Chloe wasn't like this. It was most unnatural for her and uncomfortable. It felt like her mind no longer belonged to her.
Wes leaned forward onto her desk, huffed, then looked through the window behind her.
"Wesley," she hissed at him. She had a small window of time before everyone got back from lunch and the office would be full again. She didn't want to talk with everyone here. Of all her friends, Wes was the most levelheaded. She really wanted his opinion.
Kelly would be useless for anything like this because she always said yes to a gorgeous guy, and if he happened to be super gorgeous like Wade was then there would be no thought behind it for her.
Taylor was completely out of the question because Wade was her brother and Chloe didn't know how she would react to that. So that left Wes, but he wasn't talking to her.
"I don't know what to tell you." He ran his hands across his face. "I hate that guy, a lot. Can't stand him one bit. He's a self-righteous bastard that made my life hell for years. He messed with every chance I had for a decent high school memory. Chloe, it's clear to me that you like him, you always have, and I'm not surprised by your outlandish eighteen-year-old-you stunt. I suspected something like that must have happened between you because the dislike that came from you was way above the rim." He released a breath and looked at her searching her eyes. He sat back in the chair again and removed his glasses, drawing her attention to the freckles on the bridge of his straight nose. "Chloe, you're my best friend, so I'm supposed to take care of you and try to push aside my bias. I think the question lies with what you want. You've known this guy your whole life. You've known him longer than me. You need to ask yourself what you want, and go with that."
Chloe looked at him, quite surprised by his answer. Perhaps she was counting on Wes to warn her away from Wade and put her off. But Wes wasn't doing that at all.
"Wes, it can't be good to feel like this. I feel out of control. And surely it's best to be careful."
"Of course, especially with him."
"Wes, he's the worst guy I know." Wade was without a doubt that. He was a bad boy to the max and oozed sex appeal in the most sinful ways that could corrupt even the purest of people.
"Chloe, the man is terrible, and I hope he burns in hell," Wes added. "But that's not the point. I know you, and if you thought there was that much of a risk, and he was that bad, we wouldn't be having this conversation. You wanted my guidance and opinion, and that is it. Wade's bad news. We both know this, but something in you must want to be with him, so I think you should go with what you want. But for God sake, be careful, remember he's a Vanderville."
She'd been waiting for him to say that. Wes had never held back on his opinions of the Vandervilles.
Chloe couldn't protest. She'd grown up around the family, and to this day Benjamin Vanderville still gave her the creeps. It was probably why she referred to him as either sir or Mr. Vanderville. He had that air of authority that made her feel uncomfortable, mixed with something sinister she couldn't put her finger on.
Then there was Wade, who was a category all on his own. It was like he'd inherited all the extreme traits and characteristics from his parents. He had Regina's drive to get whatever he wanted at whatever cost and to have things done his way. Wade also had that air of authority and controlling presence she'd seen displayed by his father.
"Okay." She didn't feel any less conflicted than before she spoke to Wes, but she supposed she had his opinion now. "I'll remember. Thanks for talking to me about this."
"Anytime. Call me if you need to, and please no more secrets. I know you may feel weird talking to me because I'm a guy but we've always been real with each other, and there isn't anything I wouldn't do for you."
Wes stood up to go and pushed his hands into his pockets, tugging on the end of his Planet of the Apes T-shirt. He adjusted his headphones around his neck and came around to kiss her forehead.
She smiled up at him. "I appreciate that, Wes. I'd do anything for you too."
"Then be careful and jump ship at the first sign of trouble."
She nodded. It was exactly what she planned to do. Jump ship if she had to save herself, or more specifically her heart.
As Wes turned to go, they both looked at the entrance and saw Wade leaning against the door frame. He wore a black leather biker jacket and black trousers. Head resting on the edge of the frame, jacket slightly open to reveal a charcoal gray T-shirt that molded to his muscles. Wade was the unadulterated description of sexy. Chloe stood up and swallowed hard as Wes looked back at her and frowned.
Wade moved from the door as Wes stepped away from Chloe. They walked towards each other then stopped when they met in the middle.
She admired Wes, he was several inches shorter than Wade and didn't have much muscle on his lanky body, but he stood up, tall and proud, staring Wade down as if he were letting him know that she had him to look out for her.
Wade smirked as Wes shook his head and placed his headphones on his head. Wes then strode away leaving Chloe to Wade.
Her nerves spiked when Wade looked at her with those deep, penetrating, gray eyes. She almost felt like running away, running away from the magnetism that drew her to him, but she knew that if she could run she wouldn't get very far. The pull was too strong and would only reel her back to him.
What was he doing here? And worse, how long had he been standing there? She really hoped he didn't hear what Wes said.
As he walked up to her, she caught the alluring scent of his aftershave. It was something musky and fresh, like what he wore that night at the club. It reminded her of the forest and mingled with his own scent, which was already paralyzing and will bending.
He focused on her with his steely gray eyes and did that staring thing where she was left feeling like he was looking straight through her. Chloe couldn't keep her mind from racing.
Exposed. That's how she felt, and it wasn’t a nice feeling. Those eyes looked right through her and she knew he knew the effect he was having on her because his sharp lips twisted into a grin.
"Wesley," he began. His voice smooth and silky. "What's the story with you two?"
She looked at him in disbelief, thrown by the question.
"He's my friend," she replied and was again treated with his steady, unfathomable gaze.
"What kind of friend?"
This was the part where Chloe would normally tell him to go away and leave her alone, but he'd incapacitated her, put her under some spell where he controlled her.
"The normal kind," she huffed. "What do you want?" Good, that sounded like the old her.
"I don't keep women as friends."
"Gee, you know, if there was one thing I knew it would be that."
He chuckled and gave her that cheeky grin that tightened her chest. It didn't help that he was getting closer and stopped a breath away from her. When he bent down to kiss her, she instinctively tilted her head up to receive his delicious lips.
His lips captured hers and transported her mind to a place where she'd abandoned reasoning and logic. The warmth of his hands smoothed over her waist and pulled her closer. It was only when his fingers brushed the underside of her left breast that she jumped back, fighting against the raw desire that stirred in her groin.
"I'm at work. I can't. We can't." What the hell had this damn man done to her? Just imagine if Regina herself walked in and saw her kissing her son. Regina made the occasional visit here, so it wasn't entirely impossible. Or, never mind Regina, Taylor could have come in. Or anybody for the matter. It wasn't like people didn't know who Wade was.
"I can fix that. Come on, let's go." He tilted his head towards the door.
"Go? What?"
"Come with me." His lips slid up into a sexy smile.
"Where are you going?"
"You'll have to come to find out."
"Wade, I'm at work. I have to work. I can't just leave. That's the kind of thing that could go against me."
"Chill out, baby. Geez, you a
re stressed. Come with me, and I'll make you feel good."
"No," she answered, although truthfully she wanted to say yes. Her stupid body, which wasn't listening to her anymore, wanted nothing more than for him to take her away and make her feel good, but if she went with him, she knew she'd lose her mind—or worse, herself.
"Chloe, it's lunch time, and you're in here cooped up. Is that what you want?"
"Wade…" Her voice trailed off as she thought about what she should say. She had a lot to do today, and she was busy. She couldn't go off with him.
He walked around her and rested his hands on her shoulders. His grip tightened as he started working his fingers into her tense muscles, massaging the area. It felt good, extremely good, and she could feel the pressure drain away from her.
"Good. Just relax," he whispered, leaning down to kiss the hollow in her neck.
It was impossible to resist him, and it didn't help that she had no desire to. Weakly she crumpled against his chest and welcomed more kisses across her skin. At that moment, she felt so good that she didn't care who came in and saw them.
"Come with me, baby."
She turned her head to look up at him and saw the hunger in his eyes. It made her weaker, her whole body went weak, and she couldn't resist him. Her stomach clenched as a pulse of desire shot through her body.
"Okay." It was the only answer.
He took her hand and gave her a cunning smile, then pulled her along beside him as he rushed out of the building. Wade didn't seem to care who saw them together—and quite a few people did. Chloe didn't care either, all she knew was she was going wherever he was taking her. He led them to a sleek black Kawasaki motorcycle that looked like something out of a Terminator or Mission Impossible film. A helmet was hooked over the handle. He reached for it and held it out for her to take.
"It's a motorcycle," she gasped. She'd never ridden on one before and was honestly terrified at the thought. It was too open, with the possibility of anything happening. "Where's your car?"
"This is today's ride, baby." He smiled. "Put your helmet on."
Who was she kidding? She couldn't do this. "Wade, I'm…I'm scared."
She thought he would laugh at her and brush off her fear in his usual cocky manner, but he surprised her by taking her hand again and bringing it up to his lips to kiss.
"You don't have to be scared when you're with me, Chloe. I won't let anything happen to you."
All Chloe could do was look at him. His words spoke to her heart and pulled on its strings that already reached out to him.
"I promise," he added.
With that, she put the helmet on and watched him swing one powerful leg over the bike to position himself. She thought he looked like an ad for an action film.
Her head felt swamped in the helmet, and it felt strange on her head, but again she didn't care. She got on the back of the bike and tried to adjust herself, tucking her skirt between her legs. When she slid her arms around him to hold on tight, he put on his Oakley's and revved the engine.
The sound rippled through her and she held on tighter, pressing her hands into his corded muscles.
"Hold on, baby."
That was it. Her stomach jumped into her chest as he leaned forward and the bike shot off down the road. It was so fast, too fast, she couldn't catch her breath.
Chloe pressed herself right up against him and squeezed her eyes shut, thinking this was worse than going on one of those theme park rides. She couldn't believe she agreed to this. Wade had charmed his way past her natural defenses and common sense.
No one would believe her if she told them this. They just wouldn't believe that she'd done this.
The hum of the engine zinged through her body, and as she pressed herself close to Wade, she could feel the steady rhythm of his heart. She listened in, trying to hear but couldn't through the helmet.
They must have been riding for half an hour before he started to slow down. It was only then that she opened her eyes and saw that they were in Redondo Beach. She'd been here a few times and loved the houses. It would be where she'd choose to live if she could afford it. The houses were all stunning and had that Victorian architecture and design, mixed with a splash of contemporary for a cosmopolitan feel.
They pulled up outside a stylish house with soft cream and brown colors. It was big and eloquently designed.
"Who lives here?" she asked.
It was only when he covered her hands that she realized she was still clutching on to his chest.
"Me. I live here. Welcome to my new house." He smiled, stroking the top of her hand.
"You bought a house? Already?"
"Yup. This is me. Moved in over the weekend."
He'd only been back a week, but she supposed that when you were as rich as him, buying a house was like buying clothes.
He continued to stroke her hand, scattering her nerves with each touch. "Do you like it?"
She was surprised he wanted her opinion. "Yes, it's beautiful." She smiled
"Let's go inside."
Inside.
Chloe was the kind of girl who loved venturing into a new house and seeing what all the rooms looked like. However, complete awareness washed over her and sent her nerves into overdrive, making her take a moment to assess her actions. Not only had she, Miss Down to Earth, all common-sense Chloe, jumped on the back of a motorcycle with Wade Vanderville without so much as her phone or her purse, but now she was going inside his house where they would be alone. All by themselves, alone, and realistically he could only have brought her here for one thing.
All roads led to sex with Wade, and now she was feeling that sense of being out of control again. He got off the bike and helped her take off the helmet, then he placed his hand in the center of her back and ushered her into the house.
She wondered what she'd see inside. She imagined Wade to be the kind of guy who pushed the limits and went to extremes with everything.
As they went in, she was pleasantly surprised to see the tasteful decoration. It had that less-is-more look and looked like someone sophisticated and businesslike lived here.
"You look surprised," he joked.
"It just looks so neat and well put together." She smiled up at him.
"I had a designer fix it up."
Smart move. She'd do the same if she could. Chloe followed him into the living room and watched him place the helmet on the glass-topped coffee table sitting in the center of the room.
She looked around appreciating the design, then her eyes landed back on him. His gaze fixed on her even as he shrugged out of his jacket, and that awareness she felt returned.
A devilish grin lifted the edges of his sensual lips. She looked at him standing tall and deadly handsome before her, priding himself on his good looks and incredible physique with great confidence. With a cool smile, he lifted the end of his T-shirt and pulled it over his head, enhancing the fantasy-like vision she had of him.
She couldn't hide her desire as she gawked at his body. Chloe was normally more aware of her manners and always thought it was rude to stare, especially the way she was. But like with everything else about Wade, the perfection of him reeled her in and she couldn’t look away. There was every chance she was embarrassing herself further by drooling as she took in his magnificently defined muscles, highlighted by the inky black tattoos scrawled down the line of his taut abs. They were stylish, tasteful, Celtic swirls.
She'd had a total of three relationships in her life, and none of the men she'd been with had ever looked like him. Not even a fraction of him.
Her hormones were going berserk, racing through her veins while her nerves scattered. Again, she had that mind control feeling, and she knew she would be his if he wanted her.
"You look scared, Chloe." He spoke in a cool, calm voice.
"No," she managed, even though her heart had gone past its preliminary seizure and was now racing within her chest. Maybe she should have thought this through first before she came here.
>
Chloe pulled in a sharp breath as he stepped towards her. This was it, he was just going to grab her and take her to his room, and who knew what would be in there. She wouldn't put it past Wade to be one of those men who tied you up and did all that kinky stuff.
"Oh God," she breathed, saying that a little louder than she planned.
Her reaction seemed to amuse him. "Chloe, you are far too tense. What do you think I'm going to do to you?"
"Well, I wish I knew. Wade, you just captured me from the middle of work and brought me here to your house. You have this daring personality that makes you do whatever the hell you want, and then there's stupid me who can't say no. Now you're standing in front of me with your shirt off. For all I know I could end up tied to your bed and handcuffed with an apple in my mouth." She was babbling, talking on fast forward with no alleviation between each word.
He set his hands gently on her shoulders, bent down, and kissed the top of her nose. "I don't like bondage and kink. It doesn't do it for me, baby. We should both be free to enjoy each other." He lifted his brows at her. "But if that's what you like, Chloe, I'll do it for you." He eyed her with curiosity, and she widened her eyes.
"No, I don't," she answered quickly.
"Good, because that's not part of the plan."
She locked on his gaze. "What plan?"
"Well, this is the first part. Today we talk, and play." He stared deep into her eyes appealing to her inner desires. Holding her in place from the inside out. Then he released her and walked around to the sofa to pick up two bags, both from Neiman Marcus. "This is yours." He held them out to her.
"Mine? You bought me something?" This was a surprise. She looked at the bags. They were both medium sized, but one had more in it than the other.
The smile returned to his face. "This is for today." He handed her the bag that had more contents in it. She looked inside and gasped, unable to resist smiling.
He bought her a super cute, bright pink bikini, which was from the Scarlett Minkley collection. She took it out and looked at it. This was something she would have easily picked on a shopping spree, although she would have definitely needed to save up for a few weeks to get it.
Falling For Him Page 27
