by Lea Hart
Taking her hand, he frowned. “No, why are you being so prickly?”
“Because that’s what we do with each other and you’re acting weird.”
“I am not and don’t start a fight just because you’re uncomfortable.”
“We always fight.”
He led her toward the front door and shook his head. “Not anymore. We’re laying down the swords and going to use the fire between us for something else.”
“Are you hoping that something else includes kissing?”
“Definitely. I’ve been dreaming of your pink panties since Sunday, and the sooner I can see them again, the sooner my sanity will return.”
She let out a laugh, disengaged the lock, and then walked in. “If that ever happens, then you can kiss your sanity goodbye.”
Knowing she was probably right, he kept his mouth shut and decided to leave the subject alone. His jeans were already uncomfortable, and he didn’t need to make the situation worse.
They ascended the stairs to the upper level, and he decided tennis skirts were fucking hot as he watched Kelly’s flap against her thighs. “Nice house.”
“Thanks, it took me a while to get used to having the bonus room and garage on the first floor. I like it now, though, since I have great views on the second and third levels.”
He looked out the kitchen window and saw the sun setting against Red Rock Canyon, then turned toward the living room and admired the lights from the strip in the distance. “You sure do. Reminds me a lot of what my brothers and I have.”
“What made you guys decide to buy houses on the same street?”
“We like hanging out together and wanted to make it as easy as possible.”
“Makes sense.” She walked over to the fridge and pulled out a beer and a bottle of wine, along with a small blue box. Opening the beer, she handed it to him. “So, what are you really doing here other than pissing on the hopes and dreams of my tennis partner?”
“I missed seeing you.” He watched her pour herself a glass of wine and take a healthy sip. “Better?”
She lifted the glass and shook her head. “Not even close.” She took another sip and then opened the box and laid out the ingredients. “Chicken Wonton Noodle Stir-fry.”
He sipped his beer, realizing she wasn’t ready to admit she missed him too. At least, he hoped she did. Picking up the card that had a picture and a recipe, he studied it. “This gets delivered to your door?”
“Yes, twice a week, and I love it because it allows me to try new things and not get lazy about cooking.”
“This is not a bad idea.” He handed her the card and watched her read the instructions. “Are you really interested in Lawrence?”
Looking up, she shrugged. “He’s a friend, and we enjoy hanging out.”
“He wants to be a hell of a lot more than a friend.”
“After the show you put on tonight, he may not.”
“Are you really mad, or just slightly irritated?”
“I’m confused more than anything.”
“About me lifting my leg and marking my territory?”
Laughing, she nodded. “Yes!”
He stood and went around the island, taking her hands. “I want to start something with you.”
“Like what?”
“Honestly, I’m not sure. All I know is that I’m tired of fighting my attraction and I’d like to see what would happen if we…”
“Had sex, hung out, fought like hell, and broke each other’s hearts?”
“I thought we could start with dinner and see what happens.”
A smile broke across her face, and he took her into his arms and hugged her tight. “Let’s take it a day at a time.”
“I don’t know, Cole.”
“Think about it; that’s all I ask.”
“Maybe.”
He kissed her head and then stepped back. “Give me that recipe card and let’s get this chicken stir-fry made, ‘cause I’m hungry.” When she lifted her eyebrow, he decided not to clarify what he was hungry for since he didn’t need her any more skittish than she already was.
CHAPTER NINE
Cole reviewed the spreadsheet and knew they needed another ten men. WME-IMG, the company that owned the UFC had signed the contract for their services, and they were now going to handle all the local security needs for both the fighters and high-value fans.
McCallan Security was officially a success.
Which meant the company barbeque at his house tomorrow was going to be a hell of a celebration.
He ran his hand over the signatures on the five-million-dollar agreement and thought back to his senior year of high school when a counselor told him he wouldn’t amount to anything.
Guess he proved that guy wrong.
“Cole.”
Looking up, he saw Kelly leaning against the door with files in her hands. “What’s up, babe?”
“I’m all done.”
Motioning her in, he watched her walk across the marble floor and bit the inside of his cheek. She was temptation incarnate in her pink dress and heels. She placed the folders in front of him and then took a seat. “So, that’s it?”
Crossing her legs, she gave him a smile. “Yes, everything is prepped for the meeting with the IRS, I’ve installed all new accounting software, and Jared is ready to handle everything.”
“I’d ask you stay again, but I’ve decided that ending our professional relationship is a good idea.” Her lips pressed together, and he knew she was confused by his words. “I don’t mix business with pleasure, and I’m ready to move our chemistry out of the office and into the bedroom.”
“You say that like I’ve agreed or somehow led you to believe I’m interested.”
Leaning forward, he raised an eyebrow. “I know you’re not ready to say the words, but your body already has.”
She folded her arms across her chest and let out a mirthless laugh. “I have done no such thing.”
Standing, he slowly walked around his desk and noticed her foot was jiggling. “Don’t worry; I’m not going to take a bite out of you.”
He walked over to the wet bar and mumbled, “Yet.” Filling two glasses with bourbon, he smiled, knowing there was nothing stopping him from going after what he wanted. Returning, he handed her a glass and then held out his hand. “Come and sit with me on the couch and let’s toast to our successful partnership.”
“Fine.” She pushed her hand against his chest as she stood. “Don’t crowd me.”
He took her hand and laughed. “I know you like it when I get up in your personal space, so don’t pretend otherwise.”
“That is a lie.”
She sat down on the couch, and he noticed her dress had a nice high slit hidden in the full layers. He got a glimpse of her tan legs as he collapsed next to her and watched her cross her legs. “Do you have a new client to replace us?”
“I have two, actually. A dry cleaner with six stores and a woman who just opened a second retail store.”
Taking her hand, he ran his finger over her soft skin. “What kind of retail store?”
“Clothing.”
Her cheeks flushed, and he didn’t know if it was the bourbon, his hand, or something else. “What kind of clothes?”
“Lingerie.” Moving her hand away, she smoothed out her dress. “I’ll give you the address, so you can shop there when your relationships hit that point.”
Sitting back, he blinked several times. “What the hell is that supposed to mean?”
She took a sip of her drink and shrugged. “I notice that you buy your ladies lingerie right before you end things and send them a lovely flower arrangement. Maybe you can give Genevieve some of your business; I know she’d appreciate it.”
“I do no such thing.” When she gave him a mocking smile, he felt his spine stiffen.
“Cole, I just reviewed your last five years of financials, and you have a pattern. Every two or three weeks, you do the same thing: first dinners, then clubs, a little li
ngerie, and finally flowers.” She patted his leg and smiled. “All very tidy and…predictable.”
He took a sip of bourbon and thought about her words and knew she was right. He’d never taken a moment to think about it, but he was damn predictable.
“The name of the store is Kiki De Montparnasse, and it has some beautiful pieces. If you want your woman to tease, ease, or please, they have what you’re looking for. She even has fitting rooms that will accommodate couples, so if you want a private show with your next lady, it’s possible.”
“What the fuck are you talking about?” he roared. Scraping his hand over his face, he scowled. “I’ve been talking about us starting something, and you just gave me a five-minute speech about my next lady.”
Sitting up, she set her drink down firmly. “I’m a practical woman and know you go through women bi-monthly. All your talk about kissing is nonsense. At most, you want a night with me, so you can work out some good girl fantasy and nothing more.”
Heat suffused his body, and he stood, draining his drink. “You don’t know what you’re talking about.”
Kelly stood and fisted her hands. “I sure as hell do.” She flipped her hair over her shoulder and smirked. “I’m a curiosity to you and nothing more. I doubt I’d even last your usual two weeks because, after one night, the thrill would be gone.”
He took a step in her direction and saw the pulse flutter in her neck. “You are talking out your ass.”
“You take that back right this moment.”
Her cheeks were pink, her eyes were dilated, and he didn’t know if she was going to hit him or kiss him. But he wasn’t backing down. “I know I want a hell of a lot more than two weeks with you, and the fact that you piss me off as much as you turn me on lets me know we could be a hell of a match. Yours is the voice I hear in my head during the day, and the opinion I care about. Not to mention the body that fills my fantasies. There isn’t a part of you I’m not interested in, so the sooner you get that through your thick skull, the better.”
Closing the space that separated them, he took her in his arms and felt her tremble. “Maybe I can be your bad-boy fantasy.” Tension drained from her limbs, and he felt her arms relax as she let out a chuckle. “Bet you never got naked with a delinquent.”
Her soft laughter brushed against his ears, and his heart sped up. “Maybe it’s time you spent time with a man who looks like he’d be all wrong but is, in fact, all right.”
“Cole, you’re not a delinquent. You served this country for ten years in the Marines, have a very successful company, and treat your employees well. You may think of yourself as a bad-boy, but all I see is a good man.”
There was that damn soft feeling again. How the hell did she keep breaking him wide open with so little effort? Not able to handle the emotions, he pushed her chin up with his thumb and lowered his mouth.
It was time to take what he wanted.
The moment his lips touched hers, a bolt of blistering heat shot straight to his cock. He tightened his hold and nipped at her lower lip, sliding his tongue inside.
This was no sweet first kiss; this was a 122mm explosive. Her hands slid along his neck, and he responded by wrapping her long hair in his hand, so he could control the slant of her mouth and the depth of the kiss.
Their tongues tangled deep and wild. Growling with a need to get closer, his appetite flared out of control as their mouths mated.
He wanted more.
Hell, he wanted everything.
But it wasn’t going to happen in his office.
With one last slow, thorough lick inside her mouth and a bite to her lower lip that made her gasp, he ended their kiss. “God damn, babe.”
The sound of their heavy breaths filled the room, and he watched her sway on her heels. Wrapping her in his arms, he felt her head fall against his chest. “If that doesn’t tell you this thing is on, then I don’t know what will.”
“Cole…”
“No way you are denying the chemistry, so don’t even try.”
“I don’t want to be blown up, so I can damn well deny whatever I want.”
Leaning back, he looked down into her face and was surprised to see genuine fear. What the hell did she have to be frightened of? It was him who probably wouldn’t survive. “The thing is, we don’t really have a choice.”
She pushed his chest and stepped back. “I think we want very different things, and this…” moving her hands between them, she frowned, “is bound to end in disaster.”
“You don’t know what I want, so why don’t you try asking before you make grand predictions?”
She wrapped her arms around herself and shivered. “I want the real deal.” She looked up and held his gaze. “I don’t need another fling. I’ve had a year of them, and I’m ready for a real relationship. One that could possibly end in marriage if things work out. You know…kids, minivans, soccer games, the whole nine yards.”
Nodding, he shoved his hands in his pockets. “Not sure I’m ready for that.” Her head bobbed up and down, and she didn’t look pissed or surprised. Just resigned, and that bothered the hell out of him. “But, maybe…”
“Don’t blow smoke or lie; you’re better than that.” She lifted her arm and checked her watch. “I should get going; I have plans this evening.”
“What kind of plans?”
“None of your business.” Taking a step back, she gave him a smile. “The kiss was great, and if I was interested in one night of bliss, I’d definitely call you.” She put her hands in the pockets of her dress and then took another step back. “I wish you the best.”
He watched her walk out of his office and found he couldn’t make his feet move. Her words bounced around in his head, and he didn’t think he was ready for kids and minivans and didn’t want to lie.
He was a lot of things, but dishonest wasn’t one of them. The kind of commitment Kelly wanted wasn’t something he was ready for and, if that’s what she desired, then he needed to stay the hell away. The woman deserved to have everything and wasting her time or making false promises wasn’t something he’d do.
He stalked over to his couch and sat down. Looking up at the ceiling, he let out a loud groan and then ran his hands over his face.
He was gut punched and knew he just let his best chance at happiness walk away.
“What the hell is wrong with you?” Zach asked as he walked in.
Letting his head fall forward, he studied his brother. “I’m fucking screwed.”
“Does it have anything to do with the beautiful accountant that just walked out of our offices with a stiff smile?”
“Yeah, it sure does.”
“You want to talk about it here or head home and drink about it?”
Letting out a laugh, he stood and collected his and Kelly’s glasses. “Let’s head out.”
“Where is Seth?”
“He’s making sure the security plan is in place for the pool players’ National Singles Championship over at the Westgate Resort.”
“It’s starting on Sunday, right?”
“Yeah, and they’re expecting a thousand people.”
“How thin are we going to be if something comes up?”
“We’re covered.”
He set the glasses next to the wet bar and headed over to his desk. Looking at the UFC contract on his desk made him realize that success and money didn’t mean shit if you had no one to share them with. Even if you weren’t ready. “I’ve got to fix this thing with Kelly.”
“No shit, Sherlock.”
He flipped his brother off and picked up the contracts and slid them into his file drawer. Pressing his hand to the pad, he heard the lock engage. “She’s not playin’ and doesn’t want to waste her time on something that has no hope of going somewhere.”
“Why is that a problem?”
“Because I don’t know if I’m ready.”
“Then why did you go after her in the first place?” He leaned against the chair and crossed his arms. “Did
you think she’d be interested in a week or two? Because if that’s the case, then you’re not as smart as I thought.”
“I didn’t really have a timeframe in mind.”
“That’s bullshit.”
“Fine, I thought we’d last a couple of months until we got tired of one another.”
“You’ve been fighting with her for close to a year; if there was a time stamp on shit ending, it already would’ve happened.”
Looking up, he realized his brother was absolutely one hundred percent correct. In some ways, he’d already been in a relationship with Kelly, and all that was missing was the sex and fun. They’d worked side by side and had been a hell of a team. They fought, made up, fought again, and together they’d put everything in place to make sure the company was going to succeed for years to come. He had never enjoyed himself more. “Zach, you’re a genius.”
“I know, but what did I say specifically that made you see it?”
“Kelly and I have been in a relationship, and I didn’t even realize it. We’ve had the fighting, and I’m ready for the good stuff.”
“Now the real work begins, brother. Based on the look on her face when she left, you have a hell of a hole to dig yourself out of.”
Grabbing his keys and phone, he grinned. “Let’s get the hell out of here and come up with a plan, then.”
“Roger that.”
He slapped his brother on the shoulder and followed him out of his office. Feeling a thousand pounds lighter, he promised himself he wouldn’t give up until he and Kelly gave the thing between them a real shot.
CHAPTER TEN
The sound of the timer bounced off the walls of the kitchen and Kelly grabbed the oven mitts and pulled the cupcakes out of the oven. Pressing her finger gently to the largest one, she decided they were done. Moving aside the banana bread, she slid the hot pan next to the scones that were cooling.
Checking the clock, she saw it was seven-thirty, which meant it was nine-thirty at home, and her sister should be more than ready for a call. She refilled her coffee cup, hit the facetime icon on her iPad and pressed her finger against Anne’s picture.
