“Sounds exciting, sis.”
“It is.”
“Then why don’t you sound excited about it?”
She’d paused, maybe just a tick too long. “I am.”
Jesse had snorted in her ear. “Right. Soooo…who is he?”
“There’s no he,” she’d said in her best indignant voice.
“Uh huh. I’m guessing he’s back in Houston, so California sounds too far away.”
“Shut up,” she’d said, but laughed at him anyway.
Damn him for being so intuitive.
“What does he think about you interviewing for a job out here?”
“He didn’t seem all that affected by it.” Her voice dripped sarcasm.
“So he’s, like, in love with you?”
“Didn’t you hear me? He doesn’t care. He didn’t say a word. Just ‘fine.’”
“Just let me know when the wedding’s going to be, okay?”
“You are no help at all.”
“Did you try talking to him? I hear that works sometimes.”
She’d grunted a “Love you, bye,” and hung up.
She’d tried not to think about Hunter as she flew back to Houston. The HR manager had told her they’d be making a decision very soon since hers was their last interview, and they wanted the position filled quickly. She tried to focus on reevaluating the interview, daydreaming about a move to California.
But her mind kept coming back to Hunter. There was no denying she wanted him, and for more than just a sex partner. Somewhere along the line, her heart had become involved, and wouldn’t shut the hell up. She wouldn’t go so far as to say she’d fallen in love. That was ridiculous, but she might go so far as to say there was some intense like going on.
Jesse had said she should talk to Hunter. What was she supposed to say to a man who had made a proposal with a deadline, fulfilled the deal, and been ready to move on? He obviously didn’t want her beyond their weekend. Wouldn’t talking to him be humiliating? And what was she supposed to say? “Hunter, I had a fabulous time this weekend, but it turns out I’m unable to get you out of my system and I need more. A lot more. Like the rest of my life more. Oh, and I might be falling in deep, deep like with you. Okay, fine, maybe love. I don’t know. But I want to explore it to find out. What do you think?”
Now it was Friday morning and she had to face him, and she was a nervous wreck.
She stopped in at the Starbucks near the office and ordered a double shot mocha espresso—caffeine bravado. Plus, it helped delay the inevitable.
In the lobby of the Caine Building, she poked the up button for the elevator. When it dinged, the doors slid open and she walked in. But when she turned to press the floor for the executive suite, she noticed Hunter striding in through the front doors.
All suited up he made her mouth water. Even though she’d seen him buck naked and appreciated every delicious inch of him, there was something erotic about a man in a suit.
He headed for the elevators, and when he saw her about to press the button for their floor, his stride became resolute, his expression unwavering. His gaze met hers and held it by sheer force of will.
Her mouth went suddenly dry and swallowing became a challenge. Dear Lord, he was a force of nature. How was she going to talk to him about anything personal? It was like the Hunter from their weekend had disappeared back into the depths of CEO Hunter, and she’d never find him again.
He marched into the elevator and pressed their floor, without saying a word. Once the doors closed, he kept his gaze forward, but he fidgeted. Just a bit. He rolled his shoulders and cracked his neck.
Could he be nervous, too?
As they neared their floor, he finally said, “We need to talk.”
“Yeah, we do.”
They exited the elevator on the executive level and headed into their suite. Missy was already at her desk and offered them a chipper, “Hi.” She looked like she wanted to say more until she got a load of their faces, then she suddenly found a huge interest in shuffling papers.
Hunter and Allison must have had the energy of an approaching hurricane as they swept through the outer office, through Allison’s smaller office, and into Hunter’s office. Allison certainly felt helpless against the tide, as much as she struggled to keep her calm.
Hunter circled the desk and stood behind it. “Have a seat.”
She didn’t want to sit and have him towering over her. This would be an equal conversation, not one in which he put her in an inferior position and controlled everything.
“I’m good, thanks.”
“Fine.”
He didn’t seem to know what to say from there. He shuffled the stuff on his desk and although he seemed to have purpose, he was just moving stuff around. He looked at her like he was lost, which shook her worse than his scary take-control, I’m-the-boss attitude. The look didn’t last long, but she saw it. She had the sudden urge to rescue him.
“The interview went well. I like the company, the pay, everything about it, actually.”
He seemed to deflate just a bit. “Your brother’s out there, too.”
“He is.”
He nodded to himself. “I’m happy for you.”
“I don’t have the job yet.”
“When will they make a decision?”
“Soon. If not today, certainly early next week.”
“I’ll be happy to give you a good recommendation.”
“Gee thanks.”
His gaze came up to meet hers. “What does that mean?”
“It means thanks. I’m grateful you’re willing to recommend me. It’s swell of you.”
A deep, confused vee formed between his brows. “What’s with the attitude? Won’t you need recommendations?”
“Yes,” she bit the word out.
“What’s your problem, Allison?”
“You’re just awfully quick to offer a recommendation. It feels like you’re anxious to be rid of me.”
That had come out a lot more transparent than she’d meant. The words implied work, but spewing them into the tense air between them made them a whole lot more personal.
He stared at her for a moment, just a few seconds beyond comfortable, but she held his gaze. It wasn’t difficult to see the emotions he struggled to control: anger, indignation, hurt, indifference, determination. Finally, he stalked around the desk to stand right in front of her. Despite his six-feet-plus height, with her heels he only had a few inches on her. Intimidating her with his height wouldn’t work. Presence was a different story. His presence filled a room, and when he was pissed, it crowded everything else out.
“I do not want to be rid of you,” he said.
She cocked her head, trying to figure him out. If she read him right, which wasn’t easy, he didn’t mean the job. On the other hand, that could just be her wishful thinking. Was it just that he’d be losing the best personal assistant he’d ever had, or did he mean he didn’t want to be rid of her on a personal level?
“I don’t know if I can work for you anymore, whether I get this job or not. Not after last weekend.” She stood up taller and lifted her chin. There. She’d said it.
He didn’t respond right away, just watched her, looking into her eyes, which felt a lot like looking into her soul. But she didn’t fidget. She met his gaze and tried to see into his soul. He seemed uncertain, on unfamiliar ground.
“Why not?”
“Really? You’re going to take the coward’s way out and make me spill my guts first?”
The muscles in his temple twitched. Apparently calling him a coward hadn’t been the right move.
He stepped into her personal space, forcing her against his desk. He poked her chest. “You want me to spill my guts? Okay, fine. This last weekend still haunts me. I can’t get you out of my head. I can’t sleep because I lay in the dark afraid I’ll never see you again. I don’t feel like eating. I can’t concentrate on work. It’s the most miserable fucking feeling I’ve ever experienced. I don’t
like it. I’ve even been carrying around this stupid condom as if it’s some talisman that’ll bring you back.” He pulled the last condom from their weekend string from his pocket and tossed it onto his desk. “How pathetic is that?”
She didn’t even think, she just dropped her coffee and threw herself into his arms and kissed him with all the passion she could muster. Hunter was the most overwhelming personality she’d ever met. He always had it together. He always commanded every situation he found himself in. She’d never seen him flinch. Ever. And yet, right now, in front of her, not only had he flinched, he’d admitted he needed her.
Suddenly, her heart warmed. It meant he had feelings for her. Just like she had feelings for him.
He wrapped his arms around her waist and pulled her close, kissing her hard. The air between them crackled with desperate energy, relief, doubt, exhilaration
He backed her legs against his desk and sat her ass on it. “Don’t take that job,” he said against her lips.
Leaning over her, he swept aside the stuff off his desk.
“No,” she said on a gasp between kisses.
He laid her on his desk and pulled her toward him until her ass hung off the end. “Stay with me,” he kissed her again and she wrapped her legs around him, grabbing for his neck to pull him closer.
“Yes.”
His tongue slipped into her mouth, bringing sweet Heaven with it. She returned his kisses with as much fervor. She couldn’t get close enough to him or touch him enough.
He ran his hands up her legs, scrunching her skirt upward as he did until it bunched around her waist. “I want you.”
“Yes,” she said, her voice a breathy plea.
“You’re all I can think about.” He hooked his fingers into her thong and tore the flimsy thing from her body.
“Me too.”
She sat up enough to devour his lips again, and reach for his belt. Her fingers made quick work of opening his pants so she could get her greedy hands on him.
When she wrapped her fingers around his cock, they both groaned.
He pushed her back down onto the desk, forcing her to release her grasp, and reached for something behind her on the desk.
A wicked grin spread across his face when he dangled the last condom in front of her.
She laughed. “Lucky number ten?” she asked.
His expression got serious. “It’ll only be lucky if I haven’t lost my chance at something more with you.”
Dear God. What was he suggesting?
She took the packet from him, tore it open, and rolled it onto him. He hummed his pleasure at her touch. When she was done, he grabbed her hips and drove into her until he filled her completely.
Then he leaned down and rested his forehead on hers, his breath coming in urgent, needy puffs. “God, Allison, I need you. I want you in my life. I’m so sorry. I was such an ass.”
She ran her hand over his short hair. His vulnerability made her heart ache even as her body consumed him.
“I want you, too, Hunter. I’m sorry too. We’ll figure out a way to make it work?”
“Yes. We’ll make it work.”
He gathered her in his arms and took her body and soul.
SIX MONTHS LATER
“You’re the most beautiful bride I’ve ever seen,” Josh said, taking Allison’s hand and kissing the back of it.
Hunter rolled his eyes. “Just remember she’s the boss’s wife, Josh.”
He had to agree with Josh, though. Allison was astoundingly beautiful in her short, lace wedding dress. He loved those miles of legs.
He took Allison’s hand from Josh’s grasp and led her toward the dance floor. He spun her, then pulled her into his arms, unable to believe she was all his forever. Unlike his dad, he was only doing this once.
“How’s it feel to be married for real, Mr. McAllister?” she asked. Her tease made him ridiculously happy.
He’d bought the resort shortly after he and Allison made up, and although it was still in the process of development, there was no question when they decided to get married where they’d do it.
She placed her hand on his chest, over his heart, making him puff with pride.
“Pretty damn, fine, Mrs. Caine.”
“Have I told you today how much I love you?” she asked.
“Maybe a couple of times.”
Her smile melted his heart. Since he’d finally allowed himself the freedom to feel, she’d blown him away. The sincerity, the honesty, the connection between them was so intense it hurt. He’d thought loving someone would be a weakness, but it turned out to be a strength. With that kind of unwavering love behind him, he felt bigger and stronger than ever.
“I think I’m going to throw up.” Damian barged his way onto the dance floor and punched Hunter’s shoulder. “You’re such an ugly groom.”
Allison didn’t even skip a beat.
“Takes one to know one, Sasquatch.”
“Ouch,” Damian said. “I like her. She fits right in.”
“Thank you,” she said. “How’s it feel to have another sister?”
Damian shrugged. “I hardly know the other one. But it’s nice to have some variety. All these brothers get old after a while.”
“Well, I bring a couple more of those to the mix, too.”
Jesse had come to the wedding with his boyfriend Axel. Hunter had taken to Jesse immediately. Jesse had a wicked sense of humor and was so comfortable in his own skin it made Hunter envious. And what was a couple more brothers when he already had so many?
“Yeah,” Damian said, eyeing Jessie and Axel slow dancing. “They’re a hoot.”
Hunter caught Jesse and Axel watching Damian. Axel waved and Jesse blew a kiss. Allison giggled.
“They do that on purpose,” Damian pouted.
“You think?” Hunter asked.
Hunter suspected that Jesse and Axel knew their lifestyle made an ultra-masculine, testosterone-fueled military man like Damian uncomfortable, so took it upon themselves to yank his chain. Hunter heartily approved.
“How’s the ball and chain fitting?” Xander asked as he joined them, a glass of champagne in hand, and Jaxon and Colton trailing behind him.
“Fine thanks,” Allison said.
The brothers cracked up, and Hunter smiled. He loved that she could handle herself around his sibs.
“Where’s Bishop?” Hunter asked.
“I’m here,” he said from the back of the group, keeping his usual brooding distance.
When Dalton joined them, the mood dampened. He had that effect on people.
“Congratulations, son. Welcome to married life.”
“Thanks.”
“I never thought I’d see you married,” Dalton said, slapping Hunter on the back and chuckling.
“Guess I just needed to meet the right woman.”
Dalton turned to Allison and smiled. Hunter bristled, waiting for Dalton to make some sexist comment about marrying his secretary, or how he was glad to have obliged by hiring her, or whatever. Instead, he asked, “How’s the new position working for you?”
Damian choked on his beer. Hunter shot him a withering glare for reading sexual innuendo into the comment. Not that Hunter hadn’t, but if that’s what his dad had meant he’d have laid him out in one punch, himself.
Allison chose to interpret the question to mean her job. “It’s great, actually. We’ve started planning on a new low-income housing project.”
Of course, Allison had been offered the job in California, but she and Hunter had sat down to figure out what kind of work she could do for Caine Development without him being her boss. They’d finally decided that establishing a charitable foundation that related directly to the same field as Caine Development—housing and real estate development—would be perfect. It was separate but related, so Hunter wasn’t her boss, and she could do work that gave homes to people who needed them.
Dalton, of course, balked at anything that didn’t make more money, so took veiled jabs at
Hunter and Allison about it. At first, Hunter had tried to get between them, and defend her, but she handled herself just fine, which shouldn’t have surprised him a bit.
Allison gave Dalton her sweetest smile. He wasn’t stupid. He knew when he was being shined on.
“I knew there was something clever behind all that beauty,” Dalton said.
“Well, golly, thanks, Dad,” Allison said.
Damian snorted.
Dalton actually smiled. He lifted a glass of champagne from the free bar and raised it. “A toast to Hunter and Allison on their nuptials. May there be many more Caine weddings in the future.”
A resounding chorus of horrified noes sounded from the surrounding brothers.
“Never,” Damian said.
“No fucking way,” Xander said.
The younger ones looked disgusted that he and his father had succumbed to such an appalling fate.
“Never say never, boys,” Hunter said, beaming at Allison. “Never say never.”
THE END
To Wren, Niki, and Anne: Thank you for your sharp eyes and spot-on suggestions and attention to detail. You helped polish the story and whip it into shape!
To the Badass Book Bitches: Thank you for all your helpful advice, your tips, your resources, and your continuing generosity of spirit.
To the Relentless Writers: Thank you for helping me with the cover, and for always being there to listen to my whining and still offering your help anyway! You guys are my homies.
To Wren: Thank you for commiserating, for making me laugh, for tolerating me, and for sparking the idea that has grown into the Caine Brothers.
To Merissa: Isn’t it your turn to write?
To my family: As always, thank you for being there for me. I love you.
To my readers: Thank you for your support and for your enthusiasm for my books. I’d be nowhere without you!
Watch for XANDER, book two of the CAINE BROTHERS, coming in January 2016.
Making it Right
By Margaret Madigan and Merissa McCain
Coming November 2015
Adrenaline junkie Nina Osborne never misses a hockey game or an MMA fight on TV. After the storage facility she owns is burglarized, one of her favorite MMA fighters, Drew “Juggernaut” Warner, shows up furious and blames her for his stuff getting stolen. When Drew returns to apologize and clean up his storage unit, Nina parlays it into a first date and burgeoning relationship, which comes with an introduction to the exhilarating world of live MMA.
HUNTER (The Caine Brothers Book 1) Page 10
