Breathing in short, rapid bursts, with her stomach knotted like a pretzel, she said, “Saying I’m sorry isn’t nearly enough.” She wanted to grab his arm and beg him to not be angry, but instead, she swallowed hard and gripped the railing with a sweaty palm. “I don’t know where that came from. I’m sorry for being so out of line.”
She held her breath and waited for blistering words to explode from his lips. Instead, he rested one hand on the railing and the other on his hip, before calmly saying, “At least we’re getting somewhere.” He chuckled. “Even if it is blatant hostility, it’s nice to see that inner fire that drew me to you in the first place.” His gaze softened. “What’s happened to you, Kat? Where did you get the notion that you can’t have fun?”
She exhaled and slumped against the center console. “All my life I’ve been criticized for having my head in the clouds. Being too spontaneous. Not taking life seriously enough. I’ve been told over and over and over I should be more like my brother.” Sadness filled her chest as she watched the porpoises swim away… the perfect symbolism for her life at the moment. “I can’t afford to play and have fun and mess up the opportunity to make VP.” Emotion clogged her throat as she thought about her grandfather. He wasn’t getting any younger, and she had to make him proud before he left her. “It’s my last chance to prove that I’m not a total screw-up.”
He took her chin in his fingers and turned her head so she was forced to look at him. Holding her gaze, he said, “You are not a screw-up. We’ve all made mistakes. You have to forgive yourself for what happened at your old job and move on.” Shadows moved in his eyes and a pained expression crossed his features before he dropped his hand and turned away from her to face the water. “But most importantly, you have to keep being you.”
She had the feeling something more besides her “uptightness” was bothering Erik, but he’d closed himself off to her and she couldn’t get a bead on his emotions. Deciding to let it go and return the focus to her latest misstep, she said, “I’m good at my job. I’m sure you find that hard to believe, considering the circumstances under which we met and my recent outburst. But I swear to you, I am competent, and I’ll never cross that line again.”
“I believe you’re more than competent. Rusty never would’ve hired you if you weren’t, and he sure as hell wouldn’t have turned my account over to you. As for that line…” He looked at her from the corner of his eye and smiled. “You’re the hottest thing I’ve ever seen when you’re all fired up—whether it comes from passion or anger doesn’t matter. Personally, I hope to see you cross that line again and again and again.”
Chapter Four
Ten minutes later, Erik laughed to himself as he eased the boat into his slip at Monteague’s marina and wondered what Kat thought about designated boat slips at a place of employment. Antsy to get back on solid ground, Little Bit jumped and bounced around until Erik said, “Wait a minute, boy. You know the rule. Ladies first.” LB flopped down and waited while Erik tied off the boat, then pulled Kat’s bags from the hatch and set them on the pier’s storage box.
After their talk, she returned to her seat and remained sullen and withdrawn. He figured she instituted a self-imposed timeout for her flare-up, and rather than continuing to push, he backed off and let her have her space.
He knew she was angry with herself, but he saw her comments as the defensive mechanism they were and didn't taken them personally. No sane person could ever question his dedication or work ethic, not with the hours he put in. He also had the benefit of knowing his job performance hadn’t had anything to do with losing that account in Charlotte. It didn’t actually have anything to do with Monteague Boats at all. The dealer had been forced to reduce inventory, and Monteague had been a victim of circumstance.
Of course, Erik hadn’t been happy about the loss of business. But when she’d met him in that bar, he hadn’t been drinking away the loss of the account like he told her. It had nothing do with his job and everything to do with the date.
April fifth.
He’d spent nine years trying to figure out a way to get through that day. The first couple of years he tried the drunken-stupor approach. When that hadn’t worked he tried working himself to the point of exhaustion, hoping to sleep the day away without even realizing it had come and gone. But nothing had made a difference.
Until Kat.
This year, when April fifth rolled around, he spent more time thinking about her than Lindsey. Part of him felt guilty as hell about it. A large part felt tremendous relief.
But the Kat standing at the back of the boat, with a sad smile and yearning look in her eyes, wasn’t the same Kat he’d met that night. Then, even though she’d been upset about her job, she’d been full of life and had laughed until she cried, making him laugh right along with her. The amount of alcohol they consumed helped, but it certainly wasn't the biggest contributing factor… that had been Kat’s fun-loving personality.
He’d caught breakthrough flashes of the old Kat in the gazebo and again today, but she was working so hard to suppress her carefree spirit, he had to wonder what had caused such a significant change in her. It didn’t take a genius to see how unhappy she was.
What he struggled most to understand, though, was why it mattered to him. He was supposed to be seducing her, having a frenzied night or two (or three) of great sex, to work her out of his system, then moving on.
Nothing more. Nothing personal. And certainly no involvement.
And yet, looking at her now, he’d do anything to make her laugh and smile again. To make her happy.
He double-checked the ropes, helped her off the boat before following, then led her up the pier to the back door of Monteauge’s corporate offices. Once inside, he turned left, went halfway down the hall, then turned right into his office.
“I need to check voicemail. Can I get you something to drink while you wait?”
“No, thanks. I’m fine.” She looked around the office, taking it all in, and he tried to see it as she might. Well-worn leather sofa—he couldn’t begin to count the nights he’d slept there because he’d worked so late he didn’t have the energy to go home. Coffee table in front of it covered with boating and fishing magazines. The wall to the right of the door housed a wet bar complete with mini fridge. His mahogany desk sat in front of a large picture window overlooking the Pamlico and was covered from one end to the other with boat plans, folders, and magazines. His office had operated much like a home over the years, and that contributed to its well-lived-in appearance.
While he retrieved his messages, he watched Kat gravitate to the wall decorated with plaques and recognition awards like a nail being drawn to a magnet. He always felt like that wall screamed, “Hey, look at me. Look what a great guy I am,” and he hated it. He and the company didn’t make charitable contributions because they wanted the recognition. They did it because they wanted to help the community. However, he always made sure to put the recognition plaques on display somewhere, because if he didn’t, sure as shit, the person who gave it to him would drop by and notice it missing.
As he hung up the phone and rose from his chair, she turned awe-filled eyes to him. “This is amazing. Why didn’t I see press releases for any of this?”
“We don’t do any.” Her mouth dropped open, and, knowing what was coming, he rushed to cut off her protest. “We don’t do it for the recognition.”
“Obviously. But you should take advantage of it. Let the community know how much you give back.”
“No.” Through the years, he and Rusty had gone ten rounds over the subject, but Erik felt strongly about it, and he wouldn’t be dissuaded. “It’s not up for discussion, so let’s save ourselves the future hassle where this is concerned.”
Hoping for a quick end to the debate, he walked to the door and gave her his special smile. The one he’d been perfecting since he was a little boy and realized its magical power. “You ready for the tour?”
***
Two hours late
r, Kat walked down the pier toward the boat, her head a congested traffic jam of thoughts. Erik and Rusty had been right. Pictures didn’t do justice to Monteague’s impressive state-of-the-art facility. However, that wasn’t what had left her dizzy.
When she’d left work this afternoon, her goal had been to go with Erik, see their manufacturing plant, and get a clear understanding of the boat-building process. What she hadn’t considered was the personal insight she would glean into Erik. Seeing him in his work environment and watching him interact with the employees and his father had completely changed the playing field. A part of her brain was suggesting the rules, and maybe even the game itself, had just been seriously altered.
Erik extended his hand to help her on board, and this time, rather than fighting it, she accepted without hesitation. She even allowed herself to enjoy the rush of heat accompanying the touch. Once she was settled, he scooped Little Bit into his arms and climbed aboard behind her.
Untying the ropes, he said, “Well, what do think?”
Having spent the past several hours with Erik, who had the innate ability to relax everyone around him, she didn’t have it in her to be snide or defensive. “You were right. You have a tremendous facility. I had no idea boat building was so advanced and high tech. You should be proud of the business your family has built.”
He snapped his head around to face her with a shocked expression on his face. Slowly recovering from his surprise, a smile spread over his mouth. “Thanks. That means a lot.”
In a less hostile mood than she’d been when they crossed the river the first time, she took her seat in the back and looked around as he eased out of the slip. The sun was low in the sky and glittered off the surface of the water like a million shards of white, orange, and pink glass. The river was wide with tributaries snaking out in all directions. Where do they all go? she wondered.
She relaxed with the rocking of the boat as it sliced through the water and allowed its peaceful, calming affects to wash over her. Resting her head against the seat, she closed her eyes and enjoyed the sun’s warming rays, while the cool breeze brushed across her skin.
As usual, anytime she closed her eyes and relaxed, thoughts of Erik took over. This time, rather than fighting the images dancing in front of her mind’s eye, she let them roll. The man was an enigma she found unsettling and frightening. Sure, she’d spent an evening with him, drinking and laughing in the bar, then having an intimate dinner before the debauchery started. But that time together had been superficial and, for all she knew, could’ve been an act on his part.
But the last two hours… that was the real deal.
And it scared the hell out of her.
He might be the head of marketing, but he was an authority on every aspect of their business. He’d explained the entire process to her, step by step and in great detail. And he’d done so with the enthusiasm of a man who had a true passion for his job. He obviously worked hard, but he didn’t seem resentful. Instead, he embraced it.
Several times throughout the tour he’d been hands on, like when he climbed onto a large boat and helped the electrician solve a wiring problem. When they reached the grinding booth, where they cut the holes for windows and hatches, he’d waited for the grinder to finish his current job so he could speak with him.
From the bits and pieces she overheard, she gathered the man’s daughter was sick and had been for a while. Erik told him the company would take care of the medical bills not covered by insurance so the family wouldn’t have that stress and could focus on her care.
The man’s relief had been tremendous. Just thinking about the way the stress lines had eased from his eyes and forehead as he grabbed Erik’s hand and thanked him profusely made her a little emotional all over again.
Erik spoke to everyone with kindness, and it was obvious the employees respected and admired him. The only time she’d noticed any tension in him was when his father mentioned an upcoming dinner Erik needed to attend. He’d muttered something about rigging up his keg, then assured his father he’d be there.
He was confident and self-assured. He laughed a lot, was playful and sexier than any man had a right to be. And his smile. Lord, his smile was infectious and heated her blood to the point of boiling. It had been her undoing the night they met, and she suspected, if he worked at it even a little bit, it would still be her undoing.
She thought back to the night they met and how he looked sitting at that bar with his head hung over his glass. His tortured expression matched hers, and she knew he’d also lost something important. She flopped onto the bar stool next to him and offered to buy his next drink. She hadn’t done it to pick him up. She just wanted the company and thought maybe he could use a little himself. But then he laughed and smiled.
And she melted.
Then came the rest of the night. God, the way he whispered in her ear, telling her all the things he planned to do right before actually doing them, still got her hot. She licked her dry lips, trying to restore the moisture that had evacuated to a more favorable spot further south. She squeezed her thighs together, attempting to assuage the throb beginning to build.
Warm air swept across her neck, and she flung her eyes open. She’d been so caught up in her memories, she hadn’t noticed the boat stopping, or that they were drifting in the middle of the river.
Palms planted on either side of her seat, Erik leaned over her wearing the expression of someone about to have lunch. “What’s going on it that pretty head of yours?” His voice was a soft, cajoling rumble, but his eyes were hot and devouring.
She glanced down at her erect nipples pushing through the fabric of her sundress. Her knees were clenched, her hand caught between them where she’d been rubbing her inner thighs.
His mouth hovered inches above hers, and the need to grab the front of his shirt, pull him to her, lick his full bottom lip, and kiss him senseless was uncontrollable. The pungent scent of aftershave and hot man drifted over her, while the heat of his body wrapped around her like a cloak, drawing her to him. Her body lifted and drifted toward him of its own free will.
She shouldn’t do this.
She couldn’t stop.
Suddenly, something cold brushed against the heated skin of her leg. She jumped and looked down at Little Bit, who was nudging his way in between her and Erik. He looked expectantly from her to Erik, then back to her again and nudged her leg with his cold nose. He seemed to be saying, “There’s some petting happening here, and I want my share.”
Laughing nervously, she sank back down into her seat and rubbed her damp palm across the top of LB’s head. He didn’t seem to mind being used as a napkin, so she kept at it and said, “How long until we’re back at the office?”
Erik, who had been completely undeterred by Little Bit’s efforts, kept his hot and inviting gaze locked onto her. “Depends on what you have in mind once we get there. With the right incentive, I could get us there pretty damn quick.” He straightened and looked around. “Or, we could take a little detour.” The corner of his mouth lifted. “I know a great private spot off the creek over there.”
“I bet you do.” She rubbed her temples and sighed. God, she’d wanted to kiss him, and she hadn’t wanted to stop at a kiss. But she was grateful for the intervention. She had to be strong and resist. She couldn’t risk involvement with a client again. “No, no detours. I need to get back to the office.”
“Could I talk you into having dinner with me?”
“I wish I could, but I can’t.” Gah, she was so torn. Despite the lecture she’d just given herself, she’d love to have dinner with him. And breakfast tomorrow, too. But, not only was there the whole job thing to consider, she didn’t have time. “I need to finish a few things at the office and get home. I’m still not finished unpacking, and I need to get that done. I can’t find anything.”
“Okay, then I’ll come and help you. And I’ll bring dinner.”
She stifled a snort, and said, “Having someone to lug boxes from the
living room to the guest room would be fantastic.” But she wasn’t a masochist, and inviting Erik into her home would be pure torture. “I appreciate the offer, but I don’t think it’s a good idea.”
His smile turned less wolfish and more sincere. “I’ll behave. Promise.” He held up three fingers. “Scout’s honor.”
She laughed and shook her head. “You were never a Boy Scout.”
“You got me there.” He dropped his hand and hunched down in front of her. “But I do promise, Erik’s honor, no touching. I’ll bring dinner, help you move boxes around, and whatever else you need, then leave.”
Unconvinced, but tired and ready for a little company and some help getting those damned boxes out of her living room, she said, “No touching.”
His wolfish smile returned. “No touching.”
***
Erik stood on Kat’s doorstep, carrying a pizza box and beer, wearing that stupid-ass grin again, and vaguely aware of the self-preservationist frantically waving his red flag. Erik knew this no-touching policy seemed counterintuitive to getting Kat back in the sack, but it wasn’t just a ploy to spend more time with her, as the self-preservationist seemed to think. It was part of the bigger plan. If things went according to plan, by the end of night, she’d be cursing that no-touching policy and ruling in favor of full-on contact sports.
“Hi there,” she said, opening the door and stepping aside so he could enter.
His gaze swept over her pink T-shirt, ass-hugging jeans, and bare feet, where a toe ring twinkled mockingly. The self-preservationist muttered, “See, dumbass, you’re in over your head.”
Erik gulped, finding it difficult to argue. Forcing his gaze away from her, he stepped over the threshold and scanned the mountain of boxes littering the floor. “Holy shit.” Some were open, with newspaper hanging over the sides where she’d rummaged through them; others were stacked in neat piles three and four high. “We’re gonna need more beer.”
Savin' Me (A Heat Wave Novel) Page 5
