Vested Interest Box Set: Books 1-3

by Melanie Moreland

“Yes, please,” I responded, relieved. “I’ll give them to her on Tuesday. We’re having dinner.”

  “Okay.”

  I had an idea. “Would you and your sister like to join us?”

  She hesitated with a frown. “We wouldn’t want to intrude.”

  “No, Aiden and Maddox are coming, too. Birthdays are meant to be celebrated, right?”

  She studied me. “Have you discussed this with Emmy yet?”

  “Ah, no. I wanted to surprise her.”

  “Surprised everyone, I think,” Maddox mumbled.

  “Where?” she asked.

  Aiden spoke up. “The Taquito on Smythe.”

  I shot him a glance. Mexican was his favorite, and he could eat vast amounts of it. He met my gaze steadily, challenging me to refuse, but knowing I couldn’t. I roped them into this, so he was picking the restaurant.

  “You like Mexican?” Cami squealed. “That’s one of Emmy’s favorites!”

  I gave in. If Emmy liked it, I was okay with it.

  “So, you’ll come?”

  It was a spur of the moment idea, but I realized a good one. I could see Emmy, get to know her friends, and celebrate her birthday. I knew, without a doubt, it was important for Cami and Dee to like me. Emmy could get to know Aiden and Maddox more, and I had a feeling Cami would enjoy getting to know Aiden. The thought of watching the two of them spar amused me. Maddox would come along because we were there, plus the added bonus of beer and tacos.

  “Yes. We’ll come. What time?”

  I handed her my phone. “Why don’t you give me your number and I’ll text you the information? I can have you picked up, so you don’t have to worry about driving.”

  She grinned as she took my phone. “Make it a big, fancy car, and you have yourself a deal.”

  I laughed at her honest bluntness. I was surprised I didn’t find it offensive. In fact, it was somewhat charming.

  “Done.”

  Bentley

  Emmy and I had texted and spoken on the phone several times over the weekend and Monday. I liked hearing her voice and enjoyed the amusing stories she shared about her days. My stories were definitely less entertaining, yet she listened to them, and I found I wanted to share with her. It was the first time, in many years, I could recall the desire to talk to someone outside my small circle. Somehow, my day didn’t seem complete now without hearing her voice or at least getting one of her funny text messages, silly emoji included.

  I had told her Tuesday’s dinner would be casual, and there was no need to get dressed up. I explained I would pick her up after a meeting I had to attend ended. I casually mentioned the location, and when she told me it was right around the corner from Cami’s, where she would be studying, I suggested picking her up there, to save time.

  Cami and Dee helped keep the evening a surprise. We arrived in a huge limo I had Frank arrange. Emmy’s eyes were large when she came outside and saw the car. They grew bigger when Cami and Dee came out and slid into the limo first.

  I bent down to meet Emmy’s confused gaze. “I thought you’d like to share the evening with your friends, as well.”

  She beamed up at me, stretching on her toes to press a hard kiss to my mouth. I caught her around the waist, pulled her tight to me, and dropped another kiss onto her waiting lips.

  Even casual, she was lovely. Her hair fell in a heavy wave of golden wheat down her back, and I itched to feel its softness under my fingers again. She wore dark pants and a long-sleeved sweater in a pale pink tone. She had on a scarf of a deeper hue draped around her shoulders. She carried a large bag, and I knew without looking, it contained her small rucksack. From what she had said on our date, she never went anywhere without it.

  “Hey, we’re starving!” yelled Maddox, pounding on the roof. “Keep the PDA for later!”

  She smiled against my mouth. “Maddox is here?”

  “Aiden, too.”

  “You just made Cami’s week.”

  I slipped my fingers under her chin and met her gaze. “I’m hoping I made yours, to be honest.”

  She grinned as she listened to the pop of the cork from the champagne I had waiting and the merriment inside the car. She kissed me again before sliding into the limo. “You already did.”

  I glanced around the table, inwardly shaking my head. If someone had told me a week ago, I’d be sitting in a Mexican restaurant, wearing a sombrero Aiden insisted we all wear as part of the birthday celebrations, drinking Margaritas, kissing a beautiful girl, and enjoying myself, I would have told them they were crazy.

  Yet, there I was.

  Emmy’s friends were hard to resist. The three of them were so different in appearance and personalities, yet there was a common bond between them. Emmy was quietly pretty with her bohemian style, while Cami’s looks were more flamboyant with her darker color and bright highlights. Dee was sedate and classy; her look polished and professional. Cami was droll, her wit and sarcasm equal to Emmy’s. Listening to the two of them was like a ping-pong match, and at times, my sides hurt from laughing so hard. I couldn’t remember feeling that carefree. Dee was quieter, and obviously the mother figure, but she held her own. The affection they had for Emmy was unmistakable, and she clearly felt the same. They were to her what Maddox and Aiden were to me: family.

  Aiden was mesmerized, caught in Cami’s spell. Somehow, when we sat down, we ended up like couples, and that was how the evening progressed. Maddox and Dee seemed to have hit it off; their heads often bowed toward each other as they conversed. She was older than he was, but as Emmy mentioned, only by three years. Maddox was always the most mature of us, and they seemed to bond together.

  Something about those three women seemed to draw us all out of ourselves. It was as if they breathed life into our little bubble, expanding it with their joy. The laughter was constant, the teasing never-ending, and the jokes grew worse as the tequila flowed. Emmy and I started sipping water about halfway through dinner, but the rest of them carried on. Luckily, no one was losing control—or at least, they hadn’t yet.

  When the birthday cake arrived, we all sang happy birthday. Emmy’s eyes filled with tears she blinked away before blowing out her candles. Cami had told me Emmy’s favorite cake was vanilla with white frosting, and she loved flowers decorating the top, so that was exactly what she got. After the cake, a small pile of presents appeared, and once again, I watched Emmy struggle to hide her emotions. Cami and Dee gave her a book of homemade vouchers for things she loved. Aiden and Maddox each got her a gift certificate for a different store. I held my breath as she opened her shawl. I’d had Cami wrap each one separately, and I planned to give her the other one when we were alone.

  She fingered the rich weave of the black shawl, not saying anything. I swallowed nervously, looking toward Cami.

  Had I made a mistake?

  She shook her head, biting her lip as she watched Emmy.

  “You can exchange it,” I assured her. “Pick something you like.”

  Her eyes met mine, glossy and radiant. “There isn’t anything I could pick I would like better.”

  “Yeah?”

  “Why did you buy this for me?”

  “Because it’s beautiful and warm. Like you.”

  She flung her arms around my neck, a quiet sob escaping her lips. “Thank you.”

  I looked up and met the stares of Cami and Dee. They smiled and nodded their approval.

  I stood and shook out the shawl, draping it around her shoulders after she shrugged off the scarf she was wearing. It settled like a cloud around her, wrapping her in softness. She ran her fingers over the plush wool, then reached for me. I sat and wrapped my arms around Emmy, feeling the warmth of the shawl, but even more importantly the warmth of her as she burrowed close. Everything and everyone else faded away, and all that mattered at that moment was her—us.

  “Happy birthday, Emmy.”

  We waited for the limo, still laughing and enjoying the night. I leaned close to Emmy’s ear. “Come home with m
e? Please?”

  She looked at me, nervous.

  “I want a little alone time with you. I’ll make sure you get home safely later.”

  “Okay.”

  I moved closer to Aiden. “Drop Emmy and me off at my place first, then make sure the girls get home safe?”

  He nodded. “Done.”

  “Thanks.”

  A short ride later, we exited the car. I knew Aiden wouldn’t leave until we were inside, so I escorted Emmy up the stairs and punched in my code. Once the door shut behind us, the car pulled away.

  “What if there had been a Ninja waiting?”

  “Then I guess your karate skills would have come in handy.”

  She chuckled, followed me into the hall, and waited as I pushed the elevator button.

  “How big is this place?”

  “Four stories. I live on the top three.”

  “What’s down here?”

  “My houseman’s apartment, the garage, and some office and storage space.”

  She shook her head. “Houseman—like a butler?”

  I chuckled. “Far less formal. He is very low key, but he keeps me and this place in order.”

  “Only you, Bentley.”

  We stepped into the main living area. I observed her reactions as she walked around. She seemed overwhelmed. “This floor has the living room, kitchen, my den, and the gym. Upstairs are the bedrooms.”

  “And the fourth floor?”

  I shrugged. “A theater room, a few empty spaces, plus the sunroom, and pool on the back half.”

  “You have a pool?”

  “A small one.”

  She snorted as she looked around. “I bet your bathroom is bigger than my entire apartment.”

  It was too much for her to take in, and I wanted to distract her. I crossed the room, stopping in front of her. “Do you want to compare square footage or get to the real reason I brought you here?”

  “Which was?”

  I slid my hand around the back of her neck, tugging her close. “I haven’t kissed you properly since Friday. It’s been too long.”

  “You kissed me at least four times tonight.”

  “Not like this.”

  Our mouths melded together, obliterating any more coherent thoughts. I kissed her with all the pent-up energy I had felt since Friday night. Her texts and voicemails weren’t enough, and her sitting beside me all evening didn’t ease my tension. The brief kisses we had shared only ramped up my desire for her.

  I didn’t understand it, and I didn’t care.

  I wrapped her hair in my hands, pulling her close. I stroked her tongue and explored her mouth, our breath mingling. Her essence was erotic; her mouth hot, wet, and sweet. She tasted like silk and sin. All I could think about was how she would taste everywhere. How much I wanted her under me. I wanted to hear her cry out my name as I pleasured her with my tongue, my fingers, and my cock. I dropped my arm, gripping her hip, and grinding myself into her. She moaned low in her chest, fisting my shirt so tight, I felt the material begin to give on my shoulders. I pulled up the fabric of her sweater, spreading my hand across the expanse of her back, stroking the soft skin. She whimpered, pressing closer.

  I knew one more minute, one more sweep of her tongue on mine and I was going to push her to the sofa and have her naked in a flash.

  With a frustrated groan, I stepped back, gasping.

  She stared at me, confused.

  “Bentley?”

  I bent forward, clutching my knees, breathing hard. “Fuck me.”

  “Why did you stop?”

  “If I didn’t, I’d have you on my bed right now. If we made it that far.”

  “I wasn’t asking you to stop.”

  I straightened, studying her. Her face flushed, eyes wide with desire. I cupped her cheek. “I don’t want to rush you.”

  She turned, brushing my thumb with her lips. “You’re not.”

  “I honestly didn’t bring you back here to get you naked.”

  Her right eyebrow rose. I found the slow way she arched it sexy. She said so much with a simple gesture and no words.

  It said bullshit.

  “I have something else for you.”

  She frowned, confused.

  I led her to the sofa. “I’ll be right back.”

  Emmy

  I looked around the massive room in awe. It had high ceilings, dark hardwood floors, huge windows, and immense proportions. There were three sofas in a U-shape, all wide and deep, covered in the softest tan leather I had ever felt. The walls were creamy colored, and the tables and accents done in more dark wood. Wall to ceiling bookcases flanked the fireplace, and two massive wingback chairs in a deep ebony fabric graced the front of the hearth. A heavy, antique dining table sat by the windows, with six parson chairs neatly tucked around it. A matching sideboard sat on one wall, holding trays of gleaming crystal decanters and glasses. I noticed all the side tables and a few other pieces were also antiques. Hallways ran from opposite ends of the room, and a swinging door by the dining table most likely led to the kitchen. There were a few pictures on the walls, some carefully placed pieces of art on the shelves and walls. It was an eclectic, unique collection, yet it all blended.

  Unique—like Bentley himself. He looked every bit the modern businessman, but his well-bred manners and formal persona hid an old soul. To the outside world, he was stern and rigid, but once he relaxed with me, he was sweet and fun.

  As I took in the room, I noticed the richness of it all. The vastness. It was flawless, not a thing out of place. No magazines on the coffee table, no shoes by the door. Its perfection screamed emptiness. It was as if someone created the room, yet it wasn’t used, lived in or shared. I tried to picture Bentley stretched out on the sofa, relaxing, or sitting with his friends in the room. I couldn’t imagine it.

  I wondered if, aside from Maddox and Aiden, he had anyone to share it with, or he spent his time alone. I had a feeling the latter was the case most of the time.

  He came back from down the hallway with a bag in his hand, looking excited and nervous. He sat beside me, his leg bouncing as he laid a large, flat bag on my lap.

  “You already gave me my gift.” I fingered the shawl, knowing exactly where it came from and how much it cost. It was already too much.

  “That was for Emmy.” He grinned, looking boyish.

  “And this is for?”

  He leaned close and brushed a kiss on my lips. “Freddy needs something, too. It’s her day, as well.”

  His thoughtfulness made my chest ache, but his teasing made me smile. He was impossible to resist.

  “Bentley . . .”

  He shook his head. “Emmy, it’s a gift. Something I want you to have.”

  “I can’t compete with”—I waved my hands—“all this.”

  “All this?”

  “This house, the limos, and cars. Your bodyguard.” My voice dropped to a whisper. “Your wealth. I have nothing like that to offer you.”

  “What you have to offer is so much greater.”

  “I don’t understand.”

  “Do you know when the last time I went out with people and had a meal? Just a fun, enjoyable night out with friends?” He shook his head. “I can’t even remember. Back in university, I think.”

  He looked around. “This is simply a room. A house. My cars take me to meetings and the occasional boring business dinner. I know I have a lot of money, but it hasn’t given me one second of the happiness I have shared with you this past week. You have made me smile more since I met you than I have in years.” He tapped the bag on my knee, anxious. “These gifts are tokens of my thanks. Accepting them, is accepting me.” He hesitated, meeting my eyes. “Please accept me.”

  “You spent so much already.”

  Bentley huffed out a long breath. “Do you want me to explain how I see this in basic, honest terms?”

  “Yes.”

  “The gifts I’m giving you are the same value to me as when you buy a cup of coffee,
Emmy,” he stated. “It is not a great deal of money in my world.”

  “Wow.” I couldn’t find any other words to say. I couldn’t imagine that sort of wealth.

  “My wealth is part of who I am. I will buy you things because I want to, because it makes me smile to see you happy.” He held up his hand before I could say anything. “And yes, I know you cannot reciprocate in the same fashion, but it doesn’t matter to me. The scones you gave me the other day were one of the nicest things anyone has ever given me. Because of who they came from, not their value, but what they represent. They represent you, and your caring ways.” He studied me. “Can you understand my thinking?”

  His words and the way he spoke them rang of nothing but the truth. His eyes were gentle as he looked at me but filled with anxiety. He was asking me to accept and understand him. Not to allow our differences to come between us.

  “Yes,” I replied. “Let’s be clear, though. I think you’re the valuable commodity, not your money.”

  “Then, we’re on the same page.” He nudged the bag. “Now, open your gifts, Freddy.”

  I slid a box from the bag and opened it. There was a messenger bag, the leather luxuriant and pungent, in a rich shade of cappuccino. Bentley watched me intently. “I picked it out,” he explained proudly. “I know you have a rucksack, but this would hold your things so much better. Your papers wouldn’t be all scrunched up. You’ll find it easier on your neck.”

  I traced the stitching on it. I had wanted one of these, but I’d never been able to afford it—especially one of such good quality. He was right; my rucksack was old, the clasp broken, and one of the straps almost torn. I had hoped it would make it through the end of the year and I could find one on sale. For him to have noticed my unspoken need said a lot.

  “Thank you. It’s beautiful.”

  “Will you use it?”

  I met his gaze. “Yes.”

  His smile was wide. “Good. There is something inside, too.”

  Curious, I opened the bag and pulled out a flat box. I set aside the messenger bag and opened it, gasping when I saw the bright blue shawl like the black one he had already given me.