Chapter 4 #2
I actually don’t have anything I need, but I don’t say that. She’s a new mom, dealing with having the baby early, and, well, my boss.
“I’m here now, so whenever you have the info, just send it over.”
“I’m so sorry. I…yeah, I didn’t send you anything so you have nothing. Great. I would be there, but Crew has put his foot down that I am not going to put myself or the baby at risk by freaking out, and…you know, being me.”
“Of course, and I have to agree with your husband here.”
She sighs. “Yeah, yeah. I just have worked with Mr. Thorn for a long time. He hasn’t disclosed any of the info about what’s going on.
So, when you get to the client, I need you to assess his issue, and then you’ll need to form a plan.
According to him, the sky is falling, his business is falling apart, and we have to mitigate it, if at all possible. ”
“Of course, I can do all that—” I check the clock “—what if I call you before lunch and fill you in, make sure you approve of the plan?”
“Yes. Yes, thank you,” Brynn says, letting out a huff.
“I know you were working on a new client proposal, and I can take over whatever you have on your plate to get that accomplished.” Someone, I’m assuming Crew, in the background starts to argue.
“I am perfectly capable of sitting my ass on the couch and doing a damn proposal, dear. Relax. I’m not getting on a plane,” Brynn grumbles. “Sorry, I’ll help if you need it.”
No way in hell am I accepting that. I’m going to manage this crisis and also get my very first client signed. Brynlee and Thea have built this company on their backs and part of why they hired me is because I promised I would work hard and bring in new clients.
Proving myself, my value, my worth to her and everyone I know is what matters.
“If I need it, I’ll definitely ask. Send me the address and I’ll reach out to meet with them.”
“Perfect, I’ll text the address for the client.”
“Thank you.”
“No, thank you, Tessa. You’re a lifesaver. Talk soon.”
We hang up and I need to get my butt moving so I can prepare, but before I can get out of the bed, his strong arms wrap around me, pulling me against his chest. I squeak and giggle. “Killian! I have to get up.”
He kisses the space between my neck and shoulder. “Stay. Just a little longer.”
Oh, how I wish I could. I look at him from over my shoulder. “I can’t. I need to shower, get changed and deal with work stuff.”
“Mmm,” he grumbles against my skin. “I think the shower is a great idea. I can make sure every inch of you is clean.”
Don’t say yes. Don’t say yes.
But I really want to. This could be my opening to finding out if maybe this doesn’t have to be one night—maybe this whole week could be spent having fantastic sex.
My insecurities are screaming at me not to be needy and ask, so I keep myself in check and let it be his choice. “I can’t.”
His lips move up my neck to rest on my ear. “You’re sure?”
No.
“Yes.”
“How about breakfast at least?”
I sigh. God, this guy is so sweet. “Fine. Breakfast and then I need to leave and get ready before my meeting.”
He runs his tongue along the shell of my ear. “Too bad I can’t eat you.”
This is becoming impossible to extricate myself from and the way his voice rumbles against me sends sparks shooting everywhere. I melt into his embrace. “Killian…I…want you again, so much.”
He lets me go and then rolls himself on top of me, caging me in. “We both have shit we need to deal with today. Let’s at least have this.”
I purse my lips and stare into those stunning fucking eyes. “Ten minutes.”
He grins. “Then I better get to work.”
And work he does. Oh, God how he works.
We finish and I get dressed. I had to force him to leave the room so I could actually get my clothes on this time.
Thankfully, he listens and promises to feed me so I can tackle the day. I’m going to need sustenance since I am lacking sleep and have expended a hell of a lot of energy.
I walk out of his bedroom, and he has a plate with eggs and bacon, a yogurt cup with fresh fruit, and another plate with pancakes sitting on the kitchen island.
“What’s all this?” I ask with a smile.
“Breakfast.”
My eyes widen as I look at the spread. “This is…well, a lot.”
He shrugs. “Pick one then. Whatever we don’t eat I’m sure one of the ranch hands will want.”
Okay. I go for the yogurt and Killian takes the eggs.
“So, you mentioned this is a horse ranch?”
“It is.”
“What kind of horses?” I ask before taking a bite.
“We board, train, and breed racehorses, but we also have horses who are old and just want a pasture to roam. Our bread and butter is breeding, though.”
I nod as if I have a clue what that means. “That’s fun. I went to a horse camp for a summer and learned to ride and care for horses. I can’t imagine how amazing it is to be around them all the time. It sounds like a dream.”
“I love it here. It’s…well, it’s a lot of work and stress, but it’s important to me.”
“My boss always reminds me that if we love what we do, we do it well. From what it sounds like, you love it even with the stress, so it’s worth it and I bet you’re great.”
He clears his throat. “I try to be.”
“Then, I’m sure you are.”
Killian reaches his hand up to my face, brushing the corner of my mouth. “You had some yogurt.” I run my tongue along my lips, and he nearly growls. “I think you might be trying to kill me.”
I smile. “I promise, I’m not.” My phone buzzes, and Brynlee’s text comes through with the address and a phone number for Mr. Thorn. “But I do have to go.”
“Now?”
“Like an hour ago.” I laugh softly. “Thank-you for breakfast and dinner last night and…you know, the sex.”
He smiles. “You’re welcome and thank-you.” Killian pauses and then brushes his thumb across my lips. “Can I see you again?”
My heart races because it’s what I hoped for and also didn’t. I’m pretty sure this is not a good idea, but at the same time, I’m not staying here. My job, my life, and everything I’m working for are all in New York so…what’s the harm?
“Yeah, I’d like that.” I get to my feet, pushing my hair behind my shoulder. My phone buzzes again.
brYNLEE
Thanks for handling this, Tessa. I got an email from Mr. Thorn that said he’ll be ready in fifteen.
Shit. Now I can’t go home and change.
“Dinner?”
“Dinner sounds great.”
He stands and kisses me softly. “I’ll see you tonight. Let’s meet at the bar at seven?”
I have no idea where I’m going and how long I’ll be out, but I nod. “That sounds like a plan. I really have to go—my client is waiting.”
“Of course. I have someone on their way here to work on the ranch so I should get dressed.”
“Okay, but tonight at seven?”
He grins widely. “Yes, and this time, pack a bag.”
I smile and put the address of the location I need to head to and press “find route”.
The voice on the GPS cuts through the room. “You have arrived at your location.”
I look up and he looks down at the phone.
No, this can’t be.
I…he…us…no.
Killian takes the phone, looking at the address, and then his eyes come back to mine. There is a look of horror that must mirror my own because I realize that I slept with our client.