I’d planned to take Toria out for breakfast at the Blackberry Café after a leisurely morning in bed. Feed her good. Give her energy and bring her back for another round of sex. But her phone rang, waking her. Which woke me when she sat and slid out of bed.
I reached for her. “Morning, beautiful.”
She smiled softly and grabbed my hand, squeezing it.
“Where are you going?”
“My phone’s ringing.” She sighed. “I have to get it.”
I strained, barely hearing it. “Wow. Remind me not to whisper about you behind your back. Hearing must be your superpower. That’s barely audible. Where’s it coming from?”
“My phone is in my purse on the table in my entryway.” She slid her blouse on. “It’s been ringing off and on for the last half-hour. I’ve been ignoring it because, you know, I’d like to stay and really wake you up.” Her gaze flicked to my erect dick.
I grabbed her arm. “Then ignore it. At least for a few minutes.”
“Hold the thought. I’ll be right back.” She kissed me lightly.
Which was nice. But it wasn’t the full extent of what I was hoping for. I heard her pad into the entry. Then there was a clatter and cursing.
“You okay out there?” I shoved back the covers.
“I’m fine. Don’t worry. In my rush to get the phone, I knocked my purse off the table. Stay where you are. I need to call them back.”
I pulled the covers up and put my hands behind my head, waiting for her, daydreaming about all the ways I wanted to make love to her. I wondered if the Blackberry would deliver.
The tone of her voice changed. I couldn’t make out the words, but her tone was angry and upset. Urgent.
Damn. I sat up and looked for my boxers.
I’d just slipped them on when she appeared in the doorway. “I have to run. Business emergency.”
“Anything I can do to help?”
She shook her head. “Stay where you are. I want to remember you dewy eyed and bed-headed.”
I ran my hand through my hair, finger-combing it. “That can’t be a good look.”
“It’s hot, believe me.” She came to the side of the bed and bent to kiss me.
I caught her wrist. “Sure you can’t stay? I haven’t fed you yet.” I waggled my brow suggestively.
She shook her head and kissed me quickly. “I have to run. You don’t know how much I regret this. It’s horrible timing.”
I dropped her wrist. “You can say that again.”
She kissed me again and pulled the rest of her clothes on while I watched.
She turned over her shoulder to look at me. “Call me later?”
I nodded. “Absolutely.”
She smiled and headed for the door.
“Good luck!” I called after her.
“Later!” The front door slammed shut.
I lay in bed in the afterglow of the night, thinking I could fall back to sleep. A few minutes later, I gave up and headed to the kitchen for coffee.
A business card on the floor in the entry, wedged up against the baseboards, caught my attention. I picked it up.
Victoria Williams.
The sight of her name on her business card made me smile. I realized she’d never told me the name of her company. We’d both been determined to enjoy ourselves and keep business out of our personal lives, at least in the beginning. That damned smile froze on my face as I read her business name, and, worse, saw the pink swing on the logo—swing for the stars—and read the address.
“Fuck.” My heart stopped. I went cold.
That business address? Yeah, I recognized it. I damn well should. It was the address of the space I’d just won.
With horror, I realized I’d been competing with Toria for it. And…she’d probably just gotten the word this morning. That was what all those frantic calls were about. And she wasn’t happy. That was an understatement designed to save my sanity and protect my heart from complete collapse.
She was pissed as hell. Angry at the bastard who’d used her swing against her. Furious and on the warpath.
And I was that very bastard. By accident.
My mouth went dry. All of the love potion in the world couldn’t overcome this romantic misstep.
There has to be a way to fix this. Before she finds out who’s behind it.
I grabbed my phone. Maybe I should just come clean? Yeah. That was the right thing to do. Come clean and beg her forgiveness like a man.
The phone shook in my hand. Without a plan? Asking forgiveness without action is just words. I needed a plan.
Who did I call first? Dave, the real estate agent? Or Ashley, my matchmaker, and tell her how I screwed up and ask her advice?
17
Toria
My real estate agent was in a state—the landlord was sticking to their guns and evicting us. Our lawyer had studied the contract. There was nothing we could do. The owner and property management company had a valid case against us. It was time to look for another space.
I’d been hoping against ridiculous hope. Hoping for the impossible. Now that it was final, I was furious.
This was ridiculous. It was an outrage. I went home to shower, change, and prepare to do battle. I was about to call Cam and cry on his shoulder about it—I really needed his broad shoulders and clear head right now. He had connections and perspective. He’d know whether I should bug Lazer for help on a Sunday or not.
My phone rang in my hand before I could punch the button to call Cam. I almost didn’t take the call. But it was Miles. I couldn’t ignore him again. He’d called several times yesterday while I was on my date with Cam. He’d left a message saying he had good news and to call him back. Maybe he’d actually cheer me up.
I picked. “Hey. What’s up?”
“I have fantastic news. Remember I told you about that mentorship program I joined? And how CTO was looking for a space for us? He found it. We’re going to be able to move in at the first of the month.”
“That’s great,” I said, happy for him. Though it was heartbreaking for me. I was on the line to find something new in a hurry now, or we’d all be working out of our homes for the duration.
“Yeah. CTO was pleased with himself for finding a way to get it.”
“Where is this new place, do you know?” I was wondering whether they might have more space available and simply making conversation.
“Near your offices, I think.” Miles rattled off the name of the building and suite number. “Hey, now maybe I can finally stop by and see where you work.”
I froze. The phone trembled in my hand. No. This couldn’t be. His wonderful mentor was stealing my space. I saw red, literally. “CTO? Does CTO have a real name?”
I was stunned. Now I didn’t know whether to be angry or delighted for Miles. Miles needed this program. It was a lifesaver for him, bringing him back. But the douchebag CTO had used underhanded, nasty methods to get my space from me.
“Yeah, of course he does.” Miles hesitated. “Why do you sound angry?”
“I’m not angry. Just upset over something that happened before you called. So, CTO. Do you know his name?”
“Yeah. Cam Johnson. He’s a great guy. You’d love him if you ever met him. You should meet him. He’s single, I think. Though he’s been pretty dopey and sappy this last week, so he may have found somebody. You know, he has that grin guys get when they’re in love. Kind of like Adam used to have around you. Toria? Toria, are you still there?”
“Yeah.” But my heart was broken and I was so confused. CTO was the dastardly villain who’d stolen my space. I was sure of it. And he was Cam, the man I’d just fallen in love with.
*
Cam
Dave was confused at first why I wanted the original tenant to have the space now. I gave him the bare minimum of details. He was sympathetic, and appreciated the irony of the situation, saying it was a first in his career.
“I’m sorry, Cam. I wish I could help you out here. There’s not
hing we can do. The contract is signed. The money paid. There’s no backing out now.” He paused for a breath. “You can let it sit empty. As long as you maintain it and keep the insurance up. That’s up to you. But it’s yours. Sorry, buddy. Never thought I’d say that, not given the fight we had to get it.”
“Can I sublet to her?” I said, thinking aloud. Yeah, brilliant.
“Subletting is expressly prohibited by clause 32.b.2.c.” He bored me with the legalese. “In this market, especially, you can see why. To prevent people from leasing everything in sight and then subletting at much higher, usurious rents. The equivalent of ticket scalping in this hot rental market.”
“Okay.” I rubbed my chin as I sat at my kitchen table, despondent. I need a shave, I thought, almost irrelevantly as I let my mind process. “I get that. Is there any way I can let her stay? Can I just give her the space?”
Dave blew out a breath. “No. Not that I can see. Any business or charitable organization that occupies that space must be owned or managed by you.”
Damn. I had no choice but to call and explain to Toria. And hope like hell she forgave me. We could work something out. I knew we could.
*
Toria
I hung up with Miles and tried to process what I’d just learned. Cam was CTO. Cam had as much a heart for kids like Miles as I did. He, too, was trying to help families of vets, like I was with my business. But in his own way.
I couldn’t fault him for that. I loved him for it. But he’d used me. He’d played underhanded and dirty. How could I love him for that? And if he’d used me…
But had he used me? Would a man who was using me have sent me to his billionaire friend for help and financing?
Unless he thought it was all a big joke. But that made no sense either. Lazer had given me solid advice and backing. No.
And the dates? The sweet, romantic planning of them? The I love you? The thoughtfulness? The chemistry between us, both in bed and out?
I couldn’t have imagined all that. I couldn’t have.
I was still processing and trying to rein in my wild emotions when my phone rang. I glanced at it. Cam was calling me.
I stared at the phone and let it ring through to voicemail. If I answered now, I’d only lose it and go off on him. I didn’t trust myself not to say something I’d always regret.
I waited a second to see whether he’d leave a voicemail. He did. I deleted it unheard. I couldn’t even trust myself to listen to it right now.
I needed professional advice. I needed to talk to Ashley before I did anything.
*
Ashley
I was enjoying a leisurely Sunday morning in my pajamas with Lazer. He was working on his laptop and drinking a cup of coffee next to me on the sectional sofa. Pretty standard behavior for him. I lounged on the sofa with a cup of tea, reading and thinking—daydreaming, to be exact. And enjoying the quiet and satisfaction of a job well done.
Life was cruising along smoothly. I was, for once, in a drama-free zone—a real rarity for me, especially in my line of work. Constantly being the voice of reason in the stormy seas of growing relationships can be totally draining. I was dreaming about getting my final bonus from Lazer for finally matching Cam. It wasn’t the money that was the driving factor. I had plenty. Lazer had more. And we were engaged to merge our lives as well jointly running Pair Us.
No, it was really the fact that I had done it! I’d left Manhattan behind, mostly. Started over in Seattle and matched four sweet guys who’d started out in desperate need of help. And now, I was looking forward to lasting friendships with all of the new couples. Now that was what I called a satisfying life. Was there anything better, really, when you got right down to it?
I sighed happily.
Lazer glanced over at me and winked. He was my partner in matchmaking now. He’d gotten a good Saturday night’s sleep too.
Saturday night had been surprisingly calm, especially considering the number of matches I had out on dates. Spring was truly a time when people’s thoughts turned to love. Yet no frantic calls at any hour, let alone in the dead of night.
Cam was out for his fifth date with Toria. I didn’t expect any problems there, other than them possibly rushing into things. The way they were going, I half expected a call to tell me they’d gotten engaged and were going to be married on Friday. I would follow up with them sometime this week. And if Cam remained true to form, he’d confide in Lazer before doing a date postmortem with me, anyway. I supposed it was natural for him to talk to his longtime good friend first.
My phone rang. I jumped, startled from serene thoughts.
Toria? This is either very good. Or very bad.
The moment I picked up, I knew something was wrong, terribly wrong. Her voice was pitched higher than usual—a sure sign of being distraught. Mix that with a heavy dose of hard-edged anger, a frustrated cadence, and a sniffle indicating tears, and that about described her tone.
“It’s Cam,” she said without preamble.
I tensed. If you heard your own name spoken in that tone, you’d run for the hills and hide. Oh, Cam, what have you done now? And after I’ve coached you so well. At least all fears of him lying in a ditch or in the hospital were allayed.
My concern must have shown on my face. Either that, or Lazer could hear Toria even though I had my phone pressed to my ear more tightly than I should have. My knuckles were white. Toria wasn’t speaking softly, that was for sure. Lazer shot me a questioning look.
I shook my head and made wide eyes.
“Cam?” he mouthed.
I nodded.
“Damn,” Lazer whispered.
“Take a deep breath,” I said to Toria. “And tell me, as calmly and non-judgmentally as you can, what’s happened to upset you.” I intentionally phrased it in the passive. What’s happened, not what has he done? The last thing I wanted was to fuel her anger.
“He’s broken my heart and violated my trust, all with one cruel move.”
“I’m sorry to hear it.” I used my calm, comforting counselor’s voice, but my heart was racing, too.
Knowing how much Cam was into Toria, and how excited he was about her, I was anxious for him. I hoped his heart wasn’t broken. I cringed at the mere thought of Cam being broken up. It was hard to picture take-charge, stoic Cam as hurting, but he had a tender, vulnerable side. When he was hurt, I imagined it cut very deeply.
Somehow I managed to murmur more comforting phrases while Toria vented a bit more, making very little sense. Typical behavior when people were upset.
Lazer set down his laptop and perched on the edge of the sofa with a serious expression. I eased my grip on the phone before my hand cramped.
Toria paused to catch her breath and, hopefully, gather some composure.
“Yes, I can tell you’re upset,” I said, still in that soothing, non-judgmental tone. “Help me understand. I need details. What, as specifically as you can, did Cam do?”
“He stole my lease out from under me.”
“He stole your lease?” I turned to Lazer and shrugged. “How did he steal your lease? And why would he do that?”
Lazer’s eyes went wide. He leaned toward me, the corners of his lips twitching, and whispered, “Did I hear right? He stole her lease?”
“That’s what she said,” I mouthed back.
“Cam is the person she’s been bidding against?” His mouth curved into a full-out smile. I realized with a start that Lazer was trying not to laugh. He thought this was funny.
“Are you crazy?” I mouthed to him. “This is serious.”
He pointed to himself. “Cam sent her to me for help winning that space against the douchebag who was trying to get it. Now you’re telling me that douchebag was Cam? That’s ironic and funny as hell. I’ve been helping Cam and Toria. I’ve been bidding against myself!”
On the phone, Toria was telling me pretty much the same thing, only in more livid detail. She didn’t seem to think it was funny at all. She was interrup
ted, on my end, by my phone buzzing.
I had another call coming in. This situation was too delicate. I didn’t dare answer the other call. I did, however, look to see who it was from, and groaned inwardly. I pointed to my phone and mouthed to Lazer, “Cam. And he won’t give up.”
Lazer nodded. “Looks like my man needs someone to talk to. I’ll take care of it.”
At the same time, the annoying incoming call interruption ended on my phone. Cam had finally hung up.
Lazer’s phone rang simultaneously with Cam hanging up on his call to me. Lazer grinned and showed me who was calling—Cam, of course.
Oh, boy. At least Lazer was the man to deal with it.
“Cam has been calling me and texting me nonstop,” Toria was saying as I tried to listen with half an ear to Lazer’s side of his conversation with Cam.
“I can’t talk to Cam right now,” Toria said. “I just can’t. I’m way too upset. I know myself. If I talk to him before I’m ready, I’ll lose it on him and regret it later. I have no filter when I’m like this. I need space. I need time to cool down before I get anywhere near a conversation with him. Can you relay that to him for me? Tell him I just need to think for a while and calm down?”
I looked over at Lazer.
He pointed to his phone, annoyingly still trying not to laugh as he listened to Cam, who was obviously upset.
I shook my head at Lazer, covered the mouthpiece of my phone so Toria couldn’t overhear, and hissed at him. “Some friend. You’re awful. Poor Cam. Be nice. He needs your support.”
“Fine,” Lazer said. “Take his side. He’s the enemy who screwed my investment.” He laughed as he spoke.
I rolled my eyes and went back to my call, gently reassuring Toria and promising her I’d pass her message along to Cam. I praised her for the way she understood herself and was doing her best to prevent further damage from being done to their relationship, which had so much possibility and promise.
“We’ll get this sorted out,” I assured her again.
Mr. Accidental Rival_Jet City Matchmaker Series_Cam Page 15
