Breaking Braydon Read online

  “You won’t change because you can’t? Or because you don’t want to?” I was curious which one it was.

  “A little of both, I suppose. Although, recently, I’ve thought about at least trying to change.” His gaze shifted from my eyes to my lips.

  Every single cell in my body exploded at that moment. Desire, like I’d never experienced before, richocheted through me. I thought I felt it even in my hair; every strand seemed to stand on end. I wanted to run. I wanted to jump him. I wanted; I just wanted. Why did he have to say that?

  At that moment, the waitress approached our table and asked if everything was okay. No! I wanted to say. How could anything be okay when I wanted this man, the very man who was most dangerous to me, to my vision, my goals? He would destroy me; I knew he would.

  “Everything was great, thank you,” Braydon answered. Good, because I couldn’t talk. He gave me a slight smirk. Darn, he knew what he did to me. Did he really want to change for me? I raised an eyebrow.

  “Maybe,” he said softly.

  “No,” I said as I shook my head. I didn’t want to get my hopes up.

  “Perhaps,” he returned.

  “Nope,” I reiterated.

  “Possibly,” A gorgeous, heart-stopping smile curved his lips.

  I smiled in return. “Never.”

  He laughed. “Okay, you win. Anyone ever tell you that you’re stubborn?”

  “All the time.” I grabbed my sweater and purse and headed toward the door.

  ***

  “This has been the longest day of my life.” I slid into the passenger seat in Colin’s car for the ride home.

  He cleared his throat. “I heard about what happened in the lab today.”

  “What? How did that leak out already?” Oh hell, this was bad.

  “Becky told Ali, Ali told Emily Rose, she told Kate who then told Beth.”

  “So, basically everyone knows.” I groaned with frustration and embarrassment.

  “Yes. I’m sorry. I tried to warn you.” He peeked over at me.

  “Keep your eyes on the road. I’m fine.” With that part, at least. “I haven’t talked to Erik again, you know, after, but I hope he just had an excited moment, and that will be the end of it. You heard about our breakthrough today?”

  “Yes, of course. The gossip about you and Erik was just a bonus.” He smiled and winked.

  “I’d hit you right now if you weren’t driving,” I snapped.

  He continued to laugh. “Oh, come on. You’ve got to admit, it’s rather funny. What was he thinking?”

  I tried to contain my giggles. “He wasn’t thinking.” Now that I had some distance from the situation, I saw the humor. “You should have seen his face when Martin tapped on the window.” I broke into peals of laughter. I knew I shouldn’t, but really, who does that?

  “You’ve gone and broken his poor heart. You’re a heartbreaker.”

  My breath caught. “You don’t actually think I hurt his feelings, do you? I mean, he has lots of women to choose from. He’s wealthy, smart, and gorgeous. So, I’m sure it was a pity pass. Right?”

  “Jain.” He drew my name out in the most exasperated voice. “Why do you always do that?”

  “What?”

  “Sell yourself short. He didn’t make a pass out of pity. He wants you. I’ve already told you. Now, don’t go feeling guilty. He should have never done it the way he did. That was a big mistake. I think you were right, I believe he was overcome by the test results. But, even still, I think he would have eventually let his feelings be known. You have some decisions to make.”

  “What kind of decisions?”

  “The kind where you tell him if you’re going to give him a chance or shoot him down like all the others.”

  “There are no others.” What was he thinking?

  “How about Edward from 3D?” he asked.

  “Edward. Oh. He just asked me for coffee. I didn’t have time that morning. Remember? We had our conference that day.”

  “And Patrick, the man we always run into when we pick up Thai food.”

  “The guy in the business suit? How did you even know his name?”

  “He gave you his card and asked you to call him.”

  Hmm. Forgot about that one.

  “And then there’s Paul from accounting. He’s been asking you to lunch once a month for almost a year.”

  “He’s just friendly. I’m sure he asks everyone out to lunch.”

  Colin shook his head.

  “He doesn’t?” Oh, hell.

  “He’s never asked me, or anyone else in the company as far as I know.”

  “Oh.” It grew quiet in the car.

  I’ve always known I was closed off, but I never realized how much. A lot, apparently.

  “You’ll be happy to know I almost jumped out of my seat and attacked Braydon right in the middle of Angelo’s restaurant today,” I said proudly.

  I might as well have told Colin aliens had just landed by the expression on his face.

  “You did what?” He pulled the car to the side of the road and turned toward me.

  “I didn’t say I did anything. I almost did. Almost being the operative word. Just calm down, I didn’t ruin anything. I’m not going to mess up our funding with a potential relationship. But for the first time in forever, I actually felt like I wanted to be with someone. So, there’s still hope for me, don’t you think?”

  He didn’t say anything at first. He reached over and held me close. It was a comforting hug, although I was a little squished with the steering wheel in the way.

  After a few minutes, he said, “Yes. There’s hope for you. In fact, I don’t want you to hold back because of the funding issue. You should explore this if you have real feelings for this guy. I know it can be tricky with us all working together, but the kind of chemistry I witnessed between you two doesn’t happen every day. Hell, it doesn’t happen in every lifetime. You need to see where this might go.”

  “We’ll see him again this weekend at the Breast Cancer Fundraiser. Let’s see what he’s like in his element, around the people he usually hangs with. I’ve only seen him in small groups, so it should be enlightening. We’ll get a glimpse into his true character.”

  “I don’t know. People can be different in a party atmosphere.”

  “Exactly.”

  TWENTY-ONE

  Braydon

  I was nervous. I never got nervous. I checked my tie for the twentieth time. Still straight. Where is she?

  The catering company pulled out all the stops, and decked out the ballroom at the Paramount Hotel in the very best finery for the Thanksgiving holiday. I surveyed the room, taking everything in. They’d done an excellent job, as usual. From the expensive table linens and crystal champagne glasses, to the scented candles and sparkling silver service – all of it looked festive. I peered overhead at the lighting display hanging from the forty-foot ceilings. Strings of white globed lights crisscrossed their way across the huge room. This was where Bastion Medical would hold their fundraiser in February. I hoped they approved.

  Todd approached with a handshake. “Hey man, everything’s gone off without a hitch. Congratulations on another successful fundraiser.”

  “We’ll see about that when we tally up the donations tonight. It looks like a good group.” I scanned the room again.

  “Looking for anyone in particular?” Todd asked.

  “No. I’m just taking in it. Have you seen the Manchester’s yet? They brought their rich uncle.” That should distract him.

  “Yeah. I talked to them a few minutes ago. How about the team from Bastion Medical? Are they here yet?”

  Bastard. “I haven’t seen them.” I replied and tried to look bored with the conversation.

  “Uh oh. Now this should make the night interesting. Look who just waltzed in.” Todd moved his head toward the entrance.

  My breath caught. It was Angela, and she had her steely blues zoned in on me. This couldn’t have happened at a worse
time. I didn’t have a game plan. Revenge. I knew I wanted it. I needed it. Angela should be taught a lesson. I’d be the one who’d return the karma she deserved. Wait. I had to think about this. Jain would be arriving soon—I hoped. If I followed my usual routine with Angela, Jain would have a front row seat, witnessing the way I usually operated. She should see you as you are. But, was that me? Did I have to remain stuck in the past? Maybe I’d been waiting for Angela so I could get my revenge, hurt her like she’d hurt me, and move on. Could I move on without getting her out of my system?

  Angela was beautiful, stunning even. Every person in the room stopped to stare at her, both men and women. She walked gracefully across the room, making a beeline toward me. Think. Think.

  She stopped right in front of me. Her large eyes met mine. She let them close ever so slightly. This was her “come hither” look. I’m sure it worked for her on many occasions. She didn’t even glance at Todd.

  “Braydon Decker? I’ve wanted to meet you. I’ve heard so many great things.” She slowly passed her tongue over her lips. Could she be any more obvious?

  “Yes, I’m Braydon. This is Todd.” I turned toward him, clueless on what to do next. Or how to react.

  Todd stepped in, “Pleased to meet you. And you are?”

  She threw her head back and laughed. “Oh, I thought you already knew. I’m Angela. The Angela. I’m a Barthomew.” She placed her hands on her hips and raised her right eyebrow, waiting for acknowledgment. She was even worse than I remembered.

  Across the crowded ballroom, Jain, Colin, and Martin entered. They were wide-eyed, taking in the grandeur of the event. Jain had her hands pressed against her cheeks.

  My decision made, I turned back to Angela. “Please, excuse me. I have someone important to talk to.” I dismissed her; her mouth gaped open.

  “I’ll catch you later, Todd.” He gave me a quick nod. His face reflected a mixture of surprise and respect. I’d surprised myself.

  Angela moved in front of me, blocking my way. “I’d like to get to know you better. Maybe we could, you know, meet up and talk or whatever…” She put her hand on my chest and gave me a sensuous smile.

  I was immune. “Sorry, not interested.” And I left her for a second time.

  This time, she didn’t look surprised. She looked pissed. Rejecting her in front of a roomful of people was better than my original plan. It was honest. I didn’t lower myself to treat her as poorly as she’d treated me back in high school. But it was enough.

  As I got closer to the group from Bastion, I had to chuckle. Jain. She was wearing a white baggy dress with some sequins. It completely hid her figure, similar to everything else I’d seen her wear.

  I smiled. “Jain, you look lovely.” I heard a snort from Colin.

  “Colin, don’t you start.” She sent him a warning glance, but she was trying not to laugh at the same time. “Colin took me on a shopping trip at the mall for an appropriate dress. I think he hoped I’d wear something like the other women here.” Her eyes swept around the room. “Yeah, I missed the mark all right. Sorry.”

  “Don’t apologize, you look great just the way you are.” She didn’t look like all the other women, and that was a good thing.

  “Thanks.”

  We stood in the middle of the crowd smiling at each other. Whenever I was around Jain, it was as if she were the only person in the room.

  “Hey, guys.” Colin snapped his fingers between us.

  “Oh, sorry. How are you doing?” I shook Colin’s hand then Martin’s.

  “Please, make yourselves at home. As you can see, the food has already been laid out. In a few minutes, the music will be starting.”

  “This room is…wow… spectacular. Thanks for inviting us. I can’t believe our event will be here. Martin, isn’t this exciting? With an event like this, we’re sure to get our funding.” The excitement was flowing off her in waves.

  I felt a tap on my shoulder and turned around to see Angela standing with her parents. There was a tightness in her eyes, but she disguised it behind a plastic smile. The Barthomews. They were important in the charity circuit. I knew I’d have to watch what I said.

  Angela stepped forward. “Braydon, I’d like you to meet my parents – Richard and Elizabeth Barthomew. They’re interested in a few of your projects.” She managed to get her parents involved, she was more aggressive than ever.

  I shook their hands politely. “I’m pleased to meet you. I’ve heard about your work with many of the charities I’m associated with. I know they all appreciate your generosity.” I wanted to leave, but I didn’t want to be rude.

  Angela put her hand on my arm. “I told Braydon we should all get together and talk. I’m sure we have a lot in common.”

  I kept a smile plastered on my face and addressed her parents.

  Out of the corner of my eye, I saw Jain take Colin’s arm and make a quiet departure. Damn. I wondered what she was thinking.

  “If you’d like to make an appointment, I’d love to sit down and talk to you about my projects. It was very nice to meet you.” I gave them a little bow and made my exit. I felt three sets of eyes boring into my back. For the first time I could remember, I didn’t care about the business connection. I wanted nothing to do with Angela or her parents.

  The music started to play. I needed to find Jain.

  I found her standing next to the appetizer table ten minutes later. As usual, Colin was at her side. She held a glass of champagne to her lips and was drinking it. No, she was gulping it. That wasn’t a good sign.

  “Enjoying yourself?” I asked.

  She nodded slowly; her eyes were a little glassy. She turned away from me to pick up another glass of champagne.

  Colin leaned over and whispered, “She’s had three glasses in the last ten minutes. Would you dance with her or something?”

  “It would be my pleasure.” It occurred to me – all the time I’d spent with Jain, I’d never touched her, except for the brief handshake after our Starbucks meeting. This wouldn’t be a handshake. The thought of it sent my heart racing and my blood pounding.

  I tapped her on the shoulder, and she jumped, spilling some of her champagne.

  “Don’t do that. You scared me.” She did need some intervention. If she kept drinking like this on an empty stomach, she’d be sick in no time.

  The crowd tonight was on the older side, mostly men and women in their fifties and sixties, so the music was tame. The DJ had done an excellent job with the playlist.“Dance with me?” I asked.

  She studied me first, then Colin.

  He said, “Go ahead” and grabbed the glass out of her hand. He gave her a little push in my direction.

  I took her elbow and led her out onto the dance floor. She wobbled a little. I wasn’t sure if it was too many drinks or the high heels she undoubtedly never wore.

  As soon as we stopped in the middle of the dance floor, the music ended. There was a slight pause, then an old song, one I loved, came on – “She’s Got A Way” by Billy Joel.

  I took her into my arms, and the world dimmed around me. Every sensation came alive with want for her. A rush of adrenaline almost knocked me off my feet. I gripped her tightly, my hands traveling down her back. Finally, I could feel her. I could feel every inch as she seemed to melt into me. I closed my eyes and breathed her in.

  “Perfect” I whispered into her ear.

  TWENTY-TWO

  Jain

  “Perfect.” he said.

  Good Lord, what was happening to me? I had no control. None. I should be pushing him away. We were at a public event. His hands, oh, those hands were stroking my back, electrifying me. I was on fire. Heat, lust, and desire, all warring for first place. He held me tight while he swayed slowly to the music. His head nestled into my shoulder, his lips almost touching. Everything felt so incredible, I almost couldn’t bear it. My body throbbed to the music as he continued to run his hands over my back and hips. I couldn’t get close enough to him. Touching, feeling.
I decided to do some exploring of my own, smoothing my hands over his back and shoulders, for which I received an appreciative groan in response. We were spiraling fast. One of us needed to stop before we made a spectacle of ourselves.

  “Jain,” he breathed and softly kissed my neck.

  Oh no, it wasn’t going to be him. I pulled back a little so I could examine his face. His eyes were filled with a desire that matched mine.

  “God, Jain.” He slowly moved his head toward me. His breath whispered across my lips, warm and soft. “Your lips…” He placed his mouth on mine tenderly, and the world exploded around me. I grabbed his lapels and hung on for dear life. The kiss started slowly and began to build within seconds. There was a hunger there, for both of us. I parted my lips, inviting him in, and he took full advantage. The combination of hands, lips, and tongues sent me crashing over the edge. All I could do was feel. His body pressed closer; his kiss was hard, demanding. Wild, out of control sensations kept pounding through me, unrelenting.

  And then everything stopped, both the kiss and the music. No!

  I dared my eyes to survey the room. Looking back at me were hundreds of eyes. Most of them were smiling, some smirking, and oh, that girl who had her hands all over Braydon earlier – she looked ready to kill. Oops. I smiled to myself.

  Todd whispered something in Braydon’s ear. He nodded in agreement. The music started up again. Todd turned and waved goodbye.

  Braydon took my hand and led me out into the hallway. He turned and stared at me a good, long minute, then asked, “Come home with me?”

  It didn’t take but a second. “Okay.”

  Did I just say that? Whenever I was around Braydon, it seemed as if my brain cells scattered like dust in a windstorm.

  “Okay? Really?” Both eyebrows arched in surprise.

  “Yes, these shoes are killing me,” I joked.

  “That’s good enough reason for me. I’ll call my driver. Do you need to tell Martin and Colin you’re leaving?”

  “Oh, yeah.” I giggled. “Colin would kill me if I left without telling him. He’s like an overprotective brother.”