DOUBLE DARE: The Chronicles of Katrina (Book Two) Page 7

  He stepped toward her. “C’mon, sweetheart, give me something.”

  Crossing her arms over her chest, she shook her head and looked past him to the hallway.

  “Okay,” he said gently, “I get it.” And walked past her, his fingertips trailing the wisps of her long hair around her waist.

  No! she screamed in her head. You don’t get it! It’s not you, it’s me! You don’t want a woman like me. I’ll just give you a million reasons to walk out the door. At least this way it was her doing, and more importantly, her heart was still intact. Mostly. As he walked by, he disturbed the air around her, leaving behind his male scent, taunting her with the fact that if she let him walk out the door she would never see him again, and with him would go the best thing she would ever have. All she had to do to make him stay was throw him a bone.

  But she couldn’t.

  As he reached for the knob, she opened her mouth. As he turned to give her one last chance, she slammed it shut. And then he was gone.

  She didn’t remember how long she lay on the floor curled up in a ball and sobbing. She didn’t care. She didn’t care about anything except that because of her stubbornness and shame, she would never see Simon again. Her heart ached. It ached in a way it had never ached before.

  She cried until the sun came up. From her fetal position on the floor, she watched the sun set from swollen eyes. By the next morning she was shaking with fever. That night she called Rosie. Her dear, dear friend didn’t ask questions. Staying by her side, she took care of Katy as a mother would her child. Something Katy’s own mother had never done.

  “Rosie,” Katy sobbed. “What’s wrong with me?”

  “Nothing is wrong with you, sweet pea.”

  “Something’s not right. Men use me. My high-school boyfriend used me for writing his reports, my college boyfriend did, too. Evan used me for sex and I think to steal my research notes. And Simon, he used me, too.”

  “How? From what you’ve just told me, he sounds like a hunk of burning hot patience.”

  Katy smiled through her swollen eyes. “He is patient with me, but he won’t even tell me his last name! He must have something to hide.”

  “Maybe he told you the truth. Elliot got a clean print off the elevator panel in the hallway. It came up unknown on every scan. He’s probably CIA or something.”

  “You watch too many movies, Rosie.”

  “He could have lied to you, he didn’t. You’re the one blowing this by not coming clean with him. Tell him everything you told me about those bastards at Genomtec and BioGen. If he cares for you even a little bit, he won’t cast judgment. In fact, if he’s the man I think he is, he’ll go slay those dragons for you and bring back their bloody heads!”

  Two days later, with some of her strength back, and summoning all of her courage, Katy called Simon with the sole intent of wiping her slate clean. She didn’t expect anything from him, but she needed to come clean with herself and for the first time in her life, with a man she cared about. He answered on the first ring. “Hello?” His voice was clipped and guarded.

  “Something is wrong with me. Every man in my life beginning with my father has deserted me. I’ve never mattered enough to anyone to be first. I’ve always come in last.” She sniffed back a sob. “I was never good enough. I was Evan’s dirty little secret. I don’t want to be anyone’s consolation prize anymore,” she confessed as the tears streamed down her face. “And that’s not even the tip of the iceberg. I have sexual issues. Hang-ups that turn men off because of my fear of rejection. I’m just a dud, Simon. When you eventually figure that out, you’ll break my heart, and I can’t take that. So it’s not you. It’s me. I can’t be fixed.” She sniffed and reached for a tissue and blew her nose. “Trust me, I did you a favor.”

  The line was graveyard silent. Had he hung up on her? Couldn’t blame him if he did.

  “Are you done now?” his asked impatiently.

  “No. I was fired. And I’m probably going to go to jail.”

  “Why were you fired?” he demanded.

  “For starters, I’ve been accused of stealing a genetic coding process, which I developed, from BioGen, the company I worked for before I started at Genomtec.”

  “Did you? Steal it?”

  “No! I hadn’t even begun the research until I started at Genomtec, and that is where I developed it. But someone stole it from me and sold it to BioGen, and when they got their thieving hands on it, they rushed a patent through. And to make matters worse, Evan and my research partner at BioGen have filed separate sexual harassment claims against me! Add that to my other fucked-up-ness, Simon and I’m a recipe for disaster.”

  It took her several deep inhales and exhales before Katy could regulate her breath. She had just let all of her skeletons loose. Now she waited for him to slam the door in her face. And she wouldn’t blame him. She was a hot mess.

  “Are you done now?”

  “Yes,” she rasped.

  “First, thank you for trusting me with that. Second, have you retained counsel?”

  “No.”

  “I have several overqualified attorneys who owe me big time. I want you to let me help you with this. Will you do that for me?”

  “I—”

  “Let me be your hero, Cinderella,” he said, with gentle warmth that would have made her swoon if she had not been sitting. “I’m good at it.”

  She wanted to cry and at that moment lost another hunk of her heart to Simon. “Together. We’ll work on it together.”

  “I can do together. Now, last but not least, get yourself cleaned up and put something sexy on, and I’ll pick you up at nine for dinner.”

  Amazed by his first two responses, she was floored by his third. He still wanted to see her? “But—I’ve been sick and look like crap.”

  “Well then, Dr. Winslow, I guess you need to get that sweet ass of yours cracking.”

  “But—”

  “You have eleven hours. Nine o’clock sharp.” He hung up.

  Katy stared at the ceiling, then popped up in bed, then frantically scrolled through her address book, called her salon, and booked a full day at the spa.

  On her way, her cell phone chirped. Immediately her body responded with an infusion of heat.

  Don’t eat after four and don’t touch yourself or use one of your toys from this moment forward.

  Aren’t you the bossy one?

  You have no idea.

  I missed you.

  I missed you, too.

  Nine sharp. Don’t make me wait.

  I’ll be ready.

  And Cinderella?

  Yes, Prince Charming?

  Nine a.m. sharp Monday morning, we’re meeting with Veronica Fuentes, the meanest, nastiest barracuda in California. She eats pissants like Evan Scott for breakfast and breaks the backbones of corporations like BioGen and Genomtec for fun. I forbid you to think about anything except me and how much you want me.

  XO

  Katy sat back in the town car, smiling ear to ear. Despite the legal disaster hanging over her head, she could feel Simon’s words taking the weight of it off her shoulders. He had, in classic hero fashion, fixed things or at least gotten the balling rolling toward the fix. She could not remember ever feeling so alive or so special. Simon made her feel things she had never felt before.

  Seven and a half hours later, Katy had been massaged, facialed, waxed, plucked, exfoliated, mud-bathed, manied, pedied, hydrated, and, despite the turmoil of her professional life, relaxed. Violet, her stylist, had chopped off several inches of her waist-length hair and given her a few subtle highlights. Katy felt like a new woman and when she saw her rested, pampered self in the mirror after Violet styled her hair, she looked like a million bucks. As she slid her glasses on, Violet halted her.

  “You
look great with them on, Kate, but you look spectacular with them off. Your blue eyes are showstoppers. Get contacts.”

  She’d avoided wearing contacts because she felt that she looked more professional with her glasses, although she had some disposable contacts for when she ran. Before Simon, almost everything she’d done had been all about being taken seriously in her male-dominated profession. As if that had worked in her favor. Yet, even though she’d been blindsided by the lynch mob, she’d had some time to process her situation. Spilling the beans to Simon had been not only cathartic but had made her realize she had to fight to protect her research. And now, she not only had a top-notch attorney to talk to, she had Simon to hold her hand when she needed reassurance.

  But before Monday morning came, she had tonight.

  With Simon.

  “I need to make a quick stop at Nordstrom’s, Charlie.” This girl was going all out. Something she rarely did but secretly loved to do. At her core, Katrina Winslow was a girly girl, and she hadn’t realized just how much of a girl she was until she had met a real man.

  “Yes, ma’am,” he said and turned the car around.

  It wasn’t that quick of a stop, but it was quick enough so that she could get home, rinse off, and carefully prepare herself for the date of her life.

  When she was done, she stepped back and looked in the mirror. Catching her breath she could not stop staring at herself. A self she barely recognized. She was … beautiful. She had never thought she was unattractive, she even considered herself pretty, but the sensual woman staring back her was someone she had never met before.

  She’d forgone the glasses and opted for the contacts, which, as Violet had said, showed off her big blue eyes. Especially with the understated use of cosmetics to highlight them. Her chestnut-colored hair was just as subtly highlighted with blonde and copper streaks. It shone thick and healthy in the light. She’d swept it up, letting softly curling tendrils wisp down her back and around her face. She wore elegant gold and diamond teardrop earrings with matching bracelets. She didn’t wear a necklace because it would distract from the décolletage of the sapphire-blue silk halter top she wore. The color brought out her eyes. For the first time in her adult life, Katy was going out in public braless. The fabric hugged the outer curves of her breasts but tastefully teased the eye with just a hint of cleavage. When she walked, her breasts moved just enough to be noticeable.

  Her phone pinged. And like a precision piece of clockwork, her body pinged in response.

  What are you wearing?

  It’s a surprise.

  Give me a hint.

  You’ll like it.

  I can’t wait to get my hands on you.

  Me either.

  Hurry.

  Stop texting and I will!

  She smiled as she set her phone down when it was obvious Simon was not going to continue texting her. Catching herself in the mirror again, she turned around and admired her butt in the snug, black silk miniskirt. All those hours in the gym had paid off. She grinned at herself. And she wasn’t wearing panties. She told herself she didn’t want a panty seam. The only other item she wore was the black Louboutins she had met Simon in. Her skin glowed a healthy honey caramel. Her makeup was perfect. She dabbed on her favorite fragrance, grabbed her black silver spiked evening bag, and slipped her cell, lipstick, glasses, and toothbrush in it. A girl never knew when she’d need a toothbrush.

  Just as she was about to leave, she grabbed a sheer black voile wrap.

  At 8:59, she pushed the first-floor button in the elevator.

  As she stepped outside, the cool air caressed her. Grateful for the wrap, she wound it around her shoulders and smiled as a sleek black Mercedes rolled up to the curb. A suited driver came around to the back passenger door and opened it with a raised brow. “Dr. Winslow?”

  Katy nodded, confused.

  “My name is John Deaver, I’ll be your driver tonight.”

  He stepped forward and handed her an envelope. She opened it quickly and read the bold lettering. “Your carriage awaits, Cinderella, and so does your big bad wolf.” She looked up at John.

  He smiled and extended his hand to her. She took it and he helped her into the car, and then, they were off.

  he luxury car rolled to a stop at the Cliff Hotel. A moment later the door opened and John extended his hand. He nodded to the doorman, and wordlessly escorted Kat into the chic hotel, through the foyer and into the famous Redwood Room. She’d heard about the dark mysterious place that served excellent drinks and food, and had months ago suggested that she and Evan go in for a nightcap. He’d declined, saying he didn’t care for crowded public bars. The fact that Simon had picked this place to meet told her he cared enough about her to consider what she liked and understood her enough to know she’d like this. The decor was dark and deco the music low and sexy. It was jam-packed. She loved the vibe, but from what she could see, there were no empty seats in the areas surrounding the bar. “Right this way, Dr. Winslow,” John said as he guided her to the lone empty chair at the long bar. He settled her on the high bar stool, then smiled, tipped his hat and said, “Enjoy your evening, ma’am.”

  “But—” She turned to ask about Simon and was caught completely off guard when her gaze clashed with Evan’s. He was seated with three others; his wife and another couple, at a table to her left.

  Instead of skulking off, Katy straightened her spine, held his gaze and allowed her wrap to drop around her waist. Despite the warmth of the room her nipples were visibly erect. She was rewarded with Evan’s wide-eyed stare. Fuck you, she mouthed, and tossed her hair back over her shoulders, then gave him the cold shoulder.

  Turning back to the bar, she smiled despite who was watching her— hell, maybe it was because of who was watching her. She was not going to allow anything or anyone to mess up this night with Simon. This was her new beginning and she would fight to make it memorable.

  Focusing on more important things, like the bar top, she smiled as the handsome bartender set a frosted shot glass of … She raised a brow and cocked her head.

  “Don Julio, Silver,” he clarified.

  Katy picked up the chilled glass and took a sip. “Oh, that is smooth,” she purred, then tossed it back. Catching a rogue drop of the fine tequila on her bottom lip with her tongue, she slowly licked it.

  The bartender stood motionless and stared. Katy smiled at him.

  “Another?” the bartender stuttered.

  “No, thank you.” As she said the words and the tequila spread warmly through her, she glanced at Evan, who scowled. She smiled again and nodded as if letting him know he was walking on thin ice. Another shot or two and she might introduce herself to his wife. Maybe she’d even introduce Evan’s entire table to Simon.

  Where was that stud anyway? It had to be nine-thirty. She was hungry. And—ping—aroused.

  If that bartender looks at your tits one more time, I’m going to clean his clock.

  Kat smiled and texted: Then you had better get your ass over here, Captain, and claim them.

  She nearly jumped out of her chair when two large hands touched her bare shoulders in the sensual way only a lover would. Closing her eyes, she inhaled his familiar scent.

  “Mmm,” she said when his hands slid down the curve of her shoulders and along her arms, brushing the side swell of her breasts. Her nipples pulsed with tension as desire pooled low in her belly. She looked up to see Simon’s hooded eyes staring at her in the mirror behind the shelves of glittering gem-colored bottles.

  “Be careful, Mister,” she hoarsely whispered. “My lover won’t take too kindly to your touching me.”

  “Oh, yeah?” His warm breath tickled her cheek as his lips brushed along her ear. “Is he such a big deal?”

  “Yesss,” she breathed as his hands moved down her waist to her hips, the pressure
causing her to squirm. “A really big deal.”

  “I’m a bigger deal,” he said arrogantly.

  “He’s possessive and doesn’t like to share.”

  He nibbled her earlobe, sending hard shards of desire straight to her nipples and lower. She was wet and if he turned her around and unzipped his trousers …

  “I don’t blame him.” He traced his fingers along the curve of her hip with one hand, and reached out with the other and took the chilled shot the bartender had set down for him. He dipped his finger along the rim of the shot glass and then traced it along her bottom lip. Catching her chin with his hand, he pulled her back against him and slowly licked the tequila from her lips.

  Then threw back the shot. Slamming the glass down on the bar top, he caught her gaze again, his green eyes so dark they looked black. “I wouldn’t want to share you either.” He bunched the hem of her skirt in his fist. “In fact, I know I wouldn’t.” He traced his fingers along her knee, and unhurriedly uncrossed her legs.

  Kat held her breath in anticipation. Every nerve ending beneath her skin simmered hotly. Angling his big body to shield his hands from prying eyes, Simon slid his hand beneath the silk fabric, tracing swirls along the inside of her thigh. She closed her eyes and leaned back into him. Breath rushed from her parted lips as his finger stroked her damp thatch of pubic hair.

  “Oh, you naughty little minx,” he hissed, realizing she wasn’t wearing panties. “You are so going to pay for this.”