Better than Sexy

by Carly Phillips

  Were they together? She wondered but reminded herself it didn’t matter. Given her family tree, she wouldn’t get involved with him, not knowing Vic was her brother. But they’d each given off some strong sexual tension, and she’d be shocked if Landon had a girlfriend. It would state something negative about his character that would be disappointing.

  “Vivi,” he said in a gruff, pleased voice.

  “Hi.” She pulled her handbag closer around her. “I can come back if it’s a bad time.”

  “Not at all. Come on in.” He stepped away from the woman in question and toward Vivi, gesturing for her to come closer. “Vivi, I’d like you to meet Amber Davis. Amber, this is Vivi Zane. She’s going to be our star singing act this summer.”

  “Nice to meet you,” Amber said, a smile on her pretty face. “I’m going to have to find a way to come see you sing! Assuming I can find a babysitter.”

  Babysitter? Was Landon a father? Vivi’s stomach twisted with an emotion she didn’t want to name.

  “You will,” he assured her. “You’ll meet people and it’ll all fall into place.”

  Totally lost, Vivi just stood there, listening.

  “Well, I’m going to go upstairs and talk to the guys. I’ll come back when LJ is ready to go to Serendipity?” Amber cocked her head to the side, her blonde hair falling over her shoulder, and Landon nodded.

  Obviously they had plans. Vivi did her best to shake off the jealousy she was feeling. Jealousy she had no right or reason to experience. She barely knew Landon and he was off-limits anyway.

  “Bye, Vivi. Nice to meet you,” Amber said as she strode off.

  “Bye.”

  Once they were alone, Landon met Vivi’s gaze, giving her one of his megawatt smiles that made her stomach flutter with too much awareness. “Jason didn’t mention you were coming by.”

  “Is it a problem?” she asked.

  “No, of course not. I’m glad to see you.”

  He sounded sincere, yet she felt as though she was getting mixed messages. The attraction between them was definitely still there, but it wasn’t appropriate if he was in a relationship with the other woman.

  “I’m sorry if I was interrupting a private moment.”

  He waved a hand, dismissing her words. “Amber is … the closest thing to a sister-in-law I’ll ever have. She’s my nephew’s mom.”

  Vivi blinked. “You have another brother?” He’d already told her about losing his twin.

  “No, no other brother.” He shoved his hands into the front pockets of his pants. “Amber was Levi’s college girlfriend. She got pregnant before he died and found out about the baby after he was gone.”

  “Oh my God.” Vivi placed a hand on her churning stomach. Her brother had killed a man and left a child without a father. Could this situation get any worse?

  “Are you okay? You’re pale.” Obviously concerned, Landon put a hand on her shoulder.

  “I–” She didn’t know what she was except sick at heart.

  “Come sit.” He slid his hand farther around her.

  Dizzy, she let him lead her to a chair and lowered herself into it. Knowing she had to pull herself together, she drew deep, slow breaths.

  “Can I get you a glass of water?” He knelt down in front of her, concern on his handsome face.

  She shook her head. “I’m sorry. I didn’t eat this morning and it just hit me,” she lied.

  God, the damage her brother had caused Landon and his family … she could never make up for it. Saying yes to this opportunity was a mistake. It didn’t matter that the money would help her personally, she’d done it mostly because he’d talked her into it, saying she’d be helping them. “Landon–”

  “Vivi–”

  She managed a laugh, which alleviated the awful feeling in her stomach. “You first.”

  His warm, seductive blue eyes held on to hers, drawing her in. “I want to show you around,” he said, changing the subject. “Let you see where you’ll be working, and then I can take you upstairs, where there’s a refrigerator and food. You can grab something to eat, check out the offices and then the apartment that’ll be yours.”

  She blew out a breath. “About that–”

  “You have no idea how excited my partners are that you said yes,” he said before she could continue. “We’re already planning a huge advertising campaign around you, we’ve hired a PR firm, and since we have three weeks for you to get ready, we’re giving you access during the day for rehearsals.”

  They’d already heavily invested in her summer residency, she thought, her heart thudding hard. These men and their business were counting on her, leaving her unable to bail on them because of her personal guilt. All she could do was perform her heart out and hope they never found out who she really was.

  “Here I am rambling about my excitement. So what did you want to tell me?” he asked.

  She shook her head. “Nothing. It wasn’t important. I’m feeling better, so how about that grand tour?”

  He winked and wrapped his big, warm hand around hers and pulled her to her feet. “Come on. The bar is obvious but come check out the stage.” They walked toward the large area. “There’s an expansive dance floor and a stage that will hold you and your band. And the baby grand is yours to use.”

  She glanced at him curiously. “Do you use it?” She walked over and ran her fingers over the keyboard. “I mean, you mentioned that you used to play.” She glanced at his hands and long fingers made for playing and other seductive pleasures.

  He immediately curled them into fists at his sides, dispelling that erotic notion. “I don’t play anymore. Haven’t in years. Let’s go to the apartment,” he said roughly.

  Taking that as forbidden territory, which she respected given how many secrets she had of her own, she nodded. “I’d love to see.”

  He placed his hand on the small of her back and led her to the elevator Amber had taken earlier. Even through the fabric of her dress, his palm felt like a brand against her skin.

  They stepped out into a small hallway, and he pulled a set of keys from his pocket, opened the door, and let them inside.

  She took in the gorgeous chrome, black, and white décor and her eyes opened wide. There was a wall unit with a built-in bar, comfortable-looking leather sofas, and reclining chairs across from a large-screen television hanging on the wall. The walls were painted a soft white without a chip or crack to be seen.

  The kitchen wasn’t large but she didn’t need it to be. There was adequate counter space with a gorgeous granite top in a mixed swirl of white and black, and a microwave for easy prep, which was all she did, considering until now she hadn’t had the money for gourmet meals. Pasta, soup and sandwich, and finished. But the granite gleamed as did the shiny silver hardware on the white cabinets.

  A place like this was heaven to a girl like her. “Oh my God, this is beautiful.” Knowing she was gawking, she turned to face him. “You’re sure you don’t need this for someone else?” She couldn’t believe they were offering her such a luxurious place to stay as part of her contract. Sure, she’d heard of such a thing, but she’d never expected it for herself.

  He rolled his broad shoulders. “We don’t need it. We all took turns staying here when we had late nights back when the guys were single. Jason is married and would much rather go home to his wife, and Tanner is engaged. End result is the same.”

  “And you?” She eyed him curiously. “You don’t want an easy place to crash?” Or a place to bring women? she wondered. It would be very convenient for single men to have an apartment upstairs.

  He leaned against the bar, looking at ease and sexy. She loved his casual look, a pair of dark jeans and a light blue faded tee shirt, accentuating those blue eyes.

  “I have a three-bedroom nearby. It’s a renovated warehouse that’s now an oversized apartment. I can be home in five minutes, no problem.”

  “Okay then.”

  “We moved our things out and had the place professionally
cleaned. It’s all yours,” he assured her. “Want to check out the bedroom?”

  The word dropped between them like a bomb ready to go off, because despite her having drawn an invisible line she knew better than to cross, she wanted to get to know him better. To let her sexual attraction for him show. Unfortunately, she couldn’t do it.

  He, however, had other ideas, because he extended his hand, and unable to resist despite the lectures she’d given herself thus far, she placed her palm inside his, and he led her to the bedroom in the far corner of the apartment.

  * * *

  The minute Landon led Vivi into the small room, which was taken up mostly by the bed, he knew he was in trouble. Dirty thoughts immediately filled his mind of himself and Vivi tangled together on the mattress. His hands wrapped in her long hair, his cock deep inside her body. At the thought, the anatomy in question threatened to make itself known. He cleared his throat and turned away until he had himself under control. Then he spun back around.

  “So this is the bedroom,” she said, looking around the immaculate space.

  “Yes, it is. Feel free to put your own touches on it for as long as you’re here.” The decorator had pulled together an apartment for three single men.

  She treated him to a generous smile. “Thank you.”

  Knowing he’d be tempting himself and not caring, he stepped closer until her feminine fragrance filled his nostrils. They stared at each other for a long, charged moment, desire he couldn’t escape building inside him.

  She met his gaze and her lips parted. It wasn’t an invitation, but her eyes still held his, and she wasn’t backing away either.

  He slid his hand behind her neck, cupping her soft skin. “I know I’m your boss, so no pressure,” he said as he applied a bit to her skin. “But I want to kiss you.”

  She paused. Looked up at him. Then rose onto her toes. His mouth met hers. Warm and willing, her soft lips glided against his and his entire body came alive. He tightened his grip on her neck as he slid his tongue into her waiting mouth. She tasted sweet and he deepened the kiss, wanting more of her. With a moan, her body leaned against his, her breasts pressing against his chest.

  Their tongues meshed and mingled. Their harsh breathing filled the room. The kiss went on and he was in no rush to end the moment. But suddenly she gasped and pulled away.

  “We shouldn’t,” she said, brushing her damp lips with her hand.

  “Because…?”

  She swallowed hard. “I just … I need to focus on my work,” she said, turning away so he couldn’t see her face.

  He narrowed his gaze, wondering if something more was at play. A woman didn’t kiss him like she did, then back off that easily. But he also wasn’t going to push her. He’d see how things between them played out during her time here and take his cues from her. Which didn’t mean he wouldn’t play up the charm and test her resolve.

  “I think the apartment will work out well.” She headed for the door.

  “Do you need help moving in?”

  “I’ve got it but thank you,” she said in a strained voice.

  “Who’s helping?” he persisted.

  “Well, Ellie. Owen wouldn’t get his hands dirty moving my clothing over. It’s fine. We’ve got it. She’s borrowing her parents’ car.”

  He rolled his eyes. “I’ll be over at eight a.m. tomorrow and we’ll get you moved in.”

  He wasn’t going to leave the two women to drag all her things alone back and forth up to the apartment.

  “We’ll get me moved in?”

  He grinned. “I’ve got partners, don’t I? All you need to worry about is packing your things up. We’ll handle the rest.”

  “But–”

  He placed a finger to her lips, and damned if her eyes didn’t darken with desire. She might be focused on her career, but she was interested in him as well.

  “No buts,” he told her. “You’re ours to take care of now.”

  * * *

  That kiss blew Vivi’s mind and stayed there while she wrapped plastic garbage bags over the clothes in her closet so she could just rehang them in her new one. She boxed up everything else. There wasn’t all that much. She’d be buying stage clothes for this residency with her advance paycheck. And memories of Landon’s sexy mouth on hers kept her up all night and well into the morning.

  It wasn’t just the talent of those lips and that tongue; no, it was the explosive chemistry she’d never shared with anyone before. Vivi had had relationships in her past, and they’d always ended on an easy note, including the last one with the drummer in her band. The attraction, what little there usually was with past men, tended to fade away along with the desire for her to remain attached. But she’d never experienced a kiss that had exploded throughout her entire being and taken her out of her own mind.

  She’d come close to crawling up Landon’s hard body, tackling him, and ending up on the bed that’d been close by. But her ever-present guilty conscience had chosen that moment to rear its head. He deserved a woman who could come to him free of ugly entanglements in their past. And that wasn’t her.

  So she’d broken the kiss and tried to leave, but he’d been insistent on helping her, and now he was coming over early this morning for her move into the club apartment. Where she’d see him every day and her body would react to him every waking minute.

  She rose early and headed downstairs, buying a Dunkin’ Box O’ Joe that included ten cups of coffee, along with a dozen donuts for her, Ellie, Landon, and his partners.

  At eight on the dot, the men showed up, to Vivi’s surprise, with their women, too.

  “We’re here to help,” a curvy blonde with a sweet smile said. “I’m Faith Dare. And you must be Vivi.” She extended her hand and Vivi shook it. “This is my husband, Jason.” She gestured to a handsome man with brown hair and a scruff of beard. “Tanner Grayson and his fiancee, Scarlett,” Faith said, continuing with the introductions to all good-looking people, as Vivi took each person’s hand in turn.

  “Where’s Landon?” she asked, glancing over their shoulders.

  “He stopped at Dunkin’. He thinks he had to bribe us all to help but we wanted to come,” Scarlett said.

  Vivi laughed. “I already did the same thing. There’s a box in the kitchen and a dozen donuts. But since I only planned on the guys, his coffee run will help. Especially if you’re all big caffeine drinkers.”

  “Oh, trust me, we are,” Tanner said.

  “Then let’s go to the kitchen.” She gestured a step or two away in her little apartment, and they all congregated around the counter. “I picked up cups from the store. Make yourselves at home.” Vivi moved aside so everyone could pour their coffee.

  “Door’s open. I’m coming in!” Ellie stepped inside and Vivi met her at the apartment entrance. “What is going on?” her friend asked, looking at the crowd of people in Vivi’s small apartment.

  “Apparently Landon decided I needed help moving, and he brought his partners. And they brought their women.” Vivi tipped her head toward the couples.

  “A real family affair,” Ellie said with a snicker. “So, care to introduce me?”

  Before Vivi could do just that, Landon arrived with the same box of coffee and donuts Vivi had bought. She took one look at him in his jeans and tee shirt, biceps visible, his hair still slightly damp, a grin on his handsome face, and the lady parts he’d woken up yesterday came back to life. She didn’t glance down at her tee shirt, not wanting to draw attention to her now perky nipples.

  “Come in,” she said with a sweep of her hand. “Just put the coffee and donuts on the counter next to mine.”

  He grinned at her statement. “I guess great minds think alike. But I’m sure we’ll drink and eat it all while we’re loading up cars.”

  Since the apartment above the club was furnished, she didn’t have to worry about moving heavy pieces, and besides, the crap items she owned weren’t worth keeping. She’d already made a deal with her landlord. He’d keep t
he furnishings and she’d forgo her security deposit.

  Landon headed to the kitchen area and her gaze fell to his backside. His jeans molded to his firm ass, and she wondered what it would be like to cup her hands around him and–

  “Oh my God, you want to fuck him!” Ellie said. At least she’d kept her voice to a whisper, but it still sounded too loud for Vivi’s taste.

  “Shhh!” She glared at her friend. “What’s wrong with you? All his family and friends are right there.” She tipped her head.

  “Are you going to act on that attraction?” Ellie asked, eyes wide and curious.

  Vivi shook her head. “No.” Not again, she thought. That first time had been a slipup. One she couldn’t make again, and she hadn’t told her friend about the kiss, either. “Now hush. He’s coming back.”

  Landon returned, coffee cup in hand. “Are you ready to load up?”

  She nodded. “The clothes are still on hangers, covered with garbage bags for protection. Everything else is boxed up. Honestly, there isn’t that much. We didn’t need all these people.”

  He chuckled. “Want to know a secret?” He leaned in close, the scent of his aftershave overwhelming her in the best possible way. “The women are nosey. They wanted to meet you and they didn’t want to wait for you to get settled at the club.”

  She was kind of flattered. “That’s sweet and we’ve already been introduced. But I don’t think we need them to help me move.”

  Landon leaned a hip against the radiator by the wall. “Tell you what. Point me to the boxes and clothes, I’ll grab the guys, and you can indulge their curiosity and talk with them for a while.” His glance included Ellie but lingered on Vivi.

  “Listen to him!” Faith, who Vivi hadn’t realized had joined them, said.

  The bubbly blonde struck Vivi as the more outgoing one of the two. Scarlett seemed the more watch-and-assess-before-acting type.

  Realizing she was outvoted as far as her helping, Vivi directed the men to the bedroom for the clothing and pointed out the boxes at the other end of her living room.

  “So, you are going to love living above the club,” Faith told her.

  “Agreed.” Scarlett came up beside Ellie, who watched with amusement.