Something Moore (Forever Moore Book 1)

by Hunter J. Keane

  “Scott.” William shot a glare at him. “Don’t.”

  “Don’t get your panties in a twist, Moore. I like your girlfriend.” Scott’s phone buzzed and whatever he had been planning to say was forgotten. “I’m late for a thing. Riley, you should come with us Friday night. Will needs a date. I’ll be taking your friend, Alexis. It should be a good time.”

  Obviously, Scott was presuming that whatever was happening on Friday night had already been discussed by us. When I looked at William, he was still staring at Scott.

  “Can you give us a sec?” he said.

  “Take as much time as you need,” Scott said with a wink in my direction.

  When the door shut behind him, William turned to me. “I’m sorry. I completely forgot about this thing Friday night. It’s this fundraiser to raise money for technology in schools. Scott and I agreed to it months ago.”

  “Sounds like a good cause,” I said, leaning against the window frame.

  “I was going to ask you. Promise.” He smiled guiltily. “Will you go with me?”

  “Do you really want me there?” I couldn’t help but feel that he was only asking because of the awkward position Scott had put him in.

  William came closer, stopping just a foot in front of me. He was close enough to touch, but we kept our hands to ourselves. “Honestly? I’d much prefer to not be there at all. I just want to be with you. But if I have to go to this thing, it will at least be bearable with you on my arm.”

  “Alright. Send me the details and I’ll make it work.” I had a feeling it was going to be almost impossible to ever say no to William. “I should get back to work.”

  “We’re still on for tonight?” He raised his eyebrows hopefully.

  In the sharp sunlight streaming through the window, his eyes were a crystal blue that was nearly hypnotic. It felt like I could swim in them.

  “Been looking forward to it all day,” I said, moving in quickly for a kiss. I kept my hands at my side to deter any further illicit behavior. “You better go or Scott will think we’re doing non-professional things in here.”

  “We can’t have that.” William kissed me again and kept my chin in his hand afterward, forcing me to look right into his eyes. “I don’t think I mentioned it earlier, but you look beautiful today.”

  He smiled softly and then moved away. I was still holding my breath when he opened the conference room door and then turned to wait for me. On my way out, he put his hand on the small of my back. It was an innocent enough gesture, but still unlikely between a client and his attorney. In a bit of terrible timing, another associate happened to walk out of the conference room next door right at that moment. It just happened to be the only person at the firm that hated me– Georgia Camden.

  At first, her eyes landed on William. I saw her eyes widen and her mouth drop open slightly. After a long moment, her eyes went from his face down his body and that’s when she saw his hand on my back, just an inch above my rear-end. There was no denying the intimacy of his touch and the way our bodies were closer than necessary.

  Georgia’s eyes darted to my face and she glared, making it impossible to deny that she had appropriately read the moment. I shimmied away from William in a hurry, but it was too late. The worst person in the firm to know about my relationship with William had just witnessed our affection with her own eyes.

  William hadn’t noticed Georgia at all, but he did notice my abrupt coolness toward him. When he gave me a questioning look, I made an almost imperceptible nod of my head in Georgia’s direction and then headed for the lobby where Scott was waiting.

  I managed a stiff goodbye and ignored the cocky smile on Scott’s face. William had a worried look in his eyes when I turned away. I wasn’t surprised to receive a text message from him before I even got back to my office.

  Sorry. I screwed up. Is it bad?

  Explaining the relationship between me and Georgia was going to need more words than a quick text. Besides, I didn’t want William to feel bad. He didn’t mean to make things difficult for me at work.

  It will be fine. Don’t worry about it. See you tonight.

  I put my phone away and got down to work. I had a brief to finish before I could even think about seeing William. Fortunately, writing briefs was one of my strongest skills. I finished just ten minutes before 5:00. It wasn’t quitting time for most of the firm, but Briggs always left promptly on the hour. After sending the memo over to his assistant, I sat back and took a few deep breaths. With all my focus on work, I’d forgotten to even eat lunch. My stomach ached and my neck was sore from being hunched over my desk. Even though it was still early, I decided to head home. A long walk sounded like just the thing my aching muscles needed and I could pick up some food along the way. I would still be home in plenty of time to meet William.

  It took a little creative maneuvering, but I managed to sneak out without crossing paths with either Briggs or Georgia. It helped that I had a key to the service elevator. I wasn’t supposed to have a key, but the head of the maintenance team had a bit of a crush on me. I was able to flirt my way into special privileges.

  On the walk to my place, I passed right in front of William’s office. I hadn’t planned to stop, but then I caught sight of a familiar face in the crowd of pedestrians waiting for a cab. I would recognize William’s smile anywhere. He was wearing a suit, looking very different from the man that had flown me to the beach. Scott was with him, speaking in an animated way with wild hand gestures.

  I’m not sure why I stopped to stare at them. In just a couple of hours, William and I would be together. Watching him now from afar felt creepy at best and stalkerish at worst. But as was always the case with William, I couldn’t seem to take my eyes off him.

  Eventually Scott slapped William on the back and climbed into a cab. I expected William to do the same since I knew he was meeting clients for dinner, but he stayed put on the sidewalk. After glancing at his phone, he looked sharply to his left. We noticed the other man at the same time, but my reaction was much different than William’s.

  He stared hard at the new arrival, glaring a way I had never seen. The coldness in William’s eyes was unnerving. His jaw was tight as he exchanged a greeting. I couldn’t see the other man’s reaction because my vision had gone blurry with rage. Me entire body was shaking as I watched the man I had just grown to trust shake hands with the man I distrusted with every fiber of my soul. I continued to shake as William went back into his office building, followed closely by my brother.

  CHAPTER TWELVE

  William

  I hadn’t planned to spend so much time away from the office. It was very rare that I didn’t spent at least one day from the weekend catching up on emails or signing off on contracts. While I didn’t regret the time I had spent with Riley at all, I felt overwhelmed by the amount of work waiting for me when I finally went into the office Sunday afternoon.

  Working well into the night, I ended up sleeping on the couch in my office. Scott woke me up with a hard shove of my shoulder.

  “Moore. Wakey wakey.” He grinned at me. “Rough weekend?”

  “Good weekend,” I clarified, forcing myself to sit up. “Rough night.”

  “How’s Riley?” His grin turned teasing.

  Scott and I had been friends for well over a decade. In many ways, he was like my other half. He was relaxed and personable where I was anxious and standoffish. He also knew exactly how to read me. That had never been more apparent than since Riley had entered my life.

  “She’s good. Really good.” I ran a hand through my hair. “We have plans later tonight.”

  “That’s what you think,” Scott said. “We just got an email from Desmond Briggs. He wants us to stop by in a bit for a debrief on the case. Looks like you’ll be seeing your girlfriend much sooner than tonight.”

  Even though it was a surprise and it would mean changing around my schedule for the day, I still smiled when I thought about seeing Riley.

  It did not go unnotice
d by Scott. “Wow. I have never seen you like this. You are completely in love with this girl.”

  “Maybe I am,” I admitted, the closest I had come to saying out loud what I had been feeling all weekend.

  “Then you better shower. Put on something that doesn’t look like you slept in it.” Scott gestured to my wrinkled cloths. “And you better do it quick because we’ve got a leadership meeting in twenty minutes.”

  Our office had a gym on the top floor, so I popped up there to use the shower. I always kept an extra suit in the office for unexpected client visits and by the time we headed to Riley’s office, I no longer looked like someone that had slept on a park bench.

  While Scott flirted with the woman at the front desk, I excused myself to use the restroom. From our previous trip to the office, I knew that Riley’s office was just down the hall. I could practically feel her as every nerve in my body began to tingle the closer I got to her office.

  Riley stood in front of her desk with her back facing me. Even from behind, I was struck by her beauty. She was wearing a black dress that perfectly hugged her curves. I wanted to run my hands over those curves, but decided that probably wouldn’t be wise to do without announcing my presence first.

  “Hey.”

  She turned sharply on her heel, her face registering surprise before dissolving into a smile that made my heart skip a beat.

  “What are you doing here?” she said, not sounding completely displeased.

  “Desmond requested my presence. Scott is here, too. I managed to break away pretending that I needed to use the restroom.” I smiled uncertainly. “You don’t seem thrilled by my presence.”

  “I’m sorry, I just didn’t know you were coming.” She gestured for me to close the door and set the paper she was holding on her desk. Once the door was shut, she hurried to me and wrapped her arms around me. I gave her an urgent kiss, barely able to hold back. She pulled away a fraction of an inch to say, “This is a wonderful surprise.”

  I relaxed instantly. “Good to hear. You looked pretty startled.”

  “Nothing to do with you.” Her eyes drifted to the paper on her desk.

  “Bill collector?” I asked wryly. A look passed over her face that made me concerned. “What is it, Riley?”

  “It’s nothing.” She tried to step in front of the desk, but I went the other way and easily stepped around her.

  I snatched the note and quickly read the message that could only be interpreted as a threat. When I looked at Riley, my hand was shaking. “Were you going to tell me about this?”

  “No,” she said without apology. “It’s not your problem, Will.”

  “Being involved in your life isn’t a problem, Riley.” I sighed, frustrated. “I get that you’re pretty much used to handling everything on your own. I just thought after our weekend together you might actually let me into your life.”

  “Will.” She paused as she considered her next words carefully. “I warned you that I’m not good at this.”

  I flicked the note. “I’m not asking you to share a toothbrush, Riley. Your ex-convict brother is sending you threats. That’s not the kind of thing you keep to yourself.”

  “I know. You’re right.” She quickly checked the time. “Is now a good time to tell you that I borrowed your toothbrush over the weekend?”

  “It’s a good thing you are so damn cute.” My anger faded in an instant. When she was looking at me so adorably, I could never stay mad at her. “Let’s talk about this later. You’ve got work to do right now.”

  I rejoined Scott in the lobby and we were ushered into a conference room where Desmond Briggs greeted us with hearty handshakes. As we settled into our seats, Riley entered the room cautiously.

  “You gentlemen remember my associate, Banks?” Briggs said with contempt dripping from his words.

  “Of course,” Scott said quickly with a smirk turning up his lips. “Good to see you again, Miss Banks.”

  Unable to find words, I just nodded.

  “Let’s get started,” Briggs said, quickly moving past the formalities. “Banks, give us your update.”

  Riley presented the information masterfully and it was clear that she was good at her job. Even the few times she glanced in my direction, she managed to keep her composure while I found my own heart racing as I thought about the smooth skin beneath her black dress.

  “When was that contract signed, Banks?” Briggs said gruffly, interrupting my wicked thoughts.

  “Um.” Riley riffled through her notes. “February 23 of that year. Payment was made two days later.”

  “That’s good,” Briggs said. “Draft up a memo and we will send it over. I don’t see how they can continue with their case.”

  It was the news we had wanted to hear, but my thoughts had drifted back to the conversation in Riley’s office. I hated that she was being threatened by someone and I had no way to stop it. When I glanced up, I caught Riley staring at my hands. I hadn’t even realized I was drumming my fingers on the table.

  “Banks?” Briggs barked.

  “Sorry?” Riley flushed and straightened the papers in front of her. “I’ll have that memo ready by end of day.”

  Scott was smirking again, enjoying her obvious discomfort. I just hoped he wouldn’t be dumb enough to say anything out loud.

  “Gentlemen.” Briggs stood and straightened his ill-fitting suit. “Thanks again for coming in. Things are looking very good for your company.”

  We stood and exchanged another round of handshakes. Briggs turned to Riley and said, “You’ll show them out?”

  “Sure.”

  When Briggs was gone, Scott grinned. “This was fun.”

  “Scott.” I shot a glare at him. “Don’t.”

  “Don’t get your panties in a twist, Moore. I like your girlfriend.” Scott’s phone buzzed and whatever he had been planning to say was forgotten. “I’m late for a thing. Riley, you should come with us Friday night. Will needs a date. I’ll be taking your friend, Alexis. It should be a good time.”

  I started at him, struggling to remember what event he was talking about. It took a few seconds to remember that we were hosting a fundraiser.

  “Can you give us a sec?” I said to Scott.

  “Take as much time as you need,” he said with a wink in Riley’s direction.

  When the door shut behind him, I quickly said, “I’m sorry. I completely forgot about this thing Friday night. It’s this fundraiser to raise money for technology in schools. Scott and I agreed to it months ago.”

  “Sounds like a good cause,” Riley said, leaning against the window frame.

  “I was going to ask you. Promise.” I smiled guiltily. “Will you go with me?”

  “Do you really want me there?” She sounded uncertain.

  I closed the distance between us until we were almost touching, but I kept my hands at my side. “Honestly? I’d much prefer to not be there at all. I just want to be with you. But if I have to go to this thing, it will at least be bearable with you on my arm.”

  “Alright. Send me the details and I’ll make it work.” She bit down on her lip and then sighed. “I should get back to work.”

  “We’re still on for tonight?” I asked hopefully.

  “Been looking forward to it all day,” she said softly, before giving me a quick kiss. “You better go or Scott will think we’re doing non-professional things in here.”

  “We can’t have that.” I kissed her again and held her chin as I pulled away, forcing her to look right into my eyes. “I don’t think I mentioned it earlier, but you look beautiful today.”

  Very reluctantly, I left her there and opened the conference room door. I held the door as she exited the room and unconsciously put my hand on the small of her back. It wasn’t something that I had planned to do, but it felt completely natural. However, my hand was just a bit too low on her back to pass as an innocent gesture.

  Riley moved away from me in a hurry, but it was too late. When I gave her a questioni
ng look, she nodded down the hall. A woman had walked out of the conference room next door just then. The reaction on the other woman’s face was undeniable. She had perfectly read the moment she had just witnessed.

  Riley gave us both a stiff goodbye after escorting us to the lobby. It did not go unnoticed by Scott who immediately grilled me on it in the elevator.

  “What happened in that room after I left?” he said.

  “I think I messed something up for Riley.” I remembered her telling me about struggling to be taken seriously at work. About how Briggs didn’t think she was competent enough to become a partner, most likely because she was a woman. If she was caught in a relationship with one of her clients, it could ruin everything for her.

  I quickly fired off a text.

  Sorry. I screwed up. Is it bad?

  A second later, she responded.

  It will be fine. Don’t worry about it. See you tonight.

  I felt a little better after that. If I had truly screwed up, she wouldn’t want to see me later. I’d have to think of a way to make it up to her. That thought made me smile.

  “She send you a naughty text?” Scott asked.

  “Shut up.” I shoved him off the elevator. Riley Banks was making it hard for me to keep up my cool, unaffected persona. Surprisingly, I didn’t care.

  It was a short walk to our offices and Scott turned the conversation to a new product we were thinking of developing. It would mean a huge shift in priorities for the company, but it would increase our growth curve exponentially. It was the same thing that had kept me up all night working. Essentially, we had to rebuild the entire company.

  As consuming as that task was, I was also still thinking about Riley’s brother. I couldn’t stand by and let him continue to harass her. One of my college buddies was a police officer in the city and he owed me a favor. I gave him a call when I got back to my office and asked him to track down Michael Banks. Less than an hour later, he had an address and a phone number for me.

  I jotted the information on the back of an envelope and then stared at it a long time before I found the courage to dial the phone. Michael was a murderer, mentally unstable, and was stalking his sister. Meeting with him was a terribly dumb idea, but it was also the only idea I had. Taking a deep breath, I reached for the phone.