Only With You

by Layla Hagen

“When are you free next week?”

  “No clue, but I’ll check my calendar and let you know.”

  “Monday at breakfast?” he pressed, his gaze hard and determined. I nodded. He inched closer, pushing a strand of hair behind my ear. The brush of his fingers on my earlobe felt intimate. I shuddered with my entire body. Carter didn’t miss my reaction, and his lips curled into a seductive smile.

  “Have a great evening, Valentina.”

  Chapter Thirteen

  Val

  On Monday morning, I woke up so late that I had no choice but to forego both my yoga and the coffee shop. I shot Carter a quick message to let him know I couldn’t make it before darting directly into my office. I had to answer a few emails before heading to the sampling room.

  My stomach was rumbling, and I needed breakfast. Otherwise I’d end up vetoing all of the samples.

  I was just about to ask my assistant to buy me a sandwich and a coffee when someone knocked at my open door. It was one of the girls who worked at Walter’s. Marcy sometimes did the deliveries. I’d ordered a few times, which was why Marcy knew her way around the office. She was holding a takeout bag.

  “Marcy, what are you doing here?” Had I placed an order and forgotten about it?

  “A certain gentleman you’ve been hanging out with sent these.”

  “Ohhhhh. Thank you.”

  I tried not to smile too broadly as Marcy placed the bag on my desk.

  “He’d been sitting at your usual table, then came up to the counter all sexy and cute, asking if we could deliver your favorites.”

  “Sexy and cute?” I repeated.

  “Yep. He’s been making everyone’s mornings. We don’t get too many guys looking like him around here. They all hang out on the other side of the town.”

  I chuckled, agreeing with her one hundred percent. Carter looked like the stars who graced the Beverly Hills area. I gave her a tip, and the second she left, I opened the bag. My stomach rumbled louder as the smell of freshly made pancakes wafted out of the bag. I took a bite, and then a sip of coffee. It was my favorite indeed.

  I shot him a text.

  Val: Thanks for breakfast. Great timing.

  I didn’t know what else to write, so I sent it like that, not expecting an answer. But I received one in a matter of seconds.

  Carter: Saw you barreling down the street and directly into your office. Thought you might need reinforcements before you knocked someone over.

  The man had great instincts. I’d almost knocked an elderly woman over this morning. My sensory perception wasn’t great this early in the day.

  Carter: I missed our usual morning chat.

  Val: I’m sorry. I overslept and didn’t have time.

  Carter: Are you sure that’s the only reason?

  I bit into the pancake, frowning at my phone.

  Val: Sure. What else could it be?

  Carter: Me.

  Then a second message popped up.

  Carter: Avoiding me.

  Val: Do I have a reason to avoid you?

  Carter: You tell me :-)

  Val: Nope, not at all.

  Truthfully, I had missed breakfast because of him, just not in the way he thought. I’d overslept because I’d fallen asleep very late. I’d tossed and turned, first thinking about him, then dreaming about him. And those were some hot as hell dreams. Our encounter on the boat had served as the catalyst, and my imagination had filled in the rest.

  Carter: When do you have time for dinner?

  Val: I checked my calendar and it’s hectic. I’ll be locked up here with my team most evenings. I have time on Wednesday only.

  Carter: April has a recital that evening.

  Val: Lunch?

  Carter: Zachary and I will be with clients at midday every day this week.

  Val: Let’s push it to next week then.

  Carter: It’s not what I was hoping for, but okay. Will I see you tomorrow morning?

  Val: I’m not sure. We’re choosing the final samples this week, so we start at seven. I’m not good company at that ungodly hour, trust me. I’ll probably just order in.

  I felt a pang of regret as I sent the message. It was as if the universe was conspiring against us... well, our schedules were, at least.

  Carter: You don’t have to. I’ll take care of that :-) It’s another promise.

  Well, hell. He certainly knew how to stump me. I had no idea what to reply, so I sent a simple thank you. Then I finished my breakfast, determined to push all thoughts about Carter to the back of my mind, even though all I wanted now was to call my sisters, open a bottle of wine, and tell them everything in detail, dissect every single thing.

  I took my notepad and descended to the testing room, determined to focus on the task at hand. The joke was on me. The tiniest connections were enough for my thoughts to fly back to Carter: a whiff of mint, a mention of masculinity.

  “Val?” Nicole, the head chemist, asked.

  “Sorry, I didn’t catch that.” I mentally berated myself. I wasn’t going to let my team down. We’d all worked hard for this particular line of fragrances. It was launching on three different continents at the same time—an exclusive line for Sephora, one of our biggest accounts.

  This line was one of my favorites: a concept of playful scents to remind us of summer all year round. We had our fair share of alluring and seductive lines, but these were meant for the girl hidden in every woman. The little miss princess inside of us.

  Sephora had approached me for an exclusive line after I’d entered a similar partnership with a chain of department stores. When I pitched them my idea, they were intrigued, but warned that the sexy angle worked better than playful. I’d made my case about the two not being mutually exclusive, and they’d run with the idea.

  The week turned out to be one of the most intense in months. Beauty SkinEssence hadn’t contacted my lawyer again. I wished I had closure on the case. No news was good news, but not knowing was weighing on me.

  The daily deliveries from Walter’s were just the boost I needed to keep on going.

  When I received coffee and yet another pancake the second morning, I berated Carter.

  Val: You can’t feed me pancakes every morning.

  Carter: Why not? You like them.

  Val: Yes, but variety is good.

  Good for my hips, that was. I would’ve eaten pancakes all day long and twice on a Sunday, but I also wanted to keep in shape. Next morning, I received a yogurt with muesli and honey with my coffee. I dug right into it, savoring every spoonful.

  Val: This is yummy. I’ve never had it before.

  Carter: I’m having the same.

  I felt as if we were indeed sharing breakfast, even if we weren’t in the same spot. Another message popped up.

  Carter: This is making my plan to work my way through your deep and dark secrets significantly harder.

  Val: Oh, you thought I’d make it easy for you?

  His reply came right away.

  Carter: No. But no worries, I’m making progress on my own.

  Val: What do you mean?

  The next message contained a photo. It took me a second to realize it was a screenshot of the Kindle app on his phone. He was reading a book. Oh, God... he was reading my book. The one that had gotten me all hot and bothered right in the middle of the coffee shop last week.

  And holy shit, that passage he’d sent me... I’d highlighted it, because it was some of the steamiest stuff I’d ever read. My face was burning, and so was my chest. Hell, I wasn’t ashamed to admit (to myself) that I was even burning between my thighs.

  What was I supposed to answer? Was he even expecting a reply? I mean... he had to be. Why else send it to me?

  Val: So you’re enjoying it?

  Carter: I can see the appeal. Different from my usual bedtime read.

  I bet it was. I also had no clue how to continue the conversation, but he had plenty of ideas.

  Carter: I’m curious. Do you just like to read, or ar
e you into all of this?

  Holy shit, if I’d thought I was burning before... well now, he’d unleashed an inferno inside of me. Even my fingertips felt on fire as I typed.

  Val: I can’t believe you’re asking this.

  Carter: You promised we’d exchange notes.

  Carter: On second thought, I’d rather hear the answer in person. I can’t wait.

  I stared at his message, then stared some more before laughter bubbled out of me. He was going to be the death of me. I didn’t know if I should be afraid of it or look forward to it.

  On Thursday afternoon, I went home a little early as my commitment for that evening was canceled. It was for the best because I was exhausted. I had a chance to catch up on some housework, as well as relax a little. I filled my tub with water and an unscented bubble lotion. After being nose-deep in samples all week, I needed a break from any kind of fragrance.

  I propped a wooden tray across the tub, laying my Kindle, the phone, and a glass of water on it. Then I lit three candles and switched off the light. I sighed as I slid in the warm water, careful not to move the wooden table. This was heaven in a tub. If there was a better way to relax, I hadn’t found it yet. I didn’t even want to read, honestly. All I wanted was to close my eyes and let the exhaustion drip from my bones. I didn’t even want to think about tomorrow. It was going to be a long day. But I was looking forward to dinner with my family... and the breakfast delivery.

  As if sensing that I was thinking about him, Carter sent me a message.

  Carter: Are you still at the office?

  Val: At home already.

  It was nearing eight o’clock, and I was surprised that he was still at work. He usually messaged me after he left, and he was always out earlier than I was.

  Carter: Damn. I wanted to pay you a surprise visit. You know, we still haven’t set a date. When are you free for dinner?”

  I swallowed. Oh... that. Before I could even reply, dots appeared on the screen. Carter was typing. I wanted to wait and see what else he had to say first.

  Carter: I’m dying to taste you again. I’m attracted to you, Val. Not just on a physical level. I like how your mind works. I wanted to surprise you by whisking you to dinner tonight - no expectations. But since you’re already home... how about tomorrow?

  Val: I have dinner with my family tomorrow. But I have time every evening next week except Wednesday and Friday.

  I waited with bated breath for his reply.

  Carter: Do you have any plans tonight?

  Val: Supreme relaxation. No bribe is high enough to get me out of my house.

  Not five seconds later, my phone rang. I didn’t pick it up from the tray, just activated the loudspeaker.

  “You didn’t think I’d give up easily, right?”

  It was the first time I’d heard his voice this week, and it was even sexier than I remembered.

  “It’s your prerogative to try your best, but I’m warning you. I’m taking a hot bath. Nothing can top that.”

  “You’re in a tub?”

  “Yes.”

  A pause and then, “Why do you have your phone with you?”

  “I have this fancy wooden tray that I use as support for stuff. Phone, Kindle, drink. I usually listen to music, and all of it is on my phone.”

  “You’re naked right now?”

  “I don’t make it a habit to take baths fully clothed, so yes.”

  Now that he’d mentioned it, this did feel a little... erotic. Hearing his voice while I was stark naked, surrounded by the romantic light of the candles. This was my happy place. I usually set my phone in airplane mode, only using it to listen to music. But I was happy I hadn’t switched it tonight.

  “Val....”

  Oh God, the way he’d said my name. He’d almost groaned it, as if it was a primal reaction to picturing me naked. The sound sent heat spiraling right to my clit.

  “If I didn’t know better, I’d say you want to punish me for something.” His voice was deeper.

  “I want to do no such thing. I’m just relaxing.” Shit, my voice was breathy too.

  “You deserve the time out.”

  “Thanks. I love this. It’s like my private spa.”

  “You don’t like going to an actual spa? With your sisters, or girlfriends?”

  “I do, but I’m more of a DIY girl, even for manicures and so on. I don’t like feeling strangers’ hands on me. I went for a massage once. It was weird. I didn’t enjoy it at all.”

  He gave a low laugh that sounded suspiciously like he was trying to cover up a groan.

  “I’d give you a massage if I were with you. Trust me, you’d enjoy mine. I would touch you so good. Just where you need it.”

  My body was already on edge, anticipation building up as if he was just behind the door.

  “Maybe I wouldn’t want one,” I replied playfully.

  “Oh, I’d convince you. Wear you down.”

  “Is that so? And how would you do that?”

  “I’ll keep my secrets for now. But I think your imagination can fill in the blanks. Have a good night, Val.”

  “You too.”

  Holy hell, did my imagination ever flare up after the line went dead. I played music, then I sank into the tub up to my chin, grinning to myself, even though worry nagged at me. I liked that he’d said no expectations. It took off any pressure.

  But I already felt a connection to Carter, and it was a little scary.

  I was shaking my hips lightly to the rhythm of the slow music, but I wanted a more energetic sound. I hadn’t selected a playlist, just let it shuffle around, and some slow songs had hijacked my evening. I set to rectifying the issue immediately. After drying my hands on a towel I kept nearby, I switched to my favorite playlist, and my mood immediately changed. Oh, yeah.

  With a jolt, I noticed Carter had sent me another message.

  Carter: How about next Tuesday? I’m not giving up until we set a date in stone tonight.

  I had just cooled down from our previous exchange, but now I felt as if someone had poured hot water in the tub.

  Val: Next Tuesday works great.

  Dots appeared on my screen, and my entire body was pulsing as I waited for his answer.

  Carter: Perfect. I’ll call you tomorrow to talk about the details. I won’t hijack your naked time anymore... tonight.

  Chapter Fourteen

  Val

  The next evening, mayhem reigned during Friday dinner.

  I’d cooked chicken fajitas with iceberg salad on the side, and I’d monopolized my niece, Willow, holding her on my lap throughout dinner. I loved her toddler smell and the way she grabbed the fabric of my dress in her tiny fists.

  “You, my dear, have excellent taste in clothing,” I informed her, then asked no one in particular, “Is it too early to buy her scarves?”

  My sisters were shoe lovers, but scarves were my kryptonite.

  “Landon, watch your daughter,” Jace cautioned, “or Val will turn her into a shopaholic.”

  “What’s wrong with that?” Maddie asked, looking at her daughter happily. My twin had been a widower when he’d met her. I hadn’t thought he would fall in love again. I was so grateful that Landon had found Maddie.

  “She’s a Connor girl,” Landon said lazily. “I bet she was born with the shopping bug.”

  “That’s my twin.”

  I was on a mission to discover if Jace was in trouble. He and Hailey had their heads together again, chatting a little apart from the rest of the group. What was up with that? And Jace even had a few deep frown lines.

  As the youngest, they always stuck together. If it was meant to be a secret, the joke was on him, because Hailey had the worst track record as secret keeper in the family.

  After dinner, we chilled in the backyard, soaking the last sunrays. The evening was splendid. Under the guise of bringing out lemonade glasses for everyone, I roped my sisters into helping me.

  “What’s up with Jace?” I asked Hailey straight awa
y. “You two have been whispering the whole evening. Last Friday too.”

  Hailey shook her head, making a gesture as if to indicate her lips were sealed.

  “I’ve got nothing to say.”

  I exchanged a glance with Lori and could tell she was thinking the same thing. Since when did Hailey keep family secrets? It looked as if I’d have to actually put some effort into this. Huh... this was new.

  “But speaking of secrets, you’ve been holding out on us, sister.” Hailey spoke while she pressed lemons.

  “Me?” I asked innocently.

  Lori grinned. “We’ve been watching you. Twice you slipped in daydreaming mode, which you only do when you’ve had a great date or are planning one.”

  As a wedding planner, Lori caught on to these things quickly.

  I looked from Lori to Hailey, and then the words burst out of me while I busied myself preparing a mix of honey and ginger. And because I didn’t do anything halfheartedly, I went into great detail about the sexy time on the yacht, which caused Lori’s cheeks to turn red. Hailey was eating it all up.

  “Holy shit, way to go, sis. Oh, you so deserve a man who knows what he’s doing,” Hailey said.

  “I do, don’t I?” I said smugly. “We’re having dinner next week.”

  “Why not the weekend?” Hailey asked.

  “He’s busy with his nieces.”

  After we returned outside, I moved on to the second part of the plan: cornering Jace.

  I just hoped he hadn’t picked up on the daydreaming vibes my sister had. After the fiasco with Ethan, Jace was even more protective.

  Those protective instincts had reared their heads for the first time when he was thirteen and he’d grilled a guy who’d come to pick up Lori for a date like it was his job. When I had asked him about it, he’d simply said, “When a guy at my school goes to pick up girls on dates, the girl’s dad always gives them shit. Dad isn’t here, so I’ll do it.”

  I’d been so stunned that I’d even forgotten to scold him for saying shit. My thirteen-year-old brother was growing up far too fast, and I hadn’t known how to stop it. And now he was a grown man I was proud of. But if he was in trouble, I wanted to know. I wasn’t just trying to be nosy. I could help.