by Jaci Burton
"Problem?"
Her heart slammed against her chest and she whirled around to find both Aidan's sisters grinning at her.
Should she give up now and pack her things, or find some way to extricate herself from this major nightmare?
"Oh, I'm so sorry. I didn't know the office was occupied."
Shannon's lips curved in knowing smile. "Relax. We heard Logan and Aidan shouting. They do that all the time."
Except they'd been arguing about her. Heat flushed her entire body. She'd never been so embarrassed. "About their conversation, I--"
Kaitlyn stepped toward her, grabbed her hands and led her to one of the two chairs in front of the chrome and silver desk. "Sit. And quit worrying. They weren't really talking about you. This is just Logan's way of keeping Aidan on his toes."
Melissa sat and folded her hands so the women wouldn't see them shaking.
Kaitlyn nodded. "Yeah. Both of them are all bluster, no bite. Logan runs as cold as Aidan runs hot, and the two don't blend well."
Didn't they hear what Aidan said about her? She could care less about Logan and Aidan's argument. Right now she was focused on the fact that Aidan thought her a frigid snob.
"I'm not a frigid snob." As soon as she blurted it out, she wished she could take it back. Why had she said anything? They seemed content to ignore his insults.
"Of course you're not," Shannon sniffed. "Aidan's an ass sometimes. Which is where his brains are usually located."
"There or between his legs, like a lot of men," Kaitlyn said, laughing at Melissa's shocked expression.
Shannon grinned. "Don't worry about Aidan. He really doesn't mean half of what he says. He's filled with hot passion and it spills out of his mouth in the most inappropriate ways sometimes."
"So I noticed." Melissa felt a little bit better about being caught hiding in what must be Shannon's office. The room was neat and orderly, papers stacked in a trim pile on her desk, the credenza bare with the exception of her computer and a bookshelf to the side filled with binders. The artwork was modern and blended perfectly with the cool decor. It looked a lot like her own office in Boston.
In fact, she and Shannon even dressed similarly. Well-tailored business suits with matching pumps. Very proper, very stylish. Not that she'd been dressing that way herself, lately. More like a sex siren trying to get a man's attention. Only it wasn't working.
Melissa's gaze flitted to Kaitlyn. Complete opposite in dress from her sister. Where Shannon was professional polish, Kaitlyn was chic business casual. She wore a calf length dress that accentuated her lush curves. The cream set off her dark skin and raven hair, which flowed freely down her back. Unlike Shannon, who neatly pulled her sable locks back in a clip like Melissa did.
Cool. That's how Melissa usually presented herself. Cool and crisp. Like...frigid.
She laid her head in her hands, more confused than ever. Did Aidan want her or didn't he?
"You need a drink, honey," Kaitlyn said.
Melissa looked up. "Me?"
Shannon nodded. "Yeah, you sure do. Let's go have a cocktail or two and forget all about Aidan and others of his species."
The idea had merit. And heaven knew she needed to escape the four walls of her hotel room. For the past few nights she'd paced the suite, hoping to hear from Aidan and ending up miserably disappointed when she didn't. Then she'd spend the remainder of the night convincing herself it didn't matter whether Aidan called or not.
"Let's go change," Shannon said to Kaitlyn before turning to Melissa. "We'll pick you up out front in an hour?"
"Sounds great." She followed Shannon and Kaitlyn out the door.
In less than an hour she was dressed and ready for some serious partying. This was exactly what she needed to get her mind off Aidan, at least temporarily. Frigid snob, indeed. Too bad he wouldn't get a look at the way she was dressed right now.
Short, black skirt, a touch of spandex hugging her hips and rear. Why had she even brought this outfit with her? Had she subconsciously been anticipating some excitement?
She looked in the mirror, hardly recognizing herself as staid, businesslike Melissa. Tiny tank top in black and white stripes, dipping off the shoulder, and no bra but with enough spandex in it to cradle her breasts. And of course the killer heels to match. She'd bought the outfit on a whim long ago, after her boyfriend had given her the boot. She swore some night she'd slip it on and get wild and wicked.
Tonight she felt just like that.
She stood in the lobby near the doors, waiting for Shannon and Kaitlyn.
"Where are you going?"
Her lips curved into a smile at the sound of Aidan's voice. She turned and arched a brow. "Out."
"With whom?"
He didn't look at all happy. His forehead creased with his frown, and his lips were clamped so tightly together not even air could slip through.
"With your sisters."
"Oh, shit. You're not."
"I am."
"Dressed like that?" Aidan inclined his head up and down her body, as if she wasn't aware of her own attire.
"No, I thought I'd strip naked on my way to the car. Of course dressed like this."
He crossed his arms and shook his head, clearly disapproving of her. Tough. This was her night, she was tired of waiting around for him. She needed some fun.
"I really wish you wouldn't do this," he said.
"Do what?"
"Go out and party with my sisters."
"Why shouldn't I?"
A sigh escaped his lips and he said, "They'll grill you about us."
Melissa lifted her chin. "There is no us. You've made that very clear the past few days."
"Me?" he hissed, taking her by the arm and nearly dragging her over to the side wall. "You're the one who didn't want anything personal between us."
"Well, that may have been true then, but I'd changed my mind. Not that you'd noticed."
His eyes widened. "Changed your...when?"
"Four days ago."
He stared at her, slack-jawed, then finally said, "Did I miss the conversation when you told me this?"
"No. There wasn't one."
"Was there a memo?"
"No."
"Airplane flying over with a banner attached?"
She tapped her foot. "Now you're being ridiculous."
"No, I'm being a man." He stepped toward her and she inhaled his powerful scent. "We like things spelled out for us--no games. If you want me, Melissa, you'll have to come right out and tell me. I'm not going to approach you again and have you slam the door in my face."
They stood toe-to-toe, nearly nose-to-nose, and didn't say a word. Melissa was at a loss because Aidan was right. She was a modern, sophisticated woman. If she wanted sex from him, she could have come right out and asked him.
Isn't that what she'd been trying to do for the past few days? Get his attention, let him know she was interested? Now, when she had him where she wanted him, her bravado left her.
What if she offered, and he said no?
He waited, and said nothing. She fought the swirl of emotions, trying to find the place where she could be so bold as to ask Aidan to fuck her.
Well, it was now or never, right?
"There you are!" Kaitlyn interrupted, breezing in between them. "We're ready to go. How about you?"
She was ready all right. Ready to jump Aidan right there in the lobby. "Yes, I'll be right there," she said with a smile in Kaitlyn's direction.
"You'd better go," Aidan said, his voice low and husky.
She felt the vibrations and knew the only place she wanted to be right now was at Aidan's side. In his arms, in his bed, wherever he wanted her.
"Remember what I said." He swept his knuckles down the side of her cheek and she shivered. "You know where to find me."
He walked away then, the sound of thunder rumbling outside.
Melissa shook off the effects of Aidan's nearness, tucked his comments deep inside and stepped out to meet his sister
s.
*
Shannon and Kaitlyn took her to New Orleans' hottest dance club, where they fortunately knew the bouncer well. Otherwise they might have spent the entire evening in line outside. Instead, they marched right to the front door. Kaitlyn smiled and waved at the tall, burly bald guy who looked like Mr. Clean. He nodded, opened the door and they slid inside the dark nightclub.
It took a few minutes to adjust her eyes to the darkness. All she could see were bobbing bodies in a throng on the dance floor, multicolored lights shining overhead and reflecting off spangles, sparkles and hundreds upon hundreds of shiny beads.
The music blared loud, the vibration of bass pounding deep inside her. Melissa found it hard to breathe, let alone move. And trying to have a conversation was near impossible, although given they were three women, they somehow managed to yell over the nonstop sounds.
Within the first hour, Melissa had consumed two large glasses of Long Island Iced Tea. The drinks had turned the tension sizzling inside her to a mild hum instead of an electrocution.
Plus, Aidan's sisters were fun to be with. Kaitlyn knew no strangers, smiled at everyone and laughed so loud people at the other table noticed. But she was also a man magnet, attracting stares and invitations to dance by the droves. Some of the offers she accepted, but typically only from men she already knew. With her dark skin and sultry, sexy body, she could grace any fashion magazine's cover.
Shannon, on the other hand, was the epitome of calm, cool and sophisticated, and had, in her own words, perfected haughty disdain to a near art form. With one glance any man approaching was blown to bits by her cold, unapproachable look. Then she'd laugh as soon as the dejected guy made an about face.
Neither of the women took men seriously.
"Why don't you dance?" Shannon asked.
Melissa shrugged and sucked up another sweet mouthful of loaded tea. "Not interested."
"Eyes only for one man?" she said, arching a brow.
Melissa laughed. "Hardly."
"Are you sure?" Kaitlyn added.
"Is this an inquisition?" Melissa asked, only half serious. She'd love to be able to talk frankly about Aidan with another woman. But these women were his sisters, and she was afraid they'd be biased on his side.
"Aidan is a complete ass at times," Shannon said.
Okay, maybe there was no bias. She certainly couldn't disagree with Shannon's assessment of Aidan.
"Not really an ass," Kaitlyn corrected. "More like a man who wants something desperately, but doesn't realize yet what it is."
Shannon waved her hand. "You're too nice. He's an idiot. His destiny could be staring him straight in the face and he'd be completely oblivious to all the signs."
Melissa caught Kaitlyn's elbow nudging Shannon's ribs.
"Hey," Shannon protested, then looked at Melissa and back over at her sister and nodded.
Wondering what that was about, but too afraid to ask, Melissa said, "And what about the two of you? I don't see any guys hanging around."
Kaitlyn shrugged. "It's not time yet for me. When it is, I'll know."
"Famous last words," Shannon said sullenly into her drink.
Lifting her chin, Kaitlyn said, "Just because you got burned once doesn't mean that's the way it always will be, Shannon. Besides, none of us saw that coming. Not even Mom."
Melissa had no idea what they were talking about and decided it was best not to ask. Pain etched furrows at the corners of Shannon's eyes, as if she'd just remembered something she'd rather have forgotten.
Kaitlyn put her arm around her sister's shoulders. The room seemed to quiet around them, the air conditioner toned down its frosty breeze, and the darkness seemed to lift as if a glow surrounded their table.
Then just as quickly as it changed, Melissa blinked and everything was as it was before.
She stared down into her now empty drink and figured her next glass should be regular iced tea.
"What about you, Melissa?" Shannon asked. "Ever had your heart broken?"
"Once. A few years ago. I thought I had found this great guy, only it turned out he was more interested in business than in me."
Shannon snorted. "Been there, done that, sister." She lifted her glass and clinked it against Melissa's.
"You, too?"
"Yeah. Stupid of me, really. I should have known better. What I thought was the man of my dreams climbing all over me turned out to be my biggest nightmare using me as a stepping stone to claw his way to the top of the hotel business."
"Ouch." Melissa felt Shannon's pain.
"You said it."
A tall, dark-haired man approached the table. Melissa had noticed him earlier. He couldn't seem to take his eyes off Kaitlyn.
"Katie?" he said, and Kaitlyn looked up and smiled.
"Jimmy!" she said, bounding out of her chair and throwing her arms around the man. "Where have you been?"
"Chicago. Three months."
"No wonder. Let's dance and catch up."
Kaitlyn slipped her arm through his and wandered onto the dance floor.
"They look nice together," Melissa commented.
Shannon shrugged. "They've known each other forever. Kaitlyn has more guy friends than any woman I know. And they all love her to death, but like a sister. I don't understand it."
"Me either. She's gorgeous."
"That she is. But she doesn't put out signals that guys see as invitation. She's every man's best friend, but no man's lover."
"What's she waiting for?"
"She's waiting for the one," Shannon explained with a roll of her eyes.
"The one?" Melissa waved at the waitress and ordered an iced tea. This time without the Long Island in it. She could already feel the dizzying effects of the alcohol-laden cocktails she'd consumed.
Shannon waved her hand. "Long story. Boring, actually. Let's talk about you and Aidan instead."
Melissa stared ahead at Kaitlyn's quickly disappearing form into the throng of dancing bodies undulating on the square stage. "Nothing to discuss."
"C'mon, Lissa. I know better. You and Aidan have something."
She turned to gaze at Shannon, surprised she used the same nickname Aidan gave her. "What do you know?"
A sly smile curved Shannon's lips. "Nothing, really. I have eyes. I see the way you two look at each other."
They looked at each other a certain way? She had no idea. "Your brother's an attractive man. Can't blame me for looking."
Shannon wrinkled her nose. "Well, ick on me thinking my brother is attractive, but he obviously thinks you're pretty special."
"I think you're off base here. He avoids me like the plague."
"Exactly my point. If he didn't care about you, he'd be trying to get your panties off in two seconds flat. If he thinks you have the potential to hurt him, he'll ignore you until he can't ignore you any longer, because he feels something."
"Really?"
"Really." Shannon grinned. "Besides, we're all pretty close. We know when something's up with one of us."
Melissa nursed her drink and pondered what Shannon said.
"So? What are you going to do about it?" Shannon asked.
"Do about it? Nothing, I suppose. I told you, he's avoiding me."
"Then I guess it's up to you, isn't it?"
She swallowed, her throat dry. Time to be honest. "I've tried, believe me. He's not interested."
"What have you tried?"
Explaining her seduction techniques to Aidan's sister was going to be more than a little embarrassing. "Seduction. Dressing sexy, brushing against him, little suggestive comments."
Shannon's brows lifted. "Really? And he didn't respond?"
"No."
"He's got it bad, then," Shannon replied, then laughed. "Oh yeah, he's got it real bad for you, cher. You'd better go over there and pounce on him before he blows apart."
Kaitlyn came back and flounced into her chair, downing her drink in a few gulps. "That was fun!" She fanned herself, sweat beading on her
forehead. She looked at both Melissa and Shannon, and asked, "What's up? What did I miss?"
"Aidan has the hots big time for Melissa," Shannon announced.
Melissa wondered if anyone would notice if she crawled under the table.
Kaitlyn's dark eyes widened and she grinned. "Really? How do we know this?"
"He's avoiding her."
"Avoiding her? Wow. It's even stronger than I felt...er, imagined." Kaitlyn reached for Melissa's hand and squeezed. "That's wonderful. So, what are you doing here with us when you should be knocking some sense into our thick-headed brother?"
"You mean, go to his house?"
Kaitlyn nodded. "Of course."
"I...I can't. I wouldn't know what to do, where to start." She couldn't believe she was even considering going to Aidan's house and offering herself up like a sacrificial virgin.
"He won't." Shannon's confident air didn't do much for Melissa's self-doubt.
"Go on, Lissa. Tell Aidan what you want," Kaitlyn said, already grabbing Melissa's purse and pushing it toward her. "Trust us on this--he won't turn you away."
Her heart pounded louder than the staccato beat of the top forty hit blasting out the speakers in the club. Kaitlyn scribbled down Aidan's address and shoved the paper into her hand. Reluctantly, she stood and hugged Shannon and Kaitlyn, certain they had no idea how Aidan really felt about her, certain she was headed to a man's house who would ultimately laugh in her face.
She hailed a taxi and pondered the stormy clouds above. What was she afraid of? She was no coward. In business she was fearless, always in control. Nothing frightened her.
But this did--the idea of facing Aidan and telling him that she wanted him scared the bejeebers out of her.
As the taxi took off she tried some deep breaths to help her gain control over her shaky emotions. For too long she'd held back, unable to grab what she wanted for fear some other man would hurt her like before.
No more. It was time for her to put everything out on the table and find out where things were headed between them. At least after tonight she'd know for sure. She was either going to have wild sex with Aidan, or she'd spend the remainder of the month in prime frustration, releasing her pent up sexual tension with her own hand.
Not like she hadn't done that more times than she cared to count.
The taxi pulled up in front of a complex of condominiums. Modern and garden like, tall birch trees waved in the scattering winds across the threshold of the main gated entrance.
Melissa found Aidan's condo and stepped to the door, suddenly more nervous than she'd ever been before.
