What the hell is happening to me? The moment I’m in her presence, my heart begins to race. Every single time I’m around her, the previous dormant organ goes out of whack.
My father leads the way, taking the only seat available next to Rory’s father, John. The two of them shake hands and begin to speak in quiet tones. I overheard my dad telling my mom about one of John’s buildings in Florida he was interested in looking at. Jamie and I sit in two available seats behind them. Like the last meeting, Rory sits directly in front of me.
Leaning in, I shut my eyes, inhaling the light coconut scent of her hair. With the tip of my finger, I brush her hair to the side, whispering, “Did you miss me?”
Her body stiffens when I run the tip of my finger down the side of her neck. “I missed you.”
Out of the corner of my eyes, I see Jamie looking at me with a raised brow.
The meeting seems to drag. A board member named Earl stands at the podium advising us where the money raised will be utilized. He is short and stocky with a comb-over. He lifts a napkin from the podium and dabs the beads of sweat running down his face.
“I hope he doesn’t have a heart attack up there,” Jamie says beside me.
Swallowing back a smile, I shake my head.
“If he does, he’s in the right place. I wouldn’t mind her giving me mouth to mouth.” I say, louder than I intend, and nod my head toward Rory.
Jamie laughs loudly, earning him a few glares from people sitting near us.
Rory turns in her seat, meeting my eyes with a raised brow.
Reaching out, I touch the tip of her nose with my fingertip. She wrinkles her nose under my touch, then her eyes flicker from Jamie to me.
Turing back around in her chair, I lean in close. “You know, I need a date for the gala. I was thinking, you could join me,” I whisper so only she can hear. I can’t deny the spark of excitement at the prospect of her agreeing to attend as my date.
My gaze falls to the creamy expanse of her neck still exposed from where I moved her hair earlier. My body aches to reach out and touch her.
Being this close to Rory is a bad idea. I want to run my hands through her hair. I want to put my hands on her sexy body. I want to kiss her. I want to lick the spot on her neck that pulses hard and fast when I’m close to her.
Jamie nudges my leg with his fist, causing me to sit back in my chair. He leans over close to me. “What’s your thing with this girl?” he asks, nodding his head in Rory’s direction.
Shaking my head, I ignore his question and focus back on the old fat guy speaking. Twenty minutes later, the meeting is over. My father, John, and Rory stand. She steps out into the aisle, allowing a short woman to exit the row.
Rory stands restlessly, her slender hands unconsciously twist together. Reaching out, I catch her hands in mine and pull her close to me. Jamie’s eyes bounce between Rory and me.
“Rory, this is my best friend and brother-in-law, Jamie. You saw him perform at Aces. Jamie, this is Rory.”
She extends her hand and he takes it. “Hi, it’s nice to meet you. I’ve heard a lot about you.”
Jamie takes in the sight of Rory, then turns his gaze to me. He lifts an eyebrow, “You have?” he questions.
Shooting a glare at Jamie, my eyes plead for him not to embarrass me in front of her. In front of her father. The two of us are known for our banter, but now is not the time or place.
Jamie lets go of her hand, “It’s nice to meet you. So, Christian said you saw my band perform?”
She nods. “I attended one of your performances in February at Aces. You put on quite the show. You’re amazing.”
“Thank you. I’m only as good as my bandmates. We work hard, but we play even harder.”
“The first song you performed, you sang it with such emotion. It was as if I felt your pain in the lyrics.”
Jamie’s eyes are sharp and assessing as he takes in Rory. “I’m surprised you picked that up, most don’t. You a fan of music?” he asks.
Rory lifts her hand, spreading her thumb and pointer finger a part. “A slight obsession. Lyrics can express more than a person is willing to say. I’ve always found comfort in music.”
“Maybe one day we can sit down and discuss our love for music. My wife writes for a magazine, Key Notes. She has a column, ’Pulsations’ which focuses on emerging artists and bands. Camryn finds hidden gems and makes them shine in the spotlight.”
Both shock and excitement register on Rory’s face. “Get out of here. I love that magazine. I buy it especially for her column.” Her eyes find mine, “I had no idea that was your sister. You never said anything.”
I shrug my shoulders. “It never came up. If you want, I can ask her to sign your copies for you.”
Rory knocks her shoulder into my chest. Her smile matches her liveliness. “Don’t be an ass.”
“Christian, I’ll meet you in the hall,” my father calls over the conversations taking place in the room.
Lifting my chin, I nod. “I’ll be there in a few minutes.”
Jamie pulls Rory in for a hug. “It was a pleasure meeting you. Don’t be a stranger. Side Effects plays there every other Friday night. Have this guy bring you.”
Jealousy rips through me while he’s touching her. Even though it’s innocent, I loathe the feelings it’s evoking within me. I want to be the one who embraces her. The one who can touch her in public. I want to be able to show her off to my friends, my family.
Rory steps out of Jamie’s embrace. “Thank you. Hopefully sometime soon.”
“If not, I’ll be seeing you at the gala. You’ll get to meet Camryn,” Jamie replies.
Before Rory can reply, I interject. “You’ll be seeing more of her.” My eyes look her over seductively.
“You seem quite sure of yourself now, don’t you?” she says softly, her eyes narrowing.
A laugh escapes Jamie and he lifts his hand to cover his mouth, proceeding to cough “Damn,” into his closed fist. “You got yourself a feisty one here.”
Lifting my hand to her face, I slide the tip of my finger down her cheek. “I’m a gambler. All my chips are in on this one.”
After leaving the hospital this afternoon, Jamie and I had a few things to tend to at the studio. My best friend went on and on about Rory, she seemed to have made a good first impression. My mind wanders to what she’ll wear to the gala. My friends and family will be there, and I can’t stop myself from wondering what they’ll think of her. There’s a soft knock on my door and it pulls me from my thoughts.
Pushing up from the couch, my phone buzzes with a text. Rory’s name appears on the screen. A smile appears on my face.
Rory: Open up. I’m here.
Chuckling, I toss my phone on the couch and head to the door. I’m shocked she’s here and excited at the same time.
On the other side of the door, Rory stands in her scrubs. “I got off work early, so I thought maybe we could watch another episode of Band of Brothers,” she says nervously, biting her lower lip.
I step aside and open the door wider. “We have plenty of episodes to watch, come on in.”
Rory lays her jacket on the back of the kitchen stool and sits on the couch. I walk into the kitchen, opening the fridge, and pull out two bottles of flavored waters. “Do you want a drink?”
“Sure, thanks.”
Once the disc is in the player, I cozy up next to Rory. She looks up at me, “I can only stay for one episode, though, then I have to get home. I have an early day tomorrow. Six AM comes way too early.”
Lifting my arm up, Rory snuggles closer. “One episode it is, then.”
I’ll take any time I can get with this girl. I know her life is chaotic and she works too hard, so I appreciate the fact she came here tonight, even if only for an hour.
Chapter Eleven
Christian
“Who are you kidding? You totally have a soft side and will fall in love someday,” my sister interjects from the nearby table.
Sh
aking my head, I take a long swallow of my beer and tip the bottle toward Camryn.
“One, I don’t have a soft side, and two, who said anything about falling in love?”
“Jamie, do you see how he deflected the falling in love one day?” She smiles comfortably to herself.
Jamie shoots me a knowing look. Since he interrogated me after the gala meeting, Jamie has a good idea of what’s going on with Rory. I failed to mention anything to my nosey sister.
Leaning down, I position myself against the pool table, pull back my stick, and slam the cue ball, causing it to soar across the table, straight at the red striped one that’s mere inches from the side pocket. The cue ball nails the target, sending it into the pocket, and quickly sinks into the same hole.
I curse under my breath. Usually, I kick Jamie’s ass at pool. Tonight, my head isn’t in the game. My thoughts are on a feisty, auburn-haired woman with killer green eyes. The woman I can’t seem to stop thinking about.
“Allow me to show you how it’s done, my friend,” Jamie taunts.
“Fuck off. I kick your ass all the time.” I drop down beside Camryn, facing her. “Your husband is an asshole.”
She shrugs her shoulders and says, offhandedly. “Now, now. Be nice. Pouting is unbecoming of you.”
Jamie takes a swig of his beer, then sets the bottle down on the table. “Your game is off tonight, man. It’s like you’re playing blindfolded with one hand tied behind your back.”
The mere mention of a blindfold sends all the blood in my body to one specific place. I’ve love to blindfold Rory while sinking deep into her. I’m not into kinky shit, but I don’t mind a little experimenting in the bedroom.
Narrowing my eyes at Jamie, he takes his shot, landing the eight ball in the corner pocket, winning yet another game.
He thrusts his arms in the air, stick still in his left hand. “You are looking at the new champ.” Jamie bows his head to me, and then turns to my sister. “I’m the champ baby,” he says wiggling his eyes at Camryn.
“Come give the champ a kiss,” he says to his wife.
“Champ? Are you sure you don’t mean chump?” I ask, shaking my head in despair.
I can’t believe he beat me. I place my cue stick back on the rack on the wall. “Just because you beat me a few times tonight doesn’t give you a new title.”
She pushes herself to a standing position. “Now, now. Don’t be a sore loser,” my sister says after kissing her husband. “You know better than that.”
Jamie lifts his beer to his lips and takes a swig before placing it on the table. He puts his arm around Camryn’s waist, pulling her close to his side. “Did your brother tell you he’s quite interested in a smoking hot redhead?”
Camryn’s head snaps toward me. “What?” she screeches. “No, he failed to mention it.”
She pulls away from her husband’s embrace and walks over to stand directly in front of me, lifting her finger and poking me hard in the chest. “How does my husband know you are interested in someone, yet your sister knows nothing of the sort?” she sneers.
“Your husband has a big fucking mouth,” I say, glaring at my best friend.
He lifts his hands in the hair, acting all innocent and shit. “What, I thought you would have told her.”
Glaring at my best friend, I growl, “You know damn well I wouldn’t tell her anything.”
Jamie walks over to me, tossing his arm across my shoulder, pulling me in for a man hug. “Come on, big guy, you flirted with her in the presence of your father, not to mention her father, as well. Your secret was bound to come out, unless she’s just another one of your flings?”
“Dad knows!” Camryn yells excitedly. “Mom didn’t tell me.”
“It’s not a fling,” I snap defensively. I take a mouthful of my beer, then set it on the table. Wiping my hands down my face. “I haven’t even slept with her yet.”
Camryn raises her manicured brows, “Awe.” She snaps her fingers. “Yet being the keyword.”
“Damn the two of you, why do I even bother?” I mumble.
“Christian. Why be so secretive?” My sister is like a pitbull, once she sinks her teeth into something, she won’t let go.
“I’m not being secretive, sis. I’m being cautious.”
I rub my temples, attempting to relieve the tension headache beginning to form.
“How long have you known her?” she asks curiously.
“Not long,” I respond, looking over my sister’s head, to avoid eye contact. I hate lying to Camryn.
Her hand clasps my chin, “Don’t bullshit me. Be honest.”
“Since February. I met her here at Aces,” I say and return my sister’s stern glare.
“February,” Camryn scoffs. “That was months ago.” She releases my chin, and then pokes her finger into my chest again, probably piercing my skin.
“Stop poking me, damn it,” I growl rubbing the spot she just jabbed me.
“Don’t be an asshole and I won’t poke you,” she sticks her tongue out at me.
“Real mature, Camryn, real mature.”
“The two of you are a mess,” Jamie says.
“She’ll be at the gala tomorrow night. I’ll introduce her to you then, okay?”
Camryn throws her arms around my neck, kissing me on the cheek. “I’d like that.”
“You and the hens better be nice to her.”
Jamie laughs, “The hens.”
“You know as good as I do how they are when they all get together. They aren’t too welcoming to newbies, especially Lindsey with her smart-ass comments all the time.”
Camryn’s hand flies to her chest. “I’m hurt. As if I would ever be mean to someone you like. I’ve ‘never’ met anyone you’ve been with.”
Lifting my beer to my lips, to finish it off.
“If I didn’t know better, I would have thought you were gay or something.”
I damn near choke on the mouthful of beer, repeatedly coughing to clear my throat. “Excuse me? You thought I may have been gay or something. I’ll have you know, I like the female anatomy very much so.”
Jamie and Camryn laugh hysterically. “She never thought you were gay, you dumbass. She loves getting you riled up.”
“You’re so easy,” she teases.
After saying my goodbyes, I leave the bar with only one thing on my mind. Convincing Rory to spend the night with me after the gala.
The more I get to know her, the more I want to know everything about her.
I stare at my phone screen, debating on sending her a text.
As I’m about to send her a text, my phone vibrates in my hand.
Rory: I’m looking forward to tomorrow night.
Me: Me, too. I’ll be the man who won’t be able to take his eyes off you.
Rory: Is that so?
Me: You better believe it. Has anyone told you how beautiful you are?
Rory: Not lately. But please feel free to (lol)
Me: Well, you are. You’re beautiful even when you don’t try.
Rory: Thank you.
Me: If I have it my way, I’d tell you it every day.
Rory: Tsk tsk. See you soon.
Me: Sweet dreams, sweetheart.
I’ve known Rory for a few months now; besides knowing she’s a doctor I know very little about her life. Other than the fact that she’s sexy as sin. From the moment I saw her I was intrigued. I wanted to spend time with her, get to know her, find out what makes her tick. I know she has secrets she’s not willing to share and a past she’s still battling, and I’m facing my biggest fight yet. A fight to make Rory mine, and I will stop at nothing until she is mine.
Chapter Twelve
Rory
My heels click along the hardwood floors of my condo. “What do you think?” I ask and spin around. My sapphire blue, floor-length gown is fitted with a mermaid-style skirt. The high neck and sequined floral lace overlay add sophistication and class, while the open-back and sleeveless style give the dress the pe
rfect amount of sexiness.
My hair is styled in a low chignon, with a few tendrils curled around my face. I decided on smoky eye makeup to make my emerald eyes pop, and a bold red lip for a sexy, dramatic look. Brandon shrugs his shoulders. “I’ve seen you look better.”
“Brandon,” I frown, putting my hands on my hips. “I don’t have another dress to wear. At least not one for something this formal.”
“Fine, I’ll give you my honest opinion.” Brandon stands from the couch in one fluid motion. He heads toward me, openly studying me. Reaching out, he takes my hand in his, lifting my arm above my head. He spins me around casually, his eyes roaming over my attire. He lets out a low whistle. “You look amazing. You’re going to have every man’s attention tonight.”
“I will not.” I shake my head not believing a word he says.
“The dress is … perfect. I mean it.” His eyes roam my entire body. “You look stunning.”
Turning away, I walk over to the island and reach for my matching clutch. Opening my bag, I make sure I have everything. Lip gloss, phone, and keys. “Thank you again for keeping Leah tonight.”
Brandon is in town for the week to spend time with us. My parents would usually stay with Leah if I had an event to attend or work. However, my parents are attending the gala. In fact, they are my ride to the event.
My phone chirps, alerting me of a text from my cousin telling me she won’t be able to attend the gala tonight and how bummed she is but a sudden emergency came up with the project she is managing. She’s upset ‘cause she wanted to introduce me to her friends who were also going to be there. I’m slightly disappointed she won’t be there, it would have been nice to finally spend time with her and I had no idea she had friends who were also attending the event tonight, too.
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