by Mia Carson
She glared at him but nodded once, and he relaxed. He blew her a kiss, and she ran to the driver’s side of her truck and floored it away from the curb, squealing her tires.
Her hands hadn’t stopped shaking after she was safe inside Sam’s apartment. She knew her sister had been involved in some sort of criminal activity, but from what Ricky said, it appeared both his clubs were simply a front for something worse. Drugs—she knew she’d seen drugs that night—and maybe even human trafficking. The women auctioned off might’ve been there by choice, but how many others were roped into working for him because of debts owed? Or worse. She couldn’t sit still the rest of the afternoon as her perfect future with Sam slowly crumbled apart before her eyes. He’d had a hard enough life already, and getting him involved in her sister’s mess was not fair, not after everything he did for her without even realizing it. One way or another, she would get her sister to safety and Ricky off their asses.
Even if, in the end, she had to leave Sam to do it, she would. She had to keep him safe.
Chapter 8
A few days after Harley moved in, Sam fought to remember what his life was like without her tucked against his side every night. His board approved the fund he wanted to start to assist abused spouses and their families. When he asked Harley to oversee it, she jumped at the chance and quit her waitressing job the next day. He introduced her to several of his employees from the accounting team to help get the fund off the ground and organize their first black-tie function for it.
Every day was a new adventure Sam couldn’t wait to get started. The alarm sounded, and he groaned as he rolled over to turn it off. “Five more minutes,” Harley murmured against his side.
“You can, I can’t,” he said with a sigh. “Meeting.”
“Skip it.”
“You are a terrible influence on me.” He kissed her cheek and brushed her hair behind her ears. “Don’t ever stop.”
Her lips curled into a sleepy smile as she snuggled up with his pillow after he’d slipped out of the bed and stretched. His legs were sore, but he loved the workout every night, and evening, and most mornings, too. Sex with other women he’d dated became tiresome and boring after a while. With Harley, each time showed him a different side of her and opened another bit of his heart he’d closed off for so long. Soon, the whole thing would be hers and he’d never want it back.
“What time is it?” she asked.
“Seven, why?”
She yelped and jumped out of the bed, rushing past him into his walk-in closet. She scrambled for a skirt and sweater, scooped up a pair of heels, and darted into the bathroom. He followed, holding up a pair of lacey panties she’d forgotten in her rush to dress.
“As much as I’d love to fantasize about you without these all day long,” he said, holding them out on his finger, “you might want them.”
She took them quickly and stepped into them. “I totally forgot, I’m meeting the coordinator this morning.”
“I thought that was tomorrow?’
“I moved it to today because she had something come up. And I’m going to be late!”
“Well, if you’re already going to be late…” he mused and scooped her up into his arms. She scolded him as she laughed, and he deposited her back in bed and quickly removed the panties she’d just put on.
“Sam! You’re the one who put me in charge of this, remember?” she pointed out then sucked in a breath when he went down on her, licking her throbbing lips and sucking hard on her clit. “Jesus Christ!”
“Nope, just me,” he murmured, rubbing his stubble on her inner thigh, which he knew drove her insane.
His mouth returned and he penetrated her with his tongue. She moaned around a curse, but she shifted beneath him and he let her shove him onto his back. “What are you—” His words cut off on a strangled groan when her lips closed around his tip and drew him into her mouth. His eyes rolled back and he grabbed for the sheets, yanking them free of the bed and not even caring.
She laughed darkly around him, drawing him even deeper into her mouth with each hard suck. He couldn’t take it and lifted her so she straddled his chest. She paused in her sucking until he buried his mouth in her cleft, spreading her lips with his fingers so he could drive her over the edge. With every moan around his cock, he gripped her hips harder and his cock throbbed with the need to spill into her mouth. She was close. The subtle shiver in her thighs was the giveaway, and he licked her lips as he fought to maintain control for a few moments longer. Her mouth made it so damn hard, though, and he faltered when her hands joined in the fun, sliding down his length in time with her mouth.
He thought about the night at the club and his finger slipped from her ass cheek to her ass and he gingerly pressed his finger there. She shuddered, and he felt the orgasm tear through her body in a fierce trembling that made her suck even harder on him. His body stiffened beneath hers as he thrust up into her mouth and she took him in as far as she could. He spilled into her as she soaked his mouth with her climax. They panted for breath together as she slid off his body and they shook together from the intensity of the orgasm.
“I don’t think I can move,” she muttered, her words slurring. “Holy shit.”
“I wasn’t sure if you’d…go for that,” he gasped.
“I’m not complaining.”
He lifted his head and stared up her skirt at her soaked thighs. “You might want to shower before you leave.”
She frowned as she sat up and shook her head, laughing. “Care to join me?”
“If you want to leave this penthouse today, I’d better not,” he said as he slid his hand up her leg.
She grunted and leapt off the bed. She stuck her tongue out at him before she closed the bathroom door. The water turned on a minute later. Sam fell back to the bed as his body slowly settled from their latest exertion. He wouldn’t have to work out ever again if they kept up this pace. By the time she exited the bathroom, dressed again with her wet hair pulled up in a clip, she leaned in for a good-bye kiss.
“We’re going out tonight,” he told her.
“Oh, are we? Any particular reason?”
“It’s my friend’s birthday, actually, and he would really like to meet the woman who, as he calls it, has saved my ass from becoming a sulking, bitter old man.”
“You’re not old,” she teased and poked him in the chest. “That’s next month.”
He glowered at her and she planted a quick kiss on his lips. “I’ll remember that in six years when you join me in the thirties.”
She paused at the door and her eyes glimmered with unspoken love. “I look forward to it.”
Once she was gone, he took a quick shower and eventually got his ass into the office. He’d been so close to telling her he loved her and wanted to be with her six years down the road—even twenty years, that he wanted to spend the rest of his life with her—but a whispering voice of doubt in the back of his mind said he was moving too fast. He feared there was still a chance, no matter how slim, that his relationship with Harley would fall apart because of him if he wasn’t careful.
“Late again,” Marcus said with a whistle. “You know, I’m really starting to like this Harley more and more.”
“Who’s Harley?” Betty asked, joining them in Sam’s office.
Her tone was sharper than normal, and Sam glanced at Marcus before he said, “The woman I’m seeing. You’ll like her. She’ll be running the new fund set up for abused and struggling spouses in the Vegas area.”
“Oh, I didn’t realize you were involved with Ms. Smith.”
“Yep, he is,” Marcus said loudly and draped his arm around Sam’s shoulder. “She’s got a good, solid hold on our boss.”
Betty grinned, but it looked fake. Tension rose in the office, and Sam cleared his throat as he slipped out from under Marcus’ arm and sat down behind his desk.
“You have several phone calls to return,” Betty informed him formally as she handed him the slips of paper. “Also, t
hat trip you planned to take in a month? We’re going to have go much sooner, I’m afraid. As in next week.”
“Trip?” Sam looked down at his desk calendar. “Shit, I forgot all about it.”
“That’s why you have me,” Betty said stiffly. “Stan’s worried about the new marketing and whether it’s going to be successful or not. He wants a personal guarantee from you, and he’s moving up the launch date to be in time for fall vacationers.”
“Of course he is,” Sam muttered, tapping his fingers on his desk. “Right, call him back and tell him we’ll be there Thursday, but we’re only staying one night. His new spa will be just fine.”
“You know how he is,” Marcus chimed in. “Stan was always a worry wart.”
“I’m not sure why. He makes as much money as I do. Anything else, Betty?”
“No, I’ll see to the travel plans. Do you need me to arrange someone to watch your place again? Take care of the fish?”
Sam glanced at Marcus and his friend shook his head behind Betty’s back. “Ah, I’ll take care of it.” He watched his assistant closely as she turned on her heel and stomped out of his office, closing his door behind her. “Did I miss something?’
“Clearly,” Marcus said. “I think Betty likes you.”
“When did that happen?” He glanced at his door again and leaned back in his chair, swiveling it back and forth. “Maybe you should go with me to see Stan instead.”
“I can’t. I have to be here for the conference showcasing the company,” he reminded Sam. “You’ll be fine. She’s a professional. I trust her not to push it too far simply because you’ll be alone at a hotel in California.”
“You’re not helping. Do you want me to take you out for dinner tonight or what?”
“Tuesday night margaritas and karaoke,” Marcus chanted as he sorted through the files in his arms. “Happy birthday to me.”
“Just do me a favor and be nice to Harley.”
“I will, don’t worry about that. Maybe I’ll even get her to do karaoke with me.”
Sam picked up the deck of cards on his desk, and instead of weighing him down like the memories tended to do, he smiled softly and tucked the cards safely away in his desk. “She does have a damn good voice,” he mentioned and logged into his desktop.
He wondered, as he worked with Marcus, how Harley’s morning was going. He checked his phone when it buzzed around lunchtime and his takeout was delivered. When the door opened, he glanced at Betty and swore she’d glared at him before she vanished from sight.
“You sure Betty won’t try anything?” he asked Marcus again as he checked his cell.
“If she does, you’re the boss. You could always fire her, or if you’re that worried, tell her you need her to stay behind and go by yourself.”
Sam nodded absently while he tapped the message from Harley. He was glad he hadn’t taken a bite of anything yet as he read the words: Forgot to brush my teeth before I left, still tasting you in my mouth.
“You okay? You look like you swallowed your tongue,” Marcus asked worried.
“No…no, I’m good,” Sam muttered as he glanced at his groin. That woman would drive him insane. He texted her back: What would you say if I told you I can still smell your scent in my beard scruff?
He’d never texted messages like this before, but with Harley, he was open to trying anything she was. There were no awkward positions or questions during sex as they figured out what each one really liked. It opened a whole new avenue for him sexually he’d never thought to experience before. With Harley, he wanted to see what pleasures they could wring from the other. She’d already created a wish list for them on a local website selling adult toys and lingerie. He’d never been so excited to receive a package before since she hadn’t told him what she ordered.
“Knock, knock.”
Sam clutched his cell as he glanced up to find Harley standing in the doorway, grinning at him as she cocked her hips to the side. Her cell chirped in her purse, and he nearly smacked himself on the forehead. Of course, she would decide to surprise him right after he’d sent that text.
“Hey,” he said, and thankful he wore slacks today instead of his usual leather pants, he greeted her with a peck on the cheek. “Check your phone after you leave,” he whispered in her ear, and her hand tightened on his arm as she stifled a laugh.
“So this is the famous Harley,” Marcus said as he reached them.
Harley took his hand and pulled the man into a hug. “I hear a happy birthday is in order. I was going to wait until tonight to meet you, but I have to get you something for tonight. I hate buying presents for people I’ve never met before, though Sam talks about you all the time.”
“Does he now?” Marcus glanced at Sam with raised brows. “I never realized I was so important to him.”
“Yeah, if it wasn’t for the whole he bought my virginity thing,” she said in hushed tones, and Sam blanched while Marcus burst out laughing, “I’d think he swayed a little towards the other team, if you know what I mean.”
Sam’s head fell into his hand as Marcus laughed so hard tears seeped from his eyes. “Oh, man, I like her a lot. Damn. You and I are going to get along great.”
“That’s what worries me,” Sam muttered. “Please buy him something horrific.”
Harley winked. “I’m sure I’ll think of something. Oh, and I wanted to let you know the coordinator and I have everything planned for the function, so we are good to go for Friday night.”
“Perfect, and speaking of plans, I had to move up a business trip to next weekend. I’ll only be gone one night—two at most—but if you need anything, I’ll leave Marcus’ number,” he told her and glanced pointedly at his friend. “That does not mean you are to share every little secret of our friendship with her.”
“Oh, come on,” Harley argued. “I’m pretty sure if I bribed him with enough margaritas he’d be all for spilling his guts on the real Samuel Benson.” She nudged his arm playfully and stood on her toes to kiss him.
“Yeah, don’t ruin our newfound friendship,” Marcus argued.
“That’s it. I can’t leave you two alone, ever.”
Harley cackled as she sidled closer and slipped something soft and lacey into his pocket. “I’ll see you in a few hours? What time are we going out for the birthday boy?”
“Eight—that’s when the five-dollar margaritas start,” Marcus announced loudly. “And karaoke! Someone tells me you have a great voice, so as part of my present, you’re doing a number with me.”
“You told him that?” she exclaimed and poked Sam in the chest. “Payback, mister, that’s what this means. Payback. I’ll see you at home and I’ll see you later tonight. Nice to meet you, Marcus!” She kissed Sam one more time on the cheek, and as she exited the office, Sam spotted Betty’s fake smile at Harley that quickly turned to a glare before she turned back to her computer.
Marcus was still laughing when he sat back down. “All right, I take back all my worries. She’s a keeper, really.”
Not thinking, Sam drew out whatever she’d tucked in his pocket. The second he saw it, he tried to shove it back, but Marcus reached over and pulled his arm out again. He held Harley’s red lace panties from that morning, still warm and quite moist as if she had been thinking about him all morning.
“Oh, yeah, definitely a keeper.” Marcus was still cackling five minutes later until Sam flicked rice at him from a takeout container to shut him up.
“Can we just get through our work, please, birthday boy?” he muttered.
“I won’t keep you a minute longer than necessary, so you two can have some alone time before dinner,” Marcus promised, pressing his hand to his chest. “Seriously, though, it’s nice to see you so happy.”
Sam sighed as he leaned back in his chair, unable to stop the smile from spreading across his face. “It’s not just about the sex, either—which, for the record, is incredible,” he added. “I can talk to her, really talk to her, and she listens. She’s there for
me.” He glanced at his friend of so many years and leaned on his desk. “One day soon, I have a few things I want to tell you about. Personal things, but not today. I’m not about to ruin my best buddy’s birthday.”
Marcus’ eyes filled with the deep emotion of friendship. “I’d like that, man, really.”
“Good, let’s get this done then. We have margaritas to drink all night long.”
“And songs to sing,” his friend added. “Don’t think I’m letting you off the hook.”
Sam didn’t even care. If Harley was up on that stage, he would follow right behind and belt out whatever song Marcus wanted.
Chapter 9
Harley placed the last few rose petals on the bed. She climbed up onto the plush covers and checked the time. Sam would walk in any second now. The music played around her, and she picked up one of the remaining long-stem roses she hadn’t used to decorate the room. There was no rhyme or reason why she wanted to do this today except for what she saw that morning with the coordinator.
They were at a large banquet center, picking out the room for their first black-tie function, when they passed a couple talking about their wedding. Their love was so strong it washed over Harley, and she listened to them tease each other, joking about the night of their wedding and how they felt as though they’d been together forever.
It was crazy to already picture the rest of her life with Sam, but his words that morning had stuck with her, of being there when she turned thirty. They had both survived shitty childhoods and proved to the world they weren’t going to fall down so easily. Now was the time for them to express how they truly felt about each other, and that was exactly what she planned to do that afternoon. She would give him the best afternoon of his life and tell him she loved him. There was a chance he would turn away from her words, maybe even kick her out for saying it so soon, but she worried if she didn’t say it now, she wouldn’t get the chance before all hell broke loose.