Chapter Fourteen
Mia
Holy shit, holy shit, holy shit! Brad was sitting next to me in a cab in New York City. If he hadn’t been watching me so closely, I would have pinched myself to see if I was dreaming. This couldn’t be happening. I’d been thinking the man had unceremoniously dumped me for the second time and now he was right here, thinking he was going to stay at my apartment.
My breathing was coming too fast; I was on the verge of hyperventilating. I had to pull it together so he didn’t see how badly he could affect me. My body felt as if there were an electric charge between us. It wasn’t the painful zap one got after running their feet over carpet. This was different. It was a sexual zap. My body was humming.
The moment his body pressed against mine and I felt the pecks on my cheeks would be forever ingrained in my brain. I had practically melted against him. It had felt too good, and that really pissed me off. I wanted to tell him to get lost, but my body had other plans. The chaste kiss on my cheek had me wet. If he could make me burn with just a simple kiss on the cheek in a public setting, I couldn’t imagine what he could do to me when he put his mind to it in private.
“Mia?”
I blinked. Had he been talking to me the entire time?
“What?”
“I think we’re here,” he said, pointing to my building.
The cabby was looking at me in the rearview mirror. “Here?” he asked.
I nodded, feeling like a complete moron. “Yes,” I said, fishing in my purse for money.
Brad gave the guy a twenty and opened the door to get out. He reached a hand back inside to help me.
“Thanks,” I muttered.
We stood on the sidewalk, staring at each other. I didn’t know what to do. I was afraid of what would happen if I took him inside. Not afraid, eager.
“You live here?” he asked.
I nodded my head. “Yes.”
“Do you want to go in, or should we stand here on the sidewalk a bit longer?” he asked with that playful grin on his face.
I took a deep breath. “Fine. We’ll go in.”
He opened the door and I strolled into the lobby. I couldn’t hide the pride I felt walking into the building with a man as hot as Brad. I didn’t bring many men back to my place, but the ones I had were not even close to being as good looking as Brad. He was hot—melt-your-panties, start-a-fire-in-your-belly hot. How had he gotten better looking with age? It wasn’t fair.
We rode up in the elevator, neither of us saying a word. Once we hit my floor, I walked down the carpeted hallway to my front door. I paused, key in hand, and looked over my shoulder to take one last look at the man.
He raised an eyebrow, questioning me.
I shook my head, slid the key in the lock, and pushed open the door.
“Damn, this is a nice place, Mia. You’ve really done well for yourself,” he said, looking around my condo.
I was proud of the place. It was comfortable and modern with little rustic touches here and there. I had hired a decorator when I first moved in, but the design had felt cold. Over time, I had slowly replaced little things with kitschy items that made it feel more like a home than a mausoleum.
I heard the door close and turned to look at him. He dropped his bag on the floor and stepped toward me. His arms snaked around my waist as he pulled me against his lean body. He was leaner than I remembered, but still just as hard. His chest pressed against mine, bending me backward a little with the force.
He let go of me as quickly as he had grabbed me.
“I’m starving,” he blurted out. “Please tell me you have something to eat.”
I stared at him. That was what he wanted? “Food?” I asked in disbelief.
He nodded. “I wasn’t going to eat airport food, and I went straight to your office.”
“I, uh… No. I don’t think I have anything. Do you still eat all that health crap?” I muttered.
He grinned and nodded. “I don’t call it crap, but yes, I prefer clean, healthy eating. You?”
I shrugged. I didn’t want to admit he still influenced me after all this time. “I’ll change,” I said, walking away from him.
He was very demanding. That was different. The old Brad was a more easy going. This Brad seemed like the kind of man who took charge in every situation. I wasn’t sure if that was a good or bad thing. I was actually kind of turned on by it at the moment, though.
I walked into my closet and tried to find the perfect outfit for hanging out with an old friend. Most of my wardrobe was high-end fashion or sweats. I didn’t have a lot of in between. I dropped to my knees in front of a drawer where I knew I had a few pairs of old jeans. I hoped they still fit. I slid them on, left my white blouse on, and put on a pair of spring wedges.
When I returned to the living room, he was staring out the windows, looking at the Hudson River.
He looked at me and smiled. “This is an amazing view. I knew you would get everything you dreamed of.”
“I’m ready.”
“Good. Where are we going?”
I shrugged. “What are you in the mood for?”
The look on his face told me exactly what he was in the mood for. That wasn’t on the menu.
“Let’s just walk and see what we find. It’s been a long time since I got to breathe and smell New York.”
I laughed. “I don’t know if you want to take too deep of a breath. The smell isn’t always that good.”
The elevator ride back down to the lobby was quiet. Once we hit the street, he wrapped his arm around my shoulders and pulled me into his side.
“I’ve missed you, Mia,” he whispered.
“I’ve been right here.”
He chuckled but didn’t say anything more.
“How about vegetarian?” he asked.
I scoffed. “You’re a vegetarian now?”
“No. Not really, but I like to eat vegetarian when I can.”
I shook my head. “That sounds very boring.”
He laughed and ran his free hand over his chest and flat stomach. “You don’t get this by chomping down on hamburgers and pizza every day.”
I rolled my eyes. “I see you’re still struggling with your confidence.”
He laughed again. “Say what you want, but my body is a temple. I treat it very well. I would say you’re obviously eating right. Your body is smoking hot.”
“Stop,” I growled. He wasn’t going to flatter me until I fell into bed with him. “Here, how about this place?”
He looked up at the sign and nodded his approval. We walked in and were seated quickly since the lunch rush was already over. I scanned the menu, seeing nothing that looked all that appealing to me.
“I’ll order for you,” he said, taking the menu out of my hands.
I opened my mouth to tell him no way but quickly closed it. I was pretty sure it didn’t matter what I said. He was going to do it regardless.
He quickly ordered two veggie lasagnas with no bread. I tried to protest the ban on bread, but the man ignored me.
“Was that your boss earlier?” he asked.
I nodded and quickly told him the story about her love of dog clothes and how she and my mother knew each other.
“She seems nice,” he commented.
“She is.”
“How’s your mom?”
Sighing, I told him about the cancer and her recovery. He was floored by the news. “Wow. I had no idea. I’m so glad she’s okay now.”
“Thank you. So am I. So, what have you been doing out there?”
“Surfing,” he said with a grin.
I nodded. That explained the permanent tan he was sporting. “Sounds fun.”
“It is. I love it and spend as much time at the beach as I can.”
We ate our meal, sans bread, and then strolled around the city a bit. He claimed he needed the exercise after his flight. I thought it was because he was homesick and wanted to remind himself of what it was like here in the city. After that, we headed back to my apartment.
“Do you drink?” I asked once we got inside, afraid to bust out the bottle of wine.
He shrugged. “On occasion.”
“I’m going to have a glass of wine. Do you want some?”
“Sure. That’d be great. Thanks,” he said, settling his large body on my couch.
After filling two glasses, I carried them into the living room. I paused, looking at him. His arms were spread out across the back of the couch. It was all very surreal. The last time I had seen him, it had been similar picture. He had been on my couch and I’d been bringing him a drink.
“Here,” I said, handing him the glass and sitting on the opposite end of the couch, cursing myself for not having more furniture.
“I don’t bite,” he said with a smirk. “Unless you want me to.”
I ignored his comment and reached for the remote to flip on the TV. I needed to fill the quiet in the room. If it was quiet, he would want to talk. If he talked, it would probably be about the stupid pact. I didn’t want to hear about it.
He seemed content to watch the news with me, for now. It was only eight o’clock, but I was ready to go to bed. I needed to get away from him. Breathing the same air as him was making me crazy. I could smell him and practically feel the heat radiating off his body.
“I’m going to change and get ready for bed,” I announced, practically jumping off the sofa.
I pulled on my favorite leggings and a long T-shirt. I wouldn’t be sleeping nude tonight, not with him so close. I went to the linen closet and found a blanket, then realized I didn’t have extra pillows for guests. I’d never had a guest sleep over before. I yanked one off my bed and took it to the couch. He wasn’t there.
“Figured I’d get comfortable, too,” he said from behind me.
I spun around and nearly creamed in my panties. He was standing there wearing a pair of gray sweats and socks. He was shirtless, and holy fuck, he was gorgeous. I had a sudden urge to run my hand over his bare chest. I wanted to lap at his nipples. My tongue darted between my lips as I thought about licking every inch of that smooth, tanned skin.
“Oh,” I said, my mouth suddenly dry. “Here, blanket,” I said, holding up the items before dropping them on the couch.
He laughed. “I’m not sleeping on the couch.”
He walked down the hallway and pushed open my bedroom door. My eyes went wide when he walked inside like he owned the place.
I followed him into the room. “What are you doing?”
He crawled onto my queen-sized bed and made himself comfortable. “I thought you said we were going to bed. It’s a little early for me, but I don’t mind.”
I stood there staring at him and his boldness. “Brad, this is my bed.”
He nodded. “I know, and this is where I’m sleeping. Get in.”
I shook my head and turned to walk out of the room.
“Mia.” I paused in the doorway. I didn’t want to, but he had used his damn radio voice on me. “Where are you going?”
I turned and glared at him, angry at him and his attempts to get his way. He knew what he was doing; I’d give him that. “To the couch,” I told him.
He folded his hands behind his head and leaned against the pillows, just grinning at me. “You know, there’s a perfectly good bed right here,” he said, nodding at the empty space next to him. “And this might look a little hard”—he patted his bare stomach—“but it’d make a good pillow and would keep you warm.”
I gave him a look of disgust and turned from the room, his laughter following me all the way to the couch.
After fluffing the pillow and unfolding the blanket, I snuggled into my bed for the night. The problem was, it was not nearly as comfortable as my actual bed. It felt like the gaps between the cushions were trying to suck me in. I tossed and I turned, trying all manner of positions, but I just couldn’t fall asleep. It didn’t help that I kept imagining Brad half naked and lying in my bed right down the hall.
Why was I letting him kick me out of my own bed anyway? After all the crap he had pulled today, showing up announced after eleven years—and at my office to top it off—I deserved a good night’s rest.
He was probably asleep by now anyway. I’d been out on my dumb couch for over an hour. Determined not to let him have all the control, I quietly grabbed my pillow and tiptoed into my bedroom. I paused, listening to his breathing. It sounded steady, like he was fast asleep.
I walked around the bed and crawled underneath the covers, being careful not to accidentally touch him. I lay flat on my back, my arms at my sides, and stared up at the ceiling.
“Relax, Mia. Go to sleep. You’re safe with me,” he whispered.
Oh, I was definitely not safe with him.
Chapter Fifteen
Brad
My eyes popped open, and I realized I was not in my own bed. I blinked a couple times, staring at the unfamiliar ceiling. I was in Mia’s bed, which meant it was her left leg thrown across my thighs and her arm over my chest. My arm was under her lithe body. It was tingling a little due to lack of circulation, but I didn’t want to move. I wanted her to stay just as she was. I could feel her hot breath brushing over my chest as she slowly inhaled and exhaled.
My hand moved under her, touching the exposed patch of skin between the waistband of her leggings and her T-shirt. I used my fingertips to draw little circles over the bare spot.
She shrieked and sat up. Her shirt was twisted around her breasts, showing me more skin.
“Brad! What are you doing?”
She picked up a pillow and hit me in the face as I laughed at her minor tantrum.
“What do you mean what am I doing? I’m just lying here,” I said, all innocence.
She jumped off the bed and stood there, staring down at me, both hands on her hips. Her eyes drifted over my chest and further down. She made a strangled sound when she saw the tent my erection was creating under the sheets. She couldn’t be that surprised.
“Sorry. It’s natural.”
She spun around and walked into the bathroom. I laughed and threw off the blankets, needing some serious coffee. I walked into her kitchen, saw all the fancy gadgets, and had no idea where to start.
“Fuck,” I groaned, just wanting some coffee.
Who didn’t have a coffee machine? I pulled open the fridge and found a variety of yogurt, cheese, and a few cans of soda. I hated soda, but at least it was diet. I grabbed one and took a long drink from the can. Clearly, she didn’t eat at home often. I slammed the fridge door and wandered into the living room to the large bank of windows that rose high above the city.
I wanted to get out and see the city. I wanted to stroll through the park and see all the life. I had missed this place. I wondered if she would be interested in playing tourist for the day. She probably didn’t even notice the beauty that surrounded her. To her, it was all boring, everyday stuff. I wanted to see it with fresh eyes and hoped she would share that with me.
“What are you doing?” she asked from behind me.
I turned around, and all thoughts of seeing the city vanished from my mind. Mia was standing there in a pretty light blue sundress. Her hair was piled on top of her head in the sexiest messy bun I’d ever seen on a woman. She looked absolutely fuckable.
The erection from earlier sprang back to life. I wasn’t ashamed of my response to her. I used my hand to adjust myself, my eyes on her the entire time.
Suddenly, I didn’t want to leave the apartment. I wanted to stay inside all day and fuck her over and over. I wanted the woman every way possible. She was nervous, though. I didn’t want her to be nervous, so I took a deep breath and shelved the idea of sex. We needed to rekindle our friendship before I pushed her. I wanted it to be natural.
“Let’s see the city today,” I blurted out before she took off running.
“What? You’ve see the city.”
I walked toward her. “Not like that. Like tourists.”
She laughed. “Brad, we’re not tourists. I mean, I guess you kind of are a tourist since you haven’t been here in forever.”
I nodded. “Exactly. Show me the city.”
“I have to go to work.”
I grinned and shook my head. “No, you don’t. Helga said you had the day off. She wants you to spend it with me.”
“She was joking.”
“No, she wasn’t.”
I stepped toward her, putting the can of pop on the coffee table before putting my hands on her hips. “Please? Let’s just walk around the city. We can go to the park, maybe do a little shopping at those tourist traps. I want one of those cheesy little Statue of Liberty things.”
I looked into her eyes, silently begging.
“Fine, but I have to check in with the office first.”
I smiled. “Perfect. I’ll get dressed.”
I walked away and heard her mumble the word “good” under her breath. That made me chuckle. She wasn’t completely unaffected by my presence.
My bag of clothes was light. I wore shorts most of the time in LA. It wasn’t quite as warm here, but I figured the walking around would keep me warm enough.
“Can I take a quick shower?” I asked, coming down the hall.
She nodded. “Sure. You can use mine. The other one doesn’t have anything in it.”
I could tell it made her a little uncomfortable. “I brought my own stuff. I can use the guest shower.”
Once I was ready, we left her building and stopped at an outdoor café for a quick breakfast. She drank coffee and ate a doughnut while I stuck with a bowl of fresh fruit and green juice.
“Where do you want to go first?” she asked.
I shrugged. “I don’t care. I’m at your mercy.”
A glimpse of the old Mia appeared at that. I knew the very second she shucked her anger and was ready to hang out and have fun with her old friend.
“Well, I’m ready. Are you?”
“Let’s do this. Should I buy a camera—so I blend in better?”
She laughed. “No one carries a camera anymore. It’s all about the phones.”
I nodded. “I knew that.”
“Let’s go.”
We started down the sidewalk, and I took her hand in mine. She didn’t protest and easily accepted the contact. The day was beautiful as we strolled through the open-air markets. I picked up a T-shirt for Jaxon that said “I heart NY” and a few trinkets for Tina and her kids.
Mia and I fell into easy conversation. I told her about Tina and Jaxon and a little about my life in LA.
Her phone rang when we stopped for a bottle of water.
“I have to take this,” she said, taking a step back.
“That’s fine. Do you want anything else?”
She shook her head and walked over to stand in the shade. I grabbed the waters and walked to her. I stood next to her while she talked to someone about her schedule the following week. I couldn’t stop myself from running my finger over exposed collarbone. She looked up at me, not stopping me. Goosebumps jumped out all over her skin. I had to stop myself from lowering my mouth to that dainty area.
When she ended her call, her eyes came up to meet mine. “Thanks,” she mumbled, taking the bottle of water.
“Ready to go to the park?” I asked her, hoping she would say no and demand I take her back home and fuck her.
I didn’t get so lucky. “I am.”
“Everything okay with your work?” I asked.
She nodded. “Yep. Just getting my schedule ironed out for next week.”
We walked through the trees, her hand still in mine with the bags of goodies in my other. “This is really nice.”
She giggled. “Are we seriously so old that we think a stroll through the park is nice?”
I laughed. “I think we must be. I’m not even sad about it. I don’t care what it makes me, except happy. And I’m really happy being here with you.”
“Brad, I don’t—”
I stopped her. I didn’t want her to protest anything. Not yet. She needed to give us a chance before she decided to hate me.
“Let’s just enjoy today. This is fun, right?”
She nodded. “It is.”
“What do you want to do for dinner?” I asked her.
She laughed. “Can we focus on lunch first?”
“Do you want a nice dinner, or do you want to pick up some pho and stay in?”
She shrugged. “Let’s see how the rest of the day goes. You want to go to a museum?”
I grimaced. “I don’t know.”
“Come on. Have you ever been to any of the many museums here in our lovely city?”
I had to think back. “I think when I was in, like, middle school. Like a field trip or something like that.”
“Good! We’re going!”
She grabbed my hand and pulled me off the bench we had just sat down on. “I haven’t been to a museum in forever. I want to go and just be normal. I don’t want to have to look at what people are wearing or anything like that. Let’s just go be Brad and Mia.”
I loved her enthusiasm. “Let’s do it. But, uh, Mia? What museum? Aren’t there, like, a hundred around the city?”
She stopped walking. “I don’t know. We can do the Metropolitan. Or how about the Smithsonian? What tickles your fancy?” she teased.
I shrugged. “Lady’s choice.”
Before I knew what she was doing, she was hailing a cab and we were headed to the Met. The art wasn’t exactly my thing, and there was a lot of it, but I could appreciate the beauty of some of the pieces. It had been a long day, and eventually we were both ready to grab takeout and head back to her place.
“I never knew sightseeing could be so exhausting,” I said, wrapping my arm around her shoulders and pulling her close to me.
She sighed. “No kidding. I’ve lived here my entire life, but I don’t think I have ever seen as much as I have today. My feet hurt. You should have told me we were going to be doing a marathon.”
“I’ll massage them for you when we get back to your house,” I told her in my radio voice.
I felt her body shiver against mine and smiled. The woman was not quite as immune to me as she pretended to be.
“I’ll be fine.”
“I want to,” I insisted.
“Here,” she said, switching the subject. “We can grab something to eat. How about you pick up the food and I’ll grab a bottle of wine. Unless you want something else?”
I shrugged. “Wine works for me.”
She turned to walk away. I took a moment to appreciate the sight, and it was a damn fine sight to see. I brought my attention back to the restaurant I was standing in front of only to see a woman standing off to my left, eyeing me.
I smiled at her, and she said, “She’s pretty.”
“Yes, she is.”
“Don’t worry, I’m not hitting on you.” She held up her hand and wiggled her finger, which sported a large rock. “Happily married. I was just thinking you guys are a great-looking couple.”
“Thank you. She is a beautiful lady. I’m lucky to have her.”
“Yes, you are. Good luck to you both.”
I ordered our food and met Mia outside. “Ready?”
“I am. Do you want to take a cab?” she asked, clearly exhausted.
“If you want. Or I can carry you,” I said with a grin.
She laughed. “No way.”
I shrugged. “Suit yourself. Want to carry me?”
She rolled her eyes and stuck her hand in the air in one smooth move, but it seemed a Friday evening was not the best time to hail a cab.
“Let’s keep walking while you keep trying. Maybe lift that skirt a little to grab their attention.”
“Ha. As if it were that easy.”
We finally got a cab to take us the rest of the way. I felt a little stupid for getting a ride for such a short distance, but I knew Mia was beat. I didn’t want her completely exhausted. I had plans for that beautiful body and wanted her alert—if she let me carry through with them that was.
***
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