by Kelly Myers
Who am I? Just some diversion? A boy-toy to pass the time?
I glance down and look at her, curled up in the crook of my arm. My hand drops to toy with a strand of her blonde hair and her powdery vanilla scent teases my nose. I feel completely wrapped around her little finger.
Is it possible? I wonder.
Am I falling in love with this woman?
I release a pent-up breath and she glances up at me and smiles. “Thank you for this,” she says softly, and pulls my hand into her lap.
“You’re welcome,” I whisper and press my lips to the top of her head. “And, thank you.”
I’m grateful that Ashley and I went back to the old neighborhood and that I saw my childhood home once again with my own eyes. Now, when I think back about everything with my stepfather and growing up poor, it doesn’t feel as dark and heavy. For some strange reason, my spirit feels lighter and, I know, I have finally come to terms with the demons from my past.
All because of this amazing woman, I think, and move my fingers through hers. Lacing and unlacing them. I won’t lose her. I can’t.
This is only the beginning, Drew. Relax and stop being so paranoid.
She’s not going to abandon you or tell you it’s over just because Carson Industries goes after a target. After all, it’s my job and she knows this. The fact that it’s her brother’s company complicates things, but it would be a valuable asset.
It’s only business.
Smart people keep business separate from their personal life, a little voice reminds me.
Who am I kidding? It became personal the night James and I started throwing punches outside the Pacific Club.
There has to be a satisfactory way to handle this. To keep Ashley and myself happy.
God, I wish James Douglas would just disappear. If he turns her against me...
I feel my heart slam against my rib cage and know I’ll do anything to prevent that.
The next morning, I sit at my desk and watch Ashley through the glass partition. Her hair is long and loose, hanging just past her shoulders in a cloud of golden waves. She wears a prim, button down shirt with a little plaid skirt. And, let’s not forget the black leather high heels that propel her two more inches into the air and make my heart beat faster.
She catches my stare and gives me a warm smile that makes my insides go soft.
I did some digging before she came in this morning and, to my utter disappointment, I was able to confirm that Ashley Monroe and James Douglas are indeed half-brother and sister.
I honestly don’t know what the fuck to do.
I feel like I’m stuck between a rock and a hard place.
Yes, my feelings for Ashley are strong. Yes, I hate her fucking brother. And, obviously, yes, he returns the sentiment.
Just when my thoughts couldn’t get any gloomier, I see Tabitha gliding through the office. She walks past Ashley without any sort of acknowledgement and enters my office.
I am not in the mood for her bullshit.
“Well, someone’s looking a little rough this morning,” she greets me and gives a snarky smile.
Don’t let her get under your skin. “What do you want, Tabitha?” I ask, my voice resigned.
“Did you lose your razor, darling?”
You know what? Fuck it. “Actually, Ashley and I flew to Chicago on the jet after the benefit and we’ve been fucking like rabbits. So, no dear, I didn’t lose my razor. I just haven’t had the time or strength to pick it up and shave because I have been so exhausted.”
Her silver-gray eyes narrow. “Classy, Drew.”
“Who I sleep with is no longer your business,” I remind her. “Why are you even here?”
I see her bristle. “I thought you might like to know that the charity auction and total donations from the benefit exceeded five million dollars. It’s been the most successful event to date.”
That makes me feel good and I know the money will be well-spent and help children who have escaped abusive situations. “That’s great,” I say, truly happy that everything turned out so well.
Tabitha glances down at her Gucci watch. “I have to run. I’m meeting Marcus for a late lunch.” She shakes her dark head, gives a little sigh. “You’re slipping, darling. Be careful.”
With that, she turns and walks out. I see her pause beside Ashley’s desk and say something under her breath. Then, she’s gone, leaving behind the strong, cloying scent of Chanel No.5.
When Ashley looks up at me, I crook my finger and motion for her to come in here. She heads into my office and gives me a tentative smile. The earlier brightness has dimmed. “What did she say to you?” I ask.
Ashley shifts, looking uncomfortable. “She said…”
I wait, trying to be patient when all I want to do is kill Tabitha and cover her bitchy mouth with a piece of duct tape. I nod, urging her to go on.
“She said that she hopes I’m smart enough to know it won’t last. That every billionaire has playthings and I’m just another one of yours.”
My blood boils and I want to punch something. How dare she? Why does she constantly interfere in my life with her nasty commentary? Why can’t she just go marry Marcus and move to Europe or somewhere far enough away where I don’t have to worry about her dropping in and insulting me and Ashley every other day.
“I’m sorry,” I say. I mute my phone, hit the remote and shut the blinds. Then, I walk over and close the door. I turn back to Ashley and open my arms. She walks into them, and I pull her close, lower my head and kiss her mouth. “You shouldn’t have to deal with that.”
Ashley leans back so she can look up at me. “She can’t be all bad. I mean, you must’ve loved her once.”
For a moment, I don’t say anything. Then, I decide to be honest. “This is going to sound horrible, but I think I was more infatuated with her family’s money and power than I ever was with her. It’s something I craved and strived to obtain. The more, the better. She and her family had all the elite connections that I wanted. I married Tabitha because it was expected and convenient. And, it catapulted me to the crème de la crème.”
“You used her?”
“That sounds really harsh. But, if I’m being honest, I think we both used each other to a certain extent.”
Ashley gives a small nod. “Still, she’s very beautiful. And, sophisticated.”
“Tabitha is a shrew and an ice queen,” I say.
“You were attracted to her at one point,” she persists. When I start to shake my head, she lifts a hand. “Don’t even deny it.”
“Not like I’m attracted to you,” I say, and tighten my arms around her waist. The small frown on her face lets me know that I haven’t fully convinced her, though. “What’s wrong, Leigh?”
“I-I know it might sound silly, but...I can’t compete with someone like that.”
“What? What are you talking about?”
“She’s blue-blooded and I’m not.” My brow furrows because I’m not quite following her train of thought. “Being with someone like me...It’s like a step down for you.”
Are you fucking kidding me? I want to throttle her. “How can someone as beautiful, kind and extraordinary as you have such low self-esteem?” I ask.
She swallows, looks away with troubled blue-green eyes.
“Okay, enough. You need to learn one thing right now.” I step back and cross my arms.
“What?” she asks.
“That you’re fucking amazing and I desire you more than any other woman. Ever.”
She rolls her eyes, clearly not believing me. “Drew…”
“Guess I just have to prove it to you.” I grab her hand and march her ass right over to my desk where I proceed to bend her backwards. Her back arches over my laptop and I kiss her hard, trying to wipe away all the self-doubt that plagues her once and for all.
She clings to me and I scoop her up, swipe the shit on my desk over with an arm and set her down on its edge. My hands flip her plaid skirt up and I grasp the edges of her silky panties a
nd tug them down.
I drop to my knees. When my hands guide her thighs further apart, she gasps. “Drew-”
“I want you and only you,” I promise her, gazing up into those sea-blue eyes. “Don’t ever doubt that.” Then, I slide my hands around her behind, yank her body forward and dip my head between her legs.
With a soft cry, she drops back on her elbows and I begin to explore all the dark, soft, wet places under her skirt. My tongue glides along her crease, circles the small bud above, and I lick her into a frenzy.
“Oh, God, Drew,” she cries, and grabs my hair in a fist.
I can feel the need pulsing through her. No mercy, honey. I’m going to torture you until you’re writhing.
A minute later, she’s twisting and panting and it’s clear that she’s on the edge. I slide two fingers inside her and then out, playing with her most sensitive places. In. Out. Up. Down. I repeat, I lick, I nip and she muffles a scream.
Then, her entire body shudders and she collapses back on my desk, breathing hard and fast.
I pull my head out from under her skirt and use the edge of the desk to pull myself up into my chair. My knees crack and I don’t even care. I roll the chair forward, grasp her hips and pull her down to straddle my lap.
She gives me a sultry, satiated look and I cup her beautiful face and draw her lips down to mine. After a long, thorough kiss, she lifts her head and smiles. “You are so very naughty,” she says.
“Oh, you just wait,” I tell her. Then, I stand, hoisting her up with me, still wrapped around my waist, and head toward my private bathroom. “Have you seen my shower? It’s like being under a waterfall.”
“Drew, my phone is ringing…”
“They’ll call back,” I say and kick the bathroom door shut behind us.
Chapter Twenty-Seven
Ashley
I feel like I’m walking on air. For the first time in my life, I finally feel like I’m in the lead in my life. Not just a supporting character.
My body still tingles and aches from the things Drew did to me today. And, my hair is still damp from the hour we spent in his shower. I feel a shiver run up and down my spine.
I barely got any work done, but Drew didn’t seem to mind. In fact, he had me forward our phones to voicemail and said we were taking the afternoon off. After a steamy time in his private bathroom, we walked down the street and ate dinner at a delicious Chinese place.
It’s almost seven when I step into my little apartment. I lock the door behind me and my gaze goes straight to the table in the foyer. It can barely support the huge arrangement of beautiful gerbera daisies from the benefit. After it was over, Drew had them deliver it over here and it’s beyond lovely. He can be so thoughtful.
I kick off my heels, slip out of my work clothes and change into a comfy pair of pajama bottoms and t-shirt. Then, I fall back on my bed and remember the exact moment I fell back on Drew’s desk. Sweet Jesus, that man knows what to do with his mouth. And hands. And...other extremities.
I still feel this warm and melty sensation in my lower body. But, reality intrudes and my phone beeps with a text. I look over and see it’s James. I totally forgot to listen to his voicemail after getting back from Chicago so I pull it up and hit play.
“Call me, Ash. As soon as you can,” he says. His normally laidback voice sounds strained and irritated.
When I open his text it reads, “CALL ME.”
Oh, no, I wonder what’s going on. I hit the button to call him back and he picks up on the first ring. “Why haven’t you called me back?” he demands.
“I’m sorry, James. I went out of town at the last minute and haven’t had the chance to call you back till now. What’s wrong?”
“What’s wrong? How about the fact that you’re working for that low-life asshole who’s trying to steal my company!”
A frown creases my forehead. “What are you talking about?”
“Drew Carson! He attacked JD Unlimited and is forcing a hostile takeover.”
“What?” My voice rises a notch.
I hear James release a frustrated sigh. “You really have no idea?”
For a stunned moment, I just shake my head, trying to clear it and make some kind of sense from what I’m hearing. “No, I don’t.”
“Then, let me clarify. That fucker you work for set his sights on my company last month. He’s doing everything in his power to overthrow me and take control. But, I’ve been fighting every move he makes with one of my own. I won’t give him my company, Ash. I won’t.”
My eyes slide shut. “I had no idea,” I say.
“The bastard is soulless,” James says.
His words cause a flair of protection in me and I instantly defend Drew. “No, he’s not. He’s actually a really good man. He just works hard and goes after what he wants. Maybe I can talk to him. Make him see reason.”
I suddenly realize that James is very quiet. “Are you-”
I swallow hard.
“-involved with him?”
I bite my lip, not wanting to have this conversation. All I want to do is crawl under my covers. Not talk to my brother about my love life. I hear a vile curse on his end and cringe.
“Oh, Christ Almighty, tell me you are not sleeping with that man!”
I feel a spark of irritation. “I’m a grown woman, James, and it’s none of your business who I sleep with.” Another string of colorful swear words comes over the line. “Stop it. Please.”
“Why don’t you take your own advice,” he says. “Whose side are you on, anyway?”
That stings. “I’m always on your side,” I tell him.
“Then why are you working for the enemy? The very man who’s trying to destroy me?”
“I told you! I had no idea until just now.”
“Well, now you know,” he says. “So, what’re you going to do about it? Huh, Ash?”
“You’re not being fair. You throw all this on me and expect me to just-”
Walk away from the man I love?
“I expect you to support me. And, help me fight him. Help me stop Carson Industries from stealing everything I worked so hard to build.”
I feel like I’m being torn in two. How can this even be happening? The two men I care about most in this world are at odds? I can’t deal with this.
“Leave him and come work for me,” James says.
I sigh, run a hand through my hair. Just like Drew does when he’s frustrated, I realize. “I don’t know anything about tech stuff, James.”
“What the hell do you know about hostile takeovers?”
He has a point, but I don’t say so. Then, he hits a nerve.
“I mean, what do you really do all day, Ash? Answer his phone, get his lunch, suck his dick?”
Tears burn my eyes and I try to hold them back. “And, you say he’s the bastard?”
“Shit, I’m sorry. I’m just so fucking upset and I’m taking it out on you.”
“I get it,” I say, and swipe away a tear that runs down my face. “But, you need to understand that it’s complicated.”
He scoffs. “What’s so complicated about coming and working with me?”
I want to just say it. Tell him that somewhere along the way, I fell in love with Drew Carson. The Devil, The Beast, The Shark…
Whatever the hell people call him, it doesn’t matter. Because I see the good side, his human side, and I love that part of him. So very much.
And, if he truly thinks I’m amazing and extraordinary like he said earlier then maybe he will listen to what I have to say.
“Let me talk to him,” I plead.
“Don’t waste your breath. He’s dead-set on JD Unlimited and nothing you say will change his mind.”
Well, we’ll just see about that, I think. My eyes narrow and I’m determined to prove James wrong.
Over the past month, I’ve seen what a good man Drew Carson is and I know that he would never want to hurt me or my family.
He will listen to me. He has t
o or there’s absolutely no hope of us having a future together. The realization hurts like nothing ever has before, but I have faith in Drew and in us.
I quickly change into a pair of jeans, grab my purse and keys, and head over to Pacific Heights.
Chapter Twenty-Eight
Drew
I sit on a stool in the kitchen and scroll through the email on my phone as Tara finishes trimming my hair. She’s surprised when I tell her to not go too short and just clean up the scruff on my face and neck. After a final few touches, she takes a step back and hands me a small mirror.
“I like the new look,” she says. “Very rugged.”
I glance at my reflection and I think she’s right. It’s a good change and Ashley likes it so I’m not changing it. While Tara packs up her clippers and other tools, I hear the doorbell. I’m not expecting anyone so I look at the camera that covers the front door and my heart does a little flip when I see Ashley.
“Thanks, Tara. I’ll let you out in front.”
We walk up to the massive, glass-etched front door and I open it. Tara gives Ashley a small smile and ducks out. “Hello, gorgeous,” I say, and pull her inside. “What a lovely surprise.” I lean in and give her a kiss. My mouth moves over hers, coaxing her lips apart.
But, something feels off. She feels stiff and not her usual warm, welcoming self.
I step back and study her closely. She shifts from one foot to the other and looks nervous. “What’s wrong?” I ask her.
“I need to talk to you about something.”
I don’t like the serious, almost fearful, tone in her voice. “Okay. Let’s go up to the terrace. I’ll make you a drink.”
“That’s really not necessary.”
“Kitchen then? Do you want water? Or, soda?”
“No, thank you. I’m fine.” She releases a breath and follows me into the kitchen. I pull out a stool for her then sit down beside her. “What’s wrong, honey?”
“I want to discuss a company that you are trying to take over.”
Oh, shit. My stomach plummets. She knows.
“JD Unlimited,” she says.