Risk Taker Page 17

  “Damon told me about Simon. He has fond memories of his father.” Remembering the tree house and carved letters, I tell her about visiting their old home. “He took me to the tree house they built a few weeks ago.”

  Rose’s eyes soften. “I’m glad he’s sharing things with someone. You’re good for him.”

  “He’s good for me too.”

  “He cares for you, Katarina. I can see it in his eyes. I haven’t seen him look at anyone that way since Mara.”

  The mention of Mara throws me off balance. I sip my wine and collect my thoughts. “I don’t know much about Mara, but I walked into his office one day while he argued with her on the phone.”

  Rose stays silent for several minutes. “I don’t know what happened between them. Everything seemed to fall apart at once.” She sighs. “His brother got sick, his relationship broke apart … it was too much for him to handle, I guess. He’s never been the same since.” Her brow furrows. “I’m surprised he’s talking to Mara again.”

  “I think it was just the one phone call, but I don’t know.” Looking down at the table, I ask, “Was Roman sick for a long time? Watching someone you love fade away has to be hard.”

  “No, it came as a shock to us. We didn’t know he was sick. One day he came down with flu-like symptoms, and a month later, he died.” She purses her lips. “Roman and Damon struggled with their relationship before Roman got sick. I don’t think they reconciled, and Damon carries that burden with him.”

  Rose and I talk during dinner. She tells me how she wants to take me to the Getty Museum to see the impressionist exhibition. That she loves visiting wineries throughout California and has a large collection in her cellar. Also, she discusses how she works too much and plays too little. But mostly, we talk about Damon.

  “I’m glad we had this time to ourselves. Damon is a good man, Katarina. With you, he is less serious, he smiles more, and he laughs more. I like what I see when he’s with you.”

  “Thanks, Rose. I love your son, but I’m not sure he’s capable of returning that love.”

  Rose scrunches her lips, then shakes her head. “Nonsense. Everyone is capable of love. Damon was always a loving boy. You need to figure out how to break into his heart. Honestly, I think you already did, but he’s not ready to admit it.”

  Rose and I part ways with a promise to visit the Getty soon. Thirty minutes later, I reach Damon’s house and key in 0615 to open the gate.

  He materializes in the doorway as I drive forward.

  “Hey, sexy man. I brought you a little Greek for dinner,” I say when I get out of the car. “Are you interested?”

  “Is her name Katarina?”

  I lift the to-go container. “I brought you lamb kabobs and Greek salad with a side of me. Will that do?”

  “I suppose it’ll have to.” He meets me on the porch. “How was dinner with my mother?”

  “It was nice. We’re going to the Getty sometime soon, and she wants to teach me about wine collecting.”

  I take his hand and pull him into the kitchen to transfer his food to a real plate.

  “Did she nonsense you to death?” He spears a piece of lamb. “No, she only said it once, and it was during a benign part of our conversation.”

  “I missed you.”

  “I missed you, too. What did you do the last two hours?”

  “I hit the gym, then came home and read the final pages of our book to prepare for book club tomorrow night. Do you want book club here or at your house? Our schedule is mixed up.”

  “I’m flexible. Whatever you want is fine with me.”

  “Tell you what. Let’s pull a note from the naughty bag and decide then. If we need something from the brown box, then we go to your house.”

  “Okay.” I agree easily. “It’s your turn to pick. Where’s the bag?”

  “It’s in my jacket pocket in the bedroom.” He drops his fork. “I’ll race you.”

  He shoots past me, leaving his half-eaten dinner behind. I’m right on his tail and almost overtake him on the landing, but his arms wrap around my middle, impeding my progress.

  We enter the room laughing.

  I throw myself on the big comfy bed and wait for him to retrieve the bag. He plops on the bed next to me and hands it over. I make him close his eyes so he can’t see what he’s selecting and have him reach in and pull out one folded piece of paper.

  “What’s it say?” I ask excitedly.

  His eyes light up. “Oh, this is good. It’s another one of my notes.”

  I look at him suspiciously and take the note from his hand. It says Griffith Park Observatory.

  “What does this mean? I don’t recall any part of the book taking place there.”

  “We talked about this. Since the book isn’t set in California, I took creative license to substitute, and I chose Griffith Park Observatory.”

  “Hmm, sex in public again. What if we get caught?”

  “We won’t get caught because I’ll protect you. Wear that cute little blue miniskirt and those sexy black heels.” He stares at the tenting of his pants. “Look what you do to me.” He adjusts himself. “Are you game, Katarina?”

  I’m silent because it rocks Damon’s cocky confidence. When he’s vulnerable, things turn out better. In the end, he’ll win because his sexy self-assurance is a total turn-on for me.

  “Can I let you know tomorrow?” His lower lip pops out in a pout. I take my index finger and pluck at it. “I need to think on it overnight. You’ll know my answer tomorrow.”

  His expressive eyes look at me with hope.

  “Can we talk about the book?”

  “I swear there’s exhibitionism. I wouldn’t lie to you.”

  “I’m sure there is, but that’s got nothing to do with my question. We’re getting to the end of the book, and I wonder where their relationship is going. His issues have molded him from childhood to the present. Do you think they can make it work? Can someone put the pains of their past behind them to have a future? I mean, how much is too much?”

  And there it is—a look of sheer terror clouds his eyes. The question is about more than the book, it’s about us, and he knows it. Bound mirrors many things in our relationship. The favor, the connection, the need, the insecurity, the chemistry, and the conflict—it’s all there. Change the storyline just a little, and it could be about us.

  “Since I finished the book, I know how their story ends, but I don’t think you’re asking me about them, are you?”

  “I am,” I begin, “but I’m also asking you if I’ll always have to settle for happy and content.”

  He takes a long breath and releases a longer exhale. “I want happy and content, but I also want you to feel loved.” He takes my hands. His expression is earnest. “Do you feel loved?”

  “I feel confused. Everything you do and say makes me feel loved and cherished, yet you can’t utter the words.”

  “I’m trying. I am. Be patient with me while I work things out in my head. My heart belongs to you. You know that.”

  I nod in resignation. “I feel your love, but someday I want the words. There’s a disconnect between your heart and your head.” Just like in the book, I wonder how it will end for us. Will we get our happily ever after, or do I settle for less than I need? Those are my last thoughts before I fall asleep, curled next to his body.

  Chapter Twenty-Six

  “What are your intentions concerning my brother, Trevor?” Feeling vulnerable in my relationship, I want to make sure Chris won’t end up in the same boat. Loving someone emotionally unavailable is heartbreaking.

  “My intentions are to have lunch with him today and see where that takes us. I haven’t bought the engagement ring yet if that’s what you’re asking.”

  “I don’t want Chris to get hurt. You jumped all over the chance to meet the drummer of Reluctant Capitalists. Don’t lead my brother on. If you like him, then great, but if you plan to toy with him, quit now.”

  “Kat has her claws out. W
hat’s going on? Bad night?”

  This has nothing to do with my night, and everything to do with taking care of my family. “No, I’m protecting what belongs to me. I don’t want you pursuing my brother if you’re chasing Rylan.”

  “I get you a job, and now you think you rule the world,” he jokes. “Give me more credit than that. I’d love to meet the drummer because he’s hot, but I’m a realist. Do you think I’d be anything more than a quickie for him? I told you, I’m looking for the one. Not the one-night stand.”

  I hug him. He’s a good guy, and I feel terrible thinking his motives were less than honorable.

  “I’m sorry I doubted you. So much has happened in such a small amount of time, and I’m trying to wrap my brain around everything.” I pull the invitation Damon gave me out of my bag and offer it to him. “When you see Chris today, will you give him this invitation to the grand opening?” I touch his arm. “Have a great lunch and tell him hello for me. He likes sweet tea. Just a hint in case you get there earlier than he does.”

  Lunch with Damon goes well. We relax and fill the time with conversation and laughter. He regales me with stories of other openings. It’s amazing what people will do or wear. His funniest story is about a guest who wore assless chaps. After several drinks, the man stumbled and fell against the buffet table, where his bare flesh came in contact with a lit Sterno can. Zenith no longer uses open flames.

  The man sued Noble Enterprises, but the judge threw the case out when he found out the man knowingly dressed in bottomless pants.

  I laughed so hard when he told me the judge’s words to the plaintiff as he walked out of the courtroom were, “Watch your back … end.”

  “I’m leaving early today,” I tell Damon after lunch. “I’m cooking dinner for us tonight and need to stop by the grocery store. Do you mind if I go into your house without you there?”

  “You practically live there. I’ll have a key made for you.” He takes his house key from his ring and hands it to me. “Use this for now. I’ll stop by the hardware store and have one made.” He hems and haws. “Did you decide about tonight?”

  “No, I’m considering your request and will let you know when you get home.” After a quick peck on his lips, I rush for the door. “Got to run. Need to stop at Ahz and make sure things are on track. See you tonight.”

  Driving in downtown in Los Angeles is like entering a war zone. No one wants to be on the roads between six and ten in the morning or any time after two in the afternoon.

  The freeways are death traps, and the seven-mile trip takes forty-five minutes. Thank God for parking privileges. If I had to hunt down a parking space, I’d waste another thirty minutes.

  I enter and find most of the construction workers gone. Only a handful of people remain to take care of last-minute details.

  The VIP lounge is ready for the elite list of guests attending. It’s strictly A-listers, ranging from professional athletes to movie stars and politicians. Inviting only one hundred VIPs and their guests is smart. There wouldn’t be enough room for more egos.

  Once I’m comfortable with the preparations and the storage of the gift bags, I leave to prepare dinner and change into a miniskirt and heels.

  It’s strange to be in his house by myself. Though I’ve become familiar with it since I spend half of each week here, it’s empty without him.

  The baked chicken, quinoa, and steamed spinach are ready, and I’m dressed in the outfit he requested.

  The alarm system alerts me to the gate being opened. So that’s how he knows when I’m here.

  Like him, I walk to the front entry and watch him drive forward.

  A big grin takes over his face when he sees me dressed in my blue mini.

  Throwing the Mustang into park, he jumps out and races to me. His arms are a vise around my waist and hold me tightly while he twirls us in circles. I never thought an outfit could bring a person such joy.

  “Are you hungry?” I ask.

  He kisses my neck, giving me a gentle bite where my shoulder and neck meet. “Ravenous.”

  My conversation centers on food, but he has Griffith Park on his mind.

  “Food first. You can satisfy your other hunger later.” I grab him by the tie and pull him into the kitchen.

  I prepare our dishes while Damon races upstairs to change. He returns wearing black jeans and a snug-fitting designer T-shirt, and Lord, he looks amazing. On his feet are a beautiful pair of leather loafers, and his D & G cologne fills the air. In his hand is a trench coat.

  I take the coat and set it aside before leading him to the breakfast bar where we enjoy our dinner and talk about the day.

  “How are things at the club?” he asks. “I don’t know if I’ll ever be able to sit in the VIP lounge and not think of you on the floor above me. Out of all my clubs, Ahz is my favorite because of you. I love that we’re both invested in its success.”

  “I love that, too. I think the VIP lounge will be the death of me though. I’m on a huge learning curve, and I’m just reaching the top of the arc.”

  “I met with Trevor yesterday, and he said he let go of the reins and had you take charge. He would never allow you to run a big project if he didn’t think you could handle it.”

  “He’s a great boss and a good friend.”

  Damon pushes his empty plate away.

  “Shall we go? The observatory is best if it’s seen as day turns from dusk to dark. It’s my favorite place to think.”

  “Let me wash the dishes, and then we’ll leave.”

  He grabs my arm and takes me directly to the Mustang. “I pay Claire a healthy salary to clean this house. She can do the dishes tomorrow morning when she gets here.” He opens the door and helps me inside. “By the way, dinner was great. I haven’t come home to a cooked meal since I left my mom’s house.” He kisses me and rounds the car to climb behind the steering wheel.

  “I like to cook.” I turn to him. “We eat out too much, and I’m gaining weight. Outside of making love, I don’t get any exercise. You’re bad for my health.”

  “I told you I was bad for you. You were warned.”

  With multiple observation platforms at Griffith Park, we see the surrounding area from different vantage points. It’s impossible to locate a more secluded space to see the city or star gaze.

  Damon knows exactly where he wants to go and walks me to the highest point. I’ve been turned on since we got into the car. I know it’s crazy, but I like what he likes. I get worked up over the thrill of the unknown and unexpected. This is a new world for me.

  He picks a place where no one is near and takes the long coat from his shoulders and pulls it to cover mine, creating a tent that surrounds us.

  His lips are on my neck and his breath near my ear. Desperate hands slide around my waist and raise to cup my breasts.

  “Lean against me, Angel. Relax and enjoy.” I love those words. ‘Relax and enjoy’ means ‘Hang on for dear life because I’ll go somewhere you’ve never been.’

  I melt into his chest and let him control my body. His cologne is intoxicating to smell. Watching the setting sun paint the sky in reds and oranges pleases my eyes. His touch ignites a fire inside me. His voice whispers the things every girl wants to hear. Things like, “You’re beautiful. You make me happy, and I’ve always wanted to do this.” The only sense not activated is taste. Eventually, he’ll kiss me, and I’ll taste the sweetness of his lips against mine.

  Damon gets bolder. His hands travel to my skirt and pull it to my waist. As he reaches down, he gasps because I’m not wearing underwear.

  “You always surprise me. When did you decide to do this?”

  I answer in short, breathless answers. “The observatory or the underwear?” There’s no thinking with his hands on me.

  To the passerby, we look like we’re enjoying the sunset. Many men wrap their coats around their girlfriends when the sun sets, and the air turns chilly. The only difference is his fingers are deep inside me, and he’s whispering sexy
things in my ear.

  “Both.”

  I lean back and let him support my weight.

  “Yesterday.”

  He drives me crazy, and when the pad of his thumb rubs against my bundle of nerves, I fall over the edge.

  He continues to whisper. “That’s right. Let it roll over you. I’ve got you. Breathe and enjoy, because in just a minute, I’ll be inside you, and when you want to scream … kiss me. Do you understand?”

  I answer with a nod.

  He turns me around and sits me on the edge of the wall. The rough cement scrapes against my ass when he scoots me to the edge and impales me. My breath hitches at the shock of it. How he got himself out of his pants and into me is nothing short of magic.

  The jacket tents around us, only this time, I face him with my legs wrapped around his waist as he repeatedly plunges inside me. The heat builds, and I push my lips to his and let my muffled scream escape into his mouth.

  The power of his thrusts, the excitement of making love in the open, and the friction of the cement take me to the top, and he follows me off the edge. Our lips stay fused while we swallow each other’s passion.

  “It’s such a lovely place, isn’t it?” a voice asks from our right side.

  He pulls me closer, pushing himself deeper. My eyes pop wide as we look at the stranger next to us.

  The old man seems harmless, but it’s an odd sensation to talk to a stranger while my boyfriend is deep inside me. We let our guard down at the peak of our passion, and now we’re stuck until he leaves.

  “It’s my favorite place in the world.” Damon looks at me with a mischievous smile.

  Thankfully, the old man realizes we’d rather be alone and turns to leave. He chuckles as he walks away.

  Within seconds, Damon tucks himself back into his pants, and I’m back on two feet with my skirt pulled down. He takes the coat off and wraps it around my shoulders.

  He said he’d protect me, and he did. I felt safe in his arms.