Hooker (6 page)

‘So we do,’ I reply with a smile as my heart starts to race.

‘Would you like to join me for a drink?’ he asks, gesturing to a booth by the wall. My eyes immediately dart to Rupert. I can’t hide my grin when he gives me a little nod. I’ve always known that I was fond of him, but in this moment I think I actually love him.

‘Sure. That would be nice.’ Butterflies dance in my stomach as I stand and follow him to the table. I have no
idea what I’m going to say to him. Over time I’ve learnt to put on an act when I’m with my clients. I become a different person. I ooze confidence. But this is real life, I’m not on the job now. This is Mr Delicious. I’m not sure if I can pull this off.

When he holds out his hand, offering me a seat, I smile to myself at his gentlemanly ways. Once I’m seated, I rub my sweaty palms down the front of my jeans. I can’t remember the last time I felt this nervous.

He takes the seat opposite me, looking at me with those stunning chocolate eyes, and smiles beautifully. ‘Hi.’

‘Hi.’

We sit there staring at each other for a long time. It’s like neither of us can actually believe we’re here together.

Eventually he speaks. ‘Are you going to tell me your name this time? Or will you forever be known to me as Snickers?’

I can’t help but laugh. He’s cute, I’ll give him that. ‘Jade,’ I say, holding my hand out to him across the table.

‘Brock. Brock Weston,’ he replies, taking my hand in his.

A tingly feeling shoots up my arm once his fingers wrap around mine. That’s never happened to me before, but I like the feelings he ignites within me. I’m pleased that he doesn’t let go of my hand too quickly. His warm skin feels wonderful against mine.

‘Nice name,’ I tell him. ‘It suits you. I thought I was going to have to refer to you as Mr Delicious for the rest of my life.’ I feel my cheeks flush when I realise I just said that out loud. I hadn’t meant too.

His face lights up. ‘You think I’m delicious?’ he asks.

Quickly removing my hand from his grasp, I look away and clear my throat as my fingers twirl around my ponytail.

He
leans across the table, invading my space. ‘For the record,’ he whispers as his warm breath hits my skin. ‘I think you’re delicious as well.’

A nervous laugh escapes me as my eyes shoot up to meet his. He spoke those words with such sincerity. Excitement courses through me as I replay his words in my mind.
He thinks I’m delicious
.

Thankfully, the waitress approaches the table, breaking the awkwardness. ‘Your scotch, sir,’ she says before turning her attention to me. ‘Can I get you something to drink, miss?’

‘I’ll have a beer, please.’

Brock looks surprised by my request, but beer and pizza are the perfect combination. I have a client whose name is Theo. He’s my favourite out of all my men. He’s gay, so never expects anything from me of a sexual nature—I’m his ruse, his fake girlfriend. He hires me in the hope of fooling the world into believing he’s actually straight. He has this silly notion that it will affect his business. It saddens me that he feels he has to hide who he really is. He has a beautiful heart. His sexuality shouldn’t be an issue. Mostly I accompany him to functions, or I’m his date for dinner parties, but there’s been a few times when he’s just needed a friend or a shoulder to cry on. Like him, I know what keeping a secret feels like. It can be hard. On those occasions, when it all gets a bit much for him, we sit around, talking, eating pizza and drinking beer. He’s the closest thing to a friend that I’ve got. I adore him.

‘Make that two beers,’ Brock cuts in as he pushes his scotch aside, smiling at me. When the waitress walks away, he gives me a quizzical look. ‘I wouldn’t have picked you for a beer drinker.’

I shrug. I’m not sure how to reply. ‘I don’t drink it much, I’m not really allowed to.’

‘What?
What do you mean you’re not really allowed too?’

I sigh at my slip up. Why did I tell him that?

‘By him?’ he asks, flicking his head in Rupert’s direction.

‘No. Rupert’s pretty cool. He lets me do a lot things I’m not supposed to.’

‘Huh,’ Brock says, raising one of his eyebrows, like he doesn’t believe me. ‘Well, by who? Your parents?’

‘You could say that.’ It’s not really a lie. M is technically my parent.

His brow furrows at my answer before a sympathetic look crosses his face. ‘So while the cat’s away, the mice will play,’ he jokes.

‘I guess.’

‘I like you,’ he says, reaching for my hand and giving it a squeeze.

‘I like you too.’ It’s the truth, I do. His words touch my heart. I’ve only ever had a handful of people in my life show me kindness.

‘So, what brings you to New York?’ I ask, trying to steer the conversation away from me. Talking about my life puts me in dangerous territory. I’d hate to say anything that may incriminate me.

‘Business. You?’

‘Holiday.’

After that, we fall into easy conversation, while we wait for our drinks. I’m still stunned that we are actually here together. Happy, but stunned.

‘Have you eaten?’ I ask Brock when the waitress returns.

‘No, I haven’t. Why, are you hungry?’

‘I came down here to grab a pizza. They’re to die for. I get one every time I’m in New York.’

‘You
drink beer and eat pizza?’ I can hear the amazement in his voice. Doesn’t everyone? Well, normal people, anyway. I think I’d pass out from shock if I ever saw M doing it.

Instead of replying, I nod my head.

‘Wow. I definitely had you pegged wrong.’

His statement puzzles me. How did he have me pegged? I don’t ask him to elaborate.

*

As the old saying goes, time flies when you’re having fun. Looking down at my phone, I see it’s just after eleven. My gaze moves to Rupert. The poor thing has been sitting at the bar waiting for me for six hours. This job must get boring for him.

After giving him a smile that hopefully conveys my apologies, I turn my attention back to Brock. ‘It’s getting late,’ I say, disappointment in my voice. ‘I probably should get going.’ I’ve had the best time. Probably the best time I’ve ever had in my life. I know I’m going to look back on tonight with fondness for years to come. We talked and laughed about anything and everything. Though nothing too deep. He did ask a few personal questions over the course of the night, but when he could see I wasn’t forthcoming with information, he didn’t pry any further.

I hate that it has to come to an end, but it does. My life doesn’t permit this type of evening.

‘I suppose you’re right,’ Brock says. He sounds just as disappointed as I am. ‘Can I see you tomorrow?’

My heart sinks and I look down at the table. I’d like nothing more than to spend time with him, but it’s not an option. Rupert has risked everything, letting this go as far as it has.

‘I’m
sorry, but I can’t.’ My heart hurts when his face drops. I hate myself for even uttering those words. My gaze darts back to Rupert, just as Brock stands abruptly. My first thought is that he’s going to walk away, and panic rises in me. Instead, to my horror, he heads in Rupert’s direction. I cover my eyes with my hands, because I don’t want to witness what’s about to happen.

Minutes pass and Brock doesn’t return. Curiosity gets the better of me, so I sneak a peek through my fingertips. I’m surprised when I see Brock and Rupert talking calmly. I kind of expected them to be rolling around on the ground, fighting.

Brock pulls a business card from his pocket and hands it to Rupert. Then, to my amazement, they smile and shake hands. Wow. That wasn’t how I expected this to go down. I remove my hands from my face when Brock turns and walks back to our table.

I grab the hand he offers when he’s standing beside me, and let him help me out of my seat. He places a soft kiss on my knuckles. As innocent as the gesture is, it sends desire surging through me. No man has ever made me feel like this. I want to feel his lips all over me.

‘I’ll pick you up at four,’ he says as a beautiful, triumphant smile spreads across his face. Looking around him, my eyes meet Rupert and he gives me another nod. Excitement shoots through me. I’m going to get to see him again.

‘Okay,’ I breathe, trying to contain my eagerness.

‘Wear something comfortable.’

‘Okay.’

‘Goodnight, Jade.’

‘Goodnight, Brock.’ When his face inches forwards, for a split second I think he’s going to kiss me. Surprisingly, I truly want that, but he doesn’t.

‘Dream
of me,’ he whispers instead. His warm breath dances over my skin, making it pebble with goose bumps. He drops my hand and turns towards the exit. I stay fixed to the spot.

I’ll most certainly be dreaming of you, Mr Weston
. That you can be sure of.

BROCK

I
headed into the office early, having hardly slept a wink because I couldn’t get Jade out of my mind. I was eager for 4 pm to roll around so I could spend more time with her. Last night I didn’t want our time in the bar to end. I found her nothing like I’d expected. Utterly charming would be the first phrase to spring to mind. Then: absolutely mesmerising. Not only funny and incredibly smart, Jade has the face of a goddess, and a sinful body that I’m just itching to get my hands on. No woman has ever been able to capture my attention like this. There’s something about her that makes my heart accelerate whenever she’s near. It’s a strange yet pleasant sensation. I find myself craving that feeling, which is a total mind fuck.

Never in my life have I looked forward to seeing someone as much as I am her. This will be the closest to an actual date I’ve ever come. Sure, I’ve been out with other women—I rarely go to functions unaccompanied—but my main reason for doing that is so I don’t get stuck with damn Clarissa as my date. No, this is the first time I’ve ever asked a woman out for the sheer reason of wanting to be near her. Jade evokes
something deep inside me. I can’t quite put it into words, but I’m drawn to her.

Despite my distraction, I was able to keep my head in the game long enough to secure the new contract. The moment they signed on the dotted line and left my office, you can be sure as shit my first act was to ring my father and rub it in his goddamn face.

Tonight will be a double celebration. I managed to pull off something my father doubted I could ever do, but more importantly, I’ll be spending time with the woman who appears to have captivated my heart.

*

The nerves kick in as I fasten my Rolex around my wrist. I’ve dressed casually for our date, black jeans and a grey shirt. At a glance, Jade appears to be the type of girl who likes to dine in fancy restaurants, but last night proved me wrong. She’s obviously from immaculate breeding, but on the other hand, she’s extremely down to earth. Sophistication rolls off her yet she has a playful innocence I find endearing. She was extremely closed off whenever we touched on anything personal, but in fairness to her, I am a stranger. I’m hoping today she opens up to me. I want to know everything about her.

I’ve made no reservations or real plans for this evening. I’m going to play it by ear. Her bodyguard seems to be her constant shadow, and that tells me Jade doesn’t get to experience much of a life on her own, so tonight is about her. I’m willing to do anything that will make her happy.

When Jade said she couldn’t see me again, I was crushed. I had to at least try to change her mind. I couldn’t let that be
the end of us. So I was pleasantly surprised when I approached Rupert—I wasn’t expecting things to go over so well. It’s quite obvious he cares for her. He was hesitant at first, but after I explained who I was and where I worked, he seemed to let his guard down slightly. I was relieved that he’d heard of our company. Even though my father is a prick, Weston Global has a very good reputation. We pride ourselves on our integrity.

He softened when I explained that all I wanted was to spend some time with her, and that my intentions were honourable. I promised to have her home at a reasonable hour, and assured him I’d treat her with nothing but respect. I’ve never had to beg to spend time with a woman before, but Jade is worth it. I’d stoop to any level to see her.

I roll my shoulders when I reach her room, trying my best to calm myself before knocking. My breath catches the second she opens the door. The smile that lights up her face is like a sucker punch right to my chest. ‘Hi,’ I say, trying my best to remain composed as I shove my hands into the pockets of my jeans. I have the urge to pull her into my arms and kiss her, but I don’t want to scare her off before we’ve even left the hotel.

‘Hi. Come in.’ She moves aside so I can enter. She has that same little lip-biting thing going on that drove me crazy last night. I want to bite those luscious lips of hers too. Doesn’t she realise having me in her room is dangerous? The sinful things I’d like to do to her …

‘I just have to grab my phone and we’re good to go.’ Her sweet fragrance envelops me as she breezes past.

My eyes are glued to her delicious arse as she walks across the room and shoves the phone into her back pocket.
Lucky phone
. She’s wearing a pair of faded denim jeans that hug her
luscious body perfectly, showcasing her sexy long legs. She’s teamed them with a tight white singlet that accentuates her beautiful tits. There’s a pair of white Converse sneakers on her feet and her long dark hair is loose. I’m itching to run my fingers through it.

She pulls a thin white cardigan from the wardrobe. When she slides her arms into it, I can see a hint of lace underneath her singlet. It makes my cock twitch. Fuck, she’s sexy. It’s going to be hard to keep my hands to myself.

‘Ready.’ She’s smiling as she joins me. I shove my hands in my pockets again, so I’m not tempted to pull her into my arms, because, by Christ, I am.

‘You look beautiful,’ I say.

‘Thank you,’ she replies as the loveliest shade of pink rises to her cheeks.

Fuck, I’m a goner
.

*

JADE

We fall into easy conversation as we head down Seventh Avenue. Words can’t express how happy I am to be here with him. So far, I’ve only ever seen Brock in a suit. Casually dressed Brock leaves me with no words. He’s even more delicious than I imagined. So tall, so manly—so perfect. His body is lean yet muscular. He’s every woman’s dream.