My eyes bugged, and I took a long hard look as my mother rambled on the other end of the signal.
“Stop looking,” she giggled. “I forgot to get my clothes.” She whispered the words as she gathered up her clothes from her suitcase and the first item in hand was a pair of white silk panties that were trimmed with lace. All it would take is one swift yank, and she’d be naked. Or I could just push that towel up and take her right there bent over her suitcase. She turned and gave me another scolding look.
I lifted my shoulders and covered the phone. “Like I can help it?” She gave me a smile and laid out her clothes on the bed.
“What was that?” My mother asked. “Are you with someone? Ryan, please tell me you’re bedding down with some strange woman. You need to find a nice girl.” Nice girls were the farthest thing from my mind, and I was hoping the nicest girl I’d met in a long time would turn naughty.
“Mom, please.” I glanced up to see she her back was to me, and she was slipping up her panties and throwing a teasing glance over her shoulder. I put the phone to my chest. “You bad girl. You’re being a tease.”
“What?”
“Not you, Mom. Look, I got to go. I’ll call you later.” I hung up the phone and stood across the room from her. “You’re not fair teasing me when I’m on the phone with my mother.”
“I don’t know. I figured I was safest that way.” She gripped her towel tight against her breasts. “I was just getting my clothes to go back into the bathroom.” She pursed her lips, but it was no use, the smile on her face still showed, and the blush on her cheeks was a dead giveaway that she knew exactly what she was doing to me.
“That’s so not fair. Don’t you need help or something?” She took her things and hurried into the other room. “You’re terrible,” I shouted into the other room. When I heard her laugh, I laughed too.
“I’m going out to call my mother,” I called through the door. I felt it’d better I put some distance between me and her and her half naked ass, and went out to explain to my mother that the maid had come in. She wasn’t really buying it, but I wasn’t about to tell her about Megan. I wouldn’t even know where to begin, but if the past few minutes were any indication, I was making progress. I heard the little voice inside my head saying slow progress is still progress. I’d take it.
As it turned out all my mother was trying to do was find out if I was going to be home for dinner on Sunday as planned and once I reassured her I’d be back in plenty of time, she let me go with a promise not to invite anyone.
I wondered if Megan would go with me and decided I’d ask as I headed back to the room. Walking in, the scent of her perfume filling up my senses. I looked around the door to see her standing there, her hair curled in loose waves and her eyes brightened with the smallest amount of makeup. Her lips were slick, luscious with gloss, and the blush on her cheeks was all natural.
“I’m not sure the weather here is hair friendly.” Her mouth twisted at the corner. “But this is the best I could do. Maybe it’s the water?”
“If it is I had nothing to do with it.” We shared a laugh, and I pulled her in close. “I hope you know I really enjoyed last night.”
“Me too, and while I’m up for a little fun, I think I need to take things slow. I mean, I don’t know what you want, but it’s just—
I captured her mouth before she could say too much. I didn’t want her to feel like she had to doubt or wonder if I was interested. Her gloss tasted like honey, and I licked my lips savoring her taste as I pulled away. I brushed a thumb across her cheek and looked deep into her eyes. “I’d like for you to help me be someone you could respect, Megan. I’d like your advice on getting the plant in tip-top shape, and if you have any innovative ideas, I’m all ears. I don’t want to be that guy, the brat you talked about that first day. Help me?”
She stared into my eyes as if she was looking at me for the first time and then she smiled so wide it lifted my spirits. “Of course I will.”
The two of us headed out to the airport hand in hand, and she was all smiles as we chatted about taking special measures and the new kinds of technology that was out there. She was an amazing wealth of knowledge, and it turns out her mind turned me on as much as her temper.
Chapter 10
Megan
The flight to Ohio was amazing, and I was beginning to fall for Ryan more than I ever thought possible. I only hope that things could be as wonderful forever and tried to talk myself down from getting too giddy. I had to keep my wits about me, and I couldn’t let the distraction of his charm and good looks make me biased. I still had a job to do, and I was especially excited that now he was on board with some fresh ideas for saving the environment. We’d talked for the entire trip, and since we weren’t wasting any time checking into another hotel, we went straight to the plant.
Things in Ohio were ten times as better than they were Arkansas and Ryan was all smiles. “You should be proud of this department. They’ve really got things under control here.”
“That’s amazing. Especially considering this is where those reports were coming from.” He let out a sigh of relief, and I put my arm around him earning a grin from the plant manager.
“I don’t think I’ve ever seen you so happy, Boss. Whatever this little lady is doing for you, you better keep her around.” He gave us a wink and then shook Ryan’s hand and mine before walking away.
He did seem happier than he was when I’d arrived and I wondered what that was all about. We finished up earlier than expected and got some lunch before heading back to the plane.
As we strapped in for take-off, I noticed we were back in the seats we’d started out in on the way. If anyone would have told me then that he’d be sitting beside me holding my hand on the way home, I’d have thought they were crazy, but now I didn’t want him to let it go. I nestled in closer leaning my head on his shoulder as we took to the skies.
“Ohio was a good example of the progress you’ve been making with the new teams. Now if you could get your Arkansas division in tip top shape, then you’ll be all set.”
“I appreciate the advice and I’m seriously going to look into these things. I was thinking, why don’t you stay on with me for good? I could hire you on to work hand in hand with my team as lead consultant, and you could still keep with your studies and your work with Easton if you wanted.”
“A consultant? For real? That would be amazing.”
His fingertips glided through my hair. “Well, you shouldn’t be giving me all this extra advice for free.”
“Well, I care about you and well, I care about the people this will help.” His mouth was on me before I could finish my thought, his kiss was long and languid, and he pulled away only to rest his forehead to mine.
“That’s exactly why you deserve the position because you do care so much and not only that, Megan, but you inspire others to want to learn about it. That’s valuable.” I thought about the college students and how bored they’d been and wondered if I should warn him about my touring skills. Instead, I agreed.
“I’d love to come to work for you.”
“There’s something else I wanted to ask you, and if you don’t want to, I’ll understand.” He took a deep breath and closed his eyes. “My mother is expecting me for Sunday dinner, and well, it would make her week—okay her year—life, if you’d go with me.” He laced his fingers through mine and squeezed. “And you do owe me for that whole panty teasing incident while I was on the phone with her.”
“Okay, okay. I’ll go, but only because of that whole panty thing, which I still deny was a tease.” I held back a smile, and he poked at my rib which caused me to erupt with laughter.
I couldn’t help but notice how he’d changed so much and remembered that even the plant manager from earlier in the day had noticed. “Why are you so much happier?”
“You make me happy.” He shrugged. “And you can do me a favor and give my father a hard time at dinner. It’s the least he deserves, believe
me.” His face darkened with the same hard expression as that first day.
“I just mean, you were harsh and heavy before. I might have been being a real bitch, with my own problems as the cause, but I can’t help wondering what was weighing on you. I can see it in your eyes sometimes. Do you not get along with your dad or something?”
His expression dimmed even more. “My father had always been a drinker, not to any sort of excess, but he enjoyed his share. He’d hoped to use that as a bonding tool with David. The two were always having a drink together after a long day at the office talking about future plans surrounding David’s takeover. The night that he’d died, David had been drinking at a dive downtown all alone. He’d called me for a ride home. The accident was my fault, Megan. I’ve already been responsible for one person’s death, that’s why the idea of my business poisoning people hits home so much.” He gripped my hand and kissed it.
“I’ve hated my dad since that night. Not only because he’s blamed me every day for taking away his favorite son but because he’d influenced my brother to go down that road, to begin with. He’d enabled him.
“My brother told me on the way home that night, something I’ve never told my father; that he didn’t think he could handle the pressure of running the company. Five minutes later he was dead. It had all happened so fast.” My heart broke for him. I put my arm around his neck and held him tight.
“I’m so sorry, Ryan. That wasn’t your fault.
He raked his hand through his hair. “I wasn’t paying attention and ran off the road, Megan. When I overcorrected, I flipped. We were both pinned in, and I couldn’t do anything to save him. He bled out in front of me. Even if it wasn’t deliberate, I’m always going to be responsible. And my father is never going to see it any other way either.”
“What about your mother, have you ever told her about your feelings? Couldn’t she talk to you father about it?” It didn’t seem right that they’d made him endure the guilt for all this time. That along with the pressures of running the company had to be taking its toll on him.
“Mom and I are close. She knows, but she likes to see the good in everything, and so she doesn’t like to dwell on it enough to deal with it. It hurts her too, and I don’t want that either. Dad always compares me to David. Sometimes I wonder if he feels the wrong son died.”
“That’s awful, Ryan.” His eyes met mine, and he pulled me into his arms.
“I’m sorry, I shouldn’t be sharing this. It’s too gruesome and sad. I don’t want you to feel those things. Let’s talk about something happier. What makes you smile?”
“You’re sweetness. I can’t wait to meet your mom. I have a feeling that if you get it from anyone, it’s her.”
“I think that’s a safe guess.” He belted a laugh and settled back in his chair.
We spent the rest of our time in the air talking about happy things and laughing together, but I couldn’t help but be upset for him. I felt if he never dealt with these things they’d continue to fester in an unhealthy way and he was much too young to have so much stress put on him.
When we landed, and my car came to get me, he said goodbye with a kiss. I called Jana on the way home and gave her the report and though I’d called her every day I hadn’t told her about me and Ryan.
“So you’re on your way home? How was it? Did the last plant live up to Megan Stephens’ standards?”
“Actually, yes; The Ohio unit can’t be the blame for those complaints. I’m going to look into the surrounding businesses and see if I can’t find the culprit. That place is one of the cleanest I’ve seen.”
“That’s wonderful! I bet your boyfriend is happy.” She let out a giggle.
“How did you know? I mean, he’s not officially or anything, but—
She gave a squeal that pierced my ears. “I was only kidding, but now you’re going to have to tell me everything!”
I spent the rest of my ride home doing just that and missing Ryan every moment.
Chapter 11
Ryan
Waking up at home was nice, but something was missing. It was hard to believe Megan had only been in my life for three days, considering how much I’d come to terms with. She’d opened my eyes and my heart in a way no one else had.
I’d only been away from her a night, and yet it felt like much too long. I needed her in my life. I rolled over and grabbed my phone off the bedside table and left her a message to let her know I was thinking about her. I had hoped that her response would come fast, but it was still early. She’d no doubt still be asleep considering what a long trip we’d had.
It had been a whirlwind, and the problems at the Arkansas plant were still bothering me. I could at least rest easy that future plans were in place to rectify the situations and move forward with a better, safer direction. And I knew I needed to do something special for the Ohio team who had worked so hard to keep things working in perfect order. The two plants had been like night and day, but with a little more love and attention, I’d have Arkansas tip top too.
I didn’t get my answer from Megan until I was on the links and her sweet response that she missed me too brought a smile to my face.
“Is that a woman interrupting our game?” Jason had been going on about his weekend hook up for the last twenty minutes had yet to ask me how my time away had gone.
“We haven’t even started yet, and yes, it is.” I sent another in return telling her I was on the course, and that I’d call her after.
“So who is she? Not that girl from Easton, right?”
“She is that girl from Easton. She’s incredible, but you’ll see.”
“You mean you’re already having her around to meet the best friend? Wow, this is serious?”
“You want to know how serious she is. I’m having her around to meet my parents later. But you’ll meet her at the office. I’ve asked her to stay on full-time.” His eyes went wide, and he shook his head, using his nine-iron as a place to rest.
“You’ve got it bad, man.” He shook his head and watched me tee off. My balls sailed through the air and then bounced across the ground. Jason bit his tongue as he watched and then went to make his shot.
His backswing was still a little tight, and he knew it. “My weekend hookup had me a little sore still. How’d you fare? Did she polish your balls for you and stroke your club?” He gestured his hand across the long shaft of his iron.
“She’s not exactly that type of girl.” I contemplated telling Jason about her virginity. He was going to make every joke known to mankind and then I’d have to take it like a man. I wasn’t sure I wanted anyone making issue of it, but then he pressed on.
“What do you mean? They’re all that type if you know how to work them. Don’t tell me you’re slipping.” He gave me a nudge as we went for our next shot.
I’d hoped he’d forget all about it, but after finishing up the hole, he continued. “So, are you going to keep this one’s kinks a secret or something?”
“I’ll tell you, but if you step out of line over it, I’ll pummel you.”
He laughed and held up a hand to vow. “Come on, man. Give me the dirt. We never hold back.”
“She’s a virgin. So it’s not like all that. She’s a good girl.”
He smirked and shook his head. “Is she just saying she is? I can’t tell you how many times I hear that only to be disappointed later.”
“No, she is. And that’s as far as this conversation’s going. You mind your manners.” I hoped my stare was enough to let him know how serious I was. I wasn’t getting into our personal and private with him.
“Damn, she’s special to you. Are you falling in love? You do look a bit relaxed. Maybe she’s good for you.”
“She is amazing and good for me, and yeah, I might be.” I didn’t know why it was hard to admit, but it was almost like if I admitted it then it could all fall to shit. I didn’t want that happening. Besides that, I wanted to know her feelings before I professed anything. I didn’t know how slow s
he wanted to take things if at all. Now that I would be her employer, I was scared that would be against her ethics.
“So you’re bringing her onto your environmental team? She’ll be the only woman.”
“Actually, she’ll be their lead consultant. I know the boys won’t like it at first, but they’ll learn to love her. Besides, she’ll keep their balls in her grip and keep them in line. That crew down in Arkansas was cringing when she was done. She’s like a little spitfire, total turn on.”
“Yeah, who knew you’d like an assertive woman. You’re too much of an alpha.”
“Yeah, well, you should try it. Her mind is amazing, and even though she’s got a rough shell, she’s got a big heart. She really cares about people and her cause.”
“I can’t wait to meet her, man.” He slapped me on the back, and I continued to gush as we went along with our game.
I spent the rest of the day anticipating the night and finally, the time had come to go pick her up for our dinner date.
When she walked out wearing the sweetest little dress, looking like the perfect picture of innocence, I lost my breath and forgot how to breathe. My cock, however, had not forgotten its use. I folded my hands in front of me to hide my raging erection.
She stopped next to me, and we shared a kiss that had me considering delaying the date for a little pre-dinner dessert. Her scent was intoxicating, her lips sweet, and I couldn’t help but wonder what the rest of her tasted like.
“You look beautiful.” I nuzzled against her cheek a moment.
“Thank you, are sure it’s not too girly? I don’t want to look silly or for your parents to think you’re a cradle robber. If I look too young I —
“You look like a wholesome young woman, not at all like a child, so stop worrying.” I realized how nerve wrecking it must have been for her to be meeting my parents, but I had a feeling once she did, once she saw how down to earth they were, she’d be relieved. “You’ll be fine. My parents are going to love you.”
My One and Only: A Bad Boy Secret Baby Second Chance Romance Page 103
