One
Ichewed the straw sticking out of the plastic lid of my fountain Coke and inspected the sandstone wall, draped with ivy and fragrant white jasmine that curved around the street. It was 4:55 p.m., still over a half hour before my appointment. Typically I showed up a little early to get a feel for the place and set up, but on a first meeting, especially with a client like this, I wasnt about to be late.
Maxim Stein was the richest man Id probably ever get my hands on. When his assistant had called my personal cell phone to make the appointment, Id done my research.
He came from old money, as my dad would have said. An international string of hotels and island resorts. Some professional sports teams scattered throughout the world. When his father died, he branched out into aviationprivate jets, specifically. He was now the sole owner of Force, a company that manufactured custom airplanes for an exclusive international clientele. Forbes magazine had called him a Force to be reckoned with.” Too bad he was fifty and on wife number three.
Twice Id driven past the guard station, just to make sure I had the address right. Id never been there, but had lived in Tampa just long enough to know Davis Island was a mile above my pay grade. When Id told my friend Amy about where I was heading, her eyebrows had disappeared beneath her curtain of platinum blonde bangs. Now I could see why.
With its extravagant bayside mansions and gated communities, Davis Island was a hidden refuge close enough to downtown to be accessible, but far enough away to feel like its own world. And it was a world Id never experienced beforeeach multimillion-dollar house Id passed seemed to come with its own gardener trimming the hedges, a security station at the end of its driveway, and a shiny black SUV with tinted windows. My little red Kia was going to get a complex if we stayed out on the street much longer.
The A/C was probably draining my gas tank, but I didnt care. It was better than showing up drenched in sweat. I pointed all the vents in my direction and thought about how Baltimore, where Id lived last, was probably covered in snow by now.
February in Florida was awesome.
Besides the constant buzzing of a lawn mower behind one of these mystery walls, the neighborhood was quiet. With a few minutes to spare, I rested my head back against the seat and closed my eyes.
And was scared half to death when a hard knock came at the passenger-side window.
Shit!” I grabbed the cup Id dropped on my lap and stuffed it into the holder before any Coke could spill.
A man was looking through the window at me. My throat tightened; I hadnt even heard him approach. He stood and walked around the back of the car, placing one hand on the trunk like the damn thing belonged to him. As subtly as I could, I pressed the automatic lock button.
You couldnt be raised by a cop and not end up at least a little cautious.
The man reappeared on my side and tapped again on the window with his knuckle. With the sun behind him, his face was shadowed, but I could tell he was wearing dark glasses that matched his black slacks and button-up shirt. From my vantage point he looked tall, over six feet.
And built. The way he filled out his shirt didnt escape me. Lean, hard muscles stretched across his chest and shoulders had me wondering what he looked like beneath the thin, pressed fabric.
I cracked the window.
He chuckled and slid one finger slowly over the glass edge. Is this supposed to stop me from getting in?”
I retrieved the mace spray from the pocket in the driver-side door and flashed it where he could see.
No, but this should.”
He laughed a little louder, a deep, smooth sound that made my skin tingle, and then he leaned down, hands resting on top of the car.
We were face-to-face through the glass, and for one drawn-out moment, all I could do was stare. Unruly waves of coffee-colored hair framed an angular jaw that was lined with dark stubble. His nose was the slightest bit crooked, like hed broken it once, and though his sunglasses hid his eyes, I could feel the heat of his gaze holding me in place. He might have been younger than thirty, but there was a confidence and intensity in the way he moved that seemed older.
He was sexy in an I-dont-give-a-fuck kind of way.
I was unable to look away from his mouth, curved in a teasing smirk, or from his full lower lip that I had the sudden urge to bite. I could imagine that mouth pressed against my shoulder, following the line of my collar and then lowering. Just the thought of it made my breath catch.
Maybe this windows thicker than I thought,” he said, giving the glass a little flick.
What?” I gripped the wheel and tore my gaze away to look straight ahead. I didnt know what had gotten into me. Men, even undeniably attractive men like this one, didnt normally get me going like that. Clearly it had been a while since Id gotten any.
I asked if you were lost.” He was smirking again, and I nearly groaned. Id been so caught up staring that Id missed what he said.
Across the street, a woman walked her two Maltese. She was probably double his age with a pile of white curls on her head, and was shamelessly staring at his ass as he leaned over my car. He must have heard the dogs yapping, but he didnt even flinch. It was like he knew she was looking and either didnt care or was so used to being gawked at, it didnt even faze him.
Probably the latter.
No,” I said quickly. I was just . . .” I pointed down the road, feeling the blush rise in my cheeks. I have an appointment with someone.”
In the street.”
Apparently he thought he was funny.
No,” I said. In their home.” Not that I needed to explain this to a stranger.
His tongue glided over that bottom lip, and I had to press my thighs together to stifle the sudden need burning low in my belly. He was gorgeousmesmerizingly so. Never had I had such a reaction to someone before. Usually I was the one making others squirm.
His voice lowered. Whens your next opening?”
You dont even know what I do,” I said suggestively. He wanted to play? Fine. Bring it on.
He kept running his first finger over the top of the window, making me wonder just what else those hands were capable of.
Youre right,” he said. But I bet its bad.” The growl in his voice sent a heated shiver through me. I rolled down the window another six inches.
Why would you say that?” I licked my lips.
He leaned closer, like he was about to tell me a secret, and I scooted to the edge of my seat.
Youre parked in a no-parking zone,” he whispered.
Oh.
His hand left the window to point at the street sign parallel to my spot. Some cops kid I was; I hadnt even noticed it. With that, he tapped the hood of my car and stood. Whatever chemistry Id sensed building between us snapped in half.
Who was this guy? Part of the neighborhood watch or something? I fell back in the seat, deflated.
Right.”
I turned the key in the ignition, and the series of clicks from the engine immediately reminded me that the car was already on. Perfect. I checked to see if hed noticed, and of course he had. His grin stretched wider.
I gave him a little wave. Thanks.”
He took a step back as I put the car in drive and eased off the curb. He must have lived in one of the houses in this neighborhood. I was probably blocking his giant SUV from pulling out of his hand-laid cobblestone driveway through some hidden Batman gate.
Thanks? I asked myself, the sound of his laughter fading behind me. Nice one, Anna.
Still, I couldnt help but admire his build in my rearview mirrorlong legs; broad, sculpted shoulders. He stood with his arms crossed over his chest right where Id left him in the middle of the street like he could stop traffic. Hell, he probably could. Maybe he was captain of the neighborhood watch, but he was seriously hot. I was almost sorry when he disappeared from view as I rounded the corner.
Two
Ipulled into the driveway Id scouted earlier, and stopped at the guard station just before a tall wrought-iron gate. A guy with a buzz cut in a black suit jacket, way too heavy for todays temperature, stepped out, making note of my license plate. I cleared my throat and sat a little taller, remembering that Mr. Steins assistant, Ms. Rowe, had said I would have to check in out front.
I rolled the window all the way down, and was hit by a blast of humidity and the sweet jasmine fragrance from the white flowers hanging over the gate. I caught a glimpse of myself in the side mirrorI hadnt even reapplied my lipstick. Neighborhood Watch had seriously thrown me off. I consciously tried to push him from my mind, but my body still buzzed from the smooth sound of his voice accusing me of being bad.
If I wasnt already booked, I might have turned around and showed him just how bad I could be.
No, it was better this way. He was arrogant, probably used to women bending over backward and doing whatever he wanted, just because he was so damn sexy. I didnt mess around with men like that. I needed the upper hand, to call the shots. Anything else was too risky.
The guard approached my window.
Hi, Im Anna Rossi. I have a five thirty appointment with Mr. Stein.” I made a conscious effort to sound professional; people didnt always take women in my line of work seriously.
The guard looked at me for the first timehis close-set eyes immediately dipped to my cleavage. I pulled up the collar of my black cotton V-neck subtly, used to people looking but not always welcoming the attention. I was a natural C cup, and curvy enough to draw a few stares. He gave a little snort, and I felt my mouth pull into a thin line.
The masseuse.”
Yes.” I forced a smile. This guy had a serious creep factor. It probably served him well in his position guarding this fortress of a house.
Mr. Steins assistant is expecting you. You can park in the lot by the gazebo and ask for Ms. Rowe.”
The lot by the gazebo? How many lots were there?
Great, thank you.” I pulled forward as the gate slowly opened to reveal a stone fountain, spraying water fifteen feet into the air. The driveway circled around it, taking me past one lot lined with the required black SUV and two tiny two-seater sports carsbumblebee yellow and candy-apple redand a slick Harley.
My mouth fell open as I passed the house. Carved from beige sandstone and surrounded by slender palm trees stretching all the way to the roof, it looked like something that belonged in the Mediterranean rather than the United States. Two white marble pillars framed the Venetian doors and held up a second-story balcony where ivy and bright purple flowers cascaded over the ledge. Ceiling fans spun lazily over the porch and the windows were round and made of bright blue glass.
I eased past the gazebo, a quaint wooden seating area between what I assumed was a guest lot and the main residence. Six empty spots waited for me and I chose to park right in the middle, facing a wall of lush greenery.
Quickly I pulled down my visor mirror and reapplied my lipstick. I had naturally bronze skin, but the Florida sun had made it even darker; Amy had completely changed my color pallette at the salon where we both worked since Id moved here. My smoky eye shadow had held up in the heat, and my dark, wavy hair was still somewhat tame, despite the humidity. Apart from the lipstick, I looked pretty good.
When I stepped out of the car, I felt as if Id entered some remote area of the world. None of the noises from the street could be heard, even the wall leading to the guard station was hidden behind the landscaping.
A little giggle built inside of me. Even if Mr. Stein didnt like what I had to offerand I was sure he would because I was good at my jobthis was going to be one to remember.
Just as I popped the trunk open, an older man in a gray suit, complete with tails, appeared beside me. With a quiet nod, he motioned toward the back of my car.
Do you need assistance, Ms. Rossi?” He was eyeing the portable table, folded in half within its black carrying case. It took up most of the room in the back of my car, even with the seats folded down.
No,” I said, making a mental note to tell Amy about the butler. Im used to hauling this stuff around. Thanks, though.”
I insist,” he said as I hauled the table out by its nylon handle. With a shrug, I passed it to him, feeling guilty when he bowed sideways to lift the strap over his narrow shoulder.
With a heave, I grabbed my matching black duffle and knockoff Coach purse and followed Jeeves toward the house.
Thank you,” I said, waiting for an opportune moment to take back the table without wounding his pride.
Of course, Ms. Rossi,” he said, and swung his leg awkwardly to accommodate the heavy load.
How long have you worked for Mr. Stein?” I asked as we followed the stone path past the gazebo. Sweat was beginning to bead on his brow, and I felt the urge to make conversation to take the focus off the obvious fact that he had bitten off more than he could chew.
Some time, I suppose.”
I was fairly certain he was trying to be cryptic, not just struggling for breath.
This is my first time here,” I said. My names Anna.”
Yes, Ms. Rossi.”
And your name?”
Here we are,” interrupted Jeeves. Wed climbed the front steps of the building and stepped through the double doors into the main foyer. It was a house straight from the movies: Dark marble floors, surrounding an indoor pond filled with koi, were textured by tiles of carved wood. On the opposite side of the expansive entryway was a wall of glass, and though I was twenty feet away, I could see the pool with its stone waterfall and the bay behind it.
Wow.”
Breathtaking, isnt it?”
I turned to find that Jeeves had vanished just as silently as hed come and been replaced by a woman in her late thirties with a severe brunette bob and a killer French manicure. A phone earpiece hung from the collar of her snug red wrap dress. She made me more than a little self-conscious of my black yoga pants and matching T-shirt.
You must be Ms. Rossi.” She shook hands like a woman who was used to doing business with men. You came highly recommended from my stylist, Derrick.”
Derrick was the manager at Rave salon, where I worked during the day. He had assured me this would be a good connection, convincing me to break my usual rule of meeting the client at the spa first.
Anna, please,” I said. And you must be Ms. Rowe.”
I am,” she said, making it clear I wouldnt be using her first name. This didnt bother me; Derrick had mentioned she was a little tightly wound. Mr. Stein is still in a meeting, so if youll follow me upstairs, Ill show you where you can set up.”
Sounds great.” I was ready to get started. No wonder Mr. Stein needed a massage; I was stressed and Id been here only five minutes.
Ms. Rowe departed without looking back, gliding across the floor in her red pumps as silently as shed arrived. I picked up the table, crossed the strap over my chest, and followed her up the dizzying steps to the loft.
We passed an open seating area and a bar, and entered a wide hallway lined with antique mirrors and decadently framed oil paintings of landscapes. Track lighting on the ceiling highlighted each piece of art. I sucked in my breath, trying not to bang into anything with all my cargo.
Youll be meeting Mr. Stein here,” she said, exiting through a door at the end of the hallway onto a veranda, where we were greeted by the blue waters of the bay and the afternoon sun lowering in the pink sky. I dropped the fifty-pound table case to stretch my back, and walked to the railing, breathing in the sweet scents from the flowers hanging in red pots from the ledge and the chlorine from the pool below. Cool air misted in from the revolving ceiling fans, making the temperature comfortable.
What I wouldnt give for a view like this,” I murmured.
Ms. Rowe snorted. You should see the house in Naples.”
Naples, Florida?” I asked with a grin.
No,” she said, clearly not a fan of sarcasm. Italy. The Steins have six homes.”
At the mention of Maxim Steins wife, I turned. Will Mrs. Stein be around this evening?” I was hoping to take her on as a client as well.
Mrs. Stein stays at the flat in New York.”
From the sound of it, Mr. Stein didnt join her there.
There is a sink in the washroom just inside, and an iPod dock here if you need music.” She pointed to a beige box embedded into the wall.
I nodded. If Id known that I wouldnt have dragged my portable system from the car.
Anything else you need?”
Just a body.”
She smiled tightly. You will, of course, be compensated for staying late.”
Thats not what I meant,” I said, feeling a little guilty for cracking jokes. Please tell Mr. Stein to take his time. I can be here as late as he needs.”
It wasnt exactly true. I had my second date with Randall at nine, but I wasnt too worried about canceling. He was cute enough, but he didnt exactly do it for me.
Not like I was sure Neighborhood Watch could.
Ms. Rowe had judgment in her eyes. It was almost like she was reading my mind.
Now, if youll just sign this.” She handed me a clipboard, and I felt my brows lift in surprise. Its standard for all of Mr. Steins employees, domestic or otherwise.”
Domestic or otherwise,” I repeated, scanning the form. Is that what I was? A domestic employee? No one had told me Id be signing anything besides maybe a tax form, and looking over the items on the list, I could see why.
Um,” I said. Im not going to steal any of his things.”
There were a dozen more items equally as offensive, almost laughable. I guess they had all made the list for a reason, but I was still shocked to see that I couldnt pick any plants without written permission from the landscaping crew or take photographs of any of the art.
She placed a hand on her bony hip. You can have your lawyer review it, but I assure you . . .”
No,” I said, reading through the rest of the list and signing on the dotted line. Ms. Rowe had offered $300 for this hour, three times my usual house-call rate, and I wasnt about to blow it. Its fine. But if youd like to contact my references, they can assure you Im professional.”
I already have, and they already have.” She snatched back the clipboard as soon as I was done. Im glad you understand.”
The earpiece hanging around her neck lit up blue, and she placed it in her ear.
Mr. Stein will be up as soon as hes done. Make yourself comfortable. His meetings have been known to run long.” She said the last words through her teeth, obviously annoyed.
I sighed as she closed the door behind her, glad she was gone.
Somebody needs to get laid,” I said to myself, realizing I wasnt in much better shape after the way Id reacted to Neighborhood Watch outside. Then, resolving to enjoy this beautiful house and a big fat paycheck, I started setting out my supplies.
The table, a gift Id bought myself after Id finished massage school, was the Cadillac of tablesbig, plush, and expensive. When Id decided I wanted to do work in peoples homes, Id taken the plunge and made the purchase. It was worth every penny; more than one client had told me it was softer than their bed.
After that, I laid out my oil and three bottled aromatherapy scents for Mr. Stein to choose from. Lavender, cinnamon, and sandalwood. I preferred the lastit was soothing; I even had sandalwood-scented shampoobut few clients chose it. I could almost guarantee Mr. Stein would choose cinnamon. Men usually did. It made them think of sex.
It made me think of Christmas, but whatever. I wasnt a guy.
After setting up my iPod and laying out the sheets, I filled a silver basin with water from the washroom and set a towel and a bamboo box of salt scrub for Mr. Steins foot treatment beside it. People generally felt pampered by the extra service, but the truth was, I preferred knowing their feet wouldnt stink like four-day-old socks when I went to rub them.
Mr. Stein had yet to make an entrance when Id finished. For a while I admired the view, awed by the setting sun and the explosion of pink and orange lighting the horizon, but as the sun disappeared, I went to check the watch Id left in my purse6:10 p.m. He was forty minutes late.
Curiosity getting the better of me, I walked the length of the veranda, coming to a descending staircase at the far end. I glanced over my shoulder, but there was still no sign of my client, and since exploring wasnt explicitly forbidden in the contract Id signed, I made my way down.
Maybe it was because the grounds were so quiet, but I found myself trying to keep each step silentnot hard to do in the leopard-print ballet slippers I was wearing. When I reached the bottom, I followed the stone steps to an adjacent cottage, fashioned in the same open, airy Mediterranean style as the house. I listened for movement from upstairs, and hearing nothing, I moved a little closer, spotting an entrance cut through the house to a deck over the bay.
Just a quick look,” I told myself, feeling a little reckless.
I walked through a small courtyard with another smaller stone fountain, straight out to the deck, taking in one last view of the sunset. Behind me, long white linen curtains blew in the breeze, and below, the water lapped against the pier. The place was truly incredible. I could only imagine what some of Mr. Steins other houses were like.
I was just about to turn back when I heard something behind me: the distinct, rhythmic slapping of skin on skin, and a womans throaty moan.
Three
Harder,” she ordered.
I ducked without thinking.
Yes,” she said. Like that. Dont slow down!”
The slapping sound quickened and was accompanied by her cries of pleasure.
I swore silently. What had I been thinking, coming down here? This wasnt my house. I hadnt even met the owner yet. And now Id just blindly walked into someones fuckpad. There was no way I was making it out of this one without getting caught.
I hid behind the wall like some teenager trying to sneak out her bedroom window, and leaned out around the corner to see if my exit was clear.
The courtyard was no longer empty. A woman with red hair, completely naked and angled away from me, was bent over, gripping the smooth white stone of the fountain while a man in only a white collared shirt rammed into her from behind. Just past them, the door of a room had been flung open, and scattered across the ground were articles of clothing.
The tempo increased. Slap, slap, slap, slap.
I ducked back around the corner, trying to unsee the mans clenched white ass, and the womans hard, fake breasts that barely moved as he fucked her. I was sure they hadnt seen me, or at least if they had, they didnt care, because he began to grunt, and she began to shriek, and as strange and wrong as it was, it made me hot as hell.
For just a flash, I imagined myself bent over that fountain, but instead of this guy, it was Neighborhood Watch and his hard body behind me. His hands gripping my hips. His teeth nipping my ear while his hard cock speared into me over and over.
Goddammit, I said harder,” demanded the woman.
I snapped out of my trance and searched for a way out. The man had to be Maxim Stein. Who else would be having sex out in the open on this property? Id caught a glimpse of his silver hairI recognized that from the pictures Id seen of him online. The woman was clearly not his wife, though. Maxims wife was petite, blonde, and in her midfifties, not nearly ten years younger with red hair. Besides, according to Ms. Rowe, Mrs. Stein was in New York.
I blew out a tight breath. I was probably going to get arrested. Or sued. There went my massage license. There went my three hundred bucks for rent.
To my left near the end of the deck was a door, and I crawled toward it, praying it was unlocked and that it would lead me out of there unnoticed. Rising to my knees, I tried the handle. Apparently I was luckier than I thought. The door pulled outward with just a slight whine, and I crawled within, checking carefully first to make sure the room was empty.
It was an office; an antique mahogany desk sat in the center of the room, backed by a wall of bookcases filled with hardcovers and trinkets. I made my way across the room to another door, but this one was unfortunately locked.
Shit.” I was going to have to wait it out. Hopefully, when they finished, which should be soon, I could sneak back to the veranda and wait for Mr. Stein.
If Ms. Rowe hadnt already come searching for me.
I padded quietly over the plush carpet, glancing over the contents on the desk. There was a slim leather file case and a pile of papers, spread over the glass top. It looked like the design of an engine. I couldnt help but be intrigued. My father liked to rebuild car engines, so I was used to seeing schematics like this from time to time. The layout of this one was obviously differentI assumed the design was for a plane engine, not a car, since that was the business behind Maxims considerable wealthbut they were similar nonetheless. The bottom of each document was stamped with a narrow emerald leaf, standing out in contrast to the black and white designs, and the words GREEN FUSION.
They were still going at it outside, so I made my way to the shelves to look at the framed pictures. It was definitely Maxim Stein in the courtyard. Maybe I hadnt seen his face, but I could tell from his hair and build that the man I saw and the man holding a fat silver perch on a fishing boat in this photo were one and the same.
There were other pictures here as well. Maxim receiving awards. Maxim giving speeches.
Maxim with his arm around the shoulders of a handsome man half his age with dark chocolate hair and a cocky little smirk.
Neighborhood Watch.
I moved closer to the photograph, careful not to touch it. The man Id met in the street was pictured wearing a black leather jacket, looking away as though being called by someone. He was younger, maybe twenty-one or twenty-two, with shorter hair but more scruff on his jaw. Though he was still undeniably sexy, there was a tightness around his eyes, a wariness he was trying to hide with that grin. It wasnt obvious, at least not to a beaming Maxim, but I could see it. The mark of someone who was waiting for the other shoe to dropa look you disguised so that no one asked why. Id perfected that cover. It was how Id survived for as long as I could remember.
It looked like they were on a college campus somewhere. Maxim was probably a donor there.
I spun as the locked door clicked, and then slid inward. My chest tightened. I nearly considered running back outside, but held my ground, knowing running would just make it worse. I was so busted.
Then, as if Id conjured him with my thoughts, I found myself face-to-face with the very man Id been lusting over since my arrival.
I should have pegged you as someone who liked to watch,” he said, that smooth voice rich with sensuality.
He wasnt wearing his sunglasses now. His eyes were dark blue like the bay, and just as intense as Id imagined. I was pinned to the spot by his gaze, cheeks heating from being caught, skin growing damp from the hard look of his body. My eyes dropped to the open collar of his white dress shirt. The lines of his throat collided with a swell of muscle that disappeared beneath the pressed fabric. Just the top of his collarbone was revealed, and my fingers itched to trace it, to spread his shirt open so I could see what would surely be the impressive physique beneath.
I wasnt the only one enjoying the view. He devoured me with his eyes, leaving me feeling naked and wanting. His thumb tapped against his thigh, the only betrayal of his composed facade. The tension in the room became so thick I could barely breathe. Surely he had to feel it sizzling between us.
He moved closer, steps fluid like a jungle cat, and sat on the edge of the desk, an arms length away. At five foot four I wasnt short, but even though he was seated, I had to look up to him. He made no sign that he could hear the sounds of sex just outside, but I could. Id never been more uncomfortable, embarrassed, or turned on.
He crossed his arms over his muscular chest, knees spread, and because I was suddenly envisioning myself kneeling between them, I stepped back, tearing away from the pull he had on me.
What are you doing here?” I managed.
His mouth turned up in a grin. He had a dimple on one side that was somehow cute and erotic at the same time. The shadows of worry Id seen in the picture were hidden now. Maybe hed exorcised those demons. If they were anything like mine, I doubted it. Experiences that gave you a look like that marked you for life.
Not that I presumed to know anything about him.
He tilted his head, as if trying to read my mind.
I was just about to ask you the same thing.”
I tried to concentrate on his words, but outside, the woman began a series of staccato cries, matching each thrust.
Yes,” she cried. Yes! Im coming. Dont stop!”
I got a little lost,” I said.
I see.”
He glanced to the paperwork on the desk, a frown flashing quickly across his face. It made me nervous.
What were you looking for in here, Anna?” His voice had hardened.
My brows lifted. He knew my name. It shouldnt have stirred up the butterflies inside mehe was Mr. Steins security, or bodyguard maybe. Hed probably known who I was since he had approached me on the street.
I was just trying to get out of the way,” I said truthfully.
His eyes narrowed. To hide.”
Thats right.”
I felt a chill cut through the room. That wary look in his eyes returned, just for one unmistakable moment. The sudden urge to smooth the lines between his brows with my thumbs took me by surprise.
I wasnt here to steal anything, if thats what youre thinking,” I said.
Why would I think that?”
I placed my hands on my hips, feeling the defensiveness creep up inside me.
I signed the papers. No stealing. No picking the flowers. No feeding the fish.”
He gave a little snort and relaxed again, turning the papers facedown on the desk. I wondered what was so important that he was trying to hideI could care less about engine designs, plane or otherwisebut I reminded myself that one didnt become a millionaire without being a little bit paranoid.
I cleared my throat. Are you his son?” It occurred to me how twisted this was if it were true. At sixteen, Id walked in on my parents in bed, and all two seconds were enough to leave permanent scars.
He shook his head. I work for him.”
That was a little better, but not much.
He stood and, before he could get too close, I backed into the bookshelf. The pictures rattled, and I spun to hold them in place before any fell.
He stepped closer. I could feel his body behind me. Fighting the image of us naked, I turned slowly, my throat dry.
What do you do, exactly?” I asked weakly. He was close enough to touch. I kept my hands down at my sides, fearful I would forget myself if I touched him, aware that my breasts, heaving with each breath, were just inches from his chest.
Part of me couldnt believe this was happening. Hed gone from hot to cold to hot again in seconds. I should have told him to back off, but either I couldnt or I didnt want to.
A little of this, a little of that.” He smelled so masculine; the kind of scent that made me want to rip his clothes off and rub against him.
I was losing my mind.
Thats cryptic,” I said, focusing on the desk behind him. How did you find me?”
He stepped even closer, and my breath caught. Slowly, our bodies aligned, chest to chest, his cock, hard and heavy, against my stomach. His mouth was inches from mine. My nipples were so tight they were painful as they rubbed against the clothing between our bodies.
What are you doing?” I asked breathlessly.
He shifted, and I nearly groaned from the friction.
It makes you hot, doesnt it? Listening to other people fuck.”
The way he said it brought an intense ache between my thighs.
I . . .” I couldnt admit the truth, could I? Id never been in a situation like this before.
Or is that what you want?” he continued, all traces of his grin gone. Being taken like that, out where anyone might see you?”
No one had ever said such dirty things to me before. I should have been offended, but it just made me want him more. His arms lifted, caging me in as he gripped a shelf behind me.
I wouldnt share you, not even like that.” His lip skimmed my ear. Your body, your sounds, theyd be all mine.”
I sagged against the bookcase, feeling my knees begin to wobble. Who was this man, talking to me like this? It felt like something out of a dream. The kind where I woke up wet and empty, with the sheets twisted around my sweating body.
He glanced up, just for a second, and retrieved something from the top shelf. Backing away slowly, he held out the object for me to see. A small video camera. My suspicions were confirmed; he wasnt just head of the neighborhood watch, he was Mr. Steins security.
That was twice hed made me feel like an idiot. It was beginning to get on my nerves. I stepped away, out of the hold he had on me. My breath came a little easier with the distance, but not much.
Let me get this straight. Youre following me, and probably those two as well,” I tilted my head toward the courtyard, where Maxim gave a hoarse shout, and Im the voyeur.” I could feel his eyes on my back.
Yes, but I get paid to watch.”
Doesnt make you any less of a pervert.” I pulled my hair over one shoulder to give him a clear look of my back and waist, and was pleased when I heard him draw in a quick breath.
Never said I wasnt a pervert,” he said. Maybe we can explore that some time.”
We were both stalled by a sudden silence in the adjoining courtyard. I turned.
Maybe,” I said. If you can get me out of here.”
He moved to the door where hed entered. Follow me, Anna.”
He placed one finger on his lips, and I followed him in silence through a bedroom, where more clothes were tossed on a four-poster, and through a side door that went around the back of the cottage. From there we walked quickly to the staircase I had come down earlier, and I cut ahead of him in my hurry to get to the top. I stopped after a few steps when I heard he wasnt following.
Looks like you know where youre going,” he said, grasping the side railings with both hands, blocking my way back down. His shirtsleeves were rolled up to the elbow, and the way his forearms flexed had me dying to see what his biceps looked like underneath.
Thank you.” I bit my lip, aware of how his eyes lowered to my mouth as I did so. I wonder if you might be kind enough to forget what happened back there.”
He gave a low chuckle, and the sound went straight to my core. If I didnt get away from him soon, I was going to end up jumping him right here on the stairs.
Its our little secret.”
I gave him a grateful nod. I owe you.”
Careful,” he warned. Ill hold you to that.”
What I would give to find out what that entailed.
He turned to leave, and I admired his perfectly shaped backside for all of three seconds before I heard the buzz of a security camera turning over my head. I dont know how Id missed it before, but I couldnt say I was altogether too sorry now.
It wasnt until I returned to the top of the stairs that I realized I hadnt even asked his name.
Four
Maxim Stein arrived on the veranda exactly fifteen minutes later, wearing a terry-cloth robe and leather sandals. The pictures in the cottage study had paled in comparison to reality; there was a cool confidence in the way he carried himself that couldnt be captured on camera. His jaw was clean-shaven and set, his gaze appraising. His silver hair was combed back and dampmaybe that meant hed washed off following his romp with the redhead, but I doubted it. Power, wealth, and status seemed to ooze off him. As he approached, I was surprised he wasnt much more than four or five inches taller than mehe carried himself like someone who was used to looking down on others.
I found myself shrinking, unable to look him in the eye. All I could think of were his bare legs and grunts of pleasure as he had plowed into his demanding redheaded mistress from behind. When it was clear he didnt know Id caught him, I exhaled, but remained jittery from all that had just happened.
The masseuse, I presume,” he said in a flat voice, already removing the robe from his shoulders.
Anna.” I offered my hand, but he had made his way to the table and was kicking off his sandals.
I cleared my throat, feeling my jaw twitch. Something told me I wasnt about to get an apology for his late arrivalnot that I deserved one. Any thought Id had of asking him the name of his bodyguard vaporized.
Please have a seat on the table,” I told him. Id like to begin our session with a foot scrub, if thats all right.”
Is that included in the price?”
I nearly choked. According to Forbes, Mr. Stein was worth 3.8 billion dollars. If I charged for a foot scrub, which I didnt, I was pretty sure he could afford it. I doubted he even knew how much he was paying for todays service anyway.
Of course,” I said with my best smile. I kneeled before him as he sat down, and moved the water under his pedicured toes. He fished a smartphone out of his pocket and began to scroll through his messages, barely even glancing down as I prepared the salt scrub.
I just finished working out and didnt have a chance to shower,” he said as I moved one foot into the basin of warm water. I hope you dont mind.”
Right. I forced myself not to look up, aware of the smell of sex now wafting off him as the breeze changed. I nearly gagged; I may have been turned on before, but that had disappeared with Neighborhood Watch.
I finished quickly and offered Maxim the scents to choose from.
He chose cinnamon. Of course.
* * *
When I got back to my car, I was $400 richer and had three messages waiting on my cell phone; two from Amy asking if Id been kidnapped by rich people, and one from my dad. I called him first, my paycheck celebration momentarily put on pause by the tiredness in his voice.
Well, if it isnt my favorite daughter,” he said, answering after the first ring.
Only daughter.”
That doesnt make you any less my favorite,” he pointed out. What are you doing out so late?”
His handsome face came to mind: green eyes, fair skin, freckles. Big saucer glasses that he wore at the end of the day after he took his contacts out. We looked nothing like each other, a fact that had often drawn stares in my youth. But even though we werent related by blood, that didnt make him any less my father.
I made the final turn out of Davis Island and climbed onto the freeway that would take me to my apartment in Ybor City, right in the heart of the historic district.
First, its only eight thirty,” I told him. Second, I had a client.”
First,” he replied, mirroring my tone, your curfews eight. And second, I dont like you going out to peoples houses so late at night.”
I smiled. My curfew hasnt been eight since I was in middle school. Im twenty-seven, in case you forgot.”
Stop growing up,” he said. Ive had about enough of that.”
His voice fell at the end; wed reached the boundary of his good mood.
Yes, sir.” I cleared my voice. So whatd you do today?” Id talked to him every day this week. It was a hard one; wed lost my adoptive mother four years ago to breast cancer. This was their anniversary week. They would have been married thirty-six years.
The sting was gone, though the ache remained. But as much as I missed her, I knew it was so much harder for him. Shed been his whole world.
I had Tuesday breakfast,” he said, and I was flooded with double-decker-pancake nostalgia, the special at Mannys Diner where wed spent every Tuesday morning of my youth. Cincinnatithe place I called home, thanks to my dadfelt a long way away all of a sudden.
He sighed. And then I went to see my girl.”
I pulled into my parking garage and killed the engine. I couldnt get out of my car yet; my body felt too heavy. The thought of going out on a date tonight with Randall seemed like an enormous amount of work.
Yeah?” I could picture my dad going to her grave with a bundle of yellow rosesher favoriteand a bottle of wine. He would sit beside her like he always did, telling her about what hed done that day, filling her in on any new updates about me, until he ran out of things to say. Then hed sit in the silence just because he wanted to be close to her.
I couldnt imagine anyone loving me the way he loved her.
Maybe . . . Dad, maybe you should try going out.”
He groaned. The guys have talked me into joining the bowling league. Can you believe that? Thirty years on the force I managed to avoid that crap, and the minute I retire, they talk me into it. Soon Ill be fat and bald and eating donuts every morning.”
I sincerely doubted it. My dads strawberry blond hair may have been a bit more blond than strawberry these days, but he still ran three miles every morning, something he had done as long as I could remember. Though he was afraid of becoming a classic cop cliché, anyone who knew him could have told you he wasnt really going to give up the job completely. It was too much a part of who he was.
Good,” I said, glad he was doing something with friends. He hadnt done much socially since Mom died. But you know what I meant.”
There was a pause on the line. I had my time, Anna. Your mom, she was my sweetheart. You dont get that twice in one life. I was lucky to get it at all.”
My heart hurt. I just dont like the thought of you being lonely.”
Im not lonely,” he retorted. Ive got Mug.”
Mug was his Great Dane, the biggest lap dog Id ever seen.
Ill come home soon,” I told him. Id already scheduled a follow-up with Mr. Stein next week. A month of this, and Id definitely have the money for plane fare.
All right.” His tone lightened. Mug wont be happy, though. Hes already taken over your room. Youll have to sleep on the couch.”
Love you, Dad.”
Love you, Anna.”
I nearly called Randall and told him I wasnt in the mood, but after talking to my dad, I wasnt sure I wanted to be alone either.
* * *
Id texted to tell him Id be late, but when I met Randall at Pho, a Vietnamese fusion restaurant downtown, he was already waiting at the table, mouth tight with impatience. It looked like hed already ordered and finished an appetizer when I sat down across from him.
He looked up from his cell phone, surprised. I guess he hadnt seen me come in.
Randall was handsome and he knew it. With his semi-ridiculous dirty blond hair swept across his forehead and dark lashes, he looked more like an exboy-band member than a psychologist. He had just the right amount of stubble, which no doubt hed planned, and wore a beige sweater to complement his brown eyes.
Wed been out only once before, a setup by Amy. On that first date hed informed me he was in the top one percent of educated Americans, and one of the youngest psychologists in the state with his own private practice. He certainly wasnt modest, but Amy had convinced me that was just the nerves talking.
Sorry Im late,” I said. A client ran over.”
He finished typing something before replying, and I ordered a glass of red wine, trying not to focus on the fact that this was the second man today whod chosen to look at his cell phone rather than me when I was talking.
Thanks, just had to finish that e-mail,” he said, placing the phone in his pocket. Wow. You look nice.”
Nice wasnt exactly what Id been going for in the black skirt, knee-high boots, and turquoise halter top, but from the look on his face I could tell the word didnt convey what he really thought. He was trying hard not to stare at my cleavage.
Normally I would have been pleased to have him right where I wanted him, but the lust in his eyes barely roused the butterflies in my stomach. Probably just hunger, combined with the call from my dad and thoughts of my mom.
I needed a distraction.
A distraction with penetrating blue eyes, chiseled shoulders, and a dirty mouth.
Id thought of Mr. Steins sexy security guard when Id picked out my outfit. Originally Id planned on wearing a bright pink button-up blouse and silver flats, but when Id thought of those eyes, Id changed course to something less conventionalan impulse buy Id picked up last month that I had planned to hand over to a much sassier Amy.
Whats good here?” I asked, perusing the menu.
The spring rolls are good,” he said. Or the shaking beef. Thats what I had.”
I glanced at his plate, which had yet to be cleared. You already ate dinner?”
He swiped his hair out of his eyes. Yes, but dont feel like you have to hurry on my account. My last patient canceled, so I got here a little early.”
Miffed, I leaned back in my chair, noting that the butterflies were beginning to growl. They had their diva moments.
Ill just get some spring rolls then,” I said, shifting gears. So whats new with Dr. Randall?”
A lot, apparently, was new with Randall. He told me all about his week, his practice, the new insurance billing program that was gouging him, his depressed housewives and alcoholic retirees whod thought that Florida was going to be everything theyd dreamed it would bebeaches, sunsets, perpetual vacationonly to find it was just like anywhere else but with palm trees and a really hot summer.
I didnt mind his nonstop chatter; it was better than talking about what was going on with me.
When Id finished my second glass of wine, the spring rolls, and a bowl of pho, he finally paused for breath.
Im boring you,” he said. I spend so much time listening at work, sometimes its nice to have someone else do it for a change.”
Your practice sounds fascinating,” I said, watching as he again shoved back his hair. I wanted to shove back Neighborhood Watchs hair. I wanted to grip it with both hands as he kissed me, sliding his tongue between my lips and grinding his hips against mine.
There are a lot of people out there who are hurting.” He sat forward in his chair. How about you?”
I felt my spine zip up straight. Randall the date had changed; the tone of his voice softer, more empathetic, his brows furrowed with concern. He was Dr. Randall now, looking for my vulnerabilities.
Im sorry?” I had to force my shoulders to relax.
You have a background in the field, dont you? I thought thats what Amy said.”
Of course, thats what he meant. Relieved to avoid a glimpse into the troubled past of Anna Rossi, I picked up my chopsticks, set them down again. I knew Amy had told him about my last line of work; it was why shed set us up in the first place. It was just a matter of time before one of us brought it up.
Sort of,” I acknowledged. Nothing like your practice.”
Ah, minimization,” he said, entertained. The favorite cognitive distortion of all nice people.”
I snickered. Im not that nice, believe me.”
He waited. Or rather, used therapeutic silencea technique Id learned in collegeto let me work through my thoughts. The idea was that it could make even the most stubborn people share.
Social work,” I said, giving in. That was a long time ago.” Maybe he wasnt that bad of a psychologist after all.
Oh.” His brows flattened as he leaned back in his seat. Social work. The society of bleeding hearts. What did you do, stamp welfare checks?” He laughed like this was some sort of inside joke.
Not exactly,” I said stiffly.
He leaned forward, elbows on the table. His fingertips found my hands and began to trail lightly over them.
That was rude,” he acknowledged without an apology. I got my Ph.D. so I wouldnt have to do the dirty work. Youre a better person than I am, Anna.”
A better person wouldnt have let her personal life leak all over her professional life. A better person wouldnt have quit.
I dont know about that,” I said. There were a lot of kids I couldnt help.” Strange that after all this time I could still see their faces and feel like a failure.
You cant save everyone.” He made a face. All those crack babies and abusive parents fighting over custody. Sounds like a nightmare. No wonder you burned out.”
He made the same assumption most people didthat child protective services was only about snatching babies out of bad homes, not about bringing families back together, and that I couldnt stand the heat. The truth was, that kind of work hit too close to home, but I wasnt about to open that can of worms here and now.
I subtly pulled my hands away and waved to the waiter for the check. It was almost eleven, and the place was going to be closing soon. One of the downfalls of being a masseuse was a lot of late hours. Psychologists also set their own schedules, and as Randall informed me, he enjoyed sleeping in and seeing clients in the afternoon and evening.
We could have worked. If Id felt something.
Well,” I said. Nothing lasts forever.”
One check or two?” interrupted the waiter, a cute artsy guy around eighteen.
Two,” said Randall without looking up.
The water raised a brow at me.
Two checks would be perfect,” I said.
* * *
Having known I was going to have a glass of wine, Id taken the trolley to Channelside and walked the rest of the way. It was late, and downtown was fairly quiet on weeknights, so I decided to wait for a cab.
I turned to say good-bye, ready to cut ties, when Randall invaded my personal space and kissed me.
For one flash of a moment I wavered and considered taking him to bed. Randall would be a good lover, if maybe a little selfish. He had a nice bodyone hardened by treadmills and free weights and personal trainers, no doubt. Hed keep me from thinking about my family and, best of all, hed be easy to push out the door in the morning.
But I couldnt shake the memory of another mans body pressing mine up against a bookcase. I couldnt get those piercing eyes or his voice out of my head. I couldnt stop thinking about what he would feel like, driving into me as I scratched my nails down his back.
Randall seemed like a poor substitute, and it wasnt fair to lead him on.
Too late to fully escape, I turned, and his lips found the corner of mine. They were waxy with Chapstick and stuck a little as I tried to pull away. His eyes were already closed, and my nose itched a little from the overpowering smell of his cologne.
The butterflies in my belly yawned. They made a big, dramatic show of it.
I like a woman with curves,” he said, giving my hips a little squeeze. More to hold on to.”
Translation: Youre not skinny, but you have nice boobs.
Carefully, I placed my hands on his chest and eased back. I may not have been a Calvin Klein model, but Id be damned if I didnt look good filling out a size eight.
Why dont you let me give you a ride home?” Randall wove his fingers together behind my lower back, latching me in place. Better yet, why dont you come over?”
I pulled away, placing a hand on his forearm. I think its better I didnt.”
The poor guy looked genuinely confused by this.
Did I misinterpret what was happening here?”
If you thought this would end in me spending the night, then yes,” I said.
Oh, come on,” he said, reaching again to push the hair out of his eyes. I couldnt believe Amy had agreed to give him that terrible haircut. When you put on that outfit, you didnt think youd be spending the night too?”
My gaze narrowed. I had been thinking about spending the night with someone, just not him.
Dont make this ugly,” I said.
What?” he asked, and then threw his shoulders back. You know what, forget it. Have a great night. I should have offered a tip if I wanted a happy ending.”
A tip?” I asked, hip cocked out. You didnt even buy me dinner.”
The light from the restaurant revealed the color rising in his cheeks.
And spare me the masseuse jokes,” I added. Ive heard them all before.”
I left him standing in front of his white Lexus, nervously glancing around to make sure no one was within earshot.