Chicks, Man

by J. D. Hollyfield

  The project began as scheduled, and the development was underway. Everything was running smoothly—until it wasn’t. Per the reports, they started having issues with the foundation, a matter that was addressed by the city planning commission but shoved under the rug. It seems, when they discovered thermogenic methane, natural gas that forms deep underneath the Earth’s surface, it deemed the land unhabitable. Mr. Benjamin Miller felt otherwise.

  Our case proves the company hid the findings and demanded they continue with construction. Even after the crew went on a small strike, they were paid hush money and told to get back to work. Four days later, a steel beam slid off one of the terrain cranes, smashing into the bottom of the foundation. It hit just right, causing friction to the soil and disrupting the buried organic material. One tiny spark. That’s all it needed. Within five minutes, the entire structure exploded. Thirty-five people died, and twelve endured injuries and will never work again.

  Benjamin Miller claimed zero fault. He quickly turned around and tried to sue the city, pointing the blame on the man who signed off on the land. Problem was, two weeks after the accident, that man committed suicide.

  His wife, Clara Hill, claims murder. There was no way her husband would have taken his own life. He was ready to fight Miller Industries, no matter the consequences. Problem with that? No one can prove that theory.

  About a year ago, some families got together and reached out to Matthews and Associates. They weren’t going to bow down and wanted to see justice for their lost loved ones. Being a huge family man, it was no shocker my dad took the case immediately. Hearing all the stories about children who lost their fathers, wives who lost their husbands and sons, families who lost everyone…it was gut wrenching to even fathom.

  I only just learned about the case, and I’ve already memorized every single person’s name, who they lost, how old their kids were. These were real people. They deserved to be heard. To understand their loss wasn’t for nothing. Anything I touched, I read twice, studied, checked to see if there was anything I could offer advice on. I was only a college graduate, but with a set of fresh eyes and dedication, I could be of use.

  There was no doubt the firm would win the case, granting each family a large sum of money—not that money will replace their loved ones. But these people took away not only their family, but the main source of income. It’s only right they pay for what they’ve done.

  Even thinking about all I’ve learned gets me heated. “Man, don’t get me started on this one. Whoever this Miller guy is should rot in jail for life.”

  The morning flies by, and before we realize it, we’ve chatted in depth about the Miller case all the way to lunchtime. I probably shouldn’t be so loose-lipped about the case, but Bradyon is so easy to talk to. He actually succeeded in putting a genuine smile on my face and giving a few much needed belly-laughs along the way. There’s definitely something missing in the spark department, but sometimes that takes time. Getting to know him better can fix that.

  I place the small rose to my nose again, inhaling the floral scent. I journey back to my desk and grab my purse to head back down for lunch when Levi’s door flies open.

  Darn it.

  “Where’ve you been?”

  I whirl around to face him, unable to stop the intake of breath when I become acutely aware of his alluring appearance. Gray fitted suit, no tie, one open button. He leans against his office door, his translucent green eyes boring into mine. I almost cower at his intensity, but just as quickly, I fight out of his trance, my brow crinkling at his tone. If he thinks he can get away with talking to me like that, he’s wrong.

  “I was downstairs.”

  “Why exactly?”

  What a jerk. He knows why. He just wants me to say it. “I was going over some notes with Braydon, if you care so much.” I give him my back and drop my pad of paper, ducking down to my lowest drawer to pull out my water bottle to use as a vase.

  “There’s no reason why he still needs to coach you. You know everything you need to know. Plus, you can come to me.” As if. I don’t plan to come to him for anything. “And what the hell is that?” he barks as I stick the stem into the bottle.

  “It’s exactly what it looks like, Levi—a flower. Braydon gave it to me because he felt so horrible for having to bail on me this weekend. You know, because YOU put him on the assignment.” I don’t hold back, offering him the same snarl he’s giving off. It only seems to anger him more. Grabbing my forearm, he grits out, “Get in here. I need to speak to you in private.”

  I tug at my arm, but he’s already dragging me into his office and slamming the door. “What the fuck, Hannah? What are you trying to pull here?”

  “Me! What do you mean what am I trying to pull? You’re the liar.”

  Levi laughs. “Oh, that’s rich coming from you.”

  What a jerk! “You know what, this is ridiculous. I have a lunch date, so unless you need something work-related, we’re done here.”

  That sets a whole new fire in his eyes. “A lunch date? Are you kidding me? With who? Your little boy toy downstairs?” I hate that he can even call him that. Yeah, he’s not big and macho and strong and perfect, but he’s kind and nice and not a liar.

  “For your information, yes. And I plan to enjoy myself immensely!”

  “You’re not going.”

  Ugh, he is so frustrating! “Yes, I am.”

  “No, you’re not.”

  How dare he! “You can’t tell me what to do or who to have lunch with!” He steps into my personal space, almost knocking me over with his heaving chest.

  “You’re not going because you’re going to have lunch with me. We’re going to talk about what happened on Saturday, and you’re going to get over whatever issues you seem to have.”

  My biggest issue right now is the way he’s trying to control me. I stick my chin out and straighten my shoulders. I will not let him boss me around. “Not gonna happen.”

  I wouldn’t be lying if I said I may have seen flames shooting out of his nostrils.

  “Excuse me?” he breathes, his voice low and dangerous.

  “You heard me. Not gonna happen. Now, if you don’t need anything else…”

  He has me backed up against the wall, his hand threading into my hair, his mouth a hairsbreadth from mine, his warm breath caressing my face. “You’re not going. I mean it, Han.”

  God, the way he uses my shortened name sends a flutter down to my belly. “Yes, I am,” I continue to challenge him. My cheeks feel flushed. Knowing I’m poking the bear creates a buzzing sensation between my thighs.

  He leans in closer, his lips touching mine. I tell myself to pull away, but my body has a different idea. I allow his lips to skate against mine. His strong palm reaches for my hip, roaming up my ribcage and stopping just below my breast. “If you go on that lunch date, I’ll be forced to handle the situation in my own way.” He takes my lower lip in between his teeth. “And my recommendation to your father would be to terminate the employee who seems to be getting too friendly with his only daughter.”

  Oh, that rat…

  I raise my hands and push him off me. He stumbles back, and I stab my index finger in his direction. “If you think you can threaten me to stay away from Braydon, you’re wrong.”

  “Watch me. We have something here, Hannah. If you choose that kid, I’ll put a stop to it.”

  “You…you’re unbelievable!” I huff, stomping my feet.

  “I might be, but I’m simply playing your game. Next move is yours. What’s it gonna be?” I stare at him in complete shock. He’s blackmailing me. Too bad for him my dad has always taught me never to stand down from a fight.

  “Well, Mr. Dent.” I walk toward him, placing my palms on his rock-hard chest. I graze my fingers up and down, pushing gently so he begins to walk backwards. His eyes light up with triumph when the backs of his legs hit the chair. “Looks like you have yourself a challenge.” His eyes go from glory to confusion. “I’ll think about you whi
le I enjoy my nice lunch.” With a shove, I push him, causing him to fall backwards into the seat. Turning around, I walk out, grab my purse, and strut—okay, maybe partially run so he doesn’t chase after me—to the elevator to meet Braydon.

  “Still with me?”

  I catch myself staring out the window of the quant sandwich shop Braydon took us to, my mind far from whatever he’s going on about. “Oh yeah, sorry. That’s great!”

  “Yeah, and if I stick with the reports, I have a chance at being promoted. Pretty pumped.” My spurious smile is perfectly in place as I sip my soda.

  “Do you not like your sandwich? You can have the other half of mine if you want.”

  “Oh no, it’s really tasty. I’m just…” Hungry for something else. Someone else. Even though I chose to spend my lunch with Braydon, my mind hasn’t left Levi’s office. I watch Braydon’s lips move, but I hear nothing he says. My thoughts are stuck on replay, Levi’s threat to have me or else.

  “You sure?”

  “Yeah. Just ate a big breakfast.” Which is a lie. I’m starved, but it’s not for food. Or Braydon’s company, sadly. I pull out my phone and take in the time. “We should probably get back. I have a lot of stuff to take care of before I leave.”

  “Sure. Levi is pretty hard on you, huh?”

  You don’t even know the half of it. Hard on me, against me, inside me. Jesus. I swipe the back of my hand along my forehead.

  “Uh-oh, not feeling well?”

  How does one explain their entire body is out of sorts over a man who’s been in my dreams for half my life? “Yeah, we should get going. I don’t want Levi to get mad if I’m late.” Braydon guides me out of the sandwich shop, grabbing my hand. It’s strange, and I’m not sure I enjoy it, but I don’t ask him to let it go.

  “Maybe you could talk to your dad. Tell him Levi’s not doing his job. Maybe he can move you. Or shit, fire his ass. He seems like a hothead.”

  He has no idea. But I could never do that. What’s going on between Levi and I has nothing to do with his ability to move mountains at Daddy’s firm. “It’s fine. I can handle Levi.” I hope. Or else it’s going to be me who moves—preferably across the state where my heart is safe.

  Levi

  “Have you cross-checked all the affidavits?”

  “Done and done. The Sworn Oath Statements have been filed. If this deal shows any loose ends, it will be a total surprise to me. We have Benjamin Miller nailed.”

  Jim stands, slapping me on the back. “That’s why you’re my guy, Levi. Smart, eagle eyes—this case wouldn’t be where it is without you.” He addresses the rest of the boardroom. “Meeting’s over. Please submit your notes and file them by day’s end. We’ll contact the courts to set a date tomorrow. Splendid work, everybody.”

  Everyone takes their cue and exits the boardroom. I don’t understand how I’ve managed to focus on a damn thing since Hannah left. That mouth of hers has my blood boiling, but my fucking dick hard as stone. The urge to throttle her in my office earlier has my hand shaking again. Why the hell am I letting her get under my skin? Because you’ve gotten a taste and now you want more. Fuck yeah, I want more. But it’s not just that. I want to slide into her warmth and stay there forever. Smell her on me always. And fuck if she’s going to act like she doesn’t want the same.

  I’m no fool. I was well aware little Hannah Mathews had the googly eyes for me when we were growing up. I can also sadly admit I never gave her a second glance. Back then, she was thin as a rail. Her hair was always wild from getting into shit she wasn’t supposed to. Her mouth…well, that’s the same. She still has to have the last word. But throughout the years, I never paid attention to her. We left for school, and when we returned, she was gone. Our paths never crossed. And now, having her back in my life, like this little tornado causing havoc in my head, my heart, my fucking pants, I can’t comprehend what it is I feel for her. But it’s something I need to pursue.

  My phone rings, and I glance down. Kip. Fuck. I ignore his call. There’s a guilt that weighs heavy on my shoulders realizing what I’m doing is wrong. If…or when, he finds out, it’s not going to be good. Even looking at Jim, he respects me. Loves me like his own son, but I wouldn’t doubt he would help Kip bury my body if he found out the things I want to do—am going to do—to his daughter. Because no matter what bullshit Hannah is pulling right now, we’re not done.

  “Hey, baby girl.” Jim breaks my thoughts as he takes a call. “Oh no, are you sick? Oh, okay. Well, don’t forget tonight is poker night. Kipley and Stacey will be there. Sure, baby, bring whoever you want. Okay. Love you.” He ends the call with a smile on his face and slides his phone into his jacket pocket. The love for his daughter is limitless—another reason this may not end well.

  “Everything all right?” I ask, needing a gauge on what’s wrong with Hannah.

  “Oh, yeah. Hannah isn’t feeling well. She’s going to take the rest of the day off.”

  Not feeling well, huh? More like avoiding me. I don’t picture Hannah bowing down to a little stomachache when it comes to conquering the work empire. “That’s too bad. Maybe I’ll go check on her on my way home. Make sure she doesn’t need anything.” Or bust her.

  Jim pats me on the back. “Kind man. That’s what I admire about you, Levi. She said she’ll be okay. Still gonna make it to family poker night. You’re coming, right? Hannah is bringing a friend as well.”

  I wasn’t planning on it, but now I sure as fuck will be. “Wouldn’t miss it for the world, Jim.”

  I’m sipping on a bottle of beer when Hannah finally walks in. My mood darkens when that punk Braydon steps in behind her. He seems boring, dweebish. I can’t understand what she even sees in him. My grip tightens around the bottle when he presses his hand to her lower back. If he wasn’t standing so close to Cheryl, Hannah’s mother, I’d throw my bottle at his funny shaped head.

  “Hannah, honey, you’re not feeling well?” Cheryl brings Hannah in for a hug, not missing her eyes when they land on me.

  “Fine, must have been something I ate.”

  “Bad lunch?” I say, unable to pass up the opportunity to add to her discomfort. Her eyes find mine, that little fire causing my lips to curl into a smile. I sit up straighter and stand. Annoyingly, so does Jim, going to greet the punk.

  “Braydon! Welcome to our home. Hope you know how to play some poker. We take no prisoners over here.” Jim shakes Braydon’s hand, and I slam my beer as I watch Hannah smile at their friendly connection. Jim thinks he’s this perfect employee, but I went over some of the litigation reports he’s handling and found errors. If I wanted to be a prick, I could have brought it to Jim’s attention, but it’s not my job to tattle. It’s my job to find errors and keep clients.

  Watching Braydon’s chest puff out at Jim’s approval makes me wish I had. Something about him irks me. That he thinks he has a chance with Hannah for one. But it’s something else. That’s when he grabs my attention. With a bright smile, he nods at me. You can take that nod and shove it up your ass.

  Jim claps his hands, getting the room’s attention. “Looks like everyone’s here. Let’s play some poker!”

  I’m going to take his head and rip it off his skinny little neck.

  “Wow, another full house! Braydon, you sly guy! It’s normally Levi over here taking my money. Looks like my daughter found a keeper!” Jim chimes, sipping his whiskey neat. The shit-brick smiles at Hannah, his hand disappearing under the table on her thigh. My knuckles grip my cards, and I catch myself crumpling them in my hand. I drop them on the table and get up for another beer. I make it to the kitchen when a hand grabs my shoulder.

  “What up, man? You seem uptight. Work going well? Need a lady friend to cozy up to?” I knock Kip’s hand off, throwing open the fridge.

  “Nice try, man. Work’s fine. Just got some shit on my mind.”

  “And the other? You know Rebecca won’t stop talking about you. A little phone call and I bet—”

  “Dude, I’d r
ather saw my dick off.”

  Kip laughs and accepts the beer I hand him. “Damn, that’s brutal. I didn’t think she was that bad.”

  “Bad? She snuck into my tent and hid her thong inside my pillowcase in hopes her smell would lead me to her!”

  Kip buckles over laughing, and my stomach churns at the memory. After having a taste of Hannah, I about vomited when I found them and threw them in the fire.

  “She wants a piece of that Dent dick, bro.”

  “Never gonna happen.” I take a swig of my beer. “Speaking of, what do you think of Hannah’s boy toy?”

  Kip shrugs, chugging the rest of his beer to grab another one. “Seems okay. Kinda dorky, but I think she likes that style. Who knows? I can’t say I’ve ever seen her with a guy. If he’s good to her, then I couldn’t give a shit.” I want to tell him he’s a fucking shrimp and to scare him off. But that would open a shit-ton more questions on why I give a shit. Because I’m secretly banging your sister and want to continue banging her, so I need her little fan freak to beat it. “Why? You don’t like him?”

  I fucking want to pummel him. “Nah, no sweat off my back. Hannah’s like a little sister to me.” God, I’m going to hell. “Just looking out for her.” And possibly my own interest.