Risk Taker Read online

  I spend the next three hours organizing deliveries and getting donations. At exactly twelve o’clock, I turn off my computer and make my way to Damon’s office.

  “Good afternoon, Ms. Cross.”

  “Hello, Greta. It’s so nice to see you today. How are you?”

  “Excellent, Ms. Cross. How about you?”

  “Marvelous. Is Mr. Noble in?”

  “Go on in. He’s waiting for you. Enjoy your lunch.”

  I enter his private office without so much as an announcement. I wanted him today, and I wondered how a person can crave someone after just four hours.

  Closing the door behind me, I glance around the large office and find him by the window setting the table for our lunch. He’s in deep thought as he places the silverware in their proper places and pours us a soda.

  I lean against the door and stare at him. When he sees me, he enchants me with his smile. I want this man so much.

  “What are you doing over there? This is where all the action is,” he says.

  “Really? What kind of action are you offering?”

  “What I have in mind will take more than an hour, so you’ll have to settle for a quick lunch. I ordered soup and salad. Eating heavy makes me feel sleepy, and then I’m less productive.”

  I sit at the table and place the napkin in my lap. I didn’t approach him for a kiss or a hug but hope he’ll give me one on his own accord. Sleeping with him last night was a major step, and I don’t want to push him too far—too fast.

  “I bet you’re fabulous when you’re at the top of your game.”

  “Are you being naughty again? If you finished your reading for the week, you’d know what happens to naughty girls.”

  “I’m intrigued. I’ll rush home after work and read the next installment.” He’s so put together in his custom gray suit, crisp white shirt, and red tie. “I see you made it home and back in time.”

  “I did. Kat, last night was good—really good.”

  “Did you know that I’ve never spent the night in a man’s arms? I’m glad you were my first.”

  A dark look clouds his expression. It’s not a look of passion, but a look of distrust. “Your first? Do you plan to have others?” His voice challenges me.

  “All I meant was you’re the first man to spend the night. I didn’t mean to imply I was looking for others.” Whoever she was, did a number on him.

  “I’m sorry I misinterpreted your response and overreacted.”

  “You seem to do that a lot.”

  “You are right, and I’m sorry. These are my burdens to bear.”

  “You don’t have to bear them by yourself.”

  He reaches out to cover my hand, and I’m sure he is going to open up.

  “Let’s leave it for now.” And the subject is closed.

  “Are you having a good day?”

  “The beginning was so great. Everything since then has been a disappointment until now, but things are looking up.” He nods to the couch. “Do you want to sit with me for a few minutes?”

  “Sure. I don’t have to be back until one.” Sitting on the couch can only mean more kisses, and if I can’t get information from Damon, then I’ll settle for what I can get. I’m not one that gives up easily. One day he’ll let me in.

  “How many pastries did you eat this morning?” he asks.

  “I ate two. Why?”

  “You’re still in my debt because I only received compensation for one. We haven’t even discussed the price for the coffee or the ride.”

  “Those sound like expensive pastries, Mr. Noble. I’m not sure I can afford you.”

  “We can draw up an installment plan.” He lifts his broad shoulders. “I’ll charge you interest, and I should warn you, my rates are high.”

  “Hmm … I’ll make a down payment now, but before I leave, add my bill, so I know what I owe you.” I smirk.

  “We could arrange scheduled payments. I’d be happy to draw up the agreement.”

  “You’re a shrewd businessman.” I love it when playful Damon is present because he’s so much fun.

  He scoops me up and sits me on his lap, where he plays with my hair and nibbles on my lip. His hand comes up to cradle my cheek while his thumb brushes lightly over the highest part of my cheekbone.

  “Your blue eyes, combined with your blonde hair, remind me of an angel. All you need is a halo.”

  “I’m no angel,” I say.

  “You’re my angel.”

  This man muddles my brain, first with his kisses and now with his words.

  “I’m happy to be yours.”

  “What does your schedule look like this week?” His thumb slides down my cheek until he is softly caressing my lower lip. He stares at me like a lion stalking his prey.

  “I have to study tonight and read several pages for my book club meeting tomorrow night. I have lunch free all week, and Thursday night isn’t booked yet. Friday night, I have a date with this sizzling, Viking god.”

  The clock on his desk ticks closer to one o’clock and our time is almost up.

  He skims his lips across mine. “I’ll call you later, okay?”

  “I look forward to it.” After a deeper kiss, I unwrap myself from his tight embrace and say goodbye. Then I leave his office and go to the third floor to finish my shift.

  Chapter Fourteen

  “I want every dirty detail.” Em pulls me inside and forces me to sit on the couch by pressing my shoulders down.

  “There isn’t much to tell,” I say. “Damon found out I worked in the building, and that led to a meeting in his office. We shared some amazing kisses that led to dinner. He took me to his house, we kissed more, and he drove me home. That’s all there is to report.”

  “Bullshit. He spent the night, and I walked out of my room to find you both nearly stripping each other naked in the living room.” Em crosses her arms in front of her and narrows her eyes. She tries to bully me into giving her more, but there isn’t anything else to share.

  “We slept, Em. The plan was for him to tuck me in and leave, but he didn’t. When I went to the Philharmonic with him and his mother, I got angry with him for ignoring me. I had way too much to drink, and he ended up bringing me home, undressing me, and putting me to bed.”

  “What? Did he do anything inappropriate?” She sounds indignant and angry. The one thing I can count on is Em having my back.

  “No, he behaved, but he saw parts of me when he changed me, and I insisted on a do-over. Last night was it.”

  “Go on,” she prompts.

  “Em, there isn’t anything else to tell. We kissed, and he undressed me, then he spooned me, and we fell asleep. We didn’t have sex, although he wouldn’t have had to beg me because I more than want him.” I’m a twenty-three-year-old woman with two lovers and three experiences to my name. I want to end this dry spell and find out what all the hubbub is about.

  “Tell me if I have this correct. You were naked in his arms all night, and he didn’t even try to have sex with you?” She shakes her head. “Something is wrong with that man. I don’t know any guy who can lie next to a willing woman and not want to … you know.”

  “It’s not like he didn’t want to. He was totally aroused, but he didn’t want it to be like that. He said something about making our first time perfect. He considered me, and that felt good. Why didn’t you tell me how nice it is to sleep with a man?”

  “It is nice, isn’t it?” She stares across the room with a dreamy look in her eyes, no doubt reliving a moment in her mind, and I bet it has something to do with Anthony.

  “How are things with Mr. Haywood?”

  “Oh, you know, the same old earth-shattering sex, titillating conversation, great food. Same stuff, different day.” She grins at me, then laughs. “It’s amazing. Where was this man my whole life?”

  “Maybe the timing wasn’t right, and now it is.” I’m a true believer that things happen for a reason.

  “Hmm, maybe.” She snaps out of wherever
her head was. “Damon better treat you well, because if he doesn’t, I’ll hunt him down and hurt him.”

  “He’s a good man, but he’s complicated. His brother died when Damon was twenty, and everything seems to stem from that tragic event. There’s so much I don’t know.”

  “He’s not a puppy for you to rescue.”

  “I’m not a puppy rescuer.”

  “No, you’re right. You’re a people rescuer, and it looks like he’s your next project.”

  “He’s not a project, but it would be nice to know what happened to him.”

  “Have you considered asking him?”

  “I’m not going to ask him. He’ll tell me on his own when he’s ready.”

  “You’re patient and kind. I remember the little girl who held me night after night while I cried in her arms.” She looks sad at the memory. “I wouldn’t have made it through the death of my mother without you. You’ve always been an old soul, but I often wonder if you’re getting what you need from the people around you.”

  “If I can get him naked and in bed, then I’ll be closer to getting what I need. We’re staying at his house this weekend. He has a theater, and somehow, he’s able to get a new release.”

  “It goes back to, ‘it’s not what you know, but who you know,’ and Damon knows powerful people.”

  “Do you have any advice for me? How am I supposed to seduce this man when he could have anyone in the world?”

  “Look at you. You’re gorgeous, and what makes you even more beautiful is you’re not aware of how alluring you are. Men fall all over themselves when you’re around.”

  “That is so not true, and you know it. Men steer clear of me.”

  “No, they don’t. It’s that innocence that draws them in.”

  “Em, I’m not innocent. I’ve experienced things.”

  “Kat, do you really think banging that boy in the back seat was an authentic sexual experience? What was he, eighteen? He had no idea what he was doing. What guy takes his girlfriend out to a field and does it in the back seat? He could have at least laid out a blanket on the ground, but he was an idiot. You need someone to treat you right; someone who doesn’t want to have sex but wants to make love. I hope Damon is that guy.”

  “Me too.”

  “Damaged men can be difficult. Be careful, Kat.”

  “Thanks, Em. I missed you, and I’m so glad you’re happy. It’s been a long time coming.”

  She reaches up to hug me. “I love you.” She squeezes me tight before leaning back. “If Friday is the big night, we need to get you ready. Do you have birth control?”

  “Yes, Mom.” I roll my eyes. “I started the shots last year when I thought things would go in that direction with Tommy. I get them regularly because I almost never have a period anymore, and I like that.”

  “Until you know his sexual past, the rule is no glove, no love. Use condoms. I don’t want you getting an STI from him.”

  “Good advice. What else do I need to know?”

  “Make sure he satisfies your needs before his own. There’s nothing worse than a selfish lover. I’m not saying you have to keep tabs. It’s rarely a one-for-one deal, but it’s no fun if you’re the only one giving.”

  “Got it.”

  “Do you have a good waxer?”

  “What?” I shoot her a look of disbelief. “What do I need a waxer for?”

  “You want to keep yourself groomed. No one wants to make love to Sasquatch. Get it waxed or trim it up. I wax, but some people feel weird about having no hair.”

  “I’ll trim.”

  “Fine. What will you wear?”

  “A dress? Whatever I wear to work is what I’ll wear to his house.”

  “Nope. Bring a change of clothes so you’ll be fresh. In fact, let’s go shopping Thursday when you get home. A new outfit will boost your confidence.”

  “I like clothes as much as I like food. Let’s get dinner too.”

  Once the plans are made, I spend the rest of my night doing homework. I have three tests this week and haven’t devoted much time to studying. Damon and work are a distraction.

  After three hours of writing and test prep, I pick up Bound and climb into bed.

  The agreement between the characters heads in a kinky direction with him being the dominant and her the submissive. I finish the fifty pages, close the book, and ponder their situation. How much would I put up with to be with the person I want? Is it true there is a fine line between pain and pleasure? Can pain become pleasure? It’s an interesting question.

  Chapter Fifteen

  My leather bags arrive, and I’m excited to fill them.

  Trevor gets me a large, empty room with several tables to assemble the gift bags. I line one row with the bags and use the other tables to organize the donations.

  At noon, I race upstairs to collect my kisses.

  Lunch has become my guilty pleasure. I get an uninterrupted hour with Damon, and we get to snuggle and kiss.

  “I hear the gift bags you’re assembling are incredible. How did you get so many companies to donate in this economy?”

  “I’ve been taking charm lessons from Damon Noble. He’s really talented. I’m sure he could charm the pants off anyone.”

  “I only want to charm the pants off you. What do you think the chances are of me getting you out of your pants this weekend?” He rubs my thigh; the heat from his touch burns my skin.

  “If I were a betting girl, I’d say the odds are in your favor. I may not have a lot of experience, but I want you, and I’m willing to be the student if you will teach me.”

  He places his chin between his thumb and his index finger and looks at me through hooded eyes.

  “This might be an awkward question, but just how much experience do you have? I only ask because it will influence how we approach our first time together.”

  “I’m not embarrassed by the question. I always try to remain open and honest about my life.” I fumble with the hem of my shirt. “I’m not a virgin, but my experiences can’t be described as extensive either. Unfortunately, it was like waiting for fireworks and finding out I got a dud.”

  “I’ll do my best to show you fireworks,” he whispers with his warm breath grazing my neck.

  A chill runs down my spine. “I know you can ignite a fire in me, but with these lunches and your kisses, I’m liable to burn up before Friday.”

  “Go back to work, and I’ll pick you up at seven for book club and dinner.”

  He swats my behind as I walk toward the door.

  I pace the living room floor waiting for Damon to arrive. After our touchy-feely lunch, I’m full of tension and can’t sit still. When I see his Mustang pull around the corner, I am in the car before it rolls to a complete stop.

  “I would have gotten out and opened the door for you, Angel.”

  “I know, but I’m eager to see you.” Once I’m in his car, I lean toward him and pucker my lips.

  His press firmly against mine, causing my heart to skip a beat.

  “Now I’m Angel?” He hates calling me Kat, but as long as he chooses the nickname, then it’s okay?

  “It fits you.” He touches my cheek. “Angelic face, cupid lips, saintly eyes, and hair that shines like a halo.”

  “It’s sweet. No one has ever called me anything other than Kat.” I hear him grumble at the mention of my nickname. “What’s so bad about the name Kat?”

  “We’ve talked about this before. I guess I’m a traditionalist and like to call people by their given names. However, since everyone around you insists on calling you by a nickname, I at least gave you one that fits.”

  “Fair enough. I’m happy to be your angel.” I buckle in. “Where are we eating?”

  “A quiet little steakhouse in Manhattan Beach, and then we’ll take a stroll along the shore.” I hold his hand until we arrive at the restaurant.

  Tucked into a corner booth in the back, he scoots in close to me, so our thighs are touching, and his hand sits on my bar
e knee.

  Damon orders for both of us, which I like because there is something sexy about confidence—about a man who seems like he could rule the world.

  “What are you thinking about?” he asks as his hand gently runs up my thigh.

  “I can’t think about much of anything with you caressing me. But I am hoping that on Friday night, you might put out the fire you ignited this afternoon.”

  He looks at me in amazement. “I’ve never been with a girl who just says what’s on her mind. I like that about you.”

  I’d like that about you too if you shared.

  Instead of saying what I really think for fear it will cause an argument, I go with something else. “I aim to please,” I beam. “Tell me … did you enjoy the last fifty pages of the book?”

  The waiter delivers two plates, both with sea bass and rice pilaf. Off to the side are grilled asparagus spears. We continue to talk as we enjoy our dinner.

  “What’s not to like?” he asks. “He told her what he likes, and she’s willing to try it. That seems diplomatic.”

  “There’s nothing democratic about their relationship. I couldn’t relinquish that much power to a man.”

  “You just answered the question from last week. I asked how far you’d go for the person you cared about.”

  “I wouldn’t go far enough to lose myself in the process, but I’m willing to negotiate like she did. I say what’s on my mind, and that isn’t a good trait for a submissive. My bottom would be sore all the time from the spankings I’d get for misbehaving.”

  “Does that turn you on or off?” He lifts his brow.

  “I’ve given that some thought and researched the subject. Apparently, there’s some kind of pain-pleasure connection. It has something to do with the sting, the heat from the contact, and the vibration it creates. Anticipation is also a big component. I don’t have a desire to be spanked, so I wouldn’t consider it a turn-on, but it doesn’t send me running for the hills either. I’d be willing to consider it as long as it was under the right conditions.”

  “Thank goodness that’s not my thing. I’d never spank you. A swat on your backend while you’re walking by, maybe, but nothing more. There are other ways to excite you, other ways to make you tingle, other ways to warm your skin.”