Kobo Indecent Arrangment Part I

by Stephanie Julian

  No reaction except to wave her toward the front door.

  Well, if that didn’t tell her he wasn’t interested, nothing would, right?

  With a sigh, she dropped the smile and walked through the door. She waited for him to follow then locked the door and followed him down the hall to the stairs.

  Silence descended, oppressive and slightly uncomfortable. What should she say? Hell, maybe he didn’t want to talk to her.

  Maybe he just doesn’t like you?

  What had she ever done to him?

  It was on the tip of her tongue to ask when he reached the door to the street and pulled it open for her.

  She had no trouble picking out his car. Had to be the black SUV with the tinted windows. Probably had bulletproof glass and armor plating.

  Are you really sure you want to do this?

  Yeah, she really was.

  When he clicked the remote and opened the back passenger side door for her to get in, she stopped on the curb and gave him a look. Tristan, Adam, or any of her brothers would have known that look.

  Jesse’s gaze narrowed.

  One hand went to her cocked hip. “Seriously? You want me to sit in the back?”

  Had he almost smiled? Or was she seeing things?

  “I figured you’d be more comfortable.”

  “You figured wrong. I am not sitting in the backseat by myself. Unless you don’t want me in the front.”

  His expression never changed. “Of course you’re welcome to sit in the front.”

  Then he closed the back door and opened the front.

  The SUV was too high for her to get into without using the step, and Jesse stuck his hand out to help her in.

  She took it, trying to ignore the shiver that ran through her entire body at the touch of his skin against hers. Damn, the guy had big hands. Not Hulk-sized or anything, but big enough to make hers feel tiny.

  She wondered what they’d feel like on her—

  Nope. Not gonna happen. Don’t even go there.

  She released him as soon as she could without making it seem like she was afraid of him. She wasn’t. But, oh man, she couldn’t stop her imagination from roaming.

  Maybe she should’ve sat in the back.

  Because when he climbed into the driver’s seat, without needing a step, she couldn’t stop herself from watching him. One of those big hands wrapped around the steering wheel, making her breath catch in her throat. The other punched the start button before reaching for the gear shift. No automatic transmission for this guy. He wanted total control.

  Okay, enough of that.

  Tearing her gaze away, she stared out the front window, although she didn’t see much of anything.

  Instead, she tried to regulate her breathing because she seemed to be on the verge of hyperventilating. Which was so stupid.

  She’d been on dates before. Hell, she’d been on a lot of dates. She’d been dating since she turned sixteen and her dad finally agreed to let her go out with Chris Edmond, who tried to get to third base at Annie Lenkowicz’s birthday party.

  Luckily for Chris, she hadn’t had enough strength to break his fingers but her brothers had made sure she knew how to defend herself. Chris had needed help leaving that night.

  “Is everything okay?”

  Jesse’s quiet voice drew her out of those memories and she took a breath before answering. “Of course. So where exactly is this reception?”

  “At Haven.”

  Impressive. “I’ve heard the food is great. I’ve never been there.”

  “It is.”

  “You’ve eaten there?”

  “We know the owners.”

  “Are they friends?”

  “Acquaintances.”

  Interesting. The Golden Brothers were Philadelphia bluebloods. How would they know Max and Jesse? “So what are you going to do while Max and I are at this reception? Hang out on the street smoking and gossiping with the other drivers?”

  His hands clenched around the steering wheel. And she scored one for herself.

  “No.”

  Damn him. “So what are you going to do? Sit around and wait for us to be finished?”

  “I have a few things to check on.”

  “Oh, like what?”

  “We have a restaurant down the street.”

  “You mean you and Max own it?”

  “Yes.”

  “Do you own other restaurants?”

  “Yes.

  Okay, he wanted to play this game? She had four older brothers. She knew how to play the question game. “How many?”

  “Three.”

  “Do you own any other businesses?”

  “Yes.”

  “What are they?”

  She heard him sigh. “Why don’t you ask Max these questions?”

  “Because I’m asking you.”

  “I’m not the one you’re dating.”

  As a conversation killer, it worked like a charm. Silence fell, which probably suited him just fine.

  But her…not so much.

  “Are you dating anyone?”

  And there went his hands again, tightening on the steering wheel hard enough that she swore she heard it creak.

  “No.”

  “Aren’t you interested in dating?”

  “If I say no, will you drop the third degree?”

  Now she had him on the ropes. “I’m just making conversation.”

  “Uh-huh.”

  “What? I can’t be curious? I’ve never dated anyone with a past quite like yours and Max’s before. I’m intrigued.”

  “You should be running in the other direction.”

  Interesting. “Why?”

  Jesse’s jaw looked like it was about to crack. Her brothers would never know how well they’d trained her.

  “Because you’re not—”

  His abrupt silence made her gaze narrow. “I’m not what?”

  Another sigh. “Forget it.”

  “Oh no. I’m fascinated.” And starting to get a little angry. Obviously he had some preconceived ideas about her. She wanted to know what. “Please continue.”

  His mouth flattened. “Do you have no self-preservation at all?”

  “Of course I do. I just don’t perceive you as a threat.”

  Did he actually look offended by that? Good.

  Shaking his head, he took the corner a little sharply into the underground parking garage at the hotel, which she hadn’t realized they’d already reached.

  She didn’t bother him while he parked, and if she couldn’t help but smile when he jumped out of the car without another word, well, he couldn’t see her.

  Her door opened in the next few seconds and she turned to slide out. But before she knew what he intended, he reached in, put his hands around her waist, and lifted her out of the car.

  When she landed on her feet, trapped between him and the car, she realized not only was she not afraid of him, she was really, really turned on by him.

  Her nipples peaked and her thighs clenched and, oh my god, she actually went wet. She couldn’t stop staring up into his eyes, so dark and so intently focused on her.

  When he bent closer until she almost couldn’t see him clearly, she swallowed hard. But only because she wanted to lean closer and lick him. Yes, she absolutely wanted to taste him.

  “You never have to be worried about me hurting you.” Now she watched his lips move. “But you damn well should be frightened of me because I am not the kind of man you need in your life.”

  If he thought she’d quiver and cower and meekly agree, he had no idea who he was dealing with. “And what kind of man is that, Jesse? Hmm? Please, enlighten me because I am dying to know.”

  Now those eyes narrowed and she swore she felt the heat coming off his body. “One who’d want a hell of a lot more than you’re willing to give.”

  He took a step back but she followed, needing him to see that he wasn’t frightening her at all.

  “And you have no idea what I�
�d be willing to give, Jesse. Too bad you’re too much of a coward to find out.”

  With a sharp smile, she sidestepped him and headed for the elevator to the lobby. She didn’t wait for him as she pushed the button and stepped inside when the doors opened. She wasn’t surprised to find him right behind her, his jaw clenched. He refused to look at her as he pressed the button and stood with his back to her.

  She kept her smile until the elevator doors opened and Jesse stepped out. Then she let her smile fade and took a deep breath.

  You can do this.

  Damn right she could.

  Smile back on and fortified, she stepped out into the lobby.

  And nearly lost it when she saw Jesse standing next to Max.

  Oh my god.

  Did they have any idea that the other women in the lobby were devouring them with their eyes? That those women would love to insinuate themselves between their bodies? Preferably naked.

  Max’s gaze caught hers as she was thinking she might have to warn a few of the other women away.

  But they’re not yours. This isn’t a date. This is an arrangement.

  Max needed a date. Not a girlfriend.

  She needed to keep her expectations for tonight in check.

  Then again the way Max looked at her…

  Maybe she’d get more than she’d expected.

  She could only hope.

  What was she thinking?

  Max hadn’t wanted to immediately attach Mary Alice to his side, but the way she was looking at him made him think maybe his night wouldn’t end in frustration.

  “You’re not gonna listen to reason, are you?”

  The disgust in Jesse’s voice didn’t bother Max. What bothered Max was the fact that Jesse wouldn’t budge on his decision.

  “You’re not being reasonable.”

  He stepped away from Jesse, reaching for Mary Alice’s hand.

  “Hello, Mary Alice.”

  Damn, her smile made his body respond as if she’d put her hands down his pants. Thank god she couldn’t read his mind. And he wished like hell her smile wasn’t just for show. And he had no doubt that’s exactly why she was smiling.

  “Hello, Max. How are you?”

  He wondered how she’d respond if he told her exactly how he felt. And what he wanted.

  Leaning down, he brushed a kiss against her cheek, deliberately getting close, into her space. He expected her to pull away.

  She didn’t.

  Holy shit.

  When he stepped back, he found her watching him, her eyes wide. But he saw no fear.

  He wondered what she saw in his eyes. Hopefully nothing he didn’t want her to see.

  “The reception’s in the atrium. We should probably go.”

  Deliberately avoiding Jesse’s gaze, he took Mary Alice’s elbow and steered her toward the atrium in the middle of the hotel.

  He had no idea what Jesse was going to do. He didn’t want to care or think about it all night so he focused on the feel of her skin beneath his fingers and the fascinating shades of her copper-colored hair.

  “You look beautiful tonight.”

  She turned to look up at him but this time her lips curved in a sweet smile. “Thank you. I’d say the same but you always look put together. I don’t think I’ve ever seen you in jeans.”

  Was that a dig? “I do wear them.”

  Her smile widened. “I think I’d have to see that to believe it.”

  They reached the atrium before he could respond and he drew in a breath before opening the door for her.

  He’d never admit it but he hated these damn things. He had no trouble making small talk and ignoring those who talked about him behind his back. Most of these people didn’t know the first thing about him except what they’d heard from someone else about the rumors of his criminal past.

  No one here would have the balls to ask him about it. If they did, he might actually tell them the truth. And they wouldn’t give a shit if he told them.

  Just like he wouldn’t give a shit about these trust-fund babies, except for what they could do to further his business goals.

  Stopping just inside the door, he looked over the crowd, trying to determine whom he should talk to. He recognized a few faces and picked a few targets.

  “I didn’t realize there’d be so many people.”

  He shot a look at Mary Alice but couldn’t tell what she was thinking. “Regretting our arrangement already?”

  Her haughty look made his lips quirk into a smile. “You don’t know me very well so I’ll let that one slide.”

  “You’re right. I don’t. What would you like to drink?”

  “Is this your way of getting to know me?”

  “This is my way of asking if you’d like a drink.” He had a feeling he was going to need one, even though he’d only allow himself to have one. He couldn’t afford to even give the appearance of impairment.

  “Not much on small talk, are you?”

  He couldn’t tell if her dry tone meant that was a dig. “No.”

  The look she gave him was pure exasperation. “Do you and Jesse make a pact to speak in as few words as possible?”

  So Jesse hadn’t been very talkative either. Christ, why the hell was this so damn hard with her? He didn’t usually have trouble talking to women. Then again, he didn’t have to talk to them. Jesse carried most of the heavy lifting there.

  Fuck.

  “No.”

  Goddammit.

  “Okay. Sure, I’ll have a drink. White wine. Whatever they have. I’m not picky.”

  Not picky. Just picky enough not to want to go out with him.

  As they walked through the crowd to the bar, he nodded to a few people he’d met at the one previous mixer he’d attended and ignored the stares from strangers, several of whom actually narrowed their eyes and watched him the entire way, as if he might break out an AK-47 and start mowing them down.

  Yeah, he might be reading too much into other people’s reactions. Then again, probably not.

  He didn’t need these people to like him. He just needed them to know he wasn’t the bogeyman. Which was why he had Mary Alice by his side.

  So yeah, he was using her. And he refused to feel like a prick about that.

  He couldn’t afford to.

  Mary Alice realized about five minutes into the mixer why Max needed her by his side at this shindig.

  These people were sharks, with their shiny white smiles and flat, dead eyes. They sized you up as either chum or another predator in seconds then held out their hands like they were doing you a favor by allowing you to shake it.

  Yes, she was exaggerating a little. She knew a few people here tonight, mainly through her work with Tristan and Adam. Those she gave big smiles and hugs and let her guard down for a few seconds. The others… Some gave her the actual creeps. The rest just pissed her off.

  That last bunch looked at Max like he was the devil and she was either a fool or a whore for standing by his side.

  Of course, some of the women gave her jealous little smiles and that was okay, too. At least those were understandable, considering Max was one of the most handsome men in the room.

  He had that whole cool-Russian thing going for him. The piercing blue eyes and the strong jaw and those cheekbones. She wanted to kiss her way across those cheekbones then work her way back down to his mouth—

  Yeah, probably best not to think about that too much. She had no idea if tonight would include any intimate contact and she didn’t want to get her hopes up.

  So for two hours, they mingled. Well, Max kind of mingled. Mostly, he targeted specific people and spoke to them. She had no idea how he chose his targets but she knew he must’ve had a specific goal with each one.

  Fascinated, she stuck close to his side as he worked the room. Occasionally, he’d deliberately draw her into the conversation, but mostly he let her join in as she wanted.

  Which gave her a lot of time to watch him work.

  “I hope yo
u weren’t too bored.”

  As they headed for the elevator, among the first to leave the event, his question surprised her into taking a hard look at him.

  “No, not at all. Did you think I was bored?”

  “No. And I have no clue why you weren’t.”

  She laughed at the genuine bemusement in his voice. “I like to watch people. They can be amusing.”

  “Or completely and relentlessly boring.”

  His dry tone didn’t fool her. He was amused too. Just in a different way. More like a lion playing with a mouse. “You don’t fool me. You had fun playing the part.”

  His eyebrows rose as they entered the elevator and he punched the button for the parking garage. She hadn’t seen Jesse waiting for them in the hotel lobby so he must have left. Maybe he and Max weren’t as attached at the hip as she’d thought.

  “What part?”

  “The part where you’re just an average guy trying to get along in the world.”

  She caught him staring at her in the mirrored walls of the elevator and swallowed hard at the heat blazing there. All night he’d been so coolly polite, not just to everyone else but to her as well.

  She’d almost convinced herself he didn’t want her. That she’d been completely wrong to think she’d seen something in his eyes that made her think he wanted her.

  Because right now… She could barely breathe.

  “I am an average guy.”

  “No, you’re definitely not. And you know it.”

  The doors opened and he stepped forward, his gaze checking out the garage before he waved her ahead of him. It took less than two seconds for him to do it, but it reminded her of who he was and why she shouldn’t be thinking about how much she wanted to him to kiss her again. But this time, she wanted to kiss him back. Wanted to wrap her arms around his shoulders and press herself against him. Let him know she wanted him.

  But it looked like she might actually have to make the first move herself because he wasn’t making any moves at all.

  And how awful would it be if he didn’t respond?

  The guy was throwing off some seriously confusing vibes.

  Luckily for him, she knew what she wanted.

  There was no one else around as he walked her to his car, a black Mercedes that screamed “Look at me” while trying hard not to appear too impressive.

  Opening the door, he waited with one hand on the window as she stepped up to the car…but didn’t get in.