“Aww. You don’t remember me tucking you into bed last night? I’m hurt.” Derek smirked at his own joke.
“No, I don’t.”
He sat down on the end of the mattress. “Lexie called. Asked me to come help move your passed-out ass into bed. She had to get home, so I stayed in case you needed something.”
Kade shot him a grateful look. “Thanks, man.”
“Not a problem. Are you hurting?”
“Badly, but I’m not taking anything stronger than ibuprofen.”
Derek narrowed his gaze. “Why suffer if you don’t have to?”
Kade didn’t often spill his guts with a clear head, but when he did it was to this man. “Because apparently I talk too much when I’m drugged.”
“Ouch.” Derek winced.
Yeah. The memory came back to him with too much clarity considering the fuzziness he’d been experiencing while opening his big mouth. He’d told Lexie that he’d been accused of date rape. Exposed not just himself but his partners to another person who could use the information against them. God. He’d have to handle her ASAP, make sure she understood the gravity of the information she held.
Recalling his gut-spilling made him antsy, and he reached for the Patek Philipe watch, the first piece he’d bought with his own hard-earned money from Blink. Holding it steady against his hurt hand, he pulled out the crown and began to wind the watch. It was a difficult endeavor with his hand, but he’d learned early on that the motion soothed him. He had other watches that he wore more often now, but he kept this one on his nightstand and wound it daily when he woke up.
“Pop the crown back in?” he asked Derek, who took the watch and did as Kade asked before handing it back.
Kade placed the timepiece on his nightstand and ran his good hand over his dry eyes, feeling marginally better about what he’d told Lexie. He didn’t want to think she’d betray him, but he’d been wrong about women before. Still, he didn’t want to give Derek any more to worry about, so he didn’t go into detail.
“Was talking all you two did?” Derek asked. “Because when I showed up, Lexie was flustered, and she looked like a woman who’d been well kissed.” He grinned. “I have to give you credit. Even doped up, you managed to make a move. You’re slick, I’ll give you that.”
Kade rolled his eyes, refusing to give his friend the satisfaction of a reply. The fact was, Kade hadn’t been slick, he’d been, as Derek said, drugged. With his defenses down due to the narcotic, he’d kissed Lexie and enjoyed every damned second.
He had a thing for sweets and could get addicted to her honeyed taste very quickly—if he let himself. But this morning his barriers and his brain were functioning again, and he couldn’t let any woman get inside his head.
No matter how much he liked Lexie, he couldn’t allow himself to forget hard-won lessons. Women screwed him over.
“She’s not like her,” Derek said, interrupting his thoughts.
“Who’s not like who?” Kade asked. Because he had so many women who’d betrayed him in his background, he actually had his pick.
His mother, the woman who was supposed to take care of him but had walked out on him instead. Lila with her date rape accusation. And Angela, his girlfriend just as Blink was gaining popularity, who’d enjoyed the money his father sent him and the things Kade bought her but was selling them for cash instead … stealing from him at the same time she was pretending to be in love.
Derek rose to a standing position. “I was going to say Lexie’s not like Lila, but since you obviously have them all on the brain, she’s not like any of the females in your past. She’s a woman who needs a job, is capable of putting up with your shit, and knows how to handle you.”
“Maybe.” He ran a hand over his short hair. He’d like to think Derek was right about Lexie. “But I can’t take the risk.”
Derek groaned. “You are a fucking hard nut to crack. Okay, fine. Have it your way. Are you coming to work today?”
“Yeah.” Even if he got nothing accomplished, he’d rather keep himself busy there than be alone here with too much time to think—about Lexie, why he couldn’t take things any further, and what in the hell he was going to do about her now.
* * *
I kissed my boss and I liked it. The refrain had run through Lexie’s head ever since leaving Kade’s apartment. Running from it, actually, without looking back. She knew Derek would take care of his friend, and she’d needed to get away, but that kiss had followed her … home and into her dreams.
She fell asleep with the feel of his lips on hers, the cherry taste of his mouth lingering, and she dreamt of much more than a kiss—her entire body was engaged, her hands dragging up his shirt, molding over his hard chest and defined ab muscles. Her breasts were heavy, her nipples hard because he was tweaking them with his hands. Big hands, large enough to cup her heavy breasts, palm them, and make her feel heaven with his touch.
She woke up aching and empty, her panties soaked with evidence of her desire for a man she shouldn’t want. Couldn’t have. And had to face this morning.
She chose her wardrobe like armor today, picking a pair of loose trousers that didn’t define her curves, a man-tailored blouse, and a pair of medium heels. Nothing sexy about it, she thought as she sat at her desk, waiting for the ding of the elevator and a glimpse of Kade’s dark hair.
Dark brown hair she dreamed of running her fingers through, though in reality it was too short for that. When her nipples started to tighten, she wrapped her hands around her cold bottle of water, hoping to stop any further hot, inappropriate thoughts.
As if she could.
It was almost a relief when he stepped off the elevator and she could put the awkward first hello behind her. She rose and immediately made his coffee, only to find they were out of the strong brew K-cups. She grabbed the Breakfast Blend, knowing it was a lighter flavor, and hoped for the best, mixing it exactly the way he liked it.
She stepped into the doorway of his office. Holding her breath, she knocked once to catch his attention.
He turned, meeting her gaze with a cool look that didn’t bode well for her. Obviously he didn’t want to face the intimate moment they’d shared any more than she did. Well, that was okay. Maybe they could pretend it hadn’t happened and go on with their day. A girl could dream, she thought.
Stomach fluttering, she walked into the office. The sun streamed through the window, showcasing a breathtaking view of the city. Unfortunately for her, she couldn’t stop staring at him. His eyes were bloodshot from lack of a good night’s sleep and obvious pain, and despite it all, her heart clenched. She felt for him, knowing he was suffering both physically and emotionally.
“How’s your hand?” she asked him.
“Hurts.” He paused, and awkward silence surrounded them. Finally, he spoke again. “Thanks for yesterday,” he said, gruff words strained, but she appreciated them anyway.
“You’re welcome. Can I help you with anything?” She gestured around his desk, knowing he was at a disadvantage with one hand out of commission.
He shook his head. “Just leave the coffee on the desk. I have a call in a few minutes and I need privacy. I’ll shoot you an email with a to-do list later.”
“Umm…” She glanced at his bandaged, splinted hand. “Unless you want to peck out the keys, why don’t you just call me in when you’re off the phone. I can take notes on what you’d like me to do.”
“I’m not an invalid. Don’t treat me like one.”
No, he was just a rude ass. “Suit yourself,” she muttered.
She turned and headed back to her desk, under no delusions about his behavior. He was being obnoxious on purpose, freezing her out because she’d dared to get close to him yesterday.
She blew out a deep breath. Part of her understood. With her family history, she didn’t let people in either. Her mother or sister was always bound to do something disruptive and throw off the balance of Lexie’s life. She’d learned most people didn’t understand
, and it was easier to be a loner than to lose friends.
Still, she had to admit it hurt to have Kade do the same to her. Even if he had his reasons—like regretting that he’d confided in her about his past. Or kissing her. That one hurt more.
She glanced at her cell phone, surprised to see a text message from Kendall. She’d been in the kitchen when Lexie left for work, basically ignoring any questions Lexie asked her. From Any luck looking for a job? to the benign What are you doing today? she’d been met with silence.
She glanced at her cell screen.
Kendall: I’m sorry I’ve been such a bitch to you.
Lexie was used to the cycle of anger and apology and typed in her reply: Thank you. Hope you have a good day. She didn’t have the time or the inclination to argue while at work.
Kendall: Need my meds adjusted. Dr. Kay has a twelve p.m. Come along? Don’t want to go alone.
Lexie leaned back in her chair and groaned, trying her best to ignore the twisting in her stomach caused by being pulled in two directions. Work versus family. She swallowed hard and glanced at her watch. As long as she was given a lunch break, she could meet up with Kendall for her appointment and be back here in time to work.
Counting on a normal workday, she texted her sister back: Will meet you there. Have to go back to work after.
Kendall: Thx. U R the best.
No, she was a sucker for her needy twin, but what else could she do?
“Lexie!” Kade yelled from inside his office.
She jumped up fast, wondering if he’d done something to hurt his hand. “What’s wrong?” she asked, nearly tripping over herself to get there quickly.
“My coffee’s cold and weak,” he said, a displeased look on his face.
That was all? “You’re out of the kind you prefer, so it’s a lighter blend. And I made it fifteen minutes ago. If you’re just drinking it now, of course it’s gone cold. I’ll just go make another one,” she said, keeping her voice pleasant.
“Make sure we have the right kind tomorrow,” he snapped.
She somehow refrained from saluting. “Anything else?” she asked.
“It’s not sweet enough.”
She ground her teeth before answering. “It has three sugars. Unless you want to go into a diabetic coma, I’m sure it’s plenty sweet.”
He frowned. “Well, bring me an extra packet, just in case.”
She stepped closer to the desk, knowing she was about to poke the bear. “Do you think maybe something else is bothering you besides the coffee?” she asked in a deliberately sugary voice. Pun intended.
He stiffened. “I don’t know what you mean.”
She walked closer to the desk, placing one hand on the cool aluminum surface, because she didn’t want their raised voices causing office gossip.
“Instead of being a jerk about the coffee, how about you face the fact that we kissed last night?” Ignoring her trembling insides, she met his gaze, determined to hold her own. “And maybe you’re upset because you told me some things you wish you hadn’t?” she pushed on.
“Un-fucking-believable.” He stormed around her and walked to the door, slamming it closed so they were well and truly alone.
Chapter Five
Kade turned to face Lexie, not feeling the least bit professional as he reined in his frustration and desire. The damned woman was always one step ahead of him, figuring him out and calling him on his behavior. And today, she’d nailed him. He was being a complete and utter ass because he’d crossed the line with his personal assistant, kissed her, and trusted her with information that shouldn’t have left this office.
He couldn’t let her know she got to him beyond the superficial. “You really think you have me figured out?” he asked.
“We both know I do. Look, if it makes you feel any better, I’m no more ready to deal with anything between us than you are. My life is too complicated, so we can just forget the kiss ever happened.”
Her words cut deep. Even if she had her reasons, she didn’t want to deal with him. She wanted to forget, and that was something women in his life were good at.
But a glance at her flushed cheeks told him that he had affected her. For the first time today, he raked his gaze over her from top to bottom. Instead of a sexy skirt, she wore a pair of trousers that hid her shape, a boxy shirt that would have looked better on him, and very little makeup. She was hiding. Which told him she’d been every bit as unnerved by that kiss as he was.
He stepped closer, and she inched back, the dance continuing until she came up against the wall and he sandwiched her there, close enough to be in her personal space and breach her comfort zone. Her heavy breasts rose and fell beneath that god-awful shirt, her nipples poking through the material.
Need sliced through him at the sight. And then she pulled her bottom lip between her teeth, and he ached to do the same, to have the freedom to taste her again, to cup those breasts and feel their weight in his hands.
But he couldn’t. And she needed to understand she wasn’t the one calling the shots or defining whatever this was between them.
“Lexie, I don’t have any desire for a relationship either.” She hadn’t used the word, but he might as well make himself perfectly clear. “I don’t know what’s going on in your life, but mine is equally complicated, if not more so. So I’m sorry if a kiss while under the influence of drugs gave you the wrong impression,” he said dismissively.
Which was ironic because, as he stepped back, it was with great difficulty, and under duress thanks to his cock, which protested him pushing her away.
She glared at him. “Under the influence. You’re going to blame one lousy painkiller instead of owning your actions?” she asked, her eyes flashing with hurt and anger.
“I am,” he said, even if, deep down, he knew, as she did, that the kiss had been inevitable.
That at some point, given their chemistry, he’d have taken her into his arms … and done more than kiss her if his injured hand hadn’t prevented it. But if the painkiller gave him an excuse, so be it.
Now, when she was off-balance, he had to go in for the kill. “As for the information I admitted to, also while under the influence…” He didn’t use the words date rape. He couldn’t.
She narrowed her gaze. “What about it?”
“I’d like you to sign this.” He strode over to his desk and pulled up the paper he’d printed as soon as he’d arrived this morning, having come up with the solution on the way to work.
“What is it?” she asked warily.
“A nondisclosure agreement.” He handed her the one-page document. “It guarantees you won’t speak of or repeat what you learn in the context of our … business relationship. That includes whatever you learn here or while in my apartment.”
She sucked in a startled breath, a slight gasp coming out too. “You don’t trust me not to repeat what you told me last night. After I brought you home, fed you, took care of you, and made sure you weren’t alone and in pain, you’re going to repay me by asking me to sign an NDA,” she said, her voice cracking as she spoke.
His hand began to throb, and he realized he’d been letting it hang down, the blood flowing into his injured knuckles and fingers. Damned if he didn’t deserve it.
“It’s standard procedure in business,” he said.
“Then you should have included it in the packet Derek gave me when I signed on after he hired me.” She stormed over to the desk, pulled out a pen, and scrawled her name on the page. “Here.” She turned and slapped the paper against his chest.
Damned if he didn’t admire her spunk and the way she stood up to him, acting as if they were still in his apartment last night and not here at work. True, he was her boss, but he’d mixed business and pleasure, and she’d more than earned the right to speak her mind. Just this once, he told himself, he’d let her get away with talking to him this way.
“Thank you.” He placed the paper on his desk.
She started for the door, then turned
back to face him. “You know, if you’d come to me and asked me nicely to sign, I wouldn’t have had a problem. If you’d accepted the fact that we both wanted that kiss but it couldn’t happen again, I wouldn’t be angry. Instead you came up with a bunch of excuses, insulted me personally, and questioned my integrity. Very nice, Mr. Barnes.”
His stomach churned with every word she spoke, and he hated himself for how he’d handled things. Just because he couldn’t deal with getting close to a woman didn’t mean she had to pay the price.
At his unexpected line of thinking, he furrowed his brow. Since when did he think twice about doing what needed to be done in business or in his personal life? Why was he so bothered by the hurt in her eyes, the pained expression on her face? She was just an employee, he reminded himself, and he’d fired and yelled at plenty before her. He just didn’t like doing it to Lexie. Which was all the more reason for him to cut things off now, before he allowed his guard down further, began to believe in her, trust her … and ended up gutted again.
“You know what else?” she asked.
He knew exactly what was coming next. He’d been in this position before. “You’re quitting,” he said before she could.
His stomach twisted, and the coffee he’d been drinking threatened to come back up. Fuck. Too late, he realized her departure wasn’t what he wanted. Hell, when it came to Lexie, he didn’t know what he wanted.
She let out a harsh laugh. “No, I’m not quitting. You don’t get to be that lucky. I said I could handle you and I will. My error was thinking there was a caring human being behind the jerk façade. I won’t make that mistake again. Unless…”
She trailed off, her eyes widening. “Are you firing me?” she asked, suddenly sounding worried, and he remembered Derek mentioning she needed the job.
He just hadn’t asked him why. God, Kade thought, he really was a jerk.
“Are you?” she asked, voice rising when he didn’t answer immediately.
He couldn’t. He’d been too busy processing the fact that he hadn’t driven her away.
Summer Heat: A Steamy Romance Boxed Set Page 5