Payne nodded to the people he passed as he went down the hall. Since he has been there before, none really questioned him on what he was doing here. He went into Chailyn’s outer office and noted her assistant wasn’t at their desk. He went to her office door and knocked on the open door. Chailyn pushed her thick curly hair back from her rich honey-toned face. She looked up and he was caught by her golden gaze. She didn’t show any expression when she saw it was him.

“Hey Payne. What brings you by?”

“Just came by to see you.” Payne held up the bag her held. “Also brought some lunch just in case you haven’t eaten yet.”

“Hilton went to get me a sandwich from down the street.” Chailyn said.

He was disappointed.

“But I can take that home for dinner.” Chailyn waved him in. “No way am I passing up a meal from Callahan’s. Come on and gimmie.”

“Why do I feel the only reason you want me to come in is for the food?” Payne laughed.

“Because you are a smart, smart man.” Chailyn rose from behind her desk. “Let’s eat at the table.”

He stepped inside.

“Close the door.”

He lifted an eyebrow at that.

“Just so we have some privacy.” Chailyn went to the rounded table that was a little away from her desk.

He did as she asked and closed the door. He crossed the expanse of her office. It was spacious and luxurious. He went to the table and set the bag down.

“Seeing the bag makes me know it’s been too long since I have been to Callahan’s. I need to go there.”

“Admit it, you just want to ogle my brother.”

“Damn right.” Chailyn laughed and sat.

“Wolfe has that effect on women.”

“A woman loves a man that can cook.” Chailyn said.

He emptied the bag, putting her meal before her, and his on table before the chair right next to her. The drinks he set before them.

“Also your brother is all snarly sexy. Makes you want to know what would make him well not snarl.” Chailyn put her elbow on the table then hand under her chin.

“A lesser man would be offended by the way you seem to be longing after my brother.”

“Longing after his recipe for bread pudding.” Chailyn blinked her eyes enticingly. “If you know it then maybe I’ll long after you.”

“I do but can’t tell you. My brother would kill me.” Payne laughed. “He loves messing with all you women who try to entice some of his various recipes you love out of him.”

“Yeah. “ She sighed and picked up her fork. “And he won’t give it up no matter the enticement we offer.”

“He’s made of stern stuff.” He picked up his own fork and opened the take out container.

“Yeah so are you.”  She speared a carrot. “I was wondering how long it’d take you to come by. You won me some money.”

“What?”

“We had a bet going on in the office. People chose dates that you would come by.” Chailyn smiled. “It wasn’t me who started it. You have Raina to thank for that.”

“It figures.” Payne shook his head. “Makes me wonder what dates the others chose?”

“Doesn’t matter, I chose today, knowing once you had your mind set on something you go after it. No waiting. So I picked today.”

“How much did you win?”

“Enough that our date tonight is on people here in my firm that bet.” Chailyn laughed.

“We have a date tonight? I thought you were taking your sandwich home for dinner?”

“I didn’t say which dinner.” Chailyn smiled. “It could be for tomorrow or the next day or a while from now.”

“True.” Payne lifted a bite of chicken and ate it then spoke again. “So where are you taking me to dinner?”

“Why do you think I am taking you?”

“You said you won money and it is enough for our dinner.” Payne stared at her. “So technically you asked me on a date. And I want to be wooed well. Are you up for that?”

Chailyn narrowed her eyes at the challenge he had put in his tone. He stifled a smirk. He knew it would get a rise out of her.

“You think you are slick by challenging me.” Chailyn smiled wider. “I like that. So be ready at seven. Dress nice.” She paused and looked at him. “Then again you always look that way.”

Payne smoothed his hand over his well-tailored suit. Chailyn reached over and took his hand and held it in hers.

“I especially like you in this dark-grey with thin blue stripes. It enhances your eyes.”

“Ok.” Payne wasn’t sure why she was complementing him.

“You act surprised that I would notice you and say something.” Chailyn leaned forward. She smoothed her thumb along his hand.

“That’s a good way to say it. Just not used to you saying things to me.” Payne picked up his fork.

“Well get used to it. How can I woo you, if I don’t say nice things?”

“Is that why you said what you did?” Payne smiled.

“No.” Chailyn stroked his thumb down his hand before she let him go. “You do look good. And you usually do. I just didn’t feel I should say something before.”

“Now I’m curious why?” Payne took a sip of his drink. “Friends complement each other.”

“We are friends but we both know that isn’t what we are to each other.” Chailyn looked at him. “I was thinking about you last night and what you said. Denying that for years we have been circling this attraction is now pointless. So let’s see what happens and go from there.”

Payne was surprised by what she said. But then again Chailyn was a thinker. And if she said she went home and thought about it then she did. From what she said, she had made some decisions. That those decisions were in favor of them was a step in the right direction.

“Ok.” Payne leaned forward. “So tell me how your days going?”

“No. Oh no. You tell me what is happening at your work.” Chailyn ate some more. “I know you all were testing a new prototype and more importantly messing with Jameson’s vehicle.”

“Which do you want to hear about more?” Payne asked.

“Both. We have time and you can always tell me the rest later on our date.”

“Ok then. For the prototype we were able to get the problems we were having straightened out. A…”

He told her about what they had been working on. Many things they were working on was secret so they didn’t have anyone trying to steal it, but he trusted her. Not just because she was Atkins’ family, but for how she was. He was looking forward to their date later.

* * * * *

 

Later Payne stared at Chailyn who was beside him. After lunch he returned to his office and got some stuff done but he had still been thinking of her. When work was finished, he’d went home to get ready for their date. It had taken him longer than usual. Most people thought because he was always so well put together that he took a long time to dress. That wasn’t the case.  Yet he’d found himself second guessing himself. In the end he had said screw it and just went with his instinct. Now that they were on his date, he was happy he had. Chailyn had again complimented him and not just verbally. It was in the way she looked at him.

“Having fun.” She stated.

Even though it wasn’t a question he answered. “Yes.”

He leaned back and watched the dancers on the floor. The club they were in was owned by a friend of Chailyn’s. The place was nice with great music and wonderful food. He’d never been to the place or heard of it. He made a mental note to mention it to Wolfe. He’d like the place and the atmosphere.

“Yeah. It is a great place for a first date.” Payne glanced again at the dancers.

“Jillian, my friend, will be glad to hear that.” Chailyn pushed her shoulder against his. “And now we have had dinner and some drinks. Before dessert I want well some dessert. Come on let’s dance. Show me those moves.”

Payne stood and held out his hand to her. Chailyn took it and rose. She came to him already moving her body. He moved with her as he led her to the floor. They passed other tables and people still eating. When they were at the dance area, he pulled her into him. Chailyn snuggled into him and he moved with her. They moved together as if they have been dancing together a long time. She moved with him and he held her as the sound of the music flowed around them. The live band was good and even when they were at the table it made them tap their foot in time with the music.

Chailyn placed her hands on his hips and pulled him closer. He rocked against her and they moved in time. She gyrated her hips and rolled against his frame. Payne slid his hand under her hair and into the lock at the base of her skull pulling her close. He leaned down and kissed her. Chailyn opened and then stroked her tongue along his as they moved. They swayed as they kissed. All the sounds around them faded and all he knew was her. Payne pulled back staring into her golden gaze.

“Let me get you home.” Chailyn smiled. “I’ll drop you off.”

“Ok. Are you free for another date tomorrow?” Payne started to lead her off the floor.

“Yes. Where we going?”

“I’ll surprise you. Since tomorrow is Saturday. Let’s start at eight o’clock in the morning.”

“An all-day date. I can’t wait.”

Payne couldn’t either. He already knew where he was taking her.

 

* * * * *

The next morning, Chailyn stepped out of the vehicle as Payne held open the door. She moved away and he closed it then stood by her side. Chailyn looked around at the beautiful landscape.

“This is perfect.” She smiled at Payne.

“Let’s go for our hike.” He went to the passenger side of the truck and took out a backpack.

He shrugged into it then closed the door. Payne held out his hand and she placed hers in his. He led her to the head to the trail then they headed off.

This is going to be a fun date. Wonder what else he has planned for the rest of the day.

 

 

* * * * *

 

Weeks later Chailyn picked up her beer and took a drink. The cool brew was nice to have in this steamy weather. She lowered the bottle and leaned back in the chair.

“So you and Payne.” Raina said as she dropped onto the chair beside her.

Chailyn set the bottle on the table. “Yes.”

Raina smiled at her. The twinkle in her eyes made Chailyn roll her eyes.

“What are you up to now?”

“Nothing.” Raina said.

“Liar.” Morgan said as she sat on her other side.

“Uh huh. It’s an evasion of the truth.” Raina retorted.

“Not a very good one.” Chailyn said.

“I wasn’t trying for a good one.” Raina waved her hand with her own bottle of beer she held. “You’ve been dating each other for weeks. Yet you haven’t said much about it.”

“My business.” She glanced across the yard to where Payne stood.

“I know. Yet you are sort of co-hosting this month’s game day with Payne, that we are having at his place.” Raina poked her in the shoulder. “And the last one we had before this one, you and he came together. Yeah you all didn’t make any big statements that you were together but people know.”

“And yet no one else has said anything.” Chailyn shrugged her off and glared. “Poke me again and I will hurt you.”

“They haven’t said anything but they thought it.” Raina said. “I’m just the one who said something.”

“Yeah Raina, you are always leading the charge.” Morgan said dryly.

“I know. I’m so forward thinking.” Raina flipped her off.

“Among other things.” Morgan drank from her own beer.

“So what is up with you and Payne?” Raina said.

“My business.”  Chailyn said.

She looked toward Payne again.

“And that is the tone I was going for.”

She focused on Raina. “What?”

“That tone that says mine.”

She frowned. “I don’t know what you mean.”

“You’ll figure it out.” Raina pulled out a deck from the pocket of her t-shirt. “Now whose up for some Uno.”

“Deal me in.” Morgan said.

“Me too.” Chailyn added.

She didn’t know what Raina was getting at but the woman wouldn’t tell her even if she asked. So she didn’t waste her breath to ask. As Raina started to deal the cards others came over to join them. They were outside since it was so nice out. The others moved tables and chairs closer and they set up for a game. As people settled she noticed that no one sat by her side. She didn’t see Payne and wondered where he was. Suddenly he came into view from the glass doorway leading from inside. He came across the yard. She inhaled as she watched the way he moved.

“Here.” She looked to her left and saw Tiana.

She held out a napkin. Chailyn took it not sure why she was giving it to her.

“What is this for?”

“The drool you have on your face.” Sawyer—her brother’s girlfriend—said.

“She’s gonna need a bigger napkin.”  Asher—her sister and Chailyn’s cousin girlfriend added.

The rest of the family and friends all started to add in their own thoughts. She flipped them all off and went back to watching Payne. He was almost to them. The man moved so sleek and sexy. Payne came to her side and pulled out the chair and took a seat. He leaned over and she met him exchanging a soft kiss. Those at the table broke into whooping and yelling.

“Shut up.” Payne said and winked at her. “You all know we’re involved so this is nothing new.”

“But it’s the first time you all are comfortable enough to well do that.” Atkins said.

He sounded off. Chailyn focused on him. Atkins face was closed off. She lifted an eyebrow at her brother.

“It’s gonna take some getting used to seeing you with him.”

“Just as it took some for us getting used to seeing you and Terrance with our sister’s.” Kane Ross—the oldest of the Ross siblings—said.

The other two, who were part of the triplets, nodded as well as the other siblings. Atkins looked at them and sighed.

“Ok. Point made.” Atkins focused back on them. “I’ll be more accepting.”

“Thank you.” Payne said to the Ross’s.

They inclined there head. Chailyn stifled a smile. She loved the Ross’s, they were all similar to Sawyer and Asher—blunt and fiercely protective. They had fit right in to the family and their circle of friends.

“Now for some Uno.” Kane said. “We need to unseat Chailyn from her winning streak.”

“You can try.” Chailyn laughed. “I’m lucky and been feeling even luckier these last few weeks.” She glanced at Payne.

He winked at her. Chailyn returned it and focused on the game.

 

 

Later that day as the sun set Chailyn stood at the door with Payne and saw people off.

“You all look good together.” Atkins said.

“Good boy.” Sawyer patted him on the chest.

Atkins put his hand over hers and glared. Sawyer smiled widely. Atkins laughed and he held out his other hand to Payne. The men shook hands. Then Atkins and Sawyer left. Payne closed the door behind them. He turned to her.

“Why didn’t you tell me that Atkins was having issues with you and I? This is exactly what I didn’t want to happen.” Chailyn crossed her arms over her chest.

“Because it wasn’t that big of a deal.” Payne pushed his hands into the pockets of his jeans. “He needed time. We talked about it then I let him be.”

“Why didn’t you tell me?”

“Because you would have gone in and gone all Chailyn on him.” Payne smiled gently. “And then you all would have had words and each gone to a corner being stubborn as you all are.”

She lowered her arms. “You’re right. But I don’t want whatever we have to affect your and Atkins relationship.”

“You need to stop worrying about that.” Payne came to her. “Whatever happens between Atkins and I, is between us. Just like what is between us is between us. Now let me see you home.”

She stared at him and thought of what he had probably been putting up with the last few weeks. Knowing her brother the way she did, she knew how broody he could be. And how ornery he was when something bugged him. Payne may dismiss it but it was probably more than he said. Chailyn moved into him and she looked into his pale grey eyes.

“You are…Payne.” She cleared her throat. “I don’t want to go home.”

Payne eyes darkened. “Then stay.”

She closed the distance between them. Payne met her and they kissed.  She kissed him deeply. Reaching for his clothing she unbuttoned his shirt and pushed it off his shoulder before putting her hands into the side of his waistband of his sweats. She pushed those and his boxers off as he toed off his sandals. Payne tugged on her shirt pushing it off her. He stopped kissing her and took off the rest of her clothing. As he removed her bra, and then shorts followed by her panties, she kicked off her sandals. She moaned as her skin met his. Closing the distance between them again Chailyn kissed him and rocked against him.

“Chailyn.” Payne groaned.

He lowered her to the floor and blanketed her with his body.

He stopped. “Wait protection.”

Payne reached for his sweats and took out something from the pocket. She noted it was a condom. Payne put it on then returned to her. She held him and laid back. He kissed her and she cradled him between her thighs. Payne moved and then he gently thrust into her. She dug her fingernails into his shoulders and arched under him. He moved in deep and slow thrust.

“Payne.” She gripped him with her legs.

“Mine.” Payne whispered against her lips.

She met him kissing him urgently. She met his motions and countered them. Payne’s breath caught and he increased his thrusts. Chailyn held him close and clenched around him. Each motion made pleasure fill her and she moaned. He rotated his hips setting off more sensation. She whimpered and gripped his butt pulling him tighter against her. He moved and each one made her pulse race while desire filled her. Her lower belly tightened and she moved quicker.

“Please.” She grabbed him harder and arched.

Pleasure overcame her and she went over shaking under the force of her release. Payne stiffened then thrust once, twice, then a third time before he went slack. She held him through his own release. Payne slumped over her and she kissed the side of his sweat slicked side of his face. He turned his head and met her lips. They kissed lazily and he started to harden again. Payne sat back and rose. He took off the protection and tied it off. He held out his hand and she took it. Payne pulled her up and she stood beside him.

“I want you on a bed next.” Payne kissed her then spoke again. “That way we can take our time and get comfortable. I’m planning to take my time.”

“Yes.”

She followed as Payne led her to the stairs then up to his room.

I can get used to this. She walked with him and then thought of what Raina said earlier. And what Payne had said. Mine that was what he said and she now realized her tone earlier was the same sentiment. Payne was hers and she didn’t know when she had started thinking of him beyond when things stopped between them. Now she was planning to enjoy him as much as she could because she knew it would eventually end. She put her hand over her heart at that thought.