by Layla Hagen
“Ah, you’ll clear it for breakfast but not for discussing the contract?”
“As I said, it’s best if Skye is here too when we go through it. For breakfast, however, I want only you.”
She turned her head, looking straight at me. “But—”
“No but.”
“If you have work—”
“I’m taking the morning off, and we’re going to eat breakfast. No discussion.”
She chuckled. “And you think this is the way to convince me you’d make a good business partner?”
“What is the way, Tess? Tell me.”
“I don’t know,” she whispered, pressing her lips in a thin line.
The urge to kiss her just slammed into me. I barely kept from leaning in even closer. That was not the way to win her trust.
On the way out, I stopped by Dexter’s desk.
“Dexter, cancel my next meeting.”
His jaw dropped, but he had the good sense not to contradict me.
Once we stepped outside the brownstone, I mentally reviewed the nearest eateries.
“I know a place with great cheese. Your favorite food, right?”
Tess sighed. “Liam, charming me is not on the table.”
“We said no talking shop, so charming you is absolutely on the table. How else can I win you over?”
I was far too close again, touching her lower back.
Tess drew in a sharp breath, pointing at me. “You’re flirty again.”
“Yes.”
Her mouth formed an O, and it took all my willpower not to lean in even closer. What was it about Tess that made me so impulsive? I was calculated and liked to plan everything, yet I canceled a meeting at the last minute without a second thought.
“Don’t. It can get messy.”
“I agree. But I can’t stop myself. Every time I see you, I tell myself I’ll do better. And every time, I fail.”
“Liam...” She shook her head, glancing around. “So, where’s that breakfast place?”
“Come on, I’ll show you.”
After a five-minute walk, we reached a small restaurant that could only seat about ten people at a time. David, Becca, and I were regulars here. Besides the great food, the vibe was also relaxing with armchairs next to floor-to-ceiling shelves full of books. I led Tess to a round table in one of their nooks. We had complete privacy here. She hesitated, looking down at her feet, fidgeting in her spot.
“What is it?” I asked.
“Okay, so I’ve thought about it. Charming is on the table. But nothing else.”
“Are you sure?” I teased.
“Yes. This is about establishing trust, and—”
“I meant are you sure you can keep it to just being charming? What if your inappropriate side kicks in?”
“Liam...”
“You’re lucky I find that side of you adorable.”
She blushed but held my gaze, as if determined to make a point. After a few seconds of eye contact, she looked down, twiddling with the strap of her bag.
I spoke in her ear. “Sit down, Tess. Let’s order food.”
I didn’t want to make any promises, because I was sure I’d break them all. Outside the confines of the office, it was even more difficult to keep this insane attraction in check.
I heard her sharp intake of breath before she sat in one of the chairs. I sat in the other and ordered my usual selection when the waiter came.
Tess asked for a cheese platter and some special coffee with many extras.
“Let me just check on Skye,” she murmured once the waiter left, typing on her phone. “She was supposed to be done by now. I really hope it’s nothing serious.”
Damn, this woman was too sweet.
After a moment, her phone chimed, and she focused on the screen. She smiled from ear to ear, sighing. “Yes! She just typed back. Doctor confirmed it was just colic. He’s okay, just cranky.”
“Is he your only nephew?”
“Yes. I have a niece named Avery and also another niece, the daughter of my brother-in-law’s sister.”
“I’m losing track.”
She grinned. “Already? I didn’t even give you a rundown of the whole family.”
“How big is it, exactly?”
“Well, there’s Skye and me, obviously. My brother Ryker and my other brother Cole. Our cousin Hunter also lives in the city.”
“Big family.”
She nodded. “Oh yeah. And it just keeps growing with everyone getting married and giving me nieces and nephews.”
She lit up completely. I didn’t think I’d ever seen her smile like this.
“Speaking of your family...I did some digging because I kept thinking your last name sounded familiar. Your family organizes the Ballroom Galas.”
“Yes.”
Even though the events were raising funds for charities, the family was known to have a lot of money.
“I know we said we don’t want to talk shop, but your cousin Hunter runs one of the biggest real estate companies. Why don’t you ask your family for funding?”
She shook her head. “I don’t want to mix family and money.”
“Fair enough. I respect that.”
“How about you?” she asked. “Just you and your grandmother?”
“My parents too, but they’re never here. They’re wildlife photographers and travel constantly. I think they’re in New York about ten days per year. I grew up with my grandparents, but my grandpa passed away a few years ago. Since then, I’m keeping a closer eye on Gran. She’s a strong woman, but since Grandpa passed, she’s having a hard time.”
“She was used to sharing her life with someone for decades. Perhaps she’s feeling a bit lost since it’s just her. If they were two peas in a pod, then I think her life is a bit out of balance. It can take time to find a new purpose.”
“That’s exactly it. She’s feeling unbalanced. It takes time to reacclimate yourself after you lose someone.”
Her remark was surprising. Not only because she was spot-on, but because she’d understood Gran’s situation so quickly. Tess was like me in many ways.
“Gran’s been trying out new things that she wouldn’t before. She still loves some of her old favorite pastimes, like playing chess. I’ve been letting her beat me too often. Thought it might improve her mood.”
We both chuckled at that, and then Tess said, “Wouldn’t have thought you had it in you, with all your rules and everything.”
“I always have clear lines for everything. I don’t cross boundaries. But you have no idea how many times I’ve thought about breaking my own rules since meeting you.”
Tess laughed but immediately brought her cup to her lips. When the cheese platter arrived, she dug right into it.
“Someone was hungry,” I teased.
“I only had time for a quick coffee this morning.”
“So you came to my office hungry and semi-sleepy?”
“Hangry, more likely. And not too sleepy. I was full of adrenaline. I got up very early this morning and worked on a few bra designs we’re testing now. Trying all of them on was a bit too much for my sensitive skin. It’s red all around—” She groaned. “Too much information. Why do I always make a fool of myself around you?”
I chuckled at her dismay, because honestly, I was thrilled she was so comfortable around me. “It’s part of your charm.”
She was so open and unrestrained when we weren’t talking shop. But when we talked seriously about business, she put up a wall. I wanted to get past it, but for now, I was enjoying our breakfast. So much, in fact, that I was starting to think it would be better if we didn’t strike a deal. Then I could just ask her out without worrying how it might impact our collaboration.
Tess was a fun conversationalist, easy to talk with, and I enjoyed that about her. We were talking about our favorite restaurants, and I loved finding out how similar our tastes were. Tess had ordered a pancake with maple syrup too, and I liked watching the syrup escape her mouth as
she brought out her tongue to capture the sticky droplets.
After she finished, I asked, “Are you in a hurry?” We asked for the bill, but the server hadn’t returned yet. We both rose to our feet, allowing someone else to take the table while we waited.
“Yes, I am actually. I have an appointment with a supplier.”
“Damn, I was hoping I could get you to tell me about your outrageous celebrating habits,” I teased.
She tilted her head, her cheeks heating with a lovely shade of red. “We aren’t there yet. You have to work harder for that information.”
God, I loved our banter. “Careful, Tess. I’ll take you up on it. Work so hard for it that you’ll have no choice but to...”
“What?”
“Give in.”
She licked her lips, probably enjoying the lingering sweetness that was still there, then twiddled her thumbs. It was all I could do to prevent myself from pulling her into my arms. “Liam...I don’t like mixing things up.”
“By the looks of it, you’re kicking us to the curb, so that won’t be a problem.”
I was grasping at straws, but I wasn’t giving up; I needed to kiss her too badly. She wrinkled her nose, drawing in a deep breath. I just had to ask, “Tess...are you seeing someone?”
“What? Why would you ask that?” Her response was almost defensive.
“Because I want to kiss you so damn bad, and I don’t like to share.”
“No, I’m not seeing anyone.”
I leaned into her the next second, pressing my mouth against hers. The moment she parted her lips, an urge to claim her slammed into me.
I wanted to kiss this woman until she didn’t see anything other than me, until she wanted no one but me.
I savored her lips before deepening the kiss, needing to explore her in all the ways possible. She whimpered deliciously, and I couldn’t hold back any longer. I wrapped one hand in her hair, keeping her as close as possible as I inhaled her response. I skimmed my other hand down the side of her body, lingering on her waist. She rolled her hips, pressing herself against my already stiffening cock, and I groaned, tightening my grip on her waist. I wanted to touch more of her, all of her, and taste her everywhere too.
The sound of someone clearing their throat broke the moment. I stepped back, drawing in a deep breath. Tess pressed her lips together. Her cheeks were red.
The server was looking between us. “I have your bill ready.”
Tess reached out for it, but I caught her wrist midair, pinning her with my gaze.
“I’ve got it. This morning is on me, Tess. All of it.”
Chapter Nine
Tess
“Oooh, you brought me goodies. Gimme, gimme. Wait, is that fruit? No, no. You can keep that. I want the scones,” Skye exclaimed. I’d gone to her house in the suburbs after the meeting with the supplier, buying snacks along the way.
I laughed. We’d had the same conversation since Skye was a kid. I’d never been successful in convincing my sister to choose fruit over treats, but that didn’t keep me from trying. Her eyes were a bit swollen, but other than that, she looked like her usual self. Jonas was okay; he’d just had colic and kept her up. Her brown hair was wild around her head, and she was smiling broadly.
“Can I cuddle him?” I pointed to my nephew.
“He just fell asleep. I’m afraid he’ll wake up if I move him.” Jonas was soundly asleep in a small mobile crib next to the couch where she was sitting.
I pouted but didn’t insist. I’d fallen hook, line, and sinker for him from the first moment I held him. He was tiny and cute, and that newborn smell still hadn’t changed. Whenever I visited Skye, I was glued to him. I really wanted a small bundle of joy for myself. At thirty-five, my biological clock was ticking.
“How was the meeting with Liam? You didn’t text me.”
“No, I thought it best to just tell you everything in person.”
I sat next to her on the couch, opening the bag of scones and putting it between us.
“Oh no. The meeting didn’t go well,” Skye murmured suddenly.
“How can you tell?”
“You’ve got guilt written all over you.”
“Skye, honestly, I didn’t mean to roast his ass. I wanted to go through all the notes I made on the contract, and he didn’t. He was all broody and full of swagger.”
“Wait a second. There’s more to this.”
Damn, my sister was giving me that knowing eye.
I sighed, pressing my chin to my chest. “Yes, we went to breakfast, all his idea. Liam suggested that getting to know each other would make it easier to build trust. And it seemed a good idea, since business-wise we’re at odds.”
“But?” Skye questioned, drawing the word out. She knew me too well.
“We ended up kissing.” I said it all so fast that it was a wonder she understood me.
Skye gasped before grinning. “You what? Oh, Tess.”
“I know.” My face warmed. Ugh, I knew I was turning red.
She continued prodding me while I tried to calm myself. “I mean, I was teasing you about him looking at you with sexy intentions, but I didn’t think you’d actually kiss him.”
“Neither did I. Can we please forget about it?”
Skye wiggled her eyebrows. “If you insist.”
“I do. I feel guilty enough as it is.”
“I just have one question.”
“Shoot.”
“On a scale from one to ten, how good was it?”
I threw one of the fluffy pillows from the couch at her and then squeezed another one to my chest. Skye was a pillow freak.
“Ten all the way,” I confessed. How could I lie? She was my sister, after all.
She opened her mouth, but I pointed at her. “You said one question. That’s it.”
She narrowed her eyes, shrugging. “Okay. So, what are the next steps?”
“Well, he suggested you and I talk to a lawyer about all the legal stuff we’ve highlighted and then meet again with him to discuss our business concerns.”
“That makes sense. A lot of our questions were of legal nature. Harrington & Co. certainly has a detailed contract.”
“I’ve already messaged Josie. She said she has time at three o’clock.” That was in two hours. Josie was not only our cousin’s wife and our best friend but also a fantastic lawyer.
“Okay, we can review the document until then,” Skye suggested.
“That’s what I thought too.”
We analyzed it right until it was time to talk to Josie. We spent two and a half hours on the phone with her, going through the contract line by line, and she was extremely helpful. The first time I read it, I flagged everything that sounded even a little bit vague. I could see now how that could annoy anyone. Josie patiently explained every legal question we had in layman’s terms, which was exactly what we needed.
In the end, we reduced the number of issues we wanted to discuss with Liam from sixty-five to eighteen. Josie also pointed out that they had a silent partner, Albert McDowell, and encouraged us to ask what his involvement would be. I was worried about the clause that said they could pull out of the deal within six months in case of force majeure, but Josie assured me that was just a precaution and the chances of that happening were slim.
“You still have some work ahead of you until you can reach an agreement though,” Josie commented, “but I think you’re on the right track. They’re offering you a solid deal, ladies. If you can smooth out those few things, you should have a great partnership.”
“I think so too,” Skye said.
“Thanks so much, Josie,” I told her sincerely. Just having her approval made Skye and me feel more comfortable. I could see my sister’s relief in her posture, and I’m sure it was reflected in mine.
“I’ll keep my fingers crossed for you two,” she added before disconnecting the call.
I turned to Skye. “Okay, so I’ll email Liam, since I was the one who met with him.”
&n
bsp; “And you kissed him.”
“Well, technically, he kissed me.”
She was smiling. Hell, I was smiling, because I usually lived for details, and I recounted every date, even painted a vivid picture of any guy I liked. But things were complicated with Liam.
I sent him an email right away, asking for another meeting and attaching the version of the document Skye and I had worked on.
“Okay, this was a productive day!” she exclaimed.
“I know, right? Want me to peel some of those oranges?” I pointed to the untouched bag I brought.
Skye pouted. “I say we’re productive and you want to celebrate with fruit, not scones? Who are you, and what have you done with my sister?”
“Well, I was just trying to do the right thing.”
Before I could add anything else, Rob arrived.
“Hey, Tess.”
“Hey.”
He kissed my sister and his son, then stared at the bag of fruit.
“Tess, you brought that?” he asked.
“Yup. Couldn’t talk her into eating any, though. Maybe you can help me convince her?”
He nodded. “Leave it to me.”
“Oh great. Now you’re ganging up on me,” Skye griped.
I winked at Rob before standing up from the couch. It was time for me to go. As much as I loved spending time with them, I didn’t want to be a third wheel or impose.
My heart gave a mighty sigh watching the three of them just being so happy together. One day, I was going to have a little family of my own; I was sure of it.
I was pretty hopeful and romantic, even though my dating life wasn’t giving me reasons to be that way. But hey, being positive and optimistic had always been my way of life, and it helped propel me in difficult times, such as when we’d just opened the store and worked crazy hours.
I had a lot of love to give—though sometimes I thought it was too much and it might be overbearing—and I wanted to share it with someone.
I headed straight home afterward, and just as I entered my apartment, my phone buzzed.
It was my brother Cole. I plugged in my earbuds before answering so I could go about taking off my shoes and my coat. Even though it was only the third week of September, the weather had changed fast.
