28. Beth
CHAPTER TWENTY-EIGHT
BETH
T he last thing I wanted was to be a sweaty mess tonight, but I could feel the dampness under my arms and between my cleavage. My stomach roiled nervously. This was so unlike me, and I knew it had to be the pressure and the lie. I really wanted Aura Beauty as a client, but boy, was I crossing some lines to land them.
The invitation to the launch party had stated the dress code was formal, and the theme was jewel tones to match their latest eye shadow palette. I’d left a tie at Callan’s door while he was out for training. It was amethyst to match my clutch.
Maia had hooked me up with an emerald-green dress from her department store. It was silk with thin straps, a V-neck, fitted bodice, and a straight skirt, but the skirt split on the left, revealing leg all the way up to my thigh. My pseudo-cousin had paired the dress with emerald-green Jimmy Choo sandals, held together with strands of suede. They wrapped around my ankles and were glamorous but kind of wild at the same time. I loved them. The shoes were extravagant, but I wanted to impress Sheera.
I sent a photo of them to Luke.
He’d texted back .
??So proud of you. Welcome to my world.
Laughing, I’d sent him a blowing-kiss emoji and then slipped my phone into my heart-shaped Jimmy Choo clutch. Hundreds of amethyst Swarovski crystals made the clutch wink and sparkle in the light. I loved the contrast against the green and thought I’d done well living up to the jewel-tone theme. However, it was way too expensive, so it was on loan from the store, which meant I had to be super careful with it. The only jewelry I wore was a silver necklace with a small amethyst heart pendant and an amethyst Swarovski crystal bracelet.
I’d curled my hair and then brushed it out into waves that fell down my back.
A knock at my door made my skin flush hot, and I squeezed my eyes shut. If I didn’t want to be a sweaty mess at this party, I needed to calm down.
I thought my nerves were to do with Sheera, but maybe a tiny part of me anticipated being close to Callan all night. Our dinner at the Thai restaurant had gone somewhere unexpected. Aye, we’d admitted to being attracted to each other, because it was stupid to pretend otherwise, considering our history … but that moment at the table was something else. I’d never been that turned on in public before. Like, I’d felt pangs of attraction, but I’d never had to return home from a dinner to change my underwear because I’d gotten wet merely from a man murmuring sexy words to me.
What the heck was that?
I was usually way better at controlling myself. It worried me. The only other times I’d felt out of control was when I was grieving or anxious. Being out of control to me was not a good thing.
So I had to be better tonight.
Throwing my shoulders back, I whispered, “You’ve got this. You are Beth freaking Carmichael. You own your mind, your body … and you are going to sign Aura Beauty and avoid having sex with Callan.” I nodded militantly at my reflection in the hallway mirror. “Good talk.”
A few seconds later, I opened my flat door to find Callan standing on the other side, looking like my version of a wet dream. I gaped at him as his eyes moved slowly down my body. The split of my dress had parted to reveal my bare leg, and his nostrils flared.
He smelled amazing. Spicy and musky and male.
I’d told him I was wearing emerald-green with amethyst accents. Callan had paired the amethyst tie I’d bought him with an emerald-green silk waistcoat. He wore it with a white shirt and a fitted black suit. An emerald-green pocket square and polished black derby shoes completed his dapper look.
“You match me,” I said stupidly.
Callan’s eyes were still glued to my bare leg. “I had this waistcoat in my closet.”
I rolled my eyes and snapped my fingers in his face. “I’m up here.”
He blinked, finally meeting my eyes. “Are you trying to kill me?”
“It wasn’t my intention, no.” I stepped out of the flat, locking the door. “Shall we?” I gestured to the lift. I didn’t really want to take the stairs in my fancy shoes.
His gaze flickered over my body again, and he swallowed before following me. I could still feel him staring as we waited for the lift to arrive.
When I stepped in, the movement flashed my leg through the dress’s slit, and the mirror on the back of the lift revealed Callan’s eyes dropping to my bare skin again. I let out a huff of disbelief. “You’re acting like you’ve never seen legs before.”
He cut me a dark look and tugged on the lapels of his suit. “Every man that looks at you tonight is going to think of sex, princess.”
“Only the straight ones,” I teased.
Callan didn’t laugh.
I nudged him with my shoulder. “You’re going to have to relax there, Mr. Keen. This dress is split right to the thigh, so every time I walk, you’ll get an eyeful. Let’s not pretend you haven’t slept with half of the female population of Scotland. You can deal with a cheeky leg flash.”
The lift doors opened and as we stepped out, Callan rested his hand on my lower back, guiding me out of the building toward his Defender. “You have great fucking legs and, aye, I like looking at them … but it’s more about the fact that your dress opens just high enough to the top of your thigh, drawing my eye between your legs. So every time you walk and flash that leg, I’m imagining burying my head between your thighs and licking your clit until you scream.”
Even though he said it so matter-of-factly, I felt a deep squeeze in my lower belly. Arousal flushed through me at the visual, and I felt my nipples pebble against the dress. I was wearing adhesive breast lifts instead of a bra (a bra would ruin the lines of the gown), and I wasn’t quite sure those puppies would hide hard nipples.
“Stop it.” I glared at Callan as he opened the passenger door for me. “Keep your dirty mouth to yourself for the night. I’m wearing silk, for goodness’ sake.”
Realizing what I meant, Callan squeezed his eyes shut and bowed his head with a groan. “Woman, you are killing me here.”
I huffed and then eyed the vehicle. I was tall, but I was also in a fairly restrictive dress and heels. Placing my clutch gently on the seat before me, I braced one hand on the door frame and the other on the seat and tried to hop up into it without crushing my dress. My ankle bent over in the thin-heeled sandals, and I let out a cry as I collapsed inelegantly across the seat, arse dangling off it.
“I’ve got you.” Callan’s aftershave filled my senses as he moved into me. “Lift your hips, I’ll get your dress.”
I did just that and Callan gently pulled my dress down under me. Of course, the split stretched open and his fingers brushed over bare skin as I righted myself. Shivers cascaded down my spine, and I must have sucked in a breath because Callan’s hand paused on my bare thigh.
He had nice hands. Manly hands. And his fingertips were touching my inner thigh.
Arousal flooded my lower belly.
“Callan …” I squeaked out his name in a panic because I was seconds from shoving his hand up my dress. The image of his head buried there quickly followed.
Oh my goodness!
What the hell was this?
Why did he make me so lust fogged and out of control?
No. I was not out of control.
Our eyes met. His were hot with desire, the hunger in them unmistakable. And aye, there was a part of me that triumphed knowing Callan Keen wanted me … but the more sensible part of me knew it would be better if he didn’t.
His fingers flexed on my thigh.
“W-we’ll be late if we don’t leave now.”
Callan abruptly removed his hand. “Right.”
The very short drive to the event was the quietest, most intense drive I’d ever experienced. We made our way there in absolute silence as if afraid one more word between us would cause us to explode.
Callan parked his Defender on George Street not far from the event building and then rounded the vehicle to help me out. I looked reluctantly at his outstretched hand but then took it. Sparks shot up my arm at the feel of his calloused palm in mine. Then his arm was around my waist, stabilizing me as I exited the vehicle with a little hop. I grabbed my clutch and then retook Callan’s hand to walk into the building. Fancy signs guided us toward the private room for the party. Two doormen asked for our names and let us in.
Noise hit us as soon as they opened the doors. It was crowded with people and tables and décor. In the center of the large space with its paneled walls and glittering chandeliers was a large table filled with Aura Beauty products. A screen had been set up on the opposite side of the event space, and it played the Aura Beauty ads over and over again while chart music pumped through the room.
“Callan Keen?” We heard a male voice say, and we turned to where a group of people wearing press badges stood. They were talking with Sheera, who looked over at us as one of the journalists’ eyes lit up. The bearded fella crossed the room to us, and Callan’s hand tightened in mine.
“Callan Keen, Bryan Fodder from the Scottish Star . What brings you here? And who’s your date?”
Callan looked relaxed and cool as he replied, “Nice to meet you, mate. I’m here with my friend, Beth. She was invited to tonight’s event.”
Bryan’s eyes narrowed on me. “I recognize you. You’re?—”
“Beth Carmichael,” Sheera interrupted. She stepped between me and the journalist to press an affected kiss to each of my cheeks. “Beth is my guest.”
“Of the Edinburgh Carmichaels?” Bryan asked.
I nodded. “I own the social media management company Social Queens.”
Bryan didn’t care. He’d caught a different scent. “And you’re dating Caley United captain Callan Keen?”
“No comment,” Callan replied. “If you’ll excuse us.”
However, the rest of the press got wind of it and surrounded us before we could get very far. I marveled at the calm, cocky confidence Callan exuded as he answered and sidestepped their questions, and then maneuvered us away, farther into the room.
“Let me show you to your table,” Sheera insisted. As soon as we were out of earshot of the press, she bared her teeth in an ugly smile. “Perhaps it was a mistake inviting your boyfriend to my launch party. I want them talking about Aura Beauty, not your footballer.”
If this was anyone else, I’d tell her to go to hell. Instead, I opened my mouth to apologize, even though it might kill me.
I didn’t get the chance.
“Sorry, but you insisted Beth bring me to prove she was dating me because your son’s ego was bruised. You knew who I was when you did that.” Callan slid an arm around my waist as my pulse raced with horror at his words.
“Callan—”
“But if you hire Beth to run your social media, you’ll get more than a jump in sales. You’ll get her expert advice. And she would have advised you not to invite a well-known footballer to your launch party if you didn’t want attention being diverted from your products.”
Oh, bloody hell.
To my shock, Sheera let out a hard little laugh. “I suppose you’re correct. For now, please keep your distance from the press.” She walked away, sashaying in her ruby-red dress back toward the press area.
“Sorry. I couldn’t help myself.”
I wanted to be mad at him, but truthfully, he was right. And it would be unfair to give him a hard time because I was desperate to land Aura Beauty. I shrugged. “She seemed to take it on the chin.”
We found our seats, and one of the women at our table recognized Callan. That got us talking. They passed around flutes of nonalcoholic sparkling wine along with champagne, and we sipped on the NA stuff and munched on canapés while making conversation with the rest of our table. It seemed we’d been seated with representatives from beauty retailers.
Soon conversation petered off, just in time for Sheera to walk to the front of the room to welcome everyone and launch into some behind-the-scenes information regarding the new product line.
I sensed Callan shifting in his seat and looked over to find him blank-faced. He was bored.
A wave of gratitude hit me.
He had a game tomorrow, but he was here with me, doing me a favor. And I knew I was doing a favor in return by getting my dad to meet with him, but that didn’t make me any less grateful. My gaze dropped to the green waistcoat he’d worn to match me.
I bit my lip against a smile, trying not to think about plucking open the buttons on that waistcoat.
Callan turned his head, and he must have caught the thought in my eyes because his heated.
After Sheera’s long-winded speech, I needed to pee, so I excused myself from the table. As I was returning from the restroom, I’d just entered the ballroom when Samuel stopped me in my path.
“Beth.” He wore a sapphire-blue velvet tux. It was more dapper than it sounded and fit to perfection. The man still did nothing for me. “You look stunning. I spotted you as soon as you entered the room.”
“Thanks. You—” My words were cut off when he bent his head to brush a kiss to the corner of my mouth.
Whoa.
I reared back, smiling tightly to soften the blow of my reaction. “Nice to see you.” I skirted him, walking backward as I turned.
“Oh, don’t go yet.” He grabbed my hand, tugging me toward him, and that’s when I noticed the glassiness in his eyes.
Samuel was a wee bit drunk.
He wrapped his other arm around my waist, drawing me against him, and I knew if I resisted, we’d make a scene, so I let him. His breath reeked of whisky. “Dance with me.”
“No one else is dancing.”
His hand slid dangerously low on my back, so I reached behind me to stop its descent.
Samuel pouted. “Well, come sit with me. Let’s catch up.”
“I’m here with Callan, and I really need to get back to him.”
His arm banded tighter around me, crushing my chest against him. “Dump the dumb footballer, Beth. I’m much better company.”
I smiled widely but said through clenched teeth, “One, Callan is far from dumb. Two, I want this job, but I don’t want it enough to put up with your drunk groping. So let go of me, or I’m going to teach you what happens when you touch a woman without her permission.”
Samuel’s expression slackened, as did his hold. “No need to be a bitch.”
I smoothed my dress, keeping the placid smile on my face as I replied, “Go sober up, before you embarrass yourself and your mother.”
“I second that.” Sheera’s sharp voice sounded at our side, and I jerked my head toward her. She stood glowering at her son. “Go get yourself a glass of water, darling. Preferably several.” Her eyes cut to me, and she gave me an assessing look before shaking her head slightly.
My stomach dropped. I took that to mean we were not okay, and I shakily turned and strode across the ballroom away from the mother and son.
Callan was still seated at the table, and he glared as I walked toward him. His gaze dipped to the flash of my leg before returning to my face. Anger darkened his expression, and I frowned as I took my seat.
“I thought the whole point of me being here was because you didn’t want to date Samuel Green.”
The bite in his words made heat burn in my chest. “I don’t. He’s drunk and grew a million pair of hands. I was trying not to make a scene, but believe me, I do not enjoy being groped by men I don’t want groping me.”
“He was groping you? Where is the prick?” Callan moved to stand, anger bristling in his movements.
I grabbed his hand and tugged on it. “Sit down. It’s taken care of. I’ve probably lost the job.”
Callan’s expression softened with sympathy as he lowered to his seat.
We sat in silence for a while and then finally, he asked gruffly, “Are you okay?”
Before I could answer, a shadow fell over us. We looked up to find a handsome man, perhaps in his midforties. His dark eyes were on me. Recognition hit as he asked, “Excuse me, but would you like to dance?”
Sure enough, a quick glance behind informed me people were now out on the dance floor. “You’re … You’re Iain Erstwhile.”
He grinned, and it was attractive. “I am.”
This man was Maia’s boss’s boss. He was the CEO of Pennington’s, the oldest luxury department store chain in the country. My immediate thought jumped to business. If I could dance with him, I could tell him about Social Queens. Pennington’s was an even better client opportunity than Aura Beauty! Maybe tonight wouldn’t be a total loss.
“Sure.” I stood up, handing my clutch to Callan. “Will you look after this for me?”
Callan scowled. “Aye, sure, no problem.”
It did, in fact, sound like it was a big problem. I gave him a look that I hoped conveyed that I’d explain later. Then I followed Iain freaking Erstwhile onto the dance floor.
“I’m Beth Carmichael,” I introduced myself as I began swaying in his arms. He was a gentleman and kept an appropriate amount of space between us.
Iain raised an eyebrow. “Not Braden’s daughter?”
“Yes.”
He frowned. “May I ask what age you are?”
“Twenty-four.”
Iain relaxed and murmured, “Old enough.”
Oh boy. Time to steer any thoughts like that far, far away. “I run a social media management company. Who does your socials for you?”
His lips twitched with amusement. “I asked you to dance because as soon as you walked in the room, I couldn’t take my eyes off you. I really don’t want to talk business with such a beautiful woman in my arms.”
Damn it. I gave him a flirty but abashed smile. “I came here with a date.”
“Callan Keen’s reputation is well known. I assumed it isn’t serious.”
Oh, he had been paying attention. “You assumed incorrectly,” I lied.
“Ah, pity.” His dark eyes moved over my face. “If you ever change your mind …” He released me to pull a card out of his suit pocket. “Call me.”
I took the card. “And if I ever want to talk business?”
Iain grinned. “Sure. Call me then too.”
“Great.” I stepped back. With a little wave of his business card, I turned on my heel and sashayed toward Callan, feeling good about myself. Callan, however, was already coming toward me.
Suddenly, he looked very tall and broad-shouldered as he marched across the room, green eyes icy with anger. My clutch dangled in his clenched fist. I opened my mouth to explain, but when he reached me, he took a hold of my elbow, his grip tight as he guided us toward the door that led to the restroom. I could practically feel the anger vibrating off him.
“He’s the CEO of Pennington’s,” I explained. “I got his business card.”
Callan didn’t respond. Instead, he dragged me down the corridor, past people queuing for the loo, and I tried not to look like a drama was playing out between us.
He hauled me along with him, around the corner and out of sight. As soon as we had privacy, he halted and pressed me up against the wall. His hands braced at either side of my head, my clutch hitting off it with a worrying thud.
“If you break that, you buy it,” I warned.
Then Callan leaned his whole body into me. And I felt him.
He was aroused.
I sucked in a breath as excitement flushed through me. “What are you doing?”
He searched my face, his chest rising and falling against mine. “I don’t know,” he admitted hoarsely. “At this point, I just needed you away from all the bastards who want in your knickers.”
“You’re jealous?” I whispered, licking my suddenly dry lips.
Callan’s gaze dropped to my mouth. “It would seem so.” His breathing harshened. “Beth … Beth …”
“Captain?”
He crushed his mouth over mine, and I was vaguely aware of the sound of my clutch hitting the ground as his hands tangled in my hair. His tongue pushed against mine until I opened my mouth with a gasp. My belly squeezed deep and low as he took me with ravenous hunger.
And then he was kissing my chin and down my throat, sucking at a spot on my neck that made me shudder, his stubble scratching deliciously across my skin.
Everything just disappeared.
Where we were. Why we were there.
It was only him and me and this intense fire that ignited between us.
I gasped at the touch of his hand on my bare leg, the slow way his calloused palm slid up my inner thigh. “Callan …”
“Beth,” he groaned, pressing wet kisses down my chest. “Let me, let me …” His fingers nudged under the thong I’d worn so panty lines wouldn’t ruin my dress. “Let me.”
There wasn’t even a thought of stopping him. I was already wet merely thinking about his touch. I needed him. “Yes,” I said hoarsely.
Callan brushed his thumb over my clit, and I whimpered. His head came up and our eyes met. His face was etched with harsh desire, his gaze so hot and wanting. He watched me as he rubbed my clit, the bundle of nerves swelling and throbbing as the tension in me tightened.
Then he was pushing his fingers inside me, stretching me, the sensation overwhelming and … perfect.
“Ahhh—” Callan covered my cry with his mouth, kissing me as he fucked me with his fingers. I moaned into the kiss as my orgasm built and built.
“Callan.” I broke the kiss, gasping for breath, grabbing his shoulders, my hips undulating against his touch. “Callan.”
“Fuck.” He held my low-lidded gaze as he thrust into me all the while rubbing his thumb over my clit. “Come. I want to watch you come, princess.”
The tension in me snapped. Callan kissed me, swallowing the sound of my climax. My inner muscles clenched around him as he finger-fucked me through the orgasm.
He released my mouth as I continued to shudder. Callan groaned, his teeth scraping my jaw as he trembled against me. “I want to fuck you so badly. I want my cock buried inside you right now, regardless of where we are.”
Realization dawned as I tried to catch my breath.
Holy hell.
We were in public.
I’d come on Callan’s fingers. I was wearing silk!
“We have to leave,” I whispered, my fingernails biting into his shoulders as he peppered wet kisses along my jaw, the feel of his stubble making me shiver with want. “Cal—Oh.” He bit my ear, and I shuddered with renewed arousal. “Oh, please don’t.”
“I can’t help it.” He ground his erection against me. “Beth, let me take you home. I need inside you.” He lifted his head to meet my gaze again. His expression was now absolutely stark with want. “I promise you it’ll be worth it. I’ll show you how good casual can be, princess.”
I’d lost control. He’d made me lose complete control.
And yet … it didn’t feel as scary as it had only a few days ago.
Because in those moments of sexual abandon … everything disappeared. My worries, my ambition, the constant noise in my head. It all went poof!
There was nothing but pleasure and the feel of Callan Keen in my arms.
So I threw out all my own rules. “Okay. Let’s do it.”