My Only Wish (9 page)

He leaned on the hood, enjoying standing with her in the twilight. “I did too. Those kids are really amazing.”

She snorted. “They’re also a handful. The sticky smudge should clean off the leather easily enough.” She glanced back to the car.

“It’s not a problem.”

“Well, I should probably head inside.” But Abby hesitated, looking as unwilling to leave as he felt.

“I’ll call you later,” he promised, gently pulling her close.

With the sun finally set, he took her lips softly, making certain to keep the kiss light. He knew the kids were no doubt watching their nanny. But that didn’t stop him from wanting more, from feeling the rush that coursed through his body at her closeness.

“I keep thinking it will go away,” she whispered when the kiss ended.

He knew exactly what she meant. “Me too. But I have a feeling it won’t.”

“I hope not.” She leaned in for another kiss before heading back toward the house.

When the engine started up, he waited to leave until she was inside. It was then that he noticed an ache in the pit of his stomach.

He missed her already.

Chapter 7

“This is a good idea,” Abby told herself in the rearview mirror as she pulled into the parking structure at Platinum Security. “This is a good idea. I was just in the area.” Which was true.

With the Shaws back on their vacation, Abby had more free time than she knew what to do with. So when her mother had asked her to swing by the caterer for their Christmas party to confirm the menu, Abby hadn’t thought too much about stopping by the building she had looked up last weekend.

When Dylan had told her his company’s name, she had been curious. Anyone would be. And since she was in the area, it seemed rude not to stop by and say hello to him, perhaps catch him for a lunch date.

But as she stepped out of her car onto the roof of the parking garage, she eyed the towering structure with growing unease. Modern in its design, clean lines and gleaming glass dominated the ten story building.

Considering its size, it was likely that their company only took up one of the floors and not the entire building, but it was still intimidating.

Dylan, while it was obvious that he enjoyed money, seemed down to earth, and not like someone that spent his days in the executive high-rise.

Taking a deep breath, her chin notching up, she walked across the sky bridge into the bitingly cool building.

Spying a directory, she found that Platinum Security was located on the tenth floor. The penthouse.

Obviously, the company wasn’t hurting for clients.

Her low-slung heels tapped on the large marble tiles in the hallway, announcing her presence to anyone nearby. The interior of the building reminded her of a bank. Large, open areas, shiny marble, classical décor, and bright lights. It wasn’t a place where she felt at ease, but it felt familiar enough to not have her running out the door.

Is it weird that I’m dropping by?
she asked herself for the twentieth time. She hadn’t thought so at the time. It seemed friendly, comfortable. But as she reached the large oak doors that led into Platinum Security, she wasn’t sure if she had made the right choice.

Pushing open the doors, she was surprised to find herself in an office decorated much as the building was, but with added warmth. It looked wealthy, even smelled expensive.

The lobby was furnished with sumptuous couches of heavily-studded, butter-soft leather.
  
Instead of a gleaming crystal chandelier, she was enchanted with the large, wrought-iron-framed fixture which teemed with small amber crystals that mimicked flames. Marble still abounded in here, the neutral tones still soothed, but she felt more. Felt a comfortable power.

No wonder they were so successful. Any customer wanting security would immediately know that this was a company that could handle any problem.

“May I help you?” The young receptionist smiled politely.

“Yes. Well, maybe. I’m here to see Dylan Thane.”

“Do you have an appointment?”

“No. I’m a friend of his. I was just dropping by.”

“Let me see if he’s available.” She gestured to the sofas. “Please, take a seat. Would you like a cup of coffee while you wait?”

“No. Thank you.” Abby sat in a plush chair, almost moaning at the comfortable fit.

“May I have your name?”

“Abby Carter.”

Picking up the phone, the receptionist whispered into it, only pausing for a moment to listen on the other end. She hung up, smiling at Abby. “You’re in luck. He had a cancellation.”

“Great.” Abby smiled, but suddenly felt nervous. How would he react to her unannounced visit? It had seemed like such a good idea at the time, but in reality, she didn’t know him that well. Couldn’t guess how different his work life was from his home life.

“If you’ll follow me, I’ll lead you back.”

Trailing closely, Abby didn’t take the time to look around her. She was still too anxious to see him.

“Abby. How are you?” A middle-aged woman came around the desk and greeted her with a handshake. The receptionist left with a last smile.

“I’m well, thanks.”

“Good. I’m Tina, Mr. Thane’s assistant.” She glanced back to her desk for a moment before returning with a warm smile. “He’s on the phone but I don’t expect him to be long. Can I get you anything while you wait?”

“I’m all right.”

“Okay, then. Just have a seat and I’ll let you know when he’s ready.”

Abby nodded, sitting in one of the twin leather chairs posted outside his office. Tina went back behind her desk, typing with an efficiency that stunned Abby.

“I’m glad that Dylan was able to see me,” Abby said, glancing around the room. “I know he must be very busy.”

“He usually is. Because he’s the owner, everyone wants to speak with him personally.”

“The owner?” Stunned, Abby could only stare at the woman, her mouth hanging open.

Tina hadn’t glanced up from her computer, distracted by whatever she was working on. “Yes. He founded this company ten years ago.” She laughed lightly. “He was so young then. But he made something for himself.”

“I should say so.” Abby’s throat felt hoarse. He was the owner of Platinum Security. His company. His yacht.

Abby gulped. Why hadn’t he told her?

“I wasn’t surprised when he had this building commissioned either. I always knew he would be successful. He has that drive.” Shaking her head, Tina looked up from the desk with a guilty smile. “Forgive me. I shouldn’t have gone on like that.” Her eyebrows wrinkled as she looked at Abby. “Are you all right? You’ve gone a little pale.”

“I’m quite all right.” Abby forced a smile. “Just lost in thought I guess.”

“It happens…” Tina glanced down at her phone. “Ah, I see he just got off. Let me tell him you are here.” After pressing a button, Tina informed him that Abby was waiting to see him. She hung up the receiver. “You can go in now.”

“Thank you.” Abby offered her a real smile before opening the door to Dylan’s office. The picture he presented seated behind his desk, lit by the light from two walls of floor-to-ceiling windows, was powerful and efficient. She was pleased that he didn’t look picture perfect though; in fact, he looked slightly harassed. His necktie was loose, and his jacket had been discarded thoughtlessly over the back of a chair. But the friendly grin he tossed her had her heart skipping a beat.

“Abby. This is a surprise.” He stood and walked to her, giving her a brief kiss before poking his head out the door to speak with Tina. “Hold all my calls.”

“Will do,” his secretary said, tossing him a wink.

He closed the door, leaning his back against it.

“I’m sorry to barge in on you like this. I was in the area and thought it would be nice to drop by and say hello.”

“Hi.”

Abby laughed nervously, not lulled by his relaxed stance. “Hi,” she said back. She turned, taking a few paces before turning back toward him. “Why didn’t you tell me?”

“Tell you what?”

“You know what.”

“I’m not quite sure I do.” His arms folded easily in front of him as a small smile remained on his lips.

“That you’re the owner.” His smile faded, and she could tell he really hadn’t known. “Tina let it slip.”

“I see.” He moved toward her. “Does it bother you?”

“Of course, not. I’m just surprised you didn’t mention it. You had the opportunity.”

“I suppose I did.”

“Then why?”

He shrugged. “I didn’t think it would matter.”

“It doesn’t.”

“Most of the time, it does.” He said the words softly, his meaning flowing in his words.

“I see.” And she did. “I like you for more than your money, Dylan.”

“I know. But when we met, I didn’t know you, didn’t know if you were the type of person to take advantage of that.”

“I hope you do now.”

He slipped his arms around her, and she almost sighed at the feel of him. His strength, his security. “I do. I was sure of it that night on the boat, but by then I didn’t think to tell you.” He kissed her softly. “Mad at me?”

She chuckled. “No. I was never mad. Just confused why you wouldn’t mention it. But I understand now. Had I been in your position, I would have done the same.” She arched a brow. “Any more secrets you want to tell me about?”

“Nope.” He said it easily, but something in his expression caught her attention. “Have you had lunch yet?”

The question was enough to erase any thoughts of secrets from
 
her mind. “No.” Her lips curved. “That was one of the reasons I stopped by. I thought you might be able to catch a bite with me.”

“I think I could manage that. It’d have to be quick though.” He glanced at his watch. I have a meeting in forty-five minutes. “There’s a sandwich place next door. Nothing fancy, but their Philly cheese steaks are great.”

“Sounds good.”

He pulled away, linking hands with her before tugging her out the door. The gesture surprised her since they would be walking through his place of business. The thought of so blatantly showing his feelings for her had her blushing.

“We’re grabbing a sandwich,” he told Tina, who only glanced at their hands with interest. “I’ll be back in time for the conference call. Do you want me to bring you anything?”

“No. I’ve already ordered something. You two have fun.”

Nodding his goodbye, he walked her out of the building and around to the sandwich place. True to his word, the cheese steaks were amazing.

The conversation was easy between them and she felt herself relaxing, forgetting that he was the owner of a multi-million-dollar company.

It was flattering to Abby to notice, as he walked her to her car, that he hadn’t even glanced at his watch.

“I had a great time.”

“Me too. I’m glad you stopped by.”

“Careful, that sandwich place will likely haunt me.”

He chuckled. “You’re welcome back any time.” He tucked a strand of hair behind her ear. “I know it’s short notice, but I was invited to the Governors charity benefit on Thursday. I was wondering if you’d like to join me.”