by Gina Gordon
The blink of a light flashed to his right. Then another. Photographers had huddle around them on the street.
Neil cursed loudly even after he noticed the microphone being held up to capture audio.
“You … I can’t believe you just hit me.” Martin brought one hand down to rub against his jacket. His nose, swollen and red and bleeding stared back at him. “Did you see him hit me?” he questioned the media. “Did you see what this throw away has done to me?”
“Where the fuck did photographers come from?” Finn shouted.
He was right. They seemed to swoop down just in time to witness his lapse in judgment. Again.
“Nothing to see here.” Finn shouted and waved his arms, doing his best to move the media away from Neil.
When the photographers didn’t listen, Finn grabbed one of their hands and scratched his own arm. “It’ll be a little hard to deny the accusation of assault I tell the police when they show up. “
“You’re fucking crazy, dude,” the photographer said.
“All of you…hit the fucking road.”
A very devious and underhanded move by the good brother. Neil was impressed.
The photographers dispersed and Martin got angry. “I paid you to record the entire encounter,” he yelled.
Paid? Why would he pay photographers to show up and…?
“You paid these assholes?” Finn asked. “Why would you do that?”
“To make sure Carson’s career is ruined,” Neil supplied. The pieces of Martin’s puzzle all coming into place. “And at the same time, make sure she stays away from me.” He struggled to control the anger coursing through him. “You were responsible for that video, weren’t you?”
“It is quite impressive how excited people get at the possibility of a Madewood sex tape.”
Martin hadn’t actually confessed but like a bull seeing red, Neil charged. He lunged forward and Martin actually bent, covering his head with his arms in terror. Neil stopped abruptly and fisted his hands at his sides. He wasn’t going to let this guy get the better of him again.
“Big mistake giving away all of your secrets. You’ll be hearing from my lawyer.”
Neil turned to walk away, but stopped when he heard Martin’s voice.
“I don’t think so, Mr. Harrison.”
Neil turned to face him. He’d finally straightened, his hands no longer covered his face.
“You will keep your mouth shut about everything that just transpired or you can be sure that Carson will never work in this city again.”
Kelly Designs was a company of less than twenty people. What made this guy think he had the power to make threats and impose fear?
Normally Neil would have taken it as an idle threat, but the fact that Martin could secure confidential information about his childhood made him think he had some kind of influence he could use against Carson. And Neil was going to find out this asshole’s deal. Even if he had to hire a private investigator to do it.
As for Carson, she needed to know about his true intentions. But Neil had already done enough damage to her career. He wouldn’t be responsible for completely trashing it. He knew that Martin meant what he said about ruining Carson. Hell, he’d done a damn good job of it already. He would stay quiet, for her sake, until he had enough information to nail this Martin to the wall. Information that no one—not Martin, not the security company, not Carson’s father—could dispute. In the meantime, he knew Carson was on to Martin’s game, if not the ugly turn it had taken the last few weeks. He just had to hope she was prepared for a challenge.
Neil let Finn drive him home. With the way his body vibrated in anger, getting behind the wheel wasn’t the best idea.
But after being dropped off at his condo, the time seemed to pass in slow motion. His home hadn’t changed over the last seven days, but it seemed emptier. The kitchen not as gleaming. The living room not as cozy. Something was missing. And it wasn’t furniture or a wall print, it was a feeling. A feeling that made anywhere, everywhere feel like home. A feeling he got only when he was with Carson. The night they spent together in that shitty cottage had been the best night of his life. And that place was run-down and falling apart with zero amenities.
Funny how he’d give up his condo to stay in a shitty cottage as long as Carson was by his side…
At that moment it hit him. He loved her. Loved everything about her. She had shown him the man he could be. The man he wanted to be.
Carson had some trouble ahead and there was only one way to minimize that trouble. He needed to make sure Martin didn’t get anywhere near her, didn’t hurt her in any way.
He powered up his laptop and searched for a private investigator. It would take time, but he still had a few days before the grand opening. It should be enough time to track down something he could use as leverage.
He would risk getting involved in her family business to keep her safe. Even if it meant walking away from her forever when it was over.
…
Carson took another sip of scotch. The ice tinkled against the glass of her tumbler. It was a soothing sound, a sound that made the sting of her earlier humiliation a little more bearable.
She had really done it this time. Stepped in shit and tracked it all over town. But this time it was her own shit. She had no one else to blame.
Well maybe Neil Harrison. If she hadn’t picked someone who was in the media spotlight, then maybe her hoo-ha wouldn’t be on the internet for all to see. And maybe her moans of ecstasy wouldn’t have ruined her career.
But she couldn’t be mad at him. Not in the slightest. She was a willing participant that night and if she could go back, she wouldn’t change one second of their time together. But she needed to keep her distance from the man who seemed to bring bad with him everywhere he went. Her career couldn’t stand another hit. As it was, it would be hard enough to rebuild it without Neil in the picture.
And with Neil in the picture?
No. She couldn’t risk everything for a man who only viewed her as a racing distraction.
Now you just need to tell him. The sooner the better.
A loud banging on her front door caused her to jump in her seat. She checked her watch. It was after nine pm. Who the hell would be visiting at this hour?
She tip-toed to the door and closed one eye, taking a look through the peep-hole.
Neil Harrison, that’s who.
She slid the chain across the bar and turned the deadbolt. When she opened the door she immediately noticed the helmet in his hand. “You got your license back.”
He nodded.
It was obvious something was on his mind. Tension rippled in the space between them.
“It’s late.”
His fingers tapped against his helmet. He was anxious. He had his helmet and he was anxious. He wanted to race.
“Going somewhere?”
He didn’t answer. She knew exactly where he was going and she knew exactly how he was feeling. And she would do anything to keep him safe. Now, more than ever.
In that moment she knew. Her brain flooded with images of Neil. The first time she saw him. The first time they went head to head over a design concept. The first time they kissed. She couldn’t possibly…
She shook off the thought.
This was supposed to be over, but here she was, moments from letting walk him through her front door even if it meant once he was done with her, he would walk away and never look back.
“Carson…we need to—”
She stepped out into the hallway and rested her finger against his lips. “Shhh…”
His eyes widened, as if shocked at her actions.
“I know what you need.”
“Carson…”
Carson grabbed the edges of his jacket and pulled him inside, kicking the door closed behind him. She grabbed the hem of her T-shirt and lifted, removing it from her body. He hesitated for a moment, his eyes darting from the floor to her breasts. She’d never had to convince him before, but his hesitance d
idn’t last long. His helmet flew behind her. She faintly heard the sound of it hitting the ground. His hands reached up and grabbed both sides of her face. She yelped just before his lips came down on hers.
Their mouths parted, tongues tangled, Carson grabbed his hips and pulled him tighter, fusing their bodies together. Neil leaned forward, his leg kicking back to slam the front door shut.
After the loud bang, he twirled her around, walking her backward until her back met the door. He grabbed her hands, securing her arms above her head. There was nothing gentle about his actions. And she loved every second of it.
“Let go,” she whispered. “Take me.”
Fear skittered across his face, but she ground her pelvis against his to catch his attention.
“I trust you.”
Neil attacked the waistband of her jeans, pulling open the fly, shoving his hands down the back to cup her bottom before he pushed them down her legs. Carson removed her bra. He kissed his way up her body, calf to thigh, the top of her mound, and set up camp at her nipples for a minute or two. When he stood at full height he kissed her, urgent, needy, just like his hand that had found her achy flesh between her legs. Carson reached behind and grabbed his wallet knowing exactly where the condom would be.
He pulled down the zipper of his jeans and reached inside removing his rock-hard length from inside his boxer briefs. She sheathed him and before the wrapper even hit the floor he was inside her. His pelvis thrust in hard quick movements, every push knocking her against the door. Her neighbors were getting a good show.
He buried his head in the crook of her neck and Carson gripped the back of his. She held on tight, knowing this would be the last time they were together. It had to be. Her heart wouldn’t be able to handle another encounter.
Neil thrust a few times then grabbed on tight, pulling her away from the wall and walking them over to her couch. He set her down and flipped her over, bending her over the arm. He kicked her legs wider, her bottom sticking out higher and further for his use. When he bent behind her and shoved his face between her legs she moaned, long and low. His tongue licked between her folds, tickling her clit. He moved back with every lick, eventually searching out the forbidden bud that had never been touched. His tongue teased the area and she was surprised at how much she liked it. The tip penetrated her tiny hole and she groaned.
Neil attacked between her legs, surprising her at every turn. He sucked on her clit, then licked her back end. She grabbed at the throw pillow and fisted her hands in pleasure. Her desire coiled tightly in her stomach just waiting for the right time to explode.
Finally, he stood and scooped her up. He let her drop on the couch and she bounced with the give of the cushions. He spread her legs wide and leaned over her body, capturing her lips in a hungry kiss. She caressed the sides of his face as he devoured her mouth and when he pulled away their eyes met just as hard as his cock rammed into her body. The look of vulnerability in his eyes seared through her. They’d had sex many times over the last ten days. Lots of sex and lots of kissing. But there had always been a wall. Something stood between them every time they were together, as if Neil was afraid to give himself over. Tonight was very, very different.
This was the real Neil Harrison. And he was nothing like the man he was afraid to unleash.
“Carson?” Neil cupped her cheek, his thumb smoothing across her damp skin.
As if all the air had been sucked out of the room, she gasped, unable to catch her breath. She loved him. Holy fucking shit, she loved him.
A shiver ran through her body and he backed away.
“Maybe I shouldn’t—”
She grabbed his chin between her fingers and turned his head to face her. “You didn’t hurt me.”
She grabbed on to the top of the couch, opening herself up, bracing her body for his entry. “Fuck me.”
Neil lined up with her entrance. She nodded, giving him the go ahead and when their bodies were joined he loomed over her and whispered against her ear, “Not this time.”
His eyes locked on hers and with every one of his thrusts they sank deeper, into each other, into this gentle connection. Tears stung her eyes at the tenderness he displayed but then he licked his fingers and placed them at her clit. The extra attention sent the desire dancing in her stomach into overdrive.
“Keep doing that.” She moaned. “Just like that.”
A warm wave washed over her body. She shut her eyes tight and let her orgasm take over.
“That’s it baby. I’m right behind you.”
She faintly heard Neil grunt his own satisfaction behind the fireworks that went off in her ears.
When she finally opened her eyes, Neil was hunched over, his head resting on her breasts, no longer buried deep within her.
Carson released her grip on the couch, letting her arms falls slowly down the rough fabric. She found his head and stroked his hair between her fingers.
Tears stung her eyes as realization set in. This was the last time she was going to be with Neil Harrison. This was the last time she was going to lay with the man she loved. And he would never know she loved him.
It had to be that way. Neil had said only days ago that he didn’t do relationships with women. And she couldn’t keep playing the game that they’d started.
“This is the last time. You know that right?”
He nodded, his head bobbing against her chest.
“We both have too much to lose.” She had already lost her heart. She couldn’t afford to permanently damage her career chasing after a man who was just as driven, just as tied to his job.
He lifted his head and frowned. “You could have called me.”
She tensed. He made it clear they were just sex buddies. They didn’t need to get more involved, more emotionally intimate.
“I know you lost the deal.”
“It’s not totally lost. Not yet. My father made a counter offer and the client is going to get back to us.” She had tried to see her father’s offer as the silver lining. But even after massive amounts of alcohol, the lining was still black.
He lowered his gaze. Why couldn’t he look her in the eye?
He sat back on his heels and stood, practically running into the bathroom.
She snuck into her bedroom and grabbed her robe from behind her door.
Neil was still in the bathroom when her phone chimed. She picked it up from her kitchen counter and slid her finger across the screen.
A new post notification from Toronto Gossip. And she didn’t like the headline.
With the rise of the sex tape, she had subscribed to the blog in order to keep tabs on the information.
She raced to her kitchen table and typed in the website. Her mouth dropped to the floor when she saw the picture of Neil, his fist connecting with Martin’s face.
“Jesus Christ, Harrison.”
The toilet flushed and Neil stepped out into the living room.
“What’s wrong?”
“What’s wrong?” She turned to face him. “What’s wrong?”
The feeling of utter bliss had erased from her body and all she felt was tension.
Neil pulled on his boxers, then his pants. His abs and biceps rippled with his actions. And that ink that peeked out of the collar of his shirt never failed to turn her on.
“How about you punching out my colleague in broad day light.”
“How do you…” He stalked toward her on the table. “How did you find this?”
“I signed up for this idiotic blog after the sex tape debacle. I just got an email telling me all about your little incident.”
He cursed under his breath.
“As if the sex tape wasn’t bad enough; you had to hit him?”
“It’s not what you think. He’s the one—”
“How can it not be?” She pointed to the screen. “Neil Harrison loses cool in a mid-afternoon brawl.”
Neil yelled, “He started it.”
Maybe he was exactly who he thought he was.
Maybe Carson was projecting her own wants and needs onto this man. Good thing she was nipping this in the bud before things got too intense.
You’re already in love with him. How much more intense can it get?
“I’m already in enough shit with my father. My job. I don’t need you adding to the equation.” She stood and walked to the kitchen where her bottle of scotch sat, just waiting for some love.
Neil grabbed at her arm as she walked.
“Carson, please, you need to stay away from him. He’s trouble.”
She unscrewed the top and poured herself a hefty glass.
“He’s trouble. He orchestrated that whole incident today. He said…” His voice trailed off.
She gulped down half the drink. “Dammit, Neil.” She rubbed the cool glass against her forehead, as if considering her next words, then set it down on the table. “You know I’ve almost lost the Bower contract and you know the shit I’ve been going through with my father and the firm. Did you know that the main concern about hiring me was that after the tape, Mr. Bower’s wife was concerned I slept with all my clients? Do you know how that felt to hear in a business presentation?” She fisted her hand around the glass. “Yes, Martin’s an ass. I’ve known that for years. Hell, I even told you about him being a total ass! And I certainly understand wanting to slug him. But couldn’t you have just taken the high road? Couldn’t you have thought of the consequences before you reacted to some stupid shit he said? Added more fuel to the media fire?”
He clenched his jaw, “You’re right.” He headed to the couch and grabbed his helmet. “Just be careful.”
She downed the rest of her drink as Neil walked to the door. He grabbed the knob and yanked it open, but just before he stepped out into the hall he stopped and turned.
“Whatever you do, don’t let anyone—not your father, not Martin, not anyone—come between you and your dream of being an architect.”
As soon as the door slammed behind him, tears streamed down her cheeks, burning her face.
Chapter Ten
The wind had picked up since Neil had left his home earlier that evening. It wasn’t the best weather condition for riding, but he’d make do.