“Hey, where do you go, when you drift off?”
I laugh quietly. “I don’t know, just daydreaming. I’m still trying to process the last few days before something else happens.” He’s looking at me with those baby deer eyes, all big and shiny and cautious. He’s trying to say the right thing.
“It will take time, Mia, and I’m here for as long as it takes.” Whoa.
“Jack, you have been so understanding and seriously crazy for sticking around through this whole mess. I appreciate it. Thank you.”
“You’re welcome. Besides I’m not all good. You never know when I’ll flip the switch and get all dark and broody. Girls dig that, right?” His laugh has a welcome sense of ease that I need.
We pull up in front of his apartment and I scooch to his side of the cab. He leans down and before I can say anything, plants a kiss on me. It’s one of those kisses that make you ache in all the right places and leaves you feeling a little woozy but those feelings never happen for me.
I can’t think about Jack or his lips. Right now, I have to focus on the task at hand. Cole Parker. I say goodbye to Jack with understanding that I’ll pick him up after my “session”.
I’m not sure what the hell I’m doing, but I’m standing inside the Pantheon building. I Googled him in the bathroom after the cops jolted me with his name, but all I’ve learned is that Cole Parker is a successful businessman who guards his privacy with a fierceness typically exclusive to the very wealthy. I read that his companies are far more charitable than most. As for what I could dig up on the man himself, he is described as powerful, ambitious, focused, and a shark in the board room.
The floor is open all the way to the top, with steel beams that criss-cross to create a woven effect. It’s massive and intimidating, sleek and industrial, making you feel like you want to be on your A game. I realize, too late, that I am standing in the lobby looking up like an insane person, when security approaches me.
“Ma’am, are you here on business?”
Shit, double shit, how am I going to get up to the top floor? Talk about a fail. Way to be inconspicuous, Mia.
“Yes, I have a meeting on the top floor,” I say breezily, hoping they can’t see that I’m sweating to death. “This lobby is insane,” I say with a laugh, all the while walking toward the elevators.
The guard puts his hand out to stop me, and then begins to lean into himself as if someone is speaking in his ear. “Miss West, Mr. Parker will see you. Please head to the elevator bank and press the fortieth floor. He’s expecting you now.”
“Like I said, top floor meeting, thank you.” What is happening?! The guard follows me into the elevator, inserting a key and pressing 40. I look away to hide my embarrassment. Note to self: Watch more spy movies to ever try and be sneaky again. I mean, how the heck did he know? Did he expect me? How would he know to look for me? My mind is reeling as the elevator dings. I step out into the entry of an expansive and beautifully decorated lounge. Masculine - rich mahogany with deep chocolates and reds. I imagine it’s the exact kind of space the Devil himself might have.
As if on cue, Cole Parker rounds the corner. From the first minute I lay eyes on him, there is no mistaking his devastating sex appeal. He has a square, chiseled jawline that serves as a base to the most beautiful face God ever carved onto a human. His eyes are clear and icy blue, offsetting the stark contrast of his black hair. He is built like a swimmer, broad shoulders and a trim torso. I’m sure there is a six pack under that two-thousand-dollar suit.
I only know what the world knows about this man. Cole Parker is a ruthless businessman. Although young, he’s risen to the Forbes list in only five years. He’s never been photographed with a woman, and he’s on everybody’s most wanted list.
Warning bells should be going off in my head. This guy is nothing but trouble and yet I couldn’t be more confident about where I am. Stop it, Mia! How can I be caught up in fantasy lust when now more than ever I need to keep my head in the game? And if I’m with Jack, why am I suddenly thinking sinful thoughts about Cole Parker?
I must get it together. He’s just one sexy guy in a million. Don’t let the swanky office fool you.
Even in my confusion, I know that Cole Parker is different. I can feel his energy from a distance. There’s something about his presence in the room. I’ve never felt this way around Jack. My mogul smirks at me, as if he can read my thoughts. “Mia! I’ve been wondering when we would get a face to face.” His tone is casual, and his voice makes me hesitate for a second. It’s familiar, and it throws me.
“Forgive me, but I assumed you didn’t know who I am. Were you… expecting me?” Is this guy serious? He drops me at the hospital and disappears. Now he’s wondering why I haven’t reached him sooner to hang out?
“I’m happy that you’re feeling better and up to coming here. I guess Richard decided to pass on my information.”
Richard knew? I’m pissed! What else aren’t they telling me? Why is this being kept a mystery? Before I can stop, my mouth gets the better of me. “What in the hell is going on? And before you call my stepfather, let me just clue you in. He didn’t tell me anything, I remembered you. I remember the day of the mugging, you saving me and disappearing like some mystery superhero. I’ve just about had it with everyone knowing about me except me. Tell me right now what you know, or I’m going to explode.”
Cole looks at me with a hard stare. “Sit, Mia… please.” I sit.
“First, I’m sorry Richard withheld my part in your accident. Second, I do not want to be party to any of your family drama. Third, would you like something to drink?”
I feel like a child, slightly embarrassed by my family and that I’ve brought my nonsense into the space of a complete stranger. I have clearly lost my damn mind, but in my defense he doesn’t feel like a stranger. It feels like we’ve known each other forever, even though we are meeting now for the first time. Being face down and bloody when he saved me doesn’t count.
I walk into his office, which is filled with expensive artwork. I sit down on an oversized couch, which makes me feel even more like a child because it’s so deep I have to sit at the edge in order for my feet to touch the plush carpet on the floor. Cole doesn’t have the same problem I’m having; he relaxes into the sofa his eyes fixed on me.
“Can I get you a drink?”
“Yes, water would be great.”
“Make yourself comfortable, I’ll be right back.”
As he walks away, I’m relieved to have a minute alone to gather my thoughts. I came here to ask this man some pointed and difficult questions, and now I have a million more since finding out that Richard knew Cole was the one who helped me. Why wouldn’t Richard just tell me who it was? Did Cole know more than he was letting on?
“You look like you have a million questions,” he says, putting the glass of water on the table in front of me.
“I do…this is all really confusing. I don’t why you’re a big secret. Do you?”
“I’m sure Richard simply wanted to handle this discreetly. I can’t blame him. If I had someone so lovely to look after, I would do the same.”
Did he just call me lovely? “Can you tell me what happened?”
“I wasn’t present for everything, but what I know is this - my driver took a turn down an alley that is typically our shortcut to a meeting in your neighborhood. I was looking at some property for a condo project and when we turned in, we saw two men beating a woman lying on the ground. Foster and I jumped out and came to your aid.”
It often happens when you least expect it, the tears and crying. Just when I feel prepared and strong, stable, with emotions in check, that’s when a curveball sets off the waterworks.
“Hey, it’s alright, you’ve been through hell. I get it. Let it go.”
The last thing I want to do is cry in Cole Parker’s office. I am not here to have a meltdown in the land of chrome and leather. And yet, in spite of best efforts to keep myself together, he’s being kind to me and ki
ndness has a way of breaking down my defenses. I can’t help the tears rolling silently down my face. I’m not sure when, but Cole wraps his arm around my shoulder and says, “It’s going to be okay, really.”
Oddly enough, even though everyone has been telling me I’ll be fine, I believe Cole, and with huge relief I continue weeping for another few moments. I can feel that my cheeks are tear-stained and I have to pull it together or I will never get the answers I need.
“Thank you,” I say. “Thank you for helping me and not leaving me for dead in some alley.”
“You’re welcome. You did give me a long list of people to speak to in case you died,” he smirks. Oh God, this just keeps getting better.
“Well, I’m alive, so you can just forget all about that.”
“How could I?” His face is lit up, and he lets out a laugh from his belly. He’s enjoying himself.
I can’t help but smile in return, but I must get the information I came for. “So, Mr. Parker, do you make it a habit to rescue mugging victims and then disappear without a word?”
“What?”
“It isn’t a difficult question.”
“Please, call me Cole.”
Damn him, I’m thrown off my game. If his plan is to make my cheeks burn, it’s working. Geez, Mia. Get a grip!
“I like the color in your cheeks.” He is squinting and smiling and reading my mind.
Time to go on the offensive. I knew how to flirt in my past life, I just need to remember. This is so out of context and unexpected, he’s catching me way off guard; but the truth is I owe Jack nothing, and this powerful man in his fancy office is waking something in me that I thought was dormant permanently. I look right up into his smoldering, smiling eyes.
“Look, Rico, I can’t do whatever this is right now. I’m trying my damndest to not melt from all the sex your throwing my way. Do you think you could turn it down a notch so I can focus on my situation? A pretty serious one, I might add.”
“You are absolutely right. My apologies. I would sincerely like to help, but seeing you here is a treat for me…” WHAT? “The answer is yes, I can turn it down a notch and I’ll do my best to answer all your questions, but once we finish this conversation, Mia, it’s every man for himself.”
There is something about how he says my name, familiar, like I’ve heard him say it a hundred times before. But how can that be? We’ve only met once before today, and I was unconscious. None of this adds up, but I look up at Cole Parker again, and for a brief second I don’t need any answers. All I can think is, I hope he devours me.
I lick my lips, slowly, for effect.
“Mmmm, be careful, Mia. I’m not the most honorable man. If you tempt me, I can’t be held responsible for my actions.” He raises his eyebrow, as if to solidify his warning.
I smile back, pleased that I’m affecting him, this man who could probably have any woman he wants. Smart, handsome, rich, powerful. What’s not to love? “Getting back to the issue and the reason I came here, Cole. I really would appreciate you telling me what you know, and I can’t thank you enough for taking me to the hospital. I mean, did you see the guys who attacked me? I think there was more than one.”
“We saw two. When my driver and I got out of the car, we ran toward what was happening. I got my hands on one of the guys and started in on him while Foster went to protect you.” His face starts to darken and he turns away. When I look down, I notice his fists are shut so tight that his knuckles are white. “I looked up to make sure you were okay and the asshole sucker punched me and ran away. If he didn’t take off when he did, I might have killed him.” This gives me chills.
“I’m glad you didn’t kill someone just for me.”
“I’m sorry I didn’t get there before they hurt you.”
“Me too.” I say. “But I’m really grateful you turned down that alley when you did. Did you get a good look at the other guy?”
“I didn’t, but Foster gave a description to the investigators Richard hired.” There’s that Richard again!
“Were you acquainted with my stepfather before this happened?” Cole visibly stiffens at my question. That’s weird.
“We’ve crossed paths on occasion,” he says in a curt tone.
Something is going on that apparently I’m too fragile to know, and it’s pissing me off.
“Elaborate, please.”
“No.”
“Why won’t you tell me how you know my stepfather? What is the big freakin’ secret?”
“Mia, I’ll only say this once since we don’t know each other well. If I say no to discussing your stepfather, the answer is no.”
“And who said that you make all the decisions here? I’m not asking, Cole. I am demanding that you tell me what the hell is going on. Please, I’m trying to figure out what happened to me. Stop jerking me around and tell me what you know.”
He hesitates, then sighs and gives in. “Ok, you win. Years ago, Richard asked for my help with a sticky situation involving his firm. We knew each other previously because his firm handles contracts and other legalities for my company from time to time. I have an in-house legal team, but sometimes I need someone with a more creative viewpoint.”
So, Richard isn’t the most upstanding character, a part of me already knew this after watching how he handled Carter, but I know he loves my mother and would do anything for her. I honestly can’t judge, since I’m premeditating a spontaneous murder.
“Well, I guess you’ve answered me on how you know Richard, but somehow I still don’t feel like I’ve gained the information I need. You aren’t going to elaborate on the ‘situation’, are you? The sticky one you needed Richard’s help with?”
“Nope. Sorry, beautiful. Lawyer-client privilege. It’s confidential.”
“You are exhausting,” I say, rolling my eyes in a semi playful way.
“Someday soon when you’re fully healed, I’d love to show you just how exhausting I can be.”
“Cole! How often have you given that line out? Save your breath, stud, I’m not that girl.”
“Don’t mistake my opinion of you, I’ve been attracted to you since the first time we met.”
“Well, that’s unsettling, I wasn’t even conscious. I’ve heard of a knight in shining armor syndrome, but this takes the cake.”
Cole shakes his head as if I’m totally missing the point. “No, no, no. Trust me, I like my women wide awake and feisty, Mia. I only mean I was attracted to you when you first walked in here today.”
“Ahhh, okay. Well, I guess I’m surprised our paths haven’t crossed more, since you know my parents.”
“I’m not very social, to be honest. I think the last time I saw them was at Richard’s firm’s fundraiser last year.” He says this offhandedly and then abruptly stops. Why is he looking at me like that? I look down to see my chest rising and falling at a rapid pace. The room starts to spin and I suddenly feel sick. Jesus, he is talking about that night, and it’s giving me a panic attack. This cannot be happening!
I stand, not knowing what to do. My insides are constricting and I feel waves of nausea. I want so much to rid myself of the vile feeling but the scattered flashbacks cling to me like demons, unresolved and terrifying. I want to run. I have to get out of here. This office is suffocating me. I don’t want to be this crazy victim person in front of Cole Parker.
I start to take a step forward when I feel his hands on me, gently but firmly holding my waist. The heat from his hands is insistent and grounding. His touch makes me stop and look up at him.
“I need to get out of here.” It barely comes out in a raspy whisper.
“Sit down. Stop making me save you.”
“Nobody can save me. I’m sorry I’ve come. I need to go.” I move his hands from my hips and stand up again, this time determined to hold steady and make my way to the door. “Thank you for taking time to speak with me. I know you’re busy.”
“Mia, your face is beet red, your hands are shaking, and your breathing isn�
��t right. You need to sit down. This is not a request.”
And with that, I sit. I no longer have the strength to argue. I’m wiped out.
It’s been several days since I met with Cole, since I promised to “not be a stranger,” like the most awkward person alive. I’ve been holed up in the hotel room, making the most of Pay-Per-View and the minibar.
Since finding out about Richards’s involvement and his “down low” investigators, I needed some time to process how I’m going to approach it. I’ve decided to pull the band-aid off during dinner tonight at my mother’s. She has this little family night planned for two reasons - first, an excuse to show me some of the apartments she and Alex have been looking into, and second, to drag me out of my seclusion. She doesn’t like that I haven’t left the sanctity of my suite since I saw Cole.
I was thrown by that meeting, more than I’ve told anyone, even Alex. His immediate familiarity with me and being so drawn to him. It’s weird but for the first time in a long while I felt kind of normal, whole, like hanging out and flirting with him was the most natural thing in the world. I need a real therapy appointment. I have officially joined the looney brigade.
The vibration of my phone startles me out of my thoughts. I’m relieved when I see Jack’s name. I haven’t seen him since dropping him at his place on the way to see Cole, but he has been patient and understanding. He hasn’t pushed me to meet with him but we’ve spoken every day. “Hey,” I answer with a smile.
“Hey yourself, how’s my lovely little recluse doing today?” I can hear a smile on his face, too.
“Doing okay. Irritated that I have to do this dinner at my mom’s tonight.” I haven’t told anyone my plan for confronting Richard.
“Are you sure you don’t want me to go with you? I hate the idea of you having to sit and listen to the rehashing of everything.”
“You’re sweet, but I can deal with my family. You don’t need to be stuck in the line of fire.” And I don’t want you to hear the bomb I’m going to drop about Cole.
The Forever Series Page 4
