Fervent

by Claudia Burgoa

  Caressing her hand, I continue. “Like the way your skin flushes. Or the way you bite your lip when I say something that . . . excites you. You call it frustration, but I call it sexual tension.”

  Mumbling in her ear, I say, “Your condition is pretty obvious.”

  She chuckles, closing her eyes briefly as she shakes her head. “I have a condition. Is there a cure to what I have, Dr. Everhart?”

  “Order ready. Luna Everhart, your order is ready,” they call when the order is up. “Luna Everhart.”

  Luna gasps, looking around the restaurant. “You have a death wish, Everhart. That’s not my last name.” She scowls at me, again.

  “Yes, you have sexual frustration. And I know how to treat it. We can make rules around . . . your problem.” I smirk before going back to the counter to pick up our food but not before murmuring close to her ear. “Since you seem to like roleplay, we can play doctor while I take care of that itch.”

  She gapes at me. If we were keeping score, I’d say Harrison one Luna zero. Unless we count the time, she almost kicked my ass. That takes at least five points away, easily.

  Sixteen

  Luna

  Doctor, roleplay. Itch.

  What itch is he talking about?

  This entire conversation doesn’t just blur the lines, it erases them. There’re no lines. With so many people around us, I can’t stop and talk some sense into him. Maybe he’s the one who hit his head. It was my fault. Did he hit the floor too hard last week? Or maybe during the mission, something happened and he has a concussion.

  “Did you hit your head while you were working?” I walk close to him, making sure that he can hear me. “Should we take you to the doctor?”

  He chuckles but ignores me.

  Will another hit on the head fix whatever is wrong with him?

  Violence shouldn’t be the answer, but I’m ready to experiment with it. I try to reclaim my hand, but Harrison holds it tighter. His steps are longer, faster. I have to almost jog to keep up with him. I wish he would slow down so we can talk. But we continue walking in silence. My question remains up in the air. I’ll repeat it later when we are alone. This situation has to be resolved soon. We can’t take things too far.

  You’re fearless, Luna. Why can’t you let yourself do something different with him? I glance at him. His eyes are focused forward, but the times I glance at him he smiles at me. Pulling my hand, he kisses the back.

  “Don’t overthink. This has to be simple, easy,” he explains. “Once you begin to use your heart and your mind to solve what’s between us the moment is gone.”

  We are close to the building where I’m currently staying. He pulls us to the side and exhales. “Have you ever had one-night stands?”

  “Yes, but the day after I’m gone.” I lift one shoulder, slumping it right away. “We never see each other again.”

  “Okay, we apply the same concept. The difference is that you’ll see me.”

  He angles his head to the entrance, and I follow him. “Carter, how are you tonight?” he greets the doorman when we arrive home.

  “Miss Santillan, Mr. Everhart, good evening.”

  “Hey, Carter.” I wave at him.

  When we step into the elevator, I speak. “There’s no itch, frustration, or roleplay. We have to set ground rules. I can’t sleep with my partner.”

  He pulls his cell phone out.

  “I propose that we take full advantage of the situation and spend the next weeks doing what couples do,” he reads last night’s text.

  “We’re not a couple,” I remind him.

  “Yet,” he adds.

  “We are partners.”

  “Partners?” He wiggles his eyebrows. “I like that. Live-in partners have more fun than your average couple.”

  “You’re insufferable.”

  “But you already accepted that.” He stares at his phone. “Luna accepted by saying, ‘It might work, we’ll have to talk about ground rules,’” he mocks my voice.

  “It’s right here, in writing. You want ground rules. We only need one.” He pushes me against the metal wall, caging me with his strong body.

  Harrison nuzzles my neck, murmuring. “We don’t tangle our actions with emotions. I offer you steady, monogamous sex while we work together.”

  His lips brush against mine. The fire they evoke leaves me weak, a low, throaty moan escapes. The wait for more is almost too much for my heart to take. Reaching for his lips, I kiss him. My skin catches fire as his hands slide down my bare back and land just above my ass. He presses me closer to him as he strips me bare from the walls I try to build around myself and exposes my soul to his.

  “You can’t fight this,” he says, breaking our kiss.

  My breathing hitches. Shivers travel from the nape of my neck all the way to my toes. Yet, my skin burns as it remembers his touch. The low voice weakens my knees, tightening my core. “That’s unprofessional,” I whisper.

  “There’s no professional link between us, Luna,” he reminds me, straightening his back, and stepping away from me.

  His face is somber, his gaze holds mine. “There’s chemistry between us. We’re both consenting adults. Why not take full advantage of our situation?”

  “Situation?” I sigh, gasping for air. “There’s no situation. We shouldn’t be . . .”

  Wait, Luna. Why are you saying no to steady sex? He’s sexy, and the ache between your legs could use his assistance. The little voice of unreason speaks. That one I never allow to speak when I’m having second thoughts about guys.

  The elevator doors open and I run toward my room without looking back. There’s such a cluttering mess inside my head that I have to search for a second opinion. Mom’s journal doesn’t have any advice on no-strings-attached-sex. My second choice is my phone. I tap on my password and access my daily horoscope.

  Dear Cancer,

  With the Moon so close to Jupiter, you are searching for more comfort than usual. But with a Mercury-Jupiter play, there’s a part of you that wants to do things differently. Get out of your shell and try something new. Combine the old comfort with the new aspects happening in your life. Nevertheless, try on that new feeling you’re trying to avoid. Work doesn’t have to be boring, you can experiment with a new method.

  Your personal life is about to receive its own makeover, be open to change. Let the ordinary become extraordinary. That might lead to pleasant surprises if you know what I mean, my dear crab. Have more courage and welcome a new associate into your professional life. That might be the key to success. Don’t forget that this is a great month to make some new connections that might lead you to love.

  Good luck my lucky crab.

  My comfort is not sharing feelings. Should I assume that the new is Harrison Everhart’s bed, he said emotion free. Didn’t he? The tightness in my chest mirrors every muscle of my body. Can I be emotionless while my body is responding so strongly to his attention? Love, I can’t make any new connections that will lead me to love. There’s no such thing as love for me. No future. But wait, Harrison said no feelings. That’s hard for me. I like to make real connections. How do I handle him?

  “Luna, we’re waiting for you,” Harrison says, knocking the door.

  “Give me a second, I’m taking a quick shower.”

  Seventeen

  Harrison

  Family comes first, always.

  My father repeated those words to us since we were little. They’ve stayed with me since the day I heard them. I applied them often and made them my number one rule the day that he died. Scott and I are the parental figures of this household. And even though our youngest brother is thirty, we still look after him. Tonight, it isn’t the exception. Hunter has some big news for us, and my duty as his big brother is to be with him.

  I wanted to go out with Luna; spend some time with her while we discussed our new arrangement. One she’s trying to avoid. Last week we had a great time together. Our chemistry is undeniable. Her body responds to mine
with the slightest touch. Our conversations over the phone were simple but enjoyable. Her irritated texts had me laughing while I was out of town.

  She denies there’s a connection. Yet when we touch, and when we kiss, there’s a fiery energy that burns us and makes us feel alive. I want more of her, more of us. I have to convince her that what I propose is safe. We can keep the wick ignited until the candle burns and our time ends. Tonight, I have to convince her that I’m safe, but is she safe for me?

  I will start our talk with her plans during her stay in the city. According to the conversation I had earlier with Tiago and her father, she has some hidden business that includes her mother.

  “I can’t stress how important it is that you keep her away from anything that doesn’t pertain to her current case, Everhart,” Cristobal Santillan said with a voice that was firm, yet worried.

  As soon as I’m done with this family affair, we have to talk about everything—her plans, my plans, and the possibility of more.

  The room goes silent as Hunter claps.

  “Now that everyone is here.” Hunter takes me away from my inner thoughts.

  “Where is Luna?” Hazel looks around.

  “Who is Luna?” Willow raises an eyebrow, pressing her lips together.

  “Hi,” Luna steps into the room, coming into view.

  She changed her yoga pants and backless tank top for a short, flouncy mini dress. The bracelets are back, and she tied her hair up into a messy bun. She’s barefoot, and I eye her ankle where she has a tattoo of a small elephant holding a heart with his trunk as if it was a balloon. Fuck, even her ink is cute.

  “Luna, let me introduce you to my family,” I say, taking her hand, pulling her body toward me.

  I place her right in front of me, kissing the top of her head. “Everyone, this is Luna. I’m sure Hazel will bring you up to date later. Luna, meet my family. From left to right we begin with Scott and Hazel.”

  “We’ve met before,” she reminds me, lifting her chin and looking up to me. I lower my head and kiss her lips lightly.

  She doesn’t kick me in the nuts, progress.

  “To Hazel’s right is Fitzhenry, the middle child,” I introduce him. “He’s our special little brother.”

  Fitz shows me his middle finger. “That’s because I’m the best of the four, sweetheart. Don’t let him fool you.”

  “Next to him are Hunter and Willow. He’s my youngest brother, and she’s his girlfriend, who happens to be Hazel’s sister.” I eye the solitaire diamond she wears, arch my eyebrow and gaze at Hunter. “Or should I call her your fiancée, Hunt?”

  “As usual your observational skills don’t fail you, big brother,” he responds, taking Willow’s hand and kissing it.

  “That’s not the big news,” Hazel announces clapping her hands.

  Willow rolls her eyes, smiling at her little sister. “We’re pregnant,” she reveals. Her voice is calm, sweet and joyful.

  Grant Beesley stands up to hug his granddaughter. She cries while he murmurs things to her. “Love you too, Gramps,” she says, kissing his cheek.

  “I’m going to be an aunt.” Hazel stands up giving her a tight hug too. She is over the moon. But she’s not surprised.

  “You told her first?” I feign resentment as I walk closer to them and hug them both. “Congratulations, little brother.”

  Willow shakes her head. “She guessed, I can’t hide much from her.”

  “Congratulations to both,” Luna utters, walking closer to Willow and Hunter. “Nice to meet you by the way.”

  Scott hugs them both and smiles at Hunter. He then looks at me and we both nod, knowing that our job with him is over. He’s happy and has his own family. We couldn’t ask for more.

  “Mom and Dad are as happy as we are for you two,” I tell Hunter, patting his shoulder.

  “Their first grandchild,” Scott seconds my words. “Mom would be over the moon, Hunt.”

  “You think so?” He looks at both of us.

  The news couldn’t have arrived at a better time. It’s almost the anniversary of their death. Scott and I smile and nod at him. My parents were happy when we were happy. I bet they are watching from heaven and celebrating too.

  “We aren’t sticking to Mom’s desires, are we?” Fitz eyes widen. “Five children per son, so she can have twenty grandkids, is difficult when I can’t have children.”

  Hazel glances at him, blinking twice. “There’re options. Surrogates, adoption, and fostering. You can have as many as you want.”

  “I’m not having five children,” Willow protests, then she turns to Luna. “Are you planning on having five mini-Everharts?”

  Luna raises her hands, shaking her head. “Ummm.”

  “We just started dating, Willow.” I stop her before she begins to ask more questions.

  “She’s not there, yet, don’t scare her, please,” Hazel warns her.

  I frown at her, but she ignores me. What is going on with little Hazel? I will find out later. It’s time for me to go. They are going to scare Luna, and we are in the middle of some very important negotiations. Walking toward the bags of takeout I grab her food, my food, and some chopsticks.

  “Do we have any special plans for . . .” Hunter looks around the room.

  “Our parents’ anniversary?” Scott finishes for him. “I have a conference. Hazel and I are leaving tomorrow.”

  “I booked another week in Arizona,” Fitz says, casually. “I’m hoping that one of the monks will break their vow of silence.”

  Scott slaps him on the back of the head. “Hey, it’s a joke. You need to get laid.”

  “Hunt?”

  “We might go to LA.” He shrugs.

  “I’m staying in town, with Luna. But call if you need me.”

  “Same goes,” Scott adds.

  “Dinner is here, I’m leaving with Luna.” Then I turn to Scott. “I’m going home, do you have any plans for tonight?”

  Hint, I need the apartment for myself.

  “I do,” Fitz responds. “Don’t wait up for me.”

  He sighs, checking his phone. “We’re traveling tomorrow. We’ll be gone until Saturday. I can call the charter company and change the time of our flight.” He turns to look at Hazel. “Would you mind leaving tonight, Haze?”

  “Whatever.” Her response is short and dry. The fake indifference might work for everyone, but that light smile on her lips is a dead giveaway. She can’t wait to leave.

  “Please don’t do it on my account, Beesley.” I poke around. “In fact, if you wait, I can join you two.”

  “If you think it’s necessary.” She doesn’t snap. She focuses on the food on top of the table, avoiding everyone.

  I stare at her, hoping she’ll look at me but she doesn’t. She seems to be ignoring everyone, but it just hit me. Hazel is avoiding me. What is going on with her? I glance from her to Scott who happens to be touching her hand. They have been casually touching since I came back from my other mission. It’s not obvious for everyone, but too obvious to me.

  “Be careful,” I warn him, angling my head toward Hazel.

  He nods once, and I leave the room.

  “Hey, get a bag ready, you’re not coming back,” I tell Luna, pulling out my phone.

  Luna laughs. “No. I don’t plan on going to your place.”

  “Do you want to talk about our plans and the rules you want here while we eat with my family?”

  Luna huffs, and storms toward her room. I go back to the dining room and ask Hazel to join me in the library. She closes her eyes briefly but joins me.

  “I’m giving you space, but I know something is up with you,” I say it as it goes. We don’t lie to each other and try to be a hundred percent honest.

  “Thank you for that.” She smiles and walks toward me to give me a hug. “I love you.”

  “Love you too, just be careful,” I warn her because I know that my brother can be an asshole and I don’t know what’ll happen if my hunch is right and he hurts
her.

  “You too. I’m here for you.” She squeezes my forearm.

  “Don’t fuck it up, Harry!”

  “It?”

  “Luna.” She looks toward the door. “You like her, a lot. Be smart about it.”

  “It’s just casual.”

  “You keep saying that to yourself.” She lifts her nose and smells the air. “You two smell like Happily Ever After.”

  “Be safe, Beesley,” I repeat, making my way back to the foyer.

  “I’m ready,” Luna announces, holding her tote bag. “Just don’t expect any s-e-x tonight. And tone down your commanding persona.”

  “As you wish, my lady,” I vow to her, calling the elevator.

  This is going to be an interesting night. I glance at her curvy, petite body and my core clenches. Rationality be damned. There’s something about Luna that bypassed all my walls. Only days after meeting her, I have the deep urge to have her under my skin. The next few weeks might be the best ones of my life.

  Eighteen

  Luna

  Harrison lives in what can only be described as the ultimate bachelor pad. The foyer, living room, and dining room are almost an exact replica of a swanky sports bar. Pool table, air hockey table, big screen televisions—three of them—a poker table and a recliner sectional leather couch. The walls are decorated with three neon signs that read, open, exit, and bar. But there are also a few pieces of art hanging and a couple of tall, glass sculptures on the floor. There’s a faint scent of cookies and vanilla that has nothing to do with the décor of the place.

  “We like to party, don’t we,” I say with a smirk as I picture all the parties these guys must have every weekend.

  “You’re judging.” Harrison clears his throat.

  “It’s different,” I confess, feeling my face heat as I realize that he’s not amused by my comment. “I don’t mean to criticize. I’m just wondering . . . Why did you guys decide to convert this into the ultimate man cave?”