Oh, yeah, way fucking cool.
She narrowed her gaze with a warning he found difficult to take seriously. Not when he could clearly see how much she wanted him, too—but she was so bound and determined to fight their attraction. “Now that you know what you’re capable of, I’d appreciate it if you didn’t take advantage of your ability to seduce me.”
The corner of his mouth quirked upward. “Problem is, I find it hard to control my thoughts around you,” he said, and that was the honest-to-God truth. And strangely, the more he was with her, the stronger his desire for her grew.
She pulled her foot back and he let her go, severing all physical contact between them. “Then you need to keep your hands, and your sexy thoughts, to yourself.”
“I’ll certainly try, but I make no promises,” he teased.
Despite her prim demeanor, he didn’t miss the spark of amusement in her gaze, and knew it was just a matter of time before he had her right where he wanted her … hot, eager, and willing in his bed.
Chapter Five
From Steven’s private Learjet to the Four Seasons Hotel in downtown San Francisco, Valerie was swept up in one lavish amenity after another that exceeded anything she’d ever experienced. Not that she was complaining. A girl could get used to such extravagant indulgences, and she wasn’t above appreciating the fringe benefits that came with traveling with Chase.
While flying in a private jet and staying in a five-star hotel was so outside the realm of her practical, predictable life, Chase was completely at ease as he dealt with the check-in process and flashed that persuasive smile on the young receptionist handling the reservation. He was so damn gorgeous and hotter than any guy had a right to be, and he inevitably turned the head of any woman within a six-foot radius once they heard his smooth, sexified voice.
Yeah, the man had a way with females, and she was no exception. Her body was still tingling from that amazing and relaxing foot massage he’d given her in the plane, not to mention those sinful thoughts of his that she’d been privy to. Just recalling all the wicked things he wanted to do to her had her face warming and her stomach tumbling all over again.
She gave her head a slight shake, still unable to believe she’d let it slip that she could read his thoughts when he was touching her. Talk about providing him with the ammunition to storm her defenses and wreak havoc with her determination to maintain a professional demeanor with him. Now that he knew her secret, the rogue would undoubtedly have fun messing with her head, and she feared it was just a matter of time before she gave in to temptation.
“We’re all checked in,” he said, bringing her attention back to the present as they stepped away from the reservation counter and headed across the spacious lobby. “I got an extra room key, just in case you need one.”
She took the plastic card from him and lifted a brow. “We’re sharing a room?”
He shrugged, his genuine expression assuring her that the decision hadn’t been a calculated one. “I honestly didn’t think it was that big a deal. It’s a junior suite, and there are two separate beds.”
“Nice of you to give me my own bed, at least,” she said in a wry tone.
He shot her an incorrigible grin. “Yeah, I considered a single king-sized bed, but thought that might be a bit too presumptuous.”
“You think?” She laughed, following him toward the bank of elevators at the far end of the lobby. “Being in the same hotel room with you is a bit too presumptuous.”
Chase stopped walking, causing her to do the same. “If you really would like your own room, I can see what they have available.”
He was completely serious, and she appreciated that he was willing to change the reservations if she asked him to. She told herself that they were both adults and she was making a big deal out of nothing. Staying in the same suite did not mean they were going to sleep together—even if the beds were in the same room.
She sighed and tucked her key card into her purse. “It’s fine, as long as you remember the rules.”
“You do know that rules are meant to be broken, right?” His gaze took on a mischievous glimmer. “But don’t worry. I won’t do anything to you that you don’t beg me to.”
She stifled an incredulous laugh. “You are so…”
“Charming?” he offered.
“I was thinking more along the lines of arrogant.”
“Not arrogant,” he argued lightly. “Just confident.”
Yeah, Chase was definitely that.
Pressing his hand low on her back, he guided her toward the elevators once again, and a zing of electric heat rippled up her spine and made her shiver, which she was certain he felt.
She cast him a sidelong glance, his smile confirming that he’d touched her quite deliberately and had anticipated such a physical response. “You so don’t play fair.”
“You’re right,” he agreed much too cheerfully, then added in a low voice only she could hear, “I also like to play down and dirty.”
Oh, Lord, she had no doubt that he did enjoy raunchy, aggressive, messy sex. The kind of coupling that was all about hot, forbidden pleasure and carnal satisfaction. The kind she’d often fantasized about, but had never been lucky enough to experience because the guys she’d been with in the past were more predictable missionary men, rather than brash, bold adventurers who knew how to tap into a woman’s deepest, most erotic yearnings and make every one of them a reality.
As they neared the elevators, one of the lifts opened and two people walked out—a couple, judging by the way the woman was clinging to the crook of the man’s arm and using him to steady her as she teetered precariously in ridiculously high stilettos. It probably didn’t help matters that she was wearing a super-short, skintight black dress, the hem of which crept up her thighs with each step she took and threatened to expose her hoo-hah for anyone to see.
As soon as Chase saw the pair, he came to an abrupt stop. “Shit,” he muttered beneath his breath.
Valerie immediately sensed a drastic change in his entire disposition. A moment ago, he’d been playful and joking. Now, all previous warmth and friendly ribbing had been replaced with a cool composure, giving Valerie a glimpse of a cautious, guarded side to Chase she’d never seen before.
The wariness radiating off him was leveled directly at the couple, and when the other pair finally noticed him standing there, both their expressions registered initial surprise, too.
“Hey, Pierson, it’s been a while,” the other guy said to Chase, his amicable tone belying the firm, assertive grip they both applied as they shook hands in greeting.
As far as Valerie could tell, this wasn’t a friendly reunion, yet both men were trying to act civil to each other.
“Been busy,” Chase said vaguely, then slid his gaze to the beautiful raven-haired woman standing across from him and gave her a curt nod of acknowledgment. “Angie.”
Oh, yeah, the tension in the air was so thick, Valerie could have sliced it with a knife.
“Chase,” Angie murmured, the corner of her mouth curving in a too-intimate smile that the guy she was with didn’t seem to notice. “It’s good to see you.”
Chase didn’t return the sentiment.
Angie’s gaze slid to Valerie, her curious hazel eyes sizing her up from head to toe. The way she wrinkled her nose told Valerie the other woman found her lacking in her simple blouse, loose gauzy skirt that hid more than it revealed, and flat sandals.
Considering Valerie wasn’t impressed by Angie’s big hair, big lips, and even bigger breasts—all of which looked artificially enhanced—she was more amused than annoyed by the other woman’s assessment.
“Who’s your friend?” Angie asked Chase, forcing him to make introductions, which he’d clearly had no intentions of doing before she cornered him into it.
“This is Valerie,” he said, keeping things simple and impersonal. “Valerie, this is Russ and Angie.”
The sable-haired man, who wasn’t nearly so well built or good looking as
Chase, extended his hand. “Nice to meet you.”
Valerie had no desire to touch the man, but not wanting to be rude, she slipped her hand into his. “You, too.”
Just as she pulled her arm back, she felt the strong undercurrents of dissent and rivalry emitting from Russ, and knew it was aimed at Chase, not her. The two obviously had conflict brewing between them, and it left her with an unsettled feeling deep in her gut.
She repeated the process with Angie, who’d reluctantly offered her hand, and this time Valerie was assaulted with a heavy, unexpected blast of emotions that rocked her to the core. Envy, hostility, jealousy. And so much bitterness, it was almost evil.
If that wasn’t enough for Valerie to process, unwanted visions flashed in her mind of Angie and Chase together, naked and intimately entwined, followed by the undeniable sensation of a woman scorned.
Shocked by the too-vivid images, Valerie couldn’t retrieve her hand fast enough, but even though she’d severed contact with Angie, the impressions she’d seen and felt remained, taunting her with the kind of jealousy she had no business feeling when it came to Chase and his previous relationships with any woman.
As with all psychic visions, they didn’t always make sense right away, but it was fairly easy to come to the conclusion that Angie and Chase had been lovers at one time. And if Valerie had to hazard a guess, the relationship hadn’t ended well. Angie obviously wasn’t over Chase and harbored a ton of resentment toward him for some reason. Valerie also sensed that the other woman still wanted Chase, despite any lingering antagonism—and that didn’t settle well with Valerie, either.
“What brings you to San Francisco?” Russ asked Chase, a seemingly innocent conversational question, yet Valerie had no doubt the other man was digging for deeper information.
“Personal business,” Chase replied nonchalantly, giving nothing away. “You?”
“I’m hitting a few estate sales in the area.” Russ shrugged, though his gaze was condescending. “I’m sure you already know about them.”
Chase nodded. “I do, but they’re all yours.”
Russ raised a brow, his expression etched with disbelief. “That’s unlike you to pass up an estate sale. What’s the matter? Losing your touch?”
Chase didn’t outwardly react to the sarcastic tone of Russ’s voice, or the obvious cutting jab to his psychometric abilities.
“Like I said, I’m here on personal business.” Then a sly smile curled one side of Chase’s mouth before he issued a one-two verbal punch of his own: “Look at it this way: Without me there, at least you don’t have to worry about being outbid and you might walk away with something valuable. Or not.”
Ouch. The other man’s mouth tightened, and the testosterone simmering between the two men was nearly palpable. They reminded Valerie of two dogs at a standoff, but clearly Chase had the alpha advantage, because Russ backed down.
Russ glanced at Angie as he grabbed her hand, his jaw still clenched in irritation. “We need to go, or else we’re going to be late for our dinner reservation.”
As Russ pulled Angie away, she looked over her shoulder and sent Chase a lingering glance. “See you later.”
He frowned at Angie’s retreating back as Russ all but dragged her across the lobby. “Not if I can help it,” Chase said once they were out of earshot, then stabbed the button for the elevator with more force than necessary.
“Well, that was certainly interesting,” Valerie said as they stepped into the lift that arrived seconds later.
The metal doors closed and Chase shoved his fingers through his hair, his body vibrating with agitation. As the elevator headed up to the sixteenth floor, he stayed quiet, not responding to her comment, and for now she didn’t push the issue.
But those uneasy feelings she’d experienced when she shook Russ’s hand remained, not to mention her reaction to Angie, and she was curious to know the dynamics that had formed so much animosity among all of them.
* * *
Jesus, what were the chances that he’d be staying at the same hotel as his nemesis and his ex … what was Angie, anyway? Chase couldn’t really call her an ex-girlfriend, because their affair had never elevated to that status, despite Angie’s attempts to sink her claws into him.
From the moment he met her a little over six months ago at an antique auction, she’d been all over him. She’d pursued him with single-minded determination and let him know that she was his for the taking if he was interested. He’d gone with the flow, because it was so easy and uncomplicated, just how he liked his flings.
For him, it had been purely about sex, nothing more, and he made his feelings abundantly clear before they’d slept together that he wasn’t looking for anything serious. He wasn’t one to lead a woman on, or make false promises he couldn’t keep, and if a woman couldn’t handle his criteria, then he moved on.
For the first month, everything had been great, but gradually, Angie began to change. She started making demands on his time, questioned his whereabouts when they were apart, and then came the increasing bouts of jealousy that were like a huge red flag to Chase. He’d ended the relationship as kindly and gently as possible, and that’s when everything spiraled straight to hell, courtesy of Angie’s psychotic tendencies.
Once they arrived at their hotel room, Chase swiped his key card and let Valerie precede him into the suite. She hadn’t said anything else to him after the incident downstairs, and he was grateful because he wasn’t in the mood to talk about it.
While Valerie headed into the spacious bedroom of their suite to unpack her bag, he remained in the adjoining living room and stared out the floor-to-ceiling glass window overlooking the San Francisco Bay, his mind mulling over his conversation with Russ.
Chase hadn’t known about the estate auctions in the area, but that wasn’t his purpose in San Francisco. Usually he attended those liquidation sales out of boredom, or when he was in between jobs, but right now his sole focus was on finding the rest of the Capone cane. Steven was paying him quite well for his time and expertise, and when Chase was working for a client, he didn’t waver from his ultimate goal. And in this instance, he also had a personal stake in the case, and that made him even more driven and committed to the cause.
“I’m all unpacked and I’m starving,” Valerie said as she came back into the living room, pulling Chase from his less-than-pleasant thoughts. “Do you want to hang here for the evening? We can have dinner in the restaurant downstairs, or order up room service if you’d like.”
He appreciated her being so accommodating and sensitive to his mood swing. While meeting up with Russ and Angie in the same hotel was most likely a coincidence, the scene between them had definitely put him on edge, and he needed to get out. He didn’t want to be cooped up in the room for the rest of the evening, and the very last thing he wanted was to risk running into Russ and Angie downstairs again.
“Do you like seafood?” he asked her. “I know of a fantastic restaurant on the wharf that serves the most amazing shellfish.”
“I love it.”
She smiled at him, the sentiment lighting up her eyes, and him. Just that easily, just that quickly, the aggravation that had been twisting through him dissipated. He didn’t question how or why she had that kind of effect on him, even without them physically touching, because some things just couldn’t be explained.
Half an hour later, a cab dropped them off at Scoma’s at Fisherman’s Wharf and they were seated at a table in the bar. He ordered a premium tequila, she a wine spritzer, and after perusing the menu they decided it would be fun to order the mixed shellfish platter for two that would give them a variety of items to share.
As they cracked open the Dungeness crab legs, dined on succulent prawns dipped in drawn salted butter, and extracted the tasty clams from their shells, they made small talk that centered on how diverse and eccentric the city of San Francisco was, and he regaled her with tales about his other travels to different countries in pursuit of various valuable treasu
res.
He was having such a good time with Valerie, enjoying her sweet, sometimes flirtatious smiles and husky, sexy laughter, along with the way she licked the remnants of butter from her fingers, that he’d forgotten all about the scene in the lobby of the hotel earlier … until Valerie decided to bring it up, just after he’d ordered an apple crisp à la mode and two Irish coffees for dessert.
“Can we talk about Russ and Angie?” she asked once the waiter left the table to fill their order.
He supposed this conversation had been inevitable, but his association to Russ and Angie was such a tangled mess that it wasn’t worth unraveling, or discussing. “Why?” Despite the nice evening he’d just had with Valerie, he felt his defenses rise. “Don’t like them. Don’t trust them. That’s all you need to know.”
She stared at him unflinchingly. “That’s a pretty big statement to make.”
She hadn’t backed down from his brusque tone, and he would have been more shocked if she let the subject drop. He was quickly discovering that retreating wasn’t her style, and a part of him admired her tenacity. Not that he’d let her know that.
“It’s the truth,” he said as their waiter returned, setting the apple crisp in the center of the table and giving each of them a whiskey-and-cream-infused coffee. “Besides, they’re nobody important.”
She took a sip of her spiked drink, her intelligent, perceptive gaze calling him on his lie. “That’s not the vibes you, and they, were giving off earlier.”
She was so damned persistent. He ate a bite of baked apples and ice cream, and when her intent stare over the rim of her glass mug made it clear she was expecting some kind of reply, he still tried to find a way to evade the conversation she obviously wanted to have. “It’s complicated.”
Through the Night Page 7
