“Excuse me,” I say, edging my way out.
Callan stands up. “Where are you going?” he asks.
“What do you care?” I ask, noticing that Bennet and Maddie are both watching our exchange.
He seems taken aback for a moment, then notices the two people staring at us. “I don’t,” he says, sitting back down.
I head back to the bathroom and wait in the line. I rest my shoulder against the wall and pull out my phone, sending him a quick text.
I’m waiting in line for the bathroom.
Want me to wait with you?
I laugh. No, I think that would be a little weird, wouldn’t it?
After waiting a few minutes, I slide the phone back into my purse.
Finally, I use the bathroom, and when I walk out, I see Bennet standing up. He’s talking with a guy that I don’t know. I assume it’s the guy we’ve been waiting for, so I head over.
I stop next to Callan and Bennet.
“Here she is,” Bennet says, turning him to face me. “She can tell you every place you need to see while you’re here. She knows where all the parties are happening.”
The guy looks up at me and smiles. “Ah, nice to meet you. I’m Geo.” He holds out his hand.
I force a smile onto my face and shake his hand. “I’m Valerie.”
“Very beautiful name. Are you free for the night?”
I nod. “Would you like to get a drink?”
“Absolutely,” he replies, holding out his arm.
I slip mine through his and lead him toward the bar.
As we sit and wait for his drink, he looks over the club, and I can’t help but check him out. He has naturally darker skin—maybe of Italian descent— his sleek dark hair is kept in a gentlemen’s cut, and he has dark brown eyes. He’s only about my height, and he doesn’t have much muscle mass to him. His eyes are wide, taking it all in.
“So, you come here often?” he asks, turning his attention back to me.
I shrug. “I used to, but it’s been a while. I’ve been too busy with work.”
“Oh, where do you work?”
I point over at the table. “Windsor Wealth Management.” He’s handed his drink. “We should get back.”
I stand and walk back to the table, and he follows me. Maddie and I sit and talk while Bennet and Callan talk to him about his investments. I listen to them go through the whole thing before getting bored and turning toward Maddie.
“Is there something going on with you and Callan?” she asks low, so nobody else hears.
“What? No! Why would you think that?” I ask, picking up my water and taking a drink.
“I just picked up on some things. Like him asking where you were going when you went to the bathroom. And the moment this guy walked in and his eyes landed on you, Callan started to look angry. Then when you were at the bar, he didn’t take his eyes off you. He was watching you like a hawk.”
I wave my hand through the air. “I think he’s just a little worried based on the last time he saw me in a club. He’s not going to let me out of his sight. If it had been Bennet that night, he’d be the same way right now.”
She shrugs one shoulder but dismisses her thoughts.
“Valerie!” someone shouts from across the table, and I look up to find Geo looking at me. “Care to dance?”
I look at Bennet, and his eyes widen and his head motions for me to go. I glance at Callan, and he’s standing up straight, jaw cocked and eyes fixated on something above my head, like he’s just dazing off into space, trying not to pay attention.
I force that smile back onto my face. “Sure,” I agree.
I stand up, and he takes my hand, leading me onto the dance floor.
I spin around, and he pulls me close as we move together to the beat of the music. His hands are on my hips, and his eyes are locked on mine. I place my hands around his neck and smile a little bit, reminding myself that I have to make this guy enjoy himself for the company’s sake.
We dance through one song, and when it ends, I go to walk back to the booth, but he isn’t done, and he pulls me back. I let out a quick shriek when he spins me around and catches me against his chest. He smiles wide, and I laugh.
“You are a very beautiful girl,” he tells me, eyes slowly moving up and down my body.
“Thank you. You’re very sweet,” I reply.
“How has someone not scooped you up already?”
I shrug one shoulder while continuing to dance. “I’m not much for relationships. I prefer to stay single and have fun.”
His smile turns into a wicked grin. “My kind of girl.” He pulls me closer, and his hands move toward my ass just a little. Not enough to make me think he’s grabbing my ass, but enough that I noticed they’ve moved. “What do you say to coming back to my hotel with me?”
Fuck. What do I say to that? No, obviously, but how can I let him down easy? Make it to where Bennet doesn't lose him as a client?
“I guess we’ll just have to see where we end up at the end of the night,” I say around a coy smile.
When the song ends, I fan my face and pull away. “I’m going to get a drink.”
“I’ll join you,” he says with a wink, following along behind me.
I take my seat back between Callan and Maddie and the guys attack him again, wanting to talk shop. But this time, he doesn’t even pay attention to them. Instead, he watches me with a smile.
14
Callan
It’s fucking pissing me off the way he’s looking at her. And it pisses me off even more that I can’t do anything about it. If I even look like I’m getting mad, I’ll have to explain myself to Bennet, and I have no clue what I’d even say. I can’t believe he asked her to do this. I mean, it’s not like he’s pimping her out or anything, but it’s just the fact that he asked her to come into a club after the thing that happened last time. She’s clearly not comfortable here. She won’t hardly even drink anymore. She doesn’t talk a lot about that night, but I know it still fucks her up. Just sitting here between Maddie and me, she looks worried, stressed, and scared. I hate seeing her like this.
“Listen, Geo. Your dad, he trusted us for many, many years with his investments. He only put in a grand, and we changed that to over a quarter of a million dollars. If you sign this paper and leave this money with us, you’ll never have to worry about retirement. You’ll be able to live large up until the day you die,” Bennet says, still trying to sell this guy on not pulling out of the company.
He nods like he’s listening to him, but his eyes never leave Valerie. So I decide to show him what all is around him.
I put my arms around his neck. “Look at all these fine women here tonight, Geo. See that busty blonde over at the bar? I bet it’d only take a drink with her to get her to leave with you. Or that redhead on the dance floor. Look at the way she moves them hips. You know that’ll be a good time. You could have a lifetime of this if you play your cards right.” He looks at the women I point out, and he smiles and nods. But for some reason, he looks back at Valerie.
“What about you?” he asks her.
“What about me?” she asks, eyes wide as they flash from him to me, and back.
“Would you come back to the hotel with me if I bought you a drink?”
Val laughs but nervously looks down to her water.
“Hey, she’s not going home with you tonight,” I say, turning him around back to the crowded bar.
But he shakes his head. “They all look nice, dude. But the one I want is already sitting at our table.” He smiles and turns back around to look at her some more. He holds out his hand. “Come on, Valerie. Dance with me some more.”
I take a deep breath and slowly let it out, hoping to keep my anger in check.
She stands, and they both walk onto the dance floor.
I sit back down, and Bennet picks up his drink, tossing it back. “I think we may have lost him.”
I nod. “Who gives a shit? You see the way he’s objectifyi
ng your sister?”
He scoffs. “He’s not doing anything but dancing with her. It’s nothing that neither of us haven’t done a million times.”
“But she’s your sister!” I motion toward them.
“Cal, you need to chill. He’s flirted and danced: that’s it. He hasn’t touched her inappropriately; she hasn’t had to tell him to stop. She’s fine. Val knows how to handle herself.”
I sit back and grit my teeth, nostrils flaring. When I turn my head, I find Maddie staring at me with a grin.
“What?” I ask.
She forces her smile away. “Nothing,” she replies as she picks up her drink and finishes it off. “Baby, would you get us another round?” she asks, handing over her cup.
He nods and stands to head to the bar.
Maddie scoots closer. “You and Val, you have something going on, don’t you?”
I look over at her. “What? No! Why would you think that?”
She laughs. “That is exactly what Val said. But I can tell. You’re being awfully protective of her.”
I shrug. “It’s nothing more than what I’d do for you, Mads.”
She rolls her eyes. “Sure it is, and we both know it. I’m not going to tell Bennet. It’s none of his business who his sister is seeing.”
About that time, I see Valerie come walking back toward the table. She looks pissed and has Geo following along behind her in a rush.
“I’m sorry, Val. I thought we were having a good time,” he says, grabbing her arm and spinning her around.
I quickly jump up, pushing him back and pulling Val behind me. “What’s going on?” I ask.
“This asshole thought he’d try seducing me into going back to his hotel with him,” she says, stepping to my side. “I won’t even repeat the nasty things he said to me.”
“You what?” I ask, stepping forward.
“She’s very beautiful. I was just complimenting her,” he says with a grin, not at all afraid of me. It’s clear that he doesn’t know the proper way to treat a woman.
“He told me I was one fine piece of ass, then he stuck his tongue in my ear,” Val says, eyes wide with surprise.
I step toward him as I’m drawing my fist back, but Bennet runs up just in time. He holds me back with both arms. “Hey, what the fuck is going on?”
“This asshole is treating your sister like she’s a whore,” I yell, still trying to get at him.
“Cal, just chill and let me talk to him,” Bennet says.
With a deep breath, I stop trying to push my way through Bennet and give him the chance to fix this.
“What happened, Valerie?” Bennet asks, looking over at her.
Geo steps up. “This is fucking bullshit. You brought a lady to keep me happy, didn’t you?”
I jump toward him again, but Bennet catches me.
“No, I brought someone you could hang out with, get some tips on where people your age flock to. I didn’t bring my sister for you to sleep with,” Bennet spits out.
Geo’s face contorts as he shakes his head. “Fuck this. I’m done with all of you. My lawyer will be in contact with you soon about getting my money.” Without another word, he walks off.
“Goddamn it, Callan,” Bennet yells, turning his angry eyes back to me. “What the fuck is your problem? You just cost us over twenty million dollars.” His brows are arched high, arms held out.
“The way he was treating Val may be okay in your eyes, but it’s not in mine,” I say, shaking my head.
“If she was uncomfortable, she should have come to me. I would’ve been able to put a stop to it without losing that account! You need to get ahold of yourself. And since when are you her keeper?” He points over at her, standing next to my side.
I look down at her, and she looks up at me.
He looks at the both of us. “No,” he says around a laugh, causing us to both look back at him.
He shakes his head. “No way. You two?” he asks, motioning toward the two of us.
Neither of us deny it nor confirm it.
His smile begins to fade, morphing into a tight line as his eyes narrow on me. “You’re fucking my little sister?” he asks more quietly, stepping toward me.
“Ben, man…”
He shakes his head again and walks off. Maddie grabs her purse and chases after him, leaving us alone.
We leave the club, and neither of us talk on the ride home. She walks into the house before me, and I follow her up the stairs and into my room. She stops at the dresser, slips out of her shoes, and beings removing her jewelry.
I walk into the closet to strip out of my clothes. I walk back out wearing only my boxers. “I’m sorry,” I breathe out, hanging my head.
She walks up to me and wraps her hands around my neck. “It’s not your fault. You were only doing what you promised.”
I lean my forehead against hers and inhale her scent deeply. “I’m just worried about what he’ll do. I refuse to let you go, Val. This past month, it’s the happiest I’ve ever been.” I press my mouth to hers.
She kisses me back, and I pick her up against me, moving us to the bed. We collapse on top, and I crawl up between her legs. She breaks our kiss and pushes against my chest until I roll over. Then she gets up onto her knees and starts removing her dress.
“You know, I never thought we’d make it this far,” she admits.
I pull my arms behind my head, holding it up so I can watch her.
“I knew that we were magical when we were together, but I never thought that either of us would be this happy. We were both a little wild.” She reaches behind her and unzips her dress. It falls to the bed, and she pulls it away, slinging it to the floor. “But now that I know how great we are together, I don’t want it to end.”
“It won’t,” I whisper, cupping her cheek and directing her lips to mine. “I swear, Val, it doesn’t matter what he does or says: I’m not letting you go. You hear me?” I roll us over, claiming my spot between her legs.
I open my eyes and see her nod, a small smile appearing.
“What if he fires you?” she asks as I kiss my way down her neck.
“If he fires me, I’ll get another job.” I kiss her collarbone.
“What if he wants to fight?” she whispers.
“Then I’ll let him beat the shit out of me, but I won’t let you go.” I unhook her bra and suck her nipple into my mouth. It hardens with my touch, and she lets out a soft whimper.
I slide my hand down her panties, and my fingers glide between her folds with ease. Feeling how wet and ready she is for me excites me. “Fuck, Val. You’re always ready for me,” I whisper against her skin as my lips work their way lower.
She lets out a soft giggle. “All you have to do is touch me, Callan.”
I open my eyes in the morning, and the first thing I see is her. She’s sound asleep, dark lashes fanned out across her cheeks. The corners of her mouth are lightly turned up into a smile. I can’t help myself. I reach out and gently run the tips of my finger up her bicep. Her eyelids flutter open, and her smile widens.
“Hey,” she whispers.
“Hey,” I reply, scooting closer, so we’re nose to nose.
Her hand comes up, cupping my cheek as she pulls me closer. She presses the softest of kisses to my lips.
“Good morning,” I whisper against her lips just before I demand entrance into her mouth.
We kiss long and slow, and just as I’m rolling over to claim my place on top of her, my phone rings. I want to ignore it. I want to keep going. I don’t know what it is about her, but she’s all I want: all I want to touch, all I want to kiss and hold. The world could end tomorrow, but as long as I have her, I’ll be just fine.
“Please, answer that,” she says, breaking the kiss.
I groan but roll back over to my side of the bed. “It’s Bennet,” I mumble, shocked that he’s calling.
“What do you think he wants?” she asks, eyes widening as she pushes herself up into a sitting position.
/> I shrug. “To talk about last night?”
She takes a deep breath, but motions for me to answer.
I push the button and bring the phone to my ear. “Hello?”
“I need you at the office,” he says quickly.
“Alright. What’s going on?”
“What do you think is going on? We have damage control after your little stunt last night.”
A sigh leaves my lips. “Alright. I’ll be there soon.”
Without another word, he hangs up.
“Well?” she asks with hopeful eyes.
“I gotta go into the office,” I admit, moving to stand.
“What? Why?”
“As Bennet put it, damage control from my stunt last night.”
She rolls her eyes and scoffs. “What’s his deal? Why can’t he just let this guy take his money and go? He’s a complete asshole.”
I sit back on the edge of the bed and place my hand on hers. “If it were just a regular guy, I’m sure he would. But the company will take a serious hit if it loses twenty million dollars in one quarter. As much as I hate this guy and hate to admit it, we need him.”
She throws herself back. “Alright. Go, leave me,” she says, teasing.
I laugh and crawl back up over her. “I’ll be home later. We’ll grab some dinner, maybe hit up a movie. Our secret is out. We no longer have to hide behind these walls. We can do whatever we want.” I press my mouth to hers.
“Mmm, I like the sound of that,” she says around a grin.
“I gotta jump in the shower. Can you start some coffee?” I ask, pulling away and heading for the bathroom.
15
Valerie
When Callan leaves for the office, I take a long hot bubble bath to relax. I grab my phone and call Maddie.
“Hello?” she answers.
“Hey,” I breathe out.
His Every Desire (Contemporary Romance Box Set) Page 29
