Natalia frowned. “Really, what’s so special about his little brother? Is he famous?”
Kalilah shook her head. “Kinda. They are Sinclairs, after all. You’ve probably heard of his brother, Dex Sinclair.”
Natalia mouth made a big “O”. “He’s Dex Sinclair’s big brother? They are like day and night. This makes a lot more sense. I understand now. I was sure I could help him before, now I know exactly what to do.” She beamed.
“Why were you confused?” Kalilah was curious. “Did something happen?”
Natalia shrugged. “Not really; it’s just he’s a regular guy. Pretty cute if you like the windblown look. He has a lot of potential. He could easily be a lady-killer. He has an average person’s body. There is nothing crazy going on under his shirt. Yet, he was so self-conscious. I couldn’t make the connection.”
“Dex is that hot, huh?” Kalilah had to remember to Google him.
Natalia nodded. “Dex is gorgeous! Some of my model friends use to fawn all over him. They would try to get in his pants. Here’s the thing, though; Nick could be that guy. The major difference is Dex’s confidence is through the roof. Dex is attractive, and he knows it. Nick is attractive, as well; he doesn’t know it yet. It’s like he thinks he’s unattractive or invisible.”
“I’m working on it. That’s why I put him in your hands. I think he will feel better.”
Natalia broke into a huge smile, displaying her own set of dimples. She really was beautiful. Skank.
“I will take good care of him. He will be dropping panties, and by panties, I mean yours, in no time. Although, I have a feeling that he doesn’t have to do all this to drop them.”
“Nope. Good luck telling him that, though.”
Nick slumped into his chair at work very carefully. Everything hurt. He didn’t have the energy to think. Natalia may be incredibly beautiful, but she was tough. Luckily, he had today off from the gym because she wants him to be ready for the scheduled workouts. Day One, and he was already questioning his decision to see her seven times five days a week. Nick sipped his green smoothie, his new breakfast option, and booted up his computer.
Kalilah had dropped him off after his workout because she’d had a family function that afternoon. They’d chatted a little, but something seemed different. She wasn’t the guarded Kalilah that he’d dealt with that morning, but she also wasn’t the open, easy-going Kalilah that she had been since they started hanging out.
He hoped that she wasn’t going to change her mind. His stomach dropped every time his phone chimed; the last thing he wanted was to get a message from her calling it off. He had to win her full attention back. But how?
Without warning, his brain switched to her arousing kisses and how she’d kept him in a constant state of arousal all weekend. He remembered how it felt to have her soft body pressed against his while he sucked on her nipples. His blood warmed his body, and he felt his skin start to prickle with arousal. Nick tried to shift his focus to work, but his traitor of a brain decided to revisit how it felt to have her hand wrapped around his cock while she moaned his name in his ear. He sucked in a breath.
Why didn’t I fuck her?
He needed to get control over his hormones. Someone knocked on his door, and he prayed it was Kalilah, though he highly doubted it.
“Come in,” Nick responded then took another sip of his smoothie.
Andrew Sinclair strolled through the door like he owned the place. Well, technically he did, but did every fiber in his being have to suggest it?
“Hey, Nicholas. I haven’t seen you in a while.” Nick knew that was code for ‘Why didn’t you visit your mother yesterday.’
“Dad, we work in the same building five days a week.”
Andrew sat down in Nick’s guest chair and crossed his ankle over his knee. He wore a perfectly tailored suit as usual. Today, it was navy with a gray shirt and accents. He looked every bit of rich and powerful. To an outsider, he would look cool and casual. Nick knew his dad well enough to know he was annoyed and disappointed in his eldest. Again.
“Nicholas, could you at least call you mother sometimes?” Nick nodded. “Also, when do you plan to start acting like a VP? You missed another meeting last week, and I have a feeling that you’re not showing up this week. You are supposed to attend meetings, Nicholas. You know? Lead by example.”
Nick sighed on the inside. He could never just ask how he was doing or anything like that. It was always a critique.
“I’m usually busy. I have a lot of work to do, and I always turn my reports in early or on time.”
Andrew sighed like he was having an argument with a child. “I’m not talking about your work quality. I am talking about your work obligations. You refuse to put your office on the third floor with the rest of the VPs, and you are rarely in dress code. Do you even own slacks?”
Nick knew the question was rhetorical, but he answered anyway. “Of course, I have slacks. And I meet all of the obligations.”
Andrew sighed and stood. “Well, I have work to do, and this isn’t going anywhere.” He opened the door. “I’ll see you around.”
Nick was so frustrated with his dad. If he was dramatic, he would push some shit off his desk or throw something. Instead, he pinched the bridge of his nose and took a few deep breaths. He didn’t know if he would ever be good enough for his dad. He was at a frustrating impasse.
Chapter 10
I t was 10 PM on a Wednesday, and Nick sped down the street to Kalilah’s house. It had been two long weeks, and Nick had yet to get any alone time with her. He glanced at his phone. Scratch that – two and a half weeks since he’d been alone with Kalilah. He cursed under his breath and increased his speed. He knew showing up unannounced was not always best, but he needed to see her even if it was for ten minutes.
Their ugly schedules attacked them in full force. His team had a major outage to handle when one of the cables that ran phone and internet into the company was accidentally cut by a construction company while they were working on a new site. It threw his schedule into overdrive and after it was fixed, he was behind schedule with his regular job duties. All the other departments were affected as well, creating more work for Kalilah. She was at work at least an hour earlier every day and stayed until at least eight at night.
Nick was just as tired; between the emergencies, his new workout schedule, and meal prepping, he was burning the candle at both ends, and he hardly had time to breathe. He was determined to do everything Natalia told him to do.
He smiled with they talked about his progress and looked at his “before” photos. Since his diet was so strict and he worked out with Natalia seven times a week, he’d lost fifteen pounds and a good percentage of fat. He’d also gained muscle; he could see more definition in his arms, shoulders, legs, and back. Nick felt stronger and more alert. The little extra belly fat was gone, and he’d formed the line in his abdomen which meant he could be getting some abs soon.
When they’d talked about his body goals and she learned that he wanted a six-pack, Natalia quickly informed him that his diet was the major factor in determining if he would get ab muscles. He had memorized the diet plan she made him and lived by it like it was a lifeline. He could kiss Natalia; she was really good at what she did. Although, the only person he wanted to kiss was Kalilah.
Nick had talked to her briefly a few times, but nothing substantial, and they hadn’t made any plans. He missed her. He pulled into her driveway and saw her brake lights flash and the horn honk. Did she just lock her car? Nick touched the hood; still warm – she must have just gotten home. Nick rang the doorbell and wiped his palms on his jeans. He was filled with anticipation and his heart started to beat faster. Kalilah opened the door, and his heart almost exploded.
“What the hell…” he said before he realized he’d opened his mouth.
Kalilah raised her brows. “Well, hello to you too, Nick.” She turned and walked toward her kitchen and Nick groaned. She looked over her shoulder. “Are you coming in or do y
ou plan on standing in my doorway staring at me?”
Nick came in and kicked the door closed and started to follow her. His brain started to work a little, and he remembered to turn and lock her door. His blood had vacated the rest of his body and all moved to his erection. Nick took a few breaths to try to calm his reaction to her. It didn’t work. He’d planned to just see her for a moment, hug her, and maybe get a kiss. His hormones had different plans, and it was partially her fault.
Kalilah was currently wearing black patent leather Mary-Jane shoes, white knee-high stockings, a plaid skirt that barely covered her ass, and a white crop top shirt that tied under her breasts with a deep v; it was practically a bra. Underneath, she wore and black lacy push-up bra that made her breasts scream “touch me.” Her flat stomach and back were completely exposed showing him a lot of her reddish-brown skin. She had on a black lace choker and her hair was in two wavy pigtails. Her make-up was a smoky eye and scarlet red lips.
Nick hissed, “Were you doing research again?”
Kalilah nodded. “Yup. I decided to spice up a weekday. Got great material tonight. Apparently, the naughty school girl is still a big hit.” She turned and opened the fridge. “Do you want something to drink?”
She bent over to reach a ginger ale on the bottom shelf. She was wearing matching lacy black boy shorts that were designed to not fully cover her fantastic ass cheeks. That was the last straw. Nick stalked to Kalilah and placed his hands on her hips. He ground his hardness on her ass while he traced a finger down her spine.
“Nick…” she moaned.
Nick let her stand, and he turned her around. He took the soda out of her hand and placed it on the counter behind Kalilah. Her pupils were dilated, and her lips were slightly parted. Nick traced her bottom lip with his thumb.
He leaned in close and murmured, “You don’t play fair.” He breathed in her scent.
Kalilah smiled; she was a smart ass at heart. “So, I take it the naughty school girl is one of your favorites, too?”
His lips were almost touching hers. “Yes, but anything you wear will be my favorite.”
Nick crushed his lips against hers. She didn’t resist and returned his kiss with equal passion. Nick pressed her against the refrigerator and trapped her with his body. He changed the angle and deepened the kiss; Kalilah moaned. She wrapped her arms around his neck and tangled her fingers in his hair. Nick’s hands traveled down her body and squeezed her ass under her skirt. He needed her to feel what she did to him. He lifted her. She wrapped her legs around his waist, aligning his cock with her warm center.
Would I have been able to do that three weeks ago? Nick thought.
Kalilah broke the kiss and moaned.
“Oh, Nick…”
He used the opportunity to nibble on her neck and collarbone. He untied her shirt and ripped it open. Her lace clad breasts greeted him. Nick growled and grazed one of her nipples with his teeth and licked the bud through the fabric. She rubbed herself against his cock in response. The friction made Nick’s heart beat faster.
Nick was losing control. The need for her was pushing him over the edge of reason. He’d only come to see her for a moment.
“I want you so bad,” Nick rasped in her ear. Kalilah reached between them and tugged at the hem of his shirt. Nick wrapped his hand around her wrist. “Not yet. Not now.”
Kalilah let out a frustrated sigh. “Put me down.”
Nick complied. Kalilah pushed past him, kicked off her shoes, and headed to her room.
Nick rubbed his hands through his hair and took a deep breath to ease the tightness in his chest. He was doing it again. Meg used to get frustrated like that before she started verbally attacking him. It would break his heart if he saw the same fate with Kalilah. He cared about her – worried that he would lose her forever if she made it to her room.
“Kalilah. Wait…”
She held up a hand and continued to walk.
Nick followed her and reached for her hand. He was hurt when she pulled away.
“Kalilah,” Nick tried again.
“Not now, Nick! Don’t touch me.”
Nick flinched like she’d just hit him. “Kalilah…Please. Don’t act like Meg.”
Nick knew that it was the wrong thing to say the moment it left his mouth.
Kalilah turned to him in the living room. Her eyes flashed with anger.
“Don’t ever compare me to that bitch. Do you understand?”
“That was stupid. I know. It’s just you’re so mad right now. This is how it started with her.”
Kalilah shook her head. “I was not mad until you brought up your ex. I don’t give a shit what she did or how. We are two completely different people, Nick.”
Nick wasn’t sure what he should do. He thought she was angry earlier, but he definitely knew the difference now that she was actually mad. This is not what he’d intended when he arrived. The last thing he wanted was to make her mad. He showed his hands in surrender.
“You’re right. I apologize for bringing up Meg. I just wanted to see you. Not upset you.” He took a step back. His heart was heavy, but he would give her the space she needed and hope for the best. “I’ll get out your way.” Nick turned to head back to his shoes. He heard Kalilah sigh.
“Nick…wait. You don’t seem to understand. I’m not angry. I’m frustrated. I’m allowed to be frustrated. I know I agreed to this, but I’m not a sex toy…”
This is it. It took everything in Nick’s power not to interrupt her. His heart was racing, and he said a silent prayer that he would not lose it and start begging if she ended things. He liked her more than he’d liked any other woman and didn’t want her to leave. He tried to focus on what she was saying.
“…I have feelings and emotions. You can’t just play with me and put me back because you don’t feel like playing anymore. You have to warn me or something.”
Some of the dread he was feeling lessened. “So, you’re not ending this?”
Kalilah rolled her shoulders and tried to relieve some tension. “No. I didn’t go through all of this to not see it to the end.” She rubbed her neck. “Let me change. I’ll be back.” She disappeared before he could respond.
Nick noticed how tired and stressed she looked. She needed to rest. Nick sighed heavily and pulled out his phone. He hoped this wouldn’t raise too many questions, but he was willing to help any way he could. He swallowed his pride and typed.
Nick: Hey, Dad. Can you please call Kalilah and give her tomorrow off? She looks very tired.
Nick stared at the three dots, nervously anticipating his dad’s answer. He hoped he didn’t give him a lot of shit.
Dad: How do you know?
Ah. Damn. The fraternization policy. Time to lie. Nick was relieved that he was having this conversation via text. Nick wasn’t a good liar.
Nick: Ran into her at the grocery store. She looked exhausted and didn’t realize she had walked past me. She will get sick if she remains that tired.
His dad didn’t respond. Nick heard Kalilah returning a few minutes later and quickly shoved his phone back in his pocket. She had her phone to her ear. She looked slightly puzzled. She was dressed like their movie night.
Nick’s cock twitched at the memory. Kalilah pressed her finger to her beautiful lips that were still swollen from his kisses to make the universal symbol telling him to be quiet.
“Uh…are you sure? Well, okay.” She nodded like his dad could see her. “Yes, sir, I’ll take it easy this weekend. Monday? Okay. Thank you.” Her brows were furrowed, but she was smirking as she hung up the phone. “Your dad just called. I’m off until Monday.”
Nick nodded while she assessed his reaction. She should be a human lie detector. She and her sister would be one hell of an interrogation team.
“Wow. That’s great.”
The look on her face told him she wasn’t buying it. Kalilah crossed her arms and looked at him.
“So, there is no connection between me yelling at you about b
eing frustrated and your Dad giving me time off?”
Nick could feel the blood rushing to his face. He really needed to work on his poker face. He didn’t speak because she already knew the answer.
“Nicolas Graham Sinclair! You cannot use familial connections to get me off work!”
She wagged her finger at him like he was a naughty child. Nick had an apology waiting on his lips, but she surprised him by pecking him on the lips.
Nick was momentarily stunned stupid. “Huh?”
Kalilah smiled at him. “I am exhausted. A few extra days of rest is much appreciated.”
Nick started to brighten up. Her mood shifted, and she was suddenly very serious. She poked him in the chest to punctuate every word.
“Don’t. Do. That. Again.” Nick nodded. “I mean it, Nick. I am grateful for your thoughtfulness, but I cannot have your dad thinking I’m screwing his son for work perks. Plus, the fraternization policy would take one of our jobs. You can’t do that again. Ever.”
Her lips grazed his, then she kissed him softly.
Nick vowed to find other ways to make her happy.
Kalilah ended the kiss when she felt Nick’s thumbs hook inside the waistband of her shorts.
“What are you doing?”
Nick’s determined gaze skimmed over her face; his gray eyes were dark and serious.
“You know there are other ways I can please you…”
Kalilah’s heart was thumping in her chest. He always had her on the edge of insanity even when he wasn’t around.
Was he suggesting…?
Nick leaned in before she could finish her thought. He kissed the spot under her ear and whispered.
“I can kiss it and make it all better.”
Heat flushed her body and her legs felt weak. She was trying to think, but he was nibbling on her ear lobe.
“What do you know about such an act?” Kalilah asked in a high-pitched voice she didn’t recognize.
Nick laughed. The rumbling of his chest caused a wonderful friction against her straining nipples. She bit her lip to keep from moaning. He cupped her face, forcing her to look him in the eyes.
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