Derrick's Choice (Titan Security Book 1)

by Cynthia P. O'Neill

  “I’m Jesse, Jesse Bradford. I live over in 304.” She regained her footing and continued peddling.

  “Nice to meet you, Jesse. I’m Derrick Caldwell over in 301. You seem familiar.” I looked at her with intense eyes, making her feel uncomfortable. “Are you that girl who likes to read in her window seat?”

  She started laughing. “Yes, that’d be me. I didn’t realize anyone even noticed. I guess I’m going to have to find a new reading spot.”

  I just shook my head and continued about my business. “Don’t mind me. I only noticed because I had a deadline to submit for work and looked up long enough to stretch my neck and found you reading late into the night.” I put the barbell down and shrugged my shoulders before adding, “Looked like you were really into it. Do you mind if I ask what you were reading?” I already knew, but I wanted to see that beautiful blush again and imagine what it would look like spread across her ass, after spanking her. Remember, you’re not in the club, and you’re not Master right now, you’re only Derrick—and Derrick needs to gain her trust in order to keep her close during the day. I wanted to tell my subconscious to shut the hell up.

  I watched as the blush spread quickly across her face. “I don’t think you’d be interested in what I read. I’m a romantic at heart, and most guys I know prefer murder mysteries or military escapades.”

  The close proximity to Jesse, along with the sweat she was working up which caused her tank top to stick to her chest and her nipples to poke through—emphasizing she wasn’t wearing a bra—was playing havoc on my crotch. All the blood in my head was rushing to areas I didn’t want to pop up at the moment, pun intended. I needed to get out of that room and fast.

  I turned around and looked her direction. Her breath caught and her eyes squinted. “Do I know you? You seem familiar.”

  I could feel the current that had existed between us at Rapture start to pulse to life. I took a few steps back, trying to break the spell, and grabbed the hand towel I’d brought down with me, running it over my face and neck. “I don’t think so. I mainly keep to myself and go out at night. But it was nice meeting you, Jesse. Maybe I’ll see you around.”

  I didn’t wait for a response. I just opened the door and left, hearing her yell out, “Same here, Derrick. Catch you later.”

  After leaving Jesse to continue with her workout, I showered and changed quickly. I’d called a meeting that night with Tennison to discuss everything our team had uncovered to date. While we talked, Titan’s computer team of hackers, along with assistance from Mr. Prescott’s IT and accounting departments, tapped into the computer network and began running several diagnostic studies on the system. That’s when we discovered the money was being siphoned off of new government accounts.

  All the missing funds, totaling several million dollars, had been wired to an account set up in the Bahamas, then rerouted through a variety of dummy accounts around the world, and finally into an account at the Suisse Bank Marque, where the trail went cold.

  After a couple of non-stop days, our team had been unable to fully hack into the Suisse banking system—they were locked up tighter than Fort Knox. Normally, the trail would’ve run cold, but our team would be sending someone out to Switzerland to check on the account number and see if we could get a name, and possibly a picture, associated with the account.

  We’d agreed the culprit for the missing money was either someone internally, with a huge set of balls to be stealing from Tennison so directly, or an employee who was getting paid enough that their assistance in helping the culprit was worth the risk. But who? Since all the computers ran off of the server, we decided to upload software that would highlight any unnatural activity, hoping the next time the perpetrator tried anything, we’d have them red-handed. In the meantime, we’d do private background checks on random employees to see if anyone came to light as a possible suspect.

  The meeting went well. Tennison seemed pleased by our progress to date, but you could tell he was on edge. Who could blame the guy, with the theft from his company and the attempts on his life?

  Being a bit forward thinking, the team opted to install a few hidden cameras in Tennison’s office and each major department, with extra cameras on accounting, his stepchildren, and Jesse. I’d rather play it safe than sorry.

  The night had been long, but productive. I’d felt bad leaving Jesse to her own devices while I was here at this meeting, but I didn’t have a spare guy to watch over her. I was thankful Tennison had asked me to trick out her place with equipment. I’d gotten a signal, about an hour ago, she’d returned to the apartment. I confirmed that by remotely activating the camera in her living room. Poor thing must’ve had a grueling workout. She was passed out on the sofa, looking angelic in her sleep. Just watching her made me wonder what it’d feel like holding her in my arms while she slept curled up against my body. Don’t go there, man. This is just a job, nothing more.

  My subconscious was right—this was only a job—but why wasn’t my body listening? I’d never formed emotional attachments to anyone, with exception of my half-brother Rick and the families I’d protected, but that took years to develop. So why did I feel wrapped around Jesse’s fingers? Just being anywhere near her triggered the electric pull between us. I’d never felt that with anyone, so why now? Couldn’t I just be her co-worker and not come in as her boss? I’d do anything to keep her from hating me, and, so far, I was batting a big fat zero.

  An idea came to life to encourage her to be more receptive to me. I grabbed my phone and texted a quick message off to Rick. I needed his and his girlfriend Tiffany’s assistance to plan an “accidental” meet-up with Jesse. It didn’t even take a minute to get a response back. I sent a picture of Jesse in the two-piece bikini she usually wore on Saturday afternoon by the pool, hoping Tiffany, since she was similar in size, shape, and hair color, could pull off looking like Jesse. I knew she’d be there; she was way too predictable. With any luck, I’d soon change her schedule and occupy it with mine.

  The room was overflowing with light as I found myself waking up from an exhaustive sleep on the sofa. I guess the impromptu second workout last night left me more spent than I’d realized. Then again, I hadn’t expected to encounter the new guy, Derrick, in the workout room. How amazing his muscles had looked plastered against his sweaty shirt as they contracted, veins popping from lifting weights…and that ass! A shudder ran down the length of my body as a visual of his body—a perfect version of Michelangelo’s statue of David—flashed through my mind.

  The last time I’d seen something so perfect had been…nah, it couldn’t be. Derrick was too country and somewhat unemotional, while Master had a controlled strength within his voice and a touch of gentleness lying just beneath the surface. Whoever Derrick was…he somehow affected me on a similar level. Thinking about the Master could’ve created a false sense of closeness and familiarity with Derrick. Right?

  I looked over the edge of the sofa, toward the kitchen, and noted the time on my microwave reading just past eleven in the morning. Damn. I was already two hours behind on my Saturday to-do list. I knew I’d been working myself too much lately and stressing over whether I’d hear from Rapture. I’d hoped the experience with Master wouldn’t be a onetime thing, but, at this point, it’d been two weeks and still nothing.

  I debated as to whether I would try and play catch-up on my list or just go with the flow for once. The sound of swimming, music, and laughter helped me decide to throw plans out the window today. I walked over and looked out to see Derrick walking toward the pool in a t-shirt, swim trunks, aviator glasses, and a towel. He placed his towel on one of the lounge chairs before taking his shirt off and sitting. Holy mother of…I could tell last night he’d been ripped with the way his sweat-soaked shirt clung to him, but damn! This man put the most pristine statue of manliness to shame.

  It was hard for me to discern what color hair Derrick had last night, but now, with it dry and in the sun, it was definitely dark brown, bordering on the edge
of black. He’d never looked directly at me, so I’d yet to see his eye color, but that smile—the one he just flashed to a couple of our neighbors who were in the pool waving to him—let’s say he could stop traffic with those pearly whites.

  I shook my head not understanding it. I’d gone with a dry spell for so long, dating few and far between. Now, in the course of a month, I come across two hunky men that make my heart go pitter-patter, and all I can think to myself is to bring it on!

  A wave of a hand in my direction made me realize I was fully viewable from my window, and he was waving at me. Oh, shit! I grinned nervously and stepped out of sight, wondering how I must look, having slept in my workout clothes on the sofa.

  I ran to the bathroom to see my fears were confirmed. My hair was starting to pull out of the ponytail I’d put it in, and my face still had remnants of sleep. I quickly stripped, turned the shower on, and did a power wash of everything before grabbing my two-piece bikini. I usually waited for about an hour before heading to the pool, but today, especially for him, I could make an exception. All I needed was a protein smoothie I could take with me, along with my pool essentials, and I’d be good to go. Maybe this time he’d say more than a few words, and I could figure out whether he was dating, involved, or single. Down, girl. Nothing scares off a man quicker than a desperate woman.

  My subconscious was right. I needed to play things cool. In all likelihood, every single woman in the building would be swooning over this guy. I wouldn’t put it past Cassidy—Mr. Tennison’s stepdaughter—to come out wearing a barely there bikini or accidentally lose her top to gain his attention. Not that she needed that kind of help. Cassidy was tall, quite tan, sandy blonde hair, and all tits and ass. I guess in man speak you’d call her every man’s wet dream come true—a real life Barbie doll who was searching for her Ken.

  Just thinking about how perfect Cassidy was, made me want to throw on a cover up and hide from even myself indoors. I was only 5’6” without heels. I wasn’t necessarily overweight, but I had curves in all the right places and knew how to work them to my advantage. I might not have a perfect pair of buoyant boobs, but at least mine were real and didn’t swamp my body. The worst was that she was always tan and her hair highlighted her features, whereas I was cursed with flaming red hair and fair skin that tended to burn and freckle easily.

  I ended up drinking my smoothie upstairs, as I kept talking myself out of sitting by the pool. What’s the worst that can happen? So you sit by the pool, enjoy talking to some of your neighbors, and get in a little relaxation and a swim. So what if he doesn’t talk to you. It takes two to carry on a conversation.

  Screw it! I grabbed my bag of gear and headed out to the pool. At least I could have some fun in the sun and just go about my day. Only, my heart fell when I saw a gorgeous tan woman sitting beside him, holding his hand. She had strawberry blonde hair pulled back in a low ponytail like mine. Hold on…wait a minute…her bathing suit was even similar in design to mine. For a moment there, I thought I was looking at my doppelganger, with the exception of her skin tone being slightly tanned, which never happened to me.

  What the hell? He didn’t see me, so I just shook my head in disbelief that he was already taken and took up residence in the only available lounge chair a little ways down from the “happy” couple.

  I pulled out my sunscreen, phone, and earbuds before settling down and catching some of the sun’s natural Vitamin D. The weather was pleasant: not a rain cloud in the sky, not too hot and not too cool. Thank you, Florida spring weather.

  After a couple hours of sitting in the sun and sipping water, I decided to go for a swim to cool off. I was thankful to see Derrick’s spot empty, though his towel was still there, and so was that girl. At least Cassidy had given up and gone inside. Her brother, Blaine, one who always tried his best to hit on me and failed, hadn’t bothered showing himself today. I guess the last time I turned him down by the pool was enough for him to get the message.

  The water felt good against my overheated skin. I leaned up against the pool’s edge, just enjoying the way the water moved around my body, cooling me off, and allowing my mind to drift aimlessly. I caught wind of a couple of conversations, but one had me opening my eyes and paying more attention.

  “Come on, sugar. I told you I was sorry this morning and here I find you hanging out with him?” A guy, I swear he looks like he could maybe be related to Derrick, with the exception of his hair being a dirty blonde, is talking to the redhead. On the other hand, if his hair was long, I’d swear he could pass for Thor’s twin—he was definitely built like him.

  I turned around and watched as the redhead sat up in the lounge chair, crossing her arms over her chest and pouting. Why did pouting work for most women? Every time I tried it, someone cracked up laughing. I guess that’s what I get being raised by two strong-willed, stubborn-as-hell parents. I couldn’t pretend or pout to save my life. “I’d like to believe you, baby, but you really hurt me.” There goes that damn pout again.

  I watched as he bent down and whispered something in her ear, while his hand caressed the edges of her shoulder, giving a little squeeze every now and then. The expression on her face hinted at the possible naughty things he was telling her. “Okay, let me grab my things, and we can go.”

  I watched as she looked around for Derrick, shrugged her shoulders when she couldn’t find him, grabbed her things, and walked away with Earth’s version of the God of Thunder. I couldn’t believe she was just leaving without a note, a word, or anything. She must be a stone-cold bitch. It wasn’t my place to judge, so I just let it go.

  A few people splashed around me as I pressed the front of my body against the shallow end of the pool wall and rested my head against my arms on the edge. This was relaxation in its purest form.

  I startled when warm hands wrapped around my waist while soft lips began to nibble on my shoulder. A strong chest and someone’s definite hardness began to press against my rear end.

  “Shh…it’s okay, Tiffany. I’ve got you, darlin’.” His lips kissed my shoulder softly as I began to squirm.

  His body had me pressed hard against the wall. The way he was touching me was causing my insides to heat, but I needed to put a stop to it. He had me where I couldn’t turn, leaving me no choice but to call him on his mistake.

  “I don’t know who Tiffany is, but I’d remove your hands and that hardness from my ass if you value retaining your privates.” The tone of which I delivered my threat surprised me. I was bold, direct, and sounded a bit breathless in my attempts to get his attention.

  “Holy fuck!” His hands released me instantly as he took a couple steps back allowing me to turn. He held his hands up in surrender. “I’m sorry. I mistook you for my…” His eyes went wide as he took in who it was. “Jesse?”

  Those eyes were sensual and addictive. I hadn’t had a chance to see them last night, as he’d avoided looking me in the face at the gym, but damn. It was hard to pinpoint what color they were. But out here I could see they were mesmerizing, seeming to pierce the center of my soul. The sun was in my eyes, and I couldn’t quite tell whether they were gray, dark blue, or some other color. I was rendered speechless for a moment by the intensity of his strong jaw, high-sculpted cheekbones, and that mouth. I could see it moving. I could imagine those lips closing over my own, wondering what he’d taste like…

  Derrick’s hands grabbed hold of my shoulders and gently shook me. “Are you okay, Jesse? I’m so fuckin’ sorry. I didn’t mean anything by touching you. I mistook you for the girl I was hanging out with today.”

  I smiled and quickly regained my composure as I held my hands up to let him know to stay back. “I’m fine. I guess since we are both redheads and wearing a similar style suit, it would be easy to mix us up, especially with my back to you.” I shrugged my shoulders, “As they say: no harm, no foul.”

  He placed a hand above his eyes to shade them. “You don’t know how sorry I am for that. I feel like such a heel. You wouldn’t ha
ppen to know where Tiffany went, would you?”

  I hated being the bearer of bad news, but I answered honestly, “She left with some guy who looked like a cross between you and Thor.”

  He laughed so hard I almost thought he was losing it.

  “Are you alright?”

  He pointed at himself, still laughing. “You think I look like the God of Thunder. Damn, woman, you just turned my day around.”

  I folded my arms over my chest and laughed a little myself. Nothing like inflating someone’s ego. “I didn’t say you looked like Thor. Your hair is too dark. The guy definitely had your build, but dirty blonde hair.” I don’t know what possessed me to do it, but I poked my finger into his chest to emphasize a point. “You, sir, look like a beefed-up version of Loki.” Why in the hell did I just do that?

  He took a deep breath in. “If I see my brother, it will be too soon.”

  I didn’t quite understand what he was saying. “That was your brother?”

  “Yes. He’s always trying to steal women from me and claim them for himself. Tiffany has been an on-again, off-again girlfriend for a while. Lately we’re more friends than anything. She seems to favor him, which is fine by me. I was going to show her what she could have with me instead, but that was her last chance. As of now, I’m a free bird. They can have each other for all I care.”

  I didn’t know what to say. I’d wondered if he was single or not, and now I knew.

  “Would you like to go out to dinner with me tonight?”

  Was I hearing correctly? Did he just ask me out? I had been too lost in thought to respond to him, so he asked again, “Jesse, would you like to have dinner with me tonight? I’d like to treat you to dinner and make up for manhandling you in the pool.”

  I shook my head. “It’s an honest mistake. You don’t have to treat me to anything. Just apologizing is enough.”

  Derrick stepped forward and leaned down to my eye level, making my breath catch. “Let me emphasize that I’m not one to take no for an answer. I’d like to take you out to dinner to apologize and to get to know you better. I’m new to the area, so I’m looking for some good authentic Italian food if you’d like to suggest a restaurant where we could go and get to know one another as neighbors and maybe friends.”