by Layla Hagen
He looked around for a free chair, but there wasn’t one in sight.
“Looks like you’re out of luck today,” I said. He returned his attention to me, resting his gaze on my shoulders and neck for a beat longer than polite. I lit up everywhere he looked.
“You seem amused by my shit luck.”
“Not at all.” So why was I teasing him? Erm... well, because he looked teasable, with that impeccable suit and ruffled hair. Also, I didn’t know what else to do. I could still feel his lips on mine. Even his taste was fresh in my mind. But my latest dating fiasco was still looming over my head, and I wasn’t ready to take the step from flirty messages to anything else.
I was saved from the need to make more conversation by his phone. It rang, and he looked at the screen with a frown.
“Got to take this. Have a nice day.”
For a Monday, it turned out to be excellent. I’d figured out a new perfume formula with my head chemist, which always gave me a sense of satisfaction. I relied a lot on my colleagues, because while I was great at formulas and mixes, I wasn’t a “nose,” as perfumers were often called. My sense of smell wasn’t refined enough for me to make a perfume on my own, though once we decided on the base notes, I loved playing with middle and top notes. I was also happy that I hadn’t heard from Beauty SkinEssence. Granted, it had only been a few weeks, but from experience I knew that the more time passed, the higher was the chance of them dropping this.
“You’re out already, boss?” Anne asked when I passed her desk late in the afternoon.
“Yep. See you tomorrow.”
I was getting real good at this work-life balance thing. I even had time to do the yoga routine I’d skipped in the morning... but I decided to go shopping instead.
As I sipped my coffee the next morning at Walter’s, my gaze was glued to my Kindle. I sat at the same table as yesterday, which had three empty seats around it. I was holding my Kindle for everyone to see, which I hoped would send busy vibes to everyone. Soon, I was lost in the pages, and wished I was drinking ice-cold water instead of a hot coffee. Okay, so maybe reading a sexy romance first thing in the morning was not the best idea, because now I was all hot and bothered. But I’d reached a really great part last night and couldn’t wait to pick it up again this morning.
“Is this chair free?”
I looked up to my left. Carter was standing next to me, his hand on the backrest of the chair in question.
“Sure.”
“I just got a few minutes. My partner, Zachary, and I are meeting a new client this morning.”
He motioned to a guy in a suit who was standing in line. I made the mistake of laying my Kindle on the table. The movement caught Carter’s eye, and then his gaze locked on the tiny screen. Belatedly I remembered that I used an extra-large font and that I hadn’t turned off the device. I rectified my mistake the very next second. Carter was still standing, as if he’d forgotten what he was about to do.
“What are you reading?”
“Just a book.”
“I saw the word clitoris. It’s what caught my attention.”
“Of course it did,” I muttered, feeling my cheeks heat up. Ugh. One thing I loved about a Kindle was that no one could know what I was reading. Not that I was ashamed, but I’d never cared for the judgy looks my book covers had gotten. I was a huge fan of sexy guys on covers. The fewer clothes they had on, the better.
Carter finally sat down, looking at me as if this was the first time he’d seen me. “So, what’s the book about?”
“It’s a romance. A sexy romance.”
His lip curled in a half smile. “I got the sexy part, all right. So this is how you spend your mornings?”
“No, I usually read before going to sleep, but I’d gotten to a good part and couldn’t help myself.”
“I see. What other genres do you read?”
“You really want to talk about my reading habits?”
“Yes. I like talking to you. I find you to be a fascinating woman. This is an unexpected angle, that’s all.”
Unexpected angle. Uh-huh. I bet he thought I was some kind of nympho.
“I read almost everything, from thrillers to mysteries. Even the occasional horror. But romance is my favorite. Nothing like some sweetness and sexy times to make me happy. Dreaming about a swoon-worthy hero is a great way to pass the time.”
“Raises the bar for real-life dating, doesn’t it?”
“Not really. I know it’s a fantasy.”
Carter set one forearm on the table, watching me with an undecipherable frown. “Do you still have feelings for that Ethan guy?”
I blinked, completely taken by surprise. “Ethan? Not really. We’d only been dating for two months. It’s just that... well, I’m still a bit wary. I haven’t had the best luck in the dating world, so I’m taking it easy.” I shrugged, hoping he’d let it go. Of course he had other intentions.
“I happen to be just as unlucky.”
I squinted, because, well... that seemed unlikely.
“You don’t believe me?” He sounded amused.
“I can’t quite picture it, no.”
“Well, that’s the honest truth.”
He drew his chair nearer to mine, whispering again. “I’m looking for someone smart and with a sense of humor.”
We were interrupted just then as Zachary came back, informing Carter they had to go and introducing himself to me.
Carter stood up as I shook hands with Zachary, still looking at me. “Know anyone interested?”
The heat in his gaze had reached lethal levels. He winked as Zachary pulled him away, and I took in a shaky breath.
I sensed that our morning meetings were going to become a thing, and Carter proved me correct the next morning.
When I arrived at the coffee shop, he was already there, sitting at my usual table. There were two coffee cups on the table, and a pancake. When he motioned me to join him, my feet carried me that way almost of their own volition.
“Got here early and got both of our favorites,” he informed me.
I sat down next to him. A corner of my Kindle peeked out from my bag.
“Interrupting your reading time again?” he asked with a twinkle in his eye.
“Well, now that you mention it... I was going to read.”
I took one bite of the pancake and sipped my cappuccino. Carter’s cup was half-full, but he didn’t seem interested in it at the moment. His attention was on me.
“Let me guess, yet again you got to a really good part last night, and you couldn’t wait to read this morning?”
“Guilty.”
“What did the good part say? Please, don’t leave out any detail.”
I clenched my thighs together. “You want me to... what? Tell you about the characters?”
Carter was even closer now. If he came any closer, he could practically kiss me.
“They are clearly getting more action than we do, so why not hear all about it? Live vicariously through them. I’m all ears. What I glimpsed was pretty hot. Was that all, or does it get hotter?”
Holy shit, I was burning up. Was he for real? How did this conversation already get out of hand?
“You’re blushing, so I guess the answer is a hell of a lot steamier.”
I cleared my throat. “I’ll give you the title. Then you can read it yourself. What do you think about that?”
He considered that for a moment, then flashed me a Cheshire cat grin. Oh, boy. That couldn’t be good.
“Only if we can exchange notes and impressions. Critique details, things like that.”
We were both laughing now, but there was something of a challenge in his tone. He was baiting me. I wanted to play right into it because this was too much fun.
“I’ll be happy to.” I was flirting. I knew it. Still, I couldn’t stop. It felt good. When I told him the title, he raised his eyebrows so high, they nearly disappeared into his hairline.
“Stumped, are we, Mr. Reader? If you can�
��t handle the title, wait until you read the book.”
“Will I regret this?”
“Probably. How are the girls?” I asked, eager to change the subject.
“April’s birthday is coming up. I rented a yacht for it. Not sure it was my smartest idea. I can think of a thing or two that can go wrong. But April has just started at a new school, and I know she is nervous about making friends. Parties always help.”
“You want to make her happy,” I stated.
“Why so surprised?’
“Not surprised, just... I guess I wasn’t expecting you to be so sympathetic.”
“I moved away from home when I was fourteen to go to high school. I know how difficult it can be. City kids also tend to be mean to those coming in from small towns, bully them. If I can make things easier for her, I will.”
I couldn’t imagine anyone bullying Carter. His commanding presence demanded respect, but maybe things hadn’t always been that way. In any case, the man was endearing. I sympathized with him. A teenage party wasn’t for the faint of heart.
“How many of your friends are going to be there?”
“Zero.”
“You’re kidding.”
“I figured I’ll take the opportunity to get to know April’s classmates, mingle with them....”
This poor, clueless man. He had no idea what he was getting into. I felt it was my duty to ease him into it.
“Fair warning: they might not want to mingle with you. The word old might also come up. Don’t take it personally.”
“I’m beginning to think you’re right. April already dropped hints that she hopes I won’t stick around too much.”
I felt completely disarmed because I was fairly certain not many got to see this side of him: a little unsure, a lot out of his depth. As if knowing this was the right moment to strike (he probably did know; he was a great lawyer after all), he said, “Join me.”
“Hmm?”
“Come with me.”
“To a party full of fifteen-year-olds? Sounds terrifying.”
“It will be, which is why I’m hoping you won’t be heartless enough to turn me down.”
A day out on the ocean? Why should I say no? Okay, so I could think of one or two reasons but chose to ignore them.
“What would the world say if they knew you’re so afraid of a bunch of teenagers?” I teased.
“Probably the same thing they’d say about you if they knew about your reading habits.”
The air between us seemed to thicken. We were sitting so close now that I could feel the warmth of his body. I didn’t want to pull away, even though his proximity was making me even more hot and bothered than any sexy scene had lately.
Oh, to hell with everything. I wanted fun, to have an adventure. And here was a man who looked like a Greek god offering me exactly that.
“Okay.”
“That’s a yes?”
“Yes. It’s always great to have company when you’re chaperoning.”
“We won’t be chaperoning, Val. The boat has a nice separate deck where we can lie in the sun.”
His meaning was clear: we’d be alone. His eyes twinkled.
“Should I bring anything?”
“A bikini and a towel. I’ve got everything else covered. I’ll take excellent care of you, Val.”
Chapter Eleven
Carter
On Saturday, I was reminded of April’s very first day of school. She was older now, but she still had the same tell-tale signs of nervousness: biting her nails, playing with her hair.
“April, this is your party. You have to enjoy yourself,” I told her as we waited for everyone to arrive on the boat.
“And make friends.”
“You can’t force that. You’ll find your own tribe eventually.”
Half the party would be comprised of friends from her old school, and half were classmates from the new one.
She rolled her eyes. “You’re talking like an adult.”
I tried to remember what it was like to be fifteen, when friends were the most important thing in life.
“No, I’m talking like your uncle. You’re cool. Don’t change who you are just to fit in with new people.”
“Aww, stop it,” she said good-naturedly. I ruffled her hair. She leaped away.
“Hey, stop. I’m not five years old.”
“Wish you were.”
“Carter, please be nice to them. Half are already afraid of you.”
“Why?”
“They googled you. You have a reputation. And you look intimidating.” She poked one arm. “What do you even need all these muscles for? You’re a lawyer. You carry out your fights with words. Thank God you won’t be around much.”
April had been suspiciously excited when I told her about Val. Her friends started filtering in soon after, and I scrutinized them through the eyes of an uncle and a lawyer. No one had tattoos, or piercings, or looked like they were part of a gang. I made a point to look everyone in the eye as I shook their hands. I was checking if their pupils were dilated, which was usually a sign that they took drugs. Everyone passed the test.
I started to relax, which turned out to be a big mistake. Fifteen minutes later, I was in over my head. I’d caught two guys trying to smuggle vodka aboard—I confiscated it. One of them clearly wanted to be more than April’s friend. I was about to pounce on the guy when I saw Val on the dock, waving at me.
She was all smiles as I approached. From behind my sunglasses, I took my time drinking her in. She was wearing a knee-length beach dress with a deep neckline. Her bikini was visible too, the bra pushing her breasts up.
“Not going well so far?” she said instead of hello.
“What gave it away?”
“Before you saw me, you looked like you were going to throw that guy overboard.”
“He smuggled in alcohol and was leering at my niece.”
She grinned. “What were you expecting?”
“You’re amused by my shit luck again,” I pointed out as I leaned in to kiss her cheek, bringing my hand to her waist too. I didn’t just give her a quick peck. I lingered, laying one corner of my lips close to hers. I was going to claim that beautiful mouth of hers today. But I knew I wouldn’t be satisfied with a simple kiss. I wanted more from Val, and from the sweet way that she pressed herself into my touch, her sharp intake of air as she returned the kiss on my cheek, I knew she would surrender to me.
I couldn’t wait to be alone with her, to kiss her until she was wet for me. I’d work her up until she panted out my name, begging for more.
“Ready for fun?” I murmured in her ear. She smelled fantastic—some flower I couldn’t name— but also spicy. The tremor that coursed through her told me everything I needed to know.
“Yes. Is Peyton here too?”
“No, she’s at a playdate the whole day. She’s not a strong swimmer yet, and being on the boat all day would have been too dangerous for her.”
She watched me with warm eyes as we headed aboard together.
April was ecstatic when I introduced her to Val.
“I’ve heard so much about you, April.”
“Really? Well, my uncle kept you a secret until a few days ago.”
“Don’t worry. I’ll keep him out of your way so he doesn’t embarrass you.”
Wait a second, what?
“You will?” April looked like she might hug Val.
“I happen to be an expert at taming overprotective genes.”
My niece was grinning as if this was the best news she’d heard all day. After she went back to her group, which was huddled together at the other end of the deck, I cocked one brow at Val. She blushed and looked away, then peeked at me from the corner of her eye. I stepped closer. She half turned to me.
“So, you’re banding with April against me.”
“Well, it’s best if she thinks someone is on her side.”
“You’re playing double agent?”
“Not exactly. Let’s ma
ke ourselves scarce before you ruin the poor girl’s party.”
“Are you implying that I’m an ogre?”
She tilted her head playfully to one side. “Haven’t made up my mind yet.”
“I think you just want to be alone with me. To... what was the phrase? Tame me. How exactly do you plan to do that, Valentina?” Her cheeks turned pink, and I went even closer. She licked her lower lip. I almost crushed my mouth to hers. “If I’m going under, I’d at least like to know how.”
“Don’t you need to get this boat started?”
“Yes, I do. Want a tour before?”
She hesitated.
“No time to tame me during the tour. But don’t worry. I’ll give you plenty of opportunities later. Come on.”
She nodded, even as her eyes flared in surprise.
“This is the main deck, obviously. A little too small for a party of fifteen, but it’ll work out.” I then showed her the lower level, which was a living and dining room of sorts.
“So we’ll be hiding down here for the day?”
“Of course not. The front part is all ours.”
There was a smaller deck in front of the captain’s cabin that would give us privacy. I’d arranged for two lounge chairs to be brought there, as well as umbrellas, which I’d open up after lowering the anchor.
“I’ll be in the captain’s cabin until we reach deeper water.”
“I’ll work on my tan.”
That turned out to be a bad idea.
Watching Val take off her dress was like having a private peep show. Her body was even more amazing than I’d imagined. That tall, willowy figure was going to be my death. I didn’t know where to look first. That round, perky ass or her sexy-as-hell breasts, which almost spilled out of her top. Her long legs were muscular but in a lean way. I wanted to have those thighs wrapped around me, to suck on her nipples and worship every inch of her.
I’d run my mouth all over that smooth skin, part her legs, and feast on her until she shook with pleasure.
She settled on one of the two lounge chairs. Thank God she wasn’t putting on sunscreen, because I didn’t think I could watch that and still pay attention to what I was doing. She plugged in earbuds and lay on her back.
Once I’d brought the boat to clear, deep waters, I lowered the anchor and went out to tell the party that we were docking there for the day. We had a few wetsuits, but I didn’t think anyone wanted to swim. It was mid-October, and while the weather was sunny, the water wasn’t any fun.
