Red Hot Obsessions (92 page)

“You haven’t applied for the position I need you in, so it’s not really sexual harassment. I’m just stating the obvious. Are you saying you don’t enjoy me harassing you?”

Everything he said sounded so right and so wrong at the same time. I saw myself in different positions with Cross, and none of them had anything to do with work as he took advantage of me.

“I want to take this job seriously, but I’m finding it difficult with you around.” I said.

“That’s the most honest thing you’ve said to me. I take it as a compliment.” He opened the door.

My shoes squeaked on the maple finish, which looked like it had been freshly polished.

“I’m surprised your head isn’t swollen from all the compliments you must get.”

He stepped closer and I felt the wall behind me. I flattened my palms on its surface. Cross leaned in until his front pressed against my hip and his hardness ground against me. I couldn’t breathe or think. His hands braced on the surface at the side of my head. The smell and feel of him rushed my pulse like a bullet, and the walls closed in on us. It felt like the ceiling had lowered as well and we were the only two in the gym. A hint of mint toothpaste flowed on his breath as he said, “It’s because you haven’t seen the right head.”

It had been a few minutes since I’d stopped jogging, yet my pulse raced.

“Why a cop?” he asked out of nowhere, pulling away.

Holy shit! What was that all about?

He rolled a pink exercise ball toward him. Sitting on it with his legs spread apart, hands resting on his thighs, he looked at me with that cocky lopsided grin. Cross could have been sitting on a toilet seat and he’d still look sexy. He bounced another one in front of him, motioning me to sit. I welcomed the distraction from his flirting. A few more rounds and we’d be down on the floor, rolling from wall to wall.

“My family drove down to Florida when I was eight. About five cars in front of us a van lost control, flipped over, and rolled to the side of the road. It caught fire. I don’t know where she came from, but the officer pulled over her cruiser and jumped out while everyone else was in shock. She ran down the hill toward the flames. And one by one, she saved the family. An older man was the last one to walk out, and then the van exploded. The officer’s back caught the flames from the blast and she lit up like a dried up Christmas tree. My parents told me she survived. It was the bravest thing I’d ever seen in my life.”

While what I’d told Cross wasn’t a lie and had happened when my father was still alive, I wasn’t ready to share with him the true moment of when I’d made a career choice.

“I’d thought it was because your father was a cop.”

It didn’t surprise me Cross knew my father’s profession. “I guess he had something to do with it as well. He was a good man and an honorable police officer.” My throat tightened. If it weren’t for Wright, my father would still be alive. I would have a sister, and my mother wouldn’t be broken in half.

“Your record on the force is the cleanest I’ve seen. You’re trying to keep everyone’s attention away from something, Allie. Why?”

Could he really see through me? Was it possible that in some way, Tristan Cross had dug deep enough to know what had happened?

“I’m just trying to build a good reputation, the kind my father would be proud of.”

He had to believe that. No one could have found out about Wright. My mother and I were the only ones who knew. My desire for revenge had to be hidden, for a while at least, until Cross trusted me and could help me.

Cross narrowed his brows as if he could sense my reluctance to share information, but he didn’t press for more, and I was glad. I wasn’t sure I could handle talking about that day or admitting my drive. But eventually I’d have to tell him. I would need his help to dispose of Wright’s body. Make it disappear.

“So, how long do I have until I can be your hooker?” I smirked. Seeing the lust spark in his eyes swirled a new yearning in my belly. “I need to go away for a couple of days before I can commit.”

“Hhm, where are you going?” he asked, trying to steady his ragged voice.

“South Carolina. I’m leaving tomorrow morning.”

“To visit your mother?”

The hairs on my neck stood tall. “How … ? No one knows where she lives except for me.”

“Allie, there isn’t much I can’t find out if I want to.”

Which only meant Wright could find her too.
The bastard would never give up looking for my mother. He’d gotten too close to us before. Rage boiled inside me. This was one trip I couldn’t postpone.

“Why hide her, Allie? Why does your mother move along the east coast every few years?” He rolled on the exercise ball a bit closer to me.

All I could do was shake my head. A lump formed in my throat. I didn’t want to cry in front of Cross. Part of me wanted to tell him everything, yet I wasn’t ready to share my past.

“Will this affect your job?” he asked in a much quieter voice.

“No.” But the devil on my shoulder screamed
Yes
.

“You’ll take my jet.” He rose his finger before I could argue. “It will be quicker.”

“It’s not a far drive.”

“Doesn’t matter. If you’re going to work for me, I need you rested. You may as well get used to the perks the company can offer.”

“But...”

“No buts. The only thing I ask of you is that you come to my office as soon as you return from your trip.”

“Friday morning?”

“Yes. We can get the paperwork out of the way before the weekend.”

Cross really wanted me to work for him. Could I tell him about Wright? Not yet. Not before I spoke with my mom. Perhaps this was a good idea. Allowing him a bit of control by taking him up on his offer to fly to South Carolina would show him this job was important to me too. After all, work was all about trust, and if you couldn’t rely on your closest ally, then what was the point of doing your best work?

Yet, my father was still dead, killed at the hand of his best friend, a trustworthy chief of police.

“Stand up,” he ordered.

I sprang up at his command, acutely aware of how easily he controlled my body with his deep voice. He strolled to the mats in the corner and beckoned with his index finger for me to come along. The sexual gesture uncoiled my hormones. The dimple in his chin sunk in deeper. Cross flung four mattresses out onto the floor, setting up a squared area. He stepped up on the surface and spread his legs apart.

“Hit me.”

I could have sworn I’d heard a slight growl in his voice.

“What?”

“It’s not a request. If you want me to consider you for the job, you need to pin me to the floor.”

“You just want me on top of you.” I crossed my arms at my front.

“Actually, I want you under me, and I won’t have it any other way.” He grinned.

The next few moves were deliberate, and Cross cheated. He didn’t use any karate, which forced me to match his onslaught of street fighting with a mix of kickboxing and jujitsu. My mother had ensured I could protect myself as soon as we moved. The training came in handy when I did my physical at the academy. A black belt in three different fields was nothing to scoff at.

But Cross could hold his own just as well, and even if his moves weren’t professional and clean cut, he was well trained. It took a few blocks and swift ducks before I realized his training went beyond what a normal person would expect as well. And if it wasn’t for his pure strength, I would have had him. After a few kicks, twists, and flips, I was down on the mat and he was straddling my hips, smirking from above. His hands spread my arms over my head, gripping my wrists. His broad shoulders overwhelmed me and the smell of him was intoxicating. A funny feeling moved in my belly. How much I wished life could be simpler: one where my agenda to use Cross would only involve a primitive sexual relationship, and perhaps a friend whom I could trust enough to disclose my deepest secrets.

His lips pursed and his head turned to the side slightly. I could tell he was trying to read my expression. I wondered what he saw: the woman who put up a shield and handled everything on her own, or the one who for once wanted to be swept off her feet? At that moment, I wanted to be the second one, who had no worries or problems, whose only decision for the man sitting on top of her would be whether to open her lips as a sign of how deeply she wanted him to kiss her.

I let my muscles fall limp as he lowered his body to mine. He let go of my arms, resting his palms at the sides of my shoulders. His sweat mixed with the Old Spice filled me. The front of his shirt stuck to his chest, outlining the taut muscles beneath. He slowly lowered, saying, “If you can’t get me on my shoulders, I’ll just have to qualify you on different merits.”

I could feel his breath on my face. His lips were so close, so luscious and inviting. And instead of opening my mouth for him, I used the moment of distraction to my advantage. I slid my hands up his arms, squeezing his biceps provocatively, working my fingers into his flesh. His face lowered, his hips lifted off me, giving me the space I needed, and when his mouth almost brushed mine, he closed his eyes. I grabbed the back of his neck and used my legs as leverage to lift him above my body, flipping him over me onto his back.

As I’d expected, the confusion in his beautiful eyes was priceless. I straddled him and gripped his wrists above his head, leaning forward. The instant response underneath my ass couldn’t have made me happier. Cross wanted me more than I had thought. And God, how much I wanted him!

“What merits would those be?” I asked, squeezing my shoulders together, knowing very well how the valley between my breasts narrowed, popping the twins high up in my tank top.

“God, you’re going to drive me crazy with those, aren’t you?” he growled, lowering his gaze to my cleavage.

“At one point they used to be one of my best weapons for good tips.” I bit my lip. “But I’m sure you already know that.” As much as I wanted to deny how I’d paid my way through college, there was no way Cross wasn’t aware of my stripping days.

“They still are,” he said as if mesmerized. “You know the job is yours, Allie.”

Was it really possible that Cross would hire me just like that? His captivating hazels seemed to speak the truth, but it was difficult for me to believe that for once my life would be uncomplicated and this good.

“Thank you,” I whispered, aware of my rising chest and his mouth somehow closing in, even though I was on top. “I still want to prove myself.”

“Your credentials speak for themselves, Allie.”

“So applying is just a formality?”

“Yes. But your questioning makes me wonder whether you want this job as much as I want you” – he paused – “to have it.”

“Why do you want me” – this time I took longer to answer – “to have the job?”

“This isn’t the right time to discuss it.” He looked up at Cole, who was pulling a handful of windex-soaked paper towels across one of the mirrors. “But I really need you.”

I wanted to believe Cross referred to the job, but part of me wondered whether his true desire hid in his shorts underneath my ass.

“Right. And what are we going to do about this?” I wiggled my hips over his hardness. Denying I wanted to strip him right there was pointless, but he was still a potential employer, nothing more. I couldn’t ruin my chance at working for Cross, even if he said the paperwork was a formality. “I can’t work for someone who wants to be in my pants.”

“I want more than to be in your pants, Allie. But if you wish, I promise to keep my hands and my dick to myself.”

I wouldn’t exactly mind if Cross broke the promise. His appetizing lips were begging to be smothered and moistened. This wasn’t part of my plan. I didn’t want to be attracted to Cross. And I didn’t want to use sex to get what I wanted. Not anymore. Perhaps I should just sleep with him and get it out of the way.

As fast as I’d flipped him, Cross took hold of my arms, and I was once again on my back. This time when he straddled me, the hunger in his eyes glowed. He lowered his body, his chest flat against my front, until his elbows rested at my sides.

“You’ll visit your mother, then come to my office on Friday morning. Everything will be ready.”

“Okay,” I breathed, finally giving in.

He turned his head to the right. “I think we’re putting on a show.”

“What?” I followed Cross’s gaze to a group of ladies lined up behind the glass wall, watching us with intent. I hadn’t realized time had passed so quickly and the morning rush had arrived.

Heat flowed to my face.

“You look beautiful when you blush.”

“You should get off me.” I felt my muscles tense.

“I should, and I will, but know that I don’t want to.”

My heart flip-flopped as Cross lifted his beautifully aroused body off me. “I’ll send a car at seven tomorrow morning.”

“Okay.”

A lady covered her mouth as he strolled out of the exercise room, his full front tenting out from under his shorts. Cross didn’t seem to care. In fact, he appeared to enjoy the attention. One woman’s jaw dropped, and she was in no hurry to pick it up off the floor. If she could have, she’d probably have ripped the red shorts off Cross’s hips. He looked back once more as I propped myself up on my elbows, and he winked.

My insides twisted with happiness and I bit my lip. I knew I was totally smitten with Tristan Cross.

CHAPTER 5

Expecting a cab, I peeked out my window every few seconds. Laura had left for work already and I was glad. Giving her another excuse about why I hadn’t applied to Cross Enterprises, to cover up my mother’s past and her need to stay safe would wear off soon, and she’d suspect there was more to my stories. My inquisitive friend would grill me for hours, but I couldn’t go into the details of my mother’s safety. Five minutes before seven, a silver Bentley pulled up in front of my apartment, and I couldn’t believe it when Cross stepped out and did his sexy stroll toward my door.

“Shit!” I rushed to the front, quickly adjusting my sweater and capris. I hadn’t thought he’d personally drive me to the airport! Pulling on the handle, I opened the door before he got a chance to knock.

Holy fuck!
He looked amazing. The light dress pants and a polo shirt underneath a jacket suited him even better than the casual jeans. His light brown hair, still a bit damp, smelled of fresh shampoo. Cross sported a mysterious grin that lifted the scar on his lip. The dimple sunk in deeper than it had yesterday, and I wondered what he was hiding.

“Good morning. All ready for our trip?” he asked.

“Our trip?”

“I have some last minute business to tend to, so this works out well for the both of us.” He took my suitcase and lifted it like it was a handbag.

Last minute, right!

His chiseled face held a hint of worry, and I noted his body seemed wary of mine. Darker circles underlined his eyes. Cross kept his distance this morning. I took a whiff to make sure my deodorant hadn’t failed me.

“Didn’t sleep well last night?” I asked, following him to the Bentley.

“No.” He shook his head. “You kept me up most of the night.”

“Huh?”

After placing my suitcase in the trunk, he opened the passenger door, and I climbed into the leather seat. The air-conditioned interior felt like I’d just stepped into a fridge. Shivers ran up my arms and goose bumps covered my thighs. Cross closed the door behind him and turned my way. His gaze penetrated my whole body, and suddenly I felt like I could sweat buckets.
Is this how women in menopause feel?

He took a deep breath of courage and then exhaled saying, “I should have done this yesterday. If I don’t taste your lips, I won’t get any work done.”

I couldn’t even reply. In an instant, my words were muffled by his mouth, and everything inside me shut down. My body went limp, melting into the seat as my arms flopped at my sides. His hands cupped my face, the pads of his thumbs caressing my cheeks back and forth as his tongue spread my lips, sliding into my willing mouth. He explored inside me, tending to every nook. The longing of his soft kiss pulsed through my whole body, and I forgot who I was and where I was. I had no strength to resist him. I could no longer deny Cross and responded to him, opening my mouth wider, letting my tongue dance with his. A hint of scotch flowed to me as he lingered around my gums and moaned deep inside me. If I had ten tequila shots, all at once, I doubted they’d knock me off my feet as hard as Cross had. The world spun, the car spun, and when he finally pulled away, I couldn’t believe what had happened and how much his kiss awakened the woman inside me.

“You taste much better than I imagined,” he said into my lips, leaning his forehead against mine.

I finally let out the long held breath and asked, “Imagined?”

“I wondered about your lips all night and couldn’t sleep. Now I don’t have to wonder anymore.”

Compose yourself! This trip is important.

“I’m glad I satisfied your curiosity.” Everything inside me was turning at the thought of Cross thinking about my lips. Who was this woman sitting in his car? I’d never allowed anyone to leave me so breathless and lightheaded and thinking about stupid giddy feelings instead of a ruthless life.

“You satisfied only one of them. I’m curious about the rest of your body too.”

Oh, God!
My whole body tingled with excitement just thinking how much I wanted to let him explore that too. But the composed and guarded woman I wanted appeared and spoke instead, “This isn’t a honeymoon, Cross. If you can’t keep your hands to yourself, perhaps I should drive after all.” My mouth said one thing, but I so didn’t mean it. I couldn’t think around this man.

His hands flew up, palms toward me. “That won’t be necessary. I promise to keep them to myself. Even at night, I’ll keep them all to myself.” The grin on Cross’s face said it all. “But I can’t promise I won’t think about you and your lips.”

At that moment I imagined his hands on his manhood, stroking himself at night as he thought about me, and I doubted I could keep my hands away from my body either. When I touched myself, I’d pretend they were his fingers on me. And when I came, I’d think of the juices that lubricated my entrance especially for him. The dampness between my legs became unbearable. This would be one hell of a trip.

We drove to New Jersey’s small airport for private planes in silence. From my side glance, the smile of satisfaction on Cross’s face pushed my heart rate into overdrive. He acted like he’d accomplished his mission first thing in the morning and everything ahead was downhill.

The private jet was small but cozy. The stewardess served Cross a glass of scotch, and he asked me whether I’d like anything to drink. I declined politely and Cross laughed.

“I promise next time to have tequila on board.”

“I’m not dependent on tequila, Cross.” I wondered whether he knew about the bottle in my suitcase I’d packed for my mother.

“I never said you were.”

Once we landed in Charleston, another Bentley was parked on the tarmac.

“How many Bentleys do you own?” I asked.

“This one’s a rental. It’s a reliable car. Why?”

“I’m surprised you don’t ride in limos.”

“I like the feel of my hands on the wheel.” He shrugged. “The photos you probably googled of me in a limo are publicity shots for the company.”

“I see. And the dark-haired women under your arm?” My curiosity was bursting at the seams.

I bit my lip.
Don’t sound like a jealous girlfriend!
But of course the composed woman I prided on being had left the moment Cross kissed me this morning. And since he was answering personal questions, I wanted to ask.

“Some of them were hired for the night.” He placed my small suitcase into the trunk and then came around to open my door.

“Like escort girls?”

“Yes, but not in the way you’re thinking. More like struggling actresses wanting free press.”

“Oh.”

“I don’t sleep around, Allie. I’m a one-girl kind of a man.”

Somehow I found that difficult to believe. Was I assuming too much, the way my friend Laura had about me? When she saw me the first time at the strip club, she told me she’d thought I was a bitch who slept around. And she couldn’t have been more wrong. But my best friend kept my secret and promised to let me know if anyone else at the force found out. No one had.

“And is there a girl in your life?” I could have shot myself! Why did he have to kiss me like that? Like I was his and only his, and I was the only one in his life. Like Mr. Sexy’s life depended on my breathing. I knew I’d crossed the line this time. That was way too personal even for me, but he didn’t seem to mind.

“If there was, I wouldn’t have kissed you.”

Could this really be happening? So, kissing just anyone wasn’t his style. The affirmation from his gorgeous mouth that begged to be molded to mine was a bonus. I couldn’t tear my gaze away from his beautiful smile and dimple. Oh, my gosh, I was turning out to be like Laura after all! She was going to have a ball with me if this thing between me and Cross ever got out.

“I’m surprised you’re single, Allie. With a body like yours, men should be lining up at your door.”

“Except I usually have a tight vest on my chest and a gun at my side when I’m out and about. The cop ensemble doesn’t exactly scream
sexy
, and the gun scares off men.”

“Are you kidding? You could be wearing a snow suit and I’d still want to...” He pulled over to the curb. “We’re here.”

Cross parked in front of a low-rise building: my mother’s apartment.

“Thank you. I really appreciate the ride. I hope your business goes well.”

“You’re welcome. I’ll be at this hotel if you need anything. And I mean anything, Allie.”

I knew exactly what he meant and worst of all, I immediately considered taking him up on the offer. I took the card he handed me. Cross leaned over and kissed me on my cheek. I closed my eyes, inhaling him. There was nothing better than his scent. For the first time since we’d met, I’d truly miss his company.

Once he pulled away I went upstairs to greet my mother. The sound of unlocking metal chains when I told her it was me crawled along my skin. The dreaded past, pain, and fear overwhelmed me when I stepped in and hugged her – right after she locked up again, that is.

“It’s been too long,” she said.

“I’m sorry. I’ve been working.”

“Just like your father. So committed to your job. I’m proud of you, Allie, and I know your father would have been too.”

“How are you, Mom?” I opened my suitcase and placed the bottle of tequila on the kitchen table. My mother took out two glasses from the cupboard without even asking. This was what we did. We drank together to mourn together, and to forget.

I poured about an inch deep from the bottom as she sliced the lemons.

“It’s better.” This was her standard answer.

“I’m going to kill Wright.”

My mother sat down casually as if I’d just given her news about the weather. “You won’t do anything so foolish, Allie.” She pointed to the seat across the table.

“You’ll be free of him.”

“I was free the moment I left Pinedale. My only regret was not leaving sooner.” She threw her head back, downing the first shot. Her face shifted as the first burn of the liquid passed through her throat.

“What if he finds you again? It’s been too quiet for a while. I have a feeling it may be time to move.”

The two previous times Wright had come to see my mother, his bad timing saved her from another brutal attack. She wasn’t alone. Hours later I’d be driving her to a new location.

“Wright is an obsessed son of a bitch and knows the law. He won’t stop.”

She raised her brows slightly. At times when I spoke of Wright, my mouth got away from me. “I’m more worried about you, Allie. You need to start living a happy life instead of being burdened by your mother’s past.”

“Your past is my past. Your pain is my pain.” I took her hand.

“But it shouldn’t be this way.”

“I will kill him, mom, and I need you to know before I do.”

“Darling,” she said, smoothing her hand on my cheek, the way she had when I was young, “you won’t do such thing. Wright will eventually get what’s coming to him. It’s called karma.”

“Then call me Karma.”

She laughed. I liked seeing her rare moments of happiness.

“I’m also quitting the force.”

My mother’s face sobered and I had her complete attention. “Why?”

“For a new job. A better job. And, I’ve met someone who will help me get rid of Wright.” I felt my cheeks warm, and it wasn’t from the liquor.

She narrowed her brows. “And does the handsome man know it yet?”

“No,” I shook my head, not surprised how well my mother understood me.

“Allie, you need to let Wright go. Try to enjoy life for a change. Don’t let what happened to me fill your schedule. I know it does. You’ve been alone way too long. If this man means something to you and agrees to help you kill, then he’s not worthy of you. Your father always said no human should take the life of another unless it’s in self defense or to protect someone. God will punish those who do.”

I knew my mother was lying through her teeth for my benefit. She’d shoot Wright between the eyes the moment she got a chance, no matter what Daddy had said. Daddy didn’t know Wright the way we now did. And, I could tell she hadn’t left the apartment for a while, perhaps had a neighbor do her groceries. She’d only go out if it was necessary. That’s how she’d lived for the past thirteen years. My mother didn’t live – she survived.

“It’s to protect you.” I took my shot, letting the first gulp burn my throat. It didn’t matter how smooth the tequila was, the first one always burned. After the initiation, the liquor passed through smoothly, and after a few it was almost like water.

“I’m fine here.” She pointed to the corner of the room where a shotgun was propped in a corner.

“Did you register it?” I asked.

She shook her head.

“Good. He could find you if you had.”

“I told you not to worry. If Wright steps anywhere near me, I won’t hesitate.”

“I know you won’t.”

Three quarters of a bottle later, we ordered pizza with wings. The day passed in a haze. I told my mother about the mysterious Tristan Cross and his job offer. She examined my face as I spoke about him, and I wasn’t sure why. She looked worried. She knew I was a good cop and could protect myself, but the lack of details about the undercover hooker position had her questioning everything about Cross, including my feelings for a man I’d just met. I couldn’t hide that he was hot and I thought about him day and night. For a moment, she had a peculiar smile on her face. My mother’s knowing expression hid something from me. It had been a while since I’d seen her this interested in what was happening in my life. Perhaps because my life up to this point had been too boring? She said I reminded her of her young self when she went to a prom, which surprised me. Fortunately the tequila took my wit away and I didn’t overthink it.

I enjoyed a refreshing shower and slid into the one black dress I’d packed. I forgot why I had decided to take it with me, but a girl should always have a black dress on hand. Deep inside, since Cross had given me his hotel address, I’d known I’d end up wearing it to see him. The black fabric hugged my curves as if it had been sewn on. On such rare occasions, when I could discard my man-fitted uniform, I felt like a real woman. The hint of natural makeup on my face took me back in time. It was identical to how my mother had worn her makeup – before the assault, when she actually went outside to let the sun bronze her face. My mother was already in her nightgown; I kissed her goodnight and told her not to wait up. I didn’t leave until the last click of the chain lock sounded.