Alone With You Read online

  Ariel was still laughing as they got off the bus. “I’m beginning to think you just like scaring some men.”

  There was no need to comment. She had it right. He couldn’t explain why he felt possessive when it came to her. It’s how it was. Not that it appeared to bother her for the most part.

  He stared down at the top of her head. She reached his shoulder and he knew she would be perfect against him in bed. Steve had told him repeatedly not to ruin the easy relationship they had with her as a neighbour. At first he’d thought Steve had been interested in her in a sexual way, but his roommate had assured him that wasn’t the case. He just liked her and didn’t want there to be tension when it got messed up.

  After producing the tickets at the gate, they walked in and headed for their seats. The ballpark was mostly empty, part of why they’d come so early. They both enjoyed watching batting practice.

  “Nice seats,” she said as she slipped into hers.

  “Got them from a client who said he couldn’t make the game.”

  “How’s the construction biz going? Or coming, rather?”

  “We’re staying busy so it’s nice. I think we’re about to get another client—boss was saying it was something big. Who knows.” He propped his feet up on the back of the chair before him. “How about you? Work going okay?”

  That was the one thing they didn’t talk much about. She was fairly tight-lipped on what she did—he knew she dealt with security but that was it. Only recently had she taken to letting them in her apartment with just an ‘It’s open.’ Took her a while to just walk into their place as well. But they’d been neighbours for nearly two years now and looked after each other. Wasn’t that difficult, they occupied the only two apartments on their floor.

  “Keeps me hopping. I’m sure I’ll have a lot to catch up on tomorrow. But I refused to miss Roxi’s wedding.”

  That comment reminded him again of the man who’d called her. “Right, the Marine.”

  “The Marine? Who…oh, are you talking about Helter Skelter? Yes, Recon Marine to be exact.” She grinned and waggled her eyebrows.

  He grunted and shook his head. “I need a beer, want anything?”

  “Beer and nachos.”

  Tuck got to his feet and walked off. Sure, it was great she didn’t mind eating in front of him, he liked that. But he despised the light in her expression when she spoke about Marines.

  He got some food for them and their drinks. She was sitting there, head bobbing to the music that played through the stadium as the Missions finished up their BP—batting practice.

  “Gonna get up and dance?” he asked with a grin.

  “I don’t know. I just may.” She sat up a bit more and reached for the stuff he handed her. “Thanks.”

  The game was exciting and close up to the end, when the Missions finally pulled off the ‘W’ against the Corpus Christi Hooks. He stood alongside Ariel for the final three outs as she cheered on the pitcher to throw strikes. At the final recorded strike, she let out a huge cry and hugged him.

  While it had happened previously at other games—it was how she was, she always hugged after a win—he revelled in each time she allowed this type of contact between them.

  “Thank you so much for bringing me.”

  “I can’t imagine Steve here.”

  “No, he prefers his basketball. But at least you have someone to attend Spurs games with.”

  “You should learn to like the sport.”

  She snorted and stepped from his arms. “Not likely, so don’t hold your breath. Not something I enjoy watching. I’m good for most other sports, though.”

  “Let’s get something to eat.”

  “Food’s on me,” she said, gesturing for him to file out with the rest of the fans.

  There was an image he could live with. Chocolate sauce, honey, butterscotch. Oh, definitely he could see any of those—or all—dripped all over her body as she lay there waiting for him to lick it off every single inch…

  “Great,” he managed to choke out.

  He manoeuvred her in front of him as they exited then went to the bus stop. It was a short ride later before they were seated at a table in a bar and grill. She had a rum and Coke while he had another beer. Chatter was light and flowed easily between them. He truly enjoyed spending time with her—unusual, if he wanted to think about it. Most of the time he hung with men, slept with women. But her, he liked hanging with. Doesn’t stop me from wanting to sleep with her, that’s for sure.

  They were on one of the last buses as they made their way back to their apartment. As they entered, he steered her away from the stairs. “Let’s take the elevator.”

  “I always take the stairs,” she uttered, her words nearly slurred.

  They were both buzzed.

  “Not tonight, babe.” He pressed the button and they waited for the car to arrive.

  Facing him, Ariel licked her lips. “I may not ever have the courage to do this again, Tuck Carter. So I’m going to do it now.”

  “What’s that?” he asked, staring down into her medium brown eyes.

  She did it again—licked her full, plump lips—almost distracting him. “I have to tell you something.”

  The elevator arrived and they got on. He engaged the button for their floor. “What’d you have to tell me, Ariel?”

  She waggled her finger in his direction. “You, Tuck Carter.”

  He grinned at her. “You’ve already said that bit.”

  “Oh.” Her lips pursed briefly. “Just so’s you know, I go through so many batteries because of you, it’s not even funny. And just once, I want to know what it’s like to kiss you.”

  Her proclamation stunned him and he stood frozen to the spot. Didn’t matter, Ariel was strong and jerked him to her, plastering her lips to his. A rumble rolled up from his chest and all sense flew out of the window as he gathered her up in his arms and intensified the kiss. Her taste, incredible. Her curves against him, sinful.

  In the back of his mind, he knew they’d just crossed some kind of line. Right here, right now. He didn’t give a damn. All that mattered was she was wrapped around him like a lover, like she should be. He’d face the consequences later.

  Chapter Two

  Ariel stirred slightly when her internal clock went off. Lord, she was sore. There wasn’t a part of her body that didn’t ache. Not in a bad way but in one she’d not expected.

  She could smell him around her. Tuck. The scent of his body and soap filled her nose and she didn’t bother opening her eyes. Every morning waking from her dreams of him, the moment she lifted her lids was when reality came crashing back in. She didn’t want that.

  I feel like I’ve gone rounds in the sparring ring at Basic. What the heck did I do last night? We went to the game then out to a bar.

  Realising she couldn’t ignore her screaming bladder any longer, she cracked open her eyes, unsure if she’d remembered to draw her shades last night before she stumbled to bed. Her breath caught in her throat as she found herself staring at walls, eggshell in hue. The shelves on them held books and a few things she knew weren’t in her room.

  Panic reached out its arms and gave her a large hug, welcoming her into the fold. Where the hell was she? And what was she doing thinking about Tuck if she’d gone home with someone else? The body behind her shifted and a hard physique rubbed against her. Sparks of longing flitted to life within and she had to clamp down on her lips to keep the moan from slipping free.

  Turning slowly, she peered over her shoulder to see whose bed she was in. If she’d thought her previous panic had been bad, seeing Tuck’s face right there in slumber kicked it into hyper drive.

  Oh my God. Holy fuckin’ shit. I’m in bed with Tuck? I’m in bed with Tuck!

  He slumbered on, unaware of her dilemma. His thick lashes rested upon his bronzed skin. Was it possible for someone to look better sleeping? She wasn’t sure, but he might be able to.

  Not what I need to focus on right now. I have to get
out of here.

  That was it. No more drinking. Yeah right. Okay, no more with Tuck in range. She wasn’t sure how this had happened but she had to get out before he woke up. Her fantasies of him were one thing but she’d not had plans to make them come to fruition.

  Slipping soundlessly from the bed and his warmth that had been around her like… Nope, don’t need to go there either. She jumped into her clothes, bypassing the panties and shoving them in her pocket. Shoes in one hand, she cracked open the door to his room and stepped through.

  Now, if she could just make it to the door. She tiptoed by Steve’s door and out into the living room. It didn’t matter. Steve Yost sat there on the sofa, a book in one hand and his coffee in another.

  “Morning, Ariel,” he said in his familiar drawl.

  Heat raced up her cheeks and she hoped he couldn’t see the redness because her face had to be flaming for sure. She blew a puff of air and shrugged hopelessly. “Don’t tell him you saw me, please.”

  “You know he’ll ask.”

  She shook her head, unable to deal with this right now. In her head, she imagined Tuck was waking up and on his way out to where she desperately wanted to leave.

  “I just… I can’t, Steve.” She bolted, making sure not to slam the door.

  Back at her apartment, she engaged the locks and slumped against the smooth wood, breath hitching, longing to curl into a small ball. What the hell did I just do?

  Possibly ruined a great friendship. That sucked—she truly enjoyed both of them. But she’d seen numerous times how he treated women he slept with so casually.

  Pushing up from the floor, she stumbled to her bedroom and subsequently into the shower where she took a long one until she could no longer smell his scent, which had embedded itself into her skin and mind. Beneath the pounding spray, she did her best not to recollect how it had been in his arms. Unfortunately that was easier said than accomplished. Her memory had returned full force and in doing so, didn’t leave a single experience untouched.

  Her phone was ringing as she stepped out from the bathroom with a towel about her midsection. Reaching for it, she checked the screen to see who it was before answering.

  “Greene.”

  “Ariel. You back?”

  “I’m back, Slater. What’s up?”

  Slater McKenzie was her boss and had recruited her to come to San Antonio to work for the company there.

  “Can you make it in today?”

  Could she? Hell yes. Not being home was a great way to avoid someone. “Absolutely. Just let me change”—she looked at her towel and figured he didn’t need to know that’s all she wore—“and I’ll be right in.”

  “No need to be dressed in business attire. It’s a day off so just be comfortable.” He hung up.

  Comfortable. A word she could agree with. Shucking the towel, she made her way to the dresser where she grabbed everything she would need. It didn’t take her long to dress then she shoved her feet into her canvas slip-ons.

  She gave her reflection a once-over as she hung the towel back up in the bathroom. Much better than wearing a skirt or pants suit. There were days she missed her uniform from the Marine Corps.

  “Well, the cammies. I could do without the skirts.” She clicked off the light as she left the room. Purse in hand along with her keys, she peered out of the peephole and shook her head. “What are you going to do, Greene, if you see him there? Head out the window and down the fire escape?”

  When she caught herself thinking it could be done, she sighed and left her place. Thankfully, there was no one else around. After locking up, she hastened down the stairs to the ground floor and quickly made her way to her vehicle. Her silver LR3 had been her gift to herself after she’d got out of the Corps. Not brand new—she’d bought it pre-owned and certified. Loved it.

  Before too long she was on her way, driving through the hushed streets of San Antonio. Showing her badge at the building security gate, she smiled at the man there.

  “Morning, Dale.”

  “Ariel. You’re here today?”

  “Got called in. You on all day or leaving soon?”

  “Just got here myself.”

  She nodded. He was a happy man who never failed to make her smile. “I’m sure I’ll see you later then.”

  “Yes, ma’am. Have a good one.”

  The bar lifted and she drove into the covered parking lot. Up on the fifth floor, she parked then got out. Alarming her SUV as she walked towards the elevator bay, which also held the stairs and doors to the building, Ariel couldn’t help but think back to waking in his bed. They’d not got much sleep and even now after the hot shower, she continued to experience the ache in her muscles.

  “Not sure how come I didn’t know whose bed I was in the second I woke up.” She shrugged off the memories and focused on not looking like a woman who’d just rolled out from beneath her lover before coming in.

  Slater was striding through the office when she entered. He raised his coffee mug in her direction as he took a bite of the doughnut he carried. She gave a brief wave in return, immediately feeling a bit self-conscious. Slater wore a suit—granted it was rumpled and stained, but he wasn’t in cargo capris and a T-shirt.

  “Meeting room. I’ll be back in five,” the man mumbled before vanishing from view.

  Ariel looked around—the place was deserted. She made her way to the meeting room and walked in. Papers, as well as empty takeout containers, were scattered over the large oak tabletop.

  Connie Ling, another woman at the firm, looked up and gave Ariel a tired smile as she entered. “He got a hold of you then? Good to see you. How was the wedding?”

  “What the hell is going on here, Connie?” A slight grin. “Good to see you as well. The wedding was wonderful. I’ll tell you about it later. Catch me up.”

  “I’ll do that,” Slater spoke from behind her. He moved past her to settle himself in the middle of most of the mess.

  Ariel made her way to that end of the table then placed her purse down in a chair and sat in one next to it. “I’m all ears.”

  Slater was a handsome man. A fit black man who had a mere sprinkle of grey at his temples and a gold hoop in one ear. He had tattoos on his arms they rarely got to see, for most of the time he wore a suit.

  “We’ve been asked to do a security plan for the new museum that’s being built.”

  She rocked back in the chair, still unaware as to why he was so stressed. “Okay, that’s not uncommon. What’s the—” She gestured to the mess before them.

  “It’s because of how fast they want it. The company they had gone with first”—he took a drink of coffee—“has been accused of some very unsavoury and unflattering things. So they’re distancing themselves. Anyway, they want us to go there the day after tomorrow and meet one of their builders so we can tell them where to install things.”

  “So you just got the plans?”

  “Yeah. I’m sending you. You can look over what they have planned and get an idea of what to suggest but I know you’ll have some other things to add once you’re there.”

  “You’re sending me?” She glanced to Connie for verification.

  The slender Asian woman nodded and gave her a grin.

  “Do they know how long it usually takes to come up with a plan? And for something the size of this?” She lifted one of the blueprints.

  “They’re desperate. Any delay and the opening will be pushed back. You can do this, Ariel. You have a knack for it.”

  She was humbled by his confidence in her ability. “I’ll get to work on it right away.”

  “You sure I didn’t take you away from anything at home?”

  Tuck’s image flashed in front of her face. “Nope. Nothing.” She blew out a breath. “So who am I meeting?”

  “A man named Pierce Carter. At eight in the morning.”

  Carter. That was Tuck’s last name. Shoving that thought into the darkest hole she could locate, she brushed off her hands. “Okay.”
>
  * * * *

  “Two days!” Tuck swore, slamming his water bottle down on the counter, sloshing some over the side. With a muttered curse, he wiped it up and dried off his hand. “Two fucking days she’s not once answered her door or phone.”

  Steve glanced briefly at him before returning his attention to the magazine he held. The remnants of their takeout dinner sat on the table behind Tuck, who scooped the trash into the bin.

  “Nothing to say, Steve?” He washed his hands and faced his friend. He’d expected to hear something previously from the man who’d been frowning at him for the past two days.

  “What do you want me to say, Tuck? I asked you repeatedly not to sleep with her and ruin the friendship we all had. You did and now it’s like she vanished.”

  “She kissed me in the elevator. What was I supposed to do?”

  “Keep it in your pants,” he replied without humour. “Not treat her like the any number of women she’s seen you parade through here.”

  He threw up his hands and stalked out of the room, only to return moments later. “She’s a grown woman, Steve. I didn’t force her.”

  “Never said you did, Tuck. Just like if she now never speaks to us again, you have to be okay with that.”

  Be okay with that? Was the man insane? “Hell no. She’s going to talk to us again. She’s not running.”

  Steve put down the magazine and stared at him. “What is it? That you didn’t get the chance to dump her first? Is that what has you so bent out of shape?”

  With a theatrical groan, Tuck reigned in his frustration and took a seat. “No. I wasn’t going to dump her.”

  “And she would know this how? Because your track record with women is such that it leads to people thinking of your commitment to commitment?”

  “I’m a single man, Steve, just because you don’t go out doesn’t mean I can’t.”

  “Never said that, man. All I’m saying is from her point of view, why should she be treated any different?” He sliced a hand through the air. “And no, I’m sure I’m not gay.”