and she felt herself relaxing, forgetting that he was the owner of a multi-million-dollar company.
It was flattering to Abby to notice, as he walked her to her car, that he hadn’t even glanced at his watch.
“I had a great time.”
“Me too. I’m glad you stopped by.”
“Careful, that sandwich place will likely haunt me.”
He chuckled. “You’re welcome back any time.” He tucked a strand of hair behind her ear. “I know it’s short notice, but I was invited to the Governors charity benefit on Thursday. I was wondering if you’d like to join me.”
“The Governor… of California?” She couldn’t help the shock in her voice. She had been lulled by good food and friendly conversation in the sandwich place, making her forget exactly who he was and what he did for a living.
“That would be him.” He laughed at her blank expression, but sobered quickly. “I’m still that guy from the club, Abby. I’m just a normal person.”
“I know. It’s just a little jarring. You live a totally different life than me.”
“Not so different.” He cupped her face in his hands, raising her gaze to his. “I’m just a guy that plays pool in a bar, throws peanuts on the floor with kids, takes gorgeous women for dinner on yachts, and one that looks for any excuse to kiss you.”
When he bent down, giving her a quick, playful kiss, she laughed, relaxing at his words. He was right. He was still the same person she had been spending time with. None of that changed because of what he did. Or more important, what he had. “I’d love to go with you.”
“Great. It’s formal attire. Will that be a problem?”
“It shouldn’t be.”
“I’ll pick you up at five.” He leaned down for a soft kiss, and she sighed at the flavor of him. Even the small contact had her pulse jumping. “I’ll see you soon.” He opened the door of her car, helping her in before closing it.
With a last smile, she drove down and out of the structure, glancing at him through her mirror until she couldn’t see him anymore.
With a deep breath, she merged into traffic, trying to focus on her route home instead of the fact that she was in love with a man more complicated than anyone she had ever met.
Chapter 8
Sitting in front of her vanity, Abby applied a slick coat of fire-engine-red lipstick. She wasn’t normally so bold with her make-up, but tonight was special, and she had a feeling she might need the extra boost to her confidence.
Glancing at the river of ruby silk draped across her bed, she felt a nervous flutter within her stomach. It wasn’t a dress that she would have normally picked, but shopping with Ashley, she had agreed that this dress notched up her wow factor. It fit her in sinful perfection, accentuating her slim waist, drawing attention to her best features while downplaying her less-desirable ones.
She had already gone to the hairdresser, scheduling the appointment early enough so she wouldn’t feel rushed. This was the one night she didn’t want to rush. At the stylist’s suggestion, she left her hair loose, tumbling down her back in soft curls. It felt airy, light in its simplicity.
He would be here soon. Another flutter.
She slipped on her dress, shivering as the cool silk kissed her skin. It heated quickly, adapting to her own temperature.
It was simple in its design, a hidden zipper at the side, emphasizing the beautiful material with few embellishments except for the gathered fabric at the scooped neckline. The thin straps across her shoulders didn’t have a utilitarian purpose, more artistic than functional, but they drew the eye to her creamy shoulders. The gold chandelier earrings she slipped on finished the look. Sexy, smooth, sophisticated. And not quite safe.
For the first time in her life, she didn’t want to be safe. She didn’t want to be held back, unable to move forward because of her natural reserve. She wanted to be bold.
Dylan had touched a part of her that she had never given to anyone before. And no matter how their relationship ended, she wanted to know that she had given him everything and had held no part of herself back.
“Just enjoy tonight,” she told herself in the mirror. Tomorrow wasn’t guaranteed.
The doorbell sounded and her lips curved. Checking her gold clutch, she made sure she had everything she needed before opening the door.
Seeing him, the fitted black tux making him look more muscular than she had ever noticed and the look of heat that strung into his eyes at his first look of her, made her grateful for the purse in her hand. It kept her from reaching out and pulling him inside.
“You take my breath away.” It wasn’t said with the smooth tone she had heard from other men on previous dates, but with an appreciation that made her insides go hot.
“You do too.” Standing at her door, looking at each other, an awareness moved between them, through them, pulling them closer together. And she knew that something would happen tonight. Something that would change their relationship.
How it might change, she wasn’t certain. But instead of anxiety, she felt a surge of excitement. She didn’t know where they were headed, but she couldn’t wait to find out.
Holding out his hand, she placed hers in his and was charmed when he instantly curled it into the crook of his arm. Leading her down the path, she couldn’t stop staring at him.
She felt like she was floating, no matter how ridiculous it sounded.
“After you.”
His words gave her a jolt, and she realized he was waiting for her to get in the car. No, not a car, she corrected. A limousine.
The chauffeur held the door open, offering her a reassuring smile, but she felt too stunned to do anything more than offer a small smile in return.
She lowered herself into the vehicle, and the smell of leather and polish stung her nose. It looked new, and she guessed, top of the line. The vehicle she had ridden in to her prom ten years ag
o couldn’t be described as a limo when compared to this.
Dylan climbed in behind her and moved to sit next to her on the seat.
“Let me guess,” she said, forcing a hint of humor into her voice. “It belongs to the company you work for?”
“Bingo.” He grinned. “Want a drink?”
“No thanks. You go ahead though.”
He poured himself some water with ice. “I thought this might be more comfortable than a car. It takes an hour to get there without traffic, but considering what time we’ll be traveling through downtown, I’m guessing it will be longer. You don’t mind, do you?”
“Don’t mind? You’re kidding right?” she laughed at his questioning look. “It is taking all my will power not to press every single button in here. I’ve only been in a limo one other time, and it was obviously a base model.”
“I wouldn’t mind seeing what all the buttons do.” He handed her a remote. “Knock yourself out.”
It was silly, but she couldn’t help herself as she pressed four different buttons, ohh-ing and ahh-ing as doors slid open and closed, the flat screen turned on, and the sun roof opened. “Okay. I need to stop now or I’ll never let it go. Is there anything it can’t do?”
“It can’t make the car teleport. That’s about it.” He rocked the ice in his cup before setting it down. “I like you like this.”
“Hmm?” She turned to him with a smile.
“Inquisitive, relaxed. You aren’t as nervous as when you first got into the car.”
“Oh.” She flushed. “I guess I should try for worldly.”
His gentle fingers caressed her face, turning her gaze back to him. “Not at all. I can’t remember a time I enjoyed the limo more.”
“I’m sure you’re just used to it. Same as the yacht.”
“Yes. But I wasn’t always. You help me to remember how magical it all is.”
Her brows creased. “You didn’t grow up with things like this?”
“No.” Seeing the hesitation in his eyes, she moved to tell him he didn’t need to delve into anything, but stopped when he began speaking. “I didn’t have money growing up. In fact, I didn’t have anything. I was in foster care.” Stunned, she didn’t know what to say, and was relieved when he didn’t wait for a response. “Everything I have now, I’ve worked for.” The satisfaction he felt was evident.