Chasing Happy (Texas Desires #1)

by Rylie Roberts

  Underneath the blanket, she brought her hands up to cup her naked breasts. They ached in her palms. Actually her whole body ached—in a very good way.

  Technically, she hadn’t had this much sex ever in her life, so the pain made sense. She pushed her hair out of her face and rolled to the side of the bed to sit up. The carpet felt as good as the bed. She wiggled her toes, stood on both feet, and reached for the ceiling. The ache wasn’t just in the places Reed spent the most time, but her muscles were sore, and she stretched them out as she went for the bathroom.

  A note between the faucet and sink caught her eye. Her clothes were lying nearby; he’d placed them there for her. She reached for the note at the same time she caught her reflection in the mirror. The wild mess of her hair made her giggle, but what caught the most attention was the strategically placed hickeys scattered all across her body. She’d thought his five o’clock shadow had rubbed her raw. Clearly not the case. Reed had marked her up and down her body—her breast, rib cage, along her hip, and on the inside of each thigh. She ran a hand across the left one, remembering the tender love he’d performed mere inches above. Man, he was so good at that.

  No question, she was in serious trouble here. Reed Prescott was the ultimate man. She could feel the stir that thoughts of him evoked deep inside. She’d already broken one long-standing rule when she’d argued with Kade over Reed, and truthfully, her best friend was actually correct. Guys like Reed didn’t settle down long-term with any woman, especially someone like her.

  “Stop, Lara.” She looked herself in the mirror, pointing a finger at her reflection. Her gaze slid to the note she still hadn’t read. His script was much like yesterday, crisp and clear. No unnecessary words. He’d gone to the office and wanted her to come to him. She ran a finger over his words before putting the note aside.

  He’d placed a toothbrush, toothpaste, and a hairbrush on the counter for her. Her smile grew at the sweetness of his actions. Lotions, shampoo, razors, different soaps…just about anything she might need was within easy reach. Reed was so incredibly sweet. She dressed quickly, pinning the back of her dress to help keep it in place. She grabbed her shoes and went in search of her purse. Hopefully her panties were somewhere close by.

  She opened the bedroom door and began looking around the condo. If possible, it was even better in the daylight. “Hi, miss. I have breakfast for you.”

  Startled, Lara flipped around. An older woman stood in the hall she’d just walked down. She had no idea where the woman had come from.

  “You scared me!” She laughed at her own shaky voice. “I’m Lara.”

  “I’m Helen. It’s a pleasure to meet you. Mr. Prescott suggested I make you breakfast. It’s right in here.” Helen took the lead and began walking toward the kitchen.

  “Have you seen my purse?” she asked, looking around.

  “Yes, ma’am. It’s right on top of the chair in the living room.” Lara went to the room to retrieve it, and her face flamed with heat when she spotted her panties folded right on top of the purse. Lord, she must seriously look like such a ho. She quickly dropped the underwear in her purse before digging out her cellphone.

  “Here, dear. Would you like coffee or orange juice?” Helen put a full plate of food on the dining room table.

  “Coffee please.” Everything looked scrumptious. Helen had made a full breakfast of bacon, eggs, hash browns, and biscuits with gravy that looked so homemade Lara’s mouth actually watered. She abandoned the phone, walked to the table, and sat down to dig in. “This looks delicious.”

  Helen placed the coffee mug in front of her with a tray of different creams and sugar. She took another big bite of the delicious food before adding both to her coffee. She took a drink to help wash everything down. “This is wonderful. Thank you so much.”

  “Mr. Prescott said you’d be spending time here and we should discuss the food you like. We cook dinner for him every night, unless Mr. Prescott’s assistant tells us not to. Do you have preferences or anything you don’t like to eat?”

  Lara placed another bite of the eggs in her mouth and broke a piece of bacon in half waiting to add that to her mouth. She shook her head no, chewed quicker, and took another drink. She wasn’t sure which gave her all these warm feelings. The taste of the food or the idea of Reed saying she’d be around and making preparations to accommodate her. “I’m not picky at all. I like everything. I’m a foodie.”

  “We schedule menus with Margaret. If there’s anything you want changed, just let her know.” Helen smiled and turned to leave the room.

  “Thank you,” she called out. Nibbling at her bacon, she took another drink of coffee and picked up her cellphone. She tapped a button, ran a finger across the screen, and her heart sank. Kade sent her six text messages after they’d talked last night. He was still mad at her decision to stay. One message came in the middle of the night, asking when she’d be home. Actually, more like she needed to get her ass home and stop playing games, but she chose to think he meant those words with love. She sighed deeply. Not good.

  She gathered her things, disposed of the dishes, and was shooed away from cleaning them by Helen. She sent a quick message to Kade to let him know she was on her way home before she left the apartment and made the loop around to Reed’s office. His door was open. She passed the desk they’d used the night before and he’d done a terrible job at putting things back together. Looking closer, they had actually broken several pieces.

  “Oh man…not good,” she whispered on an inward groan. She bypassed the desk and went for Reed’s door. He did a lot of yessing on the phone call. He looked pained with his head in his hand. She thought about just leaving, not interrupting, but decided that was rude too. She knocked, and he looked up, his expression changing as he motioned her inside.

  “No, stay on your call. I have to get home.” She waved him off, but he rose, pushing a button on the telephone keypad as he dropped the receiver without even telling the person goodbye or hold on.

  “Come in. I’ve been waiting for you,” he said, walking toward her.

  “I’ve gotta go. Kade’s waiting for me.” She tried again to move out the door. Things never ended quickly between them when they got within a few feet of each other.

  “That doesn’t sound good.” Since Reed didn’t understand words like no and I’ve got to go, unless they were uttered by him, it made conversation a little more difficult.

  “It’s my fault. I should have told him. I chickened out and left that note.” There was a solid chunk of anxiety welling in the pit of her stomach.

  “Understandable. Want me to go with you?” Reed asked, drawing her hand to his lips for a brief kiss on the knuckles. This was the exact problem with getting too close. A fresh set of tingles spread across her body, leaving a trail of goose bumps behind. He didn’t let go, instead drawing her farther into the sitting area of his office. He sat on the arm of a chair, pulling her between his thighs, wrapping both arms around her. Which was all technically the opposite of her needing to leave right away.

  “He’s gonna be okay. I wish you two would’ve hit it off better.” She bit her lip, knowing things were seriously going to be complicated if the two of them didn’t find common ground pretty soon.

  “Lara, he’s right. I can’t fault him for that. My intentions weren’t good. You have to give him some room to adjust. All I can do is show him things changed. I need to talk to him. It’s not worth the stress rolling around in your eyes. I get it. If I want to be with you, he’s part of the package.” Lara’s anxiety lessened. Reed kept getting better and better. A slow grin spread across her face. She loved those words. That purposeful distance she kept between them this morning faded. She took a step forward and leaned in, threading her fingers through his tousled hair.

  “Thank you for understanding,” she said quietly and kissed his lips. He seemed to like those small PDAs.

  “Changing subjects. Are you still going with me tonight?” he asked, readjusting his arms to
keep her there closer against his chest.

  “If you want me to.”

  “Good. Margaret’s working out hair, makeup, clothing. It’s a dressy deal.”

  “Isn’t everything you do dressy?” she teased.

  “It seems that way, I know. This week’s been a little more than normal.” Reed slipped his hands down her ass, heading south until his finger grazed the skin on the back of her thighs. That familiar warmth spread. “How do you feel?”

  “I feel good. I never sleep until ten. Thank you for having Helen cook breakfast.”

  “That’s her name! I couldn’t remember.” She laughed at the look on his face. He was so cute when he let himself just be normal. She ran a palm across his cheek as his hands slid up again, moving her dress higher as he went. He seriously had a one-track mind. He spread his fingers, allowing his palms to cup her bare ass. “You’re sexy as hell. When I pick you up tonight, bring some clothes so you don’t have to leave in your dress. Kiss me.”

  The kiss was intense, but swift. The hands at her ass moved upward to her lower back and then down again. His caressing touch added fuel to the kiss before he withdrew his palms. He ended the embrace, pushing her back a bit while straightening her clothing and pulling her dress down to cover her again.

  “I wanted you this morning. I was just afraid I’d overdone it last night. You need a break, you have to be sore.” He actually shifted her farther away from his body. “Do you want me to have Margaret call you directly or I can text you the information.”

  “Texting’s good. What time do we leave tonight?”

  “Six thirty-ish. If we get a bite to eat beforehand, then earlier, or we can go after. I can order something in.” He let her walk away but he rose to follow her out the door. “If you’re too sore for more tonight, still plan on staying. I can wait.”

  She stared down at the carpet, smiling big at that one. He was just so sweet with her. “I will, but I’m really fine. Good actually.” He trailed behind her toward the elevator.

  “Let me know about Kade. If you need me, I’ll be right over.” Reed opened the hidden panel and pressed the button, opening the elevator.

  “It’ll be fine. You’re right. He just needs time. He needs to see what I see,” Lara said, looking up at Reed. That sentence earned her a solid smile and a sweet kiss of appreciation.

  “What about your phone call? Are they still holding?” she asked as he reached an arm out to hold the doors open.

  “He’ll still be talking, I’m sure. I’ll walk you down.” Reed rode to the bottom floor and walked her as far as the outside street corner. As if it were the most natural thing in the world, he kissed her again, patting her ass before she took off across the street. At the front doors of her building, she turned to see he was still there watching her and he lifted a hand. She waved back. Lord, he had a way of making her feel special.

  Chapter 19

  Anxiety rolled through her in waves the second Lara pushed open the door to see Kade pacing their living room. Deep in thought, he swiveled his penetrating gaze in her direction. All movement stopped. Both of them stood there staring at the other, neither saying a word. Kade looked hurt, worried, and concerned, and that crushed her soul. By the dark circles under his eyes, she could tell he hadn’t slept. Lara was the first to break the eye lock. She had no choice but to look away, the guilt of her actions was too much. She shut the door behind her as she walked straight back to her bedroom.

  “I need to change.” She looked over her shoulder as she said the words, but didn’t make eye contact. Disappointment wasn’t an easy thing to get past. Kade came to her bedroom door and hovered, still not saying a word. In her closet, she changed quickly into a pair of Soffe shorts and a T-shirt. She needed a shower, Reed’s scent marked her, but that would have to wait. She dumped her head forward, gathered her hair and bound the strands together with a ponytail holder from her dresser.

  She’d stalled long enough. Taking a deep breath, she went to stand right in front of him. The hurt in his eyes ended any aggravation she was able to muster. She finally just broke and spilled. “I’m sorry. I should have told you.”

  He nodded once and turned away. She followed. “Please don’t be mad.”

  “I’m not mad.” He went inside his bedroom. She followed and watched as he fidgeted with something at his dresser, then went to his closet. He didn’t seem to have any clear direction. She dropped a leg underneath her and sat on the corner of his bed.

  “What are you then?”

  “I don’t know.” He wouldn’t look her way as he left his bedroom and went to the kitchen. She followed again. “I’ll just be here to pick up the pieces.”

  “Kade, please stop being upset. I don’t know what’s happening with Reed. I’m certain you know better, but I like him. He makes me feel good. I know it’s not forever. It’ll end soon, but at least I’m stepping out of my comfort zone like you always push me to do.” He worked at the sink while she propped a shoulder against the doorframe, watching him do nothing really.

  He turned away, took a water bottle out of the refrigerator, and drank several long gulps while just staring at her. His leg bounced. They were in a standoff. Kade was clearly trying to decide how much he wanted to say, and honestly, Lara wasn’t sure she needed to hear all the thoughts running through his overprotective brain.

  “You go from one extreme to another. You pick weasely losers or guys that are so far out of our class range we can’t see them. Why do you do that? Why can’t we just have a normal guy in your life?” He didn’t move from where he stood.

  “I don’t know.” He was right and she bit her lip. “I like spending time with him. He’s nice. I put lots of rules on us. He said he wouldn’t date anyone else while he sees me,” she finally offered up. Kade barked out a laugh and went to the living room. She followed, keeping her distance because now he was hurting her feelings. “He told me you went to talk to him. That you did a background check on him. I love that you watch out for me, Kade. It’s just that I have to try on this. He’s better than anyone I’ve dated before.”

  “What’s gonna happen to your job when this goes south?” Kade asked, taking a seat on the sofa. She followed, sitting on the other side, facing him. Kade stared straight ahead, refusing to look her way.

  “I don’t know. I’ve heard the gossip. I think he dates a lot of women at work.”

  “It’s not just dating, Lara. Those people are more sophisticated than us.” Frustrated eyes finally landed on her.

  “Than me, you mean. You sleep with everybody.” Her feelings were officially hurt and he gave her an exasperated look.

  “I meant what I said. I see these kinds of people every day. They don’t think like we do. Life’s a big ass game for them. He’s like them. Hell, he’s the king of their kind. You’re too emotional for them. Shit matters to you. It won’t be just sex. For me, it’s just sex. You can’t handle that.” He punctuated his statement by almost yelling those last words.

  “I know. He knows that. I’m really attracted to him. He makes me feel good about myself. He makes me feel pretty,” she said, imploring him to understand. She’d never experienced any of this before. Growing up, she’d been the daughter of the town drunk. At Wake Forest, she barely had enough to eat. Everything she had was hand-me-downs in a school full of super wealthy kids. Then her move to Dallas had only cemented her place as the outcast in a world of socialites. When Reed left the picture, maybe she could hold on to feeling good about herself.

  Nothing about Kade’s facial expression gave her anything to work with. That same unreadable look lasted several long moments. “No more hiding or lies. It pissed me off to get that note. You should’ve told me. I talked to you five times yesterday. I wouldn’t have done that to you.”

  “I’m sorry. It was more me than you. I was disappointed in myself. I thought I should’ve been stronger. But I’m so glad I wasn’t. Last night was incredible.” She wanted to have him excited for her. To tell her best frie
nd everything.

  His quiet continued and she moved closer to him on the sofa.

  “Be in this with me, Kade. Share this with me. I’m sure I’ll be a wreck when it ends, but we’ll deal with that when the time comes. He’s nice to me. I don’t know why he wants this between us. Maybe he’s slumming it, but whatever. I have to try,” she pleaded.

  “You don’t see yourself clearly,” he said, lifting an arm. With no hesitation, she went to him and hugged him tight.

  “I think I see myself pretty clearly. You just love me. So we’re good?” She pulled back, taking a long look at his face. He seemed better, and relief poured through her.

  “No more lies?” he asked.

  “None!” she said, happy. She kissed his cheek and sat back on her knees. “I need to shower. We’re going to the opera tonight. It’s opening night.” She waggled her eyebrows.

  Kade rubbed a hand over his face and let out a yawn. “I have to work.”

  “But you haven’t slept.”

  “I’ll be fine.” His yawn said something different.

  “Kade, go sleep for a little while now. That’s too dangerous,” she said.

  “Are you coming home tonight?” he asked. Classic Kade. Divert or change the subject.

  “I don’t think so. He asked me to stay. I’ll text you. Go lie down. Really. I have to go dress shopping. I’ll text you a picture and wake you up when you need to go.” She rose, pulling him off the sofa. He had a couple of hours he could rest before his shift. He stood, hooking an arm around her back, drawing her in for a tight hug.

  “I just want you to be happy, princess,” he said in her ear.

  “I know.” Her arms wrapped around him. “Please go lie down. I’ll worry.”