Perfect Sense (Perfect Series Book 1) (15 page)

Without turning around, I give her thumbs up and greet the next limo, desperately trying to stay focused on the task at hand. My heart races as I pass by Cash, hating how good he looks. His baby blues devour every inch of my body and I feel like a vulnerable mess. For a moment I absorb his intensity and the predatory way he glares at me from across the room, enjoying his mouthwatering grin and the heat it brings to my cheeks.

After the charity game, I walk back to my office with Theo. I grab my purse and slide on my jacket when he asks. “Are you coming with me to the wrap party?” He’s scrolling through his cell phone, and I swallow hard, trying to appear as calm as possible.

“Do I have to come?”

“Of course you do. There are a ton of people I’d like you to meet and we both deserve a little fun after tonight, don’t you think?”

I button up my jacket and sigh. “I’m exhausted – “

“Come on Quinn, I can’t go without my favorite intern. What am I supposed to tell Bartley and the executives when they ask where you are?”

“That I went home,” I reply.

Theo leans in the doorway of my office. “You’re coming. We can stop by your place so you can freshen up, or put on a new dress, or do whatever you girls like to do before going out.”

I narrow my eyes at him. “Fine. I’ll come for a bit, but then I’m going home. Capiche?”

“See, I knew you’d come around.” Theo laughs and shoves his phone in his pocket. “Now let’s go and celebrate all the hard work we did.”

My phone beeps as we step out onto the pavement and towards Theo’s vehicle. I look down at my screen lit up with a text message from my father.

I heard Military Appreciation Night was a success. I’m very proud of you.

Keep up the good work, Quinn.

I smile down at my screen and text him back:

Thanks Dad! Just heading with Theo to Coach Bartley's for the wrap party.

“Who are you texting?” Theo asks as he pulls open his passenger door.

“My dad. He heard the event was a success and he congratulated me.”

Theo smiles. “He should. You did a great job.”

I slide onto the seat, and he closes the door behind me. Theo walks around the front end of his car and then opens his door and slides into the driver seat.

My dad sends me another text:

Have a good time and tell Theo I said hello. I’m leaving on a red eye tonight. I will be in Texas on business for the week, so I won’t be able to make it. Please send my regrets to everyone. See you when I get back.

I tap my phone shut with a smile. I finally feel like all my hard work has paid off. I am back on track, controlled and concentrated on my work, and I am so pleased that my dad recognizes it.

Walking up the twisting staircase, we head into Coach Bartley’s home full of men accompanied by beautiful women drinking and talking over loud music. Theo’s hand finds the small of my back as he weaves us under the dim lighting through the foyer and into the kitchen.

“You look great tonight, Quinn.” His words are soft and warm as he brushes past me, leading the way. "That purple dress you have on really makes your eyes pop."

“Thanks,” I reply.

I glance at my reflection in the floor to ceiling windows and admire my
strappy nude heels and purple bustier dress. I love the way the padded bust and structured silhouette flatters my body in all the right places.

My entire body stiffens, when his familiar warmth surrounds me, his hands finding my hips. “Nice dress.”

Theo turns around with a scowl on his face and stares Cash up and down. He holds out his hand and they embrace in a firm shake. “Great game tonight, Brooks. Can I get you something? Like a drink?”

“Soda water and lime,” Cash says, his finger creeping along the back of my thigh and up to the hem of my dress. “Would you like anything, Quinn?” The calm possession in his voice alarms the hell out of me. I can barely let out a breath, never mind speak with his hand cupped around my ass.

Theo locks eyes with me and waits for my response, oblivious to Cash’s wandering hands.

“Sure,” I say, letting out the breath I’ve been holding.

“Tell him what you want,” Cash whispers against my ear.

My body trembles from the warmth of his breath. “A water, please.”

Theo nods. “Quinn, come with me to get the drinks?” But his tone is all off. It’s not really a question, it more like he’s insisting.

“No, she’ll stay here, with me.” Cash is insisting too.

“Quinn?” Theo repeats.

“I’m fine, Theo. I’ll wait here.”

Theo looks at me one last time, lets out a deep breath, and then heads over to the makeshift bar set up in the great room.

When he is out of sight, I whip around. “Are you crazy? This place is crawling with my colleagues.”

“You like it and you know it,” Cash says, tucking a stray strand of hair behind my ear.

I whack his hand away. “You’re unbelievable.”

A flicker of intensity flashes in his eyes, nostrils flaring. Moving closer, his scent—honey and cinnamon—washes over me. “Don’t pretend you didn’t feel something in that locker room, Mittens.”

“Yeah, I felt my dignity being ripped right out of me. And I don’t understand why you even care? I can already see that you’re onto the next,” I nod over at a group of girls staring us down from the corner.

“Would that bother you?” He glances at the blonde girl he bench-pressed earlier today. “If I fucked her tonight instead of you?”

We stand there, eyeing each other up as I try not to let my real feelings for this arrogant son-of-a–bitch seep in.

My chest twists tightly, painfully. “Alright, Brooks, I see what you’re trying to do here. But here’s the thing, I don’t give a shit what you do. Women throw themselves at you constantly and you gladly fuck them. Good for you. I bet you’ve already nailed a whole bunch since the locker room, so what’s another?”

He shakes his head and loosens his tie. “Nope. Not one.”

“Aw, how sweet. I must have made quite the impression,” I say, turning away from his amused stare.

I can feel his eyes burning into my back with every trembling step I take. His richly worn Italian shoes pound across the hardwood floor and he catches my wrist. “Listen, the only reason you aren’t naked, bound, and fucked in my bed right now is because we’re at this shit party. But you better keep yourself good and wet, Mittens, because tonight, you’re coming home with me.”

A shrill female voice breaks through our stare as he mutters a curse.

“Cash, are you coming? We’re waiting for you.” The blonde girl standing at his side gives me a once-over, her lips in a valley-girl pout. “Is this your sister or something?”

“No, I’m the marketing coordinator for the Bruisers,” I say, trying to sound as sweet as possible. “Let me introduce myself. I’m Quinn…and you are?”

“Alyssa,” she coos.

“What a pretty name. It’s always a pleasure to meet another one of Cash’s play toys. Now if you’ll excuse me, I need to find the real man I came with,” I say, without bothering to look up at Cash who towers over me, even in my heels.

I move with speed, searching through a sea of unknown faces before spotting Lyndsey snuggled up on a couch with Louis in a side room. I debate breaking up their make out session to hide out with them, but I don’t. Instead, I continue in a pursuit for Theo.

“There you are.” Theo says, juggling three drinks, a look of relief splashed across his face. “Where’s Cash?”

“He went off with some bimbo,” I reply, hoping the jealousy isn’t too apparent in my voice.

Theo hands me my beer. “Whatever. Good ridden to bad rubbish.”

“Why do you hate him so much?” I ask.

He laughs, and then takes a sip of his drink. “He’s unpredictable, arrogant and thorn in my side. And one thing’s for sure, I don’t like the way he looks at you.”

I tilt my head to the side and narrow my eyes at him, unsatisfied with his response. “Come on Theo, there has to be more to it than that.”

“Quinn, Theo! Glad you could make it.” Coach Bartley shakes our hands.

While Coach Barley and Theo engage in a conversation on horseback riding, yachts, and hockey my smile falters, noticing the red headed girl that stepped out of the limo with Peter Kirkland earlier today. She stumbles with hunched shoulders and tries to brace herself against the wall to keep from falling over. She sways incoherently from side to side and won't stop hiccupping. Kirkland is a few feet away, with some of his teammates, including, Viktor, laughing at her.

I excuse myself from Theo and Coach Bartley’s conversation and head into the next room. I’ve seen this before: a stumbling drunk, making her way incoherently though the room, a comical display for those who don’t care about her. But I do care. This kind of drunk brings back painful memories that I wish I could erase. It’s something I am unable to walk away from; I need to help.

“Are you okay?” I drape my arm around her shoulders and guide her onto a couch. “Can I get you some water?”

Her eyes are glazed over and she lets out a sigh. “I don’t feel good.” Her words slur together as she rests her head on my lap.

“I’m going to call you a cab, okay? We should probably get you home,” I say, until I feel a strong hand brace my shoulder.

“Hey, newbie, why don’t you back off and mind your own business?” my eyes meet Kirkland’s. “Sarah’s fine and still good for a round. Don’t worry. I’ll make sure she gets home once I’m done with her.”

“Are you serious? She’s practically passed out.” I glance over his shoulder and look to Viktor for back up, but he takes a sip from his drink and looks away.

“Yeah I know.” He looks back at his teammates and a few of the Bruisers players, laughing. “That’s how I like them.”

“You’re disgusting. She’s drunk. I’m calling her a cab,” I hiss, fishing in my purse for my phone.

Kirkland’s hand wraps around my wrist. “Stop being a cock block and get lost.”

“Let go of her.”

My eyes shift up to see Cash standing at my side, his nostrils flaring.

Kirkland sneers at him before letting go of my wrist. “Or what, Brooks?”

“Or I’ll smash your fucking face in,” he threatens, jaw tight.

Kirkland lets out an amused chuckle. “Fuck off Cash. Save your fists for the ice. It’s the only thing you’re good for anyway.”

Cash clears his throat of anger and balls his thick fingers into fists. I begin to fidget with my hair, feeling my chest tighten as the scene unfolding before my eyes begins to draw attention from others at the party.

“Come on, Kirkland, give me a reason. I dare you to touch her again.”

Kirkland glances over at me then down at his drunken date. “What’s your problem, Cash? You have a crush on newbie or something?” He pauses with a chuckle. “You know what, I don’t blame you…with tits as fine as hers I’m thinking I may have picked the wrong girl tonight.” He takes a step closer and wraps one of my long brown curls around his finger. I instinctually place my palms on his chest and shove him back a fraction. He smirks at me, immune to my distaste for him.

“I’m warning you. Walk away, Kirkland,” Cash replies, anger cutting through his voice.

“Are you kidding, Brooks? What are you trying to prove? That you aren’t some small town Canadian fuck up?” Kirkland laughs, then puts his face inches away from mine. “Listen sweetheart, don’t waste your time with this asshole.”