And then later, at the hotel. The way his hands seemed to know my body, even though we’d only just met. His soft brown eyes that never left mine when he was on top of me. The feel of him pushing inside me. Our breaths warming each other’s lips. Whispers that dripped with tenderness like I’d never known. The goddamn intimacy.
His words had been etched on my heart, though I’d done my best to metaphorically sandpaper them away over the years. But he’d left an indelible mark that could never be completely erased. Snippets of that deep baritone are rushing back into my mind like they happened seconds ago instead of years.
You’re the most captivating woman I’ve ever met.
I don’t think I’ll be able to let you go after tonight.
I’ve never felt this kind of connection with anyone before.
This is the start of something wonderful, Minnie. I can feel it. Please tell me you feel it too. Tell me this won’t be the last time we see each other.
Such pretty words. Ones I’ve been pretty effective at ignoring. But what I haven’t been able to forget over the past seven years are theotherwords he spoke that night. The absolute filth that came from that man’s mouth has served as spank bank material on my loneliest nights. And I don’t hold one damn bit of shame about that. A woman’s got to get inspiration where she can, right?
I knew him only as Joe, and he knew me as Minnie, a mistake I didn’t correct when he misheard me in the crowded nightclub. After all, by the smirk on his perfectly curved lips, I’d had a feeling Joe wasn’t his real name. And sure enough, a quick glance at the silver plate under his photo tells the real story.
Remington Hale
CEO of European Division
“That’s Remington Hale, the oldest brother,” Amanda says, startling me. I’d been so caught up, I almost forgot she was there. At least I now know why Phoenix seemed so familiar. They’re goddamn brothers. Though Remington’s hair is a couple shades darker and he has brown eyes instead of blue, the family resemblance is noticeable.
“So, um, he works here too?” I’m impressed by the level of calm my question portrays, when on the inside, I’m a fucking ball of panic. I don’t want to ever see Joe, a.k.a. Remington Hale again.
Do I?
No, absolutely not.
I hate that my stupid mind is warring with itself. Of course I don’t want to see that prick again. It would be a disaster, one I have no intention of ever facing.
I don’t think I’ll be able to let you go after tonight.He’d sounded so sincere when he stared into my eyes and said those words that magical night. What if…
For fuck’s sake, Mindy, don’t go there.
“No, he used to,” Amanda answers, “but he moved to London a few years ago to take over running the European offices.”
I can feel her gaze boring into me, so I force myself to look away from the face that inspired me to name my favorite vibratorJoe. Her head is cocked to one side, so I force a smile onto my face and utter a quick apology.
Her grin is knowing. “Don’t worry about it. Most women have the same response when they see Remington. Or any of the Hale brothers, for that matter. They were definitely blessed in the genetics department.”
Yeah, no shit. They’re all hot as fuck.
“It’s nice that Mr. Hale’s sons work within the company. Does he have other children?” My eyes itch to look back at that achingly gorgeous face, but I keep my focus securely on the woman beside me.
“A daughter named Perri. She works here, but she’s much younger, so she doesn’t hold an executive position yet.” Amanda begins walking, and I cast one more furtive look at the photo that’s turned my world upside down before following her.
I swallow hard and do my best to sound casual. “So Remington is the only one that doesn’t work here in the building?”
“Right. We rarely see him. He usually takes meetings online or by phone, but he makes an appearance here in this office maybe once or twice per year.”
Once or twice per year.That eases the nerves that have prickled the hairs on the back of my neck, and I make a mental note to save up any sick leave for when he’s planned to be in the building.Sorry, Mr. Hale. Cough, cough. I think I’m coming down with something. Achoo!
Yep, faking an illness. That’s my grand plan. Because I’m not sure what I’d do if I ran into Remington again.
Two weeks later, I’m settling in nicely at Hale Cosmetics. I’d worried Remington would call the office to speak with his father and I’d have to disguise my voice, but when I asked Mr. Hale how I should handle calls from his family, he informed me his wife and kids always call him directly on his cell.
So I’ve dodged that bullet, though I’m pretty sure Remington wouldn’t even recognize my voice after this long. I doubt he’s given me a second thought. I was just some rando he fucked one night.
I still don’t want to see him though. If he did recognize me, it would be awkward as hell after the way I ghosted him, and I don’t need that in my life. I’ve got enough shit going on. The apartment I moved into is crappier than my purse, so I actually look forward to going to work every day.
