Blake
I was halfway to the security office when the front door swung inward with a soft whoosh. I shot an obligatory glance over my shoulder and immediately did a double take, blinking several times to make sure my eyes weren’t deceiving me. As if it had a mind of its own, my body slowly turned toward Victoria. The sight of her knocked the breath from my chest as she swaggered forward, hips rolling sensually with every step.
Holy shit. I had to be hallucinating. This wasn’t the Victoria I knew. Her three-inch heels tap-tap-tapped across the floor, increasing my heart rate with every staccato beat. Long, dark tresses hung freely around her shoulders with a slight curl at the ends, bouncing as she walked. The red V-neck blouse showed off the tiniest hint of cleavage and nipped in at her trim waist, and the black skirt she wore hugged every curve, stopping just above her knees. And sweet baby Jesus… those shoes.
I gaped at her, frozen in place, as she closed the distance between us with each step of those fuck-me heels. Her gaze met mine for a brief second before she dropped it to the floor and bit her lip, her expression bashful yet flirtatious. Was she even aware of what she was doing? Unable to move, still not quite believing this gorgeous woman in front of me was the same doctor I’d held in my arms last week, I stood rooted in place as she brushed past me and punched the button for the elevator.
What the hell? Following every movement, I watched her step inside before turning toward me with a seductive flip of her hair. The provocative smile she shot my way as the doors closed made me want to lunge after her, pull her into my arms and ravage her mouth, run my hands over every curve exposed by those sexy new clothes.
Who the hell was this woman and what in Christ’s name was she doing? Nearly a week ago she’d sat splayed across my lap, meek and insecure. Today, she strode across the room like the world was hers for the taking, along with everyone in it. This woman could bring a man to his knees with a single look—and I’d be the first to fall at her feet.
Since I’d known her, Victoria had covered herself basically from head to toe in shapeless dark suits that did nothing for her. Today’s outfit was the polar opposite, flattering and highlighting her best features. What had happened over the weekend to bring about this radical change? Ice streamed through my veins as an unwelcome thought hit me square in the chest. Could she have a date tonight? Something akin to envy washed over me, leaving a bitter taste in my mouth.
She intrigued me, triggered my protective instincts, and although I didn’t know her know her, my body did. Deep down, my body had recognized hers and the chemistry between us was so thick I could have cut it with a knife. I’d been with a good number of women but none who stirred me down to my very soul as Victoria did. Now that I’d gotten a taste, I wanted more.
Still unsettled, I swiped my key card through the slot on the wall and stepped into the room. Benny called this the security office, but he didn’t do much back here except glance occasionally at the screens linked up to the cameras positioned around the building, watching clients come and go. I’d ordered another half-dozen cameras, one to be installed on each floor—except Victoria’s—and a couple more at the main points of interest. The wiring and components were all sitting in a box in my office at QSG. Once the cameras arrived, I hoped to get everything hooked up by the end of the week. I wanted to make sure that Victoria was safe, even after I was done here.
“Anything happening today?”
The building manager shook his head. “Nope. How about you?”
I let out a sigh. The job paid well, but I was getting a little burnt out with nothing to do. Not that I should complain. Any day spent watching the sexy doctor come and go was fine in my book, and today was better than the past week. Part of me couldn’t help but wonder if her worries were unfounded. Maybe the murder was just a streak of bad luck on her part. There had been no communication since then, and the expense to keep me here would be astronomical by the end of the temporary four-week period that I was scheduled to stay on.
I’d missed a call from Con this morning and I needed to touch base with him. Just a week ago, he’d offered to take over my position here. There was just one little problem with that… She was five-foot-two with pouty lips and long brown hair that I wanted to wrap around my fist while I explored every inch of her petite, curvy body.
I hadn’t spoken with him over the last few days, so he knew nothing of my encounter with Victoria last week in her office. There was no way I couldn’t see her anymore, especially after today. The only question was, did I stay on as security or let Con take over so I could see her outside of work and not be associated with the bad things that had happened recently? Would it be better to be the lover or the savior?
Maybe I could be both. The last thing I wanted was to not see her at all during the day and miss my opportunity with her. If I picked up another gig that took me away from her, would she forget all about me? No, I couldn’t risk that. I’d stay on for now until I got a better feel for things.
Pulling out my phone, I tapped Con’s number. After two rings, the call connected.
“What’s up?”
“Not much. Everything’s been quiet.”
“Glad to hear that,” he returned.
I took a deep breath. “Hey, change of plans. I’ll stick to the original contract.” Benny didn’t know anything about my original plan to let Con take over, so I didn’t elaborate.
Con’s end was silent for a few moments before he spoke. “You sure?”
“Yep.”
“Did something happen that I need to be aware of?”
Other than the fact that I’d kissed my client and told her I wanted to fuck her? “Nope.”
“Okay.” His voice was hesitant, and I could practically hear the wheels spinning, trying to figure out the real story. “Grab a beer later?”
Let him grill me once I’d tossed back a couple too many? No thanks. “Maybe another night. Rain check?”
“Keep your dick in your pants.”
“It wasn’t…” I stopped before I could incriminate myself further.
“That’s what I thought. You sure you don’t need me to come in?”
Anger burned in my stomach. “No, I’ve got it.”
“Keep me posted.”
The line went dead, and I shoved the phone into my back pocket with a huff of irritation. Motherfucker. I glanced at the computer screen over Benny’s shoulder, watching as Dr. Kate Winfield made her way through the doors, her husband on her heels.
Benny made a low sound in his throat. “Think there’s trouble there?”
I glanced at the screen where Steve Gerber stood toe-to-toe with his wife in what appeared to be an intensely heated conversation.
“I’ll go check it out.” It would give me something to do and get Victoria off my mind for a few minutes, at least.
Pushing open the door, I strode into the lobby just in time to see Steve grab Kate roughly by the arm and jerk her toward him. Red flashed across my vision and I was across the room before I realized it. “Hands off!”
Steve immediately released Kate and jumped back at the sound of my voice. His eyes darted wildly in my direction, a mixture of surprise and loathing filling the depths.
Disregarding the asshole for the moment, I turned to Kate. “Is everything okay?”
“I… I’m fine.” She smoothed down her blouse and pushed her hair behind her ears. “But he has to go.”
“I’m not going anywhere.” Steve grabbed at Kate again and I planted a hand firmly against his solar plexus, shoving him backward.
Steve coughed roughly from the contact, and I pointed at him. “Touch her again and I’ll lay your ass out. Understand?”
“Who the hell do you think you are?”
“Security. I’m here to make sure our staff and clients are safe.” The man’s eyes glimmered with hate but he gave a jerky nod, and I stared him down for a moment before glancing back at Kate. “What’s going on here?”
“He’s not supposed to be here. We’re going through a divorce right now and today is my day for appointments, but—”
“Until the paperwork is finalized, I can go wherever the hell I want, whenever I want,” Steve bit out. I shot a warning look his way, and he fell back a step with a glare at his soon-to-be ex-wife.
“Anyway,” Kate continued, “he was waiting outside and followed me in to harass me about the proceedings. You need to leave,” she directed at her husband.
“Not until we talk.”
Kate threw her hands in the air. “We have nothing to talk about. Go to hell, Steve, and take the bimbo with you.”
“Don’t be a bitch,” Steve shot back. “You’re just pissed that she’s younger and more beautiful than you.”
Uncomfortable at witnessing the details of what was obviously a very messy divorce, I intervened. “Dr. Gerber, I think it would be best if you leave. If you put your hands on your wife again, I’ll have you arrested for assault.”
“But—”
“It wasn’t an option. You’re leaving.”
“This isn’t over.” With one last glare at his wife he shoved the door open angrily and stormed outside.
I turned back to Kate. “You okay?”
She nodded, but her hands shook. “I’ll be fine. Thank you.”
“If something like this is happening, we should be aware of it so we can put precautions in place.”
Kate dropped her chin. “I know, I’m sorry. Things were going okay for a while, but… Ugh, I can’t wait until this is over.”
I nodded. “I understand. This is a public space, so I can’t stop him from entering without a restraining order, but I can keep him away from you if that’s what needs to happen.”
“Please. I just… He’s not dangerous, he’s just an idiot. I don’t want to deal with him at work, too.”
“Has he been bothering you at home?”
She shrugged. “Just little stuff. He’s been calling a lot, showed up a couple times.”
“Listen.” I pulled a card from my pocket and handed it to her. “If you think you need someone to watch over your place for a few days, deter him, let me know. I’ll recommend one of my buddies. They’ll take care of him.”
A smile curved her face as she slipped the card into her purse and adjusted the strap over her shoulder. “Thanks. I’ll keep your offer in mind.”
I studied her for another moment. “You sure you’re okay?”
“Yes. Thank you again.” She took a few steps away before turning back. “Victoria was right. You’re a good man, Mr. Lawson.”
Momentarily taken aback, I froze, unable to respond. Finally, I managed a little nod. “Thank you, Dr. Winfield.”
She strode away, leaving me to ponder her words. Victoria had been talking about me? That was a good sign, right? Hell yeah, it was. A slow smile spread across my face. It was time to make some rounds, see if I could catch a glimpse of my pretty little doctor.