by Opal Carew
He compressed his lips. “Well, that’s where you’re wrong. Because what I’m about to do will probably hurt quite a bit.”
She gazed at him in shock.
“Because right now I’m telling you that we’re through. I realized that I’m not really in love with you.” He paced across the room. “I haven’t had a lot of affection or love in my life, and when you showed me so much love,”—he shrugged—“I cherished it. Then when I lost it, I realized I couldn’t bear my life without it.” He patted his chest. “It filled a hole deep in here. But I realize, now, that it wasn’t love. Let’s face it. Neither of us really knew each other. You only knew a small part of who I am. And I had no idea that you liked to be dominated in the bedroom. And don’t tell me it’s not important to you because I know it is. But it makes us … incompatible.” He sighed. “I don’t want to hurt you. But just like last time, if I don’t take action now, it’ll only hurt more when we finally both discover that we’re just not right for each other.”
He took her hand, his heart aching at the tears swelling in her eyes. “Besides, I know that you love Dane.”
Anger flashed in her eyes, and she tugged her hand free. “No, I don’t.” She glared at him. “If you want to break up with me, at least be man enough to do it without trying to look like you’re doing me a favor. You don’t love me. I get it.”
She turned and strode toward the entrance.
“Jess, wait.”
But she disappeared out the door. Damn, that hadn’t gone well.
* * *
Jessica marched through the lobby and the doorman pulled open the door for her.
“Ms. Long,” he said as she exited the building, “Mr. Ranier called down and asked me to arrange a ride for you. His limo is waiting just over there.”
She glanced to where he pointed to see the familiar long, black car. It had only taken her five minutes to get down here. Did this guy just drive around waiting for one of the Ranier brothers to call?
The driver opened the door for her and she hesitated only a moment before she got in.
“I’m heading home,” she said.
He knew the address. She settled into the comfortable seat as the car moved into traffic, then her tears started to flow. She’d been rejected by two men today. Both of whom had proclaimed their love in the past. And she had no job. Her closest friend had shut her out. Her whole life was crumbling around her.
When they arrived at her apartment, the driver opened her door, then hurried ahead of her and opened the door to the building.
“Thank you,” she said, aware of her tearstained cheeks.
He nodded. “Of course, Ms. Long.”
The compassion in his warm smile boosted her spirits a little and she walked to the elevator. She sucked in a breath as she rode upstairs, trying to regain her composure. Melanie had been fired today and now was the time to focus on getting her friend to open up so she could help her, not wallowing in her own problems.
She opened the door to their apartment, not sure what to expect on the other side. Certainly not what she saw. Melanie sat on the couch with nail polishes laid out on the table in front of her, mostly in bright, fluorescent colors. She had her nails partially painted with three vertical stripes of different colors and she was currently using a striping brush to add a vivid orange stripe to each nail.
“Just Give Me a Reason” by Pink was playing in the background. The phrase “nothing is as bad as it seems” echoed through their cozy little apartment and boosted her spirits the slightest bit.
Melanie glanced up. “Oh, hi. You’re home early.”
Jessica did not want to explain that she’d quit. Not yet.
“I wanted to check on you.”
On the end table beside Melanie was a tall glass of cola and an open box.
“Donuts, Melanie?”
Melanie grabbed one and waved it at Jessica. “Don’t judge me.”
“Judge you?” She walked toward the box and grabbed one of the chocolate glazed donuts. “I want to join you.”
Melanie laughed and set the donut on the table, then continued painting the stripes on her nails. Jessica took a bite of her donut and enjoyed the rich burst of chocolate flavor. Then she hummed along to the song, something about not being broken, just bent, and learning to love again. It spoke to her current situation perfectly.
“That’s some manicure you’ve got going there,” Jessica said as Melanie added a startling yellow stripe to her nails.
Melanie grinned. “It’s not finished yet.” Then she picked up a bottle of black polish and rolled it between her hands. Melanie had once told her that shaking a polish could introduce bubbles, so it was better to roll it like that. “Now I’m going to put a black crackle on top. I think it’ll look quite dramatic.” She nodded toward the bottles. “Grab some polish and do yours, too.”
“Nope.” Jessica settled back, donut in hand. “I’m just going to relax.”
Melanie had applied the black polish to four nails so far and faint cracks were already appearing on some of them.
“So, Melanie, what happened this morning? Why did Dane fire you?”
Melanie inspected the hand she’d just finished and then started on the other one.
“I mean, I know he has no grounds on which to fire you,” Jessica continued, “so we must be able to fight it.”
Melanie frowned and for the first time, Jessica wondered if she was wrong. Had Melanie done something? Everyone made mistakes sometimes, but Jessica couldn’t possibly figure out what Melanie could have done to deserve firing.
“I don’t want to fight it.”
“I know it would be awkward coming back to work for Dane,” Jessica said, “but Ranier Industries is a big company. I’m sure they could find something else for you so you wouldn’t have to work for him directly.”
Melanie sighed and put a last swipe of polish on her nails, then put the cap back on the polish bottle.
“Dane already suggested that. I said no.”
“What? I don’t understand.”
Melanie settled back on the couch. “This morning, I went into Dane’s office to quit.”
“Why did you want to quit?” As soon as she’d asked the question, Jessica wished she could take it back. It had to be because of the relationship between Rafe and Jessica.
Melanie frowned. “You know I don’t begrudge you the fact that you and Rafe fell in love, but…”—she glanced down at her hands—“it’s hard to watch. I’m happy for you and all, and when you get married, I still want to be your friend, but…” She gazed Jessica’s way again. “I guess I always held hope that Rafe would eventually notice me and that we could somehow get past the whole boss-secretary thing and … I don’t know … maybe my dream would come true. But I know now that it will never happen, and I don’t want to hang around and watch that dream being torn away from me.”
Jessica placed her hand over her heart. “I’m so sorry, Melanie. I knew—”
“Please don’t be.” Melanie smiled. “I didn’t say it was logical, and I don’t blame you for any of this. In fact, I didn’t even realize I was harboring such insane feelings, but when I saw that you had won Rafe’s heart and I didn’t stand a chance, I realized I’d been letting that subconscious hope stop me from moving on with my life.”
“How did that all translate to Dane firing you?”
“It turns out he already knew I had feelings for Rafe. Did you tell him?”
“No, I would never do that.”
Melanie nodded. “Anyway, we both knew that no matter what I told Rafe about why I was leaving, he’d do everything he could to talk me into staying. He’d probably better any offer I might have received elsewhere and I’d find myself in an awkward position. Dane suggested that he’d just tell Rafe he laid me off. I wasn’t comfortable with that, because you know that would cause huge problems between them, but … damn it, I was upset and things were complicated, and so Dane told me not to worry about it and to just go home a
nd we’d figure it out. But I know I can’t let him do that. It would cause too many problems. I’ll just have to figure something else out.”
Jessica bit her lip. “It’s too late.”
Melanie stared at her. “What do you mean?”
“I’ve already told Rafe. I confronted Dane right after you left and asked if he fired you, and he said he did. I then went over to Rafe’s, hoping he could get your job back.”
Her eyes widened. “Oh, no. I’ll have to call and talk to him. Straighten this out. But what do I say?”
Jessica shook her head. “No, it’s not your fault this all blew up. I’ll talk to Rafe about this. I think I can fix it.” She gazed at her friend. “I need to ask, though. If Rafe and I weren’t involved, would it make a difference?”
“No. I’d just wind up back where I was before, wishing for something I can’t have. I really need to move forward.”
Jessica nodded. She stood up, and headed toward the door, but then hesitated and turned around again. “Melanie, I know you don’t want to hear it, but I’m sorry I caused you all this heartache. And even though it won’t make a difference, I just want you to know that Rafe broke up with me.”
Melanie’s jaw dropped open. “Really? But he was so in love with you. Did it have anything to do with the threesome?”
Jessica’s cheeks flushed. “You knew about that?”
“I wasn’t supposed to, but Rafe’s door was open when he and Mr. Ranier were talking yesterday afternoon and I heard just enough to get a gist of what they were planning. I also got the idea that you and Mr. Ranier do some dominance stuff.” She smiled. “You know, sometimes I really wish I were you. Two hot guys ordering you to do unspeakably sexy things. I wish.”
“Yeah, but Rafe didn’t like the dominance and punishment. He’s really uncomfortable with it.”
Melanie nodded. “So is that why he broke it off?”
“That was part of it, but he also realized that he was never actually in love with me. I think he just wanted to be in love with someone, and I was there when he needed someone most. I also think he’s a little lost right now and needs to figure himself out before he can really connect with someone else.”
“I’m sorry, Jessica. I know it must hurt. But at least now you can focus on your relationship with Mr. Ranier. Maybe it will develop into something deeper.”
Jessica shook her head. “Afraid not. Dane broke it off with me, too.”
“Oh, my God, girl. Your day has been even worse than mine. Get over here. We’re doing your nails.”
* * *
Jessica stood in front of Rafe’s apartment door for the second time today, her stomach fluttering. He opened the door, then tipped his head and smiled, showing his straight white teeth in a beaming smile. The one that always managed to melt her heart.
“I see you’ve decided to forgive me after all.” He stood there looking exceptionally masculine, in his jeans, his chest bare and his hair damp. Whether he’d been for a swim or a late morning shower she didn’t know.
She followed him into the living room and sat down.
“I’m glad you came back. I didn’t want to leave things the way they were.” He patted the moth tattoo on his shoulder. “I want you to understand that this still means something. I will always be there for you. I know you’re mad at Dane right now, and frankly, so am I, but I’ll sort this mess out with Melanie.”
“I’m not mad at him.”
His eyebrows arched. “You aren’t? What changed?”
“I had a long talk with Melanie. It turns out Dane didn’t fire her after all. Not exactly.”
His brows furrowed. “What do you mean not exactly?”
She leaned forward. “Okay, I need you to listen to what I say and just accept it. No questions asked. You trust me, right?”
“Of course, I trust you.”
“Then can you do that?”
He stared at her for a moment, then nodded. “Shoot.”
“Melanie quit.”
“Why would she—?”
“No questions, remember? And I mean don’t go asking Melanie, either. Or Dane. Got it?”
“Sure, but why?”
“That’s a question.” At his pursed lips, she continued, “But I’ll answer it. Because Melanie doesn’t want you to ask her. That’s what this is all about. She wanted to leave, but didn’t want to have to face you and the fact you’d try to talk her into staying. She went to Dane and he said he’d take the hit and tell you he fired her.”
“All this because Melanie wants to leave and she doesn’t want me to know why?”
“Just respect her privacy, okay?”
He frowned. “I thought Melanie was happy working for me. Did I do something or say something to upset her?”
“See, you’re still asking questions.” But she smiled and leaned forward. “But I will tell you she loved working for you. Just accept that it’s time for her to move on.”
He sat back and sighed. “Okay. I’ll miss her though.” He glanced toward her. “So what about you? Is it time for you to move on? Or can I talk you into staying?”
She had quit her job, but only because she thought Dane had unfairly fired Melanie. She leaned back, crossing her arms in front of her.
“I don’t know if Dane will want me back.”
A pounding on the door startled her and she turned around.
“What the hell is going on?” Rafe stood up and walked to the computer on his desk and tapped on the keyboard. An image of the hallway right outside the door appeared on his screen. “It’s Dane.”
* * *
Dane pounded on the door again, and kept on pounding. He’d rushed past the doorman, who’d been busy helping another tenant, and raced up here. He’d gone to Jessica’s place first, and Melanie had told him she’d come here. Of course, what else would he expect?
The door opened.
“What the hell are you doing?” Rafe demanded, but Dane pushed past him, his gaze scanning the room for Jessica.
Then he saw her and his heart skipped a beat. God damn, but the woman had him fully and completely under her spell.
“Jessica, I need to talk to you.”
“Uh … do you want me to leave?” Rafe asked, closing the door.
“Yes, but you’d better stay.” He shot Rafe a glance. “I need to straighten some things out with you, too, and you’re not going to like what I have to say.” Dane’s gut clenched, knowing this would drive a huge wedge between him and Rafe, but maybe with time Rafe would forgive him.
“What is it, Dane?” Jessica asked, looking at him with her big, green eyes full of concern.
“It’s about you.” He frowned. “Damn it, I am not going to accept your resignation. I don’t want to lose you.” His hands clenched into fists. “This thing with Melanie, I…” He glanced at Rafe and his mouth compressed.
“It’s okay,” Jessica said. “I talked to her. She explained that she really wanted to quit.” As his gaze shot uncomfortably to Rafe, she added, “And I explained to Rafe that he has to respect her privacy and not ask her about it.”
Rafe nodded and Dane returned his gaze to her. “Jessica, I know you love Rafe and I know he loves you. And I know I should just walk away and let the two of you be happy together, but…” He strode toward her and clasped her shoulders, his touch sending tremors through her. “I can’t. Because I’m in love with you, too.”
At his impassioned words, her eyes widened.
“If you tell me your choice is Rafe, I’ll understand, but I have to tell you how I feel.”
He pulled her into his arms and captured her lips, driving his tongue inside and stroking with overwhelming possessiveness. She clung to his shoulders and melted against him.
When he finally released her mouth, she gazed up at him and smiled. “Oh, Dane.” She stroked his cheek, her green eyes glowing. “I love you, too.”
At first he was confused, then joy surged through him. His lips turned up in a crooked smile. “Really?
But, what about Rafe?”
“So you finally remembered me?” Rafe said in a deadpan tone, his arms folded over his chest.
Dane drew away from her reluctantly. Fuck, now he had to explain to his brother why he’d stolen away his woman. Again.
“Rafe, I’m sorry. You’re my brother and you’re important to me, but I had to give Jessica all the facts.”
“That’s my brother, all facts and logic.”
Jessica frowned. “Rafe, why are you arguing about this? We’ve already agreed things are over between us.”
At those words, Dane’s heart thundered in his chest. “You did?”
Rafe chuckled. “Because we’re brothers, Jess. That’s what brothers do.” He walked forward and held out his hand to Dane. “Since I assume you’re going to be my sister-in-law, you should get used to that.”
Dane shook his hand. “You were just screwing with me?”
Rafe shrugged. “As I said, that’s what brothers do.”
Filled with elation, Dane grabbed Jessica again and tugged her into his arms. Her lips, so soft under his, sent his blood boiling. God, he wanted her, and he couldn’t help thinking that another round with the three of them could do them all a world of good. And it would allow him to order his annoying younger brother around.
But first …
He took Jessica by the hand and led her to the couch, then tugged off his tie and began to unbutton his shirt. She watched enthralled as his shirt parted.
“You two want me to leave?” Rafe asked.
Dane chuckled. “You really want to run off, don’t you?”
Jessica’s eyes widened as she saw the decorative heart drawn on his chest, and the words written in script proclaiming his love for Jessica inside it. She reached out and stroked her fingertips over the heart.
“You got a tattoo?”
“It’s temporary. Melanie drew it on. But if you want me to, I’ll have it made permanent to show you how much I love you.”
She laughed. “Dane, you don’t have to be Rafe for me to love you.” She stroked his cheek. “I love you exactly the way you are.”
He knelt in front of her and pulled out the small box he’d put in the pocket by his heart, then held it out and opened it. She stared at the large diamond ring in the black velvet cushioned box and her eyes widened. When she gazed at him, he could see tears welling in her eyes and he braced himself for the rejection he felt sure was coming.
