by Ella Jade
“That bothers you?” She wanted to understand him.
“I’m not looking to be the next Bachelor.”
“I’m sure that show would love you. Rich, successful, and totally hot.”
“You think I’m hot?” He smirked all smug-like and sexy.
“Like you didn’t already know?”
“That I’m hot or that you thought I was hot?”
“You are arrogant.”
“I don’t have time for a relationship. My job is very demanding.”
“You still need a social life.” She shrugged. “Not that I have time for one.”
“You see, that’s why my proposition is perfect.”
When he turned to leave the room she reached out and touched his tattoo. She couldn’t stop herself. His muscles tightened under her fingers. He looked over his shoulder and into her eyes.
“I didn’t expect this.” She traced over the keys. “Do you play?”
He nodded as he held her gaze.
“It’s really good.” She moved closer to get a better look. She wasn’t sure where her boldness came from but she couldn’t stop touching his heated skin. “Did you have it done in the city?”
“Um, yes.” He spoke so low she almost missed it.
“Old Souls Tattoo Parlor?” She saw a date written underneath the picture. She wondered what it symbolized.
“How did you know that?”
“I’m friends with Jake. He’s a remarkable artist. His tats almost pop off the skin. I could tell by the color scheme this was his work. It looks like you could almost play this miniature piano.” She continued to run her fingers over the image. “He’s done all of mine.”
“You have more?” He turned to face her. “I saw the one at the nape of your neck.”
“I have a few more.”
“Where?” She felt his breath on her lips.
“Wouldn’t you like to know?” She gave him a flirty smile. “You better get ready for dinner.”
“Only if you’ll promise to tell me later.”
“Maybe I’ll show you.”
“You like to tease me, don’t you? That could be dangerous.”
“I’ll take my chances.” She winked. “Now go before my towel falls.”
He shot her that sexy, crooked smile before shaking his head and making his way to the bathroom.
She watched as he strode out of the room with boardroom confidence and sexy charisma that made him the most desirable man she’d ever met. Could she ever have a man like him? She was more than determined to find out.
A HALF AN HOUR LATER, Coda walked down the staircase and to the banquet room with Spencer by her side. The hint of his spice-scented shaving cream lingered in the air between them. His clean, manly aroma made her body tingle in all the right places.
How had she become so attracted to him in such a short time? She had never been one to obsess or fall head over heels for anyone. She’d only had two boyfriends in her twenty-three years. She really didn’t count Joey, her high school sweetheart, as serious but she did lose her virginity to him, so he made the list of two. The other, Frankie, was from the neighborhood. Coda had passed the time with him while in college. He lacked ambition. When he went to prison for stealing a car, she decided to swear off men and finish her education. Being in close proximity to a man like Spencer made her realize how long of a dry spell she’d experienced. Who wouldn’t be drawn in by a man like him?
“Spencer,” a stunning copper-haired woman said as she approached them. “There you are. Why didn’t you find me when you arrived?”
“Sorry, Mom.” He leaned in a kissed her cheek. “I had some work to do.”
Mom? This woman didn’t look old enough to be Spencer’s mom. Her tall, toned form and flawless skin made her appear much younger than a mom to an almost thirty year old man.
“You’re not supposed to be working, especially since you brought a guest.” His mother smiled at Coda. “Tyler told me you brought a friend. I’m Jenna.”
“Mom, this is Coda Vercelli.” Spencer put his hand on the small of Coda’s back and nudged her closer to his mom. “Coda, this is my mother.”
“It’s very nice to meet you,” Coda said.
“My son didn’t mention he was bringing a date.” She looked at Spencer, obviously expecting an answer.
“It was a last minute thing,” he explained. “I was lucky Coda said yes.”
“Coda...such an unusual name,” Jenna said.
“It’s short for Dakota. My father was a musician and my mother a groupie.” A nervous laugh escaped her mouth. “They were a little out there.”
“Spencer’s father was a musician too. A pianist for the New York Philharmonic. Did he tell you that?”
“No, he didn’t.” That would explain the significance of his tattoo. “Is Mr. Cannon here too?”
“No,” Spencer said as he looked at his mother. “He passed away several years ago.”
“I’m sorry.” Coda fidgeted with her hands. “You never mentioned that.”
When would he have had the time to mention it? In the two days they knew one another?
“It’s okay.” He took her hand in his. “I don’t talk about it often.”
“Where are you from, Coda?” Jenna asked.
“Brooklyn.” She hoped that was okay to tell her. Spencer never said she should hide where she came from.
“My seamstress is from there.”
“Mom, Coda doesn’t know everyone who lives in Brooklyn,” Spencer said. “Are you ready to go into the dining room?”
“Maybe she knows Maria.” His mother thought for a moment. “I can’t think of her last name. She’s a brilliant woman. She can do anything with a sewing machine.”
“Maria Bruno?” Coda asked, knowing her neighbor had picked up many upscale clients from the city because of the work she could do with a pin and needle.
“Yes, you do know her.” She smirked at Spencer. “See.”
“I grew up with her daughter.” Coda remembered what good people they were.
“Such a small world. Has she done any work for you? The dresses she makes are gorgeous.”
“No, not yet,” Coda said. “I haven’t required her services.”
“Make sure you go to her for alterations too.” Jenna looked Coda over. “This dress is adorable. Classic yet sultry. You have impeccable taste.”
“Thanks.” Coda acknowledged Spencer. “I had some help.”
“Spencer, have you told this beautiful girl how spectacular she looks this evening?”
“No, I haven’t.”
“Why not?” Jenna scolded. “You want to keep her, don’t you?”
“Yes, well, I mean...”
Coda had never seen Spencer so flustered. It was cute.
“Look, Coda, my son is tongue-tied. That never happens to him. He must really like you.”
“Mom, that’s quite enough,” Spencer said. “Let’s go into the dining room. I’m sure they’re waiting for us.”
“I’ll ease up on you.” Jenna hugged her son. “I’ll talk about you behind your back at the spa tomorrow.”
“Spa?” Spencer asked.
“Yes, while you’re out golfing with the boys all of the women are doing a spa day. Coda, you’ll join us.”
“I’m not sure.” Coda had never been to a spa before. She’d seen plenty of them while walking the streets of Manhattan but she’d never had the money to indulge. “We didn’t plan for that.” She looked at Spencer. “I didn’t know you were golfing.”
“Nonsense,” Jenna said. “I’ll go to the front desk and make sure they get you an appointment. They’ll bring extra staff in if they have to. Don’t worry. I’ll take care of it right now.”
“You don’t have to do that,” Coda said. “I don’t want to cause a problem.”
“It wouldn’t be any trouble,” Spencer told her.
“I insist,” Jenna said. “All the women are going, including the bridal party.”
“Y
ou don’t have to go if you don’t want to.” Spencer stared into her eyes. “Don’t feel pressured.”
“Don’t be ridiculous, Spencer, love,” his mother said. “Why wouldn’t she want to spend a relaxing day at the spa getting pampered? She’ll look even more beautiful for you tomorrow afternoon.”
“I’d like to go.” Coda smiled at Jenna. For whatever reason, his mother made her feel good. Coda wanted to spend time with her and learn more about Spencer.
“Of course. You should go.” Spencer nodded. “Mom, please make the arrangements. Have them charge the services to my account. If you have a problem due to the late notice let me know and I’ll get it done.”
“My dear boy, where do you think you inherited those persuasive skills from?” Jenna laughed. “I’ll take care of everything. I can’t wait to spend some time with you, Coda. I want to hear all about how you met my son.”
“It’s quite a story,” Coda said as Spencer took her hand. “Thanks, Mrs. Cannon.”
“You can call me Jenna. I’ll see you in the dining room.” She made her way to the front desk.
“I hope you know what you’re getting yourself into,” he said. “You’ll be trapped with my mother all day, and she’ll grill you about the two of us.”
“You’re paying me well.” She squeezed his hand. “I can hold my own.”
“I don’t doubt that.”
Chapter 4
Spencer watched as Coda mingled with Tyler and a few of his cousins. She fit right in with his family. He hadn’t expected the girl from Brooklyn to blend as well as she had, but there was nothing predictable about her. The more time he spent with her, the more he wanted to get to know her. How had she managed to dominate his every thought in a matter of hours?
“She’s stunning,” Tara said.
“There’s the beautiful bride.” He hugged his cousin. “I didn’t think I’d ever get a second with you.”
“You’ve been occupied.” She motioned toward Coda. “I was shocked when I heard you were bringing a date.”
“It was a last minute decision.” He shrugged. “I hope you don’t mind.”
“I think it’s great. She’s so pretty too. Is it serious?”
“We haven’t been together long.”
“She must be special to bring her on a long weekend with your entire family. You never bring anyone home.”
“Yeah, well, this is a special occasion. My little cousin is marrying the governor’s son if you haven’t heard.”
“So she is.” Tara’s smile proved to Spencer how in love she was. “Maybe my favorite cousin will be next.”
“Don’t rush me.” He laughed. “One wedding this decade is enough. You’ve outdone yourself.”
“My mother is over-the-top on a good day. Throw in Ben’s mom and you end up with a five-day celebration. Make sure you have lots of fun. It’s certainly costing enough.”
“I will.” He kissed her cheek. “Congratulations. I’m really happy for you.”
“Thanks.” Tara looked around the room and watched as Ava danced with Ben. “Has Ava given you any trouble?”
“She’s just Ava, you know?”
“I try to keep her in line,” Tara said. “You shocked her too. She had no idea you were seeing someone.”
“I don’t announce my every move on Facebook.”
Spencer felt bad about lying to his cousin but Ava would have pursued him all weekend. He didn’t want to hurt Ava either, but they weren’t compatible, and if she thought Spencer had moved on maybe she could too. It would be better for everyone.
“You’ve been broken up for months. You don’t have to explain to her. She’ll get over it and so will Pierce.”
“I hope so.”
“Hey, you need to go after what your heart wants.” She smiled, making Spencer feel even worse about his little charade. “You put everything you have into that company but need to have a life too. I hope your new friend knows what a wonderful guy you are.”
“Do we really need to be sappy?”
“It’s my wedding. I can do whatever I want.” She punched his shoulder. “I need to go make the rounds. Have fun.”
“Talk to you soon.”
Tara headed off to greet some more guests. He couldn’t have been happier for her and Ben. They had been together all through college. Their bliss must have been infectious. Weddings had never hit an emotional chord with him before, but tonight he felt inspired.
As the music slowed, Spencer searched for his date. He made his way over to ask her to dance, but his grandfather beat him to her.
“Hello, Ms. Vercelli,” his grandfather said as Spencer approached them. “I’ve been waiting to meet you.”
“Mr. Cannon.” She extended her hand. “It’s nice to finally meet you. I’ve heard so much about you.”
“Grandfather,” Spencer said. “How are you?”
“Spencer, where have you been hiding this lovely young woman?”
“I would have introduced you at dinner, but you were busy talking with the senator, and I didn’t want to interrupt.”
“Hmm, well, I had to come over and introduce myself. Ms. Vercelli is the talk of the room. I was hoping you’d agree to a dance?”
“I’d love to. Thanks for asking.”
“Spencer, I’ll occupy your date for you.”
Spencer watched as his grandfather led Coda to the dance floor. She looked over her shoulder and shot a devious smirk in his direction. He shook his head and chuckled to himself. His date proved to be quite a challenge. First she bonded with his mother and now she danced with his intimidating grandfather. He wondered what she would discuss with the old man.
“Grandfather seems absolutely intrigued by your date. Just like the rest of the family. No one can believe you showed up with a girl. You’ve never done that before,” Tyler said as he handed Spencer a glass of his favorite scotch. “Where did you find her anyway?”
Spencer watched as his grandfather twirled her around the dance floor. “She was right under my nose.”
“If you didn’t use an escort service where did she come from?”
“She cleans the office after hours.” He sipped his drink. “But no one else needs to know that.”
“How did I miss her?”
“Hey, she’s off-limits to you.” He wanted to make sure his brother understood he would never have Coda. Tyler had a habit of chasing every pretty girl in a skirt, but he wasn’t getting this girl.
“You invited a stranger to spend the weekend with you?” Tyler snickered. “I didn’t see that coming.”
“I paid her to accompany me. It was a business proposition.” Spencer continued to watch as Coda laughed. She’d managed to captivate his grandfather in a matter of minutes. She had a gift when it came to the Cannon men.
“Ah, fuck! I definitely didn’t see that coming.”
“Yeah, well, she needed the money and I needed a companion so it all worked out.”
“So, it’s nothing but business?” Tyler asked skeptically.
“Business.”
Spencer needed to convince more than his brother of that fact. He couldn’t fall for the distraction. That wasn’t part of the plan. This was strictly a business deal, even if she had stirred some emotions in him when she touched his tattoo. Spencer tried to tell himself it was normal to get worked up over a beautiful woman standing there in nothing but a towel touching him the way she had. The convincing didn’t go as well as planned, and he had to take matters into his own hand when he showered.
“Then why haven’t you stopped staring at her since she started dancing with Grandfather?”
“Don’t be ridiculous. I’m not watching her.” He glanced at Tyler and then back to Coda. He couldn’t help himself. He seemed to be addicted to her.
“You know, Ava’s not happy you didn’t come alone.”
“She needs to forget about me. I thought this would be the best way. Wasn’t this your idea?”
“She threw a tantrum before d
inner. Pierce went to Grandfather and expressed his displeasure.”
“That’s not my problem.” He shook his head when he thought about a grown woman acting so desperate. He wasn’t sure what was worse, Ava’s attitude or her grandfather’s incessant need to fix everything for her. The whole situation was absurd, and no one seemed to realize this was Spencer’s life.
“I think it is.”
“How do you figure?”
“If your companion is in need of money, how do you know she won’t take Grandfather’s cash as a counter offer to yours?”
“What the hell are you talking about?”
“Pierce asked Grandfather to make your date disappear. I’m sure he’s offering her a higher incentive than you did. You know they want you to marry Ava. Money isn’t a factor.”
“Oh, for Christ’s sake.” Spencer placed his drink on the bar and stormed over to where Coda and his grandfather danced. He tapped the older man on the shoulder. “I think I’d like a turn now. You’ve had her long enough.”
“Maybe I don’t want to let her go,” he said. “You’ve outdone yourself this time, Spencer.”
“Jack, you’re such a charmer.” Coda smiled. “You’ve done nothing but flatter me.”
Jack?
“Spencer, why didn’t you tell me Coda was a graphic designer? Have you seen her work? Why isn’t she being considered at the agency?”
“Um, well?” Spencer ran his hand through his hair. A graphic designer? “I didn’t—”
“Jack,” Coda interrupted, “I told you, I finished college in the spring. I’m still figuring out what I want to do.”
“Nonsense, girl,” Jack said. “You get your resume to the art department on Monday morning. I’m sure we can find something for you to do. We’re taking on three major accounts next month thanks to my hotshot grandson over here.” He pointed at Spencer. “We need fresh talent. Don’t we?”
“Can I dance with my date now?” Spencer took her hand.
“As much as I hate to leave you, I do have business to discuss with my partner. You’ll save me another dance, sweetheart?” His grandfather let go of her waist and guided her into Spencer’s waiting arms.