by TC Matson
“That depends. Will it be another episode of hot and cold?”
A deep rumbly hum comes through the phone. “I deserve that. Actually, I’d like the chance to explain myself. To talk and lay out all the cards.”
“Really?” I sound surprised.
“Yes, really. But unfortunately, I won’t be able to until next week. I’ll be out of town until Sunday. Will that be a problem?”
With my meeting in Grand Rapids for work, a few extra days won’t hurt. I’ll be distracted. “Actually, that will work out perfectly.”
“Great. I’ll call you Sunday afternoon. Is that okay?”
“Yeah.” I tell him.
“I’m sorry for how I came off at the bar the other night. I was irritated with Cody and I took it out on you. It was wrong.”
“Apology accepted,” I say, flirting a little.
“Thank you. Have a good weekend, Brooklyn.”
We hang up and I fall back to the couch. Even his voice sends my body into a frenzy. I hope whatever he has to tell me isn’t bad and truly out there. He told me before he’s not reeling from a heartbreak, but he’s so hot and cold. I can’t think of anything else that would have him like that.
Time will tell and Sunday night can’t get here fast enough. I’m ready to hear what he has to say.
ELEVEN
When my company goes all out, they really go the hell all out. This hotel is more of a luxury the queen would approve. It’s not a typical hotel either. No. This is Bennett Towers. Luxury and elegance braided into one. My room is huge with a modern feel thanks to all the sleek lines and bold colors. I’m on the tenth floor with an outstanding view of the city at every angle due to the floor-to-ceiling windows. The bed…oh my god, the bed is enormous and wonderful—huge with white plush covers tucked tightly with taupe and lavender pillows placed at the head.
The freaking bathroom is a dream come true. The countertops are made of a granite and the floors are marble. There is a walk-in shower large enough to hang out in for hours and a claw-foot tub that’s enticing and definitely getting used tonight.
Dropping to the sofa, I spread my arms across the back, cross my leg over my knee and grin at the view of the city and river. “So this is what having money feels like?”
I’m not broke. My ends are met and I’m able to afford the extras I’d like. But spending the type of money for a hotel like this—there’s no way I could afford it. I’m going to soak up this place and enjoy my stay while I’m here.
* * *
Seven hours of training with only two fifteen-minute breaks and an hour for lunch means I’ve caught myself several times doodling out of boredom before I’m finally able to call this day done. They went over the system, showed us everything we’ll need to know, and gave us some examples on paper to help give us a visual. It’s easier than the one we use now and honestly, it’s the best one they’ve implemented in years. When they switched our old system out with the one we use now, it was horrendous. It crashed a lot, and it was finicky if you pushed the wrong buttons. The new system is laid back, so to speak. I feel good about this.
With the claw-foot tub in my plans, I stroll down the black marbled floor hallway with white decorative lines at the sides heading toward the lobby when from the right, three well-dressed men in suits exit a room. A tall man with a scruffy jaw catches my attention. He looks a lot like Nathan. I titter under my breath. I’m seeing shit. I’ve officially lost my mind.
As I approach, and am able to get a better look at the hottie, my feet stop. It is Nathan. I watch as he shakes hands with the two men and turns to walk away. Our eyes lock and there’s a slight skip in his step. He shoves his hands in his pockets, smiling as he continues toward me.
He looks calm and collected. As for me? My pulse has taken off like a rocket.
“What…are you doing here?” I stammer.
His smile hasn’t faltered. “I had a meeting. What are you doing here?”
“My, um…” My thoughts are running into each other. I clear my throat in a desperate attempt to get my shit together. “Work seminar. The pharmacy is switching to a new system and I was chosen as the lucky guinea pig.”
He’s beaming.
I’m freaking out.
We’re total contradictions.
How is he okay with this coincidence? How the hell is he keeping it together while I’m a frantic mess? How is this fair?
“This is…this is a beautiful place,” I say, trying to collect myself.
“It is.”
The way he’s looking at me sends goosebumps over my skin. A throb thrumming through my body. Jesus, this man has magic in his gaze.
“Do you have dinner plans?” he asks. “I know a damn good restaurant a few blocks away, but you have to love steak.”
Shaking off my nerves, I rock back on my heels. “Is this your attempt to move our date to tonight?”
That grants me a boyish smile with a glint in his eyes. “Possibly.”
“What if I decline?” I playfully tease.
“Then I’ll go to the restaurant and eat alone.”
I titter. “You’ve talked me into it.”
“Great. Meet me out front in thirty minutes. I need to change.” He winks as he walks in the opposite direction of the way I’m heading.
I rush to my room and change too. Nothing over the top, just a cute striped shirt with my holey jeans and white sneakers. I don’t want to scream, “I’m desperate for you to put your damn lips on me,” but I want to show, “I’m available if you want to put your damn lips on me.”
I touch up my makeup, brush my hair and head out the door. When I come out the entrance, Nathan is leaning against one of the four large pillars looking down at his phone. Like he can sense my presence, his eyes flick up to me. When they travel down my body, I can feel everywhere his gaze touches. The butterflies in my stomach take off in a hurry.
He tucks his phone away in the back pocket of his jeans. “We can walk, or we can ride. Your choice, but in the back of the car you’ll miss the city.”
I beam to him. “Then let’s walk.”
We walk together, side by side, as I take in the city. Tall buildings surround us as people stroll the sidewalks, but with him right beside me, it feels as if it’s just us.
“What was your meeting about?” I ask.
Gazing down to me, a small smile spreads. “Let’s save the work talk for later. Right now, I want to enjoy you.” The way his voice drops deeper instantly causes my nipples to harden.
“Okay,” I exhale. “Do you come to Grand Rapids a lot? You seem to know a lot about it.”
He nods. “A time or two, yes. But this time, I’m glad I came. Running into you here is the last thing I thought would ever happen. I’m glad I walked out of the room when I did.”
I bite my lip. “Me too.”
The outside of the restaurant fits in with the brick and slate buildings around it. As we step inside, I’m thankful there’s no wait and the hostess is able to seat us immediately. There’s a soft hum and clanks of silverware against plates from the people enjoying their dinner. The place is beautiful, with brick and wood walls, brown pillars guiding the walkway.
I order a vodka cranberry and Nathan orders a rum and coke.
Picking up the menu, I ask. “So, what do you recommend?”
“Depends on the type of steak you like, but the filet mignon is always a great choice. They also have the best roasted potatoes I’ve ever had, but I’m warning you, they’re so good, you won’t be able to stop.”
I close the menu. “Sold.”
The waitress brings our drinks and takes our orders before rushing off.
“What would you be doing if you weren’t here with me?” he asks over his drink.
“Honestly? There’s a tub in my room with my name all over it.” I sigh dreamily. “When I was younger, maybe seventeen, I saw a claw-foot tub on TV. They were doing a remodel to an older home or something. But since then I’ve wanted one. I could
only imagine taking a bubble bath in such elegance.”
He listens intently, a glow of delight in his gaze. “You’d choose a soaker tub over a Jacuzzi?”
Closing my eyes, I moan. “Could I have both?”
His chuckle is throaty. “Why not? My room has a Jacuzzi.”
I sigh. “Can I borrow your bathroom?” I giggle. “My room is absolutely gorgeous. I could get lost in a book for a week in it.”
“You should see the presidential suites,” he says.
“They’re probably suited for a king.”
Our food comes out and is set in front of us. My eyes widen. Holy shit. This looks fabulous…
* * *
As we step out of the restaurant, I grip the railing, leaning back on it, and close my eyes. “You’ll have to go on without me,” I tease. “I’m way too full to continue my journey.”
He bursts with laughter. “It was the roasted potatoes, wasn’t it? I tried to tell you.”
I moan, dropping my head back and looking to the night sky. “God those were the best.”
He clutches my hand and walks us across the street onto a brick sidewalk that runs along the river before shoving his hands back into his pockets. Black grates line the trunks of the small trees. Tan bricks edge the red ones creating our walking path.
I stop to take in the city lights flickering on the water creating a beautiful mess of multi-colors to dance on top. The night doesn’t bring quiet here. Instead, there’s a distant hustle from the night life, a low grumble from the roads, but a peaceful melody from the water moving.
“This place is beautiful,” I state. “We have a similar view at home, but there’s something about being away that gives you a different reminder of beauty.”
Resting his forearms on the black railing, he keeps his view in front of him. “I’ll agree.”
When his gaze meets mine, the spark almost burns me. My stomach dips and I want to throw myself at him. I want to experience the spark on my lips. Suddenly, he stands and pulls me closer by my hips, bringing my body to rest flush against his. He tucks a strand of my hair behind my ear, keeping his heated gaze locked onto mine.
“I’m going to be honest, Brooklyn. I can’t keep being a gentleman. I want your lips.”
Yes. Please. I swallow the arousal in my throat. “Then why haven’t you?”
Amusement flickers through the lust. “You come with emotions. You’re not the type who kisses on the first date.”
Pegged me. “This isn’t our first date.” The words float out and he wastes nothing. He bends his head closer, his lips grazing mine. My lungs aren’t functioning. My pulse is hammering in my ears. And my body…I want him.
When his lips press to mine, time stands still. My breath is gone. Slowly, he kisses me, dominating the pace, but the moment his tongue slips in and collides with mine, slow and easy is gone. He drags his hand through my hair, gently twisting my strands around his fingers, and holds me in place. Electricity zaps between us and my toes curl. I liquefy in his arms, gripping his sides before running my hand up his back. Titillation and desire bolts between us and I let out a soft moan, unable to control it. It’s a long, intoxicating kiss. I’ve never been kissed like this…ever.
As he pulls away, his lips linger against mine. “Had I known that…” he exhales. “Damn.”
My eyes are still closed. I’m still gripping onto him to hold myself upright. When I’m finally able to open them, I meet his. It’s evident we’re on the same page.
A devastatingly devilish smile emerges. “We need to get back to the hotel,” he rasps thickly.
I nod and instantly, the warmth of his body is gone. Lacing his fingers with mine, we walk. Yet, I’m pretty sure I’m floating.
Thankfully, the hotel is less than a block away. But unfortunately, the angel on my shoulder holding my morals and integrity has shown up with a vengeance. The damn devil is nowhere in sight to help me convince her that sex with Nathan is a brilliant idea and she’d be happy too.
“I had a great time tonight,” he says, eyes full of lust still trained on me. But he stops us before we enter the hotel.
Great. The angel stabbed him in the neck with her virtuous shaft too.
“I did too,” I smile. “Please tell me we’re still on for this week.”
“Without a doubt.” He looks back to my lips and just as he’s leaning in to kiss me, a male voice calls out from our side, halting him.
“Mr. Bennett?”
Nathan’s eyes flash wide before he closes them and takes a painful breath. When they open back up, the lust is gone, replaced with annoyance.
Straightening himself, he shifts to the man. “Mr. Belinski, right?” He shoves his hand out and the man shakes it.
“Yes. I tried to stop you before you left the meeting today, but you snuck out and then I got caught up with others. I wanted to discuss the West Plaza development with you.”
Development…?
Nathan is stiff. “The matter can wait. Call my office Monday and have Patricia set something up for us.”
The older man shakes his head full of white hair. “I’ll be out of pocket until later this week or I wouldn’t have disrupted your night. I understand off the clock time is important, but this will only take a moment of your time. The designs Mrs. Woodley said you declined were—”
“Call my office Monday and set something up with my assistant,” Nathan interrupts with a stern tone. “We’ll discuss this at a different time. I assure you whatever it is can and will wait.” His jaw flexes. “Have a good night, Mr. Belinski.”
Nathan spreads his hand at the small of my back and urges me forward.
Declined designs? His assistant?
“What was that about?” I ask as we enter the lobby.
He exhales hard through his nose, looking vanquished. “Can we talk in private? Your room. My room. Your choice.”
If I choose mine and the conversation turns sour, will he leave? “Yours,” I state, knowing I can leave when I want.
The corner of his lips quirk up as he pushes the button to the elevator. Almost instantly, the doors slide open and we step in. For the first time since I’ve met him, Nathan possesses a very nervous demeanor. He isn’t relaxed as usual, nor does he have the calm and collected appearance about him.
The elevator stops early and just before the doors open, I start, “Is everything—” I clamp my mouth shut as an older couple steps in and settles in the corner.
The husky, polo shirt sporting man nods to Nathan. “Good meeting today. The model for the Wyndham was impressive. You’ll do it justice. You always do.”
Politely, Nathan smiles with a nod. “Thank you.”
As the elevator stops again and Nathan guides me out, the man says, “Have a good night, Mr. Bennett.”
Nathan Bennett…
The name sounds familiar, like I should know exactly who he is, but it’s not ringing a…
I stop dead in my tracks causing Nathan to stumble a step.
“Wait,” I gasp. “As in the Nathan Bennett? The one who owns Bennett Towers?”
Scraping his teeth along his lip, he looks away and it solidifies the answer.
“Holy shit. You are him.”
Suddenly, I’m caught in a turmoil of emotions—Anger. Hurt. Disappointment. Sadness.
“Can we talk in the room?” he asks, a sense of urgency in his tone.
“Fine,” I spout off.
He pushes his keycard in and opens the door, standing to the side and waiting for me to enter.
“Explains the mysterious busy businessman excuse,” I ramble walking past him. “Holy shit!” I pause, taking in the room. The entire wall is made up of tall windows with long tan curtains draping around them. An exquisite fireplace has a long coffee table sitting in front of it, flanked by two cream-colored sofas. It’s an open floor plan with the kitchen and dining room across the room.
“The busy businessman is the truth.” He speaks and it reminds me why I’m in this elegan
t room to begin with. I spin around to him. He’s leaned against a small dividing wall. “I have property all over the nation and I travel to them frequently. I have business and meetings daily, which cuts into my private time. Normally my days end well into the nights. Tell me what woman—”
I throw my hands up. “You must be used to calling the shots because I haven’t been given the choice you keep taking. You’re right. No woman likes an absent man, but the right woman can understand and even be supportive. But you wouldn’t know if I could handle it because you keep reeling me in and then pushing me away. Hell, I don’t even know if I can handle it, but that’s not to say I wouldn’t be able to.”
The lines on his face are hard. “There’s the investment I was talking about. If I invest my time, what happens when you walk away when you realize it’s too much?”
I suck in a breath at the sucker punch. “Wow, Nathan. Thanks for the vote of confidence. Clearly, we’re on two different levels.”
“You have to understand where I’m coming from.”
“Actually, I do. Or at least I think so.” My shoulders slump. “I really like you, the you I’ve gotten to know. Not the rich guy who owns some luxury hotels. But Nathan.” His name pulls a smile to my face. “The guy who can wear a suit or jeans and cause my heart to flutter. The guy who hates pickles, lets me win at bowling, who likes to laugh, and has incredibly sexy eyes. That’s the guy I like.”
He’s silent as he studies me.
“I’m not mad…” I bounce my head from shoulder to shoulder. “Okay. Maybe I am. Hurt would be a better word. You think that low of me that you couldn’t have just told me? Or even tried? I can understand why you’re guarded, but I never thought I came off as someone who would take advantage of you. I’m genuinely interested in you. I thought you knew that. Thought you could feel it. How long were you going to keep this up? Until I had fallen in love with you?”
He shakes his head slightly.
“I gave you so many chances,” I grit out, fighting back tears. “I don’t deserve the pain, the damn heartache you keep giving me. Let me give you a piece of advice for the future. The longer you let a woman see Nathan while falsifying everything else before introducing her to Nathan Bennett, the worse it hurts. You led me to believe you really liked me and were trying to fit me into your busy lifestyle when instead you’re shrouded in deceit.”