The Weekend Surprise (The Cannon Brothers, #2)

by Jade, Ella

  He pulled away, but kept her face in his hands, gently finishing the kiss. When she licked the moisture from her lips, he had to suppress the urge to push her up against the brick wall and continue what they’d started.

  “Do you want to go back to my place?” He took a breath, never before caring so much if a woman agreed. “We could be there in less than ten minutes.”

  “Umm...no, I have an early class in the morning.”

  “Seriously?” He let go of her face in an attempt to calm down. Maybe if he wasn’t touching her, his erection would go away. Wishful thinking.

  “Not used to a woman saying no to you, Mr. Cannon?” She didn’t hide her amusement as she smiled at him. He liked her sassy little edge.

  “Not usually.” He couldn’t remember the last time a girl turned him down. “Just being honest.”

  “I did have a really good time tonight, but I can’t go back to your place with you and have sex. What kind of girl do you think I am?” She may have been teasing him, but he detected the truth in her words.

  “I’m sorry.” He took her hand and continued on their stroll down the street. “I got a little carried away. You’re a very beautiful woman, but I meant no disrespect.”

  “You’re a really good kisser.” She squeezed his hand before placing a peck on his cheek. “I hope we get to do it again.”

  “We will.” He nodded. “Trust me.”

  “I haven’t dated much in the past couple of years. I threw myself into my education and music. I may need to take things a little slower than you’re used to. I understand if that’s not what you’re looking for.”

  “Slower?” He thought about it. “Well, that’s a concept I’m not used to. I live in a very fast-paced world, but I don’t see why I couldn’t try it.”

  “Are you teasing me?”

  “A little.” He pulled her into his side as they walked. He realized she was a few years younger and not used to his lifestyle. He didn’t want to scare her away. “I want to get to know you better. I had a good time tonight, and I want to see where this is headed. My job is very demanding, especially now that the agency is growing. I don’t have the time I used to have for a social life, but I don’t want to sacrifice everything.”

  “What do you mean?”

  “I watched my brother do that for years. I can’t be all work and no play. If you’re willing to put up with my crazy schedule, I’d want to see you as often as I can.”

  “I’d like that too.”

  “What’s your day like tomorrow?” He couldn’t wait until next weekend to see her.

  “I have class until noon.”

  “Can you meet me at the agency? We could have a quick lunch at the cafe in the lobby.”

  “That would work.”

  “Perfect.” He leaned down and kissed her, because he couldn’t resist those lips, not after he’d sampled them. “It’s a date.”

  Chapter 3

  When Sammy stepped off the elevator and into the top floor of the high rise, she expected to be greeted by a receptionist. Instead, the large desk that sat behind a sleek, metal half-wall, facing the elevators was empty. The ringing of the phone echoed throughout the busy office, but no one seemed to hear it. The employees scrambled around, moving in and out of the doors that aligned the halls. An open staircase that led to another level of the building was constantly occupied with people carrying large boards with pictures on them. She assumed they were ad campaigns. No one even noticed she was standing there.

  She stepped closer to the reception area, hoping the receptionist would realize she was there, but that didn’t happen. The phone continued to ring and, after about five minutes, Sammy could take no more. Her uncle owned a mechanic shop, and in the summers she would answer his phone and do his paperwork. She was no stranger to a switchboard, although the one at this agency was busier than her uncle’s shop and appeared to be much more sophisticated.

  She stepped around and picked up the call, politely answering, “Cannon and Carrington Advertising, how may I help you?” She had no idea how she was going to direct the call, but she could at least take a message.

  “May I speak to Spencer Cannon?” the caller asked.

  “He’s not in the office this week, but if you’d like to leave a message, I’ll make sure his assistant receives it.”

  “This is Bob Haller. I have a question about my campaign. I need for someone in Mr. Cannon’s office to call me immediately.”

  “Certainly, Mr. Haller.” She jotted down his information. “I’ll make sure your message is received.”

  “Thank you.”

  “Have a pleasant day.” As she hung up the phone, she heard a voice from behind her.

  “Good, you’re here.”

  She turned to find an older gentleman, dressed in a dark suit, staring at her. He looked to be in his seventies, but he was in impeccable shape. He was tall, lean, and not a hair was out of place. His green eyes were the same shade as Tyler’s. She could see the family resemblance.

  “The temp agency was fast today.” He smiled as she came out from behind the desk. “You’ll be assisting me. I have to get the receptionist back here before we have total chaos.”

  “No, sir, I’m not—”

  “My office is down there.” He nodded toward the long hallway. “Follow me.”

  “There’s been a misunderstanding. I’m here to see Tyler.”

  “Tyler?” He stopped walking, turning to face her.

  “Yes?” Tyler hurried down the busy staircase. “Do you need me?”

  “Hi,” Sammy said as he approached them.

  He looked different from the night before. Much more mature, dressed in a gray suit, shiny black shoes, and a charcoal tie with thin silver stripes. His messy, styled hair was tamer now and more suited for the office.

  “Hey, is it lunchtime already?” He glanced at his silver watch. “The morning got away from me.”

  “She’s here for you?” the older man asked.

  “Yes. Grandfather, this is Sammy Falcone,” Tyler said. “Sammy, this is my grandfather, Jack Cannon.”

  “It’s a pleasure to meet you, Mr. Cannon. Tyler’s told me much about you.” She handed him the piece of paper with the message she had taken. “Mr. Haller needs to speak to someone regarding his campaign.”

  “Thank you.” Mr. Cannon took the note from her. “He knows Spencer is on his honeymoon. Hell, he was at the wedding.”

  “You took a message?” Tyler asked as another woman came around and took her spot behind the desk.

  “I thought the temp agency sent her.” Mr. Cannon looked at the receptionist and said, “Thanks, Jess. You were a big help this morning.”

  “Anytime, Mr. Cannon.”

  “What’s going on?” Tyler asked. “I’ve only been in the art department for an hour.”

  “Angela’s daughter has been put on bed rest for the duration of her pregnancy. She’ll need to take a leave of absence to care for her other grandchildren. That leaves me without an assistant. I borrowed Jess for a few minutes.”

  “You left the front desk unattended?” Tyler didn’t look pleased with his grandfather.

  “I thought we had the calls forwarded to Angela’s line so Jess could answer them back there. Perhaps there was a glitch or something, because your friend here jumped into action and answered the phone.”

  “It wasn’t a big deal,” Sammy said. “A client for Spencer.”

  “Do you need a job?” Mr. Cannon asked. “I need an assistant.”

  “Grandfather, Sammy goes to college,” Tyler told him. “She’s a cellist. She doesn’t want to be your assistant.”

  “There’s no harm in asking, boy. How else can you get what you want?” his grandfather asked. “Let your friend answer for herself.”

  “I do go to school, but I’m on summer break next month.” She should have stopped there, but she was going to have to look for a job. Playing weddings and other functions weren’t going to be enough to get by. Her gran
dparents couldn’t support her forever. “I need to get a job for the summer, but I don’t have anything lined up. I usually answer phones for my uncle, but he’s selling his mechanic shop, so that’s no longer an option.”

  “Do you finish school every day at this time?” Mr. Cannon asked.

  “Yes.”

  “Angela, my assistant, was going to take a leave of absence this summer to help when her new grandchild came, but as you’ve heard, she had an emergency. I could make do with you being part-time until next month, and then if you like the position you could stay on through the summer. Are you interested?”

  “Um...” She looked at Tyler.

  “There’s no stopping him now, but don’t let him bully you.”

  “Would you like to take some time to think about it?” Mr. Cannon asked. “I can give you an hour.”

  “Grandfather, don’t pressure her.”

  “No, I don’t need an hour.” Opportunities like this didn’t pop up often. She needed a job, and this particular one could open doors for her. “I’d like to try it.”

  “Perfect,” Mr. Cannon said. “Tyler, take this girl to lunch and when you get back we’ll go over everything. I’ll set you up with HR.” He headed down the hall. “Talk to you in an hour.”

  “What just happened?” Sammy asked.

  “Jack Cannon,” Tyler said. “He has a way of making things happen before most even know what’s happening. It’s a gift.”

  “The phone was ringing and I answered it,” she explained. “I wanted to help.”

  “Are you sure this is what you want? This is an ad agency not an orchestra.”

  “I do need a job, but if you don’t want me to work here I would understand. I guess I should have said I’d think about it and we could have discussed it.” She’d answered Mr. Cannon so fast, she hadn’t even thought about how Tyler would feel about her accepting a job there. Did he date employees? “It was a bad idea. I’m sorry. Can you tell your grandfather I made a mistake? I don’t want to upset him. He seemed so determined.”

  “He’ll never back down now.” Tyler took her hand and led her to the elevator. “He’s got you in his sights, and so do I. It will be fun having you here.”

  “You’re sure?” She wanted to be able to see him every day too. “It won’t be a problem for us? I mean, if we’re seeing one another.” She didn’t want to appear too needy. “Not that I’m trying to assume anything, but you said you wanted to see me.”

  “I’m glad you think there is an us.” He smiled. “No, you’ll be my grandfather’s assistant. You won’t report to me. We’re fine.”

  “Really?” The idea of seeing him on a regular basis filled her with excitement.

  “Really.” He brushed his lips over hers. “Let’s get in this elevator so I can give you a proper kiss. Welcome to Cannon and Carrington.”

  A FEW DAYS LATER, SAMMY had settled into her new position. She soon learned that Pierce Carrington, Jack Cannon’s partner, was retiring, and the Cannons had bought out his shares of the business. Pierce’s retirement would come with a name change for the company, and the office was buzzing with talk of a huge celebration at the end of the month to launch the new agency. In a couple of weeks, it would be known as Cannon Advertising.

  Jack, as he insisted she call him, was demanding, and he wanted things when he wanted them, but Sammy liked the old man. He was charismatic and kind. She learned what he needed fast. On her way up to his office every afternoon, she made sure to stop at his favorite local coffee shop and pick up a latte for him. She only worked four hours a day, but in that time he kept her busy.

  Tyler had been out of the office for the past two days, working on a new account. She hadn’t seen him much, but when she arrived home that night he called and asked if he could stop by. Excited for the opportunity to see him, she agreed, but now that he was at the door, her nerves had gotten the better of her. She’d never had a guy in her apartment before. He wasn’t any guy. He was a few years older than her and had dated models and society girls. She was hardly experienced when it came to sex. Had she inadvertently set up a booty call? Get over it!

  “Hi,” she said as she opened the door.

  “Hey.” When he entered her small apartment, she could smell the crisp scent of his soap. He’d abandoned his power suit for a pair of dark blue sweats and a long-sleeved, gray t-shirt.

  “You look different.”

  “I worked out for an hour and then hit the showers. I opted for comfort tonight.” He pulled her against him. “I missed you.”

  “You haven’t been around the office much.”

  “This new client is tough.” He wrapped his muscular arms around her waist. “Is everything going okay with my grandfather?”

  “He’s a teddy bear. I like him.”

  “Hmm... There’s something about you Brooklyn women that do it for him.” He lowered his mouth to hers. “I’m glad he’s treating you well.”

  “Very well.”

  “I can’t stop thinking about your lips.” He swiped his thumb along her mouth. “How soft they are.”

  “Just my lips?”

  “Mainly.” He grinned as he pressed his mouth to hers, deepening the kiss within a heartbeat. His stubble brushed against her skin, creating a burn that left her wanting more than just his kiss. “There are other parts of you I’d like to explore, but since I just got here I think it would be proper to ask how you are.”

  “I’m fine.” She ran her hand along his cheek. “Do you want to sit down?”

  “Sure.” He took her hand.

  She led him over to the couch, never releasing his hand as he sat down next to her. Turning to face him, she pulled her legs up and crossed them. She couldn’t stop staring at him, feeling much like a silly teenager entertaining her crush. In high school, she never would have imagined dating a sexy and successful man like Tyler.

  “Next week, Spencer will be back and I’ll be in the office more.” He twisted his back to stretch it out. “I can’t wait.”

  “You don’t like being in charge?”

  “Not at all.” He continued to stretch. “I don’t envy Spencer. His job is extremely stressful. I don’t want to be CEO. I can help run the agency, but he can take the responsibility.”

  “Are you okay?”

  “Yeah, I think I strained a muscle during my workout. I’ll have to visit the trainer tomorrow and see if he can stretch me out.”

  “Maybe I can help relieve some of that tension.” She got up on her knees and scooted behind him, running her hands along his shoulders before working his muscles with her fingers. “How’s that?”

  “Amazing.” He closed his eyes as she massaged his neck and back. “Where did you learn to do this?”

  “I’ve never done it before.” She moved closer to him, so that her chest pressed against his back. “I wanted an excuse to touch you.” Shut up! Did she say that out loud?

  “You’ll never need an excuse to touch me.”

  As she moved her hand up to the back of his neck, she spied dark ink peeking out of the collar of his shirt. She peeled the tee away from his body and looked at his skin.

  “See something you like?” He turned and smiled at her.

  “You have a tattoo.” From the looks of it, the ink was extensive. “What is it?”

  “It’s a series of Korean symbols. After Spencer and I got our third degree belts, I went out and commemorated mine.”

  “How big is it?”

  “You want to see it?”

  “I, well...” Before she could answer, he jumped into action, taking off his shirt and tossing it on the floor. “Sure.”

  Oh God. His chest was smooth but firm. She’d never seen ripples like that. They looked as if someone had sculpted them. Too perfect to be real. Just below his belly button was a faint line of hair that disappeared into his pants.

  “It took a few months to complete, but it was worth it.” His voice interrupted her thoughts as he sat down with his back to her.
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br />   That tattoo. Right, I’m supposed to be admiring the ink.

  The smile on his face alerted her to how proud he was of the tattoo. It was rather impressive.

  “That’s so cool.” Starting at the base of his neck, sprawling down his left shoulder blade and over the back of his very muscular shoulder were symbols intertwined with one another. She reached out and ran her fingertips over his heated skin, tracing the path of the ink that adorned his flesh. “What does it mean?”

  “They’re the seven tenets in Tae Kwon Do, the form of martial arts I study.” His muscles tensed under her touch. “Courtesy, integrity, perseverance, self-control, indomitable spirit, community service, and love. Those are the principles I’m taught to adhere to in my training.”

  “Is it hard to abide by all of them? Martial arts is such a disciplined sport.”

  He turned to face her, trapping her against the sofa and his bare chest. “Right now, I’m having trouble with the self-control one.” Gripping her hips in his hands, he pressed his body to hers. “I can’t stop thinking about kissing you.”

  “Kissing you is all I think about.” She tilted her face so their lips were aligned. “It’s very distracting.”

  “Tell me about it.” He moved closer to her face. “It’s probably a good thing I’ve been out of the office so much this week. I don’t think I could stay away from you.”

  “Is that why you came here tonight? To kiss me?” She laughed, but there was a seriousness in his eyes. She’d noticed it the other night when he kissed her on the street corner and again in the elevator at his office. No one had ever stared at her the way he did. It was scary and all-consuming, but at the same time, his intensity excited her, aroused her even.

  “Yes.” His warm breath fluttered across her lips. “I need to kiss you.” He placed his hand on the side of her face and guided her to his mouth. “Slow, because I want to savor all of it. I’ll take that with me so when I close my eyes tonight you’ll be the only image I see.”

  “Hmm...” She sighed when his lips connected with hers.