by Martha Woods
“Liam, thanks for coming. How are you?”
Alexander Scott smiled and shook his hand. “I’m good, Scott. Thanks for the invite. Your party is great as usual.”
Alexander beamed. “Isn’t it?”
Liam resisted the urge to roll his eyes. His gaze drifted to Skylar who was pacing the balcony with her cell to her ear. He frowned when she stopped to massage her temple with one hand. She was obviously agitated. He wasn’t listening to a word Alexander was saying.
“What was that, Scott?” His eyes landed on the man with annoyance.
“I was saying, that maybe we could go somewhere private for a few minutes and discuss your plans for -”
“Yeah, I’ll have my PA schedule a meeting,” Liam murmured, distracted. His eyes went back to Skylar behind the glass door and he set off in her direction.
Chapter 7
Pacing back and forth, Skylar took deep, steadying breaths to stop herself from hyperventilation. “Okay Dad, slow down and tell me what happened.”
Not hearing from Andrew in over a month, she had taken it as a sign that everything was alright. He typically only called when he needed something. She had thought, hoped, that the entire debacle of whoever he owed money to had blown over. Apparently she was wrong because what she was hearing and having a hard time processing was sending her into a mental tailspin. And she couldn’t lose it in front of her boss and his rich friends.
Andrew let out a breath. “They have me, Sky. They forced me to call you. I told them you couldn’t help.”
She stopped pacing to massage her temple because a massive headache was imminent. “Who? Just give me a name. I can call the police.”
“No! They’ll kill me if you do. Honey, I’m sorry. I really screwed up this time. I didn’t mean to involve you in any of this, I swear.”
“How much do you owe?”
He took a few seconds to answer. “About twenty thousand.”
Skylar’s breath escaped in a whoosh. If she were the fainting type, she would have collapsed. “Are you fucking kidding me?” She didn’t use profanity much but the occasion called for it. “Dad?” There was a scuffle, the sickening sound of flesh connecting with flesh, and then silence. “Daddy?” The word came out as a terrified, thready whisper. “Hello?”
“You have two days.” A strange voice boomed through the speaker.
“W-wait, please don’t hurt him. I-I have a couple hundred dollars. I can give you that within two days and maybe we can work out some kind of payment plan,” she rushed out.
She had told herself she was through with her father’s bullshit, but she couldn’t allow some criminal to murder him.
There was chuckle and then, “A fast talker just like you’re father. I can’t wait to meet you, Sky. You’ll get a call in two days.”
She blanched. “W-wait, what are you going to do with my father?”
“Just wait for the call.” The call ended, leaving Skylar staring at the phone, not sure what to do next.
Her pulse rate had elevated and her vision blurred. Maybe it was from tears, she wasn’t quite sure in her numb state. On wooded legs, she moved to the darker corner of the balcony so that no one inside could witness her freaking out. The situation hit her full force. Criminals had her father and they were going to kill him, and then her if she didn’t come up with twenty thousand dollars. A hysterical laughter bubbled in her chest.
“Twenty thousand dollars, no pressure.” She swayed. For the first time in her life, she was going to faint. “I’m not going to faint. I’m not going to faint”. As she said the words, her knees buckled. She barely registered the arms that swept her up before she hit the ground.
Her eyes opened and for a moment her mind was blissfully blank. Then the events of the night came rushing back. Party. Dance with Liam that got her way too heated. Phone call. Criminals wanting to kill her old man. Finding out that she had to find a shit load of money if she wanted him to live. Passing out.
Skylar sucked in a breath. Did she miss anything? No, that pretty much summed up the night. She bolted upward and looked around frantically. Had she really fainted at the party and embarrassed both herself and Liam?
“Oh, God.”
“You’re awake. I was getting worried.”
Her head whipped to Liam who was standing by the floor to ceiling window. What was she doing in his hotel room? Jumping up, she rushed out, “Liam, I’m so sorry. Please don’t fire me. I don’t usually faint. Ever. I was just overwhelmed and -”
“Sky, sit before you fall down.” He walked toward her and picked up a liquor bottle on the center table. “Sit.” He poured brown liquid into a glass and handed it to her. “Drink this. You’re frighteningly pale.
Skylar plopped down and accepted the glass and took a few sips. She sputtered and coughed as the liquid burned a path down her throat. “What the hell is this?” Color spread into her cheeks and heat flooded her bloodstream.
He smiled, a real smile that reached his eyes. She didn’t see those often. “Sorry, I should have warned you. That was scotch and it worked. Your color is back,” he said with satisfaction.
She put the glass down and eyed it with disgust. “You like that stuff? It’s awful.” She was never much of a drinker.
He chuckled. “Not really, but it sure makes me feel better when I’m overwhelmed.” His expression turned serious. “What happened, Sky?”
She stared at him as he took a seat across from her. “Liam, please don’t fire me. Nothing like this will happen again. I’m sorry if I embarrassed you -”
“No one is getting fired, Sky. And no one saw anything?”
Her brows knitted. “Really? I’m assuming you had to carry me out.”
“No one saw a thing.”
She let out a nervous giggle. “What did you grab me and jump off the fourth floor balcony?”
“Would you believe me if I said yes?”
She frowned, even more confused. “Two jokes in one night. Somebody is on a roll.”
Liam’s lips twisted. “The important thing is I got you back here and you’re awake.”
She groaned. “Who knows what the people in the lobby must have thought.”
“I might have implied to a few concerned partiers that you had too much to drink.”
She groaned again and buried her face in her hands. Great, she would have to face some of those people when they checked out tomorrow. Liam’s face was lit with amusement and he looked much younger than his twenty-nine years.
“Are you ready to tell me what happened?” His jaw clenched. “That must have been some phone call.”
“It was some phone call, alright,” she mumbled. Standing up she said, “Look, Liam. Thank you for everything but it isn’t appropriate to share my personal problems with you. I should get back to my room. ”
He stood up. “Sky, if you’re in trouble let me help.”
“I’m not,” she said quickly. “I just -” she sighed. “Don’t feel like talking about it.”
“Fine, you can tell me tomorrow.”
“Liam -”
“I didn’t like seeing you distressed,” he admitted, softly. “I’m used to you smiling and being you.”
She froze and a smirk appeared on her face. “I’ve grown on you, have I?”
He grunted. “You can say that.”
Skylar nibbled her lower lip in attempt to keep down her smile, but the urge to smile disappeared as he kept moving closer. With a gulp, she whispered, “Liam, what are you -”
His mouth covered hers, taking her by surprise and stirring up a whirlwind of desire inside of her. She had dreamed of that moment many times. His lips moved tentatively, gauging her reaction. When she melted against him, his movements became sure, coaxing her mouth open. Skylar moaned when his tongue swept between her lips and her tongue darted forward to meet his. Her arms wound around his neck and his hands on her hips, pulling her closer.
Would they go any further? God, she hoped so. But her hope was crushed when he broke the k
iss and stepped back, his breathing heavy. She stared at him wide-eyed and utterly disappointed.
“Liam -”
“I’m sorry, that shouldn’t have happened.”
“It’s okay. Really.”
His back was turned to her and his shoulders were stiff with tension. “You should go to your room.”
“But shouldn’t we talk about what just happened?”
“Just go,” he growled, making her jump.
Skylar glowered at his back before whirling around and marching from the room, slamming the door for good measure. How dare he speak to her like that? What was the man’s problem? First he was gentle and caring, then he was smoldering and passionate, and then he was literally banishing her from his presence.
She growled with frustration as she closed her room door. That passionate kiss had driven her problems from her mind temporarily and now they were back and she felt twice as miserable. She threw herself down on the luxurious hotel bed and burst into tears.
Chapter 8
Cayden gave the interior of his pick-up a once over, making sure he didn’t have any weapons lying around. He blew his horn and looked up at the massive cabin-like house. So this was where the billionaire recluse lived. He finally got to see where Skylar lived, after two damn months. She had only started showing real interest in him after she got back from her trip with her boss a few weeks ago. Before that, they met up in town occasionally. He wanted more but she kept him at arm’s length. He was surprised when she agreed to go out with him this evening.
He couldn’t figure out why he was so hung up on one woman. Plenty of young females in town threw themselves at him but none of them interested him like Skylar did. A few minutes later she walked through the door and he stepped out of the truck with a smile. Damn, she looked good in jeans that hugged her hips and thighs and a leather jacket to ward off the November chill. Her blonde hair was in loose waves around her shoulders.
She gave him a mega-watt smile and it was like the sun was rising in his direction. “Cayden, you found me.”
He shrugged. “Your directions were spot on.”
He met her on the steps and gazed up at the mansion, hoping to get a glimpse of the man Skylar worked for. He heard the women taking about Liam Conway all the time. Apparently, he was some heartthrob. Admittedly, Skylar working for a good-looking man who had money made him jealous. He was also suspicious of the man who never seemed to show his face in town. What was he doing hidden away way up in the woods?
He spotted a woman at the door and sent a smile her way. He got a scowl in return and his smile fell. Okay then.
Skylar turned and waved to the woman. “Later, Farah.”
Cayden frowned when the woman gave Skylar a smile. He hadn’t gotten a smile. “Take care, child. You have my number if you need anything.”
Skylar blushed. “Sorry about that. Farah is just being protective. Ever since I told her my mother died, she’s stepped into the role.”
He nodded. “No need to apologize. You look lovely by the way.”
She giggled. “You tell me I look lovely no matter what I’m wearing.”
“Because you are naturally lovely,” he emphasized as he opened her door.
* * *
Skylar accepted Cayden’s hand so he could help her out of his truck. She gazed down at him, appreciating his good looks. His brown hair was short in a crew cut and honey brown eyes stared up at her. He smiled. Liam rarely smiled. As matter of fact, he hadn’t smiled at her in weeks. He was always in a sour mood. And there she went thinking about Liam again.
“What are you thinking about?” Cayden asked, placing a hand on the small of her back as they walked toward the pizzeria.
“Nothing important.”
He led her inside the restaurant. “Well, you demanded pizza and here we are,” he said looking around.
She laughed. “Why don’t you sound too happy? Pizza is a thing that should bring happiness.”
He snorted. “This isn’t very romantic.”
“Oh, come on.” She grabbed his hand and led him to a table. “I thought you knew by now that it doesn’t take much to make me happy. Your company is good enough.”
He gave her a strange look. “Yeah, I know. You are a rare woman, Sky.”
“That had better be a compliment,” she murmured.
Cayden chuckled. “So do you enjoy living in that huge cabin with your recluse of a boss?”
Her eyes shifted from the menu to his face. “Uh, it’s nice. And he isn’t really a recluse. I was joking when I said that.”
“Is he strange? You know, have you noticed any bizarre behavior?” He kept his eyes on the menu.
Skylar threw down her menu. “Alright, what gives? Why are you so interested in Mr. Conway? If we’re going to chit chat about him all night, I’m leaving.”
“Whoa, easy. I was just trying to show interest in your job. Don’t you women like when men pay attention to your lives?”
She laughed and let out a breath. “I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to snap. I’ve just got a lot going on.”
“It’s okay. I know.”
“You do?” She eyed him from beneath her lashes.
Cayden nodded. “You’ve been a bit distracted lately, on edge it seems.” His eyes bore into hers. “I pay attention.”
She waited for him to question her about her behavior. But all he said was, “I figured if you wanted me to know what was going on, you would tell me. Not that I’m not concerned but I don’t want to pry.”
Skylar let out a breath. Thank God. The last person she wanted to tell about her father was a cop. She remembered what her father had said. If she involved the police, he would be dead. Her last payment to the nameless mob boss - she’d finally found out what kind of criminal her father owed money to - had kept things quiet for a while. She assumed - no, prayed - that her father was still alive. The mob boss said he was but hell, could a freaking mob boss be trusted?
“And there you go again, off into another world,” Cayden said softly. “You can talk to me, Sky.”
She swallowed. “It’s nothing major, just some drama with my father. I’ll work things out soon. Alright, let’s quit wasting time. I’m starving.”
By the time they left the cozy little restaurant, it was dark. They had stopped at the only bar in town, danced and had a few drinks. Well, Cayden had stuck to water and she’d had two drinks with minimal alcohol and had somehow managed to get tipsy. Skylar held on to Cayden’s hand as they walked back to his truck. She felt like a giddy school girl. Thanks to Cayden, and a bit of alcohol, she had forgotten her troubles for a while. She let go of his hand and twirled. “It’s such a beautiful night.” She attempted another twirl and tripped over her feet.
Cayden reached out to steady her. He chuckled. “I can’t believe you’re drunk after two drinks. There was barely any alcohol in them.”
“I don’t drink. I’m a bit of a light weight.” She giggled. “I’m not drunk. I just feel…nice.”
“I bet.”
“I really had a great time tonight, Cayden. I haven’t had fun like this with someone in a while.” She leaned against his truck, allowing him to move closer until his body was pressed against hers. He was going to kiss her and she welcomed it, tilting her head upward. His warm mouth grazed hers, a contrast against the cool night air. The kiss gradually deepened and she grasped his jacket, pulling him closer.
“Come home with me,” he murmured against her mouth. Stunned, she pulled back and glanced up. “I know we haven’t know each other but long but-”
“Okay.”
Skylar hadn’t really thought things through but once they pulled up in Cayden’s driveway, she was starting to have second thoughts. Maybe two months was too soon for her to sleep with him. And was he the man she really wanted to give her virginity to? Would he laugh when he found out she was a twenty-four year old virgin?
He led her into his house, already feathering kisses along her neck. Deep down, she knew that s
he was having second thoughts because of another man. Liam. That infuriated her to no end, so she found Cayden’s mouth and kissed him back with renewed fervor. What was the point in pining over a brooding, miserable man who didn’t want her when she had a perfectly good one right in front of her showing major interest?
She was lifted and instinctively wrapped her legs around his waist, their lips never parting. She was aware that he was moving but didn’t know where they were going until he pushed open a door that turned out to be his bedroom. Her heart jumped. She was really doing this. Skylar landed on his bed and she propped up on her elbows to see him back off his jacket and then pull his shirt over his head.
Panic rose up. She couldn’t do it. No matter how hard she tried to stay in that moment with Cayden, her mind kept drifting back to Liam. “Cayden, I can’t.” He froze, disappointment evident on his face. “I’m sorry. I’m not a tease. I swear. I just can’t.”
He let out long breath. “It’s too soon, isn’t it?”
She nodded. “And I’m uh… well, I’ve never had sex before.”
His eyes widened. “O-oh. Oh, wow.”
Skylar fell back onto the mattress and covered her face. “You think I’m pathetic, don’t you?” She peeked up at him through her fingers.
Letting out a laugh, he shook his head. “Why would I think that?” He ran a hand over his face. “Look, I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have rushed things. Do you want me to take you home?”
“Please don’t apologize. I was with you all the way until -” she sighed. “I mean, I like you, Cayden but -”
“I like you too.” Their gazes clashed. “You can stay. We don’t have to - I wouldn’t mind if you stayed. I’ve been alone for a while now and I enjoy your company.”
There was a slight tinge of red coloring his cheeks and he averted his gaze. But she saw the sadness in them.
“I can stay.”
And she did. She dozed off wrapped in Cayden’s arms, taking the comfort that she hadn’t recieved since she lost her mother and got dragged into her father’s mess. It felt good.
