I curl my lip into a smile, swallow again, and extend my shaky hand to him. “Hi,” I manage.
He was pretty. I mean really pretty. Like, he should be strutting on a catwalk somewhere, or handling multi-million dollar acquisitions somewhere important.
“Nice to meet you,” he said. “Riley, maybe I’ll just call you later with the details.”
Riley gives him an odd look, probably one you shouldn’t give your boss, rolls her eyes and looks at me. “I’m all yours, girl. Let’s go.”
I didn’t realize my hand was still shaking his. Embarrassed, I pulled it away. This can’t be the same man from the club in New York. That one was clearly drunk and wouldn’t leave me alone…this one, was reserved and seemed very arrogant.
Weston Casey was too pretty for me.
***
I didn’t have the nerve to ask Riley about him.
Riley took me to Addison’s house, and we ate a huge breakfast that Blaine and Alex cooked for us. Afterward, we sat on the living room floor and played with the kids.
Scarlett was running around, wearing an adorable unicorn costume. Whinnying like a horse and holding her hands up like little hooves.
“It was supposed to be for Halloween, but she loves it so much I let her wear it whenever she wants. It makes her happy, and it’s so damn cute,” Riley says melodically while watching her daughter trot around us.
Addison’s boys were playing with toy John Deere tractors, and the twins were sleepily peacefully in their bedroom.
“He looks just like him,” I said softly, picking up a tractor and handing it to Chase.
“I know, he’s perfect.” Addison smiled.
I wanted to tell them about my perfect night with Jeremiah. But I couldn’t. He was gone, and it was a memory I decided to keep all to myself.
“Leah, I still can’t believe I have a rock star sitting on the floor in my living room!” Addison squealed and lean into hug me. The fifth or sixth time she had done so since I arrived.
I blushed, it still felt weird for people to see me that way.
“Well, I wouldn’t say that just yet…but, it is like a dream. I never thought it would happen, and I’m trying to live every day to its fullest.”
“I saw the video for Mesmerize. How can you sing with three hotties behind you?” Riley gushed and Addison nodded happily.
I laugh. “Well, it’s easy…two of them are married, and the other one is my new favorite shopping buddy…”
They both raise their eyebrows. “Oh…” they say in unison.
“Yeah, I’m not Neil’s type.” Neil was my drummer, and had one gorgeous face. His arms were muscular, complete with broad shoulders from all the years of drumming. Neil was also very gay, and absolutely wonderful. I loved having him in my life; he was like the protective big brother I never had.
“Where are the guys now?” Addison asks.
“Jett and Aaron are still in New York, and Neil went to California for a few weeks.”
“You were in New York?” Riley sits up, her eyes bright.
“Yeah, for the past two weeks. I just did a show last week. Craziest night. The club caught on fire.”
“Holy shit!”
“I know, it was insane. It happened while we were playing too. Thankfully everyone got out okay.”
“I can’t believe you didn’t tell us,” Addison says, scowling. “You could have been killed!”
I lean down and push a toy tractor with my hand. “I wanted to see you guys first, I miss you. I miss us.”
“You have no idea, girl,” Riley said with a laugh.
CHAPTER SEVEN
Weston
I sat in my car, in the parking lot of the coffee shop and played over the events of the morning in my head one more time.
Got up.
Showered.
Dressed.
Drank coffee.
Drove to the site.
Talked to Pete.
Discussed the timeline.
Riley’s car pulled up.
Riley got out.
I got excited.
Riley introduced her friend.
I got very excited.
Oh yes, that’s what happened. I turned into a dickhead. But sending them away was all I could do. That woman knocked the breath out of my body. Never in a million years did I expect her to get out of that car.
How was having those two in that car even legal? Thinking about it made my blood thump louder in my ears.
Riley didn’t mention another friend. But then again, why would she? I already met the redhead, who was fucking gorgeous all on her own, then Riley throws me this curveball? I’m doomed.
What I didn’t understand was how the singer from South of Marshall was also the best friend of the woman I wanted to sleep with more than anything. Well, maybe she’s not the only one I wanted anymore.
There was something about Leah Marshall I just couldn’t put my finger on. And, believe me, I wanted to put my fingers and everything else on my body on and in her. Even her touch from the simple handshake sent me spiraling. I held my hand, trying to feel those little sparks she sent through me again.
Fuck.
She was…different.
Like she knew she was hot, but not that her beauty was earth-shattering. She seemed pure, innocent even. Not the type of girl that you just grab and throw on the back seat of your car and tower over like a predator.
She was more than that.
She was dinner.
I didn’t know how to do dinner. I hadn’t done dinner ever. Not even with Elsa. I had sex with her before I even knew her name. Dinner didn’t come until we were married, and then it just seemed forced and not exciting.
Leah was like an advent calendar. One of those chocolate ones that they have for kids at Christmas. You start on Day 1, and you don’t get to open the final surprise until Christmas. Looking at Leah I knew she was the type of girl that you were patient with, enjoyed and played with.
I’m the kind of kid that tears off the packaging and eats all the chocolates on Day 1. I’m way out of my league on this one.
Convincing myself that it was a good idea, I managed to seduce the brunette barista into a quickie in the bathroom. The coffee shop was quiet, and I through my haste and eagerness to orgasm, I pushed hard and deep into her before the lunch rush arrived.
“Thanks, darlin’,” I breathed into her ear while standing behind her, caressing her hips with my hands. I lowered her shirt, and stepped back to pull up my pants.
There. I felt a little bit better.
The brunette, whose name I finally realized was Mila (duh, nametag, genius), gave me a peck on the mouth before she sauntered out of the bathroom. I pulled her back quickly and clamped down on her bottom lip with my teeth.
“Have a good day at work, baby,” I said before swatting her behind with my hand.
I sat and had coffee after my tryst with Mila. I occasionally glanced to the counter and saw her smiling at me. Her cheeks still rosy from the two climaxes I gave her just twenty minutes ago. Her smile reminds me of Sara’s, and I momentarily regret my decision to sleep with her again. I don’t need another crazy on my tail.
Thinking of Sara, I haven’t heard from her since I brushed her off in the hallway of the hotel two weeks ago. She looked wounded, and I was the guilty man that hurt her. But, I couldn’t let myself get emotional over her, I had no feelings for her in that way. I never did. She was merely a distraction from my shitty marriage.
The best sex I had with Sara was when I was trying to torture Riley. Knowing she heard me, heard Sara…drove me absolutely crazy. I fucking loved it. I knew she wanted me, but she was loyal to her man. I got it. But that didn’t mean I didn’t fantasize the entire time I was with Sara that I was really with Riley.
I swallowed the rest of my coffee and pulled out my phone.
Me: Busy?
Riley replies. Very. Why?
Me: I told you I’d call later.
Riley: You did. What’s up?
> I really wanted to ask her something about Leah, but I didn’t have the nerve. I also wanted to know if Leah asked about me. She had to have recognized me from the club in New York. I know we had a moment there, even if it was small.
Me: We need to go over paperwork. How does dinner sound?
Riley: With you? Awful.
Little minx. I smirk and reply. If you’re more comfortable I’ll come to your house. You can cook me dinner.
Riley doesn’t reply back for another five minutes. I start to worry, but then her message chimes in. Be here for 6.
I toss my empty coffee cup into the trash, smile at Mila, and leave. I’m going to meet Bob for lunch, then we’ll go back to the site to see Pete.
***
I decided that bringing a bouquet of flowers was a stupid idea, and I tossed them out of the car window about a mile away from Riley’s house.
Actually, now that I think about it, going to her home for dinner was a stupid idea all on its own. But, as sad as it sounds, I’d rather spend time being contrived by having to watch her play mother and wife than spend the night alone in my hotel room.
I pull into the driveway, park behind her car, and give myself a five second pep talk. I can do this…I think.
“Hi,” the boy who opened the door when I knocked said.
“Hello.”
“Who are you?”
I tried no to sneer. “I’m Weston. You must be Isaac.”
He smiled. “Yep. You’re mom’s boss?”
“That’d be me. Can I come in?”
Isaac stood back and held the door open. The moment I walked in, the scent of meat and spices hit me. I almost started to drool.
“Mom! Your boss is here!” Isaac shouted before bounding into another room, leaving me alone and awkward by the door.
Riley stepped into view, and almost took my breath away. She looked amazing in her work clothing, and the few times I’ve seen her in jeans. But now, she’s wearing nothing but black cotton shorts and a plan grey t-shirt.
“Are you wearing pajamas?” I ask, gazing up her body.
“Be happy I’m wearing a bra. It’s the first thing that comes off when I get home.” Riley smirks and crosses her arms. “I hope you’re hungry.”
I traipse my eyes up her once more. “Starving.”
“I hope you like tacos.”
I follow her into the kitchen, trying my damn hardest not to stare, and I thank my lucky stars that I’ve been able to resist getting excited when I see her husband sitting at the table.
“Hey, Weston, how’s it going?” Alex asks.
“Good, Alex. Nice to see you again. Thanks for having me over tonight.” I extend my hand and he shakes it.
Fuck, if he doesn’t remind me of myself. I swear he even looks like a younger me. Maybe that’s why Riley wants me…Yeah, keep telling yourself that, Casey.
Dinner was surprisingly not that bad. I didn’t think I was going to be able to handle sitting down and having a normal meal with Riley and her family…but I did, and it went well. I started to see her in a different light. She was young, and playful with her children, and it made me feel like a creep that I’ve ogled her so much.
This is really where she’s meant to be. Seeing how Alex looks at her, makes me realize that there is absolutely, unequivocally, not a fucking chance in the world that she’ll ever be with me.
Oh, that was a hard one to swallow.
Alex takes the kids into the living room after dinner to leave Riley and me to discuss business. She scoots her chair closer to mine and I almost push mine away just to keep from leaning in and smelling her delicious scent.
“So all of your information will go in this file. I’ll need a copy of your banking information so everything will do directly into an account for you. I know we didn’t discuss it before, but let’s negotiate a salary.”
Riley smiles at me. “What number were you thinking?”
“I was thinking one hundred.”
Riley blinks. “One hundred thousand a year? Weston, this is Wyoming. What do you think I’ll be selling?”
“You’ll be co-CEO, what do you expect to make? I won’t take no for an answer, Riley.”
“You won’t see me putting up a fight. Thank you.”
“You deserve it.” I push the folder toward her. “Now, sign your life away, ma’am.”
Riley gives me a sexy little glare, and I clear my throat and look away. “So, where’s Leah?”
“Leah? Why?”
“Curious.”
“Oh no you don’t. She’s a good girl, Weston. You’re not gonna taint her with your…experience.”
I bulge my eyes and lean in. “You’re still considering a taste of the forbidden wine, aren’t you?”
“I love my husband.” Riley scribbles her signature and shoves the paperwork back across the table. “Leah’s not from here anyway.”
“So I could take her out for coffee then.”
“No.”
I cross my arms on my chest. Now I really want to know why she’s being so defensive.
“Leah is too good for you.”
“You’re probably right. But, that still does hurt a little. I’ll have you know, I don’t go down without a fight.”
“That’s a shame for women.”
I raise an eyebrow and lower my voice. “I’d crawl under this table and change your opinion in two seconds…”
Alex walks in just as Riley’s mouth is about to open and spurt back at me. “Scarlett fell asleep, I’m gonna put her in bed.”
“Okay, babe. Thank you.” Riley smiled sweetly and then glared at me when Alex turned and walked back out.
“Thank you for dinner, Mrs. Cole. I look forward to seeing your behind at work.” I get up to leave and extend my hand to her. She takes it, and doesn’t say another word.
Riley stands on the porch while I walk to my car. She leans on one of the posts, and waves her fingers when I open my car door.
“Think about it, will ya?”
“Think about what?” She asks.
“Leah.”
“Not a chance, Casey.” And with that, she walks into her house and closes the door.
CHAPTER EIGHT
Leah
I have never had a dream like that before.
Ever.
I woke up, panting, clawing at the sheets, and sweating profusely. I dreamed about Weston Casey.
He was watching me. Just like he did in New York.
I was singing for him. A song I hadn’t sung before, but now the lyrics are stuck in my head. A salacious melody whispered out of my mouth, over my lips, and down to where he stood on the floor. I was on the stage, and I couldn’t tear my eyes from him. Once my song was over, he walked up to me and pulled me from the stage. Kissing my lips and ravaging me senseless.
I flipped over, and pulled my iPad from its case. I quickly typed on the screen, the lyrics my mind let me remember from my dream. Once I was done, I clicked the Google app, and I typed in Weston Casey.
Image results poured in of a man in a suit. That man, the man from the site. Not that man from the club. The man that stared back at me from the iPad was beyond gorgeous…he was a freaking vision. Riley’s words rang true.
At the same time, he seemed untouchable. A heartbreaker. A panty-dropping lady-killer. Didn’t help at all that most of the photos were of him with a much older blonde woman. Some captions read Mr. and Mrs. Casey.
Fabulous.
Riley forgot to mention a slight detail about him. I don’t do the home wrecking thing.
Falling back into bed, I hold up the tablet and look at him once more. Picturing him the way he was in the club, the way he dressed, his playful eyes and youthful smile.
Woe is me.
I slept over at Addison and Blaine’s last night. The moment I heard Riley was having her boss over for dinner, I panicked and made some excuse that I really wanted to devote time with Addy’s kids so I thought spending the night would be fun. It wasn’t all a
lie…I did enjoy spending time with the boys, but I couldn’t stomach the thought of seeing Weston at her house. Not after yesterday. Not after I felt like a fool in front of him.
“Breakfast!” Addison called from downstairs.
I groaned, rolled over, and stared once more at the pictures of Mr. Untouchable. Forget him, Leah…
“Want to go for a ride today?”
I perked up at Addison’s words. “Yes! I would love to!”
“I was hoping you’d say that. Riley’s mom is coming over to watch the kids so we can all go out. I hope you’re hungry, I cooked way too many pancakes.”
“I’m starving, thank you. They look delicious.”
Addison piles three fluffy pancakes on a plate and sets it down in front of me. I pour too much maple syrup on them, but I don’t care—I’m on vacation.
“Hey girls!” Riley beams when she opens the door and walks into the kitchen.
“Hey!” I said happily. “Ann! I’m so happy to see you. How are you?” I got out of my seat and went to hug Riley’s mom.
“Oh, Leah, I’m so happy to see you too, darling. Stand back, let me take a look at you.”
She held me at arm’s length. “Beautiful, Leah. I’m so happy for you. I always knew you would make it big.”
“Thank you, Ann. It’s really still hard to believe it’s happening. But, it’s so exciting. Each day is different.”
“Any special men in your life?” Ann asks before pulling out a chair to sit down.
“Not presently.”
Riley smirks. “There would be if I didn’t cock-block her.”
“Riley!” Ann shrieked, then grinned. “What kind of language is that?”
Riley smirked and shrugged. “Sorry, mother. It’s true. Leah, remember my boss?”
Addison snorted. “Leah! You didn’t tell me you met Tattoo!”
“Tattoo?” I asked.
“Oh, God. Riley, she didn’t see it, did she?” Addison grinned and threw her head back, sighing.
“Nope, and she’s not gonna! Leah, Weston is not good enough for you. He came over last night for dinner and pestered me about you. I said NO! He’s not tarnishing my girl.”
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