Rae twisted in her seat, arm draping over the back so she could watch the exchange. Did she look as casual as Zach did? There was no way the torrent of emotions pouring through her was staying off her face. Would the flush of her lips show? Was her chest heaving as she searched for missing breaths?
Scott looked between the two, brow raised. “Did I interrupt something?”
“Nope.” Zach gestured to the empty seat next to Rae.
She failed to ignore the sting that flitted through her at the casual denial, but what had she expected? She certainly hadn’t planned on telling anyone, and that was even if something had happened.
“Just trying to reach an agreement.” Zach dropped into his own seat. “Playing nice, burying the hatchet, all that.”
“It’s about fucking time.” Unlike his business partner, there were very few situations that made Scott consider his language. He didn’t sit. Instead his footsteps carried him from one side of the room before he spun on his toe and headed back in the other direction. Scott pacing was never a good sign. “Just got off the phone with Vance. They’ll be in the office. Tomorrow.”
One of the executives from Digital Media, and as she understood, about the most foul word anyone in the office could use. Rae was on her feet again in an instant. “That’s my cue.” She couldn’t bring herself to meet Zach’s gaze. Instead, she nudged Scott. “Call me.”
“Yeah.” Scott sounded distracted.
Rae bypassed the elevator and headed straight for the stairs, not sure she could face anyone until she found more of her composure. What the hell had she been doing? Halfway to the parking lot her phone vibrated through her purse, startling her. After fumbling to swipe her passcode, she pulled up the message from Zach. Stupid, shaking hands.
Later? The single word all but flashed at her, obliterating any chance she had of finding her center any time soon.
Her fingers moved with more self-assurance than she had in the entire rest of her body, defying her indecision, and hit send. Definitely.
CHAPTER FIVE
Zach paced the sidewalk outside the restaurant. Management and human resources from their new parent company were in town to “check out operations.” He took a drag off his cigarette and exhaled, checking his watch again. Looking at the time every thirty seconds didn’t speed anything up, but he didn't know what else to do. Protocol meant Zach and Scott were obliged to take their guests out for the evening, get to know them off the clock, and play nice.
He didn't want to play nice with the people who were stealing their company. He exhaled and raked his fingers through his hair. At least Selina, the head of HR, had been pleasant to look at and fun to flirt with. An evening breeze brushed his skin, but didn't chase away the heat of frustration.
Vance, the Chief Technology Officer at DM, had been making passive-aggressive comments since he'd arrived in the office that morning. Zach closed his eyes and breathed in. The older man had even encouraged Zach and Scott to bring their significant others, a hint of laughter in the suggestion. Car exhaust mixed with the sickly sweet of the purple and red flowers lining the walkway. The smell wasn't so much relaxing as it was nauseating.
Zach hadn't been with anyone for more than a night since Kelly left. There was no way Vance knew that, but the invitation made it feel like he did. It was a shame he couldn’t ask Rae.
He cringed. That was a bad path to loiter on. He still needed to get her out of his system. She was the last thing he needed hanging over him right now. The memory of her skin against his. The taste of her kisses. The unfinished business in his office with her the other day.
And that’s all it was. Business.
A whisper of relief passed over him when a familiar SUV pulled up to the valet. He was starting to worry Scott wasn't going to show. The jet black Escalade was hard to miss anyway, but the “G4M3 G0D” vanity plates were a dead giveaway.
An attendant opened the passenger door, and Zach's eyes grew wide when he saw who stepped out. He slid his sunglasses down his nose, making sure he wasn't imagining it. Rae's gauzy top had been replaced with a white sun dress that dipped low enough to show a hint of cleavage, but not so low it was inappropriate. A sliver of pink peeked out from under one of the shoulder straps. The skirt swirled around her legs and ended just above her knees, elongating well-toned legs.
The sinking sun caught the traces of auburn in her sandy hair. Zach pushed aside the lingering memory of strawberry shampoo that had teased him since he’d pushed her onto his desk. Scott had said he was bringing someone, along with the assurance she was just a friend and would make things more comfortable. Maybe Zach shouldn't have said okay so quickly.
The couple stepped onto the curb and Zach extended a hand. “Three times in one week. It’s becoming a habit.”
Rae hesitated before accepting the handshake. “No date?” She flushed and ducked her head, leaning into Scott. “Sorry, wasn't thinking.”
Scott wrapped an arm around her waist.
Zach noted the intimate interaction. He had to bite the tip of his tongue to keep from making a joke about the two dating. No reason to make things even more awkward in a situation that already promised to be less than pleasant.
Rae wrapped the strap from her purse around her finger and released it.
Even if Zach had known what to say, their dinner companions were heading toward them, putting a hold on any casual conversation. He pasted on a smile and Scott took the hint, turning to face Vance and Selina. Both were dressed in their work clothes still, even though Selina had taken her hair down and let it drape around her shoulders and down her back.
Since he hadn't had the chance in the office, Zach took the opportunity to get a better look while they approached, using his sunglasses to hide his observations. Her jacket accentuated every subtle curve on her tall frame without showing any skin between the neck and knees. He let his fantasy trip over what was hidden under the burgundy suit and peach button-down. Black lace, maybe? Or something more practical?
Probably nothing as fun as hot pink. He glanced at Rae. Yeah, he needed to fix that wandering distraction. Maybe she was free after dinner.
“Gentlemen, I’m glad you had time this evening.” Vance shook their hands.
Like they'd had a choice. Zach kept the response to himself, knowing Scott would do the same. “It sounded like a great chance to get away and get to know the two of you better.”
“I'm sorry to see your girlfriend couldn't join us. Or is she not here yet?” Selina tucked a strand of hair behind her ear, gaze flickering over his face.
“I'm afraid work takes up most of my social life.” Zach tried not to choke on the pleasantries. He didn't mind them most of the time, but hated discussing his private life. “There's no girlfriend.”
Scott stepped in. “This is Lorraine.”
Zach bit back his surprise. She was using her full name? That seemed so...appropriate. Kind of bizarre for someone who had... He mentally shook his head, forcing the memory away. That was all in the past. He and Scott would talk later about surprises that made it difficult to maintain a poker face at dinner.
Vance shook her hand. “We should head inside. I'd hate to keep you out so late you can't finish your homework.”
Zach’s hands clenched and he bit the inside of his cheek. He was seconds away from giving a notably unprofessional response. He knew the older man was rude, but really?
Rae’s smile didn’t match up with the way her hand tightened on her purse. “It's all right. I don't usually work at night, but my people know how to get a hold of me.”
“Your people? What do you do, dear?” Selina asked.
Rae unzipped the outside pocket on her purse and pulled out a small silver case. She plucked two business cards out and held them out in a small fan. “Financial and operations consultant.”
Vance tucked the offered card into his jacket pocket. “Interesting. I didn't realize the unemployed got such fancy titles.”
Rae's smile twisted but didn'
t falter. “Neither did I.”
He was implying because she was a consultant, she was out of work? “You misunderstand.” Zach couldn’t keep the edge from his tone. It took most of his remaining restraint to keep from speaking through clenched teeth. “Lorraine is one of the most sought after names in the valley. Anyone worth the C in front of their title knows her name and knows she can make any budget work. A talent like that doesn’t tie herself to a single employer.”
Vance’s jaw clenched.
“That’s an impressive recommendation.” Selina stepped between Zach and Vance, gaze lingering on Rae for a moment.
Scott cleared his throat. “She deserves it. I think our reservations are waiting?” He wrapped an arm around Rae’s waist again as they turned toward the restaurant. He shot Zach a glance, eyebrow raised.
Zach shook his head and turned away from the unspoken question. What was wrong with him? An outburst like that wasn’t him at all. It was going to be a long night. Vance managed to work his way to the front of the group. The doorman greeted them with a nod, holding the smoked glass open.
Zach gave the dimly-lit room a cursory glance. There wasn't a bench seat to be seen in the steak house. Burgundy tablecloths and soft candles decorated every table, accessorized by snifters and napkins folded to look like swans. Even though half the restaurant was full, the quiet chatter barely reached above the clang of silverware on porcelain.
Years ago, when Scott's parents were the ones with the money and Zach only tagged along when his friend begged, the high-end restaurant would have intimidated him. Since then he'd learned to appreciate the indulgence; especially when there was a good reason to expense the bill.
The focus of the conversation shifted to business as they were seated and ordered.
“I was concerned to see your names in the news this weekend.” Vance draped his cloth napkin over his knee. “That's not the kind of image we like our executives to project. Reflects poorly on the company as a whole, you understand.”
Right, Scott had gone off at a trade show a couple of days ago. Zach bit the inside of his cheek. He didn't appreciate being lectured like a child about something so basic. He wanted to mention DM needed to get used to it. Scott’s reputation was built on that kind of bullshit and the fans ate it up. Too bad it wouldn't do him any good to argue. “Of course. We’ll keep that in mind in the future.”
Out of the corner of his eye he saw Rae whisper something to Scott, who forced a smile and nodded back.
He felt a twinge of jealousy and pushed it aside. Was that what it had been like for Scott to watch him with Kelly? Recognizing that was a bad path to go down, he focused on Selina. She had yet to toss passive aggressive insults at him. “So how long have you been with the company?”
She chuckled and took a sip of her wine. “Too long.”
“You can contact our media group if you need any help,” Vance interrupted. “I'd hate to see this reflect badly on either of you.”
Scott sighed and Rae whispered something else to him.
“I appreciate the offer. I'll let you know if we can't handle it.” Zach forced his smile to stay intact. He desperately needed a smoke. He almost jumped when a foot traced up his leg.
Looking up, he caught Selina's eyes over the top of her glass. She winked before glancing away. Even if he had been interested, sleeping with the HR rep from his own parent company seemed like the fastest way to make things worse. The last thing he needed was to have to deal with sexual harassment complaints or sensitivity training.
He needed to walk away for a few minutes and regroup his thoughts. He was already talking as he reached for his pocket. “Damn it, I thought I turned this thing off.” He lit up his phone as he pulled it out.
“Something wrong?” Disdain hung heavy in Vance’s voice.
Zach feigned concern as he started at the device. “I need to take this. I’m sorry.” He stood as he spoke, already holding the phone to his ear as he walked away from the table.
He pushed outside, letting the evening air wash over him. Great, five minutes into dinner and he was already making weak excuses. He stepped to a side of the building away from foot traffic, lit up a cigarette, and inhaled deeply. He could make it through the night. This was what he did. He could ignore the arrogant old man taunting them with what was rightfully theirs.
And he could make plans for after dinner. He took another drag off his smoke, and then pecked out a quick message to Rae. Busy later?
He didn’t expect a response right away. She was playing professional for the evening like the rest of them. So he was surprised when his pocket vibrated a couple minutes later.
I’m your important call? I’m flattered.
He wouldn’t smile. There was no reason to appreciate the teasing. Except the familiar banter called to pleasant memories, and had already erased a layer of his stress. Texting at the table? That’ll earn you another jab about your age.
A few seconds later. Powdering my nose. Have to get back, and no I’m not busy later. Want to change that?
His cock twitched in response to the bold flirting. He inhaled deeply, blew smoke through his nose, and tried to calm his reaction. His reply was brief. After dinner?
Because closure, right?
He smirked, still not able to force his heated blood to cool down. Of course.
Don’t be late.
A half smile stayed with him as he finished his smoke. He hovered outside for a few more minutes to let the smell dissipate, and then headed back to dinner. Rae had already rejoined the group and was swapping stories with Selina about whether it was better to give someone a written warning right off, or talk to them first. When the older woman took the hard, fast line of no exceptions, he was even more relieved he’d ignored her flirting.
“Everything all right?” Scott asked as soon as he was seated.
Shit, Zach hadn’t come up with an excuse. This entire thing was screwing with his head. His brain kicked an answer to his mouth without pausing to let him process. “Broker.”
Scott scowled. “Of course.”
Vance laughed. “At least you’re planning for your future.”
Rae gave him a brief glance. Was that laughter dancing in her brown eyes? She turned away before he could be sure.
He resisted the urge to call off the night early. At least knowing what was waiting for him would make things more tolerable.
CHAPTER SIX
Rae perched on the edge of her couch, intertwining her fingers and then unwinding them again. Should she change? She tugged the sundress past her knees even though there was no one around to be modest for. Was she making a mistake?
Out of all the questions tumbling through her thoughts, that was the one she hadn’t hesitated to answer every time. She kept thinking she might feel differently each time it appeared in the rotation, but she still couldn’t convince herself this was a bad idea.
She jumped at a knock on the door, hand flying to her hammering heart, and then giggled at her own reaction. Breathing deep, she tried to take her time crossing the room to answer.
“Hey,” was the only thing she could manage when she saw him. She stepped aside, gaze traveling over him when he brushed past. The tailored jacket hung off his shoulders perfectly; the slacks made his ass look fantastic. Holy hell he was sexy.
Her hostess instinct kicked in when she couldn’t think of anything else to say. She latched the door and leaned back against it. “Can I get you anything?”
He turned his full attention to her, steel eyes dark. “You.”
That was cheesy. And she didn’t care. She stepped closer, forcing down her hesitation. “Easy enough.”
“Easy’s not the word I would have used.” He rested a hand on her cheek and kissed her softly. His mouth trailed down her jaw, to her throat, and over her shoulder. “I could go for intoxicating. Or distracting.”
He was good at that. Getting rid of the unrealized sexual tension between them was definitely a good idea. She tilted her
head back, sinking into every new sensation. “It’s not a negotiation.”
“Hmm…” The sound rumbled through her skin. “Says you.” He slipped a finger under the shoulder strap of her dress, sliding down to the top of her breast — but not lower — before moving back up again. “Pink bra.” He kissed along her collarbone. “Flared skirt.” His hand rested on her waist. “Wait. What were we talking about?”
She relaxed further. This wasn’t the salesman who had worked his verbal bullshit magic at dinner or the instigator who had poked her buttons the other morning just to see her react. Would he actually let down his defenses for the night? If she had to admit it, she missed that person; the banter, the fun, the long hours just talking. She didn’t dare hope.
“You’re too quiet.” He nipped her neck, drawing a gasp from her. “That’s a start. Something on your mind?”
No way she was spoiling the moment by voicing her doubts or observations. She broke away with a smile, pushed his jacket off his shoulders, and hung it on a hook by the door. “Only one thing.”
He grasped her fingers and tugged her close, wrapping an arm around her waist. He kissed her lightly again. “The kind of thing you’d be willing to describe in vivid.” He caught her bottom lip between his teeth, tugging before releasing. “Lurid.” He bit her earlobe, voice barely a whisper. “Detail?
Every new sensation sent another spark through her, making her lightheaded. She pressed against him. Why were there still so many clothes in the way? “I’m not the word master you are, and what I had in mind is a lot more hands on.”
He slid around until he was standing behind her. His lips traced up the back of her neck, breath hot against her skin. “I like the way you think.”
She tilted her head back and rested it against his chest. His palms glided up her stomach, the light but confident touch sending sparks of desire through her. His nose tickled her shoulder and then her ear.
Holding Her Close (Bits and Bytes, Book 0) (Bits & Bytes) Page 4
