Dirty Dealer: A Hero Club Novel

by Kacey Shea

  De’Shaun claps and bounces on his toes. “Oh baby, I’m so excited for you. It’s finally happening!”

  “I’ve had sex before. I’m not a virgin.”

  He raises his brows and gives me a Girl-please-don’t-even-try-to-tell-me-otherwise look. “You told me it’s been six months. You’re basically born again. How are things downstairs? Do I need to bribe someone to wax your lady garden?”

  “No.” I shake my head and groan at the idea. “We are not involving the set staff. I keep things trimmed and manicured.”

  He smirks. “Then there’s only one thing left.”

  “What’s that?”

  He settles his hands on my shoulders, his gaze unwavering and unusually serious. “Be yourself. Be confident, sexy, you. That’s what he wants. That’s the gift you give. Be honest. Tell him what you want. Better yet, demand it.”

  I’m not ashamed of my sexual desires. Never have been. But this pep talk from my new co-worker stokes my confidence. I’m a woman who goes after what she wants, and I definitely want Jude Lawrence.

  De’Shaun bumps his shoulder against mine. “The mind-blowing orgasms will follow.”

  “De’Shaun!” One of the PAs shouts from the door to the studio. “Hair crisis on set.”

  “Coming!” De’Shaun hollers, then whispers, “Like my girl Rae will be all weekend.”

  “De’Shaun!” I chide.

  He only laughs, a sway to his hips as he turns and heads inside. I trail after, knowing wherever a hair crisis arises, there’s usually a makeup disaster to follow. I need to focus on work, but my mind sways back to my dilemma with Jude. Maybe I’m overcomplicating things. Maybe De’Shaun is right. Jude obviously wants me. I want him. We have the weekend and an empty condo. Could it be so simple?

  I wasn’t going to sleep with Jude—or any man who reminded me of Ethan. But I’m allowed to change my mind. Besides, Jude’s nothing like I first assumed. He’s generous, hard-working, and he loves his dog. The way he looks after Walter when he thinks I’m not watching does crazy, melty things to my heart.

  I’m brave enough to admit that I care about Jude. My feelings go deeper than sexual desire. I’ve come to appreciate his companionship, looking forward to it daily. Though my attachment has gone from zero to sixty in a very short time span, that doesn’t discount the truth.

  This is happening. I’m going to tell him. I’m going to be honest, lay out my feelings, and enjoy whatever happens. Tonight I’ll submit to my most carnal desires and sleep with my temporary roommate. What could go wrong?

  30

  Jude

  I pull up to the studio a little after eight o’clock. After the way she was this morning, and her working later than usual, I don’t know what to expect.

  Rachel slides into the passenger seat, greeting me with a smile. “Hey.”

  Instantly my nerves settle. “Hey, how was work?”

  “Great.”

  “Thankful it’s Friday?”

  “You have no idea.” The look she gives me is strange. Different somehow, and I wonder what it means. Maybe she’s nervous about this weekend?

  Then it hits me. She probably has plans with friends. Maybe that’s why she was so weird this morning. A beautiful, single woman like herself must have something better than being subjected to my company. Damn it. I never even considered this alternative. How am I going to claw my way out of the friend zone if we don’t spend the weekend together? I have to return her car on Monday. There’s no way to drag that out longer, and after that she’ll be back at her apartment.

  It’s not that I won’t see her again. I think our relationship has evolved nicely enough that she’d voluntarily go to dinner with me—I hope. But I won’t have an opportunity like this again. I have to seize the moment. I’m never one to shy away from a challenge, but when it comes to Rachel, the rules of the game are all new.

  “Big plans, then?”

  Rachel bites back a smile, then meets my gaze a moment before looking out the windshield. “Maybe.”

  I’m about to lose out. It’s now or never. My pride be damned. “Did you want to hang out tonight? If you don’t have other plans, that is.” God, could I sound more pathetic? Maybe I’m an idiot to think I have a chance. I don’t deserve a woman like Rachel, but damn, I want to be the type of man who does. “I’d really like to have dinner with you again.”

  Her smile grows even though she doesn’t look away from the city lights rushing by. “I’d really like that too.” The low resonance in her voice is enough to send a thrill down my spine. At the stoplight she turns in her seat, leaning back against the passenger door to run her gaze over my body before meeting my eyes. “What exactly did you have in mind?”

  Is Rachel flirting with me? I swear she is. Which means, I not only have a shot, I might’ve won the fucking jackpot. I’d keep on staring, but the light changes from red to green and some asshole honks for me to move. I clear my throat and sneak a few glances.

  Her smile and seductive gaze are as captivating as before.

  “That depends.” Fuck it. I’m all in. “How dirty do you wanna get?”

  Her eyebrows shoot high, and she gives a little laugh. “I’m up for anything.”

  Damn. I like this side of Rachel. Assertive. Powerful. Irresistible.

  “When we get back to my place, how about you and I change into something a little more comfortable, and we have a night in? I’ll order take-out and open a bottle of wine, and—”

  “Yes.” She cuts me off. “But promise me one thing.”

  “What’s that?”

  “No murder shows.”

  “No?” I turn my neck in her direction to steal a quick glance. “I’ll make you a deal.”

  “What is it?”

  “We stay in tonight.” I pull up to another light, and drop my voice to a seductive whisper. “And you get total control of the remote. All. Weekend. Long.”

  Her burst of laughter fills my chest with so much pride, I might actually burst. At the very least, I should be embarrassed by the smile it pushes across my mouth.

  “I don’t see how I could ever refuse.” She bites her bottom lip. Something I intend on doing, after I get her naked and in my arms.

  The light changes. A horn blares behind us. I can’t even find it in me to care. I don’t move until her answer flies from her painted lips.

  “Deal.”

  I break every traffic law in a race back to my condo, and the drive that normally takes minutes feels like torturous hours. The tension inside my SUV rises to impossible levels. My heart rate speeds. It takes actual effort to breathe. My dick? It’s hard and aching for every inch of her beautiful body.

  We steal glances but don’t say another word, even after I park in the garage and get on the elevator to my floor.

  I consider hitting the stop button. Pushing her back against the wall and putting us both out of our misery. But deep down, I know a quick fuck will do nothing to satisfy the longing I have for this woman. When we’re together I want to take my time. I want to learn her body. What turns her on, what makes her come, everything. Even if we never leave my place this weekend, it won’t be enough.

  The elevator pings with our arrival. The doors slide open and my heart beats so fiercely it might hammer out of my chest. I reach out to stop the door from closing. “After you.”

  Yeah, I selfishly enjoy the view. I’m so captivated, I almost stumble right into her when she stops.

  Why is she stopping? Oh, God. Is she having second thoughts?

  Rachel turns, her gaze wide. Expectant. “Keys?”

  Right. I should get those. But it’s as if time stills and I can’t bring myself to move. Can’t tear my gaze from hers. God. Damn. She’s so fucking perfect.

  She drops her stare to my lips. I’m as captivated with hers.

  Her chin tilts up. Mine lowers. Closer. Closer. Breaths away. I want her. God, do I want her. But this moment isn’t haphazard or fueled by drunken lust. The draw between us is powerfu
l, as if this kiss alone potentially binds together pieces of our souls. The magnitude of responsibility settles on my shoulders. I’m scared of fucking this up. Of breaking something precious before it’s even begun. But damn, I have to do it anyway. There is nothing I want more than her. Not another million in the bank. Not the new Tesla. Not even peace for humanity, which makes me a selfish bastard. Just this kiss. This moment. Rachel. Her.

  She leans into my body, her breasts pressing into my chest, and it’s as if a ding sounds at the contact. I love that she’s as tall as I am with her heels. That we’re eye to eye. An even playing field, and one I can’t wait to explore. My hands wrap around her waist to draw her flush against me. She sighs at the contact. Feeling how much I want her. There is no mistaking my intent. My desire.

  This is it. This is happening. Fucking finally, I am going to taste her lips for the first time.

  A throats clears from behind us. “Hey, Jude?” I know the voice, and just like that my plans for sexual escapades with Rachel are ruined.

  31

  Rachel

  We were going to kiss.

  We were going to get it on.

  This was happening. I was going to sleep with Jude Lawrence, the guy who not two weeks ago I considered might be a serial killer attempting to abduct me from the side of the freeway.

  But we didn’t. No. His friends ruined it.

  Hey, Jude?

  He pulls away, and we both audibly groan. Me in frustration. Him? Probably the same.

  “Uh, should we come back later?” one of the three guys standing outside the open elevator doors says. In his arms he holds what appears to be an entire crate of glass-bottled beers.

  “Get a fucking room! Or at least walk a few more steps.” Another guy winks at Jude, and then shoots an approving gaze my way. “I’m Tony, and you must be someone special.”

  “We could’ve rescheduled. You should’ve called, man.” The big guy in the back holding two pizza boxes says.

  Jude scrubs a hand over his face, his gaze bouncing from mine to them. “I completely forgot.”

  “No shit, man.” Tony chuckles, his gaze drifting to me. “Though, I can understand why.”

  Jude shuffles his body in front of mine, as if to keep Tony from looking. It’s oddly endearing and protective, while totally uncalled for. His friend is trying to rile him up. By the tightness in Jude’s jaw, it’s working.

  “You inviting us in? Or do we need to head to Eddie’s?”

  “No. Stay,” I say, which draws a surprised stare from everyone, including Jude. As much as I want him to myself, I can’t allow him to send his friends away. Not when they had plans. “I can find something to do.”

  “No.” Jude shakes his head.

  “She should stay. Join us.” Tony tips his chin to Jude. “Do some good to watch her beat your ass a round or five.” His lips pull into a devious smirk.

  I turn my gaze to Jude, unsure of my place and not wanting to impose.

  “My ass?” Jude shakes his head, his good-natured grin returning. “My bet’s on her taking your big mouth to the cleaners.”

  “I’d like to see her try!” Tony laughs heartily, and the entire group gathers around as Jude unlocks the door. I step inside first, then watch as they lay out the food and drinks on the kitchen island. Their jovial barbs and banter fill the place with laughter. This is the first I’ve seen of Jude having a social life outside of work, and it warms my heart a little more.

  Walter lazily stretches and rises from his perch on the couch. Jude scoops him up and heads straight for where I stand near the door. I open my mouth to offer to walk his dog, but my words dry up at the almost predatory look Jude directs my way. My body zings back to life, remembering exactly what we started before his friends interrupted.

  “Want them to leave? I’ll kick them out right now.” Jude’s arm braces around my waist.

  “We heard that, asshole!” Someone shouts from the kitchen.

  “Fuck off!” Jude calls over his shoulder. His gaze is serious when it lands back on mine. “What do you want? Tell me and I’ll do it.”

  Not only does my heart melt. My panties do the same. I want him to do me. But hell, I’ve been waiting all day, what’s a few more hours. “I’m not kicking your friends out.” I shake my head and laugh. “What’s all this for, anyway?”

  “We have a standing guys’ night. Poker. Five card draw. Do you play?”

  My eyes brighten. Do I play? “Hell, yeah.”

  “Yeah?” His smile grows wider. “You want to join us?”

  “I’m not a dude.”

  “Perfectly aware.” His irises appear molten brown with flecks of amber catching the light. I swear he growls, and the evidence of his arousal nudges my hip. It’s heady, knowing how turned on he is, even with his friends not twenty feet away.

  “I’m still invited?”

  “Rachel, I want you wherever I am.” He glances over his shoulder. “Besides, I think they’re all hard up for female company.”

  “Speak for yourself! I hit it last night,” Tony says.

  “Hit what? The bed when you passed out after two drinks?” The guy who brought in the beer says.

  Jude leads me over to the spread of food.

  Beer guy points a finger at Tony. “This guy talks, but don’t believe a word he says. He’s also a lightweight.”

  “Guys, this is Rachel. Rachel, this is Lonzo, that’s Eddie, and well, you already know this is Tony.”

  “Nice to meet you all.”

  “Rachel’s gonna join us for tonight’s game, if that’s all right.”

  I expect maybe a little push back—after all, I am invading their guy time—but I swear their smiles only grow wider as they nod and shout out their approval.

  “Grab a plate and one of the beers from Lonzo’s stash before all the good stuff is gone. I’m gonna run down and walk Walter real quick.”

  “Want me to make you a plate?”

  “Yeah, thanks.” Jude grabs Walter and heads out the door.

  “Rachel, what did you do to our man? He’s never smiled so much, and I’ve known him for five years.”

  “How did you two meet? When?”

  “Do you love him? Of course you do. You’re here.”

  The questions fire rapidly. “Uh, I don’t know how to answer any of that.” I don’t know how close Jude is with these guys, or what he shares. Plus, it’s not as if Jude and I are a thing. Not yet anyway, and it’s not as if I’d explain our relationship to a room of strangers. “Y’all are worse than a room full of women!”

  “I like you. You don’t take shit.” Tony turns to the other two guys. “She’s good for him.”

  I hope so, because he’s sure as hell been good to me.

  “Hey, Rachel.” Eddie directs his smile at me, and then flicks his gaze to the door. “How do you feel about practical jokes? And how would you like to drive our competitive friend a little mad?”

  I lean forward against the counter. “Keep talking.”

  Tony chuckles, his laughter warming the entire room. “Yeah, I really like you.”

  “Let’s go another round.” Jude’s brows scrunch together, a crease forming along his brow from concentration, and irritation. His friends are right; the man hates losing. “Let me deal.”

  “No way.” Tony shakes his head, then shoots me a conspiratorial wink. “Rachel deals this one. You can’t be trusted.”

  A smile pushes onto my lips, and I bite it back. “Your friends warned me about you.” I point across the table and meet Jude’s scowl. “They said I should keep an eye on you.”

  “He’s a total shark.” Lonzo, who I’ve learned is one of Jude’s vendors, grins with a wide, toothy smile.

  “Will take all your money.” Eddie, the owner of five major breweries in the Southern California area, sends me a conspiratorial wink. He’s the one who slipped me a few aces under the table earlier. I still have them. Just waiting for the right time to play them. I was all in for the prank unti
l I found out they were playing for real money and not just fun. Jude covered my buy-in, though I asked him not to. Whatever I make tonight, I plan to give back.

  “I do not cheat.” Jude lets loose a frustrated growl and his friends laugh. “I happen to be better than everyone else. Except for tonight.”

  Eddie pushes away from the table. “Right. Well, then, you don’t need me. It’s getting late for this old man. Good night, everyone.” He waves and gives Walter a scratch on the head before walking to the door.

  Lonzo chuckles, dropping his cards onto the table. “That’s my last hand. It was lovely to meet you, Rachel.” He tips his chin to me, then turns to the head of the table. “Jude, I don’t know why we’re friends.”

  “You love me. Admit it.”

  “Never.” He laughs, and follows Eddie out.

  We shared a lot of laughs tonight. I like them.

  “I’m out as well. Good night.” Tony stands from the table and waves. “You two lovebirds have fun.”

  Jude doesn’t correct him about our relationship. I kind of like that the most. When the front door shuts with a resounding thud, he lifts his brow. “You quitting on me too?”

  Quitting? Hardly. I never thought of cards as foreplay, but they should be. All night I’ve watched Jude’s mouth. His smile. The way his tongue darts out to lick his lips when he’s concentrating. His thumb as it steadily strokes his beer bottle before he lifts it to his mouth. Fuck me. My cheeks heat thinking about it. I haven’t for one second forgotten our almost kiss outside his door. Now that everyone’s gone, there’s nothing holding us back. Except maybe a bundle of nerves. “I thought we were just getting started.”

  Jude nods, his smile playful. “Let’s make this interesting.”

  “What do you have in mind?”

  “Strip.”

  “Excuse me?” My eyebrows shoot up with offense, but inside a thrill races through my body at his command. He’s bossy. Likes being in charge. I’ve no doubt he’ll be that way in the bedroom too.

  “Strip poker. What do you say? Or are you worried you’ll lose?”