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She smiles lightly as though thinking about her baby brightens her mood. I like that, and I don’t have a frigging clue why. ‘His nanny stayed late tonight. I’m sure he’s in bed by now.’
I still recall that day in the pool last summer when I’d taken the crying baby from her and entertained him all afternoon. I couldn’t even be sure why I’d done it. I suppose, looking back, she just looked like she could use a hand. I’ve never liked seeing a woman struggle. Although a damsel in distress, she is not. I get the sense she’s not the type to back down from a challenge and has enough strength and determination to succeed at just about anything she tried. A sexy quality, to be sure.
As we stand there, me sipping my bourbon, and Kylie grinning politely at the crowd, the silence between us grows. I feel like we have nothing in common, and I’m at a loss, trying to think of something to say, anything that will keep this beauty in my presence. There are so many things I want to know about her, but none of them are any of my goddamn business. How she tastes, what noises she makes when she comes. I also want to know how she ended up a single mother, and if Max’s dad is still in the picture. I tried asking Colton about it once, but he remained incredibly vague. The asshat. If there was a worst wingman award, it would go to my brother.
‘Have dinner with me this week,’ I say. It wasn’t what I’d been planning to say, but once the words leave my mouth, they feel right.
‘Pace, that’s sweet of you to ask, but I can’t…’ She pauses, like she wants to say more, but doesn’t. Her body language is all wrong too. Where women are normally vying to get closer, placing their hand on my bicep, or even brushing their breasts against my arm, Kylie stands straight and tall, like she wants to avoid physical contact at all costs.
‘Are you here with someone?’ I ask. It’s also absolutely none of my business, but I’d happily shell out ten grand just to find out if she’s fucking someone.
‘No,’ she confirms.
‘No boyfriend?’ I press further. I need to know what I’m up against.
‘There’s been no one since Max’s father,’ she says quietly.
My inner alpha male beats on his chest in triumph. ‘That’s quite a dry spell.’
‘Indeed,’ she murmurs.
‘It’s just dinner, Kylie. It’s not like I’m offering to step in and play daddy.’ I treat her to a playful, crooked smile, my dimple out in full force. I’ve heard it’s quite irresistible and that’s what I’m banking on.
‘That’s exactly why I can’t. I’m sorry.’
Fuck. Why am I such a fucking idiot?
‘Oh,’ I stammer, at a loss for words for the first damn time in my life. Christ. Grow a pair, Pace.
‘Besides, something tells me if you’re interested in a woman like that,’ Kylie tips her chin toward the bar where Sheena, or Trina, is making a spectacle of herself, ‘you can’t possibly be interested in a woman like me.’
Hold the fuck on. Now that’s where she’s wrong. ‘Why’s that?’ I ask, meeting her fiery green gaze. If she’s about to criticize herself, I will not hold back in proving to her how very wrong she is.
‘Pace,’ she admonishes. ‘Look at her. They look…inflatable.’
When I realize she’s not tearing herself down, but instead chastising my taste in women, I almost want to laugh. ‘A woman like that is good for only one thing and we both know it,’ I say.
She raises her eyebrows, waiting for me to explain.
‘One good fuck,’ I continue.
‘You’re crass.’ Her eyes light up, and her mouth twitches in an attempt not to smile.
‘I’m direct, and you like it.’
She shrugs. ‘At least you’re honest. That’s more than I can say for most men.’
‘Go out with me. One time, Kylie. What do you have to lose?’
I can practically see the wheels turning in her head, and for one brief, beautiful moment I think I might have a chance. ‘Bye Pace.’ She turns and walks away, her long legs carrying her across the room while my heart throbs.
Fuck.
‘Kylie, wait.’
She turns and tosses me a sexy wink. ‘Go have fun with Malibu Barbie.’
This is not over.
I play to win.
Chapter Two (#u6248eea7-09ce-53e4-a701-8607ec52f0cb)
Kylie
This is not my real life.
My real life is not evening gowns and silk panties and fancy dinners. It’s heating bottles up at two a.m., spit-up stains on my yoga pants and fishing Cheerios out from between my couch cushions. But it feels amazing to pretend, if only for a brief moment.
As I sit in the back of the limousine Colton insisted I take, I remove my earrings one at a time and drop them into my handbag. The twinkling city lights blur past as we cruise down the freeway, and my thoughts drift back to the gala. The event had turned out beautifully, even better than I could have expected. But of course it isn’t the details of the fundraiser occupying my brain. It’s a certain six-foot, two-inch, well-muscled slice of man named Pace Drake. My boss’s younger brother. And there is no way he’d be interested in the real me.
I chuckle to myself, remembering that he didn’t even know his date’s name. I should feel outraged that he all but ignored her in favor of paying me compliments and asking me out. Instead I’m strangely flattered. When a man as handsome as Pace paid you attention it felt wonderful. Especially for someone like me. He could have any woman he wanted. And for some strange reason he’d set his sights on me – with my post-pregnancy body that is still curvier than I would have liked.
But I’d shot him down, which I know is for the best. I have personal experience with men like him. They’re looking for no-strings sex. And considering the last guy I was with played ding-dong-ditch-it with my uterus, and left me with a baby to raise, I’m more than a teensy bit skeptical about men like him.
Max is the only man I have time for these days. And the only man I will give my heart to.
I can’t resist pulling out my iPhone to look at the pictures of Max. Just as I know I won’t be able to resist going into his room to listen to the sounds of him breathing and leaning down to his crib to smell his baby scent, even though I know there’s a chance it’ll wake him. But his chunky baby thighs and big round tummy are too much for this mama to resist.
It was actually quite sweet of Pace to ask about Max. Last summer, the first time I’d met Pace at Colton’s pool party, he carted a screaming, teething Max around all that afternoon, swimming with him in the pool and bouncing him in his big arms. Colton seemed to have no explanation for Pace’s sudden interest in the baby. I was convinced it was merely him taking pity on his brother’s employee. I was beyond stressed out when Max was cutting his first two teeth. And I’m sure I looked it.
As flattered as I am about his interest in me, I’m fine with being celibate and focusing on my career and being a mom. Well, that’s not entirely true. I do miss having a man in my life. I miss strong arms holding me close, the brush of a stubbled cheek on mine, the feeling of absolute security. When I’m ready to start a relationship again, it will be with a man who makes me feel safe. There is nothing safe about Pace Drake.
He’s as dangerous as they come. Young. Sexy. Wealthy. Carefree. The dark, hungry look in his eyes promised me hot, intense sex. I shiver, recalling the way my body responded under his watchful stare. Yes, I’m sure he’d be a wild beast in bed, probably with a giant cock to match his stamina, not that I will ever know such things.
As the limo driver pulls to a stop in front of my house, I push all the crazy thoughts from my head. Fantasies are nice, but it’s time to get back to my real life.
Chapter Three (#u6248eea7-09ce-53e4-a701-8607ec52f0cb)
Pace
I haven’t stopped thinking about her since Saturday night. No, not Malibu Barbie. I’d accepted her proffered blow job on the drive home – it was mediocre – and then dropped her off at her front door. I haven’t heard from her since. Which is just as well, because it’s Kylie I can’t seem to get out of my brain.
I had no doubt she saw straight through me because that sassy mouth of hers had called me out on the one-night stand. I know there’s no way we’d fit neatly into each other’s worlds, but I have to try.
When I arrive at Colton’s office just after lunchtime, I find him standing beside his assistant’s desk, flipping through a stack of documents.
‘Hey bro.’ I slap him on the back. ‘You have a minute for your favorite brother?’
He rises to his full height and frowns at me. ‘Do I have a choice?’
I roll my eyes. I know he doesn’t like being interrupted during the work day. But too damn bad. I’d helped him with his woman plenty of times. ‘No. Now come on.’
I let myself into his adjoining office and hear his footsteps behind me. I’m not usually one for midday drinks, but rather than sit down in one of the plush armchairs that provide the perfect view of the Los Angeles skyline, I head to his liquor cabinet. What the hell, I could use some loosening up. I’ve been wound as tight as a damn virgin since Kylie walked away from my invitation on Saturday night. Women didn’t refuse me, and so to say I’m thrown off my game is putting it mildly.
‘Want one?’ I ask, removing a glass and the bottle of pricey bourbon from the cabinet.
Colton shakes his head. ‘What’s going on, man? Everything okay?’
I take a sip of the liquor and immediately decide drinking is a bad idea. I’m already on edge and frustrated. The alcohol will only make me obsess more. Abandoning the glass, I sit down in a leather chair across from him and let out a heavy sigh. ‘Tell me about Kylie.’
His gaze narrows. ‘Fuck no. You and Kylie?’ He shakes his head, rising to his feet. ‘No. Abso-fucking-lutely not. If this is what you came here to talk to me about, you can leave now.’ He points to the door, his expression unwavering.
Goddamn. ‘You’re no fun.’ Changing my mind, I stride over to the cabinet, grab the glass and down the rest of the drink. It burns like a motherfucker on the way down, but it’ll do the trick, numbing whatever this weird sensation is inside my chest.
‘I’m serious, Pace. She’s a good girl. She doesn’t need to get tangled up in your…ways…’
‘My ways?’ Now I’m getting pissed. He’s saying I’m not good enough for her.
‘Hit it and quit it. Pump and dump. Whatever you want to call it, it’s not happening. Not with Kylie.’
‘I know that, asshole. I wanted to take her out – like legitimately take her out to dinner. Enjoy her company.’
He frowns at me again, that crease in his forehead deepening. ‘You’re telling me you don’t want to fuck her?’
‘Don’t be a dumbshit. Of course I want to fuck her. But I’m just saying that I wouldn’t hit it once and never call her again.’
‘What would you do, then? Move in? Marry her? Raise her son?’ he challenges.
‘I haven’t thought that fucking far ahead. Christ.’ Now I’m pacing the floor of his office and I have no idea why. This entire exchange is stressing me out. I came here hoping to get her number, and instead I’m getting grilled like a steak. He’s pulling the older brother card on me like he does so often. The dick.
‘And that’s exactly why I don’t want you messing around with her. You don’t have a plan. Kylie needs a man with a plan. Not one with an agenda that only includes getting his crank yanked.’
I sink down into the chair, hating this concerned sibling act he’s got down to a science.
‘Kylie needs someone ready for a serious relationship. That isn’t you, and this isn’t a good idea, and we both know it.’
‘Just like it wasn’t a good idea for you to marry the mega-bitch Stella. But you didn’t listen to me. You had to find out for yourself.’ His fists clench at his sides. He hates it when I bring up his ex. Too damn bad.
‘You didn’t forget about our engagement party this Saturday, did you?’
‘Of course not,’ I answer. I’d totally forgotten it was this weekend. Good thing Collins and I had already gone in on a gift. ‘Where’s it at again? The Beverly Hills Country Club?’ I smirk. His last engagement party was there.
Colton growls out an expletive, apparently not appreciating my sarcastic sense of humor. ‘No dipshit. Nothing fancy and over the top. This is Sophie, remember?’
Sophie. Of course I remember. She is nothing like his first wife, thank God. That evil bitch would have eaten your balls for breakfast if you weren’t careful. I cup my nuts, remembering her, and shudder.
‘It’s at the house. Six o’clock. We’re grilling and playing yard games,’ Colton finishes.
‘Will Kylie be there?’ I smirk.
‘Get the fuck out,’ he hisses, tossing his stapler at me on my way out the door. It hits the wall with a dull thud, and I know I’m back in the game.
On Saturday afternoon, I’m seated on the diving board, dangling my bare feet in the pool waiting for the party to begin. Sophie and Colton are standing in the backyard, greeting guests as they arrive, accepting congratulations and showing off her engagement ring. There’s still no sight of Kylie. As the days passed, I started to question why my focus was so singularly on this woman. But then I see her, and it all comes rushing back.
She’s wearing a white, gauzy sundress with sandals on her feet. Her hair is tied back into a simple ponytail. She’s stunning. There is something so natural and simple about her. I cannot look away. My eyes wander down her bare legs. They are toned and tanned nicely. I wonder if she’s a runner. Her hand is outstretched and a chubby baby toddles alongside her, holding on to her finger.
It’s been a while since I’ve seen the little guy – I didn’t realize he’d be walking now. I continue watching them from my perch on the diving board.
Kylie leads him over to the bride and groom-to-be, then lifts him into her arms, doling out hugs and well-wishes, though I’m not close enough to hear what is being said.
When I see Collins arrive with our dad, I hop off the diving board, the bottom cuffs of my khaki pants wet, and cross the patio.
‘Hey old man,’ I greet him with a thump on the back.
‘Pace Alexander.’ He grins at me and pulls me into a hug.
It’s been way too long since I’ve seen him. The Christmas before last, I think. I’m pretty sure he has a new, young girlfriend keeping him busy. He still works, but we’re all on him to retire. That way he could spend more time out here in LA with all of us. And I’m sure Colton and Sophie are going to start popping out kids soon enough.
‘What’s her name?’ I ask him.
‘Who?’
‘You look way too fit and happy. There’s gotta be a woman.’
He gives me a sly smile and looks from me, to Collins and back again. ‘I plead the fifth.’
‘Just tell me she’s older than me at least.’
‘How old are you again?’
‘Twenty-five,’ I say.
‘Don’t worry about it, son. Now point me in the direction of this lovely Sophie I’ve heard so much about.’
Collins and I lead him across the yard to meet his future daughter-in-law. Sophie wins my dad over instantly, which is really no surprise. She’s sweet, kind, down to earth and easy to get along with. As we chat and make small talk with the family my eyes keep straying to Kylie. She’s holding Max against her chest as they twirl around in the grass, his squeals of joy audible even from here. I get a strange look from Colton when he catches me watching them. I decide to go now, while he’s busy with Dad, and before he can interfere. The cock-blocking asshole.
Since Max is the only child here, and Colton’s home isn’t exactly kid-friendly, Kylie’s brought her own toys for him to play with. Smart. They’ve already littered the yard with trucks and balls in various sizes and colors.
When I get closer, Max is pushing a green tractor toward her with chubby outstretched hands.
‘Raising him up right, I see.’ I nod toward the John Deere tractor her son is driving.
She looks up at me and smirks. ‘I didn’t know you were familiar with anything outside of BMW and Mercedes.’
She’s called me out and she doesn’t even know it. I drive a BMW M3. ‘A man can still appreciate fine machinery.’ I sink to the ground on bended knees. ‘It’s all about the details. See?’ I lift up the secret hatch under the seat.
Max begins to clap as I drop a couple blades of grass into the hatch and close it once again. He’s delighted to sit here in the grass, opening and closing the new found secret compartment while I talk to the beautiful girl in front of me.
