Relentless Read online

  Lifting his head, the irritation was evident in Jordan’s face as he replied dryly, “I guess I haven’t gotten around to that, and I’m not sure how to get there. She’s going to be pissed.”

  “Bro, you’re a billionaire, what’s to be pissed about?” Ian gave his brother a sardonic smile.

  Jordan gave his brother an impatient look. “Oh, I don’t know, maybe because I’ve lied to her for a year.”

  Ian shrugged. “She’ll get over it. Just explain why you did it. Guys like us have to be cautious.”

  “I’m not so sure. She’s sort of upset because I’ve been planning on getting her into bed since I met her when she thought we were just friends.”

  “How could she possibly know that unless you told her?” Seeing the slightly embarrassed look on his brother’s face he said, “Oh man, please explain to me why you did that?”

  Jordan look slightly frustrated as he said, “She was trying to tell me we should just forget about last night since it was just one of those things that happened because we had been drinking. I had to set her straight and tell her I had wanted her from the beginning.”

  “So was she so drunk last night that she didn’t know what she was doing?”

  “Ian, you know me better than that! She had a little bit to drink, but she was totally aware of what she was doing.”

  “So you guys have crossed over from friends to lovers. Is she okay with that or does she want out?”

  “I think she’s still in an adjustment phase which is why I don’t want to give her something else to deal with. I’ve known from the beginning that I wanted her, but for her it’s different. She’s only seen me as a friend, but I’ve been waiting until the time was right to change our relationship. For me there’s nothing to adjust to since it’s always what I wanted.”

  Ian eyed him suspiciously. “Sometimes you scare me with the amount of planning you do. You’re relentless when you want something.”

  Jordan smiled, remarking in a dry tone, “I know, it’s part of my charm.”

  “So when are you going to tell her about the money and the company. She’s a smart woman, doesn’t she read the business section?”

  “Apparently not, because she doesn’t seem to have a clue. Thank God she prefers world events. She just thinks I work in e-commerce for some company downtown.” He paused before saying, “I’ll tell her when I feel she’s committed to me.”

  Ian shook his head. “Oh Bro, you’re still afraid she’ll only want you for your money aren’t you.”

  Jordan gave his brother an intent look. “I need to be sure.”

  “You’re being paranoid. It’s Michaela we’re talking about. Even I like her and I don't like anyone,” Ian said with a rueful grin.

  “I’ll tell her soon.”

  “Well then, I guess that’s that then. Should we go play squash now?”

  Jordan gave his brother an apologetic look. “We’re not playing squash because I need to grab some sleep, I didn’t get any last night.”

  Ian gave him a knowing smile. “That was some night.”

  Smiling in remembrance Jordan said, “Yes it was.”

  Ian rose from the sofa, patting his brother on the back companionably. “Relax Jordan, things will work out as long as you two love each other.” Ian made a face before continuing. “I can’t believe those sappy words just left my mouth. I want your word of honor that you will never tell anyone I said them, okay?”

  “Don’t worry about it. I’ve got other things to worry about than trashing your insensitive guy image.” Jordan assured his brother.

  “Thanks, you’re the best, I don’t care what mom says about you. So are you sure you don’t want to play squash today? I can probably reserve another court.”

  “Nah, sorry Ian, I’m beat,” he said letting the ongoing mom likes me best joke slide. He was too tired to spar with his brother.

  Ian leaned over retrieving his racquet from the sofa, looking at his brother with curiosity he asked, “So she’s it for you, huh?”

  “Yeah she is,” Jordan admitted, not knowing how to explain his certainty. He just knew they were perfect together.

  “I hope you’re right otherwise you’re a potential stalker. You know that’s what they call men who don’t accept ‘no’ for an answer. All that creepy planned seduction,” Ian informed him in his most pleasant voice, his not-so-innocent smile belying the devilish gleam in his eyes.

  Jordan knew better than to take his brother seriously, responding in kind he remarked calmly, “If you weren’t my brother I’d hit you.” Ian was working at getting under his skin and he certainly didn’t want to let him know he was succeeding.

  “Don’t worry big brother, I’m sure you’re right and she’s madly in love with you but just hasn’t realized it yet.” Ian paused briefly before continuing. “Hmmm, maybe you can give seminars on self-confidence as a side business. You seem to have an abundance of it.”

  “Ian, while I appreciate your in-depth analysis of my character including my potential as a stalker, I’ve got to get some rest.”

  “I’ll go, you don’t have to tell me twice. I won’t be the one to stop you from getting your beauty sleep,” he said as he headed for the door. “Keep me posted and let me know when the wedding is so I can squeeze it in to my busy schedule,” Ian threw over his shoulder with a charming grin.

  “You’re just a riot today aren’t you?” Jordan yelled after him as Ian went down the steps. Talking to his brother had made him feel better despite the good-natured ribbing. All he had to do was be diligent in his pursuit and eventually he would win her over. The woman was obviously crazy about him after all.

  Chapter Five

  After Jordan left, Michaela took a short nap, showered and got ready for her date. When the doorbell rang, Michaela had expected to see Jordan standing on her front stoop, not her friend Trixie. She stood there expectantly, an impish grin on her face and her green eyes sparkling with interest. “Tell me everything and hold nothing back!”

  Michaela did her best to look confused at her question. “Tell you what?”

  Trixie, obviously tired of standing outside, brushed by Michaela and striding into the living room, she plopped herself down on an overstuffed chair. “Don’t act all innocent with me. I was walking my dog by your house this afternoon, and who did I see leaving your place wearing the same tuxedo he had on last night, but your friend, and I am using that word loosely now, Jordan. And what’s with the Bentley?”

  Michaela followed her into the room as she wondered if she should just take an ad out in the paper. First her mother stops by unexpectedly and now Trixie sees Jordan leaving her house dressed in last night’s clothes. Couldn’t she have one intimate evening without the entire world knowing about it? Wasn’t she entitled to some privacy? Of course she was, and after this morning’s events she was becoming a bit fed up. As she took a seat on the couch she couldn’t help but recall the image of Jordan kneeling between her legs the night before. Feeling annoyed with herself and Trixie, she snapped, “Trixie, why don’t you mind your own business?”

  A stunned look crossed Trixie’s face, her voice was quiet and the hurt was apparent as she responded, “You’re right, of course. I am sorry I mentioned it.”

  Michaela immediately felt guilty. She plopped herself on the sofa as she said, “God, I’m sorry Trixie. I didn’t mean to snap at you. I’ve just had a totally messed up day.”

  “I’m sorry too, I didn’t mean to pry.” Trixie apologized contritely before admitting, “Well, I guess I did mean to pry, I just didn’t think you’d mind.”

  Michaela laughed. “At least you’re honest. Just to set the record straight, Jordan did spend the night here.”

  Trixie tucked her long dark hair behind her ear, leaning forward as if she hadn’t heard correctly the first time. “Can you clarify what you mean by spent the night? I feel like I’m missing something.”

  Michaela squirmed uncomfortably on the sofa. “I mean he spent the night wit
h me, upstairs, in bed. I think you get the picture.”

  “I’m starting to, but if you guys hooked up what’s the status of your relationship now? Obviously the friend thing is off the table.”

  “We may have crossed over the line, but I’m still not sure where we’re headed. Do you know he told me he’s been planning to get me into bed since he first met me? I mean, we were both with other people at the time?” Michaela’s voice raised in volume as she told Trixie what was bothering her.

  Trixie’s eyes widened and her grin widened as she digested this new information. “Wow that is so hot! He wanted you all this time? Don’t you think that’s a turn on?”

  Michaela was surprised by Trixie’s response. “It’s hot on one level, but think about it, he’s been planning this like forever while I was oblivious to what was going on in his head and now he’s like a totally different person.”

  Trixie sat back listening intently to Michaela’s words. Her investigative mind obviously clicking into place, “Hmmm, what do you mean by a different person?”

  “Well there are a couple of things that don’t fit with the guy I thought I knew. My happy easy going friend is this intense, sexual creature in bed, who, how can I say this…talks in a very explicit manner while we’re having sex.”

  Trixie eyes widened with surprise and she said slowly. “And this is a bad thing because?”

  “It’s not a bad thing, it’s very hot, but is doesn’t fit with the proper guy who has been my friend.”

  Trixie nodded. ”Hmmm, I think I see what you mean. What else is different about him since you…?”

  “So this morning when he woke up, I tried to tell him that we should just forget the whole thing because we’d been drinking and his reaction was unbelievable.”

  Trixie at this point interrupted. “Oh My God, please tell me you weren’t initiating your pre-emptive strike.”

  Michaela inwardly winced at the direct hit. There were some people who knew you too well, understood your thought processes too well, and Trixie was one of those people. Michaela doubted that anyone else would have detected she had tried dumping Jordan so she wouldn’t have to be dumped first. Trying not to look guilty, she answered a little defensively. “I did, but it didn’t work.”

  Clearing her throat and eying her with raised brows, Trixie said. “Details, I’m going to need more details than that. What exactly did he do and why didn’t it work?”

  “He was really pissed at me. I could almost feel the restraint he was imposing on himself. I don’t even think I’ve heard him raise his voice before this morning. Everything always seemed to just slide off his back, but this morning he just said, ‘No’ to my idea that we just remain friends, and then he said that we were lovers now and I was to ‘deal with it.’”

  “So he was the only rational one in the room while you were acting insane?” Trixie pause considering what Michaela had said further. “You weren’t frightened were you?”

  “No, I never thought he would hurt me if that’s what you mean. I was just so shocked at this side of him. He seemed like a totally different person. Instead of an easy going guy he was this controlling and demanding guy.”

  In a dry tone Trixie remarked, “Sex will do that to you.”

  “Okay come on Trixie, don’t you think it’s weird that he would be so different after one night of sex?”

  “A little,” she acknowledged. “Want me to do a background check on him to see if I can find anything he might be hiding? I’ll be very discreet so he’ll never know.”

  “Trixie, I’ve known the guy for over a year. I don’t need you to do a background check on him.”

  “Have you at least Googled him?” She persisted.

  “Why would I Google him? I know everything about him.”

  Trixie shrugged. “I think you should, it’s just good dating practice. You never know what you might find.”

  “Forget the background check, it’s not necessary. I didn’t meet him on an Internet dating website.”

  She put up her hand. “Okay, no background check. I get the message. If you want my advice, just keep sleeping with him and if he turns out to be a psycho, dump him. Normal dating procedure.”

  “That solves everything, why didn’t I think of that?” Michaela asked sarcastically.

  Trixie leaned back in her chair and asked, “So are you two dating now?”

  “Yes, we’re dating now. Anymore questions?” Jordan interjected striding into her home as if he lived there. Was the door open? Had she given him a key? She couldn’t even remember.

  “No, but I have some great work gossip.” Trixie responded in her most innocent of tones. Michaela was impressed at how Trixie had effortlessly changed the topic.

  She felt a thrill move through her body at the sight of him. Jordan stood leaning slightly on the fireplace mantle looking completely at ease. She couldn’t help but notice the stray lock of hair that fell off his forehead in an unruly manner. He had obviously showered and changed when he went home. He was wearing a set of brown dress pants and a button down blue shirt. The shirt looked like it had been custom made for his body the way it was fitted at his shoulders and tapered to his waist. He was so hot!

  Trixie's voice interrupted her thoughts to fill Jordan in on the latest office gossip, quickly covering up the fact that they had been deeply involved in conversation about him. “Well there’s this admin assistant in accounting that apparently dressed up as Marilyn Monroe and sang ‘Happy Birthday’ to one of the senior partners. The whole thing was apparently completely over the top.”

  Jordan laughed. “So who’s idea was that?”

  Michaela shook her head in disgust. “Jordan, how can you be so interested in my work gossip?”

  Looking completely unrepentant, he shrugged. “I never hear any gossip at my office. A guy has got to get his fix somewhere.”

  Trixie stood up nodding her head with understanding as she said, “Of course you do, any time you need another fix honey, just give me a call.”

  Jordan winked at Trixie flirtatiously. “I’ll be sure to do that.”

  Trixie sighed. “I guess I’ll be going since Michaela isn’t interested in what I have to say.”

  Michaela knew she was referring to her advice about Jordan and not about the supposed office gossip they had been discussing. She sent Trixie a warning look silently urging her to keep quiet.

  Trixie discreetly rolled her eyes at Michaela. “I’ll see you later. You two have fun, whatever you do.”

  Michaela, deciding not to take any chances, hurriedly pushed Trixie toward the door.

  “Okay, see you later Trixie.” Jordan said while watching Michaela’s curious antics with barely hidden amusement. When Michaela returned to the living room, he raised an inquiring brow. “Do you always shove your friends out the door?”

  Michaela’s eyes narrowed at Jordan gentle ribbing question. “Only when they’re bugging me.” Letting him subtly know that if he didn’t watch his step he could be next.

  “Gee, Michaela you’re awfully irritable today. Sex is supposed to put you in a good mood not make you crabby,” Jordan said as he sat down on the couch. The same couch where he had eaten her until she had come. As Michaela watched him make himself comfortable she couldn’t keep those passionate images from her mind. She could feel herself blushing at her own memories of her lying on the couch with her legs spread as he brought her to orgasm. She squirmed slightly as she felt her juices pool between her legs at her own thoughts.

  She took a seat next to him her voice slightly grumpy. “Maybe that’s a sign that last night was a mistake and we should forget about it.” Jordan leaned over and placed a hand on either side of her head. Michaela became aware of his spicy cologne; the heat of his body surrounded her, his presence consumed her. She was amazed she could still breathe by the time he whispered in a low husky voice, “I might have been able to forget about last night if it hadn’t been so hot…and….sweaty…and….completely fuckingtastic. I think it
’s a mistake worth repeating.”

  His lips were a mere inch from hers. She was lost. “Repeating?”

  His mouth closed over hers in sensual exploration. Lifting his head he laughed softly. “Yes, repeating over and over, but first I promised you a date and I always keep my promises. Besides you look too beautiful to keep home tonight.”

  She had dressed in a sexy midnight blue sheath that clung to her body sensually. She had definitely wanted to look sexy for him.

  “Dinner? Oh yeah dinner,” she said coming back to earth. “I am all dressed up. I hope you picked someplace nice.” Her good mood was restored by his kiss.

  “I think you’ll like it. Come on, let’s go,” he said.

  Chapter Six

  After they left her town home, Jordan drove them in his BMW, much to her surprise, to Le Select Bistro.

  As they got out of the car she asked with a little awe in her voice, “How on earth did you get reservations to Le Select on such short notice? This place has a six month waiting list.”

  Jordan looked surprised. “Really, well I must have gotten lucky and there was a cancellation.”

  She accepted his explanation as they entered the restaurant. She looked around, taking in the elegant understated French décor.

  The maitre’d approached them with a warm smile. “Mr. Marsh it is good to see you as always. I have your table ready for you and your guest. Please just follow me.”

  Jordan returned his smile. “Excellent, thank you John.”

  Michaela was surprised by the maitre’d familiarity. It appeared as if Jordan spent a great deal of time here.

  They followed the maitre’d through the restaurant passing a number of tables. Jordon had placed his hand on the small of her back guiding her while subtlety announcing his possession of her. His stride was confident, assured and he appeared totally at ease in the exclusive restaurant. Had she ever seen this side of him?