Chapter 9
CHAPTER 9
K acey
Rules.
Every. Single. One of them.
What did that even mean?
I’d been fuming about it for two solid days. He’d never mentioned them again in our little chat we’d had that had lasted for forty-five minutes before he’d dismissed me. What frustrated me the most was that I hadn’t gotten up the nerve to ask him either.
I certainly wasn’t a meek girl, but around Sebastian I’d felt a little like a befuddled child. That wasn’t acceptable.
“Hey, Dad.” My father usually worked long hours at the hospital. It was more of his home than the beautiful estate I’d grown up on. I sipped on my wine, absently flipping through the same paperwork I’d been looking at for two days. When he walked into the kitchen, I closed the folder.
Boosting my courage enough to tell him about all my changes was necessary.
“Hey, darling. I didn’t expect to see you. Aren’t you going out with your friends tonight?” He walked into the kitchen, his face highlighting the grueling work ethic he’d adopted days after my mother’s death. Often it felt like I barely knew the man. We’d been ships passing in the night.
I’d had a nanny almost immediately, a series of them over the years. A few had quit after only a week because I’d been such a little hellion. I’d lashed out because I couldn’t understand why my mommy wasn’t coming home.
Maybe I still didn’t.
My father was a brilliant heart surgeon, but hadn’t been allowed to operate on his own wife. No one had known about her condition. She’d died on the table during open heart surgery and my father had never forgiven the surgeon who’d taken his place.
My dad had blamed himself every day since.
Two days had passed since I’d accepted the job with Aeronautical Enterprises. Two days of wondering if I’d done the right thing. Two days of intense meetings, a copious volume of paperwork and self-doubt. Two days of being forced into close proximity with Sebastian, a man I’d slept with and was my father’s best friend.
Two days of being unable to find the courage to tell my father I was moving back home. I had no idea what was up with me, but I had to own up to the decisions I’d made.
“We’re meeting for drinks in an hour.”
He grabbed a beer from the fridge and slid onto the barstool across the kitchen island from me. “That’s good.”
“You look tired, Dad. You’re working too much.”
“I’ve had a few tough days. Nothing I can’t handle.” He rubbed his eyes and it occurred to me how many more lines were showing on his face. My mom and dad had conceived me when they were both very young, and up until now I’d seen my dad as a superhero, remaining eternally young.
It was just another reminder why sleeping with Sebastian had been such a bad decision.
“You need to take a few days off.”
“I plan on doing that. When are you returning to New York? Maybe we can squeeze in a day together.”
That’s the way it had always felt. Squeezing in time spent with my father. Even holidays had been mostly short lived. But I loved my dad more than anything. He’d been my rock.
It was now or never and since I’d already given my two weeks’ notice at my old job, I had no other recourse. I was moving back home. “What would you think if I moved back?”
He had a gulp of beer in his mouth and almost spit it out. “Are you kidding me?”
For the first time since I’d been home, his eyes lit up.
“I’m serious. As a matter of fact, it’s a done deal. I just need to return to New York over the weekend, serve out the rest of my time at my old job, about a week, and make arrangements to have my stuff sent here if that’s okay.”
“Of course it’s okay. It’s more than okay. I’m so happy. I hated you living in that godforsaken city.”
“It wasn’t that bad.”
He shook his head. “Your mother and I went there for a long weekend. She made me promise we’d never have to return.”
“You never told me that.”
His expression turned darker. “I guess there’s a lot I haven’t told you about your mom. I’m sorry about that.”
“I’m okay, Dad. You were grieving.”
“Yeah, but that’s no excuse. You deserved to know your mother. She was a small-town girl. Even St. Louis was a little large for her.” His laugh was one I’d rarely heard as a kid. Deep and booming.
“I wish I remembered more about her.”
The way he looked me directly in the eyes was so pointed I was momentarily mesmerized by them. “With you moving back home, we’ll make the time to talk about her. She was my everything.”
“I know, Dad.” And she was. I’d never seen him with another woman. I’d never known of him dating. My gut told me he had a lady friend or two over the years, the kind with benefits, but had committed himself to my mother for always. Up until a few years before, he’d still worn his wedding ring.
That was true love and something I doubted I would ever find.
“We’ll have plenty of time to go down memory lane. Tell me, daughter of mine. What are you going to do for work? I do have a couple of buddies of mine who might need help in their accounting department.”
My dad knew I had a master’s degree in business administration with a secondary diploma in marketing, yet he was so absorbed in the medical profession, he didn’t understand how close I could be to being the CFO of a major corporation. Numbers were my thing and had always been.
“I already have a job.” I took a sip of my wine, waiting for his reaction.
“You do?” His eyes opened wide. “You’ve been a busy girl while here.”
“I really wanted to get out of New York. I missed being home.”
“I missed having you here. So tell me about your new job.”
I cringed internally. I don’t know why I was so worried about telling him I’d be working with Sebastian. Other than wondering if I could hide the atrocious blip in time.
“Financial analyst for Aeronautical Enterprises.” I concentrated on taking a sip of my wine while he processed what I’d told him.
I could tell the instant he realized what I was telling him. “You’re working with Sebastian Winfield.” It wasn’t a question, but a statement of knowing.
“I am. His right-hand gal.”
“Did you know this the night of the charity?”
“I had no idea. I had a blind Zoom interview while still in New York. I had no clue Mr. Winfield was part owner. I didn’t think I had a snowball’s chance in hell of being asked for a real interview. Things went quickly from there.”
He took a deep breath and the longest pull on his beer I’d seen to date. When he set the bottle onto the counter, he swirled it back and forth for a few seconds. “You know Sebastian is my best friend, right?”
“Of course, Dad. At least I remembered when you introduced us the other night.” I’d soon need to keep a score card for the lies I was prepared to use and keep.
“Well, he’s a great guy for the most part. We get along very well.”
“I know that too. Why are you telling me this like it’s a warning?”
“Because it is,” he said and looked me straight in the eyes. “Sebastian is a beast in business. He’s ruthless, cunning, and I doubt there are any toes he won’t step on or rules he won’t break to get what he wants. He always wins. Every single time.”
Rules.
I thought about what Sebastian had told me on Monday and shuddered inwardly. I wasn’t very good at following men’s rules. Not the way he’d meant them anyway.
“Those are good attributes to have in the kind of merciless business he’s in. I’ve spent time looking into competing companies and it’s dog eat dog.” That wasn’t a lie. I’d used the two nights curled up in my bed, surfing the internet and learning everything I could about the competition. Ruthlessness was needed with such huge profit margins.
“Yes, but not when it crosses every morally gray line.”
“Are you suggesting what his company does borders illegal activities?”
My dad sat back, rubbing his jaw once again. “What I’m telling you is that Sebastian and his partner will stop at nothing to crush an enemy. Remember what I said. Sebastian always gets what he wants. Period.”
“Admirable.”
“Not when it destroys other companies.”
“You’re certain of that?”
“He bragged about it, sweetheart. I’d like to tell you not to work for him, but you’re a grown woman. Just go in with your eyes wide open.”
Eyes wide open. Truer words were never said. “I will, Dad. I think it’s an amazing opportunity. He’s a bit… grumpy, but I can handle him.”
My dad reached across the table, squeezing my hand. “Of that I have no doubts. You always handled me very well.”
“Dad!”
“You did and I’m certain I was a handful, but you were a precious princess yourself.”
“Very funny.” I glanced out the window, hating my inner and obviously very wicked mind. My thoughts had drifted to the night shared with Sebastian more than once. “Is he still married?” I blurted out the question without thinking. It hadn’t been my place to ask anyone in the office. I’d seen no pictures of his wife anywhere in his office. He’d had no personal pictures of any kind.
In fact, his office appeared as nothing but a beautiful placeholder. Perfectly decorated with everything just so, yet with the personality of a magazine layout and nothing more.
My dad snorted. “Why would you ask such a question?”
“I don’t know. I just heard he was in a contemptuous relationship but remains a womanizer.”
“My buddy is many things, some of which are exploited in the news. But he’s definitely not dating and certainly not more than one woman at a time. Although I could tell you about some stories from the past. And no, he’s no longer married. I’m one of the few people who know how difficult the experience was for him.”
“Ew, Dad. I don’t want to hear the stories. Why not be open about his divorce?”
We both laughed and he leaned further over the table. “Because he had a tough breakup with his ex. Bitter is a kind word. She’s not letting it go. The divorce agreement had some unusual caveats. I don’t know the details because even after all these years, Sebastian is a private man. Why are you asking exactly?” When he lifted a single eyebrow, that meant he was onto whatever antics I’d gotten myself involved in.
“He’s obviously not a happy man and he seems not to mind taking out his bad mood on everyone else. That’s all.” That was putting it mildly. He acted as if the entire world was against him.
“While I’m certain you’re quite capable of handling his mood swings, I’ll make certain when he comes over tomorrow night that he’ll need to answer to me if he pisses you off.” He laughed and my stomach instantly was infiltrated by butterflies.
“He’s still coming over for dinner tomorrow night?” Why had Sebastian accepted? Was the man simply trying to make me uncomfortable?
“Yes. He seemed eager to spend some time with us. Now I guess I know why. Don’t worry, honey. I’m having it catered.”
At least I was still able to laugh. My father couldn’t easily make a bowl of cereal for himself.
“That’s good to know so you two big, strong men won’t starve.”
“You will join us. Won’t you?” Damn if his eyebrow wasn’t lifted again. It was a sign I better not be going anywhere.
“I’ll be here. But I might be going out later.”
“That’s fine. The two big, strong men have a poker game later tomorrow night.”
“That’s great to hear. You deserve to have a little fun.”
“You are going to stay right here after the move. Aren’t you?”
My dad always had a way of making me feel welcome. “Just for a couple weeks if that’s okay. Plus, I’ll need to keep a storage unit here until I can find a place. Is that okay?”
“Honey, I have plenty of room. You can move in.”
Oh, no. That wasn’t going to happen. My father was still my dad even though I was twenty-six. Living under the same roof wouldn’t work out, especially not while keeping a dark secret. “I like living alone, Dad. No offense.”
He smirked and polished off his beer. “No offense taken. Time for a shower. It’s been a long day.” He tossed the bottle into the trashcan and headed to the kitchen door. I sensed he still wanted to say something.
“What’s wrong?”
“Nothing’s wrong, Kacey. I’m thrilled you’re moving back home. I just don’t want to see you disappointed or to get hurt.”
“Why would I get hurt?”
“Because handling the world of corporate business is often like playing a chess game. Just remember it takes a savvy and patient person to navigate the often murky, shark-infested waters. Sebastian is a master at doing so. You’re a sweet and innocent flower with a sunny disposition. The two don’t necessarily go together.”
I had a feeling my father wouldn’t feel the same way if he ever learned the truth.
I was no innocent flower.
“What did you say?” Stephanie asked as she stared at me, her mouth wide open.
“Yep. One hundred and twenty thousand dollars. Plus, some of the best benefits I’ve ever seen in any industry. How was I supposed to turn that down?” I tried to nurse my glass of wine, but I was at the point of guzzling it down.
The man reeked of money, opulence, and privilege, as if he could take his life for granted because he’d be offered another one by some saint high in the sky.
“But didn’t you tell me he’s an obnoxious ass?”
“That he is,” I confessed. He’d glared at me every time we’d passed in the halls, barking at me after asking for the latest financials when I’d yet to have full control over the new computer system. “He also mentioned rules like they were a deal breaker.”
Stephanie grinned. “Every company has a set of rules.”
“Not those kind of rules about how long for lunch and how many breaks. Rules like, you know, rules .” I overemphasized the last word.
“As in personal rules?”
I nodded as I fiddled with my glass, shifting it back and forth. Just uttering the word gave me prickles over every inch of my body.
“Maybe he’s a BDSM god too. Think about it. A few whips and chains.” She burst into laughter while the prickles turned into full-out shivers.
“That’s what I’m worried about.”
“Oh, come on. No one can get away with that. He can’t force you to do anything wicked. That is unless you want to, baby.” The look on her face was downright evil.
“Very funny. Not a chance. I don’t like him.”
“Ri-ight. I saw the way you reacted when I told you he was married. You have a thing for him.”
“I do not have a thing for him and he’s not married. He’s divorced.”
Stephanie narrowed her eyes. “You’re sure about that.”
“Did you forget he’s my father’s best friend?”
“Oh, yes. How could I forget the other taboo aspect of this entire tryst. Then there’s the issue of you also pissing off your father if the two of you are doing a little dancing under the sheets.”
“Trust me. There won’t be a repeat of our horrible act.”
“You certainly didn’t say horrible the other day.” She was using her singsong voice, which had pissed me off when we’d been in high school. Now it practically pushed me into going ballistic. I was certainly a little too angry at the world when I’d just landed what could be the job of my dreams. “In fact, I think the term you used was finger-lickin’ good.”
“You’re incorrigible. Stop acting like a bitch.”
She fanned her face, acting as if I’d hurt her feelings. “I’ll have you know I’m speaking only the truth. Plus, your eyes were glassing over that afternoon. You are playing with an entire forest fire at this point.”
“Please don’t tell me not to get burned. I don’t think I can take it. Dad doesn’t think working for him is a good idea.”
“That’s because it’s not. I don’t know what happened with Sebastian and his wife, but that should give you a clear indication he’s not good relationship material.”
“We’re not having a relationship. It was one night. One… fabulous night. Okay? Happy now?”
She sipped her martini, eyeing me over the rim. “Well, maybe he can be a boss with benefits.”
We both laughed until I caught something from the corner of my eye. “Oh, no. Is that man following me?” Why was Sebastian even here? Butterflies were already swarming my stomach.
My bestie followed my line of sight, whistling appreciatively. “He is one hot man. I’ll give you that.”
“Hot and cold. Not the best combination.” Without realizing what I was doing, I slunk down in my seat for a few seconds. Oh, no. I refused to be embarrassed around a man like Sebastian. He didn’t deserve the satisfaction.
“I don’t know. I’ll do him.”
“How many boyfriends have you had in the last two years?”
She waved me off, still watching as Sebastian and a male companion headed toward the bar. At least with the time being twilight and the lights already dim inside the bar, it was likely we could remain anonymous.
“This will be a completely professional relationship. Nothing more,” I continued, but knew somewhere in the back of my mind I was fooling myself. He had the ability to make my mouth so dry it felt like tiny pricks of icepicks going after my throat. I swept the tip of my tongue across my bottom lip just to add some moisture.
He was dressed entirely differently in dark pants and a Henley shirt, both accentuating every long line of muscle.
“You just licked your lips. You can’t tell me you don’t have a thing for that man,” Stephanie pushed.
“Nothing at all.”
“You’re lying to yourself.”
“I think we should go.”
She glanced toward where the two men finally landed, the only two open seats at the bar. “That’s fine. I need to get up early anyway. However, you do know you’re going to be forced to walk right past him. Right?”
My palms were instantly sweaty. How and why did the man have that kind of an effect on me? Was it the forbidden zone we were in? Was it because he was quite possibly the hottest man on the face of the earth? “That’s fine by me.” I stood, peering down at her with a winning smile.
“Okay. Whatever you say. You go ahead. I’ll be right behind you.”
Stephanie was purposely making me do the little walk of shame, no doubt craving seeing just how embarrassed I could get. We used to do this kind of thing to each other all the time. Only we weren’t kids any longer. This was real life.
I held my head high as I took cautious steps toward the bar, unable to take my eyes off the man. The bartender had already brought both men drinks and they were talking casually, obviously enjoying each other’s company. He wasn’t paying any attention to me and I became determined to walk by without being noticed.
The area where I needed to pass was crowded, the group of men pushing their way deeper into the bar forcing me to step to the side.
And closer to Sebastian.
His rich and exotic scent wafted into my nostrils, the hint of the dense woods mixed with notes of citrus adding to a series of electric sensations dancing through me. As hard as I tried not to look into his eyes, I was drawn into them as I’d been before. They were dark and seductive, pulling me into a sweet haze of lust.
I likely would have gotten away with managing to continue walking past had my bestie not jerked my arm, her attempt at slowing me down having a completely different effect.
No one had ever called me clumsy before, but I chose at the very moment to trip on my own feet. While I was thankful I didn’t fall on my butt right in front of him, an even worse thing happened.
I fell straight into his arms.