Tough To Love (7 page)

Chapter Eight

“Okay, boss, where do you want me?” The sound of the soft, sweet voice behind him brought a smile to Julian’s face.

“I’m happy you actually showed up. I thought Rally would have talked you out of taking the job,” he said, turning around in his chair.

His eyes widened at the sight of Sage wearing a tight white t-shirt and a pair of blue jeans. She was one gorgeous woman, even in the simplest outfit. He had always been attracted to Sage, but kept his feelings to himself because of Rally.

However, since she was no longer working for his best friend maybe she would finally notice him and give him a chance.

“You look pretty in your outfit. Are you ready to learn the ropes? First thing I should let you know is don’t ever let the guys intimidate you. They love giving the new employees a hard time,” Julian said and then glanced down at his watch.

“I think they should be back from their field trip in about an hour. So, how about I go over the paper work with you? After we finish I’ll introduce you to the rest of the crew.”

“Sounds good to me,” Sage said, sitting down in the chair next to his desk.

“Julian, is there a reason you aren’t married?” Sage asked him out of the blue. “I mean, you spend so much time here at
Serenity
. Don’t you miss not going home to someone at night? I know why I’m alone, but you’re gorgeous. Shouldn’t you have women lined up around the corner wanting to date you?”

He looked at Sage and then shrugged his shoulders. “Wow. That question came out of nowhere. What a change in topic. Honestly, I don’t know. I guess the right woman hasn’t come along yet. Just when I think I have her she does something to prove me wrong. I might just stay a bachelor for the rest of my life,” he replied. “What about you? Have you finally given up on winning Rally’s heart?”

“I don’t want Rally anymore. He made it very clear today that I should move on,” she answered. “He has Vanity and she’s perfect for him.”

Folding his arms on his desk, the material of Julian’s shirt stretched across his chest. “Does he know you’re truly moving on? I’ve known Rally since we were teenagers. Sometimes, he runs his mouth but doesn’t mean word of it. He might apologize to you in a few days. Will you forgive him if he does?”

He had to hear her answer because he would never think about pursuing a woman who still wanted or was in love with Rally. Sage was beautiful, but if her heart couldn’t open for him then why should he even waste the time?

“It doesn’t matter if he apologizes or not. I’m the one who’s done with him. It’s way past time that I find a man who will want me. Rally still sees me as that little orphan girl who got dumped on his parents’ doorstep. I’m not her anymore. I need to stand on my own two feet without any help from him or Shawn.”

Sage leaned across his desk and touched the back of his hand. “That’s the main reason I was so thrilled you offered me a job. I need my independence and I wouldn’t get it staying around Rally.”

“Was Rally happy with your decision to leave him for me?”

She laughed and lifted her hand. “You know that you sounded just like Rally. Of course he wasn’t thrilled I quit, but it was the right decision for me. Regardless, I packed up my stuff and left. I’m even going to move out of the house.”

Julian leaned back in his chair, crossing his arms over his chest. “He won’t ever allow you to live by yourself. He doesn’t think you’re mature enough for the responsibility.”

Sage wrinkled her nose and shook her head. “Rally just doesn’t know how to let go. He does like for things to stay the same. He’s really into a routine. I’ve never known him not to follow the rules.”

“You’re right,” he agreed.

He noticed the smile that touched Sage’s pretty face. “Rally is a proud Native American man. He believes that his word is his bond. His family always comes first and he tries his best to make them proud.”

Julian listened quietly to the admiration in Sage’s voice for Rally. It was hard to believe she wasn’t still in love with his old buddy. All the signs were there, so why was she trying to deny it?

“You’re part of his family. He’d be there for you, too.”

One corner of Sage’s mouth twisted up in a sad smile. “I’ve been told by Rally enough that I’m not a part of his family and it has finally stuck in my mind. He’s not going to be there for me if I need him and that’s fine. I’ll do just fine by myself.”

“Are you sure that you didn’t misunderstand him? He has been under a lot of pressure lately with his business and Vanity pushing him for an engagement ring.”

Sage took a deep breath and then grinned at him. “We both know he meant every single word and I have gotten over it. Rally has his own life to live and I’m going to have mine. I know I can do something here working with you at
Serenity
. It’s an amazing organization.”

“Thank you.” Julian couldn’t keep the pride out of his voice. “I’ve spent years trying to make up for what I did.”

“Stop,” Sage whispered. “How many times do I have to tell you it wasn’t your fault?”

Julian didn’t want to relive the past, but it was hard not to. It was his fault no matter how many times Sage or anyone else told him it wasn’t.

“I know that I shouldn’t still feel the pain, but I do. I can still close my eyes and see it.”

“Julian, I won’t let you do this to yourself. I love you and I want you to put this in your past. Now, how about you show me around?” Sage suggested, standing up. “I haven’t been here since you remodeled the place.”

Getting out of his seat, Julian put his arms above his head and stretched. Sage was a jewel. She always saw the positive; however, he wasn’t going to brush what he did under the rug. He was going to find a way to make up for his past if it took the rest of his life. “Let’s go. I think you’ll enjoy seeing the library first.” Coming around the desk, he placed his hand in the middle of Sage’s back and led her from the room.

****

“Aren’t you supposed to be at work?” Rally snapped, tossing his briefcase down on the table and breaking Shawn and his girlfriend apart on the couch. “Furthermore, why are you making out on my furniture instead of your own? If my memory serves me correctly, you no longer live here.”

“Sorry, big brother,” Shawn uttered, wiping Lara’s lipstick away from the corner of his mouth. “My apartment is being painted, so I moved back in for a few days. In addition, my hours got changed at work so I’m working nights now. Don’t you remember I told you all of this last week?”

Rally swung his gaze over to Lara, who was fixing her clothes and trying to avoid making eye contact with him. He wasn’t fond of his brother’s young girlfriend. She was just a sophomore in college and acted two years younger. “Lara, I would appreciate if you left. I need to talk to Shawn in private.”

“Sure, Mr. Teveare,” Lara said as she jumped up from the couch. “I’ve a class in twenty minutes anyway. I’ll call you later, Shawn.” Lara brushed past him and out the door, closing it behind her.

“I don’t want her in my house again. God, Shawn, why are you dating girls like her? She isn’t right for you.”

“God, I don’t want to hear this,” his brother groaned. “I can date anyone I want. All we are doing is having some fun. Have you thought about doing that? You’re always so uptight with this permanent frown of your face.”

“I have responsibilities and I don’t see you jumping up to take any of it. I didn’t think that you would still need watching over. I thought you were mature enough to be on your own. That’s why I let you move out.”

Falling back on the sofa, Shawn laughed. “Rally, you didn’t allow me to do anything. I’m an adult now. I can do anything I want. You need to understand I might be your baby brother, but I don’t need you telling me what to do.”

“How can I believe any of that when I come home and find you making out with Lara like a couple of sex-depraved teenagers?” Rally questioned, sitting across from his brother. “I only want the best for you. You’re family and I have to make sure you’re making the right decisions.”

“Thanks, but I can handle making a few mistakes.”

“Why make mistakes if you don’t have to?” he asked. “Just listen to what I tell you and everything will be fine.”

Getting up from his seat, Shawn patted him on his shoulder. “Okay, I’m going to leave before I say something I regret. I love you, but you can’t give me advice when your life is a mess. Enjoy the rest of your day.” Without a backward glance, his brother walked out the front door, leaving him alone.

“My love life is fine. I know what I’m doing,” Rally grumbled, taking off his tie and tossing it on the loveseat. “I’m content with Vanity. I don’t need or want anyone else.”

Why am I lying to myself
?

He wanted Sage to the point he couldn’t get through the day without thinking about her, but she left him. Yet he couldn’t just sleep with her to get it out of his system because she would take it as a commitment on his part. However, Rally couldn’t get the memory out of his mind of how well Sage responded to him back at his office. She made him want to show her what true passion was, not just amazing foreplay. Shit…he was getting too
old for this.

Getting up from his seat, Rally walked across the room to the family photos displayed across the fireplace. Picking up a photo of Sage, he traced her face with the tip of his finger. “Why are trying to drive me crazy? I’m usually so in control, but with you I’m not,” he mumbled, placing the photo back on the mantle.

Sage doesn’t feel the way I thought she did, or she wouldn’t have quit and gone to work for Julian.
Rally hated that he was jealous, but he was. 

“Hey, is anyone home?” a familiar voice called.

Rally left the fireplace and walked into the entranceway and found the person talking over his daily thoughts. He tried not to show Sage how excited he was to see her, especially after the fight they’d had earlier at the office.

“I didn’t think I would see you again this soon after the way you stormed out of the office.”

Resting his shoulder against the doorway, he liked how cute Sage looked in her t-shirt and jeans.

“I had to come here to get some of my clothes,” she answered, looking at him. “I swear I’ll be completely moved out by the end of the week.”

He should have been thrilled Sage was moving out, but he wasn’t. What happened to the girl that was always trying to find a way to kiss him?

“Are you sure that you want to leave?” he asked. “You can stay here as long as you want. I don’t mind.”

Sliding her hands into the back pockets of her jeans, Sage titled her head to the side and stared at him. “Rally, you’re getting what you wanted for the past four years now. I’m finally taking your advice and moving out. How can you be angry with me?”

Pushing his body away from the wall, he walked up to Sage. “I’m not mad, but I don’t want you doing anything in haste. I’m truly fine with you living here with me.”

Sage’s eyes lingered on his mouth, making his cock stand at attention. His body always told the truth when it came to her. Why couldn’t he do it?

“You don’t have to worry about keeping any eye on me anymore. I’m going to be in good hands,” she answered.

“What do you mean? Are you moving in with someone? Please tell me it isn’t Shawn?”

“Julian…”

“The hell you are,” he snapped. “He will have you in his bed before the week is out.”

“Who I sleep with isn’t any of your business,” Sage said. “However, Julian isn’t like you. He knows how to treat me with respect.”

“I’ve known Julian far longer than you. If he thinks about getting you into his bed, he won’t stop until you are there.”

Gasping, Sage took another step back from him. She wouldn’t meet his eyes. “Why don’t you worry about yourself instead of me?”

Rally hated thinking about Sage in another man’s bed, especially Julian’s. He had to get her away from him. “I know you want me,” he said, harshly.

He quickly closed the distance between them and caught her arm roughly. “Julian will be a poor substitute for me. If you want the real thing, stay here and I can give you pleasure like you never dreamed.”

Tears filled her eyes as Sage stared up at him, then she quickly blinked them away. “Thanks so much for having such a low opinion of me,” she said, jerking her arm away. “I know you really don’t want me, so why would I ever consider your offer? I’m getting out of your hair as fast as I can.  Why can’t you leave me alone? You have Vanity and she doesn’t mind telling me how perfect she is for you. If you’re craving sex so badly get it from her.”

The need to have Sage was eating at him. He couldn’t remember the last time he had made love to Vanity. Any time she tried to seduce him it
never
worked. He wasn’t getting aroused by her anymore, but all Sage had to do was walk in the room and his cock got hard.

Rally couldn’t understand why he couldn’t do as she asked, but he couldn’t. Sage was actually leaving him and moving in with Julian, of all people.

“How do you know she’s the right woman for me?” Rally questioned. “Maybe I’m with her just to pass away the time.”

“You would never waste a year of your life being with her if she wasn’t what you wanted. But, I don’t care anymore. Do anything you want as long as you leave me out of it. I told you at the office, I was done and I wasn’t lying.”

“I think you’re lying to me right now. I believe you still want me. Do you think it’s right what you do to me? You’re always around tempting me and having me craving things that I shouldn’t.”

“That isn’t true,” she denied. “You don’t want me.”

“I don’t?” A dark eyebrow arched over a green eye a spilt second before Rally’s mouth swooped down and captured Sage’s in a white hot kiss.

Growling deep in his throat, he moved his hands down Sage’s back and grabbed her denim-covered ass. He ground her stomach against the erection that had been plaguing him since she strolled through the front door.

How was it possible she could make him this rock hard? Vanity could stand in front of him naked and nothing happened. Despite the passion of the situation, a small laugh escaped his mouth and Sage froze in his arms.