Chapter 7
CHAPTER 7
K acey
“Ms. Taylor?”
“Yes,” I answered as I climbed out of the rental car. My father had mentioned allowing me to use one of the three he owned, but I preferred something that cost less than a three-story house.
“This is Ms. Bennett.”
It took me a few seconds to recognize her name. I was shocked she was calling me. “Yes, Ms. Bennett. What can I do for you?” I almost allowed something snide to slip out, but thought better of it. My God. She was calling on a Sunday. Work hard much? I felt like a slacker. Sundays were my day of rest. Well, shopping or sitting all alone watching movies. Ugh. My life.
Even when Nathan had been in my life, we’d rarely spent Sundays together. Maybe I should have seen that as a sign.
“I’m calling to ask if you’d consider coming in for an in-person interview. I realize you’re out of town and will need to make arrangements, which we will gladly reimburse you for.”
Whew. When a company offered to pay expenses just to meet you, that was impressive.
“Um. Well, I’m already in town. For another interview.” I might as well pull some leverage. I really didn’t want to consider accepting the job with the car dealership, not even if they upped their salary range.
“Oh, I see. Would you still like to be considered for this position?”
“Yes, I would.”
“Then I could squeeze you in on Monday morning at ten since you’re already in town if that works for you.”
“That would be fantastic.”
“The name of the company once again is Aeronautical Enterprises. I’ll send you an email with the address and particulars.”
“That’s wonderful. I really appreciate your call.”
“Yes, you’re very welcome.”
While she said all the right words, she was colder than a fish. I was beginning to wonder if moving back to town was a good idea.
Oh, hell, no. I wasn’t going to allow one little hiccup to derail my plans. Even if it had been a colossal mistake. A lump formed in my throat. Why did Sebastian have to look so damn good in a tuxedo? How had I not recognized him? Maybe I’d been blinded by lust.
And why of all things on this earth had he decided to purchase the painting? I could tell in his eyes that he’d envisioned me as the girl in the picture.
Ugh. How had my life derailed so quickly?
I’d been unable to face my dad that morning, needing some space and time to think things through. As I strode into the coffee shop, I took a deep whiff. The scent of freshly brewed coffee was a tremendous welcome. Yes, I could have made coffee at my dad’s house, but I knew he’d ask questions. I hadn’t been certain what to tell him.
Hey, Dad. I’m thinking of moving back. If I can find a job.
I just wasn’t up for the scrutiny. There were at least twenty people inside the tiny spot and I was forced to wait in a line of six before making it to the counter. When my phone blipped, I smiled. I’d texted my best girlfriend late the night before. As expected, she was returning my text.
Stephanie: How about meeting for a late lunch at Roxy’s Café?
Me: Sounds good. What time?
Stephanie: How about two-ish?
She was never a girl who liked to narrow down her options. She was the adventurer, always following her heart, while I’d learned to be very careful with mine.
Me: Two-ish it is.
Stephanie: Be prepared to provide details…
Details. I’d made the mistake of mentioning I’d had an interesting homecoming. She’d taken that to mean I’d had a hot date. I had, just not in the way she’d expect. I’d been the cautious one my entire life, only going on a few dates during college. They’d been a precursor to the horror show I’d suffered in New York.
But I couldn’t talk about that. Not to anyone. It was far too painful.
I shoved my phone into my purse, taking a few minutes to scan the store. Stephanie and I had come here at least once every time I’d come home from college. We’d laughed and spilled the beans about heartaches and classes, usually going shopping after we’d snacked on muffins and had too many cups of java. The memories had kept me going when feeling so alone in the big city.
I still had no clue why I’d insisted on staying after graduating Columbia University. Maybe I’d been a glutton for punishment. The sad truth was I’d felt suffocated. Dad had tried too hard to be both my mother and father and I’d needed space. Air. Room to breathe.
The coffee shop hadn’t changed. It still had a quaint feel with artwork from local artists on the walls, the brick facade adding to the cozy feel. It felt like home and I was able to take a deep breath.
I had a job interview for a coveted position. Maybe the stars were finally aligning for me.
The line moved forward and I couldn’t see the person standing directly at the counter because a large man stood right behind her. He was dressed impeccably in a dashing suit and I couldn’t help myself. I leaned over sideways so I could catch a glimpse of his shoes. I’d always had a thing about men’s shoes.
You could tell a lot about a guy by his selection. Nikes? Athlete wannabe. Dockers? He didn’t take life too seriously. Steel-toed boots? He thought he was a badass when in fact he was a marshmallow inside. This guy was wearing Christian Louboutin Corteo patent leather oxford shoes. That meant he had money. At over a thousand dollars a pop, he was dressed to impress.
I could only imagine how much his suit cost.
His dark brown hair fell across his collar, the sunlight filtering in through the front window creating a slight golden tint. I had a strange longing to run my fingers through the thick strands.
I laughed softly to myself as I heard laughter, the coffee barista still conversing with the same girl.
“Can we hurry it along? Some of us have important business to conduct.” The man’s voice was deep and rich, the tone almost gravelly.
Wait a minute.
Did I recognize that sexy voice?
“Hold on. I’m almost finished. God, the nerve of some people.” The statement must be coming from the girl still standing in front of the counter.
I shifted to the side just as she pivoted on her heel. And immediately splashed half her cup of coffee on the man’s shirt.
“What the fuck?” he growled. “Are you dense?”
His gruff voice pissed me off. “It was an accident,” I barked, moving out of line and stepping closer. Maybe I was just in a mood, but asshole men weren’t on the top of my list.
“It was an accident,” the girl echoed, her face turning bright red. “Here.” She grabbed a handful of napkins, trying to wipe the liquid off his shirt herself.
He snatched them from her hand and I’ll be damned if the jerk didn’t growl. Who growled when an accident happened?
“You need to be more careful or get a new job.”
No. He did not just say that.
“What is your problem?” My question was more of a demand as I jumped in front of his face. “The girl said she was…” My words died off as I tilted my head, more than ready for a confrontation.
Yet my blood turned icy even though a hot flash washed through me. Standing in front of me was the stranger I’d… Oh, God. I couldn’t even think it. How had I managed to sleep with a man who was such an obnoxious jerk? No, the better question was how had I managed to sleep with my father’s best friend who was also a colossal jerk?
Yes, he looked hot as Hades in his finely tailored suit, but that was no excuse for his holier than thou attitude.
“Sebastian,” I whispered, hoping the other two women hadn’t heard me.
“Kacey,” he said, low and slow, the sound sending electric jolts through my body.
My mouth was dry, my heart rate high. My luck just sucked as of late.
His hard, cold look softened a bit when he recognized who was accosting him. When his expression shifted into something much darker and more intimate, I did my best to keep the heat from rising to my cheeks. Instead, I planted my hands on my hips, prepared for a fight.
“You crowded her space,” I told him. “You’re to blame.” I had no idea what possessed me to poke him in the chest with my index finger, but it felt good.
Damn good.
He seemed shocked or miffed that someone would dare touch him. I honestly didn’t care which. You learned a lot about a person by the way he reacted to accidents. He should be wearing a capital ‘A’ on his chest for asshole.
His lips curled and it was difficult to tell if the flash in his eyes was about annoyance or desire. Either way, I just didn’t care.
“I think you don’t know what you’re talking about,” he answered.
“And I think you’re a jerk. Why don’t you do us all a favor and skedaddle out of here so good people can enjoy their Sunday morning peacefully.” Everyone else inside the coffee shop was wearing casual clothes. He was dressed as if heading to a wedding or a funeral.
And I seriously doubted he was on his way to church.
For a few seconds, we were frozen in time. Then he did something so unexpected I wasn’t certain how to react.
He stormed off, slamming his hand against the door as he headed outside.
I heard a few claps and the girl who’d spilled the coffee squeezed my arm.
“Thanks for that,” she said.
“Don’t worry, ladies. He’s always a jerk when he comes in,” the barista huffed.
I watched him walk away, the lights flashing on his fancy Italian sports car before he climbed inside.
And all I could do was ask myself what the hell I’d ever seen in him.
Men.
I’d had one driver flip me off and another cut in front of me with such little space I’d almost wrecked. Yes, this might be a late lunch get-together, but a drink was definitely needed.
I headed into the restaurant, searching the crowded space until I found Stephanie. I took quick steps toward her, eager to commiserate with an old friend. When she noticed me, she jerked up from the table.
“I cannot believe you’re here!” The squeal drew attention from almost every side of the restaurant.
She threw her arms around me, hugging me tightly. “I’m here. I’m sorry it’s been so long. Thanks for your text.” Stephanie had been my best friend since kindergarten. She was quirky yet popular, her family just adorable. Her mother had treated me like her own daughter, including giving me Christmas and birthday gifts.
Her kindness had offset the pain of not having my mother.
Stephanie had gone to Virginia Tech for college and I’d gone to Columbia in New York. We’d seen each other on holiday breaks, but it hadn’t been the same living in New York without my bestie.
“Well, I couldn’t believe you called. Are you really thinking about moving back?” We both headed to the table.
“If I can find a job.” I sat down with a huff, grateful she’d already ordered a bottle of wine. I reached for the long neck, but was stopped by a waiter sweeping it into his hands.
I chuckled and winked at her just before she batted her long eyelashes. She’d always been a flirt, including in elementary school. I was shocked she hadn’t gotten tossed out for inappropriate behavior. Of course, since she was absolutely gorgeous, she was usually allowed to get away with anything and everything.
“Didn’t you have two job interviews already?” she asked the moment the waiter left.
“I did, but one was a Zoom call that didn’t go very well. The prickly lady didn’t like me at all.”
“Oh, come on,” Stephanie cooed. “Everyone loves you.”
“I don’t think so. But I was called back for an in-person earlier today so I’m all set.”
“See? What did I tell you? I’m so glad you’re moving back home!”
“Don’t jump to any conclusions. I need to accept a position first.”
“You’ll get it. I know how tenacious you are.”
“Oh, yes, I am. A go-getter; I take what I want.”
Stephanie laughed. “I’m so excited and shocked you decided to leave New York. I thought you loved it there. I thought you had a boyfriend.”
“Had is the appropriate word. I did until everything in my life turned to shit.”
“Uh-oh. What did Nathan do?”
As I nodded, the same lump I’d felt for two weeks before coming here returned. “I was such an idiot. I had no idea he was fucking me and his assistant at the same time. And she was offered the position in accounting I’d been working hard for. Can you believe that?”
“Ouch. Doesn’t his father own the firm?” She’d been the single person I’d told that I’d found the right one. Yeah, I was an idiot and then some.
“Yeah, he does. That’s why I’m moving back. I don’t see a future at the company.”
“I guess not. I’m sorry about Nathan.”
“Better to find out before we started making wedding plans. Besides, you couldn’t stand him.”
“Oh, no. I always knew he was a snake.”
“Oh, yes.” I shook my head. “He was a frog, not a prince.”
“I have other names for him. Let’s have a drink and toast to never entering into a relationship.”
“I’ll drink to that.”
My thoughts suddenly shifted to the night before. Seeing Sebastian at the charity event had sucked the breath right out of me. I’d never felt so… dirty in my life. I remembered him now, but the few times I’d seen him, I’d been uninterested in paying any attention. At that point, I was into jocks, which was a mistake. Thankfully, I’d come to my good senses while expanding my horizons.
But I still couldn’t believe I hadn’t recognized him. I knew why he hadn’t figured out who I was. When I’d left for New York, I looked more like I was fourteen years old instead of seventeen.
God, I couldn’t believe I’d slept with the man.
“Are you okay? You look like you’re somewhere else,” Stephanie chided.
I was. In bed. With a hot man. My dad’s best friend. A small part of me continued cringing while most, including my pussy, was still aching from need. Because I’d fucked him. Or he’d fucked me.
Oh, God. How had I gotten myself into this mess? “Maybe.”
“Uh-oh. Did you get under someone to get over Nathan?”
“Well… Have you ever done something extremely stupid, but you didn’t know you were doing it until afterwards?”
She wrinkled her nose. “At least once. Oh, I know. Remember the time when I told off a guy standing in line only to find out he was my history teacher the next day? Boy, that didn’t make getting the ‘A’ easy at all.” She grinned like the wicked woman she was.
“Something like that. I told off a customer at our favorite coffee shop today and it felt good.”
“Confess. What did you do? I think it’s your turn anyway.”
“How would you remember that?” We used to play the game of confession, a stupid kid’s game we’d started in the fifth grade. Boy, I’d learned some things about her I’d never wanted to know.
She shrugged and fingered her wine. “My city. My rules. Confess.”
“My city too!”
“Yes, but you moved away. That means whatever I say goes.”
It felt as if time hadn’t slipped away between us. Just peas in a pod. “You’re a brutal bitch.”
“And that’s why you love me.”
I lifted my glass, forced to take a sip before daring to reveal something so… stupid. I’d obviously had my blinders on, or my brain power would have kicked in. “What if your bestie had a one-night stand the night she came into town.” She knew me too well. Doing something like that was completely out of character. I could only imagine she was shocked.
Just like she’d done before, she squealed. “About time. God. I was beginning to think you needed to enter a convent.”
“What about Nathan?”
“I knew something was wrong weeks ago. I could hear it in your voice. Were you having sex?”
“Um, no. I tried. Trust me, but he always said he was too tired. Little did I know he was doing the horizontal bump with Cherry.”
“There’s a name for you.” She giggled and the sound was just another reminder of how much I’d missed being here.
I threw her a playfully hateful look. Her voice could boom over any raging concert. “Oh, stop. You know I think all men suck.”
“The question is were you doing the sucking this time?” She was entirely too proud of herself.
I smacked her arm, but at least I felt as if I was in friendly territory. “Stop it. And no, I didn’t have a chance. He was too busy with his mouth if you know what I mean.” We both laughed and she slapped the table.
“Spill it. Was it just as amazing as you hoped for? Oh, I can tell by the look on your face you loved every moment of it. Did he have a big, thick cock?”
Much to my embarrassment and the waiter’s chagrin, he appeared the moment she asked the question. I cleared my throat to tell her to shut up. Thankfully, she did, but in turn gave the poor dude a hateful look.
“We’re not ready to order yet.”
He was more than thrilled to scuttle away. His poor face had turned beet red. “You can’t do that.”
She giggled. “I can do anything I want. Now, back to this hot man. Are you going to see him again?”
“No plans. I didn’t get his last name, nor did he get mine on purpose.” The white lies were starting to creep up. “He was the asshole customer at the coffee shop this morning. I had an opportunity to see his real personality.”
“Ooh-la-la. A mysterious little fling. That’s obnoxious though. Still, if the sex was that hot, wouldn’t you like to see him again? Maybe he was having a bad day.”
The short answer was yes. The long answer was complicated as fuck.
“Well… The barista said he comes in there all the time.”
“Of course he does. What else? Oh, did you find out who he is, you evil dog, you?”
She was smiling while I was being overrun by stinging butterflies. “I found out alright.”
“Okay. Spill it. You’re dragging this out like you do everything else.”
I gave her a hard look. “Very funny. It’s just that I kind of knew him in a former life.”
“Kind of. Is that anything like a little bit pregnant?”
“Oh, please. Do not go there. No, it just means I can’t see him again. Ever. Like I mean for as long as I’m alive.”
“What? You’re not making any sense.”
“Remember I mentioned my father was taking me to that charity auction last night?”
“Yes, I do. Did you have a good time?”
“Not really.”
Stephanie narrowed her eyes. “Fess up or I’ll spill all your dirty little secrets to everyone in this room.”
“Stop it or I’ll drown you. I just…” I took another sip of wine and I could tell Stephanie was concerned. “Well, we ran into my dad’s best friend. He was there purchasing a very provocative painting.”
“O-kay. I don’t see what this has to do with…” She stopped short of finishing, jerking up her head and staring into my eyes. “Wait a minute. Are you trying to tell me that the man you slept with is your father’s best friend?”
“Yes, and thank you for announcing it to the entire restaurant.” A single bead of perspiration managed to drift down from my hairline.
“Oh, my God. That’s delicious. That’s crazy. That’s forbidden. Oh, God. Your father doesn’t know, does he?”
“Are you kidding me? My conservative father, who still believes I’m like twelve years old would kill the man and lock me in my room for the rest of my life. No, he doesn’t know and I plan on keeping it that way. I am never seeing that man again.”
She eyed me carefully and refreshed both our wines. “So, he’s hot though?”
“Oh, he’s very hot. I’m talking scorching with huge muscles and damn if he doesn’t have a huge… cock.” Now I was whispering, but still embarrassed. “So hot that we almost erupted in flames.”
“Wow.”
“Wow doesn’t cut it.”
“He treated you well.”
“Like I was the most beautiful creature in the world.”
Stephanie sighed and pulled the glass to her lips. “You lucky bitch. Maybe you could see him on the side. You know, make it a really filthy affair.”
“I am not going to do that. I’m not that kind of girl.” No, I was just the kind to have a one-night stand with a stranger.
“I can tell how much this is bothering you, so I’ll ask one more question.” She held up her index finger for emphasis.
“Fine. You’ve already tormented me enough as it is. Go ahead.”
“What’s his name?”
I sucked in my breath before daring to answer. Just saying it out loud would make it that much more real. “Sebastian Winfield.”
She shrank back as if I’d hit her.
“What? Did he become a serial killer or something?”
“Um, no. It’s much worse.”
“What could be worse?” I laughed, but her expression was disconcerting.
“He’s married.”