by Laura Pavlov
“Harls, listen to this. It’s from one of those online entertainment sites.” Molly used her best haughty voice as she read, “Sorry, ladies of San Francisco, but Ford Montgomery, president of Montgomery Media and heir to the Montgomery fortune was asked recently if he was still an eligible bachelor when we caught him outside of a downtown lingerie shop. He told us he was very much off the market. Inquiring minds want to know. Who is this mystery woman he’s shopping for?”
My cheeks burned pink. Ford had bought me a few matching sets of panties and bras a few weeks ago.
“Oh my gosh, these people are such creepers.”
“You’re avoiding the topic at hand. Is someone getting gifted lingerie?” she teased, and I turned my attention back to the cookie dough on the table.
“He bought me a few bras. It’s not a big deal.”
She hopped down and came around to stand by me. “I’m happy for you, Harls. It’s nice to see you like this.”
“Like what?” I rolled my eyes when I looked up to meet her sappy gaze.
“Less bitter and angry. Lighter. Happier.”
I nodded with a laugh. “Well, at least you ‘re honest.”
“You guys are pretty serious, huh?”
“I guess. We don’t really talk about it. I mean, we’re dating, and we spend a lot of time together.”
“But, do you loooooove him?” She grabbed my cheeks and forced me to look at her.
“Oh my gosh, stop being weird. We’re good. We don’t say that.” I shook my face free and pounded the hell out of the dough. I’d never thrown that word around lightly. Sure, I said it to Gramps, Gram, and Molly. And Todd had said it to me a few times over the two years we dated, and I’d always nodded and given him a “me too” as a lame answer. It’s just not something I’d ever felt before for a guy.
“I didn’t ask if you’ve said it, I asked if you love him. You know it’s okay if you do. No one is going to think you’re weak.”
Damn, my best friend knew me well.
“Well, I’m certainly not going to say it first.” I shrugged.
“I knew it,” she shrieked, and I wouldn’t be surprised if the glass windows shattered in the dining room.
“Take it down a notch,” I said just as the door chimed.
“Damn these sugar addicts. We’re closed,” Molly said as she peeked out to see who was there and Harrison and Jack came waltzing into the kitchen.
“Tell me all the peanut butter cookies aren’t gone,” Jack said, helping himself to a hunk of dough.
“Come on. You can pick what you want before we put the rest away for the night.”
Jack followed Molly out to the front room and Harrison leaned against the wall and smiled.
“What’s up? You heading to Napa now?” I asked.
“Yeah. But Jack needed a treat for the short helicopter ride.” He shook his head.
I laughed. “I’ve never seen anyone consume more baked goods and never gain so much as a pound.”
“Yeah. It’s his freakish metabolism.” He chuckled. “So, you and Ford are doing well, huh?”
“What? Yeah, sure,” I said, feeling my face heat again. Sheesh. Everyone was inquiring about him today.
He barked out a laugh. “Damn, you guys are perfect for one another. You’re both so fucking stoic and private. I just wanted to thank you.”
“Thank me for what?” I asked, wiping my hands on my apron and studying him.
“For bringing my brother back to life. I’m seeing the old Ford again and it’s nice.” He ruffled the top of my hair and kissed my cheek.
I bit the inside of my cheek and let the words sink in. He’d brought me to life as well. But it wasn’t the old me, it was the new me. I was happy. Truly happy. For the first time in as long as I could remember. Maybe forever. I wasn’t worrying about tomorrow. I was embracing today. And that was because of Ford. Seeing myself through his eyes had given me this new confidence.
“Well, he’s done the same for me,” I said, looking away when I felt my face burning red.
He pulled me in for a hug. “No shame in that, Harls. You both deserve it.”
“Why is it that every time you and Jack are around, one of you has my girl wrapped in your arms,” Ford said, trying to hide his smile as he walked in.
Harrison pulled away and Ford came around the counter and wrapped his arms around me. My back to his chest. “I missed you today.”
I laughed. It had been a few hours. But the truth was—I missed him too. It wasn’t normal. “I missed you too.”
“I’ve heard it all now,” Harrison bellowed.
“What’s going on?” Jack asked.
“Apparently, these two can’t go a whole workday without seeing one another.” Harrison snatched a cookie from Jack’s bag.
“I love it,” Molly shouted.
“Me too, Molls,” Jack said, shaking his head with a ridiculous smile spread across his face.
“Goodbye. I hear the helicopter from here. Time to go,” Ford said, resting his chin on my head, while his arms held me close.
“No shame in being crazy about your girl, dude. We’re leaving.” Harrison kissed my cheek.
Molly grabbed her purse. “Oooh, let’s give them some privacy. Word’s out that the sexiest bachelor is off the market.”
“Hey, I take offense to that. I’m the sexiest bachelor around,” Jack said, wrapping his arms around Ford and me and shaking us for unknown reasons. I couldn’t help but laugh. Ford slapped him away.
“You two can fight it out for hottest bachelor now that I’m off the market.”
They both flipped him the bird and agreed to walk Molly to her car.
“You ready to get out of here?” he asked once they were gone.
“Yeah, I’m exhausted. Let me just put this away.”
“Helena left us dinner. I asked her to make ramen,” he said as he helped me clean up and put everything away.
“Look at you, Montgomery. You’re a regular carb addict now. You’re welcome.” When I flipped the lights off, he reached for my bicep and stopped me.
“You ever do it in a bakery?” he whispered against my ear, sending chill bumps across my skin.
“Well seeing as I barely did it much before meeting you, I think it’s safe to say no.” I laughed, but when I turned and my gaze locked with his in the dim lighting, I didn’t miss the heat in his eyes.
Before I knew what was happening, he lifted me off my feet. My legs wrapped around his waist instinctively. He walked me into the storage closet off the kitchen and shut and locked the door. He pressed me up against the wall and his hands were on my ass.
“Never been so thankful for these little skirts you wear,” he said, his voice gruff.
I tangled my hands in his hair and pulled his mouth to mine. He undid his pants and pulled back to use his teeth to tear open the condom. I couldn’t help but laugh at his eagerness.
“You’re quite the multitasker, Montgomery.”
“You think it’s funny, do you?” He reached down and tugged my panties to the side before thrusting forward and covering my mouth with his at the same time. I moaned when he started to move—he had one hand on each hip and shifted us together in perfect rhythm. We were in sync. And nothing had ever felt better. He took his time, and I dug my nails into his back. Wanting more. He picked up the pace—both of us panting and ready.
I screamed out his name with my release and he groaned as he followed me right over the edge.
We cleaned ourselves up and met Jerome out front to head to Ford’s place. I was so tired, I dozed off on his shoulder during the short ride home. We made our way up to his penthouse and Ford told me he’d started a bath for me, and he’d be right back. The man kept surprising me with his thoughtfulness.
“This was sweet of you,” I said from the tub as h
e walked in holding two glasses of wine.
“Don’t give me too much credit. It’s as much a gift for me as it is for you. I get to watch.” He wriggled his brows and handed me a glass.
I laughed and took a sip before setting it beside the tub. “So, you’re off the market, huh?”
“I told you that weeks ago. Are you surprised that I’m not afraid to say it when I’m asked?” He’d taken off his suit coat and tie, and his dress shirt was unbuttoned some, and he looked sexy as hell. His hair was disheveled, and his sapphire blues locked with mine.
“No, I mean, not really. I’m just surprised people ask or care.”
“It’s outside noise. I’m used to it. But if they ask, I’m going to answer honestly,” he said, holding up a towel when I pushed to my feet.
He wrapped me up and tossed me over his shoulder. “Oh my god. What are you doing? Montgomery, put me down.”
He settled my feet on the floor and thrust a thumb at the bed. The prettiest pink, lacy bra and panty set was there along with a pair of pink Chucks. My favorite tennis shoes. And I knew he hated them, yet he’d gotten them for me because he knew I loved them.
“Surprised?”
I bit the inside of my cheek and fought back the tears threatening to escape. He watched me with concern, and I pushed up on my tiptoes and held a finger to his lips so he would let me speak.
“I love you, Ford Montgomery,” I said, my voice shook as two tears ran down my cheek.
He placed a hand on each side of my face and used his thumbs to swipe the tears away. “I love you too, baby.”
He pulled me close and wrapped me in his arms.
I’d said it.
And he’d said it back.
But most importantly… I felt it.
I felt it everywhere.
Chapter Fifteen
Ford
Edward stopped by my office as I’d asked for an update on Harley’s mother and Damon. I’d been watching them closely ever since they’d tried to meet her at her grandfather’s house. I knew Damon was a dangerous dude, and guys like him didn’t go away easily. I hadn’t figured out yet how to play it. I’d considered giving him money to keep him the fuck away from Harley, but I knew I’d just be starting something that would have no ending. So, for now, I’d make sure that Harley and her grandfather had security round the clock, and I’d just keep an eye out for Damon. Hell, Harley was either at work or with me, so they weren’t going to get to her without a fight. Maybe they knew that. But my gut told me they were still waiting in the wings.
Sick fuckers.
“What’s up?” I asked as he dropped to sit in the chair across from me.
“No movement from either of them. I mean, she’s out on the streets doing her thing, but neither has made a move to come near Harley or her grandfather. But that doesn’t mean they won’t. So, we just stay the course.”
“Fuck. I need eyes on her at all times. They want her, because they think there’s money there. Her grandfather is just a pawn to get to her.”
“It’s done. I’ve got Calvin outside the bakery, seeing who comes and goes at all times. And then we’ve got our security team on both of you when you’re home.”
“Good work. Keep me posted if there’s any change.”
“Always,” he said, knocking on my desk with his knuckles before leaving.
I was returning a few emails when someone knocked on the door.
“It’s open,” I said.
Harrison and Jack walked in and they were both dripping wet.
“Hey, we’re heading to Napa. You need anything before we leave?” Jack asked with a bag of cookies in his hand.
“Dude, do you ever stay out of that bakery?”
“What can I say? I’m a sucker for her treats.” He wriggled his brows and I rolled my eyes.
“Why are you soaking wet?”
“Because it’s raining fucking cats and dogs right now, and Harrison insisted on going for a walk, and I followed him.”
“He’s leaving out the fact that I told him I wanted to go by myself.” Harrison shrugged and crossed his arms over his chest.
“What’s with you?” I asked, lifting my chin in Harrison’s direction. The guy looked like someone ran over his puppy.
Jack leaned forward, dripping water from his hair onto my desk, and whispered louder than most people spoke, “He’s upset. Did you see the paper today?”
I shook my head, and Jack handed me his phone. Shit. I didn’t pay much attention to the engagement announcements in the paper, but I shouldn’t have missed this one.
Laney Mae Landers and Charles Oliver Cunningham announce their engagement.
“Fuck, Harrison, I’m sorry. Is this how you found out? In the paper?” I asked, knowing how much this news would hurt him.
“Yeah. It’s fine. I’m happy for her.”
“No, you’re not,” I said, rolling my eyes.
Our middle brother rarely got pissed off. He’d always been in control of his anger. I admired it most of the time, but other times I worried for him. It wasn’t healthy to tamp everything down. The dude was bound to explode at some point. And if anyone could bring that out of him, it was Laney Mae.
“I’d have thought she’d call you herself,” Jack said with a shrug.
“She doesn’t owe me anything. I broke her heart, and she moved on. Like I asked her to. Can’t fault her for that.”
I studied him. He was as even-keeled as our father had been, but even Dad had his breaking point. Laney Mae was Harrison’s. The Landers had lived down the street from us since we were young, and he and Laney Mae had been the best of friends since they were in kindergarten. She’d been a permanent fixture at our house throughout the years and ended up being the love of his life—but he’d walked away from her after Dad died. And I knew it had been his biggest regret, but he was too stubborn to admit it. Instead, he put on a brave face, acting like everything was fine. I always thought they’d find their way back to one another, but my brother had been going through the motions these past few years, sort of like the rest of us had. He’d thrown himself into work.
“Fuck that. She should have told you,” I said. I didn’t have a bad word to say about Laney Mae. She was one of the best people I knew, and she’d always adored my brother. But I still thought she should have told him herself. They had a history.
“It’s fine. Stop making this a big deal. We need to get out of here.” Harrison pushed to his feet.
“Is no one going to mention the elephant in the room?” Jack popped a cookie in his mouth as he spoke.
“What the hell are you talking about?” Harrison said, not hiding his irritation.
“Charles Oliver Cunningham… come on,” Jack said with a smirk. “The dude’s initials spell out cock. What does that tell you? He’s a fucking cock.”
I tried to cover my mouth before all three of us burst out in laughter. Jack had a gift for lightening the moment. And Harrison needed to laugh right now. He might be saying he was fine, but Jack and I knew better.
“That’s rich. But I like it,” Harrison said, pulling the door open. “Seriously. I’m done talking about it. It is what it is.”
“Okay,” I said, knowing this was not the last time we’d be discussing it. But we could be done with it for today.
“Later.” My youngest brother paused at the door. “Give that girl of yours a big hug from me.”
I rolled my eyes. “Hey, Jack.”
“Yeah,” he said, pausing in the doorway as Harrison had already turned to leave.
“Call me later and let me know how he is. I think this is a bigger deal than he’s letting on.”
“Agreed. Call you tonight.”
I sat back in my chair as my phone rang.
“Yeah,” I said to my assistant on the other end.
“You
r three o’clock is here. Shall I bring them to the conference room?”
“Yep. I’ll be right there.”
I shot a quick text to my mom to let her know about Laney Mae. Harrison had a home in Napa, as he spent more time there. Jack had an apartment in the city right up the street from me, but he stayed with Mom at the house in Napa often too. I wanted her to be aware. Keep an eye on him.
A text came through as I pushed to my feet.
Harley ~ Hey. Just saw your brothers. I think something’s off with Harrison. I can’t put my finger on it, but he seemed distracted. Just wanted to give you a heads-up. Sorry I couldn’t come up today. I’ve been swamped.
Damn. She knew my brothers well. I fucking loved it. Loved how she fit into my family so well.
Me ~ Yeah. I’m heading into a meeting. Good instincts, baby. I’ll fill you in at dinner. Ramen sound good? Love you.
Harley ~ Yes. Your carb game is strong, Montgomery. Love you.
I laughed before slipping my phone in my suit coat and stepping in the conference room.
When I finished my meeting, Sam stood outside the door. She whispered so only I could hear, “Um, we have a little situation.”
“What?” I kept my voice low as our clients waved and made their way to the elevators.
“Blaire Wilson is at the reception desk and she’s refusing to leave until you see her.”
Jesus. I’d ignored a few of her texts. I’d meant to give her a call and let her know that things had changed, but I just hadn’t felt like dealing with it. I figured she’d get the message and would stop trying.
“Fuck. Send her back.”
“Got it.”
I settled behind my desk and tried to figure out what I’d say. She’d never come to my office before, so this was new. We didn’t have enough of a relationship to justify an actual breakup speech. We fucked every couple weeks. And now we didn’t. What more is there to really say?
