Do Not Disturb (25 page)

“Oh. Damn, I’m sorry. You guys looked—” Tru slapped her hands on her thighs and pasted on a smile. “You’re looking better already. So, would you like to go over a few things while you continue to warm up?”

Grateful for the change of subject and the chance to get her head back into work, Talia nodded and reached for her bag.

She had to flex her fingers a few times before she could grasp her tablet and then Tru started to run down the agenda.

Talia saw a kindred spirit in Tru. They could become friends.

If you can thaw out enough to let anyone else close to you.

Wow. Now, she was taking potshots at herself. Fucked-up did not begin to describe her state of mind. Luckily she’d had enough practice to cover it all with work.

And who does that remind you of?

***

“Hey, it’s Greg. Your girl’s here and I think something’s wrong. You might wanna get your ass to my office now.”

The message was short but, coupled with the phone call he’d had earlier from Kate, it made Dane run for the door.

He didn’t stop to call Greg back or get a cab. With traffic in Center City, it’d take him longer to drive. Besides, if he walked, he’d expend some of this pent-up frustration and maybe be able to restrain himself from walking into Greg’s office, throwing her over his shoulder, and heading back to his place.

Of course, she might send him packing once he got there, but he’d worry about that then.

Fuck. He should’ve known this was going to happen. Should’ve known she’d find out about his relationship with Jed and Belle. He should’ve fucking told her himself.

God damn it.

The walk normally would take a half hour. He made it in less than twenty minutes and, by the time he got there, his brain had cooled enough that he could think a little more clearly. Standing by the door to Greg’s production offices, he knew he couldn’t march in there and demand she let him take care of her.

She had every right to turn him away.

And if she did . . .

Taking a deep breath, he pushed through the doors.

No one sat at the reception desk, probably because Tru hadn’t hired a receptionist yet. But somewhere, a bell rang. Down the hall to his left a door opened and Greg’s head poked out. Motioning him forward, Greg disappeared again and Dane headed that way fast.

“No, that’s not gonna happen. I already told you, we either get the permits or we don’t film in the city. I’m not screwing ourselves on our production company’s first film. Just get the fucking permits.”

Greg threw his phone on his desk with a disgusted look on his face. “Kids today. I got a brilliant twenty-year-old first-time director who wants to be a fucking guerilla filmmaker. Jesus.” Greg headed back toward Dane and the door. “She doesn’t know you’re here, but I didn’t figure it’d matter to you. I gotta warn you, though. She told me not to call you.”

Dane followed Greg back through the door and through a maze of other rooms, most of them stacked with boxes or furniture. Only a couple looked occupied.

“Is she okay?”

“Yeah, she’s fine. But when she walked in, she looked out of it and pretty damn near frozen solid. Said she lost track of time.”

Dane’s guts clenched. “What do you mean, ‘out of it’?”

“I mean she looked like she wasn’t thinking clearly. Like something happened and it fucked with her head.”

Fuck.
His fault. All his fucking fault.

First, he’d pushed her and then he’d lied to her, if not in words then by omission.

And now here he was, ready to steamroll her again.

Okay, he needed a plan. And he had no time to make one, because Greg had stopped and stuck his head into another room then motioned for someone.

Seconds later, Trudeau appeared, biting her lip.

Greg nodded toward the room. “How is she?”

“She’s fine. Honestly. I think she just spent a little too much time outside. She can move her fingers and her toes and we were going over details for the premiere party and she’s not confused or forgetful. I think you overreacted just a little.”

Greg shrugged. “Sue me. She scared the crap out of me when she walked in. I like her. And she’s one of Bree’s best friends. No way can I let anything happen to her on my watch.”

Tru rolled her eyes and shook her head, but Dane understood completely. “And you didn’t tell her I was coming?”

Tru shook her head. “But I think she’ll be happy to see you.”

Yeah, probably not, but he wasn’t leaving until he’d seen her.

Dane slipped into the room and found Talia standing by the fireplace in the wall, arms crossed over her chest as she stared at the flames. The second he stepped forward, she turned.

She sighed but showed no other sign of how she felt. “I should’ve realized he’d call. I’m sorry Greg dragged you away from work.”

“He didn’t drag me away. He called and I came.”

Her cool smile made his hands clench. “I’m sorry you wasted your time. There’s no reason for you to be here.”

“If you think that, you’re fooling yourself.”

Talia stared at him, her expression a blank mask. “I may have been doing a lot—”

“Come to dinner with me tonight. We can talk then.”

He was sure she was going to decline and braced himself for rejection.

She shook her head. “I’m not sure that’s a good idea right now. I’ve got—”

“We need to talk, Tally.”

Something flickered through her eyes but it was gone before he could decipher it. Probably nothing good. So he was shocked as all hell when she nodded.

“You’re right. We should talk. Do you think we can do it closer to my home? I have an early app—”

“Of course. I’ll pick you up at six thirty.”

Again that cool, unemotional smile. “That’s fine.”

“Can I take you back to Haven? Are you ready to go now?”

She blinked and looked away and he thought he’d lost her.

“I’d appreciate the lift, thank you. If you don’t mind waiting a few minutes. Tru and I have a few more items we need to discuss.”

Yes.
“That’s fine. I need to talk to Greg. Just let me know when you’re ready to head out.”

He left before she could change her mind, though it took everything he had not to hustle her out the door.

Greg waited for him in the hall and he cocked his head toward the office across the hall.

Dane followed and, once Greg closed the door behind them, Dane shoved a hand through his hair. “What the hell happened?”

“She said she sat down for a few minutes in the park down the street and lost track of time.”

“She could’ve gotten frostbite, for Christ’s sake.”

“Hey man, she’s fine. I’d be more worried about what sent her over the edge.”

Dane grimaced. “I’m pretty sure I know the reason for that.”

“Then fix it. For your sake and mine. I wasn’t kidding about Bree. She’ll eviscerate you if you hurt her.”

Dane nodded, knowing he’d deserve whatever Sabrina handed out. “Hey, I got that information you wanted on Baz’s lead singer. And it took a little work, but I tracked down the girl. I’ve got a file for you. I’ll send it to you when I get back to the office.”

“Great. Appreciate it. Just attach an invoice—”

“You know I’m not going to charge you. And you don’t want to know where or how I got the information.”

Greg raised an eyebrow at him. “One of these days, you and I are going to have a talk about exactly what you do at that magazine of yours.”

“Exactly what’s advertised.”

“Bullshit.” Greg laughed. “But now’s not the time.”

No, it wasn’t. He wanted Talia to himself. Now. “Thanks again for calling me.”

“Pretty easy to see how you feel about her. Kind of a no-brainer.”

Grimacing, Dane shoved a hand through his hair. “Not easy for everyone.”

Greg shrugged. “Sometimes, you just gotta work a little harder and a little longer for the good stuff.”

Dane nodded, realizing he’d never really wanted anything in his life that he was willing to put so much time and effort into without a guarantee.

He’d been spoiled all his life. By his parents, his sister, his brother. He’d grown up believing it wasn’t something to be ashamed of.

And he hadn’t let it affect his career. He’d built his magazine from the ground up. He was ready to take on more challenges. And he was ready to take the next step in a relationship with Talia. His parents would love her. His brother and sister and brothers-in-law would think she was amazing.

They just needed to get beyond the fact that he’d had a sexual relationship with one of her best friends and that her father was a notorious embezzler.

Piece of cake.

Shit.

A knock at the door and Trudeau poked her head in. “We’re done for now. She’s getting her stuff together.”

Dane was on his feet and headed for the door before Tru had finished. He squeezed the girl’s shoulder in thanks but his mind was already on Talia.

She was stuffing things into her bag when he entered the room but she turned immediately. And for just a second, he caught a glimpse of hurt in her eyes.

Fucking hell.

“You ready?”

She nodded, flexing her fingers before reaching for the bag.

“Here—Can I carry that for you?”

He thought she’d refuse. Instead, she nodded. “Thanks. I . . . Thank you. I appreciate it.”

That cool tone grated and he wanted to kiss her until she melted against him.

Deep breath. Slow down.

They took a taxi back to Haven, the conversation quiet. He asked about the party she was planning for Greg’s film premiere. She laid out her plans in the same quiet tone she’d been using since he’d asked her out.

She apologized again for him being pulled away from work for nothing. He told her it had been no problem.

He didn’t say it wouldn’t have mattered if he’d been in the middle of a board meeting. He would come whenever she called. Or whenever she needed him, even if she didn’t call.

By the time they got back to the hotel, she looked like her normal self. So damn beautiful he wanted to undo the twist of her hair and let it fall around her shoulders so he could wrap his hands in it and hold her still for his kiss.

Instead, he slid out of the taxi then reached in to help her. She gave him her hand without hesitation and let him hold on to it as they walked into the hotel.

“Thank you for the company, but I’m sure you have to get back to work. And I’ll see you tonight.”

He had nowhere to be that couldn’t wait, but that wouldn’t score any points with a woman like Talia. So he nodded.

“See you at six thirty.” He didn’t want to wait any longer to see her but he figured six was pushing it.

Her eyes narrowed, as if she were trying to figure out his angle.

Good luck with that, sweetheart.

This was no game, but he was going to win anyway. No other outcome was acceptable.

***

Talia had almost made it to the elevators when she heard a familiar voice.

“Hey, I didn’t know you were here.”

Talia turned, plastering on a smile for Sabrina, dressed for work and emerging from an unmarked door near the registration desk.

“I’m not.” She returned her friend’s hug and, if she clung a little longer than normal, well, she’d had a tough day. “I had a meeting with Trudeau. I just parked here because it’s easy. I didn’t see you at the desk and I don’t really have a lot of time. I have to get back to my office for a call.”

Not completely a lie. She did have calls to make. Just not on a timetable.

“Bummer. I have a few minutes for a break. Do you have time for coffee?”

She didn’t want coffee. She wanted to vent but she couldn’t. Not now. Because if she started, she was afraid she wouldn’t stop.

“I don’t. I’m sorry. I can’t—”

“Are you okay?” Sabrina’s eyebrows drew down as she stared at Talia. “You look a little pale.”

And she felt like she was about to hyperventilate. Which meant she had to get out of here. Now.

“I’m fine. Really. Just rushed.” She gave Sabrina another hug then began to back away. “I’ll call you later.”

Now Sabrina looked worried, but Talia had to get away. She couldn’t stand here any longer and spew small talk like everything was normal.

“Tal—”

“Talk to you soon.” The elevator dinged behind her and relief poured through her in a rush. “Promise.”

The elevator doors closed and she sucked in a deep breath as she hit the button for the parking garage.

Home. She just wanted to go home.

“What do you mean, you had a request for an interview?”

“Now, don’t panic,” Talia’s mom soothed over the phone. “There’s no need for it. I had a call earlier today from a reporter who wanted to interview someone at the farm about our work with rescued horses. I guess I should’ve led with that.”

With a sigh of relief, Talia closed the oven door and leaned against it, the warmth soaking into her back. “Uh, yeah. That would’ve been the better way to start that conversation.”

Her mom laughed and Talia’s hands began to unclench from around the phone. “Sorry, sweetheart. I know how touchy you are about that stuff.”

Touchy? You could say that, especially today. “So, are you going to do it?”

The horse farm her grandparents owned had saved Amelia’s sanity after all the bullshit with Talia’s dad. Working the horses with Amelia’s father, who rehabilitated injured racehorses and ran a rescue for abused horses, had given her mom a sense of purpose, especially after Talia’s brother had gone to college. Now that her father was getting older, Amelia did much more of the work with the horses.

Why shouldn’t she want to talk about it to others?

“I think so, yes. And that’s part of the reason I wanted to talk to you.” A pause. “I’d like your permission to share our story, if the opportunity arises. I’m tired of living in fear. You should be, too.”

Talia nearly choked at her visceral reaction to her mom’s rational statement. Her lungs tightened as every muscle in her body tightened to the point of pain.

“But I hesitate to do anything,” Talia’s mom continued, “because I’m afraid it will adversely affect your business. And I absolutely don’t want that. You’re doing so well, and I don’t want to be the cause of anything hindering that.”

She didn’t want to affect Talia’s business? That was her first concern?

What about ruining their
lives
a second time?

The jackals would descend again. Reporters would be banging on their door demanding answers. Neighbors would give interviews about how they’d been spending cash like it was water. The people her father had ruined would threaten terrible retribution if they didn’t come up with the money to repay everything her father had embezzled.

It’d start all over again.

Talia caught herself gnawing on the inside of her mouth, a nervous tic from her childhood, and forced herself to stop. To take a breath.

“Talia?”

She was no longer a child. She’d built her career on her own from nothing, with no help from her mother or grandparents. And certainly not from her father, who’d paid the ultimate price for his crimes.

No one had recognized her in years. No one had cornered her and badgered her, asking her how she felt about those people who’d lost their life savings while she wore designer clothes and took trips to tropical islands.

She was an adult who could take care of herself, today’s foolish stunt notwithstanding.

She took a deep breath. “You do what you need to do, Mom, and I’ll back you one hundred percent. Whatever happens, we’ll deal with it.”

Damn, that hadn’t sounded convincing at all. Even though she meant what she’d said, with everything else going on right now, the thought of their secrets being told made her gut twist.

As if her mom had read her mind, Amelia said, “No. You know what? It’s not the right time.”

“Mom, wait—”

“No. No, sweetheart, I’d never forgive myself if I did something to screw up your business. I’ll just call him back and decline.”

“No, you will not.” Now her voice sounded much stronger. “When’s the interview?”

“Not for a couple weeks.”

“Keep the interview, Mom.”

Her mom sighed so loudly, Talia heard it through the phone. “I’ll think on this some more—Oh, there’s the door. Harry and I are going out tonight. I’ll run it by him.”

Her mom had been dating a neighboring landowner for the past several years. He’d been so good for her. “Wait, Harry knows?”

“Oh, yes. He’s known for years.”

Talia felt the floor beneath her shift. “You told him.”

“I didn’t have to. He recognized me.”

Oh, my god. Her lungs constricted until she could barely breathe.

“Talia? Are you okay?”

No, she wasn’t. “Yeah. I’m fine, Mom.”

She needed to think, but she didn’t have time. Dane would be here in minutes.

“You don’t sound fine.”

“Sorry. I’m just . . . waiting for someone to get here.”

“Friends coming over?”

Her mom spoke like she hadn’t just rocked Talia’s world. “I have a date.”

“Really?” Her mom sounded pleasantly surprised. “Are you seeing that same man again? The one-night stand?”

Talia nodded. “We’ve gone out a few times.” Which was true but not the whole story.

“Are you serious about him?”

There was no way to answer that question. Not now.

“No. We’re just . . .” What? “Dating.”

But that wasn’t right. They’d gone beyond dating. Especially after today, when he’d shown up at Greg’s offices, hair windblown and cheeks ruddy. When she realized he’d dropped everything and walked blocks to be with her.

“Oh. Okay.”

Talia knew that wasn’t what her mom wanted to hear but she couldn’t give her mom that type of resolution.

“Sorry to cut you short, Mom, I’ve got to finish getting ready. Have a good time tonight.”

Her mom paused. “You too, sweetheart. We’ll talk more tomorrow.”

“Sure, Mom. Tomorrow. Love you.”

“Love you, too, sweetheart.”

***

Dane knocked on the door to Talia’s apartment, anticipation a tight knot in his stomach.

He’d spent the few hours they’d been apart coming up with a plan. They both had secrets. Hell, everyone had secrets. They just needed to talk them through and move forward.

Because he’d decided she was his. Now he just had to prove to her that she could trust him. He’d come clean, with everything. They’d talk and they’d move forward.

The door opened, finally, and she smiled at him. But something had happened.

“Come on in.” She waved him through the door, closing it behind him. “It’s bitter out there tonight.”

Yeah, it was, but he wasn’t here to discuss the weather.

Wrapping a hand around her neck, he bent to kiss her. No sense in pretending he was going to play nice. He wanted her, she wanted him, and they’d figure the rest out as they went.

Still, he had to admit he was relieved when she didn’t pull away. She let him kiss her, opened her mouth and let him taste her.

Yes.

Wrapping his arm around her waist, he pulled her flush against him, groaning under his breath when she molded herself to his body.

He had enough self-control to keep from picking her up and carrying her to her bedroom, stripping her naked and licking his way down her body.

He didn’t have enough not to pull her hips in tight against his so he could grind his swelling erection into her.

Christ, he wanted her naked and under him, but he needed to prove to her that he wasn’t only here for sex.

He wanted to prove he was here for her, whatever she needed.

So with regret, he pulled away, opening his eyes to stare down at her. Her eyes were slower to open but when they did, he smiled to see the desire in them.

“Hi.”

Her return smile looked a little hazy and he wanted to beat his chest like Tarzan. Until the worry began to seep back into her expression.

“Hey.” She moved out of reach. “I hope you don’t mind, I thought we could eat in tonight. I made lasagna, but if you’d rather—”

“Sounds great. Love lasagna and I’m ready to eat whenever you are.”

Her wry smile faded fast. “You’re way too easy to please tonight.”

He had her all to himself for the whole night. Yeah, he was pleased. “If you want, I can make things harder for you.”

She laughed, shaking her head as she turned and headed through the living room and dining area into the kitchen at the rear of her apartment.

But she didn’t respond.

Patience.

The scent of tomato sauce caught his attention and his stomach growled, reminding him that he hadn’t eaten in hours. And that she cared enough to cook for him.

Okay, yeah, he might be reading too much into a simple dinner but, damn it, he wanted her. And he was going to have her.

They kept conversation light over dinner, deliberately steering clear of any subject remotely controversial.

“Kate said she wants to get married on a beach,” Talia said as they settled themselves on the couch with glasses of wine after storing the leftovers and loading the dishwasher together.

“I’m sure whatever Kate wants, Kate gets. Ty’ll give her anything.”

“They’re good for each other. Like Annabelle and Jared.”

The hammer dropped. He felt it like a kick in the gut as she stared straight into his eyes.

“I know you know about Belle and Jed and me. What do you want to ask? Anything at all.”

She took a deep breath, as if screwing up her courage. “Were you ever going to tell me?”

“Yes.” He hoped to hell she could tell that wasn’t a lie. “I was looking for the right time, but there wasn’t one. I know I should have told you.”

“So tell me now.”

“I’m not going to say it was just sex. It wasn’t. I care for Belle. She’s a friend I love. We had fun together, the three of us. But it was more about pleasure than emotion. She’s not
mine
.”

Not like Talia. She was his. Did she understand the distinction?

“Are you still—”

“No. I haven’t been with them for a couple of months. And Jed was there every time. We were never together without him.”

She blinked and her gaze fell, as if she were trying to process what he’d just said. It was hell, but he managed not to push her to respond.

“I’m sure you realize it was a shock for me.”

“I do.”

“I can’t exactly hold it against you.” She lifted her gaze and he breathed a sigh of relief. “I haven’t exactly offered up my entire history to you.”

Would she now? Christ, he wanted her to trust him. To tell him her secret so he could assure her he would never betray her.

She sighed and he braced himself for rejection. “I’m not ready to commit to a long-term relationship right now. I’m not sure I ever will be.” She paused, biting her bottom lip before taking a sip of wine. “But I’m enjoying our sexual relationship and I’m willing to continue that.”

Willing, huh? How about wanting?

Steady. Just . . . don’t push.

“Okay. Sure.” Fuck, that came out a little more bitter than he’d expected. “I’m willing and able.”

***

Talia realized Dane was treating her with kid gloves as he settled back onto her couch. He looked relaxed, sated.

But she knew what lay beneath that calm exterior, and he wasn’t fooling her. He was up to something. She just didn’t have enough brain power tonight to figure out what.

All she wanted right now was for him to pick her up, settle her on his lap and use his body to take her out of her mind.

Even though she knew about his relationship with Annabelle.

That was a large part of the reason she didn’t feel guilty for using him for sex. Sex was just a game to him. And she couldn’t let it mean anything more to her.

“So when do you want to get naked?”

Dane’s quietly amused statement refocused her attention on him and she found him watching her with a lazy intensity that revved her libido.

How did he manage it? How did he make her want him so much that she literally forgot about the fact he’d been sleeping with her friend?

“Can I finish my wine first?”

“Of course. I’m patient.”

“That sounds like a warning.”

His lips curved in that way that made her heart pound against her ribs. “I guess you can take it as one. It’ll be more fun.”

Yes. This is what she needed. This lazy, sexual back-and-forth. Nothing heavy. Or emotional.

Now, she just needed him to make her forget, to draw her out of her head. “What will?”

“When you finally give in.”

“And what if I don’t want to make it hard on you? What if I just want you to make me come?”

His smile became a wicked grin. “Then I’d have to tell you, you already made it hard.”

The air in the room evaporated as her smile widened. “You’ve got a dirty mind.”

“And lately it’s all been focused on you, sweetheart. So it’s all your fault.”

She smiled back at him, shifting around on the couch until she sat on her knees facing him. She reached for his shirt, her hunger for him growing exponentially with every breath he took.

The flannel plaid felt so soft beneath her fingers but she didn’t stop to stroke the material. She had another, more strokeable goal in mind.

“Then I guess I might as well take the advantage while I’ve got it.”

She popped his shirt buttons, anxious to get to the bare skin beneath. Touching him was like a fever in her blood. She wouldn’t have been able to stop herself if she’d tried. And she would’ve warned anyone who got in her way to save themselves the heartache of defeat.

“Tally.”

Her name came out close to a growl and she spared him a quick look. “You’ve told me often enough, I can have anything I want. Well, right now, I want you.”

“And I’m not arguing—
Jesus
.”

She had his shirt open and had leaned forward to bite him, sinking her teeth into one of his nipples. The warmth of his skin and the slightly salty taste made her moan. Her hands on his abs held him down as he jerked against her but he wove his fingers through her hair and held her tight.

While she licked and bit at him. She was deliberately rough with her teeth but she stroked her fingers lightly down his stomach. His abs contracted and she paused there for a few seconds to pet those beautiful ridges before continuing down to his jeans. She didn’t take her time, too impatient for what she wanted.

And she almost had her prize.

Her fingers worked to release his belt and his buttons, baring the black boxer briefs and the hard ridge beneath those.

After she brushed the tip of her nose against the line of hair disappearing into those briefs, she lifted her head and looked up into his eyes, currently slits of glittering black.