Until You

by Denise Grover Swank

  She glanced down at the royal blue shirt with the Kansas City Royals emblem. “You’re kidding me.”

  “When in Rome, Lane,” he said. “Now, go change.”

  So she went to her room and changed from her cotton dress to the T-shirt and a pair of white shorts, but she insisted on bringing the straw hat to keep the sun off her face.

  When she emerged from her bedroom, Aiden had found Tyler’s jacket on a chair in her living room, and was holding it up with a look that suggested she was about to be interrogated. “Please tell me this means you’re dating someone.”

  “Define dating,” she said as she grabbed her keys off the kitchen counter and put them in her purse. She doubted Aiden had Tyler’s lock-picking skills. “If you’re going to make me go to this game, then let’s go.”

  “You make it sound like a death sentence, and don’t think I didn’t miss your evasion of the question,” Aiden said as he followed her down the hall to the elevator.

  She groaned and pressed the down button. “There’s a guy, but it’s nothing serious. You know me, Aiden. I don’t do serious.”

  The elevator opened and they got inside and pressed the button.

  “But you’ve brought him home,” Aiden said. “How well do you know him?”

  She reached up and patted his cheek, smiling up at him. “I’m a big girl. I can take care of myself.”

  The elevator stopped on the third floor and the older woman from the night before got on. The silver-haired woman did a double take when she saw Aiden, then turned to Lanie and winked. “Why stick to one man? Good for you, honey.”

  Aiden gave Lanie a questioning look, but remained silent.

  They made small talk all the way to the stadium, and Lanie took advantage of the fact that he’d known the full details of her career since she first accepted a position with Montgomery Enterprises, and told him everything about her current situation and that she was considering turning in her notice. He remained silent, offering no advice or insight, and hopped out of his car in the stadium parking lot. Even stranger, he evaded her questions about his job, which was a first. He loved talking about his work.

  When they got inside the stadium, he insisted they have the full baseball experience and got them both hot dogs and beer, then led her to what she presumed were expensive seats since they were so close to the field and home plate.

  She made it halfway through the second inning before she asked, “Are you going to tell me what in the hell is going on here?”

  “What?” he asked, taking a big bite of hot dog.

  “Aiden.”

  He finished chewing and chased it down with a gulp of beer. “I lost my job about five months ago.”

  Lanie gasped. “Why didn’t you tell me?”

  “Because I was figuring out my shit.”

  “You thought I’d interfere with that?”

  “No…maybe?” Then he shook his head. “I knew I had to make the change on my own, so I didn’t tell anyone until I’d made the transition.”

  “Where did you land?” she asked. “Are you still in Atlanta?” She grinned and gestured between their shirts. “Or is this your way of telling me you’re moving to Kansas City?”

  He laughed. “I’m still in Atlanta. I considered moving, but I have too many contacts there to throw them away.”

  “So who did you end up with?”

  “Me,” he said. “I opened up my own firm.”

  “You opened up your own advertising firm?” she asked in surprise.

  “Yes, but it’s more than that. We provide full support to small businesses and upstart companies, helping them with everything from finances to marketing to branding. Anything and everything to help them grow their business.”

  She squinted up at him. “‘We’? You have employees?”

  “I have three so far. To offer so many services, I need to have people on my team who know what they’re doing.” He paused. “And that’s why I’m here to recruit you.”

  “Me?”

  “Hell, yeah, Lanie. You’ve opened how many stores, in how many cities, over the past seven years? You know about zoning, and permits, and hiring contractors, and a whole host of crap I don’t even know about. You could be a consultant for retailers who are starting out or looking to expand their business.”

  She snorted. “People are going to pay for that?”

  “They already are. I have five clients, and it’s just the start. One of those clients needs exactly what you have to offer.”

  Dazed, she sat back in her seat. “Wow. This is unexpected.”

  “I know you, Lanie, you were born to be your own boss. And this opportunity would be just that. I’d be hands-off. Are you open to considering it?”

  “Well, yeah…”

  “Awesome! I thought I was going to have to give you the hard sell to make you jump ship. Thankfully, the hard work was already done for me. You’re unhappy with your job, and you’re looking for a change. This seems like divine intervention for both of us.”

  He definitely had a point. “Do you think it’s a good idea for us to work together?” she asked. “Since we’re friends?”

  “I’ll be focusing on branding and marketing, so I’m sure our work will overlap to some extent, but you would be autonomous. As long as you’re bringing in clients who are paying their consultation fees, you can do whatever you like. You’re answering to yourself.”

  This seemed too good to be true.

  “I know a lot of this hinges on salary,” Aiden said, talking over the rising cheers of the Royals fans when a batter hit a double. “And we can talk specifics after the game—salary, a bonus structure, benefits, a relocation package.”

  “A relocation package?” She shook her head. “You know I hardly have anything to relocate.”

  “I know, and I know you’re getting tired of your nomadic life. This will give you the opportunity to finally put down roots.” He smiled. “You can stop running, Lanie.”

  “Stop running? What does that mean?”

  He gave her a sad smile. “We’ve known each for twelve years now. I know why you’ve liked moving around, but it sounds like you’ve finally decided maybe you’ve had enough.”

  She shook her head in confusion.

  “Most people would hate your job. Little opportunity to make any kind of lasting relationships. Haven’t you ever wondered why you’re so good at it? But earlier you admitted that you’re getting tired of it. That you want a personal life. Come to Atlanta. You’ll already have a friend to get your personal life jump-started.”

  His words stung, but she had to acknowledge that he spoke the truth. She had been running, but she didn’t know why. She needed to figure that out too.

  “Don’t give me an answer, right now,” Aiden said. “I don’t expect it, and I wouldn’t trust it. I know you need time to analyze all the data, so after the game, we can go to an early dinner, and I’ll crunch the numbers for you. Then I’ll leave you alone to think it over.”

  “It’s not like I have a string of job opportunities lined up, Aiden.”

  “You haven’t even looked, and I promise you, I don’t want you working with me out of desperation. It’s only going to work if you really believe in what we’re doing.”

  “I’m really flattered you thought of me. Came all the way here to recruit me.” She grabbed his hand and squeezed. “Thanks, Aiden.”

  He leaned over and kissed her cheek. “Always, Lane.”

  But when Aiden sat back in his seat, Lanie was shocked to see Tyler less than four feet away. He stood on the steps, staring at her with a blank expression.

  “Tyler,” she gasped in surprise. “I didn’t know you were coming to the game.” She glanced around. “Are you here with Kevin and Matt?”

  “No. I’m with my brothers.”

  “Oh.” She smiled, trying to figure out why he was acting so aloof. But then, he was a player, even if he had just jumped back into the game. She was pretty sure being a player was like rid
ing a bike. While she’d had no expectations after last night, she had hoped to see him again.

  Aiden stood and reached out his hand. “Aiden Collins. Are you a friend of Lanie’s?”

  Tyler shot Lanie a strange look then took Aiden’s hand. “Tyler Norris. We’re in her cousin Britt’s wedding together.”

  “I thought her cousin was getting married next month,” Aiden said, and he sounded smug. As if he thought he’d caught Tyler in a lie.

  Lanie stood, confused by the strange undercurrent rolling between the men. “Britt’s making us take photos at several places before the wedding,” she said, glancing up at Aiden. “Tyler and I are partners…in the wedding. He’s a groomsman, and I’m a bridesmaid.”

  Aiden wrapped an arm around Lanie’s shoulder and continued his stare-down with Tyler as he gestured to the bandage on his forehead. “Were you in an accident?”

  A smile ghosted across Tyler’s face. “I was attacked by a shoe.”

  “Must have been one hell of a fight. I hope you won.”

  “The jury’s still out.”

  The silence hung between them until Aiden said, “Well, it was great to meet you, Tyler. We’ll let you get back to your brothers.”

  “Yeah.” His gaze to shifted Lanie, but she still couldn’t read him.

  “I’ll see you in a few hours,” she said. “Loose Park. Britt’s already texted me half a dozen times with the address and reminders about what to wear.”

  “You know Britt,” he said evenly. “She likes to be prepared.” Then he smiled, but it looked forced as he turned his attention to Aiden and then back to Lanie. “She wants us there at six thirty. Do you need a ride?”

  “I’ll take her,” Aiden said, his hand squeezing her upper arm. “It’s not a problem, since we’re going out after the game.”

  Tyler nodded then headed up the stairs.

  Lanie pushed off Aiden’s hand and turned to watch Tyler walk toward a man standing at the top of the landing.

  “What the hell just happened?” she asked as she sat down.

  “That was the guy who owns the jacket in your apartment?”

  “Yeah. What has gotten into you?” she asked in confusion. “Since when do you care about the guys I date?”

  He grinned. “Looks like you’re switching up your dating life too—going for a more serious relationship.”

  “What on earth gives you that idea? Tyler is just a no-strings, short-term relationship. Just like all the other guys before him.”

  Aiden laughed. “Lanie, I love you like the sister I never had, and you are one of the most brilliant, business-savvy people I know. But sometimes you can be so obtuse.”

  “What are you talking about?”

  The crowd went wild as a Royals player hit a home run, and Aiden got to his feet, cheering with the crowd.

  Serious relationship? And Aiden thought he knew her so well…

  Chapter Fifteen

  Tyler was irritable the rest of the game, and Eric had finally figured out that his brother had seen a woman he knew. Mostly because he kept glancing over in her direction every two minutes.

  “Is that your girlfriend?” Eric asked.

  Tyler snorted. “Girlfriend? I don’t do girlfriends.”

  “Then who’s that woman?”

  “She’s in the wedding I’m in. I’m a groomsman. She’s a bridesmaid. That’s all.”

  “So you don’t care that she’s making out with that beefy guy next to her?”

  “What?” He jerked around to look, but both Lanie and Aiden were in their chairs, their eyes on the game, although they looked like they were in an animated conversation.

  Eric burst out laughing. “I knew you liked her. And all this time I thought you were a lady’s man who only liked to play the field.”

  “Lady’s man? Who the hell says that? I thought you were seventeen, not seventy-two.”

  “Turn this back on me all you want,” Eric said with a grin. “But it looks like the player lost his rule book.”

  Tyler shot him a glare, but Eric was surprisingly quiet.

  * * *

  Tyler arrived at Loose Park a full fifteen minutes early. He told himself he was just being punctual for Brittany’s sake, but he knew better. He was hoping to catch sight of Lanie and her date, although he had no idea why. Holly was already there with the photographer, and Celesta was there early too. Thankfully, Holly took pity on him and gave Celesta some busywork task on the wooden bridge where they’d be posing.

  Brittany and Randy looked more relaxed this time, chatting with their friends. Maybe they figured anything bad that could have happened already had.

  At 6:25, Lanie still hadn’t shown up, and Tyler was feeling anxious. Why wasn’t she here yet? Was she in bed with Aiden?

  Just the thought of her in her bed with Aiden made his stomach clench. His chest tightened, and he wanted to punch the shit out of something.

  What the fuck was wrong with him?

  A dark sedan pulled up, and Aiden got out, then walked around to the front of the car. Lanie was already getting out, but he reached down and helped her out the rest of the way. He pulled her into a tight embrace before kissing her on the cheek and waving good-bye.

  Lanie walked over to the group, then stopped next to Britt and stared at Tyler.

  God, she was beautiful. The deep V of the neckline in her bridesmaid’s dress exposed her cleavage, and the loose folds of the skirt clung to her full hips. Her hair hung down her back, and all he could think about was her naked in his arms, underneath him while he pushed deeper inside her.

  An overwhelming need shot through him. Fuck.

  The look in her eyes suggested that she wanted him too, but it bothered him that she had just left Aiden and now she was looking at him like she wanted a replay of last night.

  Jesus, he was a hypocrite. Hadn’t he done the same thing more times than he could count? But none of those women had really meant anything. Did that mean that Lanie did? He snorted to himself. What a load of bullshit. He hardly knew her.

  She walked over to him, and he pounced on her. “You’re late.”

  She glanced at her phone. “I’m two minutes early.”

  “The rest of us were at least ten minutes early.”

  She stared at him like he’d grown a second head. “What the hell is wrong with you?”

  He wished he knew. He reached up to rub his temple, but accidently touched his bandage, sending a shooting pain through his head. “Shit.”

  “That bandage has to come off,” Holly said as she walked by.

  Lanie gave him an appraising glance, then motioned to a concrete picnic table. “It looks really taped on. Why don’t you let me take it off?” When he started to protest, she added. “It’s the least I can do, since I caused it.”

  He nodded and followed her to the table, letting her gently push him down on the seat.

  “Did you and your brothers enjoy the game?” she asked quietly as she started to gently pick at the tape on his forehead.

  “Yeah. Did you enjoy the game with your…?”

  She smiled. “Aiden and I had fun.”

  He’d purposefully made the question leading, and he swallowed his frustration that it hadn’t worked.

  “Do you go to Royals games together very often?” she asked.

  “No. A guy I work with has season tickets.”

  “An attorney?”

  “Yeah. You?”

  “Never been to a Royals game. I’m not a baseball fan,” she said, slowly prying off the bandage. “But Aiden insisted, and I hated to tell him no.”

  He stifled the question he was begging to ask: How could she go on a date with another guy after the mind-blowing sex they’d had the night before? If she hated telling Aiden no, did that mean she’d told him yes when he’d wanted to sleep with her? Because there was no way in hell Aiden hadn’t wanted to sleep with her.

  But then a new thought hit him, making the blood rush to his feet. What if last night hadn’t b
een as good for Lanie as it had been for him? What if she’d faked it?

  Oh, God.

  Was he that out of practice?

  He jolted on the seat, making her brush his stitches. He grunted from the pain.

  “Tyler,” she grumbled, “I know this hurts, but you need to be still.”

  “I can take it,” he said through gritted teeth.

  “Of course you can,” she said with a grin as she removed the last of the tape.

  She wasn’t being awkward, so why was he? She was like a dream come true—they slept together, and she wasn’t clinging to him like a dryer sheet. He would have killed for a woman like her before Nina. What was different now?

  He didn’t have time to dwell on it because Celesta stood in front of him and gasped as she pointed to his forehead. “Oh my God!”

  “What?” he asked, trying to stay calm. Was the wound infected? Was it oozing with pus? Was an alien trying to escape? But Lanie was staring at it and not freaking out.

  “You have a huge white patch on your forehead!” Celesta said in horror.

  He looked up at Lanie for reassurance.

  She gave him a hesitant smile. “You obviously got a little sun, but it’s not that bad. I promise.”

  Holly walked over and cringed. “I’m sure that can be Photoshopped.”

  “Pretty soon they’ll just have to Photoshop your entire head,” Rowdy teased.

  “Very funny,” Tyler grumbled as he stood and moved away from Celesta.

  “Okay,” Holly said. “Let’s get started. Now that we know what we’re doing, hopefully this will go faster.”

  Tyler pulled his phone from his pocket and opened the camera app. Sure enough, there was a two-inch-square white spot on his forehead where the bandage had been.

  Lanie glanced up at him with a grin. “You should have worn a hat.”

  But her comment only reminded him that she’d worn a hat to the game. With Aiden.

  Why the fuck did he care about that shithead Aiden?

  “Let’s start moving to the bridge,” Holly said, herding everyone in that direction.

  But Tyler didn’t follow. He was too busy trying to deal with his raging emotions. If he didn’t know any better he’d think he was…