Closely Guarded Secret

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Closely Guarded Secret Page 15

by Money, Natalie


  “Steven, this better not end up on YouTube.” I scan the bar. “Where’s Sampson? Do you have him hiding somewhere, secretly filming?”

  “Seriously? You’re so paranoid. He’s in the bathroom.” Sure he is.

  I look around. I can’t see him, but notice that the place has filled up. There’s not an empty table anywhere. This place gets packed on Friday nights. Most come here to drink, not many get up to sing. We wait our turn for our ‘duet’ and Sampson returns with more beer, followed by the waitress with more shots. Steven hasn’t told me the song, but said I already know it by heart. This should be easy.

  We’re up next, so I down the shot and chase it with a long swig of beer. When I walk up to the stage, and see the song, I freeze. I give a puzzled look to Steven. “Bring Me to Life?” I shrug and decide to go with it. The music begins, and as I start singing, I see a familiar figure, weaving through the crowd, walking toward the stage and our table. Holy shit. It’s Bryce. Women thrust out their chests as he walks by, hoping to be the lucky recipient of his attention but he ignores them. He never takes his eyes off me and sits next to Sampson after they shake hands.

  That’s where Sampson disappeared. The traitor. Still singing, I glare at Steven who has the biggest shit-eating grin on his face. So this is his game. As I sing the words, I now know why Steven picked this song. He wanted me to sing this song for Bryce, like a cryptic message. He’s also a traitor. I don’t let Bryce’s presence bother me though. He’s just another person in the bar, but as I sing the chorus our gazes lock. Steven’s a great singer in his own right and we really get into the song like we’ve done at home before.

  The applause is deafening. Everyone’s on their feet, whistling and yelling. Sampson and Bryce, I think, are clapping and yelling the loudest. We take a bow and, of course, Steven has to ham it up. We get to the table where Bryce surprises me by taking me in his arms, pulling me into a long, deep kiss.

  “How?” I ask as we break the kiss. I see something mischievous in his eyes. I didn’t tell him where we were going. He doesn’t answer my question right away.

  “Your voice is beautiful, Ms. Quinn. It took my breath away.” His words penetrate my heart.

  “Thank you, Bryce. So, how did you find us?” I ask again, enjoying being in his arms.

  “Steven told me. I parked my car at your house and walked over.” He plants a chaste kiss on my lips before we sit back down, effectively ending the conversation. I glance over at the traitors, and Sampson gives me a quick wink.

  Now, the fun begins. Steven’s up next to sing the first song I chose for him: “Great Balls of Fire.” He smiles wickedly as he grabs the mic. Being the animated character he is, Steven does his best Jerry Lee Lewis impression, belting out the song, not missing a beat. He should take up acting, he’s so good at it.

  A few more people sign up for songs, so I have a reprieve before I have to take the stage again. We sit drinking, talking, and laughing. The periodic stares we get don’t go unnoticed. I feel the jealousy radiating off some of these women and it’s directed at me, but I brush it off.

  I’m completely relaxed with Bryce like this, and he seems so . . . normal. Right now, he’s not a CEO. He’s not a man on the prowl. He’s a man enjoying himself, hanging out and having a good time with friends. He even does a few shots with us. He must not normally drink like this, so he’s pacing himself.

  As I make my way to the restroom, a few of the women from earlier glare at me. Too bad ladies, he’s mine. Did I just claim ownership of Bryce? Yes, yes I did, so they can suck it. Maybe I should lay off the shots.

  Once on stage, when I see the song my face turns beet red. I glare at Steven and narrow my eyes, then slowly curl my lips into an evil grin. His smile fades a little. I know his game and he knows I’m not bothered by it. I’ll do this and not miss a beat, just like he did. I start singing “Paparazzi” and Bryce’s eyes shoot up in surprise, then his expression softens as he mouths to me he’s my biggest fan.

  Applause and ear-piercing whistles come from all directions after I finish. Now it’s Steven’s turn, and I grin at my wickedness. Steven bounds to the stage, and without missing a beat, begins singing “I Kissed a Girl.” Sampson looks over at me, laughing hysterically and shaking his head. We go back and forth all night, until finally Sampson and Bryce call the competition between us a draw. I look at the time. It’s only eleven thirty.

  “I need to go home. I’m beat.” They all agree. When we get to the door of the bar, it’s pouring rain with no sign of letting up anytime soon.

  “I’m gonna make a run for it. Are you all in?” I ask, knowing it’s the alcohol talking. It’s going to be cold, but so much fun.

  “I’m in,” Steven chimes in

  “Me too,” Sampson follows.

  We all look at Bryce. He shrugs his shoulders, “Why not?”

  Taking off out the door, we all run at top speed through the cold, pouring rain. We stop briefly under a tree to catch our breaths. “Come on, it’s only a couple more blocks,” I say, as I take off again. Since they’re all taller than I am, they pass me in no time, but Bryce slows to keep my pace. I don’t know what comes over me, but I stop in the middle of the street with no shelter to protect me. He stops as well.

  “What are you doing, Ali? It’s cold, let’s go.” He takes my hand to start running again but I jerk my arm away.

  “No.” Standing before him in the cold, pouring rain, my drenched shirt clings to my chest. My nipples strain against the material through my bra, aching for his touch. His hand rests on my cheek as he moves a wayward strand of hair away from my face, tucking behind my ear. His fingers continue on, trailing down my neck, reaching my breast but I don’t flinch as they glide across my hard nipples. His smoldering gaze holds me in place as the heat between us intensifies. In this moment, my alcohol-induced state takes over and I can’t resist. I throw myself at him, my arms fly around his neck, while his lips find mine. We’re both soaked to the bone from the rain but I’m no longer cold. My soul is on fire for him. The kiss is desperate, deep, and wanting. I can’t get enough.

  “Ali,” he whispers against my lips, then deepens the kiss. I can’t breathe, but right now I’d gladly give him my last breath. His hands on both sides of my face hold me against his mouth, his lips, his tongue. Just when I think I might faint, he breaks the kiss.

  Almost breathless, I tell him, “I’ve wanted to do that since I saw you walk in the bar tonight.”

  “Let’s get out of this rain,” he says, taking my hand and we start running again. A minute later, we’re on my front porch and I feel the need to explain myself.

  “Bryce, about what happened, I . . .” I don’t want to apologize, but I don’t want him to think I’m leading him on.

  “It’s okay. I enjoyed it. Your skin’s glistening from the rain. You’re so beautiful, Ali.” He moves my wet hair off my face. I open the door and, as he leans in to kiss me goodnight, I stop him.

  “Why’d you stop me?”

  “Are you leaving?”

  “Well, yes, that’s generally what happens when a date’s over.” He’s such a smart ass. I take his hand and drag him inside.

  “Come on. You can’t drive home all wet. You’ll ruin your car’s leather. At least stay here until you dry off. Wait here.” I go to get a robe from Steven and he and Sampson’s eyebrows shoot toward the sky. I don’t acknowledge their looks.

  “If he gets out of line, all you have to do is scream and we’ll be there in two seconds. You know this, right?”

  “Yes, Steven, I know. You also know I can defend myself, but thank you.”

  “It doesn’t matter if it’s a man wanting a woman or a man wanting another man. It’s not normal to hang around as long as he has and not already gotten the prize.” Steven’s crude at times, but he has a point.

  “I know this too. Bryce proved the other day that he could be a gentleman. I doubt he would try to force me to do anything that I was
n’t ready to do.”

  “I don’t think so either. Just remember what I said.” Steven is so over protective sometimes.

  “I will. Goodnight, you two.”

  “Goodnight, Ali,” they say in unison.

  Bryce takes my outstretched hand as I lead him upstairs to my bathroom. “Change out of your clothes and put this on.” I hold the robe out to him. “I’ll put your clothes in the dryer. The towels are in the closet behind the door.” We both stand there a moment before I turn and go to my room.

  After changing into my baby doll pajamas and matching robe, I towel dry my hair before piling it on top of my head in a loose bun. Bryce emerges from the bathroom, looking all kinds of sexy in Steven’s silk robe. I stand there, I think with my mouth open, gaping at him. He’s one fine specimen. Even though he’s robed, I can tell he has a firm, finely sculptured torso… and those legs, my god, his legs. He has the best looking calves I’ve ever seen on a man. They’re so fucking sexy. He’s toned with the right proportions.

  “I’ll throw these in the dryer. Would like something to drink?” I ask, once I stop gawking at him and find my voice.

  “A beer, if you have it. If not, water will be okay,” he says, looking pleased with himself at my reaction to him.

  Our clothes are dripping wet, so I put them through the spin cycle first. I grab a beer and water on my way back to my room, where I leave the door open.

  “Here you go,” I say as I hand him the beer. “The clothes were soaked, so it’ll take a little longer before they’re ready.”

  “I have a remedy for wet things.” His tongue darts from his mouth and outlines his lips as he eyes me like a lion about to devour its prey. My pulse quickens and I have to concentrate on each breath I take to give the appearance that I’m in control. It works, or I thought it did until he smirks at me.

  Lying half naked together in bed is his chance to prove how much of a gentleman he can be. I switch on the TV to a music channel with the volume on low. We’re both leaning against my headboard, legs outstretched, and other than the barely there music, silence takes over the room.

  “When did you talk to Steven?” I ask.

  “I called you but he answered and said you were getting ready and asked if I wanted to tag along. I wanted to see you, so when he offered, I took him up on it.”

  Now it all makes sense. Steven’s eagerness . . . Sampson’s out of character hug. Traitors. Both of them.

  “I’m glad you showed up,” I say, not looking at him.

  “Are you? You were adamant earlier about me not going, so I wasn’t sure. I couldn’t gage your reaction.”

  “If you couldn’t tell my reaction, in the rain . . .” I trail off.

  “Yes.” Our hands mingle together, the tips of our fingers meet and a strong charge between us races through me. I have to keep this from going further but before I do, he says, “You take me by surprise, Ali. You also have a beautiful singing voice. Did you have formal lessons?”

  “Thank you. No, no lessons. My mother said I came out of the womb singing.” That elicits a snicker from him.

  He gives me a wry grin. “Are there other hidden talents you possess?” His sexy tone zaps straight to my clit as a tremor of desire rumbles through me.

  “You can’t resist, can you?”

  “If we’re talking about you, then no, I can’t.”

  “No, that’s not what I’m talking about. You like turning our conversations into double meanings.” I pretend I’m appalled but I’m enjoying the banter.

  “I enjoy being around you, Ali. I like the way I feel when we’re together and I’d like to think you feel the same way,” he says as his fingers smooth over my face.

  “I like being around you too, Bryce,” I blurt out, still in my alcohol induced haze. Distance. Five minutes of distance is all I need to clear my head. “I’d better put the clothes in the dryer.”

  For the first time in a long while, I want to be with someone sexually. Do I divulge any information to him about my past? How much do I feel safe telling him? Should I tell him anything tonight? No, it’s too soon. He doesn’t need to know about Thomas, now. I mull these thoughts over on the way back to my room.

  “You said dating’s new to you. What exactly does that mean?” he asks as I lie on the bed and we face each other.

  Shit. He wants to be serious.

  “I don’t date, that’s all. You know how it is when you’re trying to establish your career, it has to take center stage.”

  “How long has it been?” He shifts more on his side, resting on his elbow with his head in his hand.

  “Ten years,” I say before I have a chance to think about it. Damn.

  His eyes widen. “Ten years? You’re kidding.” Disbelief is written across his face.

  “I devoted myself to my career and didn’t want anything to get in the way. I traveled a lot - too many late nights…my job was my priority. I haven’t dated since before college,” I say nonchalantly hoping he’ll let it go.

  His expression’s full of suspicion. “I believe there’s more to this than what you’ve said. Or rather, not saying.”

  “Your life story is more interesting than mine, Bryce.”

  “I don’t like that my life’s out there in black and white, an open book, but it is.” The story in my book would make your head spin.

  “Bryce, I’d never base what I know of you on what the tabloids say. Most of the stories are made up with no basis anyway.”

  He lets out a small chuckle. “Yes, the tabloids do like to stir the pot, don’t they? Whenever you’re ready to open up, I’ll listen,” he says. With a chaste kiss, he drops the conversation and I’m relieved.

  We talk well into the night about his business and more about my job. He mentions a new idea he’s working on. It’s something big but he can’t reveal too much right now. I’m glad he didn’t push the issue of my past. I wish I could open up to Bryce, but I can’t. Not right now.

  CHAPTER 17

  I’ve been lying here, staring at the ceiling for a while, not wanting to disturb the sleeping Adonis wrapped around me and it feels . . . right. The sun is shining in my room through the sheer curtains and I know it’s going to be a beautiful day. What a contrast from last night’s hard, pounding storm.

  With a smile on my face, I recount last night’s events. Bryce’s surprise appearance, our heated kiss shared in the rain, talking until all hours of the night. Now, he’s lying beside me, still wearing Steven’s robe. With his cheek resting on my breast, his arm draped over my waist, the robe is slightly open and I can’t see anything but I feel it, hard and ready against my leg.

  His steady breathing’s a constant, soothing rhythm. I can’t believe we slept in the same bed together. He was true to his word and didn’t try anything. I pinch myself to make sure it’s real but do it too hard and let out a yelp, which makes him stir. When he looks at me, he catches my gaze on his lower torso and looks down.

  “Sorry.” Realization hits him as he tries to conceal his erection and peels himself away, leaving me feeling bereft. My vision’s clouded with lust as he stretches his limbs to their full length. His ruffled barely out of place hair and 5 o’clock shadow are sexy as hell.

  “Good morning, Bryce.” He looks as good in the morning as he does anytime of day.

  “Good morning. What time is it?” he asks, looking alarmed.

  I grab my phone, “Nine thirty. You have time before your game this morning.” Its now I remember our clothes from last night. “Oh no, I forgot to take the clothes out of the dryer.” I jump out of bed when I remember and rush out the door, only to return moments later with our clothes, perfectly folded. “Steven saved the day.”

  “Steven’s rather good at that kind of thing.” Bryce gives me a wink.

  I set out a new toothbrush and let him know before he disappears into the bathroom. When he emerges a few minutes later, he says, “You know, I could possibly be the first m
an to do the ‘walk of shame’ even though nothing happened.” We both burst into laughter. He gathers his things from my dresser and follows me downstairs, where Steven and Sampson eye us speculatively.

  “Morning, Bryce. Want some coffee?” Steven calls out.

  “Good morning. Thanks for the offer but I don’t have time.”

  “That sleek piece of machinery parked in front of the house. Is it yours?” Steven asks.

  “I believe so,” Bryce answers with a humorous tone.

  Steven lets out a long, exaggerated whistle, “What kind is she?” She? What is it with men and cars being female?

 

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