Only With You Page 12

  When both he and Hailey entered the room, I scrutinized them. They looked happy and relaxed, so I relaxed too.

  “This is a surprise.” A very welcome surprise. I might not like being interrupted while sniffing samples, but I made exceptions for my siblings.

  “Thought we’d pay you a visit,” Hailey said. “We also brought lunch.”

  She held up a takeout bag, and my stomach rumbled in anticipation.

  “Let’s go upstairs. I don’t want the smell of food lingering here. It’ll make testing harder.”

  Up the stairs we went and into the smaller of the two break rooms. It was empty. Most employees went out for lunch, and those who didn’t preferred the other one because it opened up onto a balcony.

  My siblings had brought quinoa and avocado salad, and as we dug in, I studied them. This wasn’t a random visit. Hailey held her shoulders slightly raised, which meant she was in work mode, not relaxing mode, and Jace glanced at her from time to time.

  “So, full disclosure, we’re not here just for lunch,” Hailey said eventually. “I had an idea.”

  “I’m listening.”

  “You know that our brother here is rather famous.”

  I feigned having to think it over. “Really? I couldn’t tell. I think two of my girls tripped over their own feet for a picture with you.”

  His fame was unusual, because soccer typically didn’t get as much attention in the US as basketball or hockey.

  But my brother was more famous for being attractive than for playing soccer. It all started a few years ago when he appeared in a high-profile commercial. The internet exploded.

  Then GQ ran a list of sexiest soccer players, and his fame carried over from the internet to the real world. In a town full of stars, it was saying something that Jace was so popular.

  “Three, actually.” Jace flashed a sheepish smile.

  “And I know you need a model for your fragrance line for men,” Hailey continued.

  “Yes,” I said slowly.

  “She wants to offer me up as tribute,” Jace said with a wink. “Now that I’m famous and all that. She didn’t even give me the time of day before.”

  “Don’t egg me on before I’ve even finished my lunch. It’s a dangerous endeavor,” Hailey warned.

  “Wow.” I looked directly at Jace. “You’re interested in that? You never told me.”

  “You never asked. I thought maybe you were looking for something else.”

  I cocked a brow. “Tall, handsome, and voted sexiest soccer star second year in a row? You’re hot property, brother. I’d love to if you’re game for it.”

  “I am.”

  Hailey clapped her hands. “I knew this would work out.”

  I looked between them, trying to put two and two together.

  “How did you end up discussing this? Did you meet during Hailey’s office hours to talk about marketing opportunities? Don’t you specialize in PR scandals, sister?”

  “She always catches on,” Jace murmured in a defeated tone.

  Hailey sighed. “He needed my advice for another matter, but we ended up discussing this as well.”

  Alarm bells were ringing in my mind. If he needed Hailey’s expertise, shit had hit the fan.

  “Jace... what happened?”

  My brother hesitated, then said, “Someone wrote to the club, insisting she’s pregnant with my kid, and that if they didn’t give out my contact info she’d go to the press.”

  I went still as a statue.

  “Is it true?” I asked eventually.

  Jace dipped his chin to his chest. “Low blow, sister. Thought you’d be on my side instantly.”

  “I’m always on your side,” I clarified. “I just want to know the facts.”

  “No, of course it’s not true. I’ve never even met the woman. The club’s PR department usually deals with this without even telling us. Apparently people will invent all sorts of things to get our personal information.”

  “I don’t understand. Why is this an issue, then?”

  “She gave a very detailed account of what I did while I was out at a pub to celebrate a victory. It seemed real, and it gave our PR people pause. Which is when I turned to our dearest sister for advice.”

  “The Lords’ PR people and I reviewed the footage of all the security cameras at the pub. We’d found out what she looked like by searching her name on Facebook,” Hailey said. “She’d been at the pub that night, watching him, which was why she could give all those details. But they never even spoke, and she left before he did.”

  I remembered them whispering together during the past two Friday dinners. I’d ask why they hadn’t shared this with all of us like I’d told them about my issues with Beauty SkinEssence, but I knew Hailey’s modus operandi: she only shared a problem after she’d solved it. I hadn’t known that Jace also subscribed to that.

  “It took some time to get the footage and look through it, but when she was confronted with the evidence, she dropped the issue,” Hailey explained. “Then Jace and I moved on to happier topics, which included him stripping for your ads.”

  Jace groaned. “I only agreed to think about shirtless ads.”

  “We’ll wear him down,” my sister fake whispered to me.

  “We’ll do whatever you’re comfortable with,” I assured Jace.

  “But you’ll persuade me to be comfortable with stripping?” he guessed.

  I grinned. “I promise not to.”

  “Well, you’re no fun today.” Hailey pouted, then checked the time on her phone. “I have to go already.” She stood up, kissing us both on the cheeks. Jace didn’t make a move to leave.

  “We drove here separately,” he offered at my questioning glance.

  “Are you okay?” I asked him after Hailey left.

  “Yes. I just didn’t need this drama, but I guess no one ever needs it.”

  Jace was a happy-go-lucky kind of person. He’d always been that way, as if nothing could faze or bother him. But lately, I’d sensed that something was off with him. I hadn’t voiced that thought because I was trying to be less of a mother hen to them all, but I didn’t want to stay silent anymore.

  “There’s more bothering you,” I said slowly.

  “When I decided to play professional soccer, I wanted to do it because I loved the game. But lately it feels like the game is on the back burner. Ever since the GQ title, things became insane. I can’t complain, fame brought me many advantages too, and I’ve enjoyed them, it’s just that....”

  “What?”

  “It’s a bit too much. The pressure, the expectations. All these people coming out of the woodwork wanting to befriend me. I envy you. You built all this, but you’re in the shadows.”

  “Are you sure you want to go on with the advertising gig? It won’t help the cause.”

  “I think it’s time I got used to all of this, took advantage of it. Listen to me, rambling on about first world problems.” He shook his head.

  “Hey, problems are problems. And grappling with change is natural, I think. It’s a process, like everything else.”

  “What if I’m just not cut out for it?” he said in a slightly lower tone, and I could tell it was weighing on him.

  Usually, when I gave advice or reassurance, I tried to put myself in the shoes of the other person, but in this case, I was out of my depth. My brand was built around the products, not myself, so I’d always been in the shadows.

  “Jace, you’re the Lords’ most valuable player. Your game is excellent. That’s the important thing. The rest is secondary, but if it’s becoming too much, I’m sure you can take measures to avoid the limelight.”

  “I know, but it also seems stupid not to capitalize on my luck. I know that this career isn’t forever. If I’m unlucky, an injury can take me out at any time. All these contracts for commercials are good money that I’ll need later. In Dad’s words, I just need to toughen up. This won’t last forever anyway. I have maybe ten years left to play, and then everyone w
ill forget who I am. Sorry for laying all this on you. I guess I just needed to vent.”

  “You have nothing to be sorry for. You can always talk to me.”

  “Thanks, sis. How is it going with Beauty SkinEssence?”

  “It feels like we’re playing ping-pong. Their lawyer makes a move, then mine, then theirs again. Lawyer fees are piling up. I don’t even want to think about it. Sooo, since you’re here....”

  “Oh, no. I know what you’re going to ask.”

  “How?”

  “You were in the sampling room. And you want to drag me there with you.”

  “A man’s perspective always helps.”

  Jace grinned. I grinned back.

  “Fine, I’ll come with you. But only because I feel guilty for dumping all this on you.”

  “Awww. I love you too.”

  Chapter Twenty

  Val

  I tortured my brother for about an hour before calling it a day. I wasn’t trying to be a nuisance, but it required hard work to get more out of Jace than “This is okay” and “This is okay too.” I needed the nitty-gritty. If he were part of a focus group, he’d be a tough cookie to crack.

  “Do you have time to grab a tea?” I asked as we made our way to the break room. “Leta just texted me that she’s in the area and dropping by.”

  Leta was a good friend of mine. I’d met her a few years ago at a conference, and we hit it right off.

  “Sure.”

  I narrowed my eyes at Jace. He looked a little too excited. I pinched his arm.

  “Leta is my friend. Don’t go after her and make things weird.”

  “Are you implying I’d break her heart? You have no faith in me.”

  “You’re right. When it comes to this, I have zero faith.” I squinted. “Unless you’re telling me you want to settle down?”

  Jace looked shocked. “Sisters. Always up for stabbing you in the back.”

  “Never.” I patted his cheek. There was a time when he’d relished all the media attention and the never-ending flings. But now it seemed he was ready to make some changes.

  “You haven’t answered my question, so I’ll take it as a yes.”

  “Val,” he said warningly.

  “Come on, give me some details. Describe to me your ideal woman.”

  He squinted. “Please tell me you’re not going to try and set me up.”

  “Are you crazy? That’s what we have Pippa for. She knows her stuff. This is purely sisterly curiosity.” And maybe fishing for information to pass on to Pippa. Maybe.

  Our cousin, Pippa Bennett-Callahan was an excellent matchmaker, and even though she lived in San Francisco, I wouldn’t put it past her to work her magic on Jace whenever she was visiting.

  Leta was waiting for us in the doorway of the break room. She waved at me and smiled brightly at Jace. Oh boy. My brother’s charm was hard at work, as usual. The thing was, he didn’t even have to put any effort into it. That smile of his had been a heartbreaker since he’d turned thirteen. The rest of his appearance wasn’t helping either. And neither was his fame.

  Since the break room was already crowded, we took three mugs and headed into my office. I had a kettle and tea selection in there as well.

  The three of us talked for about half an hour before Jace got a call from his coach, and then he had to leave for an impromptu team meeting.

  “Girl, your brother gets hotter every year,” Leta commented after Jace left. “And I’ve had a year-long dry spell. He’s single, right?”

  “Umm... yes.”

  Leta smiled saucily, and I could tell she was about to pepper me with some more questions, but we were interrupted by Carter.

  “Anne didn’t say you had company.” He looked between Leta and me.

  “She probably thought Leta left with Jace. Carter, this is my friend Leta. Leta, Carter moved to the area some time ago. We’re practically neighbors. He’s an excellent lawyer.”

  Carter looked at me expectantly, only casting his gaze away when Leta stretched out her hand. I noticed her blatant perusal of him, that saucy smile she was flashing him. I looked down into my cup, breathing in and out a few times. My stomach turned into a tight knot. Leta was a flirt, and she was beautiful. I looked up between my lashes, studying Carter’s expression as he shook her hand. I detected politeness, then looked back at my cup. I was afraid to look too close and possibly discover something more.

  “I could use a good lawyer,” Leta commented. “Do you have a business card?”

  “Not on me, but Val can pass on my contact information.”

  “Excellent. I’d love to pick your brain. We should grab dinner sometime. On me, of course.”

  My heart was now lodged in my throat. Despite myself, I glanced up. Leta wasn’t looking at Carter as if she wanted to pick his brain. She was looking at him as if she wanted to take off his clothes. What the hell? She’d been all flirty with Jace, and now she was making a move on Carter?

  And speaking of Carter, his gaze was on me. His expression was hard. Intense. An awkward moment followed, in which Leta looked at Carter, clearly expecting an answer, but he kept his eyes trained on me.

  Eventually, Leta said, “I need to freshen up my makeup before I go. The bathroom is third down the hall, right?”

  “Yes.”

  After Leta exited the room, I headed to the small table against the wall where I kept the tea.

  “Do you want tea? I just bought a delicious herbal mix.”

  “No, I can’t stay long. I just wanted to drop by and see you.”

  “Oh!” I felt all fuzzy inside.

  “Yeah.”

  There was a slight tightness in his voice I didn’t like.

  “Carter, is something wrong? You’re acting strange.”

  I poured more hot water into my cup. I hadn’t even heard Carter move through the room, but now I felt him right behind me. He rested his hands on either side of my hips. He hadn’t answered me, I realized, which meant something was wrong. My heart began to race as we stood completely still. I felt his hot breath tickling my skin.

  “You introduced me to Leta as a lawyer and neighbor. As just a neighbor.”

  “Oh. I didn’t realize—”

  When he spoke next, his lips were on the back of my neck. He was whispering in that low, seductive voice that turned my knees weak.

  “I’ve kissed every inch of you. I can make you come in so many ways. Maybe I should remind you of all the ways in which I’m not just a neighbor.”

  He moved his hand from my hip around to my front.

  He was only touching my stomach in small circles, but that motion was the one he used to caress me intimately when I was nearing the edge. I sucked in a breath. I couldn’t believe I was so turned on.

  “Did you tell your family about me, Valentina?”

  “I told my sisters and Landon. Haven’t mentioned it to Will and Jace yet because they tend to be a little overprotective.”

  “But you’ll tell them?”

  “Yes.”

  He whirled me around until we were facing each other, then he cupped my face. I was startled by that intense look in his gaze, the hard lines on his face, the tightness in his jaw.

  “Are you sure?”

  “I’m sure.”

  His eyes were searching me as if he was trying to read every thought and every emotion. I tore my gaze from him, focusing instead on his shoulder. I hoped he couldn’t sense my inner turmoil. Everything was overwhelming even for me: my hope that this could turn into more than a fling battling with my fear of having my heart crushed again.

  He wanted my family to know, and yet he still hadn’t asked me to spend any time with him and the girls. It had been about a month since we’d started sleeping together. I’d said he was a neighbor because I didn’t know how else to introduce him. I didn’t want to put a label on this that he wasn’t comfortable with.

  I couldn’t put my predicament into words, and when he brought his mouth to my neck, raining kiss
es from the base right up to that sensitive spot below my ear, I couldn’t even think.

  “Jesus, Carter!”

  “I love hearing you say my name.”

  Pulling back, he drew his thumb over my lips, and I parted them, darting the tip of my tongue forward. He swallowed hard, locking his gaze on my mouth. He hadn’t expected this. Then he took me by surprise, pinning me with his hips against the edge of the table. He took one of my hands in his, then slid his own down to clasp it around my wrist, two fingers pressing on my pulse point before he lowered his head and planted an openmouthed kiss where he’d touched before. God, I was so aroused....

  He brought his mouth closer, speaking against my lips. “Are you turned on?”

  I was aware that I was breathing faster. My entire body was on edge. But still, I shook my head playfully. Carter cocked a brow. I looked between us as I felt his hand slide further up under my blouse, cupping one breast. Then he pulled it out and moved both hands on my waist. A cocky smile played on his lips.

  “What are you doing?” I whispered.

  “Giving you a taste of what will come later tonight.”

  “Oh, yeah, what’s that?”

  “I’ll leave you guessing.”

  “I think I have a few ideas.”

  “Of course you do. You’re a wicked little thing under your pencil skirts and blouses.”

  I jutted out my lower lip. “Are you calling me easy?”

  “No, babe. I’m just calling you sexy.”

  “Are you trying to convince me to do sexy things with you in my office?”

  “Maybe. Are you relenting?”

  “Never.” I tried to push him away before he got any other outrageous ideas, but the man wouldn’t budge. “What if someone had seen us?” I pointed to the open door. Carter laughed, but his eyes were dark and glittering. I swatted his shoulder. “I mean it.”

  “Keep going like this and I’ll lock the door and make you come against it.”

  Holy shit. I could tell that he meant every word. Part of me wanted to keep egging him on so he’d make good on his promise, but... damn. I was in my office. And Leta would be back any second now.

  Speak of the devil.... Carter finally stepped to one side when we heard footsteps approaching.