Remy saw Trevor waiving in their direction. He tugged on her hand and herded her toward his friend.
Dinner took forever to be served, no surprise when there were a hundred people to serve and only five waiters. Francesca struck up a friendship with a couple from Idaho who owned a B&B and were Lacey’s mother’s cousins. They talked about hotel woes and the joys of taking care of guest requests.
“We had a man who had a run of good luck a few months ago with us. At midnight on a Thursday, he wanted to spend some hands-on time with a wolf.” Francesca laughed as she recounted the story. “My people were going crazy trying to find a place that offered that experience. We finally found a rescue park that offered observation and limited access to wolves in Oregon. We flew the man and his son up there and back down the next day.”
The gentleman sitting across from Francesca leaned toward her. “We get the nuts that think they can order up specific weather. I don’t even try to explain anymore that I can’t change the weather. Fresh snow fall is not within my power.”
Throughout the conversation, Remy watched Trevor continue to have Francesca’s wine glass refilled. He knew that she wasn’t paying attention, and her cheeks were flushed. He shot Trevor a glare. He didn’t mind a tipsy Francesca, but he knew she would not want to venture past that mark.
The music restarted, and Trevor held out his hand to Francesca. “Dance with me and make all of my dreams come true.”
She turned to Remy. “Does he think that line works?”
Remy chuckled. “Sadly, yes, he does.” Remy shook his head at his friend. “Watch your hands, because I will.”
Francesca looked over her shoulder as Trevor led her to the dance floor. Remy flashed a smile at her. His friend was a flirt, but he knew that while Trevor might push against the line but he would never cross it with his woman.
Remy caught glimpses of Francesca throughout the night. She had danced with Bruce, his father, and the other men at their table. He thought Trevor had snuck in another. He had been busy dancing with Jennifer and the ladies at the table, plus Bruce’s mother had pulled him aside for a chat. He liked the woman too much to cut her off as she told him about the wedding plans.
He had just left the bar when he saw Trevor leaning against the wall. “You done dancing with my woman?”
Trevor gave him a huge smile. “She the one?”
Remy nodded. “Yes, she is, but she doesn’t know it yet. We have some things to work out.”
“Well, don’t take too long getting to it. A woman like that—smart, successful and beautiful—won’t be available for long.”
“You like her,” Remy said.
“What’s not to like?”
They watched her on the dance floor with Lacey’s father.
Trevor turned to Remy with a knowing smile on his face. “My offer still stands, I’d be into it.”
Remy felt the muscle in his jaw jump. In the past, he hadn’t really given a shit about sharing a woman with Trevor, because he had never cared enough about the woman. “I told her about it last night.”
“Let me guess, she begged you to call me, and you said no.” Trevor chuckled.
“I also told her about that night, when it was you and me.”
Trevor stared at the dance floor for a few moments. “That bother her?”
“Don’t think so.” Remy watched her also.
“I like her, and I’d like to.” Trevor smiled as Francesca rearranged Mr. Haviland’s hand that was moving too close to her ass.
“I’ll keep that in mind. But Trevor, I’m not pressing her,” he said, his tone holding some heat.
“Gotcha.” Trevor bumped his shoulder against Remy’s. “I like that you’re serious. Good luck with her.”
“Thanks. Some days I really need it.” Remy returned the bump.
As the party wound down, Remy could barely wait until they got into the room before he pulled up Francesca’s skirt and tore off her panties.
“Remy,” she shrieked, and then giggled.
“Gotta have you, Frankie.” He took her hard against the wall.
Afterward, they slowly undressed and fell into the bed. Francesca was draped across his chest. He had his arm under her and his hand palming her ass.
“Tonight was fun,” she said, circling his nipple with her finger.
“You were the most beautiful woman in the room.” He squeezed her ass harder.
“No, Lacey was. I thought she looked fantastic.”
Lacey had chosen a dress that was very short and covered in silver and white stones. Remy wasn’t sure where to look when he danced with her. He worried that her boobs would pop out at any moment, or they would all get a look at her ass if she kept dropping it to the floor.
“I think Trevor is half in love with you,” he said as he ran his fingers through her soft hair.
She paused her hand. “Trevor would burn through me in about two days. I know his type. Hell, I see it with Rico daily.”
He kept quiet for a bit, and she kept touching him. “Are you okay with what I told you last night?”
“About you and Trevor?” She shifted over to lean on her arm so she could see look him in the eye.
“Yeah, did that freak you out?”
“No,” she shrugged. “I guess I see sex a little differently than most. I think people can be attracted to others for a myriad of reasons. I don’t think it makes them gay or straight. I think it’s about wanting to feel good, and the other person can make that happen.”
“Plus I was drunk.” Remy gave a one shouldered shrug.
“Drunk or not, you both are really hot, and I bet that woman would kick herself to Paris and back if she knew she’d missed the show.” There was a look of hunger and excitement on her face.
“Trevor’s offer is still on the table.”
“Is that something that you need?” She stumbled over her words as if her mind raced to grasp everything that he was saying. “I mean… is that something that you want all of the time?”
“Years ago, I fucked around. Out of the group, Trev and I were the biggest players. I’ve slowed way down. I’m with you and only you.” He was totally focused on her, watching her responses. Emotions played over her face. She was being open and honest with him. Her walls weren’t up. She was being his Frankie not the polished, professional Francesca.
“But is having a ménage, something that you would need to stay satisfied with me?” Francesca chewed on her lip then drew her brows together in anticipation of his answer. She was worried.
“I don’t need it. But if that would be something you’d like to try, then I’d say we could invite Trevor for a onetime deal.”
“You’d want me to be with another guy?” She said the words softly as if she was trying to fit the pieces into the puzzle. She was quiet and he could see her thinking, analyzing. “I mean, I’ve been curious, but there’s a big difference between fantasizing about it and acting on it.” Her eyes searched his face as if she was searching for the answer to be tattooed on his forehead.
He pulled her closer, because he could feel her confusion. “First of all, there doesn’t have to be any fucking. It could just be foreplay or oral, only. Secondly, it would be Trevor, our friend, not some random guy. But most importantly, I want to give you everything that you could ever want. If you want to try it, I would share that with you for one time only.”
“I don’t know how to rationalize this with our agreement that we’re exclusive.” Her gaze searched his.
“We are exclusive. I watched you with Trevor. You two hit it off and seem in tune with one another. Last night when I told you about sharing a woman in the past, I saw the heat in your eyes. I know it turned you on.” She started to move away from him, but he held tight.
“I think it’s a common fantasy for both a man and a woman.” Her body was tense and her tone was two clicks beyond defensive.
“Francesca, this would be about you,” he said calmly. “This would be about giving you two tim
es the pleasure, fulfilling a fantasy for you with someone that we trust.”
“This is a lot for me to take in. It’s obvious you have a lot more experience than I do. I know that we enjoy being together, but I’m not ready for everything that you want to share with me.”
He could feel her body tense. He held her gaze with his. “I shouldn’t have brought this up tonight. What you just said is accurate. I also think you trust me to push your boundaries but to also respect them. I don’t want to do anything that would hurt you or hurt what we’re building between us. I put the offer out there, and I can’t make you forget it, so I’m going to leave it like this—if you ever want to discuss this again, I’m open to it, but when I put a ring on your finger, the offer is revoked.”
She shook her head, confusion clouding her eyes. “Oh Remy, I don’t know what to say. You tell me these things that are so deep they blow me away.” She kissed him on the check and nuzzled his neck.
“When you think back on this weekend, always remember I’m working toward putting a ring on your finger. This isn’t casual or a temporary thing for me. I waited two years to kiss you, and now I’m still moving ahead with my plan.”
Chapter Five
Francesca raked her fingers through her hair and blinked her eyes hard, hoping to clear them so the lines of figures on the computer screen wouldn’t go fuzzy again. She’d been back from Denver for five days, and her head was still a mess.
Rico knocked and entered her office, not waiting for her reply. “Hey, it’s quittin’ time, and you need to get out of here.”
“Sounds good. I’m not getting much work done.” She began logging out of her computer.
“Let’s go to Old Time,” Rico said, leaning against the doorframe. He’d been working at least ten hours, and he was still model perfect, clothes showing no wrinkles, and his dark hair was immaculate.
She wrinkled her nose. “You’re driving.” She was beat, and if she took her car she’d feel the need to run the errands she still had on her list.
“Lock up and put on some lipstick. You’re too pale. I’ll check to see if Hadley wants to join us.” The smile on his face softened his words.
“I’ll meet you at the front door.” She finished logging off and locked her notes in her desk drawer.
At the Old Time Café, Rico managed to snag a booth in the back. He sat facing the room, claiming his reason was that he could watch for Hadley. She knew he needed to sit where he could see the entire room; this was one of his rules for survival. Jimmy had the same rule, so she had grown up with men like this. Edgy, intense, and protective of people they considered theirs.
She loved this place, it was small, maybe seating for forty people. One had a choice of a booth or a stool at the counter. The walls needed a new coat of paint, and the menu probably hadn’t changed since the seventies. It sat in a rundown neighborhood and was frequented by construction workers, firefighters and cops. The menu was simple fare, and the coffee was always fresh and hot.
The waitress approached and flipped the page on her order book. “Drinks?”
Rico spoke first, “She’ll have an O.J., and I’ll take a coffee, black. We’ve got another coming.”
The waitress glanced at Rico, and then gave him a second look. He flashed his welcoming smile which caused her to smile in return. “All right honey, I’ll bring your drinks while you wait for your third.”
“I wanted coffee,” Francesca said as the waitress walked away.
Rico wagged a finger. “No more caffeine for you. You look like you need a good day’s sleep, chica.”
She grimaced. “I’ve had a lot to do. I needed to catch things up.”
“Give us some of the work, and it’ll get done. Delegate. You don’t have to do it all yourself.”
She was saved from responding by the arrival of Hadley.
“Hey, hi.” The striking redhead had more than a few men sending her admiring glances as she approached the booth.
The waitress arrived with their drinks, and Hadley made her request.
They settled into the booth, Rico all alone and Hadley beside her.
Rico glanced toward Hadley. “I was telling Francesca we would be more than happy to help her with the work backlog.”
Her friend nodded. “That’s right. In fact, I thought that we were all doing our part, so there shouldn’t be any backlog.” Hadley shot her a questioning glance.
Francesca shrugged. “Jimmy asked for a full report summarizing the cost/benefit ratio regarding the Chinese visitors. Each department has submitted their initial report and the requested addendums.” She fixed her gaze on the condensation on her glass, knowing they’d be all over her ass.
“Francesca!” Hadley barked. “Why did you take all of that on yourself?”
“He wants the data to see if we should continue to pursue select groups from China.” She knew where this was going; she’d already beaten herself up about it.
Hadley leaned her elbows onto the table and moved in closer. “I’ve seen you tell others no before, so I damn well know that you can. I’m saying this as your friend and as your co-worker, you need to tell Jimmy no. He drops things in your lap at the last minute, and you kill yourself to complete the project. He has a concern and he calls, and then you, alone, handle it. The Red Rose has directors and managers of each department who can handle things for Jimmy. If he won’t assign them the work then you have to.”
Francesca shifted in her seat and folded her hands in her lap. “Look, I get what you’re saying. I’ve said it to myself, but he is the owner, he is our boss—”
Hadley waved her hand, interrupting her. “And he adopted you, but I think that you have more than paid him back with love and loyalty. You aren’t letting him down by telling him to delegate or if you delegate. Babe, you’re putting your life on hold and killing yourself trying to please him.” Hadley’s face was red, and her green eyes flashed. “The worst part of the whole deal is that Jimmy doesn’t even realize he’s killing you.”
“That isn’t true, Hads.” She clamped her jaws shut, realizing she’d raised her voice. She took a sip of her juice while she worked to control her frayed emotions. “I tell him no when he’s being outrageous.”
Rico snorted. “I would ask for your definition of what constitutes outrageousness. But I don’t want your anger, sweetie, I want your ear.” The look in his eyes had softened as his expression turned serious.
She trusted him, and if he’d made this time to talk to her, then she knew she should pay attention. She felt the fight leave her body.
Hadley reached to hold her hand. “I love you, and you know that. I’m looking at you, and I can tell you aren’t taking care of yourself.” Hadley’s eyes had lost their angry fire and were full of concern.
“Okay, I admit I’m having problems sleeping. I have a lot on my mind.” She knew she finished weakly.
Hadley glanced across at Rico, and he gave her a nod. She took a sip of her iced tea and angled her body to face Francesca. “You’re starting a relationship with Remy. Something serious, not just two people enjoying hot sex with one another.”
Francesca jerked her head upward, the denial on her lips.
Rico held up one finger asking her to hold on. “Let her talk, Francesca.” He must have sensed she was starting to panic.
She was too tired to fight him, so she gave in and let her shoulders touch the back of the padded booth.
Hadley squared her shoulders. “I don’t want your job to limit your relationship with Mr. Cooper, or stop it before you two have a chance to get things going. He sounds like a good guy. Rico even likes him.”
Francesca shot a look at Rico who gave a one-shoulder shrug.
Hadley let out a “humph” and continued. “I’m worried you’re going to blow a good thing because of your addiction to work and pleasing Jimmy.”
She couldn’t look at Hadley, nor did she want to discuss her long-held fears regarding displeasing the O’Haires. Again, she glanced at R
ico.
“What? I think Cooper’s a good guy. He handled things in Chicago, and you seem into him. I mean, you lock your office door when he calls.” Rico flashed a huge smile, like a sibling who’d just told her secret.
“How do you know that I lock my door? Christ, you don’t stand outside and listen, do you?” She glanced back and forth between her friends. She knew there were no cameras in her office, which was one stipulation that she’d felt strongly about when developing Team 2.
“Maybe people have mentioned a time or two that they’ve heard you throw the lock when you’re expecting a call,” Hadley murmured.
“I don’t want to be interrupted, and some people,” she mock-glared at Rico, “feel they can walk into my office anytime they want.” Those calls were her time. She had carved it out, and she didn’t realize until this minute, how much her conversations with Remy meant to her. How precious it was to share her day with him. How had this happened? He was just there, a part of her life, a precious part.
“When are you seeing him again?” Handley pressed.
“I’m not sure. There’s a wedding in Florida in three months, but I don’t know about in between.” Her mind raced. She needed to think about this. When had Remy become so important to her?
The waitress returned to take their orders. Once the woman had left, her friends leaned toward her again.
Hadley watched her closely, probably trying to read her mind. “I’m sure you’ll get together before then.”
Francesca didn’t respond. It was weird that Hadley claimed she didn’t want another relationship, but she sure was invested in this one. She filed this away to ponder when or if she ever had a spare minute. She wanted her best friend to be happy. Hadley wasn’t happy. There were times her friend let her guard down and she could see how vulnerable and forlorn she was. “Remy has a lot going on between now and the wedding. He’s retiring and wrapping up that work, and then he’s going on a hunting trip with his buddies before the wedding.” However, she knew he would make every effort to see her if she mentioned that she wanted to get together.
Rico cleared his throat. “Look, if Cooper makes you happy then that’s great. I’m here to discuss what I don’t like seeing—and that’s you at your desk when I come in and still there when I’m leaving. You’re putting in too many hours, Francesca.” He held up his hand to signal silence when she started to defend herself. “This has been going on for too long. I know you’re good in a tactical situation, when the shit is going down, like when I need you to take down a suspect, I expect you to have my back. However, and I am dead serious about this, you are exhausted to the point where you’re a liability to me.”
All In (Casino Nights #2) Page 6