by Layla Frost
Table of Contents
With Us
Copyright
Acknowledgments
Dedication
Chapter One
Chapter Two
Chapter Three
Chapter Four
Chapter Five
Chapter Six
Chapter Seven
Chapter Eight
Chapter Nine
Chapter Ten
Chapter Eleven
Chapter Twelve
Chapter Thirteen
Chapter Fourteen
Part Two
Chapter Fifteen
Chapter Sixteen
Chapter Seventeen
Chapter Eighteen
Chapter Nineteen
Chapter Twenty
Chapter Twenty-One
Chapter Twenty-Two
Chapter Twenty-Three
Chapter Twenty-Four
Chapter Twenty-Five
Chapter Twenty-Six
Chapter Twenty-Seven
Chapter Twenty-Eight
Chapter Twenty-Nine
Epilogue
Other Books by Layla Frost
About the Author
Connect with Layla Frost
© 2016 Layla Frost
All Rights Reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means, including photocopying, recording, or other electronic or mechanical methods, without the prior written permission of the publisher, except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical reviews and certain other noncommercial uses permitted by copyright law.
This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, businesses, places, events, and incidents are either the products of the author’s imagination or used in a fictitious manner. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, or actual events is purely coincidental.
Formatting by CP Smith
Cover Design Redbird Designs
Acknowledgments
Extra handsy thanks to:
My Naughty Cupcakes. I hesitated when someone suggested making the group because I didn’t think anyone else would join. I’m so glad that I listened. It may not be the biggest group in Facebook land, but it’s the best. You all are wonderful, and I appreciate you. Thanks for the encouragement, excitement, and love. Butt touches to all!
Brynne Asher and Sarah Curtis, you’re both prime examples of how amazing the romance author community is. Thank you for sharing your knowledge, helping with a million questions, and being so supportive! You’re both amazing authors, friends, and people. I’d have lost my mind a million times this past year if it weren’t for you. I’m truly lucky to have you to spend wild Saturdays with.
L and S, thank you for being an amazing support system. You’re always there for me, and I can’t tell you how much that means to me. I love you both so much, and look forward to when we run away together.
All the other authors, bloggers, and readers in my life… I couldn’t do anything without you all. This year has been insane, and writing has become my outlet, my haven, and my escape. I could never accurately describe how much the love and support I get from this community means to me. Thank you.
A special artistic thank you to:
Carmen Lawter for the gorgeous teasers you’ve made for With Us. Seeing my words displayed so prettily was such a thrill!
Redbird Designs for the insanely perfect cover! Even with the title change, you managed to capture exactly what I was hoping for. I’ll drool over this cover for the rest of my life. Thank you so much, you’re always a pleasure to work with.
And to M—
As always, you’re my rock. My coffee is stocked, my net is in place, and my sounding board is as strong as ever. Thank you for still not committing me when the characters who live in my head make me laugh, cry, and sigh. I love you whole bunches.
Dedication
Dedicated to my dad—
For my entire life, you’ve cheered me on. You’ve supported me. You’ve never made me doubt myself, and always told me to try. I’d never be who I am without you, your nurturing love, and your encouragement.
This year has been the worst in our lives, but it brought us somehow closer than we already were. We’ll keep facing every day the same way we always have…
With snark, sarcasm, and a twisted as hell sense of humor.
I love you, Dad, and I could never be more proud of you than I already am.
(But I still hope you never read one of my books)
Chapter One
Spill the Beans
Dahlia
“Excuse me.”
The deep voice startled me, making me jump. Instinctively turning, the coffee beans I was pouring scattered across the metal counter, bouncing with rapid series of pings. “Crud,” I muttered, quickly taking in the mess as I set the bag down. I forced a smile and rotated to face the customer.
Holy Mother of all things beautiful.
Standing well over six feet, he was by far the most attractive man I’d ever seen in real life. Early to mid-thirties, his skin was a rich olive tone, complimenting his coffee brown eyes and wavy, dark hair. His strong jaw and cheekbones were gorgeously masculine, making him look like he belonged in an expensive advertisement. It didn’t matter what the ads were trying to sell, people would buy it.
His looks, his subtle but fancy watch, and his quality clothing all exuded class.
“Can I help you?” I asked, starting toward the register. I cringed, my cheeks heating as I stepped on beans, the loud crunch seeming to echo in the suddenly quiet coffee shop. “Sorry.”
The customer’s eyes were amused, his lips tipped up in a dimpled smile.
Strangely, I didn’t feel like he was mocking me, though.
He pulled a leather wallet out of the pocket of his black slacks. “Can I have a large coffee?”
“Anything in it, or room for cream and sugar?” At the quick shake of his head, I touched the order screen. “That’ll be a dollar fifty-seven.” I turned around and grabbed a cup, pouring the coffee before pushing on a lid. I spun back and took his outstretched money. Opening the drawer, I glanced at the bill he gave me. “Sorry, do you have anything smaller?”
He shook his head again.
“A card to put it on? I don’t have change for this.” I tried to hand him the fifty-dollar bill back but got yet another head shake.
“A tip,” he said, his lips pulling into a smile as he tilted his head toward the mess of beans. “And an apology for interrupting you.”
“But—”
“Trust me, it’s selfish on my part. Now you’ll remember me when I’m in a rush.”
Yeah, like I’m gonna forget him.
“I’m not sure,” I said with a shrug, setting his coffee on the counter between us. “It’s a pretty complicated order.”
His eyes widened slightly, his deep chuckle traveling through my body like a physical sensation.
Ignoring my unexpected reaction, I gestured to the baked goods in the display case. “At least grab a snack.”
There was no ignoring my body’s reaction as he brought his hand to his chin, his thumb sweeping across his full bottom lip. I held my breath, as if exhaling would make him stop.
“What’s your favorite?” he asked, still scanning the case.
“The lemon poppy seed muffins are popular. And the cranberry orange scones are usually long gone by this time.”
“That’s not what I asked,” he said, sadly dropping his hand. “What’s your favorite?”
“I’m a sucker for the chocolate chip banana muffins,” I answered quietly, feeling as though I was divulging some deep, intimate detail about myself.
“Th
en I’ll take two.”
Grabbing a sheet of wax paper, I bagged up two muffins and passed them to him.
So lightly, I was pretty sure I imagined it, his fingers grazed mine as he took the bag. “Thank you.” He gave me another dimpled smile.
“You’re welcome,” I whispered. Giving myself a mental kick to the rear, I raised my voice to a normal level. “Come again.”
He opened the bag and pulled out a muffin, setting it on the counter before grabbing his coffee. “I intend to.”
Without another glance, he turned and walked out the door.
All at once, the real world slammed back around me. The faded background noises seemed to suddenly roar to life, reminding me of the other afternoon customers who were seated at tables and couches in the café.
Pretending not to notice the watchful gazes, I fought the urge to smile or slump to a happy heap.
Instead, I snatched up the muffin, peeled back the pretty wrapper, and took a hefty bite.
Mmm, still the best.
Theo
“What was that about?” Luc asked as his steps fell in with mine.
I shrugged. “Felt like a cup of coffee.”
“From a shop? What, that fancy machine at your place just a decoration?”
“Why’re you so concerned with my caffeine intake, Luc?” I lifted the cup to my lips, fighting a grimace at the flat bitterness.
“Just surprised to see you jonesing for a five-buck cup.”
“One fifty-seven,” I corrected, taking another sip.
And it tastes like it, too.
Ignoring his watchful gaze, I tossed the paper bag at him. “Plus the cost of a muffin. Don’t say I never give you anything.”
“What flavor?” he asked, though he was already pulling it out.
If there was one thing that could temporarily distract him, it was food.
“Banana chocolate chip.” I thought about the woman again, suddenly regretting not keeping the muffin for myself.
“Phumph,” he muttered around a mouthful, using the hand holding the muffin to point to his watch.
I lifted my chin, lengthening my strides.
I’d spent too long in the coffee shop. Construction and traffic were a bitch in Boston to begin with. At that time of day, everyone in a rush to get out of the city and home to the suburbs, it was gridlocked for hours. We’d parked a few blocks away, making the rest of the trip on foot.
As we’d passed Java Brew, a shop I’d gone by countless times, I’d glanced in at the woman behind the counter. Her blonde hair had been piled high on her head, small bits escaping.
Bellissima.
I hadn’t thought twice before cutting Luc’s sentence off and telling him to watch the door. I knew we were already rushed for time. Still, I’d watched for a moment as she’d worked, her movements graceful even in the mundane task. Her mishap with the beans had been amusing, her furrowed brow appealing, and her full lips fuckable. My body had already been responding despite my efforts to fight it. Once she’d looked up at me with her large, pale green eyes, I’d officially lost the fight.
Just thinking about her, I found myself getting hard again.
Drinking as much of the coffee as I could stomach, I tossed the mostly full cup in a garbage can as we walked. “Luca.”
“Yes?” he answered immediately, not even taking a bite as he waited for my response.
“Find out about the blonde barista that was working at the shop.”
“Basic background?”
I thought about the way she’d made me feel.
“Everything,” I said.
Luc nodded once, pulling out his cell and swiping across the screen. “Give me a day or two.”
Brothers, though not by birth, Luca got away with things most men wouldn’t think about. Even so, he knew if I called him his full name, the order wasn’t to be questioned.
Pushing all thoughts of the cat-eyed blonde to the back of my head, I refocused as we approached the office building.
Luc rattled off some numbers for the meeting as we made our way through the lobby to the elevator. Pressing the up arrow, the silver doors opened.
“Wait, how late are they?” I asked as we stepped in.
“Late,” he emphasized, his brows raised.
As the doors began to close, I looked ahead. A wide smile spread across my face. “Excellent.”
Dahlia
Fighting a yawn, I snuck another sip of my coffee. Truth be told, it was probably more vanilla syrup, sugar, and whipped cream than coffee, but it did the job.
The before work rush had come and gone. Minus a few moms popping in on their way to mommy and me classes, some bleary-eyed students, and the occasional stray business person, the shop would remain slow until the lunch crowd filed in for a midday boost.
Everything was stocked, organized, and cleaned so tidy it shined. That left me with a book on my phone, my sugary coffee, and a fight to stay awake.
Grabbing for my drink, I looked up as the door opened. When I saw the man from the day before, I nearly knocked the cup to the ground.
Oh, that would’ve been good. Dropped the ‘before’ version yesterday, makes sense to spill the ‘after’ one today.
I reached for the stack of cups. “Same as yesterday?”
“Please.” He smiled as he moved fully into the café. It was then I noticed another man following him.
A bit shorter and leaner, he had the same olive skin tone and dark hair, although his was cut neater. His eyes were lighter, too, a fascinating tawny brown, like the color of butterscotch.
“Can I get you something?” I asked him, gesturing with the empty cup to the menu board above my head.
He studied me for a moment, making me wonder if he didn’t speak English. It was an eclectic city, people from all nationalities combining cultural bits and pieces.
“Large coffee,” he finally said, barely glancing at the menu, “with enough space for about half a pound of sugar.”
“Got it.” I fixed both before setting them on the counter between us. “Anything else?”
The new man shifted to the side. “Can I have a pistachio scone, a blueberry muffin, and…” His eyes scanned the case before he smiled. “And a banana chocolate chip muffin?”
“Make that two,” the other one added as he pulled his wallet out of another impressively nice pair of slacks.
“Of course.” I bagged up the baked goods, touching the order screen. And touching it again. And again. Huffing, I blew the hair out of my face as I leaned down to press the power button. I gave both men an apologetic smile. “I’m sorry, it freezes like this sometimes.” Holding the bag out to the man from the day before, I jostled it a little when he didn’t take it. “I owe you from yesterday anyway.”
“No, you don’t,” he argued, taking another bill from his wallet.
“I do. You’re all set, sorry again.”
Taking the outstretched bag, his fingers definitely grazing, he dropped another fifty on the counter and grabbed his coffee.
“But,” I started before looking back at his friendly, yet stubborn, expression. Changing my mind, I nodded instead. “Thank you. Have a nice day and come again.”
He jerked his head toward the seating area, causing a small cluster of girls around my age to look as if they were about to hyperventilate. “I think we’ll sit for a while. It’ll give Luc the chance to see if he’s going to need another muffin.”
I looked to the man who I assumed was Luc, waiting for his comeback. He only nodded, picking up his cup. “Thanks.”
After a quick stop so Luc could add what looked like a full pound of sugar to his coffee, the men took a seat at a small table by the window. They pulled out their phones, but seemed to be being productive, as opposed to scrolling through Facebook.
Pretending to wipe down the already spotless space, I tried to sneak a few peeks at the unnamed man. There was a powerful edge to him that went far beyond his appearance. Even Luc followed his lead, and he
didn’t strike me as an Igor type assistant.
The man’s navy blue dress shirt definitely didn’t look like he’d plucked it from the Target clearance rack. The fit was so perfect, accommodating his wide shoulders and chest while not billowing at his trim waist, I had to wonder if it was tailored. The sleeves were rolled a couple times, showing a different masculine watch. Once again, it was far from a superstore buy.
My gaze moved to his strong jaw, full lips, and cheekbones so defined they’d make a top model envious. Reaching his already dark brown eyes, I saw they were almost black, his gaze locked with mine.
Busted!
I bit back my embarrassed squeak and lowered my head to resume cleaning, scrubbing at an invisible stain.
Well, at least I’m not feeling tired anymore.
Theo
“I take it that’s her,” Luc said as we sat, a smile in his voice. Glancing over at her, he turned back as he unwrapped a muffin. “Pretty. But there are things we should be discussing that shouldn’t be said in a public place like this.”
“So watch what you say,” I said, my eyes wandering over to the women.
“And things that need your full attention.”
I looked over in time to see him take a big bite of the pastry, following it up with a wink aimed toward the group of women sitting diagonal to us. Their giggles earned them a smile from Luc, which resulted in loudly whispered conversation.
“You were saying?” I asked.
Ignoring me, he opened my schedule on his phone. “We need to leave here in a half hour. You want more time, I can rearrange some stuff, but there are some important… matters you should attend to personally.”
I raised my chin in acknowledgment.
Luc sighed before continuing. “I did what digging I could, but without a name or a face, I got nowhere. The face will help, but a name would be better.”
As Luc ran through my schedule, I felt her gaze on me. I looked over to see her eyes slowly moving up. The deliberate way she studied me had me clenching my fists in an effort not to move.
