“That’s no problem. I’ll help any way I can.”
“Great. I, um, need to know what his wife’s job duties were exactly. I’m trying to figure out who was handling what during the discrepancy period, in case I need to gather information from anyone.
“If Krystal handled something I’m looking for, then I’ll know I have to find the physical trail to it.”
“That makes sense. Honestly, Krystal handled every part of the accounting, and then once Kyle was hired, he handled receivables. She would also give him assignments to do if she was behind.”
That’s odd. Why would she try to do all of it? There is definitely enough work for three people, if not four.
I let out a long breath. “Um, I hear there is a storage unit that has old files in it. Could someone take me there soon, so I can look for some documents?”
“Sure thing. Let me know when.”
***
“Pizza?” I ask unenthusiastically as Becca shoves a box against my stomach and passes me, making her way into my apartment.
“I’m a poor girl.”
“I would’ve paid for dinner. You have to remind me.” I carry it to the counter and begin fixing us something to drink.
“How’s it going with the boss man?”
“I’m not sure. We shared an intense moment this morning. Then he left and never came back. I pissed him off.”
“How?” she asks, pulling a string of cheese off her pizza as she puts it on her paper plate.
“He doesn’t want me looking ahead to when the audit is over … when things end between us. I also avoided seeing him the last two nights and most of the weekend.” We carry our food and drinks to the couch and plop down.
“Why are you avoiding him?”
“I like him.”
“Uh, duh. We figured that out on day two.”
“I’m falling for him, Becca … hard.”
“I’m not seeing the problem here.”
“There are several. He was married, and I believe he still loves his wife. I’m worried he’s only lonely and using me to satisfy that void. He’s also my boss, and Craig and I only broke up two months ago.”
“That’s long enough, especially if Everett is the right guy. Also, if he falls in love with you, then he isn’t in love with his wife any longer.”
“What if I fall in love with him and have my heart broken? I’ve never allowed it to be this vulnerable.”
“What if it all works out?”
My head falls back against the couch, and I stare at the ceiling, pushing back the tears that keep trying to come today.
I’m emotional, worried that being daring and getting this wrapped up in Everett already will only lead me to heartache, much like it did by dating a guy like Preston.
“Everett has already managed to peel back layers, exposing the raw and uninhibited Reese. When he finds her, he drags her out of the cave by her hair, accepting nothing less than her undivided attention. But once he has her exposed, he worships her, and it’s terrifying so she retreat.”
“Seriously? That is absolutely beautiful, and you need to not run away from it.” I dab the stinging tears from the corners of my eyes. “Ah, hell. You do really like him,” she adds before squeezing my hand.
“Let him in and see what happens. You can drag me by the hair if this all blows up. Scouts honor,” she says, holding up her two fingers and smiling.
Managing to smile back, I lift up and stuff my mouth with pizza. Once I get a bite down, I remember her dilemma. “What are you doing about the two guys pining for you?”
“I’m going to give Travis a chance. Kyle is sweet and cute, but Travis is hot and cocky. I love it. Now, I need to find out if he’s kind, too.”
“He is, Becca. I can already tell that all the Casteel brothers have a good heart. Whether he’ll show you that at twenty-two is another story.”
Chapter Sixteen
Reese
Everett didn’t show at work this morning, so I texted him after lunch, asking if he’d like to see me tonight. His reply was so matter of fact and typical of his personality thus far.
“You previously said you were all mine this weekend. I already planned on collecting.”
I couldn’t help but smile and roll my eyes when I read it. Finally, around three o’clock, he blew in here, talking to Sarge and passing by my door many times as he went back and forth between the store and his office. He hasn’t spoken to me yet, but I know it is only a matter of time.
Obsessively, I straighten my desk, putting every item in its place. It’s the only control I feel I have at the moment. Becoming single, moving into a different apartment, acquiring a new job and having a fling with the boss, all in two months, is overwhelming at the least.
Who am I kidding? I don’t know what you would call Everett and me, but we are past having a fling. Emotions run below the surface, ebbing and flowing between us.
“Ready to roll?” he asks from my doorway.
“Um, yeah.” I grab my things, and we stroll down the hallway.
“I need to deliver a bike. Would you mind following me there and giving me a ride back?”
“Won’t the guys wonder why I’m the one doing it?” Everett comes to a complete stop, and I almost run into him. When he turns, some of the frustration he exhibited toward me yesterday resurfaces. Good grief. He’s not going to stop until all the guys are fully aware we’re dating.
“Never mind. I’ll do it,” I say.
Half of his mouth curves into a smile.
“I need a minute to talk with Trav. I’ll meet you out front.”
When I reach the counter, Travis glances over and gives me his charming grin.
“Have a good weekend, Punch Bug.”
“You, too, Travis. Have fun on your date.” I wink at him before pushing open the front door. Stepping out, I look up and almost run into my ex. Shit, my ex.
“Craig, what are you doing here?” I swear this isn’t a hospital with visiting hours.
“Hello to you, too.”
“I’m sorry. It’s my first week working here, and Becca has already been by to visit, not to mention that I haven’t seen you in two months.”
He hands over a stack of mail in a rubber band.
“You need to double check your forwarding address. I keep getting your mail. Sorry, I should’ve brought it to you sooner.”
“How did you find me?”
“I called Becs.” Of course, my sister would love nothing more than to have Craig see me surrounded by men. The door jingles. Everett. I spin around about the time he reaches us.
“Do you need me to help him with something?” he asks.
“Um, he’s here to see me. Craig, this is my boss, Everett. Everett, this is Craig.”
Everett says hello and glares at him for way too long. This is awkward. “I’m going to pull the bike around,” he adds, glancing to me before he walks away. I look back to Craig, and he’s shaking his head slightly, appearing angry.
“Sleeping with the boss the first week is low for anyone, but for you, Reese … wow.”
“Fuck off, Craig. You have no right to butt into my business.”
He exhales a loud breath and glances to the ground. The sun is shining on his raven hair, and I recall when I used to love to run my fingers through it. It seems so long ago.
“I’m sorry, Reese. I’m only surprised. I guess I thought you might miss me. I hope he’s not looking for a woman to take care of.”
“What is that supposed to mean?”
He shoves his hands into his khakis.
“I told you I wanted to end things, hoping we might have a breakthrough and stay together. You were too closed off and too damn independent the entire three years I knew you.
“You always kept me at arm reach, and I never felt like our relationship evolved into the kind you build a life on.” Craig sticks his shoe out in front of him and lightly drags it through some rocks. I don’t even know how to respond.
; “I had hoped you would realize I meant more to you and beg me to stay.”
“Craig, I’m sorry.”
“Don’t apologize. Either I’m not the one, or you’re that closed off, and neither will work for me. I want a wife and a family.” I hear the roar from the motorcycle exiting the garage bay about the time Craig kisses my cheek. “Have a good life, Reese.”
“Craig, I’m sorry. You’re a great person and will find someone you can have that life with.”
He walks away with his head shaking again. Damn, I guess that was our real goodbye. He’s not the one, but is any man going to be? Am I the problem? Instead of standing alone like an idiot, I walk to my car, becoming more emotional with each step. Everett rolls up beside me.
“You OK?”
Brushing a tear from my cheek, I begin rooting through my purse for keys. “I’m fine. He’s my ex, and I’m sorry he showed up here. I didn’t know he was going to make an appearance, but he wanted to bring me my mail.”
“Slow down, Reese. From your tears, I’d say it was more than dropping off mail.”
Pulling out my keys, I lift my head and gaze at him.
“Look, I can assure you I won’t be seeing him again.”
“Good. I would never see any other woman while we’re sleeping together, so I expect the same in return. I told you, Reese, I won’t share you.”
His intense words and smoldering gaze are hot, seeping into my skin like the sun’s rays today.
“I don’t want to date anyone else, Everett. I’d give you a kiss to affirm it, but I won’t do it in this parking lot.”
That sexy grin returns. “Follow me. We have about a thirty minute drive with traffic, but I’ll pay for your gas and collect that kiss after.”
I take a quick assessment of the bike.
“This work is fantastic.”
“Yeah, my guys are talented. Let’s roll. I’m anxious to have you to myself.”
Everett
The entire way to Alpharetta, I’m fuming. I didn’t want Reese to see it, so I kept it together when we spoke, but something her ex said upset her, and I’m going to find out what it was.
Seeing him that close to her, and knowing he had the privilege of being with Reese for years, had anger crashing the blood against my veins.
But then when I pulled around and witnessed him kiss her cheek, I wanted to physically hurt the man. It’s a good thing I have to baby this Ducati bike, or I would have been off of it in a flash, kicking his ass.
Making my way into the area where my friend lives, I take a glimpse of Reese behind me. I don’t get the vibe she’s been exposed to too much luxury, so I figure she’s about to shit her pants surveying the homes around us.
I pull up to the black wrought-iron gate and push the buzzer. After a few seconds, it opens up for me. I’m sure there are cameras on every inch of this property.
Cruising slowly up the long, paved driveway, I take in the view. The grey stucco home is trimmed in white with arched windows. A massive arched door sits below an overhang, centered to two white pillars.
The home is colossal with dramatic landscaping and guest quarters are to the rear right of it. I park the bike as close as I can to the front entrance. Reese slowly brings her Volkswagen Beetle to a stop, and I have to chuckle when I see the flabbergasted look on her face.
“Everett, who lives here?” she asks, getting out of the vehicle.
“You’ll see.”
Shielding her face from the sun with her hand, so she can take in the view of the tall dwelling, she stumbles in her heels. I grab her arm and steady her.
I’ve been itching all day to slide my hand up that skirt of hers before I remove it. The door opens, and out walks all six feet and eight inches of my buddy, Dwayne.
“My man, Ev,” he says before we clasp hands between our chests and pat each other’s backs. “I told you I’d come to the shop to get it.”
“You know I don’t operate that way, not with my friends, anyway.”
“Who do you got with ya, there, Ev?”
I look to my left and find Reese in a stunned state. Her mouth is hanging open, so I stick my finger out and lift her chin to shut it.
“Chin up, buttercup.” I give her a smile, but she doesn’t take her eyes off of the solid wall of strength in front of her.
“You’re–you’re Dwayne Barnes.”
“The one and only,” he says, holding out his arms like he’s on display.
“You play for the NFL.”
“Get it together, fancy face, before his head swells, and you can plainly see it doesn’t need to get any bigger.”
Dwayne lets out a big belly chuckle before he steps closer to Reese and sticks his hand out. After blinking several times, she places her dainty hand into the giant’s.
“I’m Reese. It’s an honor to meet you. My sister is going to be crazy jealous. She loves football. I mean, don’t get me wrong; I like it, but she’s obsessed.”
“You can’t be too passionate about football.”
“Check out your bike, man,” I say. Dwayne walks around it slowly, taking it all in and examining the fairing that covers the frame.
“Damn, Ev, you did it again. Those are not flames painted on a bike. It looks as if it’s on fire. When I get this lightning fast machine on the road, people will be calling the department to put it out.”
“Is it what you wanted?”
“I approved your design, didn’t I? And it looks a hell of a lot better finished. Unreal that you can make this happen.” He points to the front. “Damn, man, you even put my name and jersey number on here.”
“Do you need a tissue?” I ask.
He stands up and punches my arm.
“I might need a whole damn box. No, your ass is bailing me out of jail when I get locked up for racing on this thing.” Dwayne glances between Reese and me. “You got plans this weekend?”
“I’m hoping this beautiful lady is going to let me spend time with her.” I glance over and wink at Reese.
“She’s fine alright,” he says. “Hang tight a minute. I’ll be right back.” Dwayne goes inside his house, so I pull her into my arms.
“You should’ve prepared me,” she says sternly.
“I didn’t expect you to be that star struck. I was beginning to get a little jealous.” She swats my arm, and thankfully it hurts much less than when Dwayne punched it.
“You are going to let me spend time with you, correct?” I ask before nibbling on her ear.
“Yes. I’m looking forward to it.”
“Good thing since I’m not taking no for an answer. I still haven’t had a taste, Reese,” I whisper.
She shivers in my arms, her fingers gripping the back of my hair. My lips drag along her jawline to the corner of her mouth. “Tell me I get to. Say it, Reese. Tell me I get to taste all of you.” I brush my lips across hers once.
“You can taste all of me.”
I growl under my breath, wondering why I’m putting myself through this torture when I can’t touch her yet. “You drive me fucking mad, woman.”
“Damn, you two need a room, and I got one for ya,” Dwayne says as he jogs toward us. “Or separate ones if you need them.” Reese steps away and realigns her skirt, and I’m not sure if she’s making it back to Marietta with it on.
“Here,” he says, handing me a set of keys and a small piece of paper. “I know you have a spectacular crib, but I’m still trying to sell you on downtown.” Glancing to Reese, he points at me. “I can never get Ev to go out with me.”
I look down at the paper and read an address.
“What is this?”
“It’s nice to see you happy and with a woman. Stay at my penthouse in Buckhead for the weekend.”
“I can’t do that, man. You paid me for the bike. It’s all good.” He pushes my outstretched hand back toward me. “It’s not a payment. I’m offering my friend some luxury for the weekend.”
His gaze shifts to Reese. “Tell him what a turn-
off it would be if I tackled him right here in front of you for rejecting my gift.”
She snickers and grins at me.
“I would hate for Dwayne to injure your equipment.”
He throws his hands in the air.
“There are so many reasons to like her, besides the fact that she’s fine as shit.”
“Alright, I’ll take her. I need to get her the hell out of here before you really lay on the charm.” I smirk at him. Dwayne’s a good guy and a happily married one. I know he’s only playin’ around. “Speaking of charm, where is your better half?”
“Veronica and the kids are out shopping for the three damn birthday parties they have to attend this weekend. I can’t keep up.”
“Tell her hi for me, brother, and thanks,” I say as I hold up the keys.
“The pantry is stocked, and as soon as I make a call, the fridge will be, too. Don’t worry about cleaning up, either. I pay someone to do that.”
“It was wonderful to meet you, Dwayne,” Reese says.
“Ah, girl, bring it in for a hug. I promise not to squish you. You get my sense of humor, so we’re done family now.” Letting Reese go, he pulls up his sweats some and points at me. “You better bring her back. I gotta see how much of my crude sense of humor she can handle.”
“Now I think you’re trying to scare her off. I’ll be in touch,” I say before we hug it out. “Thanks again,” I add quietly. He pats my back with understanding, mindful of what a step it is for me to even be near a woman.
This was a second home for me when my family wouldn’t back off. They meant well but smothered me after Krystal’s death, trying to get me to socialize.
As a way to escape, I would come here to stay in the guest quarters and either cry like a damn baby or hang with Dwayne. He’d do nothing but listen, and it’s exactly what I needed. We always have each other’s back.
Chapter Seventeen
Reese
Everett harasses me until I agree to let him drive.
“Will you stay at Dwayne’s with me all weekend?”
“Yes, I’m excited.”
Trust Game Page 10
