I eyed it but didn’t take it. I looked up at him again, seeing the desperation in his eyes. He kept his hand extended even though I chose to ignore it. I rose to my feet instead and opened both of my arms.
My father didn’t move, shocked by the gesture. He lowered his hand and cleared his throat, the emotion increasing in his eyes. He rose to his feet, his eyes level with mine. He didn’t blink the moisture away, almost proud of his impending tears. “Son…” He wrapped his arms around me and hugged me like a child, his powerful arms circling me with the strength of a bear.
I hugged him back, feeling his hard chest against mine. The last time I’d hugged my father was when I was in college, and even then, it was brief. We hadn’t embraced like this since my mother died. He’d hugged me at her funeral, using my strength to keep himself upright. Maybe this was a mistake, but I refused to believe it was. It was so much better to let go of my anger and pain. It felt so much better to forget the past and embrace the future. It was a risk, but it was a risk I was willing to take. “Dad…”
12
Titan
Just when I finished setting the table, Diesel walked into the kitchen after his shower. His hair was still slightly damp, and he was just in his black sweatpants. When he wore them low on his hips, the V from his muscles was noticeable. His body was a work of art, so hard and rigid I wanted to drag my tongue along the grooves.
We took turns making dinner at night, and since I was home first, I threw something together. It was a vegan dish with tofu and vegetables. I tried to eat clean a few times a week, and Diesel never made a complaint because he was a picky eater too.
He had to be picky to look like that.
We sat together at the table and ate quietly. Diesel had his eyes trained on me most of the time, like watching me was his form of entertainment.
I found excessive eye contact to be hostile when it came to strangers, but with Diesel, it only made me feel owned. I was his personal property, and he could stare at me all he wanted. That didn’t bother me one bit. “How was your day?”
He took another bite, chewing slowly and taking his time. When it was just the two of us in private, he ate with his arms on the table, shirtless with gorgeous tanned skin. He dropped his manners but retained his grace. “You want the bad news first? Or the good news?”
I wished there weren’t bad news at all. “Bad.”
“I have to go to California for a few days.”
That was bad news. We hadn’t been separated for so long since we found each other again. I didn’t want to sleep in a different bed on the other side of the country. The sheets would be cold, and his smell would be gone. “How long?”
“I’m supposed to be there for five days, but I think I can cut it down to three.”
“Can you cut it down even more?” My leg rubbed against his calf under the table.
“I would if I could, baby. Why don’t you come along?”
I had way too much stuff to do in the city. “That’s not an option.”
He kept eating, his shoulders falling slightly. “Hopefully, the time goes by fast, then.”
“Yeah…” Three days seemed like an eternity, but if I stayed busy, it shouldn’t be too bad. “What’s the good news?”
He finished chewing his food before he set down his fork altogether. Whatever he was about to say was significant. “I had lunch with Brett and my father today. We talked for a long time, and then Brett left. Basically…I forgave my father.”
His relationship with his father didn’t directly affect me, but it made me think of my own father. I missed him every day, and I wanted Diesel to know his father while there was still time. The last thing I wanted was for Diesel to live with regret. It was never too late to forgive, to start over. “I’m so happy to hear that.”
“He tried to shake my hand, but I hugged him instead. It’s been so long since I hugged my father…” His eyes trailed back down to his food. He didn’t seem thrilled the way I was, but he didn’t seem sad either. He was simply emotional.
“Do you feel better?”
“I wouldn’t say I feel better,” he said quietly. “I just…I think I made the right decision. I don’t want to keep hating him. It seems like he’s a different man now. Holding a grudge would only hurt me in the end.”
I was glad he saw it that way. “And Brett?”
“I think he’s coming around. Just needs more time.”
“I’m sure your father is happy.”
He gave a slight nod. “I’ve never seen my father cry before…”
Like someone punched me right in the heart, I felt my blood stop circulating just for an instant. Vincent Hunt was a strong man just like his son. To see someone like that succumb to such a raw emotion was surreal.
“He didn’t cry. He just…got tears in his eyes. But that’s the most I’ve ever seen from him.”
“Even when your mother died?”
He shook his head. “He didn’t cry in public…but I’m sure he did when he was alone.”
“Yeah…”
Diesel was quiet for another minute before he picked up his fork again. He started to eat.
“What now?” I asked.
“With my father?”
“Yeah.”
“I don’t know. I guess we’ll find out.”
Diesel packed his suitcase and carried it to the door. He was taking his private plane to California, and he was leaving at the usual time we both went to work. He was in black jeans and a long-sleeved gray shirt, the fabric hugging the muscles of his body. His trip was short, but it still seemed like he was leaving for a lifetime.
I’d never been so dependent on another person for my happiness. I’d never been so clingy with a man, dreading sleeping in a bed alone. I used to demand my space, kicking a man out of my front door because I had no other use for him. But now I needed Diesel for everything.
He turned around and gave me a sad look, like he was as apprehensive about this short separation as I was. “It’ll be over before you know it.” His large arms circled my waist, and he looked down into my face with a cleanly shaven jaw.
“I know.”
Diesel was going to California to oversee a real estate company he owned. They specialized in apartments and condos all across Southern California, along with beachfront property for the wealthy. He squeezed my waist with his fingertips, his dark eyes digging deep into mine.
“When will you be back?”
“Wednesday, around three in the morning. I’ll see you after work.”
That wasn’t so far away. I could make it.
“I’ll call you every night.” He leaned in and kissed me.
I kissed him back, my hands moving to his strong shoulders. My fingertips dug into the fabric and into his muscles, remembering the way I’d grabbed him last night as he made love to me. He’d spent the evening buried inside me, as if we were going to be apart for weeks rather than days.
He pulled away then placed a kiss in the corner of my mouth. “Love you.”
I never got tired of hearing that phrase, of staring at his lips as he mouthed the special words. Diesel Hunt was the love of my life, the man who had my soul in the palm of his hand. I loved him with everything I had, and I could see the way he loved me so fiercely. He was my perfect counterpart, just stronger and more rugged. “I love you too.”
He kissed me on the forehead before he released me. “Have fun with Thorn.”
“I’ll try. But I’ll probably miss you too much.”
He grinned as he walked into the elevator with his bag. He turned around and hit the button. “You’re obsessed with me.”
I crossed my arms and fought the smile from stretching on my lips, knowing he was just teasing me. “Am not.”
“Whatever you say, baby.” The doors shut.
Once he was gone, I took a deep breath. I refused to be one of those women who came apart the instant their man was gone. There was a lot to do, and I shouldn’t fixate on his absence. I had
a lot more fulfillment in my life.
My phone lit up with a text message. I’m more obsessed with you.
“I have Vincent Hunt here for you,” Jessica said into the intercom.
Now when I heard that announcement, I didn’t flinch in dread. “Send him in.” Vincent had become an integrated part of my life. Just as Thorn could come by my office whenever he felt like it, Vincent could do the same thing.
He walked in a moment later, looking like a powerful executive with an impressive amount of control. He had the same stance as Diesel, the same silent authority that his son carried. They were more alike than either of them realized. He stopped at my desk and extended his hand. “Good afternoon, Titan. It’s always nice to see you.”
I eyed his hand but didn’t take it. “I don’t think we need to be so formal anymore.”
He slowly lowered his hand and placed it in his pocket. “Diesel told you about our conversation.”
“He did. I’m happy for you two.”
He took a deep breath and let out a quiet sigh. “I haven’t slept so well in forever…now I’m out like a light. It’s like a huge weight has been lifted off my chest.”
“I’m glad to hear that.”
“I know things won’t be perfect, but it means the world to me that I have my son back, that he’s willing to move forward with me. I know you’re responsible for that, and I can’t thank you enough, Titan.”
I only wanted the best for Diesel. His well-being would always come first. That was how a true relationship should be, when both partners gave everything to each other. Without concrete proof of Diesel’s innocence, I decided to follow my heart and give him all of me—every single piece. “You don’t need to thank me, Vincent.”
“Well, I do anyway.” He lowered himself into the chair facing my desk and crossed his legs.
I sat down as well, my arms resting on the surface of my desk. “Diesel said Brett still isn’t quite there.”
“No, he’s not.” His hands rested on the armrests, just the way Diesel’s did when he sat in my office. “But he can take all the time he wants. I’m not his father so he doesn’t owe me anything, but I hope we can reconcile. I would rather him be the fourth member of our family than live out there alone.”
“He’ll come around. He’s a very sweet man. I’ve always liked Brett, even before I knew he was related to Diesel. He’s respectful, thoughtful, and loyal. He treats me differently from other men, like a person rather than a woman.”
“Well, his mother was wonderful.”
“And you also set a good example for him.”
Vincent looked away, as if my words insulted him instead of flattered him.
“Diesel has always been respectful toward me since the day we met. He’s never been a sexist prick like the others. He admires my independence and isn’t threatened by my success. Not once did he try to undermine me or patronize me. I’m constantly having to prove myself to my peers because men still think business and women don’t mix. But Diesel is the kind of man that’s so secure in his masculinity he’s never been threatened by me. In fact, he admires my success. He loves my brains as well as my body. He’s a fine man, and I’m proud to call him mine. He’s obviously been influenced by someone—and I can tell that person is you.” While Vincent had been my enemy in the past, he always treated me as an equal. He’d never talked down to me or looked at me in an inappropriate way.
Vincent turned back to me, his eyes soft as if my words meant something to him. “Every father wants to hear that…thank you. I’m very proud of my son. I should tell him that more often…”
“Now you have your chance, Vincent.”
He gave a slight nod. “You’re right. I do.”
Silence stretched between us for nearly a minute, but it wasn’t heavy with tension. It contained quiet reflection.
Vincent cleared his throat when he was ready to speak again. “Diesel is in California for a few days?”
“Yeah. He had business to take care of.”
“I see. If you need anything while he’s gone, you can always call me.”
It was a sweet offer, so I didn’t reject it right away. I was a strong woman who overcame everything that came my way. I didn’t need the offer at all. “Thanks.”
“I actually stopped by because I have a business opportunity for you.”
Business was my entire world. “I’m listening.”
“I’m putting my offer back on the table.” Once we discussed business, we both immediately fell into our stride. It was the one thing we were both good at. “I can get your products in stores all over the world, not just China. I’m willing to offer you seventy percent of all sales.”
It was a great deal, something I would snatch up instantly. But unfortunately, I couldn’t do that. “That’s a great offer, but I can’t take it.”
“I hope it’s not because of our personal relationship,” he said. “We both have the maturity to keep business separate.”
“No, that’s not why, Vincent. I’ve already established a partnership with Kyle Livingston.”
Vincent stared at me sternly, like that information meant nothing to him. “You can end your arrangement with him since a better offer has been presented. It’s just business. He’ll understand that.”
I operated under a different code of ethics. “He could have done business with you, but he chose to take a chance on me. I see Kyle as a partner, and I don’t betray my partners. As much as I would like the opportunity, my reputation in business is more important to me.” Vincent knew it was my biggest goal to hit every market in the world. It was a big project, and it wasn’t easy to accomplish. Having a corporate veteran like him help me would be ideal. But I considered Kyle to be a friend at this point.
Vincent gave a slight nod. “I respect your decision.”
“Thank you.”
“So what if I extended the offer to both you and Kyle?”
I was taken aback by the surprise offer. “Both of us?”
“Same terms,” he said. “You could still be partners, but you use me as a distributor. I get you where you want to be, and I take a thirty percent cut. It’s a win-win for both of us.”
It was a generous offer. He and Diesel had already made up, so I knew he wasn’t trying to get something out of me. “You’re sure?”
“Yes. Talk it over with Kyle and let me know.”
“Just because I’m seeing Diesel doesn’t mean you have to do me any favors, Vincent. Just want you to know that.”
He gave me a slight smile. “I know, Titan.”
At midnight, Diesel called me.
“Baby.” It was the first thing he said when I answered the phone.
“Hey.” I was sitting on the couch with a glass of red wine. “How’s it going over there?”
“The weather is nice. Almost too hot for jeans.”
“It snowed today.”
He chuckled. “I feel like I’m on the other side of the world, not the country.”
“It feels that way to me too.”
He was quiet for a while. “What are you doing?”
“Sitting on the couch.”
“What are you wearing?”
I nearly rolled my eyes. “You know what I’m wearing.”
“My shirt?” he asked.
“Yes. I’m wearing your boxers too.”
“Ooh…that’s sexy.”
“That I’m dressed like a man?” I teased.
“That my woman misses me like crazy.”
“I never said I missed you.”
The arrogance was heavy in his voice. “But we both know you do.”
“So what? You miss me.”
“Fuck yeah, I miss you. I have this big bed but no woman to share it with.”
I lay down on the couch with my feet over the armrest. I wished he were there with me now, sitting on the couch in just his sweatpants. I wished he could lay his heavy body on top of mine and smother me.
“How was your day?” he aske
d.
“Your father offered to be a distributor for Kyle and me.”
“He did?” he asked in surprise. “Both of you?”
“He initially only made the offer to me, but I said I couldn’t pull out of my deal with Kyle. It would be a betrayal if I did.”
“You’ve always been loyal. I respect that.”
Diesel never hesitated to flatter me, showing his respect every single day. Some men felt insecure, and as a result, he spat out an insult or two.
“Have you spoken to Kyle about it?”
“He’s on board. So we’re going to take the deal.”
“That’s great. If there’s one thing you can trust with my father, it’s he knows how to do business. I think you’ll be in good hands.”
“Me too.”
We sat in silence for a while, enjoying the quiet company we shared. It was late and I should get to bed, but I suspected I wouldn’t be getting much sleep tonight. It was strange not having him there with me.
After what seemed like five minutes, he spoke again. “I’m three hours behind, but I’m pretty tired. I’m going to get some sleep.”
“Me too.”
“I love you, baby.”
“I love you too,” I repeated back.
“Good night.”
I almost didn’t say it back. “Good night.”
Thorn interlocked his fingers behind his head and rested his crossed ankles on my desk. “Getting laid is more complicated now. After all this drama hit the media, women have a much different opinion of me. They either think I’m some heartbroken man looking for a rebound, or they think I’m the biggest player in the world.”
I snapped my fingers and pointed to the ground, silently commanding him to get his feet off my desk. “You are the biggest player in the world.”
“Yeah, but the entire world didn’t use to think that.”
“How did you explain our relationship to women before? They just thought you were cheating on me?”
Boss Romance Page 15
