Up All Night Long: From Lust to Love (Romance Anthology) (48 page)

Chapter 12

"So you know we have the Barrington Corp audit committee meeting coming up next week?" Kent turned to Damon, Bethany's eyes on her soon-to-be stepfather as he turned the conversation at dinner from something more casual to business.

"I do. I've prepared a few things, but I was thinking we could meet tomorrow morning to discuss the fullness of what you want presented." Damon shifted his dark gaze from Kent to Bethany as he lifted his napkin and wiped his mouth. "I'd like to involve Beth if you're okay with that."

"Beth?" Kent looked over to Bethany. "Do you go by Beth? I thought you went by Bethany."

"I go by either. Most people call me Bethany, but Damon has taken a liking to the nickname I guess." She shrugged, smiling as the rest of the members around the dinner table chuckled.

"Short and sweet, just like my new sister." Damon lifted his eyebrows in comic challenge.

"Hey! I'm not short," Bethany grumbled as everyone laughed. Damon had far too many sides to keep up with and trying to discern which was truly him, or if they all were, would be a full-time job. She focused on her plate, the dinner delicious, the company rich in many more ways than she had imagined possible. Asking her mom to move things up with Kent was a bit selfish, but it was working out beautifully.

"I'd love for Bethany to be there." Kent picked up his fork and stabbed at the chicken on his plate, his eyes moving between Bethany and Damon.

"You guys know that she will be starting school again soon," her mother spoke up. "Have you thought through the schedule for her so that she's able to focus on her master’s as well as doing a good job for you guys?"

Bethany laughed. "I'm right here, mom."

They all chuckled, Damon taking up the conversation as Matt lifted his wine glass in the air and studied the contents as if an experiment. Bethany stifled a smile at the silliness of her soon-to-be brother. He was convinced that if he didn't make himself out to look crazy, then responsibility and demands would soon take freedom from his days.

"We can talk about her schedule more soon. When do you go back, Beth?"

"I have all of next week off and then I need to be on campus a few days a week to help prepare for the semester starting in late August."

"Prepare how?" Damon's voice was soft and conversational, not at all the tone he'd used with her in the office or when pressed against her on the patio. She glanced down at her plate, her cheeks warming at how much she wanted another encounter, something longer and leading to more.

"I'll be a teaching assistant for one of the accounting professors." She glanced up, the slight lift of his wicked mouth telling her quickly that he too was lost in thoughts of depravity.

"Be careful," Matt mumbled, setting his glass down and looking over at Bethany as she sat beside him.

"Be careful?"

"Yeah, I hear those old teacher dudes love to convince their pretty TA's to sleep with them. Power corrupts, right?" Matt smiled and reached for another dinner roll.

"Matthew!" Kent shook his head as Bethany's mother reached over and patted Kent on the arm.

"It's true. I've heard a lot of those stories too, but Bethany isn't that kind of girl. She'd probably headbutt anyone who got too close that she didn't invite, right baby?"

Bethany looked up and laughed, turning her gaze on Damon as her smile faded. "Yes, that's right. Uninvited attention isn't what I want at all. I want to finish my degree and get on with my life."

"I'm with Matt. You're far too pretty and intelligent for the old coot not to try." Damon shrugged, seemingly ignoring the conversation that moved silently between them. She wanted him in her bed, but her life was off limits. Not that he would be interested either way, but it would be smart to lay the ground rules for anything that might happen between them from the on-start.

"Yes, well that's enough about me. I'll talk with you guys about my schedule next week if that's okay." Bethany sat back, laying her napkin on the table. "I think I'm going for a swim and then bed. I have a slave driver of a boss and tomorrow is going to be busy from morning to night."

"Why into the night? Did you get too much put on your desk?" Damon's eyebrow lifted, his head tilting slightly as Matt got up and stretched, heading into the kitchen. Kent and Bethany's mother started their own conversation, the tension in Bethany's stomach moving into her chest.

"No, I just have that intern happy hour tomorrow night too. What time do you want me in the morning?" She stood up and picked up her plate, her eyes catching Damon's as he dragged his gaze slowly down her, pausing just below her waist. She moved back from the table and shook her head. "What time?"

"I'd say I want you all morning long, but I have too much on my calendar to truly enjoy you the way you deserve." He spoke plainly, no one seeming to notice. Bethany looked down the table, her mother lost in conversation with her newest obsession.

"Wow. That was bold." Bethany pushed the chair in and walked toward the kitchen.

"That's my style,
Beth
." Damon's voice followed her as she dropped her stuff in the sink. Surely he would call for her in the morning when he wanted to talk about the audit committee stuff. The nerd in her was more than excited to sit in on such a special project, but the woman that needed affection within her was far more interested in how many ways they could take each other over the course of a four-hour love session.

She walked to her room, avoiding the dining room and Damon altogether. He was nothing but trouble and her curiosity was going to land her bent over the desk not of a professor, but of a cocky accountant.

*

The water was warm, the night sky filled with the brilliance of a million stars. Bethany sunk down into it, her bathing suit a small bikini, her full piece being lost to her last skinny dipping adventure in college. The sound of a car starting brought a mixture of peace and disappointment. Damon must have left, which was a good thing, and yet...

She slipped under the water, her long hair billowing out around her. She twisted, looking up through the blurry liquid to see someone hovering just over the edge of the pool. She pushed against the bottom, moving up and lifting her chin to the sky to force her hair from her face. Wiping her eyes, she opened them in time to see Damon slipping into the water, his bathing suit black and tight.

Oh fuck...

"I thought you left," she whispered, her voice much too sensual for her liking. His smooth chest was lined with muscle, his abs holding all eight curves for perfection. She moved a step back as he sunk into the water, a smile on his lips.

"No, Matthew left. He said to tell you that he would see you Friday." Damon stretched out his strong arms and pushed the water away from him, his body moving back from her. She stood and looked up at the sky, her torso above the water’s edge.

"It's beautiful out here."

"I couldn't agree more." The thickness of his voice gave his needs away. Bethany turned and watched him, his gaze locked on hers as if they waited to see who might make the first move. They played a dangerous game, Kent and her mother just inside. Bethany steeled herself, realizing what a mistake it would be to do or be anything with this man. He was sex incarnate, dominance and power, everything she could imagine in the wettest of her fantasies. She was a simple girl and knew she would be in way over her head much too quickly if not careful.

"What are you thinking about so intently?"

"I was just working through my schedule in my head. The wedding is in a few weeks too, so I have a lot to balance." She shrugged and sunk back down in the water as he moved closer. She pressed her feet to the bottom of the pool, forcing herself to stay still and not run from him. He was a predator and though she would love to protect herself fully, they had a long life together ahead of them in some capacity. He wouldn't be dominating her for any of it... at least not if she could help it.

"Your schedule? That's what you're thinking about?"

She laughed and reached out, pressing her hand to his chest to stop him. "Don't come any closer, and yes, my schedule. What are you thinking about?"

He smiled and pulled her hand along his side, Bethany moving through the water to press against him from his efforts. He smirked as she gasped, his hands sliding around her waist and locking her to him.

"I'm wondering how to get you out of your bathing suit. I'm imagining the taste of you on my tongue and the sound of your desperate panting."

Bethany took a shallow breath, resting her hands on his thick shoulders, the water making each movement intensify as their skin slid against each other’s.

"You have no modesty." She laughed and tried to move back. He pulled her closer, one hand moving up her back and into her hair. She groaned softly, hating herself for allowing the noise to leave her.

"Tell me to stop and I will, but you have to mean it." He leaned in, pulling her hair back and running his nose along the column of her neck.

"Stop," she whispered, pulling him closer as her body lit on fire.

"Not good enough, Beth." He pressed his teeth against the side of her neck and tugged softly, his other hand sliding down to cup her rear, his fingers playing along the edge of her suit. She groaned again, her mind splintering on what to do.

"Stop, Damon." She pulled back a little, tugging against him as he smiled. He released her hair and slid his hand along the side of her face, his finger gripping hard at the base of her head as he pulled her down toward him. He paused before kissing her, his eyes filled to the rim with lust.

"I don't think you want me to stop, do you?"

She whimpered, her resolve draining as she tightened her arms around his neck and moved to wrap her legs around his waist in the water. The painful throb of need drove into her, another sound of desire leaving her lips as she closed her eyes and rocked her hips against the fullness of his arousal. He was magnificent, huge and cocky, strong and so incredibly beautiful.

"Yes. Stop, please."

He pulled her in as she opened her eyes, his other hand sliding down to cup her breast and knead it as their lips touched. He murmured his pleasure against her mouth, pressing her closer with the pull of his hand on her ass. His tongue rolled over hers, his lips so soft and warm. He rocked himself against her, subtle groans sending her into a dizziness she had never experienced. He broke the kiss and licked at her mouth, sucking the edge of her chin before burying his face against her neck.

She moaned loudly as he moved both hands to grip her ass tightly, using his hold to roll her softness against the hardness he offered her. He licked up her throat, his mouth pressing a sensual kiss to her ear. She panted softly, her hands lost in his hair as a frantic feeling to strip him and consume him washed over her. She moaned against him as he spoke softly against her ear.

"I don't like blonds at all. I like brunettes with green eyes and large breasts. With intelligence and wit, with strength and cunningness. I like women who know what they want and take it. The ones that won’t hit their knees for you until they've forced you to hit yours first. What kind of girl are you, Beth?"

She rolled her body against him once more, moving back and letting her gaze lock onto his, something inside of her bursting open with desire for the bastard who taunted her so wickedly. She smiled, her eyes narrowing sensually as she let her legs drop from him, her hand sliding down his strong chest and abs as she slipped her hand into his shorts. She wrapped her fingers around him, not showing the shock at how large he was, but keeping her facade perfectly in place.

He sighed, his eyes closing as he reached for her. She pulled up slowly, tightening her grasp as she did and moving out of his reach as he groaned loudly. She smiled and moved to the edge of the pool, getting out and walking to her towel.

"I'm a good girl, Damon, and you’re my boss and soon to be my brother. You and I have nothing more than those relationships to look forward to, so the rest will have to thrive in the depths of my dreams each night." She wrapped her towel around herself and walked into the house, the soft chuckle of the devil behind her giving her more than enough ammo to sweat through her sheets all night long.

Chapter 13

Thursday morning came much too fast and the lack of sleep from a night of tossing and turning left Bethany feeling angry and cheated. She skipped breakfast altogether, not wanting to see anyone or have to hold a conversation of any type. She had a small bonus from joining the firm that should hit her account sometime soon, she was just hoping it was in the bank already. Stopping for a coffee was out until she checked her statement, a soft growl leaving her as she turned off the radio and tried to
not
focus on the night before. Having Damon out at the house while she was there was a complete
no
at this point. She wanted him too badly, needed him against her, lost in her.

She parked the car and pulled the rear-view mirror down, frowning at herself. Her makeup looked good, not too heavy, but professional. Her hair was up in a loose bun, aging her a few years, which wasn't a bad thing at all.

"Last night was a fluke and the fucker is messing with you. Let it go and do your job." She fixed the mirror and got out, the sound of someone calling her helping to squish the need to barge into Damon's office and consume him where he sat.

"Bethany... hey, wait up."

She turned to see Philip walking toward her with long strides. His hair was shorter, the curlier strands gone and a very professional cut having taken its place. He smiled and she couldn't help but smile back. He was cute and friendly, safe, and he would make a good friend if nothing else.

"You cut your hair?" She moved in beside him, looking up at him as they moved toward the building.

"Yeah, well, I guess Mr. Bryant wasn't thrilled with my look, so I got a call from his secretary yesterday to get it taken care of." He laughed and shrugged. "Whatever."

"Damon made you get your hair cut? Or Kent?"

"Damon, but it's all good. I'm new to all of this and it's his company, so I got it cut."

"I like it longer."

"I did too." He laughed and opened the door, moving back to let her go in first. She looked over her shoulder, a scowl on her face as anger rose in her chest.

"What a jerk."

"He's in charge and pays me handsomely to work here. It's hair. It will grow back." Philip smiled and pushed the button on the wall. "So no changing your mind on going to the club tonight, right?"

Bethany walked into the elevator, squeezing to the back with Philip. She waited until everyone got on to turn to him, her eyes catching the back of Damon's head and nodding to give Philip a head's up. Manipulation reared to life inside of her, the desire to push Damon to the edge and see what he was really up to presented like a perfect package.

"I'll be there. I bought a little black dress for the occasion. I just hope it's appropriate. I've never been to a work function." She shrugged, trying hard to keep the wicked smile off her face as she knew her words were reaching their intended victim.

"I'm sure it will be just fine. I wasn't sure I was going, but if you're trying out a little black dress then I think I could definitely help judge it for you." He laughed and she swatted at him, his deep accent pulling her from her nefarious purposes.

"Where is your accent from?"

"Australia." The elevator stopped and a few people got off. Bethany ignored the fact that Damon was closer, having shifted himself in front of them. His back was to them, but the familiar smell of his cologne tugged at her hormones far harder than the lovely voice of the guy beside her.

"I love it. It's so different."

"Most girls like it, but at home... it's just commonplace." He paused and looked at his watch. "You want to grab lunch today? I know you were busy yesterday, but today any better?"

Bethany didn't get the chance to answer as Damon looked over his shoulder, the warning in his gaze setting her on edge.

"Actually, she's having lunch with me and Kent. We're discussing the audit committee at eleven today, so your date tonight will have to suffice." Damon shifted his eyes from Bethany to pin Philip in place.

"Of course, Sir. I didn't even see you there. No disrespect meant."

"None taken." Damon turned back to Bethany, his jaw locked into place. "My office at 10:45 so I can prepare you for the lunch conversation."

Damon slipped off the elevator and Bethany shook her head, her face burning with anger at his response. She deserved it. She had been playing with him, poking at a loaded gun and it had blown up in her face. She glanced at Philip, who looked like he might pass out.

"Hey, you okay?" She reached out and touched his arm as the door to the elevator opened.

"Yeah, just don't like that guy very much. He acts like he has the power to ruin you. I hate it." He rolled his shoulders and forced a smile, Bethany chuckling at the sadness of his efforts. "I'll see you later. We'll talk more tonight and good luck at your meeting today."

She waved and turned down the hall, her mood slipping further south as she mumbled, "Thanks. I'm going to need it."

*

He was pissed. That much was obvious, but he seemed the type to hide those sorts of emotions, his game played with many women. Had none of them turned the tables on him and played back? Was his dating life a quandary of limp robots that simply did as he said, when he said? He stood over the top of a large glass table, his finger moving along a flow chart as he spoke to her in a monotone voice. She bit her lip to keep from attacking him verbally.

"They will have the CFO of Barrington give his report and then I will give ours, you being the one to flip the slides and Kent will fill in as he sees fit." He glanced up, his eyes filled with dark emotions. "Are you even listening?"

"Hmmm? No, I'm not." She shrugged and walked to the window, moving the blinds to look out at the cityscape.

"What do you mean no? This is important. It's not a simple task. It's a moment to impress Kent and lock yourself into a larger role here at McKenzie and Bryant. Pay attention or I'll find someone else to do it," he barked at her as she turned, leaning against the window.

"You're upset. Tell me why." She tilted her head, trying to give off more empathy than she was feeling.

"I'm not upset. I want you to pay attention and do well during this meeting. You're walking around like your head is in the clouds. Just because some punk-ass boy from Australia wants to see you shake your ass in a dress doesn't give you the right to shut down here at work. Get your shit together and get over here," he barked, turning back to the table and letting out a long sigh.

Pain slammed into her, his anger as powerful as his passion. She walked over toward him and swallowed the hot lump in her throat, pointing to the chart and trying to steady her voice.

"So after Mr. Parks gets up and does his part you will introduce us to the new board members and I will start the slides. Can I have a copy of them today so I can walk through them mentally when I need to move us along as you speak?"

He looked over at her, the tight pinch of his shoulders relaxing just a little. "Yes, but it's highly confidential. You'll have to be careful with it."

"I will review it and memorize the moving parts and then delete it."

"By when?"

"By this afternoon. You and I can rehearse first thing in the morning together."

"Good. I like that." He stood and brushed his hand along his chin. "I'm sorry. I didn't mean that about the dress. I'm being a dick."

She walked toward the door and paused before leaving. "Where do I get the zip drive with the files and where do I meet you and Kent for lunch?"

"Linda will get you a copy of the files just after lunch and meet us down in the lobby in twenty minutes. Did you hear me? I'm sorry."

She shrugged. "No reason to be sorry. You were wrong with your accusations anyway."

"What do you mean?"

"My thoughts aren't taken by a silly Australian boy seeing me in a dress. They're suffocating in the depravity of being fucked twenty different ways by you."

She walked out, her chest constricted as her heart raced. She couldn't keep this up. She wasn't as aggressive and domineering as he was. She needed to bow out soon or he would bust through her facade and take her to the mat. Maybe an internship wasn't a good idea at all. She needed to rethink her priorities - away from him.

*

Bethany walked toward the two men who would be a part of her life for the foreseeable future, Kent pulling her into a side hug as she stopped beside him.

"Damon tells me that you're already moving on top of getting the files reviewed this afternoon. I knew you'd fit in perfectly with us." He smiled and squeezed her softly.

Bethany nodded and looked over toward Damon, their earlier conversation having thrown off her whole morning. She needed a cold shower and wouldn't be getting one anytime soon.

"She likes being on top. She's going to be a Bryant before we know it." He winked at her, the look in his eyes melting her where she stood.

"You guys want to ride together or just meet me there? I can stay at lunch a little longer if we meet there." Kent moved toward the door, holding it open as they moved out.

"I already called for my car, so Bethany and I will ride together. We'll meet you there."

Kent waved and moved toward his car as Damon nodded toward his black Mercedes, the man having a few more cars than anyone should. Bethany walked in awkward silence to the car and got in, buckling up and sitting back as her eyes closed. Maybe if she pretended to be tired he would let things lie between them.

The sound of his door shutting and the car starting caused her to glance at him. Mistake. He had turned to watch her, his long eyelashes brushing over his dark brown eyes. She found herself lost in them for a moment, the subtle swipe of his tongue catching her attention.

"You surprise me," he whispered and turned to pull the car out onto the road.

"How so?"

"You're brilliant as is apparent, you’re soft and feminine... so innocent. Yet you kicked me in the chest with your comment earlier. I think there is far more to you than even you know."

She laughed and closed her eyes again, not sure how to respond. The soft sliding of his hand just above her knee caused her breath to catch. She opened her eyes and looked toward him as he pulled his hand up, his eyes on the road. She pressed her hand to the top of his, her skirt pulled up to mid-thigh by his actions. He didn't speak but softly rubbed his thumb along the tender skin of her thigh, his teeth pulling at his lip as he breathed in deeply.

"We should take an NRL today." He glanced over at her, his sensual lips turning into a wicked grin.

"What's an NRL?" She breathed out, pushing his hand down back toward her knee as she tried to get a hold of herself. Her heart beat so fast she looked down to ensure her shirt wasn't lifting with its efforts.

"A no return lunch."