A Life Like This (Life #1) (4 page)

I wake up with the pounding headache I knew I would have. Hearing my groan, Roger is quick to jump on the bed and assess my situation. “I’m fine, Roger.” He licks my face as if to check for himself. I hear footsteps in the hall. Roger doesn’t leave my bed, so I know it must be Joey.

“Good morning, drunkass. How’s that head of yours feeling?” he asks as he sets Advil and orange juice on my nightstand.

“Ugh, fuck off, Joey, and stop yelling,” I moan as I grab the pills and down them with the OJ.

“So you ready to talk to me about what happened last night between you and Blake? He was acting very possessive over you. I don’t like it.”

“JoJo, relax. Yes, I fucked him. He’s hot and he wanted me. What do you expect? It won’t happen again, that’s for sure. We both got it out of our systems. As for the possessiveness you feel, you’re insane. So he carried me because my feet were fucking killing me; that doesn’t mean he owns me.” I roll my eyes at him.

“AP, you didn’t see him staring at you all night. It was fucking creepy. He had all these girls go up and try to talk to him and all he did was stare at you, sent those other girls packing,” he snaps at me.

“JoJo, you were watching him? So doesn’t that make you creepy?”

“Don’t fucking turn the tables, Angelica. I’m serious.” He’s angry now. He never uses my whole name.

“Look, Joey, we both know I messed up, and I already feel like shit about it. I don’t need you making me feel worse. I doubt this fling or whatever you want to call it will go far. As you said, women flock to him. He’ll find another plaything and be on his way.” I stare right into his eyes as I say this so he knows I’m serious.

“AP, you’re an amazing woman and any man would be stupid not to snatch you up, but you need to stop selling yourself short. Why don’t you stop fucking any man who gives you attention and try dating one first?” His words aren’t meant to hurt me. This is not new; I fuck guys left and right. It is not a secret.

“I don’t want a relationship, JoJo, and you know that. This is what I do,” I say sadly. It’s not an ideal way to have intimacy with men, but it’s the only way I know how.

“I’m sorry, Ang. I don’t want to fight with you. I just get protective, and you know that.” He sits on my bed and opens his arms to me. I gladly crawl in his lap.

“Love you, Joey,” I say into his neck.

“Love you more, Ang.” He kisses my forehead. I shiver as it reminds me of Blake’s gesture the night before. Luckily for me, Joey doesn’t notice.

We spend most of Saturday lounging on my couch, eating takeout, and watching my favorite movies. The same movies that have been watched so many times we know them by heart. Currently, we are on
Sixteen Candles,
which is a classic and will never get old to me. Halfway through the movie, Joey says he needs to head out. He has a shoot at four pm. I jump off the couch. “FUCK!” I shriek as I run to my room, stripping along the way. Joey chases after me.

“What the hell, AP? What’s the matter?” he asks, clearly concerned. Even Roger is pacing in circles around me in my closet.

“My business dinner is at five! I totally forgot! I have to get ready! Shit!” I say hastily as I make my way into the bathroom.

“Dork, you scared the shit out of me. You have over an hour; you can make it happen. Love you, AP. I’ll see you later. Good luck tonight,” he says seriously.

“I’ll need it. Love you, too,” I respond.

I take a shower in record time, and I hop out and start on my hair. I love my long hair, but fuck, times like this it’s a pain in my ass. My hair is stick straight and down to my waist. I’ve always had long hair; it’s one of my favorite features. After I blow-dry it, I go in search of an appropriate dress for the evening. I find a beautiful, rich red shift dress that falls right above my knees that I’ve never worn. I have a serious shopping issue. I pair it with minimal jewelry and makeup. Since I don’t have JoJo’s help, I don’t have many other options. I look at myself in the mirror and am pleasantly surprised with my look; I look good. Painfully, I go in search of heels. My feet have not yet forgiven me for last night. This is not going to be fun. I grab my Jimmy Choo ankle strap heels. They’re my favorites and I’ve worn them so much they’re comfortable. Perfect.

Heading in to the kitchen, I give Roger his dinner and promise him a run tomorrow since we missed today. He barks happily at the idea. I pat him on the head and am out the door at four forty-five pm. Damn, I’m good. As I’m walking down the steps to hail a cab, I notice a black town car parked on the street; not something I see a lot of around here. When I walk toward the street, the back door opens and out steps Blake. I should have figured.

“For some reason beyond me, I am not one bit surprised to see you waiting outside my house. That’s telling, wouldn’t you say?” I taunt with a smile, earning a breathtaking smile in return.

“I suppose it is telling. Maybe now you’ll see we are more than a quick fuck in my brother’s office,” he says, causing me to blush.

“That was your brother’s office? Gosh, have you no shame?”

“I could ask you the same thing,” he jokes and I can’t help but laugh.

“Touché. So shall we head to the restaurant or just stand here and talk on the sidewalk?” I ask with a tilt of my head.

“You are even more beautiful when you pout like that. I didn’t think that was possible,” he murmurs and I shake my head.

“Let’s go, lover boy. I don’t do late,” I tease as I walk to the car. He beats me there and opens the door for me.

“You do me,” he whispers in my ear as I brush past him. I shake my head and take my seat as I watch him walk around the car. There is such confidence in his walk. He takes his seat and we’re off to the restaurant. “Angelica, this is my head of security, Adam.”

“Good evening, Adam.”

Adam nods in my direction. “Ma’am.”

I can feel Blake’s eyes on me, but I keep my eyes averted and stare out the window. Fortunately, we arrive at the restaurant quickly. He warns me not to move, then walks around the car to open my door.

“Such a gentleman,” I tease him.

“Ma’am,” he says as he tips his head at me as I exit the car.

Playfully, I smack him in the arm. “Ma’am makes me feel old. I will have none of that,” I jokingly tell him as I watch him rub his arm as if I could have actually hurt him.

“No, old you are not. Delectable, that’s the word I would use,” he whispers in my ear as I pass him, causing me to blush.

We walk into the restaurant and are instantly shown to our table. I feel him place his hand on my lower back, and I brush him off.

“Blake, this is a business dinner. Let’s try and keep it on that level please.” He merely nods his response and takes his hand from my back. The loss of its heat causes a shiver and I realize I liked it there. Gosh, what’s the matter with me? I need to shake this guy out of my thoughts.

Once we arrive at our large, round table located in the back of the restaurant, the two men already seated stand, such gentlemen, all of them. I recognize them from the meeting.

“Mr. Harper, Mr. Waltman, it’s a pleasure to see you both again,” I greet politely as I shake their hands.

“Ms. Cane, please call us Jon and Brendon; otherwise, you’ll make us feel old,” Jon says with a wink, earning him a smile.

“Please, call me Angelica.” I sit in the chair Blake has pulled out for me. Naturally, he takes the seat next to me. We fall into small chat until the rest of my team arrives. After pleasantries are exchanged, we place our orders and talk about I.P. Vodka.

“If you don’t mind my asking, why Intimate Pleasure Vodka?” Allen asks Jon.

“Intimate Pleasure is something I think will come after having tasted my vodka. Not only is the flavor smooth and pleasurable, but the aftermath of drinking I.P. vodka could lead to an intimate night.” There is humor in Jon’s eyes as he meets mine. Does he know what I did in his office? Fuck, this is mortifying. That’s what I get for being a slut.

“Well, when you put it that way, it’s the perfect name for your vodka.”

“I knew we made the right choice with W.H. Advertising,” praises Jon. Blake and Brendon nod their agreement.

“We are the lucky ones to have such a company allow us to take their product to the market. Cheers to an amazing vodka and the advertising that is going to take it to the top,” Bill says with such confidence the whole table erupts in cheers.

The rest of the evening goes without a hitch, except Bill excuses himself right after dinner. He’s attending a play with his wife Nancy. After quite the argument between all the men, Bill covers the tab and he heads out. The rest of us linger a little while longer before leaving one-by-one. Finally, all who’s left is Blake, Jon, and myself. Once I finish my glass of wine, I have every intention of going home and plopping my ass on the couch. I’m still paying for all that drinking last night.

“I dropped by the club last night,” Jon says to me, and I freeze. “I couldn’t help but notice you were there. You have quite the dance moves.” I turn as red as my dress. Blake shoots Jon a warning look.

“I love to dance; it’s my thing. I had no idea Club Next is your club,” I change the subject.

“Yeah, I opened it three years ago. I never envisioned it would do so great.”

“It’s a wonderful club. How could you doubt its success?”

“Thank you, Angelica. You’ll have to let me know the next time you go so I can make sure you’re treated right.” He winks at me and I’m instantly on alert. Unlike Blake, Jon gives me the chills, and not in a good way. Blake stands, gesturing for my hand.

“That’s awfully kind of you, Jon. Angelica, if you’re done, I would be pleased if you would let me drive you home.” His tone is assertive, almost like he’s telling me not asking me, but I jump at the chance to leave.

“Thank you, Blake.” I turn to Jon. “Thank you for this evening. I’ll be sure to let you know the next time I’m at your club.” He smiles and stands, pulling out a business card from his wallet to hand to me. Nodding, I slip it into my clutch before we all walk out together. Jon says his goodbyes and makes his way to the valet as Blake and I walk to the waiting town car.

“I’m sorry about my little brother,” Blake apologizes once we’re seated in the car. “He can be a bit cocky at times.”

“Hmm, seems to be a family trait,” I say jokingly, making him laugh.

“Perhaps so, but you should stay away from Jon. He’s bad news. I’m serious.” I look into his eyes and realize this is beyond a sibling rivalry. I wonder what the issue is there.

“If he is bad news then why do you do business with him?”

“He is bad news to women.” His eyes telling me not to push the subject. I simply nod and turn to stare out of the window. “How do you feel about frozen yogurt?”

“Fucking love it!” I respond a little too excitedly, and he laughs at me again.

“I noticed you had no dessert. Let me treat you to the best frozen yogurt in the city.” I smile and nod as the car heads deeper into the city.

We arrive at a quaint little street in the middle of the city, one I have never been to before, which is odd. Telling me to wait yet again, he walks to my door to open it. Such a sweet gesture. He assists me from the car and doesn’t let it go of my hand as we make our way into the dessert shop. As we walk inside, his grip tightens, informing me he does not intend to let go of my hand. With a smile on my face, we walk into the dessert shop aptly named
Frozen Desserts.

“I found this little gem one day when I went for a run. I was way off track and had a random craving for something
sweet
.” His sensual tone and sexy smile causes me to blush. Could he be thinking about me? “So I saw this place and came in. The owner happened to be in the shop and told me she had the greatest frozen yogurt in town. I took her up on her challenge and have found myself coming back once a week ever since. Frozen yogurt is my weakness.” He shrugs at his admission. At the counter, we go over the flavors before ordering. Chocolate vanilla swirl for him and cake batter for me. The employee happily gets us our dessert. Blake grabs the two bowls and we head for the table in the corner of the small shop and make ourselves comfortable.

“I also have a weakness for froyo; it’s my guilty pleasure” I admit as I dig into my frozen treat. My gosh, it is delicious. I can’t help but moan my delight. Blake stares at me intensely.