I caught her around the waist, held her close, and kissed her back. Her hands slipped around my neck, teasing the hair at my nape and making me groan. Our mouths moved, and I slid my tongue along her bottom lip, sighing in pleasure when she opened for me. Our tongues glided, teased, and tasted. Her hands tightened on my hair, and I pulled her hard to my chest, liking how she fit to me. Even with the height difference, we meshed. I wanted more. More of her taste, of the way her body felt pressed to mine. However, I knew it was too soon.
Regretfully, I eased back, dropping one last kiss on her full mouth.
“Wow,” she whispered. “That was unexpected. You’re very passionate.”
It was unexpected for me, too, but I liked it. “Should I apologize?”
“No.”
“Good. Because I’m not sorry.”
She beamed up at me. “Neither am I.”
“Ready to go to dinner, Freddy?”
“Lead the way, Rigid.”
I stepped back, discreetly adjusting myself as she turned to reach for her purse. Rigid was the right name for me at the moment. This woman affected me in many ways.
I saw her hand hover over the straps of her old rucksack, and I frowned.
“Are you planning to study tonight?”
“Um, no. I just . . . I usually take this with me when I go out.”
It seemed an odd thing to carry on a date, but she seemed upset at the thought of not taking it with her, which made me wonder what was inside. “We can leave it in the car if that helps. Aiden and Frank will keep it safe.”
She hesitated, and I leaned over, picking up the sack. It wasn’t heavy, yet somehow, I knew it was important to her to keep it close.
“Thank you.” She offered me a smile. “I’m ready.”
I held out my hand. “Off we go, then.”
I took her to one of my favorite restaurants. Small, quiet, and tucked away in the neighborhood where Aiden, Maddox, and I had shared our first house. The same family still ran it, the food was delicious, the wine list surprisingly good, and best of all, as I promised, low key and comfortable.
Emmy had chatted with us all in the car, her polite, sweet nature infectious. I enjoyed listening to her talk. She was engaging and smart, making us all laugh at her wit.
Mama Leona greeted us at the door, and after many kisses and exclamations over my “pretty date,” tucked us into the back booth. It was private and cozy. Frank was outside in the car, and I knew Aiden was in the kitchen, filling his face while keeping an eye on everything.
Once we were seated, Emmy leaned close, indicating Aiden, who was peering at us from the doorway to the kitchen, trying to look inconspicuous. “Does he go with you everywhere?”
I nodded, winking covertly at her. “He’s like a fungus I can’t get rid of.”
“Are you in danger?”
She was too smart.
“Aiden is cautious. He takes his job seriously.”
She pursed her lips and nodded. “Good.”
Her easy agreement warmed my chest. It was odd to have someone else, aside from a select few, worry about me.
“You’ve known him a long time?”
I told her the story of how we met. She laughed over my descriptions of the three of us living together, trying to mesh our personalities. “Thank God for Sandy. She sorted us out.”
“Sandy?”
“She lived behind us. She saw what a mess we were, and came over one day to help. We were trying to figure out how to use the washing machine and arguing so loud she heard us.” I laughed at the memory. “Two days later, she became our housekeeper/den mother. She ran our lives for us, and when I opened BAM, I hired her right away. The woman is a wonder.”
I changed the subject. “Do you enjoy your classes?”
“I love them.”
“Did you make a career change and go back to school?”
She shook her head, amused at my awkward question.
“Most people are out of school and working at your age, so I thought perhaps . . .”
She took a sip of her wine. “I always loved graphic design and took some courses. I even got a job as an intern with a big company, but it didn’t go anywhere. They did offer me a job, but it was low pay, and mostly the grunt work. It didn’t take long for me to see I would never get anywhere unless I had more in-depth training and experience. I needed a degree in my field to get ahead. I did some research—I wanted to go to Toronto Design School, except they’re expensive. I had to work and save for a few years to be able to afford to go.”
I nodded for her to continue.
“The courses I take are not only for design and graphics work, but business plans, marketing, accounting—everything I need to know about how to run my own business, and how to handle multi-layered projects. There’s as much textbook work as there is design.”
“How long is the course?”
“It’s a four-year course. I’ll be done in three and a half. I take extra classes in the summer and carry a full course load.”
“And work.”
She shrugged. “Just one job now at Al’s. I worked several while saving up for school so I could get by with the one now. I knew I would have to devote myself to school completely. It’s not forever, and I stick to my budget. When I’m done, and get some real experience, I want to run my own company.”
I studied her, instinctively knowing once she had made up her mind, she went for it. “What are your marks like?’
She glanced down, looking self-conscious. “Top of my class.”
I knew it. I had a feeling she was extremely bright.
“Don’t be shy, Emmy. You should be proud.”
Her lips curved upward, cheeks flushing a delicate pink. “I don’t like to brag.”
I squeezed her hand. “It’s not bragging. I asked.”
It was her turn to change the subject. “You left school before you graduated?”
I arched my eyebrow. “Google again, Emmy?”
She lifted her shoulder. “Actually, my friend Cami told me after she checked you out.”
“It’s fine. Yes, once I started flipping houses, and realized I wanted to keep investing in the property market, I decided to move ahead. I hadn’t been enjoying my classes. To be honest, I was bored all the time. I felt I’d learn more doing it on my own.” I picked up my wine. “I was correct.”
“You hired your friends?”
“There is no one I trust more. Maddox handles the finances, and Aiden is my right-hand. He’s brilliant.” I tapped my head. “A memory like no one I have ever known.”
“And protects you,” she added, a trace of worry in her voice.
I sat back, studying her. “Emmy, I need to tell you something.”
“Wow, I didn’t even make it to dessert. And the lemon sponge cake I saw go by, looked amazing.”
I slipped my fingers under her chin and studied her sweet face. She was incredibly pretty. I brushed a kiss to her cheek. “If you want dessert once you hear what I have to say, it’s yours. Anything you want is yours.”
She leaned closer, her voice low. “Anything?”
I swallowed, my body reacting to her closeness. “Yes.”
“I want your last ravioli.”
Her demand was amusing, and I speared my last bite of appetizer, feeding it to her. “You drive a hard bargain.”
“You know it, Rigid.” She picked up her wine. “Now talk.”
I waited until the server took our plates away, and refilled the glasses. I knew the entrees would take a bit longer since they made everything by hand and to order. There was plenty of time for her to leave if she decided, but I hoped she wouldn’t go. I was more comfortable with her than anyone I had ever met, aside from Aiden and Maddox.
Except I never wanted to kiss them.
“I’m wealthy, Emmy. It’s not a secret. People like me are always targets for some weirdos. I get jibes, threats, and demands for my money all the time. Ninety-nine percent of them are harmless.
”
“But?”
I sighed, running a hand along the back of my neck. “I’m working on a huge project—one that could potentially bring me millions. I have competition, and lately, it’s become a little personal.”
“How so?”
“Someone is bidding on the same parcels of property I am. I’ve gotten some threatening letters, and the last couple included pictures of me.” I swallowed before continuing. “One of them was taken the day I met you.”
“Was I in the picture?”
“You were in the background, walking away. The picture focused on me,” I stressed.
“Did my ass look fat?” she asked, her expression mischievous.
I gaped at her, then began to laugh. I didn’t know how I expected her to react, but that wasn’t it. She was amazing.
“Your, ah, ass, looked spectacular.”
She patted my hand. “Good answer.” She grew serious. “Aiden is worried?”
“He’s wary. The pictures bother him.”
“I don’t blame him. They would bother me, too.” She frowned. “Are you in danger?”
“I don’t think so. I think they’re trying to piss me off enough, so I’ll walk away. I’m not known for my patience,” I added with a wry grin. “The two small pieces of land I wanted were bought by whoever is behind this, I think, and I have a feeling they’ll go after the next parcel, too.”
“What happens if they do?”
“Then I’ll have to pay more to buy them back or sell the pieces I have purchased and walk away. It all comes down to numbers.”
“I see. You don’t plan to walk away, I assume?”
“No. I’ve invested a lot of time and money in this project.”
“So, it’s about the money?”
“Partially. It’s my mark. My legacy; an entire development that will benefit the city, and change the landscape of the area. All done by BAM.”
“And make you richer.”
“Yes,” I admitted. “There is that.”
“I guess money is a good thing.”
“It doesn’t entirely suck,” I agreed, and drew in a deep breath. “I can understand if you would rather not take the risk. They might, ah, bother you, as well.”
“You mean, like, take my picture? Or talk to me?”
“I don’t know really, but I don’t want you to be worried, or feel unsafe.”
She pondered my words, then shrugged. “I appreciate you telling me, but I don’t think I have much to worry about.”
“Aiden is right; it’s a possibility you have to consider. We both have to consider.”
“Maybe it’s too late. Maybe they already got to me, and I’m working for them.”
My lips quirked at her words. “Are you?”
She sniffed. “As if I’m going to break so easily. I’m an expert undercover agent, you know. I arranged the whole trip over the bag and sit at my table thing.”
“And I fell for it—hook, line, and sinker.”
“You fell for it? Rigid, I’m certain you just made a joke.”
I arched my eyebrow. “Maybe.”
She surprised me with a quick kiss, which made me want another one.
“I like it.” She hummed. “You’re adorable when you’re being funny.”
That was a new one. I had never been called adorable.
“Are you sure?” I asked.
“Bentley, if someone approached me, I would walk away. If I were scared, I would tell you. I’m not interested in your business deals.”
“They may even offer you a lot of money.”
“Then, I guess you’ll have to counter their proposal, won’t you?” she teased. “I can be bought with fresh grapes, and Starbuck cards, just to give you a heads up.”
I shook my head at her quips. “You should think about this. Seriously think about it.”
At my words, she held up her hands. “Are you trying to scare me away?”
“No, I’m trying to be honest.”
“And you have been. I’m touched you’re worried about someone bothering me, but I think this time you’re the one overreacting. I’m an art student, not a businesswoman. They’d have to be pretty stupid to think I would have any sort of influence on you. Tonight is our first date, after all.”
“I know.”
“I doubt they think some woman you might potentially fuck has any say in your business dealings.”
Her words hit me. My cock stirred at her unwittingly sexy remark. I edged closer.
“Potentially fuck?” My voice was low as I repeated her words.
“If you play your cards right. Maybe.”
“I’m good at poker.”
Her giggle broke the bubble. “Another quip, Rigid? Poke her? You’re just full of surprises tonight.”
I shared her mirth. She brought the silliness out in me—even if it was unknowingly.
I conceded to her logic. “Maybe I’m overreacting, but I had to tell you.”
“Consider me warned.”
“I never let personal feelings interfere with business—ever, by the way.”
“Then, there isn’t a problem.”
“If anyone hassles you, you’ll tell me? I’ll get Aiden to assign someone to you.”
She looked horrified. “I don’t want a bodyguard.”
“You’ll tell me if someone bothers you, though?”
She pursed her lips, not replying.
“Shit,” I muttered. “Great first date conversation. Guess I blew that.”
Her hand slipped into mine, and I met her dark gaze.
“Thank you for being honest and giving me a choice. I don’t want to stop seeing you, and I don’t scare easily. If you aren’t worried about it, then neither am I.” She smiled. “As for first dates, it’s a great one, conversation or not.”
“Yeah?”
“Yeah. I think we can move on now, though, okay?”
I lifted her hand and kissed her knuckles.
“Yes.”
Bentley
We left the restaurant after a thoroughly enjoyable evening. I put aside my worries and concentrated on Emmy. She was as delightful and engaging as I hoped she would be, making me laugh and enjoy the time with her. She loved to talk about art and her studies and had a keen interest in architecture. She liked to stroll around the many museums and galleries Toronto had to offer. She told me of her love for baking and how much she enjoyed trying out new recipes; although, she admitted, these days her time and budget didn’t allow for much of either.
After the whole security issue, we steered clear of anything too deep or personal. I knew her parents were deceased, and she had a brother she wasn’t close to, but I didn’t push her for that story. I told her my parents were gone too, but I had no siblings. Otherwise, we kept the topics general.
She made me chuckle with her stories of her best friend, Cami, and her sister, Dee. Obviously, she was close to them. I shared more humorous incidents about Aiden and Maddox.
“I think Cami has a crush on Aiden,” she told me with a grin.
“How could she? She never met him!”
“She has a thing for muscled guys with tattoos. He was in some of the pictures we saw of you, and I told her about him.”
“Aiden doesn’t do the personal thing. He’s rather closed off when it comes to relationships.”
“Like you?”
I thought about it. “The three of us are close, but I guess you’re right. None of us has much outside our lives except the business and each other. I think we’re all loners.”
“That’s sad.”
I shrugged. “I don’t think it bothers any of us.” I huffed out a long breath of air. “At least until now.”
Emmy’s cheeks pinked under my gaze, and unable to resist, I ran my finger along the curve of her face. “I’d like to try and step out of my comfort zone.”
“Okay,” she whispered.
I held her hand as we walked out, then I groaned at the sight of Aiden leaning agains
t the car, talking to Maddox.
What the fuck was he doing here?
I glared at him as we approached. “Maddox?” My annoyance was clear in the one word.
As usual, my mood didn’t bother him. It never did. He grinned at me, his glasses reflecting his light-colored blue eyes. They were shrewd and sharp, rarely missing anything. He was tall and lean, his clothes hiding the fact underneath, he was all muscle. To most people, he was quiet and laid back. His aura hid the intensity he allowed few to see. It gave him an advantage. What people saw as easy going was his brain ticking and moving faster than they could understand. He preferred numbers to people—they made sense, and he could keep them in order. Maddox liked order. He had gone prematurely gray at twenty-five, and could never be bothered to do anything about it. Now the gray had tinges of silver, and the scruff he preferred on his jawline was the same color.
He tipped his chin. “Hey, Bent.”
“What are you doing here?”
“I followed you here. Been keeping Frank company and enjoying some food Aiden brought us.”
“What? You followed me? What the hell for?”
“Aiden wanted to see if anyone else followed you, so I tailed behind to check for him.” He smirked. “I must be good at it since you never noticed.”
Aiden clapped his shoulder. “Excellent stealth, Mad Dog.”
“And?” I demanded, ignoring their teasing remarks.
“You’re good. All clear.”
Emmy began warbling a familiar soundtrack. The sound made us all look at her.
“It’s like Mission Impossible,” she crowed. “So exciting!” She stepped forward, holding out her hand. “All of you suck at this, by the way. No wonder you’re all single. I’m Emmy.”
Maddox snickered, took her hand, bending low over it, and kissed her knuckles. “Happy to meet you, Emmy.”
“Oh, another charmer!”
I wrapped my arm around her waist and pulled her close with another glare at Maddox. “You can go home now.”
“But I’m having a good time.”
I rolled my eyes, knowing my annoyance meant he was enjoying himself. Then, I had another idea. “So, no one followed us?”
“Nope.”
“Give me your keys.”
Vested Interest Box Set: Books 1-3 Page 6
