by Tina Martin
Parting her thighs, he sank into the very heat of her, sensations tearing through him as he concealed his length in her cave. Only minutes into this madness, her body writhed beneath him. Shuddered. She was already losing control of herself.
“Kurt,” she moaned as she ran her fingertips up and down his back then wrapped her arms around him tight as her body crumbled beneath him. She closed her eyes and arched her neck as he kissed her there. As he steadily moved on top of her as his own need set him ablaze. Like he’d never had her before. Like he’d never have her again.
“Kurt!” she said again, exploding beneath him for a second time. This explosion triggered one in him that built and built and built until the passion overwhelmed him. Until he was grinding his hips against hers so fast, he felt like he was in auto-drive. Until he bucked, shattered and flooded her with his release.
“Candy!” he exclaimed in the thick of it, throwing his head back while spasms locked up his body, drained him and had him pinching his eyes closed while groaning, moaning, keeping all kinds of noises.
He gasped for air.
She fought to maintain a steady, normal breath again.
After a few minutes of cool-down time, he pulled her close to him and laid there looking into her eyes. She watched him back, but her eyelids were slowly bouncing closed toward sleep. He touched the tip of her nose with his and left a kiss on her lips.
“I love you, Candy.”
“Love you, too.”
“I can’t tell you how happy I was to see you’ve been packing boxes.”
“I figured it was time for me to make some moves. I already pissed off my entire family. I may as well, right?”
“No. You should be ready to leave because you want to be with me—not because you’re running away from them. I don’t want you to feel like that.”
“And yet, that’s exactly how I feel. I want to be with you and I’m running away.”
“I’ll be here for the rest of the week. I don’t have a problem meeting your family, having a one-on-one with your parents or your brothers. I want them to know how much I love you.”
“That’ll be nice.”
“You’re cool with that?”
“Yes. It would certainly help to ease some of my stress.”
“And I’m all about alleviating your stress, baby,” he told her. Too bad she was going to be stressed all over again when they had their meeting tomorrow.
Chapter 14
Candice walked into the office this morning all smiles. Her man was here. Well, he was still at her apartment at the moment since his meeting wasn’t scheduled until ten, but still, he was here. In her city. That alone was enough to give her a good feeling. And this morning…
Goodness, this morning….
They’d made love again – love so good it made her want to stay in bed and sleep the rest of the day away. She had to drag herself to the shower and as she got dressed, Kurt was in the kitchen making coffee, eggs and toast.
She went to the break room for another cup of coffee when she ran into Garrison.
“Mornin’ Gary.”
“Hey, girl. You look especially awake this morning.”
“I am. I already had a cup of coffee at home…coming in here for a second.” She took one of the paper cups and filled it. “You said you were going to update me on how the meeting went yesterday.”
“It was productive. I think they’re ready to move forward. Bernard seems to be running things in that respect. I think once we win him over, we’re pretty much in.”
“I’m sure you’ve done that already with your charming personality.”
“I did the best I could, but I think he wants to talk to you, and I hope it has nothing to do with Quinton.”
“Why would it?” Candice asked frowning. “That’s history.”
“I know, but like I said before—you know how these things can be.” Garrison took a sip of coffee. “I gave him your office number.”
“Good. I wouldn’t want him to have my cell.”
“Anyway, what time does this meeting jump off with your boyfriend?”
“Husband.”
“Oh, yeah. My bad. Husband.”
“It starts at ten.”
“Have you heard from him at all this morning?”
Candice smiled, thinking about the lovely morning she had with Kurt. Oh, she’d heard from him all right…
And touched him.
Kissed him.
Made love to him.
Squeezed his tight, lil’ butt…
“Candy?”
“Oh,” she blinked out of her daydream. “Yes. I heard from him.” And she left it at that. “I’ll be in my office if you need me.”
She strutted down the hallway to her office in her red heels, navy blue pants and white blouse. When she arrived, sat in her chair, spun around just for the heck of it and then checked her messages. There were a few calls from potential clients, a return call from Telmark and the last call was from Bernard. He didn’t state the nature of his call – only that he wanted her to call him back.
She did so immediately.
“Hi, Candice. This is a surprise,” he answered.
“Why is it a surprise? You called me. I’m returning your call.”
“That’s the surprise. I didn’t think you would.”
“Well, here I am. Oh, and I’m sorry I had to bolt yesterday.”
“No worries. Garrison told us you had an emergency. I hope everything is okay.”
“It is. Now, what can I do for you?”
He paused for a moment and then said, “This isn’t work-related—”
“Then we probably shouldn’t be discussing it,” she said.
“We should because my brother hasn’t been the same without you and I think you’d like to hear what he has to say.”
Candice was already shaking her head when she said, “I’m sure I wouldn’t. Look, Bernard, I’m trying to do a job here.”
“And so am I, Candice, and I see an opportunity to give my brother some closure so I’m going to take it.”
Livid, Candice got up from her desk, hurried to close her door and said, “Closure? He wants closure after what he did to me?”
“I don’t know who did what to who, and I won’t even begin to try and figure it out. You two were in the relationship…had nothing to do with me. I’m just relaying a message.”
“And if I don’t meet with him…”
“Let’s just say I won’t confirm yay or nay when it comes to signing with your company. There are a few other options on the table, and you know what, Candice? The deal is as good as done. We want Blackstone. No question. But I’ma need you to do this for me, first.”
“Unbelievable.”
“He only wants to talk. I think it’ll be good for you both.”
“Why? I’m married now.”
“And he’s in a relationship, too.”
“So what’s the point of talking to me? I don’t understand.”
“Look, you two will have to hash that out. He wants to meet you Thursday night at the spot where y’all used to hang out at 6:30. He said you’ll know the place.”
Candice closed her eyes, fully disgusted by the idea of sitting at a table with her ex-boyfriend. But how could she not do it and risk losing CheckMate as a client? “Okay. Fine.”
“Should I take that as a confirmation?”
Candice slammed the phone down and dropped her head. On one end, she had The Champion Corporation to contend with, not to mention the drama surrounding Kurt, but now she was being blackmailed into having dinner with her ex-boyfriend to land another deal. Suddenly, the success or failure of the company rested on her shoulders.
What was a girl to do?
A tap at the door had her glancing up to see Barringer stepping into her office.
Great. Another headache…
Barringer was such a boss at work and even though he was her brother, she could feel his authority at the office almost like they
weren’t related at all.
“How can I help you, Barry?”
He took a seat. Crossed one leg over the other and asked, “What’s up with you?”
“Nothing.” She rolled her wrist to glance at her watch. “Just waiting for this meeting to start.”
“Gary told me y’all ran into a little problem yesterday evening.”
“There’s no problem. I just had to leave. That’s all.”
“Why?”
Since he was asking, she concluded Gary hadn’t told him about Bernard’s request.
“It’s nothing I can’t handle,” she responded.
He didn’t look convinced.
“So did your husband give you any inside information about this meeting?”
“No. We decided to keep business dealings out of our relationship.”
“Good move, but how does that help Blackstone Financial?”
Candice shrugged. “Here’s the thing, Barry—it’s not up to Kurt, CheckMate, The Blakeney Agency or anybody else to make sure this company stays afloat. You’re the CEO. That’s your job.”
“And that’s why I’m sitting here in your office. I’m doing my job—trying to get information from you, but you don’t have any to share, huh?”
“Nope. Sorry.”
He went quiet for a moment then said, “I’ll soon have to fill your position with someone—some outside person who doesn’t know a thing about this company or how it operates.”
“Is that your way of saying you’ll miss me when I’m gone?”
“That’s my way of saying I know it’s my job to run this company, but I’ve never been the only one calling the shots. I value and appreciate your efforts and work ethic. I couldn’t do this without you and Garrison.”
“I appreciate you saying that, Barry, and I’m sure whoever you hire as my replacement will be just as good as I am.”
“Yeah, but it won’t be the same without family.”
“Aw, he does love me,” Candice said, walking around her desk to where Barringer was sitting. She wrapped her arms around him and said, “I love you, too, Barry.”
“Yeah, yeah, yeah…get off me and get ready for this meeting.”
Candice released him. “I’m ready, I think.”
“And while you’re at it, be thinking of some replacements for your job.”
“You’re kicking me out already?”
“Well, I imagine you’ll be moving soon. Ain’t no man in his right mind going to allow his new wife to live this far apart from him.”
“Yeah, you’re right. I’ll be moving soon. I don’t have a date yet, but I will definitely give you notice.”
“Good.” Barringer stood and stretched. “Alright. I’ll see you in a few.”
“Okay, and Barry?”
“Yes?”
“Try to keep a level head in this meeting, okay?”
“No worries. After meeting with CheckMate last night, Garrison was pretty confident we’ll get them onboard real soon.”
Yeah, after I meet with Quinton…
“Ay, did you hear me?”
“Yeah, I heard you,” she said.
“Alright. I’ll see you shortly.”
Barringer exited the office and Candice hung her head. Amid everything, she’d forgotten about assisting her brother in finding a replacement. No matter how much of a pain-in-the-butt he was, she couldn’t leave him high and dry.
When ten o’clock rolled around and she got word that Kurt and Desmond Champion had arrived, Candice emerged from her office with her iPad in hand along with a cup of coffee and walked to the conference room. Barringer and Garrison were already there and waiting.
“It’s that time, huh?” she asked, taking a seat between her brothers.
“Yep. It’s that time,” Garrison responded.
Eleanor walked into the room and escorted Kurt and Desmond inside.
Candice looked at Kurt and smiled big inwardly but on the outside, she only showed a small one – a pleasant greeting before business ensued.
“Gentlemen,” Desmond said. He reached to shake hands with Barringer and Garrison.
“And I can’t forget you, Ms. Blackstone,” Desmond said.
“Yeah, we can’t forget you,” Kurt said, taking her hand, feeling it tremble in his grasp. “It’s good to see you again, Candice.”
“It’s good to see you again as well, Kurt.”
Barringer frowned and leaned forward to look at Garrison. Why was Candice acting like this man wasn’t her husband when she told them he was?
After Kurt exchanged handshakes with Barringer and Garrison, they all sat down.
Candice glanced up at Kurt again. He had his game face on as he removed a folder from his briefcase. Her eyes traced his lips. Her mind drifted to them tangling in the sheets this morning.
“Let me start off by saying I know we’ve had pretty rocky dealings in the past,” Desmond said. “And I’m sure the offer we’re bringing you today probably won’t change that.”
“So, you came here to make it worse,” Garrison said.
Barringer chuckled.
“I’m sure you will think so,” Desmond responded. “We want to buy Blackstone Financial.”
Barringer laughed.
Candice frowned and looked at Kurt who couldn’t lift his head to look at her. He was staring down at a document in a folder he’d just opened.
Garrison cleared his voice and said, “I’m sorry, I don’t think I heard you correctly.”
“We would like to buy Blackstone Financial,” Kurt said, looking directly at Garrison. He then focused his attention to Barringer, handed him a folder and said, “Here’s the official offer and it’s only good for two weeks.”
Barringer rubbed his head. Candice told him not to fly off the handle but he wanted to. Boy did he want to give these men a piece of his mind, but instead, he said, “If this is the only thing you want to discuss, this meeting is going to be over real early.”
“Not so fast,” Desmond said. “That’s quite a generous offer if you take the time to look it over. Don’t be too quick to pass on it.”
“What’s generous about trying to take something that doesn’t belong to you?” Candice asked, directing the question more toward Kurt than Desmond.
Kurt looked at her. He didn’t want to be a part of this no more than she wanted to, but he was and he hoped she would stay focused on the fact that business should’ve had nothing to do with their marriage. Somehow, staring into the shock and disappointment on her face, he knew that it had.
He responded, “We’re not taking anything. As Desmond has stated, the offer is a very generous one—one we wouldn’t necessarily give to anyone else—”
“Oh, so you’re doing us a favor? Is that what this is?” Candice asked, taking her iPad from the table, leaving the room in a hurry.
Kurt glanced at her, was ready to run after her but he couldn’t. He had to remind himself of that. Desmond knew nothing of his relationship with Candice. He couldn’t taint business with his personal problems, so he stayed at the table. Stayed in business mode.
After entering her office, Candice slammed the door and paced the floor in front of her desk while one hand rested on her stomach.
“This isn’t happening,” she chanted. “This isn’t happening. This isn’t happening.”
How could Kurt blindside her like this? He couldn’t give her a warning that The Champion Corporation was going to hit them with this kind of offer? An offer to take over their family’s business?
She continued pacing thinking about the ideas her brothers put in her head. That she was being used. That Kurt saw an opportunity to use their marriage as a way to convince her to follow along with his plans. But she gave him the benefit of the doubt. Plus, she loved the man. Was she that blinded by love, so much so that she was willing to fall for a man whose sole aim was to gain control of Blackstone Financial? Had she been duped, yet again, by a man who claimed to love her?
A tap on the door t
ook her out of her thoughts but didn’t do a thing to make her steady. She placed a hand on her desk, took a moment to breathe then walked to the door, snatching it open, thinking it was Kurt.
It wasn’t. It was Garrison.
“What the heck was that?” he asked, stepping inside and closing the door. “Kurt didn’t tell you about this? Why was he acting like he didn’t know you?”
“He hasn’t told Desmond about us yet and no, he didn’t tell me anything about this. He said he wanted to keep business out of our relationship. Now, I see why. I can’t believe I fell for it.”
“Look, maybe he is trying to keep the two separate, Candy. What do you expect when you fall in love with the competition?”
“I didn’t expect this!”
“Okay, first of all, you need to calm down before you have a stroke in here. Sit down for a minute.”
Candice sat in the chair behind her desk and sighed heavily.
“You already know we’re not taking a deal. I don’t care how good it is. We’re not selling Blackstone Financial. You know that, right?”
“Yes.”
“So, negotiations are pretty much over. There’s nothing else for us to talk about with The Champion Corporation. This is it. We never have to meet with them again.”
“Yeah, I get that but I feel like I’ve been stabbed in the back and that’s not a good feeling to get from a man who’s supposed to be my husband. Who’s supposed to love me and protect me. Instead, he does something like this.”
She held her head in frustration.
“I get it but you can always talk to him about it to see where his head is at.”
“That’s my only option at this point. Are they still here?”
“No. They were headed for the elevators when I left the conference room. I’m sure Kurt doesn’t want to have the conversation here, anyway. He knows how upset you are. Anyway, look, why don’t you take an early lunch and just chill out for a minute, sis.”
“I would, but I’m too pissed to eat.”
“And that’s why you should be eating. I’ll run pick up something for you. What are you in the mood for?”
