Choosing the Hart: A Love Triangle

by René, Dani

  His face visibly calmed down. “What do you want to know?”

  “Well, tell me about your love for coffee? How did you come to work for Tribal Fuel?”

  He gave me a small smile. “Okay, well, I traveled a lot when I was younger. I, um . . . I had a lot of stupid interests, and when I pulled my life together, I found a love for coffee. The flavors, the aromas, it just intrigued me. I decided to see how it all started. I visited different farms, chatted to the roasters, and then I decided to open Tribal Fuel.” His eyes met mine, waiting for my response to what he just told me.

  “You OWN Tribal Fuel?” He nodded. “Wow, that’s amazing! You said you had a lot of stupid interests? Do I want to know what they were?” He looked down at the table and shook his head. He was silent for a few minutes when we were interrupted by the waiter bringing our food. The burger was massive. I knew there was no way I would finish it, but it looked amazing.

  “I hope you enjoy dinner. It’s one of my favorites!” Bash grabbed the ketchup and drowned his fries in the red sauce. I giggled, remembering a family barbecue with my mom shouting at us for drowning our food in ketchup. “Did you want some fries with your ketchup?” I asked jokingly.

  Bash laughed, his eyes creased at the sides, and I couldn’t help but feel at ease with him. “Indeed, my mom always fights with us when we do this!”

  I looked up. “Us?” His smile faded, and his eyes flickered with something I couldn’t make out. He put the ketchup bottle in the holder, grabbing a couple of fries.

  “Yeah, anyway, I hope you enjoy it!” He tucked into his burger, and I knew he was avoiding my question. I couldn’t force him to tell me anything; we didn’t know each other that well yet.

  * * *

  Bash pulled up to the sidewalk outside my apartment building. I was once again filled with adrenalin from the ride and feeling Bash’s taut torso against me. He helped me off the bike and pulled off his helmet as he kicked out the bike stand. His hair stood in every direction, and I wanted to run my fingers through it. “Did you have a good time? Sorry, we have to cut the evening short, but I’m flying out to Brazil tomorrow to check out some coffee farms.”

  “That’s okay. I have an early morning too, so I need to get some rest.” I stood awkwardly in front of him, feeling like a teenager at the end of a date. He took a small step toward me, and the scent of his cologne washed over me. It was a mix of spice, coffee, and chocolate. It made me think of a cozy fire crackling on a cold winter night. His hand lifted my chin till my eyes met his. My heart raced in my chest, the knot in my stomach tightening in anticipation of feeling his lips on mine.

  He gazed at me intently and leaned down. I felt his warm lips on mine, his tongue pushing between my lips. His kiss was soft, warm, and tender. There wasn’t a sexual ache that tugged at me like Triston’s kiss. There wasn’t that ferocious hunger I felt when Triston’s lips touched mine. Completely different in so many ways, even the feeling I had around each of them.

  My lips felt cold when he stepped back. “I will see you in a couple of days when I’m back from Brazil. You busy on Saturday?”

  I was about to say no when I remembered I was busy — with my boss. Shit! “Uhm, yeah, I have . . . work. How about Sunday?”

  He smiled and nodded. “Perfect. Sunday it is.”

  He got back on the bike. Turning back to where I stood on the sidewalk, he tossed me the helmet. “Keep this for next time.” I caught it. Thank god for netball at school.

  “Is that a guarantee you’ll see me again?” I asked. He nodded and winked.

  “As a matter of fact, it is, darling.” Pulling the helmet over his spikey hair, he turned on the engine, revved it a couple of times, and raced off into the night. I smiled, looking down at the helmet — a promise. One I wasn’t sure how I could keep.

  I walked up to the entrance and made my way upstairs. As I unlocked my apartment door, my phone beeped in my pocket. Pulling it out, I looked at the screen — a message from Triston. I walked into my apartment before unlocking the screen and opening the message.

  Triston: Miss Reid, I trust you are home safely?

  Was he keeping tabs on me now, seriously? He was so frustrating; I sighed as I hit reply.

  Em: I am Mr. Hart. Thank you for your concern.

  An immediate reply beeped.

  Triston: I am indeed concerned about your well-being, Miss Reid. Sleep now.

  For God’s sake, he was so demanding. I was tired, but who was he to tell me to sleep? He was my boss, not my boyfriend, so he had no right to tell me to go to sleep. As frustrating as he was, a message from him sent the butterflies in my stomach into a fluttering frenzy.

  Em: You are very demanding, Mr. Hart; I am not tired

  Triston: Early morning tomorrow. I need you 100%, please?

  I smiled at the last message. He actually said please. Maybe he could stop being such a control freak and let me be myself like Bash. I felt so relaxed around him. They were both so different, yet they both were amazing in their own way. Triston made it clear he didn’t want anything romantic between us. My phone started ringing, startling me out of my thoughts. “Hello?”

  “Miss Reid, I didn’t get a reply. I was hoping you were asleep.” I walked into the bedroom. Sitting on my bed, I laid back, staring at my ceiling. “I was. You woke me up,” I lied.

  “I do not appreciate lies, Miss Reid. I can tell from the tone in your voice you were still very much awake. Now, would you please put my mind at ease and go to sleep?”

  I stayed silent and thought about the deep, sexy voice on the other end of the line. “Well, I would go to sleep if you weren’t on the phone with me.” I knew he would have something to say to that, and I was right.

  “Don’t get cheeky with me, Miss Reid.” His warning sent shivers down my spine, and I wanted to challenge him. The familiar tug that Triston brought to my lower abdomen was there, strong as ever.

  “Or what, Mr. Hart?” I replied, smiling.

  “I will take you over my knee and show you just how respect is earned.” I gasped at his threat but felt the heat in my core sending a delectable tingle straight to my panties. It felt deliciously wicked, just like Triston. I wanted this man. The ache inside was building, and I couldn’t deny it anymore. I just wished he would stop being so frustrating and let me in.

  “Why this sudden concern for me?”

  “I don’t have time for this. Go to sleep Emily. Goodnight.” Closing off once again, I felt the frustration.

  He hung up before I could reply. My stomach was doing flip-flops at the way he said my name. He was so direct with his deep, scratchy, sexy voice. He sounded so good at night. I dropped my phone on the bed and went to the bathroom. I needed to stop this effect he had on me. We could never work. He made that abundantly clear, but why did I still feel the need to challenge him. I knew I was in way over my head. He was my boss, but I wanted him.

  I brushed my teeth and took off my makeup. Staring at myself in the mirror, the blush on my cheeks I knew was from my conversation with Triston.

  Chapter Four

  I decided on my black, knee-length skirt with my silver cashmere top for the meeting. My nerves took over. It was an important presentation, and Triston was counting on me to deliver. A prospective client worth millions! It was my time to show Triston I was made for the job. I wasn’t sure what made me more nervous — being with him, or the presentation.

  The apartment buzzer alerted me the car was here. Making my way down to the foyer, I took a deep breath before opening the door. The car was waiting, and Charlie was in the driver’s seat. Triston was leaning against the door of the SUV in his black suit, wearing a black dress shirt and silver tie. His shoulder-length hair tied back in a bun, his steel-blue eyes sparkled. I decided being with Triston made me more nervous than the presentation. I walked up to him and smiled. “Mr. Hart.”

  “Miss Reid, you look . . .” His eyes roamed my body. His unfinished sentence hung in the air. I felt myself shiver. The f
ire ignited in my stomach, and I ached for him. He held out a hand to me. “Come on, beautiful, let’s get this done.” I took his hand, and he helped me into the car. I slid into the plush leather seat. “Hello, Charlie, how are you?”

  He smiled back at me and gave a small nod. “Miss Reid.”

  Triston slid into the seat next to me. His leg brushed against mine, and I felt a surge of electricity. I wanted him. Right there in the back seat of the car, my whole body yearned for him. “Triston, I . . .” He looked at me, with his soft gaze.

  “Emily, let’s get through this meeting, and we can talk at lunch, okay?” I nodded. His hand found mine, and he squeezed it. I wasn’t sure what to think anymore. I didn’t know what to say to him. I liked Bash, but there was something about Triston that pulled me toward him. Something magnetic I could no longer ignore.

  * * *

  “Je Te Veux Events is the most prominent company in New York, with a reach worldwide. Our current event calendar and client lists are proof of that. Mr. Jacobson, we have the experience and the staff capable of handling international events such as yours. Mr. Hart prides himself in his hands-on approach with all the events we organize.” My eyes met Triston’s, and he smiled, winking at me. I felt a surge of confidence. “It will be in your best interest to entrust your worldwide events to us. Let me assure you Mr. Hart is demanding of his staff and runs a tight ship. We can do this.” My eyes met Triston’s again, and I saw them darken at my mention of him being demanding. I bit my lip to suppress the giggle threatening to escape. His eyes focused on my mouth with a devilish smirk curving his lips.

  I stood at the front of the room, eight sets of eyes on me, but the most important were a bright steel-blue. I could see Mr. Jacobson debating what I had just told them. He was a short, stocky man with a kind face. He broke out into a broad grin, and I felt myself relax. “You’re a little firecracker! I like you! Mr. Hart, congratulations, you have our account. I will have our lawyer draw up the contracts.” He stood and shook Triston’s hand. “As long as this beautiful young woman is handling my account.” He smiled back at me, and I felt a blush cross my face.

  Triston smiled. “Certainly, Mr. Jacobson. She is my best girl!” He looked over at me. He was beaming, and so was I. We did make an excellent team. “Well, you better hold on to her. Don’t let her get away!” Mr. Jacobson walked across and shook my hand. He exited the conference room, leaving us to pack up. I shut down my laptop and slid it into the bag. Rolling up my charger cable, I turned as Triston grabbed me and swung me around. “Thank you!” His lips found mine, deep and hungry while his tongue was demanding entrance to my mouth. He licked into me, tasting me. I moaned, pushing my body against his rock-hard torso. He let me down but kept his arms wrapped tightly around me, pulling me into him. When he pulled away, he looked down guiltily. “Sorry. I, uh . . . let myself get carried away.”

  I reached up to touch his face. He grabbed my wrist and stepped back. “Don’t! Let’s get lunch.” He turned and walked to his seat to collect his briefcase and laptop. Confused by his sudden change in emotions, I grabbed my bag and walked to the door. Why did he pull away like that? It just didn’t make any sense! I was still reeling from the kiss when we stood side by side in the elevator. The current flowing between us was palpable; he needed to decide what he wanted.

  * * *

  “A bottle of champagne.” Triston handed the menu to our waiter. He looked at me and smiled. “Thank you for today. You were amazing!” I blushed. I was excited that he saw my ability today.

  “It’s a pleasure. It was amazing doing the presentation. My dream come true. Thank you for giving it to me, Triston.” The waiter brought our champagne, and Triston motioned for him to leave it. He picked up the bottle himself and untwisted the foil, popping the cork and pouring a glass for each of us.

  “To us! We make an amazing team, Emily.” We clinked glasses. His smile took my breath away.

  My phone started ringing, and I looked down. Sebastian’s name flashed on my screen. I grabbed it as I set my glass down. “Just a sec.” I got up, walking over to the bar area. “Hello?”

  “Hey, darling, I just arrived in Brazil! It’s beautiful and hot, and I wish you were here.” Sebastian sounded excited. No unreleased tension filled me hearing him. He sounded like he was on holiday, and I smiled. “Well, I hope you have fun. I am having a . . .” I glanced back at Triston. He was busy on his phone. “Lunch meeting. I have to go. See you Sunday?”

  “Sure. I just wanted to hear your voice. Chat soon, darling.” The line went dead, and I took a deep breath. This was definitely not going to work. I walked back to the table and slid into the booth.

  “Everything okay?” Triston inquired. I nodded and smiled, picking up my champagne and gulping it down. I didn’t know what I was doing.

  “Yes! A friend, just checking up to see how I’m doing.” He frowned, nodding acceptance to my answer. He picked up his phone, scrolled down and held the phone to his ear. “Jessie, we will be out all day. Cancel my three o’clock. Miss Reid and I have somewhere to go.” He hung up and looked at me. “You want to do something with me? To celebrate?” I wanted to spend every moment with him. How could he not see that?

  I smiled. “Sure! What did you have in mind?”

  “It’s a surprise. We need to take you home, and you need to get changed.” I looked into those beautiful eyes. He seemed truly happy.

  * * *

  I decided on my black denim shorts, a white tank top, and a pair of Converse. Triston said we would be walking, so I wanted to be comfortable. It was the end of May, and we were having amazing weather. I left my long brown hair loose down my back. When I made my way to the living room, Triston was sitting on my sofa working on his laptop. He looked up when I walked in and smiled. “You ready?”

  “Yes! Are you going to tell me where we’re going?” He shook his head. Walking back out to the car, his fingertips lightly brushed my lower back, sending a current through me. We slid into the back of the car, and Triston called out to Charlie, “To my apartment, Charles. I need to get out of this suit.” His gaze fell on me at that moment, and I blushed furiously imagining him naked. The fire that seemed to be permanently burning inside me flared, and I squirmed as he drove me insane with wanton lust. I wanted to be with him, to get to know the person behind the mask that he held up. I wanted him to let me into that amazing mind, and maybe then into his heart.

  We pulled up to Triston’s apartment, and he told me to wait in the car. When I checked my phone, there was nothing from Bash; I guess he was busy.

  Triston slid into the seat next to me ten minutes later dressed in a pair of gym shoes, a pair of tight black jeans, and a casual blue tee. His long hair hung loosely on his shoulders.

  He told Charlie to drive us to the ferry. I wasn’t sure where we were going, but I was excited. It had just hit midday, and we had the whole afternoon ahead of us.

  * * *

  We stepped onto the Staten Island Ferry fifteen minutes later. Triston still didn’t tell me what we were going to do, but he did tell Charlie to take the afternoon off. “Are you ever going to tell me what we’re doing?” I pleaded. I pouted and crossed my arms. “I will throw a tantrum; you do realize that?” I giggled, and he wrapped his arm around my waist, pulling me into him. Such a small gesture, but so perfect. It felt like we were a real couple.

  “Soon!” he laughed. I rolled my eyes, and he leaned closer to me. He pulled me tighter against him, and his eyes seared into mine. I felt my body tingle. “You roll your eyes at me, Miss Reid, and I will take you across my knee right here on this ferry!” My body trembled at his threat. The thought of him taking such a dominant role over me had my heart racing. I looked into his eyes, challenging and teasing.

  “Promise?” I cocked my head to the side and licked my lips. His eyes darkened, and I saw the desire dancing in them. He grabbed my wrist, pulling me to the back of the ferry. Since it was practically empty, no one ventured this far back. He pinned me
against the wall and put a hand either side of my face. “Do you really want to challenge me, Miss Reid?” His voice laced with desire that tugged at my core.

  I looked into his midnight blue gaze, and I could tell things were running through his mind I ached to know. Naturally, in my stubbornness to obey, I nodded. “I do, Mr. Hart; I enjoy challenging you.” He searched my eyes with a dark smirk on his face, his expression full of danger. I knew now he wanted me as much as I did him. He leaned closer, and I ached for him to kiss me, his warm mouth just inches from mine. My mouth felt dry, my heart racing at his closeness.

  I licked my lips deliberately. His eyes flickered to my mouth, watching my tongue. I chewed on my lower lip, then released it with a coy smile. I couldn’t believe his eyes could be any darker blue than they already were. He grabbed my bottom lip with his teeth and bit down gently. Currents shot down my spine, collecting between my legs, and I felt myself moisten at the pain. I moaned into his mouth. He softly sucked my lower lip into his warm mouth, and my knees trembled. Suddenly, he released me and stepped back. “Later.”

  * * *

  We got off the ferry and hailed a cab to The Conference House. This was where Triston wanted to hold the charity event. After the incident on the ferry, I kept the teasing at bay. I wasn’t sure I could handle another one of his luscious assaults on my body.

  We walked up to the beautiful historic house with lavish gardens. There was a forest in the distance, and a large gazebo, which could provide cover for a catering area. “This place is amazing!” He looked at me and smiled.

  “Isn’t it? I think it will be perfect for our fundraiser, and you, my dear, will be heading it all up. I wanted to bring you here to show you what you would be working with.” He looked down at me and smiled. “Think you can handle it?” He winked, and I wasn’t sure we were talking about the event anymore.