“Morning.” I nodded to Janet.

“Good morning, Mr. Storm.”

“Nothing good about it,” I said under my breath. Nothing was going as planned. This mess in Vegas, the late test results, and now Jordan. My gut wasn’t wrong, suspecting her recent attachment to Steel Archer.

Through my connections, I had learned that she hadn’t accompanied him to Lake Tahoe.

Thank fuck for small favors.

Once settled in the confines of my office, I lifted my laptop. The first email confirmed that I was definitely needed in Las Vegas if I wanted to move forward with this deal. And without a doubt, I did, so I had no choice.

“Janet, please let me know when Jordan arrives.”

“Certainly, Mr. Storm.”

I personally made the flight and hotel reservations for tomorrow morning. Then I replied to Star Group. Dispensing formalities, I sanctioned a meeting at my convenience.

I had worked too damn hard on this deal to let it all fall apart, without giving it my undivided attention. I had overlooked the simplest of details, and now I was paying the price for somebody else’s negligence. Even though my heart wasn’t in it, I would push myself to concentrate on saving the project.

Jordan stopped by my office thirty minutes later. Leaning on the door frame, I sensed the distance forming between us already, but since I had summoned her, I knew that I shouldn’t keep her waiting.

“It’s the Las Vegas deal I spoke about. I’ve confirmed a meeting on our behalf, and I’ve already booked flights for both of us tomorrow.”

“But you’ve never…”

She took a few steps forward, slowly approaching me.

I had her attention now.

“I need you on this trip. “I said. “They want the CEO to take part. I had no choice.”

Lie.

If for no other reason than to be in her world, as close as I dared.

I’d never taken a business trip alone with her in all the years we’d worked together. I’d never allowed myself to be that close, to be that tempted. I understood her confusion.

She was getting too close to Steel, and I wanted to protect her from his clutches. Or was it desperation? Fuck, who was I kidding? My motives purely stemmed from selfishness.

It didn’t matter if I wanted her; I couldn’t have her. Not until I knew. And as pathetic as it sounded, I didn’t want Steel to have her, either. I didn’t share well with others.

“You do realize I just got back last night?”

“Does that matter?”

I was acting like a dick, but her hesitation hurt, so naturally I struck back in anger.

“Apparently not.” Her voice was rigid. “Email me the itinerary.”

I could feel the frustration rolling off her, leaving uncertainty in its wake.

I attempted to avoid her the rest of the day, knowing she would calm down and be herself by the morning. But fate had other ideas, and when we accidently met at the elevator.

The doors opened, and lifted my chin toward the door, inviting her in first. Then I followed. She pushed the ground floor button, and somewhere between the sixth and seventh floor, we heard a loud crash, followed by the lights flickering. Then we were plunged into darkness. My heart jumped as I heard her quick intake of breath.

“What happened?”

“I don’t know,” she answered as her frustration escalated to another level.

Then I heard her sigh. Common sense told me to remain quiet, but instead, a thrill shot through me. Were the gods actually listening? I’d thought they’d wrote me off long ago.

I heard rustling as she blindly searched for her cellphone in the deep pockets within her bag. I pulled mine out of my pocket and found my flashlight feature, allowing the small space to glow. “

Thanks,” she said, but it was far from sincere. As she attempted to make a call, her gaze drifted toward the phone once more. “No signal.”

Several seconds passed.

“Aren’t’ you going to try yours?”

“Seems pointless.”

An argument was brewing between us, seemingly over the phones, or our present caged situation, but I knew it wasn’t what had her riled up.

“It’s the trip to Vegas, isn’t it?”

“Get over yourself.”

“You can’t possibly believe this is somehow my fault.”

Looking around at our small confines, I raised my arms dramatically.

“You’re not the sharpest tool in the shed, are you?”

“That’s harsh,” I huffed out. Then I sunk to the floor and prepared to wait it out. After a good ten minutes, I knew my battery wouldn’t last the duration of our stay.

“I have to turn my phone off to prolong the battery.”

“Wait, show me how to use mine. I can’t bear total darkness.”

My gaze faltered with compassion. Moving closer, our bodies touched, and the hairs rose along my arm when she handed me her phone, but her fingers felt cold.

“Here.” I watched her phone illuminate the four walls that surrounded us. “Are you cold?”

“A little.”

The anger she had displayed earlier was slowly fading, replaced with a sort of sadness I couldn’t name.

“Here.”

I lifted my arm, inviting her into my heat. I saw her hesitation, and I could admit it was wrong, but nothing could stop me from taking advantage of this rare opportunity.

She reluctantly moved her body closer as I rested my arm over her shoulder and cradled her into my side. Then her knees came up and rested against mine.

So, this is what heaven must feel like.

An electrical current buzzing with excitement bounced off the walls, and it was hard to contain. My body responded accordingly, flowing straight to my groin. Forcing me to face my own demons. She wasn’t mine. She might never be mine.

“It isn’t you, okay?” she muttered against my chest. Her gaze drifted up, reaching for mine, but I looked away. It was too dangerous, and I was a weak man. I would kiss her and touch her, and all those things were forbidden. As if I could forget.

“Good, I don’t want to fight.” I cautiously glanced her way. “Not with you.”

Then we felt a huge jolt, which caused her to wrap her body around mine. The elevator slowly descended back to its previous route.

“A truce?” she asked as she stood.

I followed, still wallowing in the bliss suddenly ripped away only a moment ago.

“Truce.”

I woke to gray skies, and between the lack of sleep and the trip today, I didn’t have the drive or focus, I’d need to negotiate terms with a company that’s creating problems where there shouldn’t be any. And there was Jordan. The tension between us yesterday ran thick. I hoped she had worked through it, but I was wrong.

 

The driver arrived at Jordan’s on time. I opened the door, signaling the driver that I had this. But Jordan was determined as she quickly approached with her suitcase dragging behind her. She was beautiful, in more ways than the obvious.

“Good morning,” I said.

“Ben.”

We were in the air for forty-five minutes, and yet she hadn’t truly spoken to me about anything of substance. Her one-syllable answers were a sign that something was wrong. She appeared deep in thought. I wanted to address it, but I decided now wasn’t the time.

The silence becoming thicker with each passing moment. I questioned the reason she had held back all these years. I knew what was stopping me, but what was stopping her? Was I keeping her bound to me in this loveless notion of a relationship?

This man, Steel. She felt something for him. I could sense it.

After the torture of the baggage claim and the line at the car rental, she continued to remain silent. As I put the SUV into gear, I hit my limit. I’d never been on the receiving end of a cold shoulder, at least not from Jordan. In the ten-plus years we’d known each other, we’d never even fought.

“Do you want to talk about it?”

I was at a loss. I had little to no experience dealing with a woman who was upset, especially if it was directed at me. The beauty of a noncommittal sexual relationship was that it typically never got that far. It’s all I’d ever had and wanted. Well, that wasn’t entirely true. I wanted it with the only woman I couldn’t have.

“I feel as if I’m needed elsewhere,” she said.

Was there trouble in paradise? Could I be so lucky? Damn, when had I become that guy?

Her phone chimed, and she eagerly retrieved it from her purse, reading and responding. She didn’t look my way, but I felt a subtle shift in her mood. Relief? Whatever it was, I used it as momentum.

The meeting was set for later that afternoon, which allowed several hours to regroup once we’d checked in. The conference room was booked with all the extras. I was to meet Jordan a few minutes prior.

The prospect of turning the tables back into the profitable business deal excited me. It was strategic, challenging, and usually rewarding. I wasn’t too eager to battle through insignificant details with a company that appeared to be inept, however, they were forcing my hand. 

I arrived first, soon followed by Jordan in her power suit. Her dark gray skirt and blazer were tailored beautifully to fit her curves. Feminine and professional, she had her hair tied in a casual knot at her nape.

“Ready?” I asked.

“Of course.”

And in walked the two owners.

“Would you care for a refreshment?” Jordan offered.

Both declined.

“Well, then, let’s get down to business. Have a seat.”

She handed out three pamphlets. I hadn’t even gotten a preview.

“Gentlemen, our original agreement was exceptionally clear, a well-defined meeting of the minds. Our goal was simply to build commercially on the property in which you were selling to us, and we all agreed on the essential terms required for this project.”

Her voice had strengthened.

“Our contractual agreement includes a timeframe, and within the contract, the terms allow us to purchase the property under commercial or residential. If you cannot supply the basic zoning permits allowing us to break ground, you’ll be in breach of contract. Now, if you wish to renegotiate terms, I assure you it will not be in your favor.”

I was more than impressed. She stood, reaching for a cup of coffee, never missing a beat. All eyes followed her as she held their attention.

“If the interpretation of the contract is unclear, I suggest you seek your own solicitor to explain the consequences of any future problems. The contract is legally binding, which obligates you to ensure that the terms are met.”

She was calm, serious, and in total control. It could have been a bloodbath, but the two suits were left without a fight. They uttered excuses and reasons as to why it had happened, but every point was crushed by Jordan’s skilled knowledge.

After what I had just witnessed, I didn’t anticipate any problems.

She stretched her hand out as they hesitantly shook both hers and mine.

Once we were alone, a smile appeared on her face. This bright, vivacious woman was fierce.

“I think we deserve a drink,” she offered.

“Yes, let’s celebrate.”

Once we reached the hotel lounge, I suggested dinner. As we were ushered into the back section overlooking the lights of the strip, I placed my hand gently on her back. Then I pulled out her chair as she sat, then took mine.

“Drink? What will it be?” I asked as the waiter appeared.

“A glass of house red is fine.”

“Scotch neat and make that a glass of red your best.”

“You look surprised, Ben.”

“Not surprised, just fascinated. There’s a difference.”

She had been born to do this, and suddenly the realization hit, and panic stirred beneath the surface. Was it in her blood as well as mine? That thought had me gnawing at my insides.

“I suppose.”

The drinks arrived.

“Are you ready to order?”

“Yes, I’ll have the filet, medium rare, and vegetables.”

“The same.”

I was still spinning from the thought that I could be sitting across from my sister. It felt as if I had fallen into a body of frozen water, drowning as the ices formed above me. I pushed it away, and until I knew for certain, I would bury those thoughts.

“Since we’ve wrapped things up so quickly, can you try to get us on an earlier flight?”

“Of course, as soon as I make it back to my room.”

I had no intensions of delivering her into Steel’s awaiting arms a day early. Fuck no. I had something entirely different in mind.

We enjoyed our dinner quietly, with minimal conversation. Yet within the comfortable silence was hidden anxiety, I shuddered at the constant reminders, the tick of the clock. With each passing day, it put our future in jeopardy. The closer she got to Steel, the more it would alter the course of my life, my happiness, and my hopes to be with her.

On one hand, I was curious to know where their relationship stood. On the other, it was likely that I wouldn’t like what I heard. I was playing with fire, getting burned shouldn’t surprise me.

I paid the check, and as we were waiting for the elevators, I couldn’t stop the thousand thoughts screaming in my head. We stepped in and were alone when the doors closed. I was praying for calm, but instead of finding peace, I turned to her.

“Have you ever been in love, Jordan?”

Her gaze snapped to mine.

“What are you doing, Ben?”

The words tumbled before I can stop them. I watched her, she was riddled with panic. Flustered and unnerved, I had rattled her cage. Did I wish I could take it back? No, I didn’t, because I’d just realized that I might have to fight in the end. I knew she had loved me once, but could she love me again? I believed she could. And just one fucking test divided us.

 

“I just needed to know, Jordan.” I was jumping the gun, I knew it. When the doors opened, she stepped out and looked over her shoulder, her gaze grew dark “Yes, Ben. A long time ago.” She parted ways, leaving me speechless.

I waited thirty minutes before I texted her about moving our flights.

 

Nonstop?

 

I knew she would only fly nonstop. Layovers frustrated her.

 

Nothing unless you want three a.m.

Just leave it then.

Thanks.

9:00am

 

Since I’m stuck, I’m going to the pool.

Okay.

 

So, no invite, just an FYI. I understood the consequences of my words last night. But it didn’t discourage me. I hurried down to the gift shop and bought a pair of men’s swim trunks. I was lucky they had any, and in black as well.

I reached the pool about ten a.m., casually drinking a to-go cup of coffee and toting my iPad.

From afar, I noticed her immediately. I was about to lose it when I saw the two scraps of orange material she was hardly wearing. Her luscious figure escaped at every turn. Her hair was slicked back as if she had just got out of the pool.

And once I was upon her, I was right. She was wet and dripping with water. The suit glued to her body proved it. Her nipples were hard and peeking through the wet fabric. My brain split, two thoughts racing through my mind simultaneously.

First: Not my sister.

And second: SHE’S NOT MY SISTER!

My semi-hard erection was instant proof that I had noticed every nook and cranny. I wanted to kill every pair of male eyes drooling over her at this very moment.

“How’s the water?”

“It’s nice, not too cool.”

“Can I get you anything?” Didn’t she own a cover-up?

“A towel, maybe?”

“Sure, I’ll have whatever you’re having.”

Forcing her eyes to flutter open, she looked up to answer. But I was caught off guard by her startling eyes. The sun had illuminated the golden flecks, causing the color to slightly change. The gold was now competing with the amber, and it was hypnotizing.

She placed her hand over her brow and squinted to see me.

I left for the juice bar and I returned to her side. Her back was revealed, her porcelain skin was smooth, toned and glistening in the desert sun. I sat an orange juice and a croissant on her table as she lay face down.

“You’re burning, here, let me.”

I took the bottle from her.

“What are you doing?

“Helping.”

It was dangerous ground, touching her so intimately. My hands brushed the nape of her neck and she shivered. I swept her long hair away over her shoulder with one hand and applied the sunscreen. She looked vulnerable. So pretty, soft, and feminine. This was precarious, but I couldn’t stop myself. I had never had the opportunity to touch her. Certainly not like this, not her bare skin, her body practically naked. I heard a sigh, a soft moan, and for one vile moment, I allowed my mind to play the scene out.

Then I shut it down as quickly as it had started.

“All done.”

I sat on the lounger next to her, the towel strategically placed over my erection. I ate my croissant and enjoyed my orange juice. I was thankful she was drifting in and out of sleep. I checked my phone, but there was nothing from the lab.

She turned as if she had just awoken. Then checked her phone, a smile appeared.

I couldn’t hide the hostility flashing across my face. But this was a chance to be curious, so I reined in the jealous monster and plastered a fake smile on face.

“Who was that?”

“It’s nothing, just Steel.”

Slam. My heart clenched.

“I didn’t mean to pry. I was only curious.” I slammed the orange juice down. “Alex has known Steel for years. His dangerous appeal usually attracts the opposite sex quite easily.”

“What are you saying, Ben?”

Her gaze hit me firmly, as if a warning had been declared.

“From what I’ve heard, Steel finds pleasure in the chase, enjoying the anticipation more than the prize. And once he scores, he’ll move on, seeking someone new.” I couldn’t stop myself. It was if I’d been possessed. “He sees your reluctance as a challenge, and it intrigues him. It excites him to draw you in.” It got worse. “You’re only a game to him, Jordan.”

I had self-control but chose not to use it. Instead, I was fueled by years of obsession. If it meant keeping her away from him, I would do whatever it took. Like lying my ass off right now. Regardless of how much she wanted him, I was the right man for her. Not him, and I was so close to knowing. I’d been so conflicted over years, of denying myself. The truth would be freedom from these chains, either way.

“You sound like your father,” she said.

Obviously, this was far from a compliment.

“I do? In what way?”

That was about the last thing I wanted.

“He would present himself with such intensity, holding everyone at arm’s length. His drive perceived as cold and ruthless.”

She sat up and reached for her breakfast, seemingly unaffected by her own words, even though they cut me deep, she carved out my heart and handed it back to me.

      “Is that how you see me?”

“Sometimes, like right now. Yes.”

My father, the bastard that he had been, had placed her within the company without my input, even though I was being groomed to take over the company. But no, he had just handed her the golden ticket—the CEO position—without so much as an explanation.

The no-touch rule had been strictly enforced, and for reasons I didn’t understand, until his death.

“My father believed any kind of weakness makes a man easy prey. People feared him and his ruthless reputation, but he was reckless at times.”

I was curious as to why I would defend him. I should have been slamming his reputation as we spoke.

“He was not an old ass-kisser, that’s for sure.”

Jordan’s smile matched mine.

“No, far from it.” I finished off my breakfast. “Did you fear him? Many did.”

My voice was hesitant.

“No, I saw a deeper side of him, a side he kept hidden.”

I watched her finish her orange juice, contemplating her words.

“But that doesn’t mean I didn’t witness the monster.”

I heard the remnant of hostility in her tone.

“I grew up with that monster. Alex, too. That’s the only side he allowed us to see.”

“Alex left, but you stayed. Why?”

“I was his legacy.”

And you?

The rest of the day we relaxed in silence. Jordan was reading, and I was working on my iPad. I ordered lunch to be brought to us out at the pool. And afterward, we retreated to our separate rooms.

She didn’t ask to have dinner, only confirmed our departure time. I understood, but privately I felt that our trip had been a positive one.

The next day flew by. The airport was a joke, but we got home earlier than expected. The car dropped Jordan off first. We said a casual goodbye, and I was left pondering my mixed emotions alone as the driver sped down the highway.

Then my phone rang.

Unknown, I almost ignored it, but this time, I didn’t.

“Ben Stone.”

“Mr. Stone, I have a Dr. Richmond for you. Can you please hold one minute, as I connect you?”

The sound of my beating heart played out like a marching band. I couldn’t form a single word. I was diving off a cliff, falling free-style into oblivion.

“Sir?”

“Yes, I’m here.”

Come on, elevator music. Fuck!

“Mr. Stone, Dr. Richmond here. I apologize for the delay. We ran into a small problem, but we solved it. We knew you wanted a one-hundred-percent indisputable answer. We have your results.”

“Please, Dr. Richmond, the results.”

I was hanging off a fucking cliff here.

“Negative, sir. No match. We ran it twice, so I hope it’s what you wanted to hear.”

Not. My. Sister.

“Thank you.”

I hung up and called Alex first with a quick update. He had a right to know, too.

I was experiencing a death-defying adrenaline high, as if I had been tossed out of a plane with no parachute.

The years of dreaming, the years of not knowing. All that anxiety. Now it was gone like smoke through the wind.

I was free. The chains had been broken.

Now, how was I going to win her back?