Against All Odds (2 page)

Just this once.

With the sun setting and the breeze picking up, I decide to head back to the hotel. I should use tonight to relax before all the big wigs show up. My job is to seduce money right out of their well-endowed pockets. I have to get them to invest with the Cooper Bailey Corporation—the next big thing in the insurance industry.

I head to my suite, deciding what to wear as I go. I want to feel sexy, so I decide to throw on a little black dress, red peep-toe Louboutins, and some killer lingerie. Then I’ll hunt for a warm body to keep me company. There’s no point spending the night alone.

I’ve found that nothing is more empowering than having a man eating out of the palm of my hand. There’s a thrill, a numbness in it that I crave. It helps dull the pain of not having Cooper.

I hit the shower, do my hair, and lightly apply some makeup. When I’m done, I grab my clutch, check for the money I won’t need, and head to the lobby bar. At the elevator, my stomach tightens. I wonder where my husband is. I haven’t seen or heard from him since I landed in Key West this morning. He hasn’t even bothered to check in. I should call him, but I’ll be damned if I’m going to be the first to make sure he’s okay
again
.

No, not this time.

Once the elevator doors open, I step in and a surge of excitement pings through me. The tension of the day drains from my shoulders. I’m ready to take on the night. I stride into the lobby and head straight for the bar, purposely not paying attention to those around me. A trick I’ve learned is to play uninterested until men make their move. It gets their motors churning and makes the hunt that much more fun. I grab the first seat I see at the bar and tap my nails on the counter, signaling to the bartender that I need to be served.

“What can I get you?”

“I’ll have a shot of Patron and a cranberry vodka, please,” I say, peeking up at him from under my lashes.

He nods and heads over to fix my drinks. I take a moment to survey my surroundings and see if there are any viable options for the evening. The bar is filled with suits and preppy men in polo shirts. The rich and highly powerful sit in every corner, sipping on scotch and expensive whiskey. The lighting is dim, an ideal setting for those trying to grab a quick, hot fuck. The kind of men who frequent a bar this late, in a hotel of this stature, have money, power, and aren’t looking for more than a one-night stand.

I drag my gaze across all the tables and catch sight of a beautiful blonde at a center booth. She’s cuddled up next to my husband. They’re not doing anything overtly naughty, but their smiles and gentle laughter instantly send a pang of jealousy and hurt through me, squeezing my heart.

He can’t call or text to check in, but he can come to a bar looking for his next hook up. We’re so disconnected. This is just another reminder of what we’ve become. Cooper always notices everyone but me. He works to make everyone happy but me. He wants everyone but me.

The clink of my drinks being placed on the mahogany bar startles me. I turn and grab them, throwing the tequila back and picking up the vodka as a chaser. Why does it have to hurt so badly?

I’ve never seen him in the act with another woman. He’s always been friendly and flirtatious, but that’s just him. I’m not in denial; I know he’s having sex with other people. It just hurts. It hurts like a bitch with every passing day, slowly tearing me apart, and there’s not a damn thing I can do to stop it. I’ve made my
bed, and now I have to lay in it. Reality is a cold slap in the face. I’d rather live in a state of
“what I don’t know won’t hurt me”
than see shit with my own eyes. Ignorance is bliss.

I toss back the rest of my drink and signal for two more. I need to get drunk and find someone fast. I need to put Cooper out of my mind. There’s no point dwelling on what I can’t have. Not with everything I need to do tomorrow. A tingle moves through me, alerting my senses that someone has taken the seat next to me. I glance over at a pair of mischief-filled chocolate eyes on the most decadent face. My stomach plummets, butterflies taking flight, and I think I’ve found my ticket to freedom for the night.

“Why’s a sinful little thing like you sitting at a bar all alone?” My body vibrates as his velvety voice permeates the air.

I take a minute before responding, allowing my gaze to stroke his body. “Because this
sinful
little thing’s looking to be dirty.” I smile seductively.

His eyes light up, but it’s quickly covered by a smooth, buttery charm that I’m sure has ladies around the world spreading their legs. “I think you found it, sweetheart. The name’s Nathaniel, but you can call me Nate.” He tips his glass in my direction. “Can I get you another drink?”

“That would be nice,” I answer coyly.

My attention lingers on chestnut hair that’s styled messily. His skin, a flawless olive brown, and the stubble prickling his jaw make him appear older. Maybe late thirties. His broad shoulders and thick arms are held in by a white polo shirt, and tan slacks hug his hips in just the right places. He’s all business and has an aura of power that exudes from every pore.

“I’m Kylie, by the way.”

“A beautiful name for an even more beautiful lady.” He smirks, stroking his jaw. I see his eyes skim my breasts.

“Hmm, I’m sure you say that to every
sinful
little thing you pick up,” I tease.

“I don’t need pickup lines,” he quips, his eyes incinerating me with pure sexual power. “I can have anyone I want.”

A small prickle of annoyance shoots through me. Who says that? How do I even respond?

He seems to notice my reaction because his baritone chuckle fills the air, causing heads to swivel in our direction. “Don’t look so put off, Kylie. You’ll be happy by the end of the night.”

My pulse spikes as excitement blossoms. As arrogant as this bastard is, I need him badly. “Confident much?” I roll my eyes. “Seriously, though. Do you say shit like that to all the ladies?”

My tone must surprise him because he laughs again. Though he’s still being an asshole, a rush of something very tantalizing spreads across my body.

“Is something funny?” I ask.

“Mmmhmm, you. You’re gorgeous and fiery. Very intriguing. Now tell me the truth, why are you sitting here all alone?”

His question irritates me. I’m not sure he believes the real reason I’m sitting at this bar, but I don’t want, or need, an inquisition. I decide to give this guy a glimpse into the real me. Just a morsel of what he
could
be taking to bed tonight.

“It’s Nate, right?” He nods, so I continue. “Listen, Nate, I’m here looking for a man who knows how to
handle
a woman.” I lick my lips and drag my eyes to his cock for just a moment. “I need someone to erase all the shit I’ve gone through today. I need a man who knows how to shut up and just… use me.” I let that sink in. “Are you going to be that man? Because I’m not here for a heart-to-heart. I really don’t care about your background, and I don’t want to know your secrets.”

He seems shocked and completely taken aback. My expression is one of absolute sincerity. This is me in my finest form. Take it or leave it.

Open.

Honest.

“Damn! You’ve almost left me speechless.”

His eyes sparkle under the muted lights, and the grin tilting the corners of his mouth is adorable. This man, who probably controls a multimillion dollar business, has just been bested by a woman.

The smile I feel forming makes me pick up my fresh drink and bring it to my lips. “Welcome to the world of Kylie.” I laugh and take a sip. “I know that might’ve been blunt, but I just want a minute to escape.” I let out a breath and slide my eyes back to his. “You know how that is, don’t you?”

Caught off guard again, he looks at me with interest, and something else. “You’re refreshing, you know that? I don’t think I’ve ever met a woman who doesn’t pussyfoot around. I like that. It’s hot.”

Uncomfortable with the sudden intimacy, I decided to break the moment—
Kylie style
. “Well, champ, whose room? Yours or mine?” His deep laugh makes me smile.

“Why don’t you come to mine? We can have some drinks and relax in privacy.”

“That sounds good,” I say as I stand and grab my clutch. I start to pull some money out of my wallet, but Nate’s large hand covers mine.

“I’ve got this,” he says.

Our fingers lace together, and he tugs me close. My chest is crushed to his, and his face brushes the side of mine. I feel his hot breath in my ear, sending a trail of goose bumps down my body.
Damn, he feels good. Warm, hard, and lean.

“Tell me something,” he whispers. My pulse rises as I try to push back, aware that Cooper could see this, but he doesn’t let me go. “How do you want to be fucked? I can take you hard and fast, or slow. Are you wild, Kylie? Because that mouth of yours has me so hard, I can’t wait to shove my cock in it. I want you. So fucking badly.” He presses his dick against my stomach. “That’s what you’ve done to me with your naughty voice and attitude. I just hope you’re as good as you give, sweetheart.”

I’m breathless. I lick my lips, swallowing hard. “You can have me anyway you want.”

He stills, and the air around us, already charged, turns wicked. He pulls back, and his face is so hot, I melt. I dissolve into a pool of lust as I stare into his hungry eyes.

He plants a soft kiss on the corner of my lips. “How did I get this lucky tonight?”

Feeling his body so close to mine is almost too much. I’m in public, and Cooper’s somewhere in this bar. I push back again, and this time, he lets me go. As I turn to leave, my gaze lands, of course, on the man I want but can’t have. Cooper’s eyes burn holes straight through me. Hate’s so clearly etched on every line of his stunning face. We stare at each other, the temperature in the room ratcheting up, and I feel the last string holding me together snap. Tears well in my eyes as my heart beats for its missing half. I force them back, keeping my gaze locked on his, and remind myself to be strong.

I inhale and smile, giving him a short, clipped wave. It’s messed up, but that’s my message that he can’t hurt me anymore. That, at least for tonight, I’ll be okay. Blondie’s still sitting with him, practically perched in his lap. This is Cooper and me at our best, and nothing’s going to change. It’s just another night, another notch in our fucked-up bed post.

Expression unchanging, Cooper grabs Blondie’s face and brings his lips to hers. His eyes never leave mine. It’s not a peck. Oh no, this is a full blown kiss. He’s taunting me, trying to hurt me or piss me off. My body blisters, and I feel myself tremble. Everything in me wants to give out. This is the first time I’ve seen his lips on another woman, and it’s a punch straight to my core. As our eyes stay connected, I see his hand sweep up her back and into her hair.

I can’t breathe.
I feel the air being vacuumed out of my lungs. A palm settles on my shoulder, breaking my stare. I twist and see Nate looking at me curiously. He takes in my stricken expression, and leans in, sliding his hands possessively around my lower waist.

“Come on,” he says softly. “Let’s get out of here. I’ll take care of you. You won’t be thinking of him tonight.”

I close my eyes. He doesn’t know who Cooper is, but he clearly knows what I need. I breathe in his warmth, using it to choke back all the hurt that’s threatening to smother my evening. I can’t let it.

Cooper needs time, and I need this.

I turn in his arms and wind my hands around his neck. I whisper, “Please, Nate.” My words are desperate, aching and oozing with need. That’s all it takes.

He grabs my hand and leads me out of the bar. I look back one last time. My heart hammers and my stomach falls. Cooper’s no longer kissing Blondie, and his expression is blank. My body trembles as he shakes his head, almost as if he’s shaking me off, and turns back to the woman who’s stolen his attention.

I feel sucker punched.

I shift, noticing that Nate is pulling on my hand. I swallow the hurt and decide to leave Cooper to his blonde. I need a man who’s going to take me out of hell and show me a sliver of heaven, peace, and hope. Hope that, for the next couple hours, I don’t have to think about anything. I only have to feel.

The first thing that hits me when I crack open my eyes is the pounding steadily beating in my head. I roll over and groan. “Ugh, stupid drinks.”