Summer Heat: A Steamy Romance Boxed Set Page 8

  His heartbeat sped up at the feel of the tight peak pressing hard into his skin. Never had he felt anything so good, and he’d yet to touch her bare flesh. He glided his lips down her jaw, pressing wet kisses to the pulse below her ear, using the time to breathe in and gather his wits, which had long since disappeared.

  “This is wrong,” she whispered, causing him to realize he’d given her time to think too. But the words were coming out breathy and soft, her need obvious. “I work for you.”

  “There’s no office policy preventing it,” he said, grabbing on to any rational reason to keep her right where she was.

  He liked the feel of the lace covering of her bra against his hand. It let him imagine what her actual flesh would feel like to the touch. He wondered if her nipples would taste as sweet as her mouth.

  “Kade, this is insane.”

  “Agreed.” He swallowed hard against the pulse pounding in his temples.

  She was right. It wasn’t a smart move. He wasn’t completely sure he’d ever trust any woman completely, but he couldn’t not pursue her. Couldn’t let her go.

  “But it’s still happening,” he informed her, bound and determined to have his way. If she really didn’t want to be with him, he’d walk in a heartbeat.

  He’d never forced himself on a woman. Never would, no matter what Lila had claimed. But this pliant, sexy female in his arms wasn’t saying no, and he had every intention of seducing her further.

  Not here and now, but in the very near future.

  He plucked her nipple between his thumb and forefinger, rolling it between the pads of his fingers. “We’re good together.”

  A full-body tremor shook her, and she whimpered, the sound going straight to his dick.

  “But, Kade, I need this job.” She pushed him with both hands, and he stepped back immediately.

  “I respect that.” He met her gaze, trying his damnedest not to look at her puffy lips, red and swollen from his heated kisses. “Nothing that happens between us will affect your work here,” he promised her.

  She raised her eyebrows in disbelief. “That’s naïve, and the one thing you, Kaden Barnes, are not is naïve.”

  “No, I’m determined.” To have her in his bed and in his office.

  In the short time they’d been together, she’d been a model assistant, despite him being an obnoxious ass. Her predecessors had walked out sooner with less provocation. He intended to keep Lexie happy on all levels.

  She sighed, folding her arms across her chest, a move obviously designed to hide her full breasts and prevent him from staring. He glanced down, but that view didn’t help, her sexy skirt not a deterrent to the places his mind wanted to travel, and reminded him of when he’d slid his fingers up her tight skirt and played her body until she came. Hard.

  He forced himself to refocus on her objections and ways around them. “When … if … things between us end, you’ll have a choice whether to continue working for me or move to another position here. Same salary, same benefits, no hassle from me,” he promised.

  Not that he could imagine her leaving his employ. Or him.

  “Make no mistake, no matter what, I intend to pursue you, Lexie. To make it difficult, if not impossible, for you to walk away.” He swept his hand through her hair, tugging as he pulled his fingers through the long strands. “So?”

  She looked up at him with wide blue eyes. “You’re a hard man to say no to,” she murmured.

  He felt himself grin. “That’s what I was hoping you’d say.”

  “So what’s next? We get to work?” She hopped off the desk and began adjusting her clothes, her cheeks pink and adorably on fire.

  “We do, but one more thing. There’s a benefit I have to attend Saturday night, and I don’t want to go alone. Blink is a major donor, and I’m doing the representing at this particular gala.”

  He and his partners took turns at various charitable events. Kade never brought a date and had shocked himself by asking Lexie now. But he was coming to realize that his feelings for her were stronger than the internal battle he fought with himself over letting someone in.

  “What is the benefit for?” she asked.

  “MHA of NYC,” he said, bracing for what she’d ask next.

  “What does it stand for?”

  “Mental Health Association of New York City.”

  She sucked in a startled breath. “Is this coincidence? Me telling you about my mother and you asking me to attend a benefit for mental health?”

  “It is.” They had more in common than she realized. Maybe not the same classification of issues, but they each understood mental health better than the average person.

  “It’s also a cause that means something to me,” he said, leaving it at that. He wasn’t ready to share his reasons with her. He might not ever be ready. “I’ll pick you up at eight Saturday night.”

  She blinked up at him. “You’re moving awfully fast.”

  “I always do when I want something.” And he’d decided he wanted her. “Do we have an understanding?”

  She ran her tongue over her lips, and he hoped like hell she was tasting him, because he sure as hell still savored her.

  “We have an understanding,” she said at last, allowing Kade to breathe easy for the first time since she’d walked into the room.

  * * *

  Lexie knew how to live in the moment. It was the only way she could get through life as she knew it. So she put Saturday night out of her head and went about her week, planning to keep things business as usual. Except there was nothing usual as Kade stepped up his game.

  Tuesday morning, he brought her a hot cup of Starbucks, handing it to her at the same time she brought his coffee into his office.

  “Thank you,” she said, surprised as she accepted the white cup with green writing.

  He watched, a hopeful look in his green eyes as she took a careful sip of the hot brew, sampling the extremely sugary drink. “Mmm. What is this?” she asked, licking her lips for another taste.

  “White chocolate mocha latte with whipped cream. You like it?”

  “It’s delicious. How did you choose the flavor?”

  A pleased grin lifted his sexy lips. “Because it’s sweet. Like you.” He crooked a finger, silently beckoning her to join him.

  She couldn’t resist and slowly made her way around the desk, swaying her hips as she walked over. His darkening gaze let her know he hadn’t missed the deliberate show. She stopped close to him and inhaled his potent masculine scent.

  “Thank me,” he instructed.

  “I already did.” And she didn’t appreciate being told to do so.

  “The right way. The way you would if we weren’t in the office.”

  She narrowed her gaze, admittedly confused. “I don’t understand.”

  “Kiss me,” he said, elaborating more fully.

  She blinked in surprise and had no doubt he didn’t think she’d comply. Not here, with his office door open.

  Normally he’d be right. But he’d thrown down a challenge, and Lexie never passed up a challenge. Besides, he looked delectable in his black track pants and light blue Trekkie tee shirt.

  So she rose onto her tiptoes and pressed her mouth against his. With a groan, he looped an arm around her waist and pulled her closer. Her feet practically dangled off the floor as he swept his tongue inside and took control. He devoured her, and she loved how he tilted her head so he could kiss her more deeply, take more from her. He had a talented mouth and tongue, and kissing Kade was definitely becoming her favorite kind of foreplay.

  She had no doubt this was a prelude to whatever he ultimately had planned. He’d said he intended to pursue her, and he did just that, seducing her with his mouth until her toes curled and she fell forward in her heels.

  He grasped her harder to keep her upright and pulled his head back. She stared into his eyes, hazy with desire.

  “Any more commands?” she asked, catching her breath.

  “Give me some t
ime to come to myself, and I’m sure I’ll think of something.” A dimple she hadn’t noticed before appeared in his cheek, and she realized she’d do anything to see it again.

  For the rest of the week, he continued his Starbucks gifts. True, he still expected his coffee made his way—he was Kaden Barnes, after all, and she wouldn’t want him any other way. He didn’t kiss her again at the office, but he did touch her more.

  A caress on the cheek.

  A tug on her hair.

  An ass grab when they were alone.

  Somehow they fell into a routine. She rearranged his desk again, this time so he could use the mouse and laptop easier with his left hand. She took notes for him in meetings with investors, learned more of what went on in his business, and discovered she also enjoyed his favorite lunch, grilled chicken on whole wheat bread, mayonnaise, and two slices of avocado. He noticed when there was only one slice of the green fruit.

  On Friday, she walked into the office after he’d taken what sounded like a heated phone call and caught him shaking a pill from a prescription bottle into his hand. Everything in her wanted to ask … but she didn’t. He knew she’d seen him.

  If he wanted her to know, he’d explain. Instead he snapped at her. “Can you fucking knock before you just walk in?”

  “The door was open,” she reminded him. “Anyone could have walked in. If you’re looking for privacy, I suggest you be more careful.” She turned and walked out.

  He avoided her for the rest of the day, leaving early without explanation. But a deliveryman came by with a lily of the valley plant.

  How did she know? A plastic card was stuck between the leaves with the explanation: Lily of the Valley—symbolizes a return to happiness. This plant must be treated with care just like the relationship in which you and the recipient are engaged.

  The note from Kade was much more down-to-earth. I’m an ass and I’m sorry. Kade. She’d smiled the whole way home.

  After work, she and Kendall took the train to their parents’ house. They were overdue for a visit, and Lexie needed to pick up a dress to wear on Saturday night. Their apartment was small, and she’d had no need to keep anything formal there.

  Kendall had offered to come with her, and Lexie gratefully agreed. She’d rather visit home with her twin than alone. For all her issues, she and Kendall had their mother in common, and it was easier to deal with her with someone by her side.

  They sat side by side on the train with Waffles in a pet carrier, when Kendall took her by surprise. “I met someone,” her sister said.

  Lexie whipped her head around and looked at her sister, whose cheeks were flushed a healthy pink. She stared at Lexie, waiting for a response.

  “Where?”

  “At the gym. I was getting off the elliptical, and this cute guy walked over and asked if I wanted to grab a shake at the snack area. We talked for an hour and had so much in common.” Kendall turned, one elbow on the top of the seat back behind her. “We’re going out on Saturday night.”

  “Oh! What’s his name? What does he do for a living? How do you know he’s … I don’t know, safe?” All the immediate questions floating in her brain spewed out of her mouth before she could censor herself.

  “Could you just be happy for me for once instead of hounding me and questioning my judgment?” Kendall snapped.

  Lexie blew out a long breath. “You’re right. I just… I worry.”

  Was it smart for her sister to be going out on a date with a guy she’d just met? Was she in a place where she could pick out the good from the sleazy? Lexie curled her fingers into a fist but said nothing.

  Kendall tucked a leg beneath her. “Fine. His name is Jay, and he’s in the middle of complicated negotiations with his partners in some company. I can’t remember the name. Anyway, until they work things out, he has free time on his hands, so he was at the gym during the day.” Kendall met her gaze. “He said I have pretty eyes,” she whispered, a dorky smile on her face.

  No doubt about it, her sister was smitten. “You know I just want what’s best for you, right?”

  “I do and I love you for it. Trust me, Jay’s a nice guy.”

  Lexie hoped so. Before she could respond, a voice announced their stop. “This is us. Ready?” she asked, pushing herself to a standing position.

  “To visit the old homestead? Sure thing.” They shared a knowing gaze, neither one of them wanting to address the sad truth.

  Nobody knew what to expect from Addy Parker. Although their father knew they were coming, not even Wade knew what mood his wife would be in at any given time.

  * * *

  “My girls!” Wade Parker hugged Kendall and Lexie in turn and in no particular order.

  “It’s so good to be home,” Kendall said, letting Waffles out of his carrier. The dog immediately ran to Wade, jumping up and down for attention, which their father immediately gave. They’d already walked the dog after getting off the train, so Waffles was good to tag along with Kendall toward the kitchen.

  Lexie glanced toward the curved staircase in the center hall colonial leading up to the master bedroom suite. No sounds came from above, and she wondered if her mother was in a darkened room or downstairs somewhere. Her father’s silence on the subject didn’t bode well.

  She picked up her pace, joining her sister and dad as they reached the kitchen. The room had been remodeled since she’d grown up here, but more so her father could keep the house current and up to date than because her mother needed a place to cook. Tonight her father had dinner waiting. He’d brought in from a local restaurant that they’d favored growing up. Which meant her mother was definitely incapacitated.

  With a sigh, she pasted a smile on her face and talked with her father about his work as an investment banker, which eventually turned to him questioning Lexie about her new job.

  “So how’s the working world?” he asked as they sat around the table, eating chicken Marsala.

  Lexie smiled. “I’m enjoying it.”

  “Barnes isn’t making you crazy? I admit when Derek said he was the one who needed an assistant, I was worried. The boy’s got his quirks.”

  “Really, Dad? Glass houses and all that. Who are we to judge anyone else?” she asked, immediately jumping to Kade’s defense.

  “Whoa. I didn’t mean anything except facts. He’s difficult…”

  “Demanding with good reason.”

  “Obstinate—”

  “Stubborn.”

  “Peculiar.”

  “He has idiosyncrasies.” Like anxiety and ADHD he tried to keep hidden.

  From how he aligned the pens on his desk any time they got out of order to his fresh coffee, to the precise way his shirts were lined up in his closet—this she knew because she’d brought his dry cleaning to his apartment and had to hang them up. She’d taken the time to undo the plastic and put the clean shirts at exactly the same width apart like the others before leaving things just as she’d found them.

  “Quirks,” she added. Adorable quirks, Lexie thought.

  “Protective much?” Kendall asked, putting down her fork and staring at her sister. “Someone has a thing for her boss!”

  Her father’s fork clattered to the table. “You do?”

  “Would you both cool it?” Lexie said, her face flaming.

  “She needs to pick up a dress for a formal event Saturday night. With her boss.” Kendall waggled her eyebrows.

  Lexie shot her sister an annoyed glare. “It’s a business affair.”

  “At least she admits it’s an affair.” Kendall laughed, the sound musical to Lexie’s ears. Especially when they were in this house, where laughter and true happiness were rare.

  Ignoring the innuendo, Lexie decided to address the elephant in the room. “Where’s Mom?”

  “She’s under the weather,” Wade said, using his old fallback excuse.

  “You mean she’s upstairs in your bedroom, shades drawn, hiding under the covers,” Kendall muttered.

  “Actually
she’s sitting in the rocker,” he said, picking up his plate and heading for the sink.

  The rocker was worse than the bed. If Lexie closed her eyes, she could hear the creak of the old chair as her mother pushed back and forth in an endless cycle.

  “God, why can’t the doctors do something for her?” Kendall asked. Frustrated, she shoved back her chair and began cleaning the table with her father.

  Although Lexie knew she should help, she quietly left the room and made her way upstairs, her stomach in knots. She walked slowly down the hall and pushed open the double doors to her parents’ bedroom, hearing the creak of the chair before she set foot inside.

  “Mom?” Lexie asked into the dark room.

  No reply.

  She walked farther in and sat on the edge of the bed, on her father’s side, while her mother rocked in the chair. “Mom, it’s Lexie.”

  More creaking noises from the chair.

  Lexie curled her legs beneath her and sighed, as frustrated as Kendall that they no longer had their mother around. Over the years, they’d had less and less of Addy and more of … this.

  She wanted to be able to tell her mom about Kade, just like she’d wanted to talk to her when she’d lost her virginity after her prom and decided she was really in love with John. But her mom had been under the weather, and her father hadn’t wanted her disturbed.

  “I’m falling for my boss,” Lexie said out loud, just to see if she could get a rise from her mother.

  Nothing.

  With a lump in her throat and the same old lead weight on her chest, she rose to her feet and walked out of the room.

  With Kendall, no matter how bad things got, there was a flicker, a spark of personality, someone and something to fight for. Her mother was long gone, and Lexie feared her father hadn’t faced that fact yet. When he did, he’d have to consider putting her in a home where she could get more specialized care—and he could go on with his life. If such a thing were possible.

  She walked back downstairs, not wanting to draw attention to where she’d been or argue with her father about upsetting her mother. He was so overprotective of her it wasn’t an easy balance for Lexie to deal with.