Harvey (A MacLaughlin Family Novella Book 3) (2 page)

“No,” she snapped back and grinned. “I just don’t like people to know who I am. A girl can’t be too careful these days.”

“True.”

<><><>

She shook her head at him. “It doesn’t really matter. It’s just a game.”

“Yes, but part of the fun is the competition.”
And if  you’re good enough to be playing at the reveal, it’s more than just a game to you.
He shook his head and grinned.

“Oh, I give everyone plenty of competition.”

He laughed. “Can I meet you for dinner at the cafe down the street? I know you told that other guy to take a hike, but he was kind of slimy. I promise I’m not slimy. Just interested. I have two brothers, a sister, and a mother you can call for references.”
What is wrong with me? I’m babbling about my family like a hormonal teenager.

“Down the street?” She smiled and her eyes twinkled.

Harvey felt his breath rush out of him. Was she going to agree? Really? “Yes, Rio Cafe. It’s across the street from the hotel.”

“I’ll meet you in the lobby at 8pm.”

“It’s a date.”

Her beautiful creamy cheeks flushed pink at those last words.
God, she was so...exquisite.
Her lips looked so soft. And the curves beneath her jeans and pink sweater could bring a man to his knees. Then there was the touch of humor attached to her feet in the form of purple fuzzy house shoes. He couldn’t help but smile. She was perfect.

She walked out of the bar, giving him another smile when she turned to head for the elevator tower.

“Another drink?”

He glanced up at the bar tender. “Yes, thanks. A beer this time. Shiner, please.”

“Here.” The bar tender set the bottle on the bar. “I can’t believe she said yes to you after turning down the suit.”

“Maybe he wasn’t her type.”

<><><>

She got up to her hotel room and changed into a comfy pair of pink yoga pants, a black tank top, and a matching hoodie. Her man
e of thick blonde hair went into a pony tail and she plopped down onto her bed.

Digging through her carry on bag, she pulled out her game console and hooked it to the hotel TV. The system powered up, chirping its opening tune. She slipped the game into the drive and turned on the TV. After following the frustratingly long set of directions to connect to the hotel’s wifi, she finally saw the icon pop up that said she had service.

Soldier’s Call was waiting and she needed to relax a little before going on the first date she’d had in months. The home screen came up quickly and she logged in.

Making s
ure her speech button was muted, she clicked on her headset. Listening to her competition was much more effective than taunting. Most of the guys that played this game probably didn’t realize how much they gave away about their position through their conversations.

The battle zone opened up and she ducked behind some crates to check her arsenal and listen to see who she was up against for this game. One guy had seen her callsign pop up and he was shouting to the heavens to watch out for the Harbringer12.
Her. They were so afraid of her.
She laughed.

She poked her avatar’s head around the corner and looked through the scope of her sniper rifle.
Bang. One down. Six to go.

Cussing and swearing commenced before the defeated player disconnected from the game. Liv made her avatar peek around the wall again, and saw a couple of soldiers advancing her direction. The chatter said they hadn’t seen her yet, but knew the shot had come from this direction.

Both of them were carrying automatic rifles. But she was fast with her sniper scope and neither of them had a chance. Both were downed in seconds.

Four left.

One of the guys online sounded like Harvey from down in the hotel bar. He called out her callsign and taunted her with insults about how she couldn’t hit the broad side of a barn if she didn’t have her sniper rifle. Several of these guys she beat almost on a daily basis. This one, HoundDog23 was a good player, but she was better. More patient.

She put away her rifle and skulked from her hiding place with a knife in her avatar’s hand.
Rifle my ass. I can take you down this way, too. You over confidant crowing rooster.

What these guys hadn’t realized was by talking online, noise from their TVs filtered through their headsets. Like right now, HoundDog23’s avatar was walking on metal. She knew exactly what roof he was on. Snuck up the back stairs and ended his jabs before he even knew what happened.

“You fucking snake in the grass, Harbringer12! I will get you one of these days. Just wait.” She laughed and hurried down from the roof. She didn’t like being in the open for long.

2

Harvey waited in the lobby, eager to see Liv again. The game upstairs had been a bummer. Why the hell did he have to get assigned to a battle dome with Harbringer12 the night before the reveal? It was like being handed a card that said, “Guess what, you will be dead in a few minutes no matter what you do.” The guy could wipe out all the players in five to ten minutes flat. And, Harbringer12 never talked on the chat feature. Quiet annihilation was the number one scorer’s MO.

He had to appreciate the player’s humor though. He’d taunted him about using a sniper rifle and this time the jerk had killed him with a knife just to prove a point. Which meant Harbringer12 listened to the chat.
Interesting.

The elevator rang and he glanced toward it, hoping to see her. She hadn’t been on his game. In fact he couldn’t remember playing against a female player in months.
Which player was she?
He racked his brain for the names he remembered from the top twenty scoreboard. She had to be on the list. The contest all year was to stay on that board to win an invite to play at the convention reveal.

She stepped out of the elevator in form-fitting pink yoga pants and an open matching hoodie. Her tight little black tank was just low enough at the neck to give a delicious peek at the top of her cleavage. She’d pulled her hair into a messy pony-tail. The urge to grab her hair and kiss her soft pink lips made blood rush downward.

“Liv,” he said, waving his hand.

She met his gaze and smiled. Her hazel eyes sparkled and darkened with what looked suspiciously like desire. Maybe he wasn’t the only one having naughty thoughts.

“Hi!”

She ambled across the lobby toward him, her hips swaying ever so enticingly. Her flip flops smacked the floor in a slow steady rhythm.

“Hungry?”

“Ravenous,” she answered, and grinned.

He offered his arm. She raised an eyebrow in surprise, but slipped her hand around his elbow. Her touch was light, but confidant.

The night was pleasantly cool, but not cold enough to really want a jacket, though it was late January. Plenty of people walked the streets in t-shirts and shorts even though it was in the sixties.

They entered the busy cafe and found an empty table near a window. A waitress popped over and handed them menus and left glasses of ice water on their table.

“What do you like to eat?”

Liv looked up over the top of the menu. He could tell by the scrunch of her eyes she was smiling.

“I’m totally having breakfast. French toast waffles with strawberry fruit topping.”

“Mmmm,” he moaned low in his throat. “That does sound good.” Though he was having a hard time thinking about anything other than devouring the woman in front of him. Would she taste as sweet as she looked?

“What are you ordering?”

You.

He shook his head. “Not sure yet.”

“What do you do back in Texas, Harvey?”

The waitress came back to the table before he could answer. “What can I get for you two tonight?”

He motioned for her to order first.

“I’d like the french toast waffles with strawberry topping. And a glass of orange juice.”

“Yes ma’am,” the waitress answered. “And you, sir.”

“Same thing, but throw on a couple of eggs and some bacon, too.”

“Great. I’ll get that right in for you.”

“Thank you.”

The waitress sauntered off and he turned his attention back to Liv. She was toying with her straw wrapper.

“I work for the family company. We do disaster recovery construction.”

She met his gaze. “Oh, so after storms and things you help businesses rebuild?”

“Exactly.” He sipped his water. “What do you do?”

She hesitated.
Why?

“I’m the morning traffic reporter on channel ten,” she finally answered.

“That’s why you’re familiar!”

She blushed at his outburst, turning a lovely shade of pink and staring shyly down at the table.

“Olivia Hampton, right?”

She nodded.  “Most people don’t remember my name. You must watch a lot of traffic.”

“You’re my first stop after procuring a cup of coffee when I fly out of town in the morning. I can’t believe I didn’t place you sooner. So cool! I’m eating dinner with Olivia Hampton.”

“I’m not a celebrity. Just a traffic reporter. But, I’m trying for a promotion to weekend entertainment anchor. It’s between me and one other girl.”

“That’s great. I’m sure you will get it.”

“I don’t know. Celine seems determined to play dirty and try to get me out of the running.”

He knew who Celine was too. She covered early morning weather, right after Liv finished the traffic report. “I’m sure you will do fine. Don’t sink to her level.”

“I won’t,” she answered and flashed a smile. “It’s just frustrating, you know.”

“Take out your frustrations in the games.”

“I do.” She shook her head. “I don’t dare tell anyone at work that I play video games at night instead of going out drinking with them. I’d never hear the end of it, but clubbing just isn’t my scene.”

“You’re every guy’s dream come true. Sexy, sweet, and plays video games. Who could ask for more?”

“My ex does not share your sentiments.”

“His loss. I can’t believe any guy with a decent head on his shoulders would let you slip through his fingers.”
I know I won’t.

<><><>

He held her gaze, his eyes darkening. Her sex throbbed and her panties were already damp. She hadn’t been attracted to any guy since her ex, Todd, left her last summer.

After Todd had shredded her heart, dignity, and self worth, she’d put all thoughts of sex and relationships from her mind. He’d been her first and last serious relationship.

Was she ready to give another man a shot with her heart? Or even her body?

Focus on her career. That was her mantra.

Then at night she decimated as many Soldier’s Call gamers as possible. Her game console, a bowl of popcorn, and a glass of wine was how she spent almost every evening, unless her mom came over. Then there was no gaming, but plenty of wine.

“The wheels are turning, Liv. I can see them. What are you thinking?”

“I was trying to decide if I should invite you back to my hotel room.”
Whoa! Where did that come from?

His eyebrows raised, registering his surprise, and his pupils dilated, indicating he was very aroused. She licked her lips and swore she heard a low growl come from his chest.

Oh my God. He’s so sexy.

“Here we are, guys,” their waitress appeared with two plates heaped with steaming food. “Waffles and strawberries for both and then an extra plate of eggs and bacon for you.” She set the protein-filled plate in front of Harvey. “Also, a glass of orange juice.”

Liv reached and took the glass from her hand. “Thank you.” She sipped the sweet juice and stole another glance at Harvey. He met her gaze with silence.

What was he thinking now? She’d put it out there. Did he think she was crazy? Who sleeps with someone they’ve just met?
Oh, God. He must think I just jump in bed with anybody.

“I’m sorry. That was really forward of me. I don’t...I just...” Now sentences wouldn’t even form. Her cheeks were hot with embarrassment. No doubt her face was redder than a tomato. “I’ve never done this before.”

“Done what? Gone out with a guy for dinner or slept with him?” His mouth didn’t curve into a smile, but his eyes twinkled with amusement. “I wouldn’t have a problem accepting your invitation if you chose to extend it.”

Liv took a bite of waffle, enjoying the crunch with the syrupy sweetness of the strawberry topping. She stared at her food and continued to eat in silence. His fork clinked against his plate too as he ate.

He wasn’t pushing or asking. He’d merely said he would accept if she offered.
No pressure.
But, what if she was terrible in bed again? What if there was something wrong with her?

Wouldn’t it be better to know right off the bat, instead of completely falling in love with a man and then finding out they didn’t want her because she sucked in bed? Her heart couldn’t take another bashing like Todd had dished out.

But, she didn’t want Harvey to think badly of her for being willing to fall straight into bed with him either.

She kept chewing and staring at her food. A few minutes later her plate was empty. She hadn’t said another word the whole time she’d been eating. Taking a deep breath, she looked up. His plate was clean too.

He was sitting casually in his chair, leaning back a little —watching her. He was gorgeous. She wanted to touch him. To feel him touch her.
Damn it. I don’t know what to do.

“Can I walk you back to your room, Liv?”

“Yes.” The answer came before she thought about it.

He smiled and stood, extending his hand to help her up from her chair. She took his hand and fought the urge to shiver at his touch. He dropped some cash on the table and led her to the door. It was everything she could do not to plaster herself to his side on their way out of the restaurant.

The light breeze outside pushed the spicy scent of his cologne over to her. She took a deep breath and wanted to run her free hand across his chest
. I’m going to maul him on the way across the street if I’m not careful.

He chuckled and the vibrations felt nice against her side. She’d managed to press close enough that his arm caressed her side and every couple of steps their hips would brush against each other.

They walked into the hotel lobby and stopped next to the elevator. He turned to face her. “Are you okay?” He asked softly.

“I’m a bit of a mess.”

“Can I help you clean anything up? I’m good at taking directions. Just let me know what you need help with.”

She laughed. “Funny.”

He let go of her arm and his hands cupped her face. She closed her eyes as his lips descended to hers. They were gentle, but purposeful. He nipped at her bottom lip and she moaned. He swept his tongue inside her mouth, tangling with hers.

Her palms slid up his chest, enjoying the feel of his well-defined muscles beneath the shirt. They settled on his shoulders and she leaned into his body. He kissed her harder, pulling her tongue back into his mouth.

A loud cough next to them startled her. She jerked away from Harvey, touched her swollen lips, and blushed. Finn Harrison was standing next to them with a petite brunette on his arm.

“Evening,” Harvey nodded his head.

Finn smiled at her with that same disconcerting predatory gleam, but this time he looked annoyed. “Evening.” The brunette he was with didn’t even look up. She was busy checking her lipstick with her compact mirror.

The elevator rang, rumbling as the doors slid open. Harvey pulled her in first and they stood in the back. Finn and his companion stepped in after them.

Please don’t say anything. Just be silent. Please.

“Six, please,” Harvey said. Finn pushed the button for the sixth floor and then pushed the button labeled ten.

No one said another word. The bell rang and the doors opened on six. Harvey didn’t waste any time bidding them goodnight and exiting the elevator. The doors closed quickly behind them and Liv sucked in a deep breath.

“How did you know I was on six?” she asked.

“I didn’t. But, I am.” He grinned. “What’s your room number?”

“Six hundred twelve.” She pointed to the right.

He kissed her again and pulled her down the hallway. “It’s fate. I’m in room six hundred thirteen.”

“What!”

“Yep, I’m right across the hallway from you. I must have just missed you coming down to meet me earlier.”

She smiled.
What a coincidence.

He stopped in front of her door. “Yours or mine? I can’t let go of you now that I’ve tasted you...unless you really don’t want to.”

“Mine.” She wanted him desperately. Her skin was on fire and her sex throbbed with a need she hadn’t felt in a long time. She pulled out her keycard and swiped it. He pushed open her door, wrapped an arm around her waist, and halfway carried her inside.

His kisses were filled with such fervor. Todd had never been so possessive or demanding. It was enheartening to realize how much he wanted her —needed her.

The door clicked shut behind them. He ran his hands up her torso and over her breasts. She stiffened for a second and then melted into his touch.

He pulled back and cupped her face. “What is it?”

Damn it.
She’d tried so hard to pretend she was fine. She was. But Todd’s niggling voice in the background of her mind kept telling her she was horrible. That no man would ever enjoy sleeping with her. Tears burned in her eyes, but she fought desperately to keep them from falling.