Brooklyn switched on lights as she walked through the apartment, Derek’s stupid kiss set on a continuous loop in her head. After she’d seen Colton, the first bachelor, kiss the winning bidder, and every bachelor who followed do the same, she’d resigned herself to the idea of Derek kissing her too. She’d expected a brief touch of his lips against hers, much like the kiss Henry Blakey, another bachelor auctioned off, dropped on the woman who stepped on stage next to him. Heck, Henry kept his kiss so short the photographer had asked them to do it again because it ended before he got a picture.
The kiss Derek dropped on her hadn’t been a mere touch of lips, but rather a warm, sensual caress that convinced her arms to wrap themselves around him despite her brain’s loud objections. While she wished he’d followed Henry’s example, she’d admit the kiss Derek gave her did look better for pictures, and it would certainly help sell their charade more than a quick peck. Perhaps that was why she’d gone along with it. At least until he’d tried to take it even further. When he’d tugged on her bottom lip as if to get her to open for him, her brain’s arguments won out and she’d pulled herself away. Giving the camera and crowd a convincing kiss was one thing, giving them a full openmouthed lip lock was another.
Stupid, stupid. What had he been thinking? Just because Milan and her bachelor and one other couple had gotten all hot and heavy on the stage didn’t mean everyone had to. And it was what he would’ve done if she hadn’t stopped him. She might be a virgin, but she’d been kissed enough times to recognize the signs of someone taking a kiss to the next level.
Stepping out of her gown, she placed it on a hanger and returned it to her closet. Monday she’d drop it off at the cleaners and then later return it to the far corner of her wardrobe. Rather than merely wash the layers of makeup from her face, she carried her cotton shorts and T-shirt into the bathroom. A hot shower was just the thing to help ease the tension in her neck and shoulders.
Hot water pelted her from the numerous jets inside the shower stall. For several seconds, she stood under the onslaught allowing the water to work its magic. When the knots in her shoulders began to lessen, she reached for her favorite citrus body wash. Brooklyn took more time than normal in the shower, but when she stepped out, the tension and aggravation she’d carried in had been washed down the drain along with the soapsuds.
Glad to have whatever hair products the stylist had used earlier gone, she combed out her hair and left it loose to dry. Most days she blew it dry after a shower; otherwise, it turned into an unmanageable mop. Since the only plans she had for the rest of the evening involved her couch and television, she skipped the unpleasant task and headed toward her kitchen.
Yep, since she was more relaxed now; she needed a way to remain that way. A nice mug of hot chocolate and a movie were the perfect recipe for keeping her mind on things besides tonight’s events. Or more specifically, Derek’s lips against hers.
For a few months after they first met, she’d fantasized about how it would be if he kissed her. As their friendship developed and he became one of her closest friends, she’d forced herself to stop and never think of it again. Only occasionally did she find it a difficult task these days.
Now, thanks to their little arrangement, she no longer needed to imagine because she had firsthand knowledge. Knowledge she didn’t want and would give back if she could. Unfortunately, some things you couldn’t return
Her eyes watched the mug in the microwave rotate, and her mind replayed the kiss up on stage. Their bodies had come in contact numerous times over the years. Sometimes when they were together their knees would bump or their hands would touch. Until tonight though, she’d never had his entire body pressed up against hers. And man, oh, man she’d liked it. No, correction: she’d loved it.
Be smart. Forget about it and the kiss. If she didn’t find some way of blocking the memory, she’d never be comfortable around Derek again. The last thing she wanted was to lose his friendship.
The microwave dinged, but before she retrieved her hot chocolate, the doorbell chimed. Frozen in place, she considered her options. Security on the first floor checked everyone who came in who they didn’t immediately recognize. If the unfamiliar visitor was listed in the computer as a family member or regular visitor, they were allowed up; otherwise, the guard on duty called upstairs before allowing anyone to proceed. Since she hadn’t received a call from security, she suspected the visitor was either a family member or Derek.
It could be Robbie, she admitted. Her neighbor never called before crossing the hall and ringing the bell. Brooklyn checked the stove clock. Midnight. Robbie never visited this late. She didn’t need to ask to know it wouldn’t be either Paris or Milan. Paris would be at her hotel talking to Seth before going to bed. And more than likely, Milan was getting to know bachelor number six better in her hotel room. Leaving only two other possibilities….
She could pretend not to be home. Whoever stood in the hall would get tired of waiting and leave, at least for a little while. Tomorrow whoever it was would return and possibly be more annoyed than they were now. Besides, ignoring them tonight didn’t accomplish much except to prolong whatever unpleasant conversation awaited her. And it was going to be unpleasant no matter what.
“Better to get it over with now anyway.” Brooklyn pushed away from the counter, all the tension that had been washed away rushing back into her neck and head. Already a throbbing pain beat just above her left eyebrow, and she hadn’t opened the door yet.
Rubbing at her forehead, she paused, her right hand poised over the door handle. “Who is it?”
“Your parents.” Her dad’s voice came through the door, the thick wood doing nothing to muffle the anger in it.
Her left eye twitched as she opened the door.
Neither of her parents waited for an invitation. Instead, they strode inside as if they owned the place. Asking why they were making a midnight visit would only irritate them both more, and judging by their expressions, she’d done enough of that already tonight. So rather than risk saying the wrong thing, she closed the door and followed them into the living room.
“I’m sure you know why we’re here,” Scarlet said rather than a proper hello.
“Mom, Dad, it’s late. Can we have this conversation after we all get some sleep? You’re going to be in town all weekend anyway. And sometimes it’s better to sleep on things.”
“We had an agreement, Brooklyn. You gave me your word.” Donovan Novak ignored her request as he stepped closer to her. “Less than two months ago you sat across from me and promised to give a relationship with Trevor a chance. One evening out is hardly doing that.”
Although curious how he knew how many times they’d seen each other, Brooklyn decided it was in her best interest not to inquire about that tonight.
“And this stunt of yours, bidding on Derek Sherbrooke. What were you thinking?” her father demanded.
Considering how much her dad disliked Derek, focusing on Trevor rather than the auction seemed like the wisest of moves. “Trevor and I’ve also met for coffee several times and talked on the phone. In fact, I saw him on Tuesday afternoon. So I am giving him a chance. But we’re not seeing each other exclusively. Our relationship hasn’t progressed there.”
“And it never will if you spend time with that playboy you call a friend.”
Derek wasn’t a playboy. She’d told her dad that over and over. “Dad—”
“I’ve known plenty of men like him. Sherbrooke has only two uses for a woman like you.”
A woman like her. His words stung more than a slap across the face would, because even without asking, she understood what he meant. Although he’d never said it to her face, she knew her father considered Paris and Milan his beautiful, talented daughters, while he thought of her as his intelligent, reliable one. Most of the time it didn’t bother her. Looks faded; intelligence and a good work ethic were things she’d have the rest of her life. His unexpected comment tonight, however, sank deep into her heart.
“He’ll either charm you into helping him further his agenda or he’ll use you for a few nights of sex. Either way, once he gets what he wants, he’ll toss you aside and never think about you again.”
Brooklyn bit her cheek to keep from laughing at her dad’s comment about Derek using her for sex. Not once in the decade they’d known each other had Derek even kissed her until tonight, so he’d never be turning to her for sex. Besides, he never needed to use her or anyone else for his own sexual pleasure. He charmed women without even trying. All he had to do was smile and a beautiful woman latched herself onto his arm. Although he never went out of his way to attract women, like some men she’d met, there were plenty of women around for the taking if he so desired.
Her dad’s other accusation hit a little too close to home, and she spoke before considering her words. “And you’re not doing the same thing by asking me to date Trevor? If his grandfather didn’t hold the key to Atlantic Coast Marketing, you wouldn’t care if I ever spoke to him again. You wouldn’t be standing here in the middle of the night insulting me and Derek.”
The color drained out of her mom’s face and seeped into her dad’s. Only on rare occasions did he lose his temper, but when he did, it was like watching Krakatau erupt. She hoped she hadn’t pushed him quite that far now.
“Will a relationship between you and Trevor benefit me? Absolutely. But let’s be honest, you don’t have a line of men beating down your door. A relationship with him will benefit you too. Not all marriages can be based on love and mutual attraction, Brooklyn. Trevor’s educated, well established, and he wants a family. What more could you want?” Donovan all but shouted the last word at her.
Love, mutual attraction, and a whole list of other things. “And maybe it’ll work out between us. But I promised to spend time with him and see where it went. I never promised you I’d marry him, Dad.”
Donovan’s lips formed a straight line and the muscle in his jaw twitched. He wanted to make a counterargument, but couldn’t because she spoke the truth and he knew it. “You’re right, and if you have been meeting him for coffee and talking on the phone, you’re keeping your word. But what the hell were you thinking tonight?” He turned, stalked away, and then turned back around. “I’ve never understood or approved of this friendship you have with Derek. He’s an ass just like his father, not to mention a womanizer like his eldest brother and cousin.”
In the past, her dad had made it clear he didn’t care for Derek, but he’d never outright insulted him or his family.
“What the hell do you expect to accomplish by your ridiculous stunt tonight?” He closed more of the space between them. “Are you looking to buy a husband in case things don’t work between you and Trevor? Sherbrooke will never marry you. And he’d never be welcomed into our family.”
Why did he think she was so concerned about getting married? She had no issues with being single. “I don’t expect anything. We’re friends.”
“It didn’t look that way on stage.” So far, her mom had stayed out of the conversation. Brooklyn would’ve preferred she kept silent for the rest of their visit. “But if so, why did you take part tonight?”
She’d hoped both her parents would remain annoyed enough with her not to ask such a question. “Because it was for a good cause. And I wasn’t the only one in our family to get involved. Milan won a bachelor too, remember? Or have you forgotten about the goliath who sat with us, Mom?”
“But it’s good PR for her. You have no excuse.”
Since it cast her older sister in a good light and perhaps gave her already fabulous modeling career a boost, it was okay for Milan but not her. Typical.
“Besides, there were a lot of other eligible men up there tonight. You didn’t show interest in any of them. ”
Unfortunately, her mom had a point. If she’d participated solely because it was for a good cause, she could have picked anyone. “Derek was the only one up there I’d feel comfortable spending time with.” Not bad as far as lies go. Brooklyn gave herself a mental pat on the back for coming up with such an excuse.
“If you wanted to support the foundation, you should’ve made a monetary contribution instead.” Judging by his voice, her dad had his jaw clenched tight enough to break a few of his perfect teeth.
“Maybe you’re right.” Agreeing with him might get them to leave before he decided to voice any more of his opinions. Something she wasn’t up to hearing tonight.
“No maybe about it. At least you won’t be spending any more time with him outside of work.”
Had her mom failed to give him all the details about what winning him meant? If so, she didn’t plan on filling him in.
“Since you’re friends, you’ll explain the situation and put an end to your association, at least for the time being.”
The redness in his cheeks had dissipated, a good indication his anger was subsiding. Telling him the truth would only set him off again. Besides, soon enough he’d know the truth when the media printed pictures of them together on whatever dates Derek had planned. Even better, by then he’d be back home in Connecticut rather than in her home.
“It’s late, and I’m beat.” Brooklyn faked a yawn for emphasis. “Are we still meeting tomorrow night?”
Scarlet shook her head. “Seth asked Paris to fly back early. She’s leaving in the morning. And Lawrence called and invited your dad to play a round with him tomorrow afternoon, so we’re leaving right after we get up.”
Trevor’s grandfather and her dad seemed to be meeting up at the country club a lot these days. Brooklyn didn’t know if she should be happy or scared. Maybe they were working on a deal that would merge the two companies regardless of what happened between her and Trevor. Of course, they could also be meeting so much because they were already planning her and Trevor’s wedding.
“Oh, okay. Well, have a safe drive home.” She smiled and started toward the door, hoping her parents would get the hint.
Either they understood her gesture or they’d grown tired of telling her what to do, at least for the moment, because a few minutes later, she closed and locked the door behind them.
Leaning back against the door, she shut her eyes and let out a deep breath. The throb that had started above her left eyebrow now encompassed her entire head. “I could strangle you right now, Derek, for this mess.”
She pictured him up on stage tonight dressed in a tuxedo, looking sexier than any man had a right to. Or kiss you. The unwanted thought popped up and she forced it back into the deep dark places of her brain. No, the next time she saw him, she’d be giving him a piece of her mind, not kissing him. What if he tried to kiss her again?
“That won’t happen.” Unless there’s media around. If a photographer spotted them together now, they’d want a good picture to print. “Ugh. You created one gigantic mess for me, Derek.”
***
She’d told him she didn’t want to talk tonight and to call this weekend. Still, Derek had expected to corner her before she either left the hotel or her mother trapped her in a conversation.
Instead, she’d ducked out on him and everyone else. A very un-Brooklyn-like maneuver, but the only reasonable conclusion, because he’d searched the lobby area for her once he finished talking to Courtney. When he didn’t locate her, he’d returned to the ballroom, assuming she’d settled her financial obligation and then returned to her mom’s table so they could finish whatever discussion they’d started. Surprisingly, she hadn’t been there either. He’d stuck around the Bellevue for another thirty minutes, assuming at some point she’d show up again. She never did. Eventually her family left as well, forcing him to accept Brooklyn had left without telling anyone.
Derek considered stopping by her place before he returned home. He’d even gone so far as to head for the Hillcrest. Before he’d reached the street, he’d changed his mind and hopped on the highway instead. His instincts told him she’d be getting an unwelcome visit from either one or both parents tonight, and he’d pr
efer to avoid them. Scarlet’s expression when they came offstage told him what she thought about Brooklyn’s actions better than any words. And he already knew Donovan didn’t care for him, although he’d never figured out why. Tonight’s auction wouldn’t help the situation, especially if Donovan assumed it would kill his chances of getting Trevor and Brooklyn together. Not that any relationship would ever develop anyway. Even if there had been a remote possibility before tonight, there wasn’t any longer. Not after what happened between them.
Derek shook his head as he poured a glass of lemonade. He’d done nothing but analyze those few moments up on stage since he arrived home. Still, they blew his mind.
From backstage, he’d watched every bachelor, starting with Colton and ending with Evan, the man who’d gone on right before him, kiss the winning bidder when she joined him on stage. In order to maintain the charade, he’d known he would have to do the same when Brooklyn joined him. He hadn’t considered it a big deal. He’d assumed he’d give her a friendly kiss, not quite as friendly as the one Milan and Ryan shared but certainly more memorable than the one Henry had given Vanessa Mitchell. Once the photographer snapped a picture or two, they’d walk off together, him safely away from Tasha and the fundraiser a big success for the foundation.
When their lips touched, something inside his brain switched on, and it was as if every cell in his body was telling him he’d been waiting forever for this single moment. Keeping it a polite, friendly kiss became impossible. He’d pulled her closer, losing himself in the feel of her pressed against him and loving the weight of her arms around his neck. Slipping his tongue inside Brooklyn’s mouth to taste her had consumed his thoughts.
Bidding On The Billionaire (The Sherbrookes of Newport Book 8) Page 10
