by Opal Carew
I rose and hurried to the elevator, checking myself in the mirror doors as I waited for it to arrive. I ached in all the right places from the night before, and the thought of what we’d done together had my cheeks heating. I smoothed my dark gray skirt suit. The ride to the bottom was quick, but the change in gravity made my heart flutter. I was certain that’s why it fluttered, not because two handsome, wealthy men wanted to see me again.
I stepped out of the elevator and walked toward the front door that revolved onto the street. A sleek black limo waited, no stretch this time. Did that mean they weren’t inside? My spirits dampened the slightest bit as I strode up. The driver got out when he saw me approach and walked around to open my door. He wore a simple black suit and tie and smiled as he opened my door.
“Hi, I’m Leah.”
“I’m Ben.”
The guys had mentioned him last night. I dropped my gaze when I realized he’d likely heard what I’d done in the backseat of his last ride.
“No worries, Ms. Waverly.” He motioned toward the backseat. “What happens in the stretch, stays in the stretch.”
I gave him a grateful smile. “Thank you.”
“Of course.” He tipped his hat.
I sank into the leather seat, and he closed the door before jogging back around to the driver’s side.
Once he pulled from the curb, I asked, “Where are we going?”
“It’s supposed to be a surprise.” He glanced at me in the rearview mirror and took the first right, heading toward Midtown.
The shadows cast by the high rises tried to cool the hot summer streets, but sweaty businessmen with their jackets slung over their arms and women in sleeveless shirts filled the sidewalks. I relaxed in the air conditioning and let Ben take me to wherever I was going. This was far better than sitting in my stuffy office and getting cranky glares from Mr. Tarver every time he walked past.
My stomach rumbled. “I hope it involves food.”
He smiled, wrinkles forming around his eyes. “You’re in luck.”
We rode along Central Park West, the sunlight filtering through the trees that lined the block. Before we reached Columbus Circle, Ben took a right. A few more blocks and turns, and he eased along a row of trendy restaurants. We stopped in front of Tennessee Twang.
“I’ve read about this place.” I stared at the rustic front doors and the classic chalkboard menu on the sidewalk. My stomach grumbled again, and I smiled at the obvious thought that the guys put into choosing a restaurant straight from my home state.
Ben got out and opened my door. “Miss.”
I stepped onto the curb, the summer swelter hitting me like a hot blanket. “Thanks for the ride.”
“My pleasure. I’ll be back around to pick you up after.” He winked and walked to the driver’s side.
I wished I’d brought a pen I could click. Seeing them again so soon after our night together sent a rush of mixed emotions through me. I cleared my throat.
Turning to the restaurant, I tried to calm the rapid beat of my heart. It didn’t seem to work. I pushed through the doors into the cool interior, the smell of fried goodness wafting to my nose. The restaurant was set up like a classic southern meat and three. A long hot bar of food ran along the right wall, with smiling staff attending a line of guests.
“You made it.” Cade’s smooth voice rolled over me. He and Gaines strolled up, both dressed impeccably in suits and ties. Their smiles warmed me, and Cade took my palm. “Good to see you again.”
“It’s been too long.” Gaines smirked down at me, his hair styled and smooth—not wild and mussed like it was the night before. I couldn’t tell which way I preferred.
My lips quirked into a smile, and I squeezed Cade’s hand. “Nice to see you too.” He didn’t let go, and heat from his palm seeped into mine as both of them gazed at me as if I were the only woman in the busy restaurant.
Someone coughed. A small line had formed behind us as more people entered, ready for lunch.
“Ladies first.” Gaines motioned toward the hot bar.
Cade dropped my hand. “I’m curious to see how a pro does it.”
“Well, you’re in luck.” I turned on my heel and snagged a wide tray and a set of silverware at the start of the line. “I’m an expert at good southern restaurants.”
“Lead on.” Gaines followed with Cade behind him.
The line moved quickly as the staff served up southern dishes according to the customers’ requests. I sat my tray on the line and scooted it along.
“Ma’am, what’ll you have?” The first worker readied a small plate.
I scanned the entrée offerings. “Give me the fried catfish. Are those jalapeno hush puppies?”
He snagged a catfish filet. “That’s right.”
“I’ll have those, then.”
“Got it.” He popped a few onto my plate and slid it on top of the bar.
“What about you, man?”
“Same for me,” Gaines replied.
“Me too.” Cade peered at the steaming buffet.
I smiled and continued down the bar. “Mashed potatoes and gravy, macaroni and cheese. Are those fried green tomatoes?”
“Sure are.” The next worker grabbed a set of metal tongs.
“What sort of batter? Meal or flour?”
He grinned. “You know your fried green tomatoes. We do a coarse meal then coat with a flour batter. Best of both worlds.”
Heaven. “Serve me up.”
“I got you.” He snagged several of the tasty fried snacks and pushed them across the top of the bar for me.
I glanced at Gaines and Cade. “I’m not sharing mine, so you better get your own.”
Gaines raised a brow.
Cade laughed. “Understood.”
At the end of the line, I took a piece of cornbread and a glass of sweet tea. “You didn’t add the sugar after, did you?”
The woman pouring the glasses gave me a look that could melt lead. “Now who would make sweet tea like that?”
“No one I know.”
“Me neither.” She wrote out my ticket and handed it to me. “Pay on your way out.”
“Got it.” I hefted my tray and maneuvered past some other diners to a booth along the back wall.
Gaines and Cade followed. I scooted into the booth. Cade slid in next to me.
I could have sworn I heard Gaines whisper “cockblock” at Cade’s back, but it was too noisy in the restaurant to be sure.
Cade grinned as Gaines sat across from us. “If you eat all that”—he pointed at my tray with his fork—“I’ll be shocked out of my mind.”
Cooking this good didn’t come my way often, and I wasn’t going to let it go to waste.
I pulled a paper towel off the roll at the end of the table and laid it in my lap. “Prepare to be amazed.”
Chapter Five
I ate until I was beyond stuffed. All my ladylike manners went by the wayside as I tasted each dish and almost moaned from the deliciousness. Gaines and Cade kept up, commenting on the crispy catfish and the rich macaroni and cheese.
“I’ll be hitting the gym double time tomorrow morning.” Cade patted his stomach and leaned back.
“I may crawl under my desk and nap the afternoon away.” I wiped my mouth with my paper towel then placed it on top of my empty plates.
“Not to be sexist or anything, but I can’t believe you ate all that. That was pretty much a man-sized meal.” Gaines finished his sweet tea.
“For a lumberjack sort of man.” Cade agreed.
“Sorry.” I couldn’t disagree with their assessment. It was spot on. But I blushed all the same. “I was hungry.”
“Don’t be sorry.” Cade elbowed me lightly. “I’m impressed.”
“We’ll have to bring you again. I enjoyed watching the carnage.” Gaines collected the three checks. “We have a one-thirty that we can’t miss, but we wanted to see you.” He glanced around, but all the diners were busy stuffing their faces like we had done. �
��To talk about last night.”
My over-full stomach churned at his words. Last night was hot, overwhelming, and something I wanted to repeat, despite my better judgment. “What about it?”
“We looked over the estate plan. It’s perfect.” Gaines gave me a confident smile. “We want to put everything in motion to get it going.”
“Oh.” Business. They wanted to talk about the business aspect of the previous night. “Yes. If you’re on board, I can go ahead and set up the trusts and the other paperwork.”
“Sounds good.” Gaines nodded and stood. “Let’s get together tonight and go over the final details. We’ll send Ben to pick you up after work.”
“If that’s all right with you, of course.” Cade rose and helped me out of the booth, all the while shooting a pointed glare at Gaines.
“Sorry.” Gaines smiled. “I can be sort of—”
Cade snorted. “Demanding, overbearing, pigheaded—”
“Thanks, buddy.” He glared at Cade, though there was a playful glint in his eyes. “Yes, all those things.”
I realized they were a perfect pair, evening each other out. Both alpha, but both with a different approach to life. Their styles mixed into a perfect cocktail of personality and business sense.
I walked ahead of them to the busy checkout counter. “Would you like to meet with Mr. Tarver about it tonight, as well?” I asked over my shoulder.
“Not a chance.” Cade stood at my elbow as Gaines paid. “Dealing with you is vastly preferable.” He leaned closer to my ear. “More enjoyable, don’t you think?”
A tingle shot down my spine at the innuendo. Worse, I agreed with him. I didn’t want Mr. Tarver to get in the way of whatever was growing between the three of us. Was it lust or something more? I didn’t know. All I knew was that I didn’t want it to stop.
“Aren’t you that guy who’s redoing the Olympia Building?” A blonde with big bubble tits had sidled up to Gaines at the counter. Her lipstick-pink skirt highlighted her long legs, and her tight top showed off a flat stomach.
“Yes.” He retrieved his Amex from the cashier.
“Don’t you own, like, half the city?” She pressed closer to him, her tits brushing against his arm.
Jealousy slithered through my stomach like a venomous snake. The feeling was out of place, especially given that I had no claim to Gaines. We’d spent one night together—one that shouldn’t have happened if I was being honest with myself. Even with the “firing” and the “hiring,” I shouldn’t have gotten intimate with them. But I wouldn’t worry about that. Not yet. Maybe I could beat myself up over it in a few days when their fascination with me ended. Pain replaced jealousy at the thought.
“I have some holdings, yes.” He stepped back.
She followed and leaned up to whisper something into his ear.
“No, thank you.” He turned and put his palm at the small of my back.
Her face fell, her too-full lips drawn down in a pout as Gaines escorted me out the front door. Something akin to triumph swirled in my breast, though I knew the feeling was foolish. He wasn’t mine. He could turn down a dozen bimbos. It wouldn’t change the fact that my interaction with Gaines and Cade would end once I finished their legal work. Gaines’s words from the previous night floated back to me: “One night. That’s all.” Our relationship was temporary, just like he’d said. The thought cast our lunch in a sobering light.
“Ben’s out front.” Cade swiped a lock of hair over my shoulder, his fingers brushing along my neck. “He’ll take you back to your office.”
Goosebumps rose along my arms, and I wanted to lean into his touch. “What about you two?”
“Our meeting is just up two blocks.” Gaines pointed to the right. “We’re buying a section of brownstones at auction. I like to check out properties myself whenever I can.”
“Control freak.” Cade grinned.
“Someone has to keep a tight hold on the reins around here.” Gaines held out his hand. I took it, and we shook like business associates. Then he leaned down, his lips skirting along the sensitive edge of my ear. “See you tonight.”
“If you think I’m going to stand by while some tart in a short skirt steals my clients, you’ve underestimated me!” Mr. Tarver stabbed a finger in the air, his voice trembling with rage.
“That’s not what I’m doing.” I clicked my pen and tried to keep my temper in check. Mr. Tarver had been standing in my door and slinging accusations for at least five minutes, his voice echoing down the hall. The entire firm had just heard about what a “tart” I was. But I maintained a mask of calm.
“It’s not? Then explain yourself or you’ll be out that door!” He crossed his arms over his chest.
I took a deep breath. “They are happy with our plan. I’m simply putting it into action. They haven’t said anything about changing leadership on their account. It’s very clear that I’m just an extension of you in this deal.”
“You don’t have what it takes to be an extension of me. You’ll never make partner, never be anything other than an associate. Let me tell you a little secret of this business. You’re either a finder, a minder, or a grinder.” He advanced one step closer, to the point where I considered grabbing my stapler for self-defense. “You will never be anything more than a grinder. I’ll see to it. You’ll be in this tiny office for the rest of your career if you try to cross me on this.”
I shook my head. “That’s not what I’m doing. I intend to finalize this deal tonight for you. Not for me.”
“Do you think I’m an idiot? Is that what you—”
“Mr. Tarver.” Rhonda appeared in the hallway behind him. “Your wife is on line two.” Even Rhonda raised her eyebrows and glanced uneasily from Mr. Tarver to me and back again.
“Tell her I’ll call her back.” Mr. Tarver was like a dog with a bone.
“She said it’s urgent.” For once, Rhonda seemed to have an interest in looking out for me.
“Fine.” He backed away. “Remember what I said.”
“I will.” I leaned back in my chair and took long, slow breaths. Fight or flight had kicked in when he’d advanced on me, and adrenaline rushed through me. How long could this go on? Maybe it was a good thing that Gaines’s and Cade’s business would be finished soon. Mr. Tarver needed to go back to openly hostile instead of actively aggressive.
My hands shook as I tried to refocus on the trust document I’d been typing. A quiet alarm deep inside me screamed that this sort of work environment was neither normal nor healthy, but I didn’t have much choice. If I tried to leave and Mr. Tarver got wind of it, he would ruin me. I’d never get a legal job in the city again. Biding my time and taking the abuse was what I would have to do.
I spent the rest of my day hunkered down, finishing up documents and combing through records to ensure I hadn’t missed any of Cade’s or Gaines’s property. The office quieted at about seven o’clock. I kept working, not lifting my eyes when I heard Mr. Tarver’s voice in the hallway as he and Rhonda walked to the elevator.
By eight o’clock, I was alone and almost finished with my initial trust drafting. My cell rang. The sound seemed over-loud in the quiet office. I swiped to answer it.
“We’re downstairs.” Gaines’s deep voice fell across me like a comforting balm.
“Okay. I’m coming.”
“See you in a minute.”
“Okay, bye.” I tapped to end the call and dashed to the printer to pick up my drafts. I slid them into an accordion file, then hit the elevator. At the bottom, the building’s lobby was empty save for Ed, the security guard. I waved as I used my key card to exit the building. He waved back.
Ben stood at the passenger door and opened it for me as I approached. The black stretch was back, and my heart skipped a beat. Gaines and Cade sat inside, deep in conversation. But when Cade saw me, he stopped talking. Both men looked, and the smiles that lit their faces erased the trauma of my day and replaced it with the simple joy of seeing a friend. Or two.
> Gaines stepped out so I could slide in the middle. Cade brushed his lips across mine in greeting. Then Gaines settled in beside me and did the same. I experienced the same sense of disbelief I’d had ever since I met them for dinner the prior night. Was this really happening?
“By the way.” Gaines pulled my hair away from my neck and kissed my throat. “You’re fired.”
Chapter Six
“This is so much nicer than anything I could have even imagined.” I stared out at the city from the top of Robins Tower, one of Gaines’s and Cade’s earliest investments. Once the city’s tallest building, it had become rundown and ignored as glass and steel towers rose nearby. Gaines and Cade had bought it, gutted it, and made it into one of the city’s finest jewels. It still dwarfed some of the surrounding skyscrapers and gave amazing views.
“Glad you like it.” Gaines stood beside me, his arm draped around my waist as we watched the city bustle along in the darkness.
Cade spoke to one of his vice presidents, giving instructions on how he wanted the brownstone transaction handled. We’d taken an entire private room at The Everett—the restaurant at the top of Robins Tower. Delicious smells wafted from the nearby kitchen and the guests’ conversations from the main dining room created a hum. A frosted glass door separated us from everyone else and gave an air of intimacy I enjoyed.
“Food’s here.” Cade stowed his phone and pulled a chair out from our table. “Sit.” He smiled at me.
“Such a gentleman.” I sat in the proffered chair, and he pushed it into position before sitting at my right, Gaines to my left.
“He’s a showoff.” Gaines draped his napkin across his lap.
“Don’t get jealous.” Cade offered the bread basket. I took a warm piece of baguette and stared around at the grandeur once more. The Everett favored ultra-modern décor. Sharp lines, dark wood, and polished metal shone under the lights, but nothing on the inside could beat the sweeping views of the city below.