by Riker, Nikki
"No. We're colleagues. Fill me in on your week, and it'll make you feel better." I shoved half the breadstick in my mouth and swallowed the fucking thing whole. "God, this is good."
Her laugh was soft, inviting.
I opened my eyes and studied her like I was looking at her for the first time.
"What?" she asked.
"You." I reached for the pasta and poured half of it on the paper plate she handed me.
"I'm not sure I understand your cryptic caveman mumbles." She put some salad on her plate and glanced up at me. "Stop looking at me like that."
"I'd apologize, but it would be a lie." I dipped my breadstick into the pasta but kept my eyes on her. "What's the possibility of me taking you out next week? To a real dinner?"
"Like a business meeting?" Her eyebrow lifted. Fuck me. I could so easily fall in love with her. I was sure a million men already had.
"No, not a business meeting at all." I took a bite of my bread and let my eyes finally shift toward my plate. "I'm so damn tired. I have no filter left."
"So I see." Her voice was light, playful. I was grateful for the break in the tension between us, but it was in part what drove me throughout the past weeks. To know she was watching and waiting to help with anything I needed made me want to impress her all the more. "Did everything go okay with Ron?"
"Oh, yeah. That guy makes me think of my dad." I picked up my fork and took a bite of the food, groaning at how good it was. "Can you move in with me? We could skip all of this silly stuff."
"What?" Her voice sounded pinched.
I chuckled. "Come take care of me is all I meant."
"Oh. No. You're a big boy and rich as hell. Take care of yourself."
"You're talking about my money a lot." I wagged my eyebrows. "You falling for me because of my deep pockets?"
"Not at all. I have more money than most of the people in this building." She reached over and picked up the other pasta container, holding it in her hand and eating right from the container.
Something about her had my dick swelling in my slacks, my heart racing, my mind filling with possibilities.
"From your modeling days?"
She stuck out her tongue before smirking. "Your tone isn't nasty. You decide not to razz me over modeling in my youth?"
"I didn't mean to razz you the first time." I put my fork down and leaned forward, catching her full attention. "That Calvin Klein ad was one of the hottest things on TV back then, and it still is. You belong in front of a camera, not coaching idiots like me behind one."
"I love my job." She licked her lips and put the pasta down. "But I love my house better. I should go."
"No. Sky. Stay." I stood as she stood. What the fuck happened? What did I do wrong?
"No. I brought all of this for you." Her cheeks burned pink. "I'll see you on Monday."
"Take the salad at least. I'm not eating that green crap." I packed it up and our fingers brushed by each other’s as we worked to get her a few things to take with her. "I wish you wouldn't go." I wanted my eyes to plead with her to stay, but it was wrong. If we became anything and it fell apart, it would put us both in a horrible position.
"No. I can't." She put her stuff in a bag and let out a sigh. "But thank you."
"And dinner next week?"
"No again. I work for you, Kade. It wouldn't be right."
"It's just food."
"Sure." She glanced down at the pasta and back up at me, her eyes filled with need. "And this was just food too, but I can't stop thinking about other things. So, I need to go."
I nodded, unable to speak. So it wasn't only me lost in a fantasy where we ripped each other’s clothes off and made love until the sun came up.
She was there too.
"Thank you," I called after her and dropped back down into my chair. No need to go after her. If I did, we'd make possibly the biggest mistake of our lives.
Or shit, maybe I'm making it now.
Chapter Twelve
Skylar
“You ready for this, sir?” I glanced over at Kade as we walked toward one of the company’s many private jets. We had to make a trip to LA together for a client issue that came up over the weekend.
He gave me a look. “Sir? Really? It’s almost been a month, and I’ve noticed something.”
“Do tell.” I moved up the stairs into the jet as he motioned for me to follow. An overnight trip shouldn’t have caused me so much anxiety, but it did.
He chuckled. “I hate you sometimes.”
“That was your great revelation?” I pulled off my jacket and hung it up. Turning, I found his eyes moving down my body in a slow dance of sorts.
“No.” He lifted his chin and smirked as he pulled off his jacket as well. “You call me ‘sir’ when you’re being cheeky, and you call me ‘Kade’ when you’re not working to poke at me.”
“No.” I sat down and playfully waved him off. If nothing else, I was beyond grateful that our working relationship was starting to feel more like a comfortable friendship. The heat between us roared to life at times, but outside of that, it was quite blissful.
And he’s beautiful to look at. I sighed internally and watched the way his ass muscles clenched as he lifted up on his toes with his back to me.
I glanced around. “Where is everyone? We usually have a flight attendant.”
“I’m here! Sorry.” A cute girl with a short red bob haircut jogged up the stairs and into the cabin. “Sorry. I got a flat on the way over here. Stupid.”
“Nance?” Kade turned and smiled. “Seriously?”
“Kade! I was wondering if we would ever bump into each other.” She moved into his arms, and they shared a warm hug.
Something about watching them left me feeling icky. Getting up, I turned and walked to the back of the jet to the bathroom. The plane was decked out and looked like something that should have been on Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous.
My stomach turned violently, and sweat collected on my upper lip and forehead.
I pressed my hands to the edge of the sink and leaned in. “Stop it. Just an old friend, and you don’t care if she’s more. He’s not your man. He’s your boss.”
A knock on the door a second later had me groaning. “Yes?”
“We’re getting ready to take off, Miss Hayes. Just reminding you to get to your seat.” The woman’s voice was kind, but there was an edge to it. Weird.
“Okay, thanks.” I washed my hands and checked myself in the mirror. This was just a business trip. If Kade ended up spending the night with the flight attendant, that was none of my business at all. “You got this. Stop being a tit.”
A smile lifted my lips, fake, but pretty convincing to the outside world.
I walked out to find Kade sitting in his seat, a look of concern on his handsome face.
“You okay?” He buckled up and crossed his ankles while studying me.
“Yeah. Just a little queasy on flights sometimes.” I sat down and glanced up to see Nance back.
“Can I get you both something to drink?” She smiled at Kade, but the expression dropped as she turned her attention to me.
“Skylar? Sprite or maybe 7-Up? My little brother, Jagger, always drank it when his stomach was uneasy.” He watched me like the other woman wasn’t in the room.
“Yes. That sounds good actually.” I glanced up at Nance. “And some crackers.”
“Sure.” She turned to Kade. “And for you?”
“Water is good.” He smiled warmly at her and turned his attention back to me. “Talk to me about this client. Fill me in on what’s going on.”
“Sure.” I sat up and cleared my throat, trying like hell to push down the angst building up inside of me. Life with Geo had been so much easier. He was an old man, so the chemistry between us was like family, loving and light. This thing between me and Kade felt like I was missing out on the best thing that might ever happen to me, but he was my fucking boss. It wasn’t that easy. “Mister Daniels is a great client, bu
t it took your father three years to win him over. He’s an entrepreneur at heart, and he feels like anyone who isn’t is honestly wasting their time and his.”
“Interesting.” Kade reached up to get his water from Nance but never broke eye contact with me. “Keep going.”
“He’s wanting to meet with you today because he wants to make sure he’s still buying from someone he can respect. He’s a hard sell, but you’re going to do just fine. Focus on business and your aggressive nature in acquiring new things, building empires, and developing new products or technologies. That will lock him in.”
“Thanks for the advice.” Kade winked, the expression making him impossibly cute.
“Tell me about your brothers.” I nursed my 7-up and took a shallow breath. What was it about him that left my heart racing, my palms sweaty, and my mind working through how to push our relationship into another place?
I was good with being single. I’d been alone for a long time, but that was by choice. After surviving several almost disastrous relationships, I wasn’t hurting to have another.
A smile lifted his kissable lips. “I have four. None of them are blood related, but I think you know that.”
I nodded and he continued.
“Zak is the oldest and the only one that went to college. He’s moving here soon, but he’s in a shitty relationship right now, so I’m hoping he breaks that off before he gets here. Dad gave him the construction business. Why? I’m not sure. Then there’s Lars, who’s the cocky ass of all of us.”
“That’s not you?” I laughed, unable to help myself. “Sorry. I had to.”
He chuckled. “Such a bad girl underneath that well pressed suit and perfectly done makeup, aren’t you?”
His tone had my body waking up. I wanted to be bad, or naughty rather. Just for him.
Thankfully, he saved me from commenting. “Lars is a dick, but he’ll grow out of it, or we hope so. He’s a surfer from Cali and is moving here now. Dad gave him a high-end luxury car body shop. He loves cars and bikes, so I assume that’s why Dad did it. Lars’s pretty pissed about leaving the beach, but he’ll get over it. Hawke is my favorite brother and is an artist. He owns Miles Art Gallery in the art district.”
“I know that place. They were just in the paper recently. The new owner brought in fresh art, and it revived the whole area. That was your brother?”
He beamed. “Yeah. He’s a great guy. And lastly, there’s Jagger. My brother disappeared when Mom passed. He was closest to her. We assume he’s just off the grid because Zak can get to him every once in a while.”
“Wow. That’s scary.” I leaned back and brushed my fingers by my lips. A million more questions pressed against the back of my teeth, but I ignored them. No need to dig further. I already liked this guy way more than I should have.
“Tell me about you.”
“No.” I smiled and pulled out a file. “Here we go. Read this. Mister Daniels is the one in the middle with the shirt that needs to be buttoned up.”
He chuckled and took the file. Thankfully, the rest of the flight was focused on business.
* * *
The meeting with Mister Daniels went beyond great. Kade ignored my advice and talked about the man’s boats, cars, and planes. He focused on making our client feel like his adventurous, good-time life was important too.
I was shocked when they shook hands and Mister Daniels informed us that not only would he be staying with our company, but increasing his spend.
“That’s great to hear, Mark. I’ll be in touch later this week to get some of this down on paper with you.” Kade smiled and turned, holding the door open for me.
“Sounds good, and if you and the misses ever need a getaway, let me know. You can join me and Cindy in Bali or something.” He waved and we walked out.
“Wow. I’m super impressed.” I buttoned my coat as our rental Lexus was pulled around to the front of the building. “You didn’t listen to a word I said.”
He chuckled and got into the car, waiting until I got in to respond. “I wanted to do what you said, but once I met him, I realized that I’d sold houses to guys like him. He does care about his business, but his things are way more important.”
“Well, here’s to you and the misses.” I snorted.
He reached over and squeezed my hand. “No lucky lady in my life, but hey, thank you for coming with me to do this. You being there gave me confidence that I might not have had. Let’s grab something to eat to celebrate since we’re stuck here for the night.”
“I’d like that.” I didn’t pull my hand away, and when he removed his from mine, I almost lamented.
Just one night? Could I somehow have just one night with him?
Chapter Thirteen
Kade
The wins that day had given me a sense of confidence that might not have been the best thing to have around Sky. I sat down at the table in a fancy restaurant across from her, and something rolled over me, waking up a part of me I didn’t think existed. I could see her sitting across a table from me day after day for the rest of my life.
“Take your hair down for me.” I licked the corner of my mouth and tried not to make my words too awkward. “I like it down. You don’t wear it that way enough.”
She hesitated for a moment but reached up and unclipped it. Thick, dark-brown curls cascaded over her shoulders. My cock twitched before growing long and hard.
“I don’t like people to recognize me. That life is over, and I’m glad it is.” She pulled her napkin into her lap before looking up and locking eyes with me. “What are you going to offer Mister Daniels that he doesn’t already have?”
“No more business for the night. We’ll figure all of that out tomorrow on the flight. Just spend some time with me. I want to know you better.”
Her protest was weak, which made me want to push all the more. “Kade. You know this isn’t safe.”
“I know.” I glanced up at the server and ordered us a bottle of wine before turning my attention back to her impossibly beautiful face. “But I don’t care. We’re adults. We can work together and still enjoy the attraction between us, unless it’s just one sided? I mean, you do have it pretty bad for me.”
She laughed, and the world felt like a better place. “I hate you.”
“Hey! That’s my line.” I leaned back and let my eyes move down the feminine line of her neck. I wanted my mouth pressed in the crook before sliding my lips to her shoulder.
“Talk to me about Nance. Who is she?”
“Jealous?” I pulled my attention away from her body.
She gave me a look and reached for the bread basket in the center of the table. “I’m your PR Director, nothing else.”
“I’d say we were becoming friends at least, no? If I’m wrong, spare me the letdown.”
Another sweet laugh. “We’re friends, but that’s it. Talk. This redheaded bimbo seems really happy to see you. An old lover?”
“So, you are jealous. I love it. I should excuse myself to the bathroom so I can concoct something juicy, but no, she’s an old friend from when we were kids. She always had it bad for Lars, but he ignored her. Hell, he ignored everyone.”
“Sounds like a bundle of joy.” She smeared butter on her bread and took a bite, her eyes moving around my face.
“No even close.” I picked up my glass to test out the wine as the server offered it. A quick sip, nod, and our glasses were full. “Ron mentioned the other day that my father and you were close.”
Her expression softened and even saddened a little. “Yes. My own dad left me and Mom when I was in my early teens. Your dad was kinda like the dad I never had.”
“He was for me too.” I took in a slow breath as my body ached for the beautiful creature across from me. “Were you at the funeral? No, right? I can’t imagine me missing someone like you there.”
“Someone like me?” She lifted her eyebrow and smiled, her expression challenging.
“Don’t play coy. You know you’re stunn
ing.”
She rolled her eyes. “Whatever. I didn’t get to attend the funeral, and if I’m being honest, I didn’t want to. I hate death. It’s a thief.”
“That it is.” I reached up and rubbed my chest absently as my heart ached. The warring desires inside of me where Sky was concerned worked to zap my energy. One on hand, I wanted to take her back to my hotel room and make love to her all night long, and on the other, I knew that was a terrible idea.
That I was thinking about making love instead of fucking had me feeling ill.
“Did you know your biological parents? No, right? Geo adopted you when you were little if I remember your speech from the park.” Her lips lifted in a cocky, know-it-all smile.
Thank God for her humor.
“We were too little to remember anything but him and Mom.”
“And do you wonder now who your dad or mom was?”
“Not really.” I picked up the menu. Normally, I wouldn’t talk about my adopted status, but she put me at ease. I’d have talked to her all night about anything if she wanted me to. “They didn’t want us or couldn’t keep us, so I’m almost a little thankful that they gave us to Dad.”
She nodded. “I have so many hurts from my teen years from my dad running off that I almost wish I didn’t know anything about him. Might have been less hurtful.”
“I’m sorry to hear that.” I wanted to reach across the table, but it felt a tad trite. “And you got into modeling how?”
“In high school, I was a cheerleader, and at one of the competitions, a modeling agency approached me and my mom. We were so broke then, it was like an answer to her prayers.” She shrugged as if to convey that it wasn’t that big of a deal. “So, I took the job, and from there, I ended up in that stupid white bathing suit.”
I laughed loudly and leaned toward the table, wanting to be closer to her. “That white bathing suit was part of my early twenties. All of us thought, man... if I ever get a girl like that.”
