Romancing My Love (Love in Bloom: The Bradens) Contemporary Romance (11 page)

“Are you sure, babe?” He was breathing so hard he could barely spit the words out. “No misunderstandings. It’s still okay if you want to back out.”

She narrowed her eyes and guided him between her legs. “Take me, Pierce. Now.”

Done
.

He drove into her deep and fast, until he was buried to the hilt, and he forced himself to lie still, to enjoy her—but it didn’t last. He had to move, to feel and taste her. Everything in the dimly lit room fell away; there was only him and Rebecca and this heated, intimate moment when his heart dripped with emotions. And the look in her eyes as she reached up and touched his cheek, like she felt it too, like she was the absent piece of his heart he never knew was missing. It was a feeling he would never forget.

“Don’t move,” she whispered.

“Am I hurting you?”

Her lips curved up. “No, Pierce. You’re completing me.”

“I THINK I’M addicted to you.” Pierce wrapped his arms around Rebecca from behind. He nuzzled against her neck, and when she reached behind her and ran her fingers through his hair, he nipped at her earlobe. “Careful, or you’ll be late for your first day of work.”

They’d spent much of Sunday making love and experiencing the pleasures of each other’s bodies, parting only out of need for nourishment or to reluctantly spend an hour here or there seeing to their responsibilities. Rebecca studied for her new position, while Pierce prepared for his upcoming acquisition, and when the alarm went off Monday morning, they’d reached for each other again.

She turned in to him and cupped him through his trousers. “Mm. If I let go, will you remember to turn your phone on so Wes doesn’t get mad at you again?”

He’d missed another call from Wes, and Rebecca had heard Wes giving him shit about it. It was such a usual occurrence that Pierce had already forgotten the incident. He held her sensual gaze and tried to act cool. “How do you know it’s not on?”

She arched a brow.

“Fine.” He took out his phone and turned it on, privately loving that she remembered, surely saving him from missing calls that he’d have to pay for later.

Rebecca hadn’t asked about Pierce’s work, or the documents he’d been poring over. And even though he loved knowing that she liked him for
him
, not for what he owned or what he represented, he wanted to tell her that he didn’t just work in the executive offices. If there was one thing Pierce was sure of, it was that honesty mattered. His mother had drilled that into his mind from a young age. Pierce wasn’t used to
wanting
to expose his life, or his wealth, to anyone, but this weekend, whether they were laughing over breakfast, teasing throughout the day, or sharing their most intimate secrets, he felt the earth shifting, and he felt himself evolving with every passing hour. He wanted to nurture that change, and he wanted to nurture their relationship.

“Becca.” He brought his lips to hers and kissed her softly. “Bec, I don’t want any secrets between us.” She was dressed for work in a black pencil skirt and white button-down blouse. She looked professional and so sexy that Pierce felt a flash of jealousy when he watched her dress. Now he felt her body tense within his arms.

“I need to tell you something, and I hope it won’t change anything between us.”

She drew back with a furrowed brow, and he brought her close again. “Stay close to me, so I can feel your heartbeat against mine.” Ever since she’d said that she could read his feelings by his heartbeat, he’d been reaching out more, trying to become just as in tune to her as she was to him—and holy Christ was she in tune with him.

He tucked her hair behind her ear, hoping that she wouldn’t suddenly turn into one of those money-hungry women he loathed. “I don’t just work in the executive offices of the Astral. I own it.”

She smiled. “Own what?”

“The Astral Resort—and about thirty-two other properties around the world. Thirty-three if all goes well with an upcoming meeting.”

He felt her heartbeat quicken. But her eyes didn’t widen, and she didn’t smile or look impressed. Her lack of response made Pierce’s stomach sink.

“You
own
them? Like, your name is on the deed, own them?”

He nodded, focusing on keeping her close.

She dropped her eyes to his chest, and when she looked up at him again, she looked confused. “I don’t understand.”

“I own the properties. I—”

“No, not that. I’m not stupid. I understand that you own them, but why would that change things between us?” Now her eyes widened, and when she took a step back, he gathered her close again.

“You mean you don’t want people to know you’re dating a waitress?”

“No. No, Bec. That’s not what I mean at all.”

“I’m confused. So what if you own a million properties? How does that change things between us? I’m a waitress. You’re a business owner.” She shrugged. “Big deal.” She said it easily, as if she’d said,
I’m a girl, and you’re a boy
, and her smile was so sweet and genuine that he almost fell over. “That’s what we do, Pierce. It doesn’t define us or change us as people.”

“Are you for real?” The whisper in his voice surprised him.

“Do you mean because I’m not jumping up and down because you own the resort?”

He kissed her softly. “Yes, that’s exactly what I mean.”

“Pierce, we’re dating, not getting married. I don’t need your money. I’ve never needed anyone’s money in my life. I’m a little bothered that you’d even think it would change things between us. But honestly, it’s a relief, too, because I thought you were trying to tell me that you didn’t want people to know you were dating a waitress, and then I might have had to knee you in the groin for being shallow.”

He folded her into his arms. “I wish I’d known your mother.”

“I wish you had, too. She’d have given you all sorts of shit for being such a pretty boy.” She went up on her tiptoes and kissed his lips.

“Pretty boy?”

“You know, so good-looking that you’re almost too pretty?”

He tickled her ribs and she shrieked. “I’m kidding!” He grabbed her ribs again, and she doubled over in laughter. “Okay.” She laughed. “Okay. You’re manly and rugged and kinda ugly.” She ran out of the kitchen in her bare feet, and he trapped her against the living room wall.

“Kinda ugly, am I?” He rocked his hips against hers. “I’ll show you kinda ugly.”

“Well, you do have a huge—”

“Hey!”

“
Heart
, you pig. Although that other thing makes up for your prettiness, too.” She kissed the bottom of his chin and rubbed her hand over his shoulder. “And you have a hot tattoo, which by the way, I’d love to hear the story behind.”

“Maybe one day I’ll tell you. If you can get past my prettiness.” He took her in a sensuous kiss, and when he drew away, she was breathless. Just as he’d hoped. “See you tonight, babe.” He headed for the door.

“Tonight? I don’t live here.”

He turned back. “Wow. Am I
that
used to you being around? You’re not going to steal my stuff, are you?” He took a step toward the door.

“Wait. You’re leaving me here? I don’t have my car.”

“God, I forgot.” He truly had. “Get your sexy little ass in gear.”

She wiggled her butt and slipped her feet into her heels.

“Christ, Rebecca. You’re like a walking centerfold. The customers are going to love you.” He handed Rebecca her purse and slipped his arm around her waist. “I’ve never been jealous a day in my life, and just the thought of you around those flashy high rollers has my stomach twisting in knots.”

“Oh, please. Do I look like I can be wooed any easier than you can?”

Most of the women he’d dated treated him as if they were lucky to be with him. Rebecca never did, and that confidence made her sexier than a pretty face and hot body ever could.

“No, you don’t, but will you do me a favor?” He locked the door behind them, and they headed out to the car.

“Maybe.”

 “Can you make yourself less attractive when you’re with the customers?”

She stuck her front teeth out like a beaver. “Is this better?”

“Much.”

THE ASTRAL RESORT was known for the casino, but the restaurants were close behind, with stellar reputations and world-renowned chefs. Even at seven thirty in the morning, the kitchen Rebecca was working in smelled heavenly. Rebecca had been paired with Daphne Wrigley for her training period, which she was thrilled about because they’d hit it off right away. Daphne had a mass of fiery red corkscrew curls cropped just below her ears, catlike green and slightly slanty eyes, and flawless olive skin, save for a spray of freckles across the bridge of her upturned nose. She had to be in her fifties, at least, but her snarky attitude made her seem much younger.

“Always look the customers in the eye, and if they get touchy, which they will, just fend them off with smiles, and lots of
darlin
s or
if only I wasn’t married
.” Daphne lifted Rebecca’s left hand and looked at her ring finger. “It doesn’t matter that you’re not really married.”

“Flirt well, got it.”

“Bigger tips that way.” Daphne glanced at Rebecca’s butt. “Shake it, wiggle it, shift it around, and your tips will triple.”

“Triple?” Pierce would love that. He’d looked so cute when he was jealous. She’d never been with a man who was jealous, and she liked the way he’d handled it with humor instead of in a controlling fashion that would have sent her running for the hills—and running was the last thing she wanted to do.

“Triple.” Daphne pointed out where to turn in her orders and showed her around the kitchen so she’d know exactly what she was doing.

She had been trying not to think about the fact that Pierce owned the resort, but it was hard not to as she took in the massive stainless-steel kitchen with twenty or more employees bustling about. How did one person manage to own so many resorts? It seemed overwhelming to her, but Pierce was perfectly at ease. The few times he’d been reading over his documents or on the phone, discussing business, he was completely focused and serious, but as soon as he hung up, he was perfectly relaxed with her again. He’d even gone from a heated discussion with a man named Jeff to the bedroom with Rebecca five minutes later and, good Lord, the man didn’t miss a beat. She realized now that she hadn’t thought to ask if they should keep their relationship on the down low, but she assumed so, given his position.

“Did you memorize the whole menu?” Daphne asked.

“Of course. Marlow tested me on it.” Marlow was the kitchen manager. She was a serious woman with stern, beady eyes and a forced smile. Luckily, she didn’t appear to micromanage, considering that she’d handed Rebecca over to Daphne and then disappeared.

“Great.” Daphne pressed her shoulder to Rebecca’s and lowered her voice. “If a customer asks you how something’s made and you forget, just compliment them on what they’re wearing or their hair or something. They always forget and move on.” She nodded as if she knew all the tricks, which Rebecca was sure she did.   

The breakfast rush kept her on her toes, but orders were simple morning fare. No complications other than gluten-free waffles and egg whites. That she could handle. When it came time for her lunch break, Daphne pulled her aside.

“Whatever you do, make sure you’re back on time. Marlow hates tardiness.”

“I’m just going to look over the employee board to see if I can find a room to rent.”

“You’re looking for a room?” Daphne’s eyes widened.

“Yeah, if I can find one I can afford.”

“I haven’t posted it, but Henry and I are looking for someone to rent a room.”

“Henry?” They’d been so busy that Rebecca and Daphne hadn’t had time to get to know each other on a personal level yet.

“My husband. Been married forever, hon. He’s a good man, my Henry.” Daphne’s voice softened. “You know what they say: Bad things happen to good people, and my Henry, well, he’s a little older than me.” She patted her hair. “He’s sixty-seven, and I’m…
forty
something.” She winked. “We women count backward when we hit fifty. Anyway, he was laid off from his accounting job at the newspaper six months ago, and we were okay for a while, but things are tight. He’s a little embarrassed about having to rent a room, but we do what we need to.”

“Well, no one knows that better than me.” Rebecca felt like she could confide in Daphne. She leaned in close and whispered, “I’ve had to stay in my car for a few days.”

“Oh, Rebecca.” Daphne placed her hand on her forearm and squeezed. “Hon, we own a three-bedroom house about ten minutes from here. Let’s see if we can help each other. Do you smoke?”

“No.”

“Into late-night partying?” Daphne arched a brow.

“No.” Rebecca hadn’t had a roommate other than her mother for so long that she’d almost forgotten about worries like smoking and partying all night long.

“Drugs?” Daphne asked.

“No. Really, I’m pretty boring.”

“Do you have a boyfriend?”

“Yes. Our relationship is still sort of new.” It felt really good to say that.
A boyfriend
. She had a boyfriend.
Oh my God, I have a boyfriend
.

“Is he trouble? Because we don’t want guys knocking down our door at midnight, or freaking out and causing fights. No loose cannons.” Daphne put her hand on her hip and shook her head.

“He’s not anything like that. He’s…”
Dreamy
. “He’s a professional, very nice. He won’t cause any trouble.”
Dreamy? Holy cow. Dreamy? What kind of word is that, anyway? That’s never even been in my vocabulary.

“I guess given your situation, you’re looking for a place ASAP?”

“Now. Today. This second.” It dawned on her that she might not be able to afford the room. “How much is the rent?”

“Three hundred, utilities included. Oh, and the room is furnished, so if you have furniture, it may not work.” Daphne touched her arm again. “Please tell me you want to see it.”

“I do, yes, but honestly, as long as your husband isn’t a crazed rapist or serial killer, I don’t even care what the room looks like. I’ll take it.”

Daphne’s eyes widened. “For real?”

“For real. Thank you.” Rebecca said a silent thank-you to her mother, whom she was sure had found more of those heavenly strings after all.

Rebecca took down the address from Daphne and made arrangements to follow her over after work; then she retrieved her purse and went into the break room to check her texts. She was so excited about a finding a place to live that she was ready to burst.
I’m doing it, Mom. I’m going to be okay
. She realized that it had been so long since she’d had any exciting news to share, other than this job, which she’d shared with Pierce, that she didn’t have anyone to tell. She would tell Andy when she went back to the gym, but when she saw that she’d received a text from Pierce at eight o’clock that morning, sadness pressed in around her. She couldn’t share this with him. He didn’t know she’d been sleeping in her car, and if she could help it, he wouldn’t find out until it was part of her past, not her present.