More Than You Know (11 page)

“Yeah.” Tonio grinned at the look on Dane's face.

“What?” Dane asked with a touch of defensiveness.

Tonio shook his head, trying to hide his grin. “Nothin'. Nothin' at all.” He straightened and said, “For what it's worth? I think she's cool. She's good people.”

Dane only nodded.

“And the chemistry between you two is crazy,” Tonio added. “So good luck.”

Shooting him a stunned glance, Dane reached for his beer and took a hard gulp.

Julia stretched out on one couch, Kelvin stretched out on the other, and they both sighed.

“You rocked it, baby,” Kelvin said.

“
You
rocked it, my dear,” Julia replied.

“We both rocked,” Kelvin pronounced. “And now, I. Am. Tired.”

“I'm not tired,” she said, surprised to realize it was true. “I just needed to lie down for a few minutes. I'm actually kind of wired.”

“You always are after a gig,” he said, loosening his black-and-gray striped tie. “Me, I'm always ready to collapse and sleep for a week.”

“That's because you're old,” she teased.

“Oooh, beeyotch!” he huffed. “You're only three months younger than me, you just watch yourself.”

They grinned at each other over their long-running joke.

“You're going home, then?” she asked.

“Yup.” Kelvin yawned and sat up. “What about you?”

“I think I'm going to have a drink at the bar, then head home,” she said. She'd seen Dane at the bar tonight, watching her. He'd stayed for both sets, but hadn't tried to talk to her on the break in between. At the end of the second set, he'd been staring at her so intently she could feel the heat in those blazing blues from across the room. It had set her heart racing against her will. She wanted to see if he was out there, at the bar. She wanted to have a drink, and nurse her secret, dirty fantasies about him. . . .

Someone knocked on the door. Julia and Kelvin looked at each other.

“You expecting someone?” he asked.

She shook her head.

Kelvin rose from his sofa to open the door. Standing there was Dane Harrison.

Julia watched the men shake hands in greeting and exchange a few words as she looked her boss over. Damn, he looked especially good tonight. He wore a navy suit, white shirt, and a tie with several hues of blue that brought out his already amazing eyes. A day's worth of scruff covered his jaw, it was after one in the morning, and the man still looked like he'd just stepped freshly out of a
GQ
photo shoot.

Someone that handsome shouldn't be allowed out at night, she thought to herself. He's too dangerous. Sexy, handsome, and dangerous.

She realized her mouth had gone dry and grabbed her nearby water bottle for a few sips.

“I came to see you, Red,” Dane said, moving farther into the room. “Got a few minutes?”

The air crackled with sudden electricity and their eyes locked as she murmured, “Sure.”

“I'm gonna get going,” Kelvin said, heading toward the closet to retrieve his messenger bag. He undid his tie, shoved it into the bag, and slung the wide strap over his shoulder.

“You don't have to leave on my account,” Dane said, flicking a friendly glance his way.

“Oh, I'm not,” Kelvin lied. “I was heading out anyway.” He leaned down to kiss Julia's cheek and whispered in her ear, “Careful, girl.”

She smiled up at him from where she sat. “See you tomorrow, babe.”

“You bet.” Kelvin shook Dane's hand and they exchanged good-byes.

When they were alone, Dane sat on the sofa Kelvin had vacated, directly across from her.

“So . . .” Suddenly edgy, her heart rate picking up speed, Julia fidgeted with the cap of her water bottle. Even as she did, she tried to be cool, calm, and collected. “Why'd you want to see me? Everything okay, Boss?”

“Not exactly.” Dane leaned in, his elbows on his knees, and pinned her with his stare. “Thing is . . . I can't get you out of my mind lately. This . . . there's a draw between us. Something. Chemistry, just lust, I don't know. But it's not going away. It's only getting stronger.” His eyes dropped briefly to her mouth. “So I thought . . .” His gaze raised to hold hers again. “. . . maybe it was time I do something about that.”

She felt her eyes widen and her heart rate skyrocket, but carefully schooled her features into neutrality. Her chin lifted just a notch as she stared back at him. She said nothing. She didn't know what to say, so she waited for him to play out his hand.

A slow smile of intent spread across Dane's face. His eyes seemed to blaze fire as he said in a low, seductive tone, “I'll bet I can shatter that prized self-control of yours with one hot kiss. I'm here to find out.”

Chapter Seven

“I told you,” Julia said, trying to catch her breath and sound flip, “that when I wanted you to kiss me again, I'd let you know.”

“You've been letting me know,” Dane murmured. “You just won't own up to it.”

She swallowed hard, but locked her gaze with his. Her mouth went dry and her heart dropped to her stomach before taking off like a racehorse. Before she could respond, a knock came on the door, and he rose to answer it. She watched him, wondering what he was up to.
Keep cool,
she warned herself, even as her blood pulsed and need tugged at her.

One of the busboys handed Dane a bottle and two short glasses. Dane thanked him, closed the door, and strode back to Julia with a cavalier smile. “You always drink vodka. Thought maybe you'd like this.” He didn't sit on the opposite sofa this time, but planted himself beside her as he set the bottle of Armadale and glasses on the table.

“Never had this brand. I'll try it,” she said, shifting over slightly to make more room for him.

“Atta girl.” He opened the bottle and poured a shot's worth into each glass.

“You trying to get me drunk, Boss?”

He smirked. “No. But am I trying to get you to loosen up a bit? Yes.” He handed her a glass and angled himself to face her. “I don't need to get a woman drunk to get her into my arms.” And clinked his glass to hers before swallowing his vodka in one gulp.

Danger, Will Robinson, Danger!
flashed in her head like a neon sign. She sipped her shot slowly to taste it. “Mmm.” She took another sip.

“You like it?” He grinned. “I hoped you would.”

She finished her shot, feeling it burn through her. “Strong stuff.”

“Of course it is. You're drinking straight vodka.” He poured another shot into her glass, then his own.

“You are so trying to get me drunk!” She couldn't help but laugh.

His grin widened into a smile. “I'm not! Don't want you sloppy, Red.” He eased back into the cushions and let his eyes wander over her. “You're so beautiful, Julia. You're sexy, and sharp, and you're interesting. But I really enjoy looking at you. That's why I do it whenever I can.”

Surprised by his brazen statements, she murmured thanks and took another sip of her drink. Between the vodka, his close proximity, his words, and the intent she saw in his eyes, her head was floating. She felt warmth flood her body and her senses, a heady sensation, both thrilling and fearsome. She liked to stay in control.
Needed
to.
Nurse this drink, dummy,
she chided herself.

“Tell me again,” he said, swirling the clear alcohol around in his glass. “No boyfriend, right? No one to come barreling in, looking to kick my ass?”

She laughed. “Nope. Just Kelvin, and he won't kick your ass because you're his boss.”

“Even if he came in here and found me kissing you within an inch of your life?”

A shiver skittered over her. “Maybe then. He's very protective of me.”

“I've noticed. It's . . . endearing.”

“It is that,” she said, and sipped her drink. “No girlfriend for a catch like you?”

His eyes lit up. “Am I a catch?” he asked coyly.

“To most women, I'm sure you are.”

“But not to you, though.” His gaze narrowed on her, scrutinizing.

“Don't take it personally,” she said. “I don't do relationships. Especially with billionaire playboys. I'm not the notch-on-a-sterling-silver-bedpost type.”

Dane felt his blood heat, but now it wasn't from the vodka, lust, or the gorgeous woman next to him. It was from irritation. “My bedposts aren't sterling, sweetheart. And while I also am not the relationship type, I'm not
that
sleazy stereotype either.”

She pressed her lips together and nodded, but said nothing.

Her silences infuriated him. They were meant to incite a reaction. And dammit, they worked on him exactly as she intended. “You don't believe me.” He stared at her, his jaw tightening. “I've never treated you with anything less than respect. Have I dated a lot? Yes. Nothing to apologize for. Do I have a string of endless women coming in and out of my bedroom? Hell no.” He scowled and sat up, spearing her with a look. “If you think that about me, it's because you believe stupid gossip pages and trashy Web sites. I thought you were smarter than that.”

Her eyes flared. “You don't have to insult me.”

“Oh, but what you said wasn't insulting to me?” he retorted.

Color bloomed on her pale cheeks. “You're right. I'm sorry.”

“It's easier for you to write me off as a douchebag than to admit you're attracted to me,” he said, knowing he was pushing now and not caring.

“I don't think you're a douchebag,” she said, unable to hide the hint of a grin.

He stared at her and said quietly, “Admit you want me.”

“Fine. I want you,” she said, almost flip. “I want to grab you and do all sorts of wild things to you. I don't know what this is between us either, but it's there. Just crazy chemistry, probably. But none of that matters. You're my boss. I love this job. That's what matters most.”

Stunned by her honesty, he knocked back the rest of his vodka in one swallow before conceding, “I know.”

They sat in silence for a minute. Different scenarios went through his mind. He wanted her so bad it ached sometimes. Physically, they were definitely walking the same path to oblivion. But she didn't trust him . . . and yeah, he was her boss.
He
knew he'd never fire her over the demise of any relations between them, but
she
didn't know that. She was right to be wary; he understood it and respected it.

So how could he convince her that a purely physical relationship would work for both of them if they kept it light? And it'd be hot, and maybe even
fun
? “All sorts of wild things, huh? Can you give me a hint? Sounds really hot.”

She laughed, and they both relaxed. He felt the negative tension leave his shoulders, but the sexual tension was thick as could be.

“You want me bad,” she finally drawled in a teasing tone.

A surprised laugh burst from him. “Yeah. You're right. I do.”

Smiling, she took a small sip of her drink.

“You want me too,” he said.

She shrugged. “Covered that.”

“So . . . what do we do about it?”

“I have a few ideas. . . .”

Dane leaned in closer, intoxicated by her, lured by her face. The curve of her lips was a seductive smirk. Her bedroom eyes . . . those gorgeous hazel eyes reflected confidence, power, and a hint of outright wickedness. She was playing with him now. Toying. At the moment, she held the cards. She knew she had the upper hand. And man, she was relishing it.

“You know why I'm a dream girl for a guy like you?” she asked, her brows lifting. Her eyes sparkled as she teased him.

“Because you're fucking beautiful?” He didn't ask it, he offered it. Their eyes locked and his heart started to pound in heavy, thick beats.

She smiled softly and said, “Thank you, but no. It's because I don't want a thing from you.” She raised her glass to her mouth and took a longer sip of her vodka, making him wait as she finished it. When she lowered the glass back to the table, her tongue flicked out and dragged sensually along her lips.

Dane's cock swelled. But he kept it cool on the outside. “Sure about that?” His grin was slow and wolfish. “That there's not . . .
anything
you want from me?”

“Heh. Maybe
one
thing . . .” she admitted coyly, raking her eyes down his body.

He could barely breathe. Holy crap, what this woman did to him.

His gaze roamed over her features, searching. So much going on behind those gorgeous hazel eyes.

But right now, he was just concentrating on not grabbing her, pushing her onto her back, and kissing her until they were both breathless. Until they couldn't remember their names, until he had her dress hiked up to her waist and beneath him, until he was inside her to the damn hilt and she was screaming for more. Just the thought of it had him rock hard.

“So . . . what
are
you looking for, Julia?” His voice pitched low and his eyes stayed on hers. “What
do
you believe in?”

Her smirk changed to a provocative smile. “I'm not looking for anything. But if I was? It'd be sex.” His heart stuttered in his chest, and she continued, “Just sex. I have needs, like anyone else.” She'd cast a spell, she must have. He felt hypnotized and frozen in place. She leaned in close enough for him to feel her warm breath against his mouth. “But with no ties. That's my rule.” She licked her lips slowly, then added in a husky purr, “What I believe in . . . is great sex. Really hot, passionate sex. With no strings.”

Dane's heart almost stopped in his damn chest and his mouth went dry. For maybe the first time in his life, he was speechless. He had no smooth comeback, no words at all. And at that moment, he wanted her more than he'd ever wanted any woman in his entire life.

He'd never been with a woman quite so open about her wants. She was unapologetic in her sexuality, in the no-holds-barred way she discussed her desires.

He
loved
that.

He bet she likely intimidated most men; weaker men. But to Dane, her unrepentant hunger, combined with her beauty, brains, and confidence . . . all those things made her, easily, the sexiest, most desirable woman he'd ever met in his life.

But he'd be damned if he'd show it. She may have held the cards at that moment—and he wasn't going to lie to himself, she had him tied up in knots right then—but he wasn't ready to tip his hand just yet. How far would she take this? He intended to find out.

He liked this game. High stakes. His favorite kind.

Leaning back toward the table, he poured himself another shot, took a sip, then set it down and moved in closer to Julia. Their faces were only inches apart. He could smell a hint of her perfume, that musky vanilla scent, and even the sweet alcohol on her breath. His body surged with lust and adrenaline, making his heart pound in heavy thumps against his ribs. Christ, he'd never had such a powerfully visceral reaction to a woman before. He'd had a few drinks tonight, but that wasn't it. It might have helped, but no. It was all her. Julia Shay fascinated and mesmerized him. He had to have her.

He gazed deeply into her eyes, and she didn't look away. She didn't even flinch.

“Come with me,” he murmured.

She didn't move. “Where?”

“Out of here.” Quick as lightning, he leaned in and nipped her bottom lip. “I think I can give you what you . . . believe in.”

“Do you,” she whispered. Her eyes sparkled with challenge.

“You know I will,” he whispered back.

Her lips quirked. “Mm-hmm. But we can't. Boss.”

“We
shouldn't,”
he corrected her. “But we
can.
And we both want to.” He reached out to brush a lock of her thick hair behind her ear, then let his fingers trail ever so softly along the side of her neck. Her skin was warm and velvety. He heard her breath hitch and felt a flash of victory. She wasn't impervious to him. Far from it. “The attraction here, the pull . . . it's insane. We both feel it. We've been dancing around this for weeks.”

“For good reasons,” she said, but her voice was thick and her eyes had darkened with lust, giving her away.

“Yes. That's true.” He traced her jawline next, dragging his fingertips slowly, never dropping his eyes from hers. “And I've never crossed this line before. I hold to that rule as firmly as you do. . . .” He moved his hand up and swept her thick hair back over her shoulder. “But you know what? We need to have this one night. Like you said, no strings, no ties. Just some crazy hot, throw-each-other-around-the-room sex. One night only. Get it out of our systems. Sound good?”

Her eyes were almost black with passion. “Hell yes. If you can stick to the no-strings rule.” She paused before saying, “Dane . . . I do want you. But I want to keep my job more.”

His fingers stopped at her chin. Tipping it up, he looked into her eyes and said solemnly, “Julia, one thing has nothing to do with the other. I swear I wouldn't do that to you.” He saw the flicker of doubt in her eyes and continued, “You have a strong contract. I can't fire you without cause. And come on, why would I want to?” He caressed her cheek, her neck, and used his most persuasive tone. “We're adults. We're professionals. I can keep these things separate if you can.”

Uncertainty loomed in her gaze, battling the haze of lust he'd seen blazing there.

He leaned in, gently cupped her face in his hands, and brushed his lips against hers slowly, testing. Her mouth was warm, soft, and willing, so he kissed her. Gently at first, he sipped from her lips, coaxing her. She opened to him, kissing him back, touching her tongue to his, lingering. Need and desire clawed inside him, and he took her mouth with hungrier kisses. Her fingers slid into his curls and she pressed against him, matching his demanding kisses with heat of her own. She gave as good as she got as they grasped at each other, curling into each other's arms. As the kisses deepened, the claws of need in his belly sharpened. He was so hard he had to shift his position, bringing a lusty whimper from her that made his cock throb.

He pulled back and whispered against her lips, “Come with me. Now. I swear you won't regret it. You can trust me on this.”