Recipe for Attraction (15 page)

“It’s probably for the best if you didn’t continue whatever it is going on between you,” Martin said.

“I don’t think that’s any of your business.” The nerve of this ass. Thinking that he knew what was in Carson’s best interest.
And you do? You’re the worst thing that could have happened to her.

“It’s a moot point, really. Do you really think a woman like Carson would settle for a man like you?”

“A man like me?” Neil tensed. It was one thing to know deep down that he wasn’t good enough for Carson—it was another thing entirely to have someone else agree. “Please, enlighten me.”

“Just because you inherited money doesn’t mean your past is erased, that it doesn’t count.”

“Typical.” Finn grunted. “You think you’re better than everyone else.”

“You don’t even have the Madewood name.” He’d directed that comment to both of them.

His mother wanted them to keep their own names as a reminder of where they came from. That despite whatever she may give them in their future, their past would help shape the men that they would become.

“Your mother was too ashamed to let the four of you have it.”

“Don’t you dare talk about my mother.” Neil lunged forward but Finn grabbed his arm, holding him back.

“Neil?” Finn’s voice a calming force. “He’s not worth it.”

He nodded. When Finn thought he was somewhat calm he let go, but didn’t let him get far. He wrapped his arm around his shoulders and huddled him close whispering words of reassurance that he didn’t register, the anger still seething, the blood still rushing in his ears.

“Did she know how many foster homes you went through before she found you?” Martin was egging him on. “Did you tell her that your father was in jail? Still is?”

“Shut your mouth.” Neil didn’t even know where his father was and this douchebag did?

“I think that’s enough,” Finn said. “Neil, let’s go. You’re driving, remember?”

Driving. He could do that today. He should focus on driving. Not this asshole clearly trying to goad him into doing something else that might cause a stir, like dropping him to the cement.

No, that would probably just end with Martin filing assault charges. Neil wasn’t going to take the bait.

He turned to walk away but he didn’t get very far before Martin spewed even more fighting words.

“I know all about your 9-1-1 calls and trips to the E.R.”

Neil froze. How did he know all these things? These were private files from his childhood that no one other than CAS staff and the courts had access to.

“Is that tiny caveman brain of yours trying to figure out how I know all these things? It’s not very hard to dig up dirt when you know people in high places.”

He paid someone off. That was a given. But who?

“When Carson and I are married—and we will get married if she knows what’s good for her—she’ll be able to keep the company she’s trying so hard to hold on to.”

Neil turned quickly to face him. “She’ll never marry you.”

“She will if she wants to erase her colorful past. No wonder you two got along so well. Trash does attract trash.”

Finn was ready a second time when Neil cocked his arm back.

“Such a Neanderthal,” Martin said. Then the douchebag pulled a small velvet box from his pocket. “All I have to do is ask.”

There was no way Carson was going to marry this guy. She couldn’t. She should love someone like…

Like him.

“You’re a slime. You’re just waiting to take the company out from under her.”

Did her father know about Martin’s intentions? Was he in on this plan?

Martin laughed. An evil, sneaky laugh. “Aw, did you think she was going to marry you?”

Neil lunged forward. This time, Finn didn’t hold him back. His fist flew in the air connecting with douchebag’s face. Martin reached up to his nose with both hands, his fingers already covered in blood as it seeped between his fingers from his nose.

The blink of a light flashed to his right. Then another. Photographers had huddle around them on the street.

Neil cursed loudly even after he noticed the microphone being held up to capture audio.

“You … I can’t believe you just hit me.” Martin brought one hand down to rub against his jacket. His nose, swollen and red and bleeding stared back at him. “Did you see him hit me?” he questioned the media. “Did you see what this throw away has done to me?”

“Where the fuck did photographers come from?” Finn shouted.

He was right. They seemed to swoop down just in time to witness his lapse in judgment. Again.

“Nothing to see here.” Finn shouted and waved his arms, doing his best to move the media away from Neil.

When the photographers didn’t listen, Finn grabbed one of their hands and scratched his own arm. “It’ll be a little hard to deny the accusation of assault I tell the police when they show up. “

“You’re fucking crazy, dude,” the photographer said.

“All of you…hit the fucking road.”

A very devious and underhanded move by the good brother. Neil was impressed.

The photographers dispersed and Martin got angry. “I paid you to record the entire encounter,” he yelled.

Paid? Why would he pay photographers to show up and…?

“You paid these assholes?” Finn asked. “Why would you do that?”

“To make sure Carson’s career is ruined,” Neil supplied. The pieces of Martin’s puzzle all coming into place. “And at the same time, make sure she stays away from me.” He struggled to control the anger coursing through him. “You were responsible for that video, weren’t you?”

“It is quite impressive how excited people get at the possibility of a Madewood sex tape.”

Martin hadn’t actually confessed but like a bull seeing red, Neil charged. He lunged forward and Martin actually bent, covering his head with his arms in terror. Neil stopped abruptly and fisted his hands at his sides. He wasn’t going to let this guy get the better of him again.

“Big mistake giving away all of your secrets. You’ll be hearing from my lawyer.”

Neil turned to walk away, but stopped when he heard Martin’s voice.

“I don’t think so, Mr. Harrison.”

Neil turned to face him. He’d finally straightened, his hands no longer covered his face.

“You will keep your mouth shut about everything that just transpired or you can be sure that Carson will never work in this city again.”

Kelly Designs was a company of less than twenty people. What made this guy think he had the power to make threats and impose fear?

Normally Neil would have taken it as an idle threat, but the fact that Martin could secure confidential information about his childhood made him think he had some kind of influence he could use against Carson. And Neil was going to find out this asshole’s deal. Even if he had to hire a private investigator to do it.

As for Carson, she needed to know about his true intentions. But Neil had already done enough damage to her career. He wouldn’t be responsible for completely trashing it. He knew that Martin meant what he said about ruining Carson. Hell, he’d done a damn good job of it already. He would stay quiet, for her sake, until he had enough information to nail this Martin to the wall. Information that no one—not Martin, not the security company, not Carson’s father—could dispute. In the meantime, he knew Carson was on to Martin’s game, if not the ugly turn it had taken the last few weeks. He just had to hope she was prepared for a challenge.

Neil let Finn drive him home. With the way his body vibrated in anger, getting behind the wheel wasn’t the best idea.

But after being dropped off at his condo, the time seemed to pass in slow motion. His home hadn’t changed over the last seven days, but it seemed emptier. The kitchen not as gleaming. The living room not as cozy. Something was missing. And it wasn’t furniture or a wall print, it was a feeling. A feeling that made anywhere, everywhere feel like home. A feeling he got only when he was with Carson. The night they spent together in that shitty cottage had been the best night of his life. And that place was run-down and falling apart with zero amenities.

Funny how he’d give up his condo to stay in a shitty cottage as long as Carson was by his side…

At that moment it hit him. He loved her. Loved everything about her. She had shown him the man he could be. The man he
wanted
to be.

Carson had some trouble ahead and there was only one way to minimize that trouble. He needed to make sure Martin didn’t get anywhere near her, didn’t hurt her in any way.

He powered up his laptop and searched for a private investigator. It would take time, but he still had a few days before the grand opening. It should be enough time to track down something he could use as leverage.

He would risk getting involved in her family business to keep her safe. Even if it meant walking away from her forever when it was over.

…

Carson took another sip of scotch. The ice tinkled against the glass of her tumbler. It was a soothing sound, a sound that made the sting of her earlier humiliation a little more bearable.

She had really done it this time. Stepped in shit and tracked it all over town. But this time it was her own shit. She had no one else to blame.

Well maybe Neil Harrison. If she hadn’t picked someone who was in the media spotlight, then maybe her hoo-ha wouldn’t be on the internet for all to see. And maybe her moans of ecstasy wouldn’t have ruined her career.

But she couldn’t be mad at him. Not in the slightest. She was a willing participant that night and if she could go back, she wouldn’t change one second of their time together. But she needed to keep her distance from the man who seemed to bring bad with him everywhere he went. Her career couldn’t stand another hit. As it was, it would be hard enough to rebuild it
without
Neil in the picture.

And
with
Neil in the picture?

No. She couldn’t risk everything for a man who only viewed her as a racing distraction.

Now you just need to tell him. The sooner the better.

A loud banging on her front door caused her to jump in her seat. She checked her watch. It was after nine pm. Who the hell would be visiting at this hour?

She tip-toed to the door and closed one eye, taking a look through the peep-hole.

Neil Harrison, that’s who.

She slid the chain across the bar and turned the deadbolt. When she opened the door she immediately noticed the helmet in his hand. “You got your license back.”

He nodded.

It was obvious something was on his mind. Tension rippled in the space between them.

“It’s late.”

His fingers tapped against his helmet. He was anxious. He had his helmet and he was anxious. He wanted to race.

“Going somewhere?”

He didn’t answer. She knew exactly where he was going and she knew exactly how he was feeling. And she would do anything to keep him safe. Now, more than ever.

In that moment she knew. Her brain flooded with images of Neil. The first time she saw him. The first time they went head to head over a design concept. The first time they kissed. She couldn’t possibly…

She shook off the thought.

This was supposed to be over, but here she was, moments from letting walk him through her front door even if it meant once he was done with her, he would walk away and never look back.

“Carson…we need to—”

She stepped out into the hallway and rested her finger against his lips. “Shhh…”

His eyes widened, as if shocked at her actions.

“I know what you need.”

“Carson…”

Carson grabbed the edges of his jacket and pulled him inside, kicking the door closed behind him. She grabbed the hem of her T-shirt and lifted, removing it from her body. He hesitated for a moment, his eyes darting from the floor to her breasts. She’d never had to convince him before, but his hesitance didn’t last long. His helmet flew behind her. She faintly heard the sound of it hitting the ground. His hands reached up and grabbed both sides of her face. She yelped just before his lips came down on hers.

Their mouths parted, tongues tangled, Carson grabbed his hips and pulled him tighter, fusing their bodies together. Neil leaned forward, his leg kicking back to slam the front door shut.

After the loud bang, he twirled her around, walking her backward until her back met the door. He grabbed her hands, securing her arms above her head. There was nothing gentle about his actions. And she loved every second of it.

“Let go,” she whispered. “Take me.”

Fear skittered across his face, but she ground her pelvis against his to catch his attention.

“I trust you.”

Neil attacked the waistband of her jeans, pulling open the fly, shoving his hands down the back to cup her bottom before he pushed them down her legs. Carson removed her bra. He kissed his way up her body, calf to thigh, the top of her mound, and set up camp at her nipples for a minute or two. When he stood at full height he kissed her, urgent, needy, just like his hand that had found her achy flesh between her legs. Carson reached behind and grabbed his wallet knowing exactly where the condom would be.

He pulled down the zipper of his jeans and reached inside removing his rock-hard length from inside his boxer briefs. She sheathed him and before the wrapper even hit the floor he was inside her. His pelvis thrust in hard quick movements, every push knocking her against the door. Her neighbors were getting a good show.