No Strings... (3 page)

“Whatever is bugging you, get it off your chest already,” Sam said, pulling him out of his thoughts. “That brooding look is going to scare off the women. Oh, wait, your uptight business suit already did that.” He smirked.

Aiden laughed, giving his brother the reaction he’d been angling for. True, he stood out in a place where the dress code was jeans and T-shirt casual, which was all Sam ever wore. “Then it’s a good thing I’m not here to pick up women.”

“Yeah, well, you’re cramping my style,” Sam grumbled, and gazed longingly at two pretty females sitting a few tables away who were giving Sam an equally interested look. Leaning forward in his seat, Aiden braced his arms on the table, figuring it might help to talk to Sam about what had happened today at the office, as he’d suggested. “Actually, I have some news I need to get off my chest. Do you remember me telling you about the big account I was hoping to get?”

Sam thought for a moment, then asked, “The one for that singles, matchmaking resort?”

Aiden nodded. “Yeah, that’s the one.”

“Are we here to celebrate?” Sam asked hopefully, already tipping his beer for a premature toast.

“No, not yet.” Aiden released a heavy sigh. “I found out today that not only is another ad firm vying for the job, but Perry decided to assign Chloe and I to the account. Not to work together, but to come up with separate campaigns for the resort. He wants a male and female perspective. Whoever’s campaign the client chooses will be awarded the account.”

Sam’s eyes widened in surprise. “So you have to compete directly
against
Chloe for the account?”

“Yep.” His troubled tone echoed the way he felt about the entire situation.

Over the past two years of working at Perry & Associates, Aiden had spoken about Chloe numerous times to Sam, saying how much he respected her as a colleague. His brother had also met and talked to—or rather
flirted
with—Chloe the one and only time Sam had stopped by the Executive Bar to have a drink with Aiden, so Sam was familiar enough with their working relationship to know just how bothered Aiden was that the two of them were now adversaries. However, Aiden had promised Chloe that he wouldn’t let this campaign ruin their friendship, and he was determined to make sure he held true to their pact.

“I’m sorry, bro.” Sam gave a sympathetic shake of his head. “That plain sucks.”

“Tell me about it.” Aiden finished off his beer, and if he didn’t have to get in a car and drive, he would have ordered a double scotch. He certainly needed one.

They sat in silence for a few minutes, the Friday night crowd in McGann’s growing louder as the bar filled up with patrons. Women walked by in skimpy outfits, giving both him and his brother a lingering glance that made it clear they were more than interested in a good time, but Aiden wasn’t. When he glanced across the table at Sam, there was no mistaking the sly grin on his lips and the mischievous look in his eyes.

Aiden narrowed his gaze, wondering what his brother found so amusing. “What?”

“You’re not going to let a
girl
win, are you?” Sam asked, an all too familiar taunting note to his voice. It was the same one he’d used to goad Aiden into doing things he shouldn’t, all throughout their childhood.

“Hell, no.” Aiden considered himself a gentleman, but this was a competition between two coworkers, and all bets were off. Girl or no, his kick-ass campaign was going to earn him the St. Raphael account.

“Good.” Despite Sam’s succinct tone, his lips were still twitching with mirth. “I don’t want you to go all soft because your competition is smoking hot and lust is clouding your feeble brain.”

Aiden blinked in shock at his brother. “Excuse me?” What the hell did Sam know about his attraction to Chloe?

“Oh, come on, Aiden,” Sam said with a laugh as he tipped his chair back on its hind legs. “I’m not deaf, dumb or blind. I only saw the two of you together once, at that highbrow bar of yours, and the chemistry between the two of you was pretty damn obvious.”

Aiden shrugged off his brother’s claim. “It’s just a friendly flirtation.”

Sam lifted a dubious brow. “Except for the way you stared at her ass when she walked away from our table. I can guarantee that the thoughts in your head involving that sweet backside of hers were indecent and downright kinky.”

He shrugged and didn’t even try to deny the truth. “She’s got a great ass. So sue me for appreciating all its finer qualities.”

A wide grin curved Sam’s mouth. “Good to know your libido isn’t dead. I was starting to worry.”

“My sex drive is fine, thank you very much.” But Aiden had to admit he hadn’t seen much action lately, by his own choice. His main focus was his job, and ultimately grabbing the brass ring of opening his own ad agency in the near future. And in order to achieve that goal, he had to win the account.

“So how long are you going to resist the attraction between you and Chloe?” Sam asked, as persistent and pushy as ever. “I got the impression if you made a move, she could be easily persuaded.”

For Sam, being with a woman was that simple. Not so much for Aiden. “We’re both professionals, working for the same ad agency, and we’re not going to risk our careers for sex.”

Sam rolled his eyes dramatically. “Jesus, Aiden, who says you have to risk anything? It’s just feel-good
sex,
not a lifetime commitment. Besides, the risk of getting caught could give the affair an added element of excitement.”

That’s exactly how
Sam
operated...getting laid was all about having a good time without any strings attached. It hadn’t always been that way, and while Aiden understood his brother’s perspective on sex and women and keeping his emotions out of the equation, Aiden’s views were much different, despite his ex-wife’s betrayal. He’d never been the love ’em and leave ’em type, and that hadn’t changed after his divorce. If anything, he’d become more discriminating when it came to women and relationships. And yeah, sex, too.

“Don’t you ever want something more than just a string of one-night stands?” Aiden asked his brother.

Sam gaped at him, as if he’d spoken blasphemy. “You’re kidding me, right? We both thought we had something
more,
and look how well that turned out for us.”

Not well at all.
“Okay, point taken,” Aiden said. Being burned by a woman had left Sam jaded and uneasy about trusting again. But even though Aiden’s marriage had been less than ideal, he liked to believe that there was a woman out there for him. But he knew that Chloe wasn’t that woman. She was too career-oriented to be anything more than a passing affair. And even
that
wasn’t an option for him.

“Hey, Sam,” a soft feminine voice called out, pulling Aiden out of his thoughts.

One of the women that had been sitting a few tables away now stood in front of them, gazing down at Sam with a sultry smile on her lips while her fingers lightly touched his shoulder. She was young and pretty, and wore a tight-fitting dress that accentuated all her best assets. She had Sam’s full attention.

“Denise and I were wondering if you and your friend wanted to join us?” She bit her lip seductively as she glanced briefly at Aiden, then back at Sam again. “We can pull up an extra chair or two, if you’d like.”

“I’d love to, Carol,” Sam looked at Aiden, his raised brow silently asking if he was going to accompany them.

This was Sam’s scene, not Aiden’s. He shook his head and tried to appear regretful. “Thanks for the invite, but I need to get going.”

“Okay,” Carol said, not at all disappointed, since clearly it was Sam she wanted. “We’ll save a seat for you, Sam.” She sashayed back to her table, a deliberate sway to her hips—all for Sam’s benefit, which he openly enjoyed.

Aiden chuckled and stood up, along with his brother. “Looks like someone’s getting lucky tonight.”

“Jealous?” Sam grinned.

Pulling out his wallet, Aiden tossed enough cash on the table to cover their drinks and leave a decent tip. “Not at all,” he said, meaning it. “By the way, just so you know, I’ll be leaving next Monday for the Bahamas, where the St. Raphael resort is located.”

“Is Chloe going, too?”

“Yes, we’re both going.” He tucked his wallet back into his pocket, and knowing exactly what his brother was thinking, Aiden attempted to cut him off at the pass. “It’s a
business
trip, Sam.”

“Which also presents the perfect opportunity for the two of you to take advantage of your attraction, in a place where no one would ever be the wiser.” Sam waggled his brows suggestively.

“Not gonna happen.”

Sam released an exasperated sigh. “You know what your problem is? You’re way too uptight. And you’ve been that way since your divorce.”

“I’m not uptight. I’m careful and discreet.”

“Like I said. You’re
uptight.
” Sam slapped him on the back in brotherly camaraderie. “Loosen up and live a little, bro. You might be surprised how much fun you can have when you’re not being so damned serious.”

With that bit of advice, his brother walked away, leaving Aiden to ponder the wisdom of Sam’s comments. Or the lack thereof.

3

T
HE
FOLLOWING
M
ONDAY
at seven in the morning, Chloe was seated next to Aiden on a plane heading to Nassau in the Bahamas. From there, they’d take a small puddle jumper to the island of St. Raphael where the private, secluded resort was located. They were scheduled to arrive at the hotel by early afternoon. Once the jet leveled out, the pilot announced that it was now okay to move about the cabin and turn on approved electronic devices, and promised that the refreshment cart would be making its way down the aisle shortly.

Chloe frequently took business trips for work and was used to sitting by the window in the cramped quarters of coach, usually next to a stranger who kept to themselves for the duration of the flight. But the moment Aiden plopped his big body into the chair beside hers and their knees and elbows bumped as they buckled their lap belts, she knew their intimate seating arrangements would wreak havoc with every one of her five senses for the next few hours.

So far, her prediction proved to be true. Sitting next to the window, her body was hyper aware of his broad shoulder brushing against her arm and the way his leg occasionally grazed her thigh when he shifted in his seat to find a comfortable position that would accommodate his long legs. At least he’d settled down for takeoff, and as she cast a sidelong glance at him, she found herself envious of his ability to completely relax when the surface of her skin buzzed with sensual awareness.

His head was resting against the back of his seat, and though his eyes were closed, she wasn’t sure if he was sleeping or not. But even like this, he was hotter than any man had a right to be with his early morning tousled hair, the sweep of his ridiculously long, dark lashes against his cheeks, and those full lips that were made to give a woman all kinds of forbidden pleasures. Even his casual attire made him look sexy and confidently male.

She’d never seen him in anything but a business suit, and she had to admit that he looked damn fine in a dark blue short-sleeved knit shirt that complimented his toned physique, and a pair of well-worn jeans that lovingly clung to his muscular thighs and other interesting body parts that piqued her interest. And why did he always have to smell so damned good? His expensive cologne was subtle, but the warm, sandalwood scent, mixed with his own male pheromones, never failed to tap into her desires and make her ache deep inside.

At the office, she was constantly near Aiden, but with work as her top priority she was able to keep her attraction to him in check. Or walk away when that heady pull between them became too overwhelming. But right here, right now, there was no putting distance between herself and Aiden, so she was just going to have to suck it up and deal.

Lord, it was going to be a long flight.

Desperately needing some kind of distraction, she reached down and pulled a folder from the computer bag she’d stowed beneath the chair in front of her. Releasing the fold-down tray, she set the file on top and immersed herself in work. Specifically, the research she’d already compiled on the St. Raphael resort and its current branding, mission statement and operating procedures.

Unlike a singles resort, where the main draw was drinking and partying in a girls/guys gone wild style, and hooking up with the opposite sex was a free-for-all, St. Raphael offered a unique and modern-day spin to matching compatible couples while offering fun, interactive activities in a romantic atmosphere. While the concept didn’t interest Chloe on a personal level, from an advertising angle it was an executive’s dream. There were so many interesting aspects to build a campaign on, like developing a catchy slogan to pull in consumers, beautiful pictures to capture their imagination, and the lure of finding love and a happily ever after.

She and Aiden had already filled out the required questionnaire that the resort used to match up couples, and the two of them were scheduled to attend events and various activities to mix and mingle and “make a connection.” It was the only way for them to evaluate the process in order to present the client with a cohesive advertising campaign for the resort. Perry had even hired a local professional photographer to be on hand to capture any shots she or Aiden needed to elevate their presentation.

There was no way Chloe could forget that this was a business trip with a huge incentive on the line. But she also knew in order to really absorb everything the resort had to offer, she had to open herself up to the fun, seductive aspect of the island retreat so she could better translate the experience into her campaign.

And that included relaxing around Aiden, too. They weren’t at the office, and there was absolutely no harm in a little flirtation between them, which they already indulged in, anyway. And if her seductive teasing threw him off his game a bit, well, it would be his own fault for letting their attraction get the best of him.

“We’re not even at the resort yet, and you’re already working?”

The low, chiding voice came from Aiden, who was no longer dozing. She glanced at him, meeting his dark, velvet blue gaze, still heavy-lidded from his brief nap. “I started a portfolio for notes and ideas for my campaign as soon as Perry announced we’d each be doing a presentation. Do you know what the name St. Raphael stands for?” she asked, testing his knowledge of the resort.

A slow, lazy smile curved those sinful lips of his. “St. Raphael is the patron saint of love and lovers, which is very appropriate for a matchmaking resort.”

The husky way he said the word
lovers
sent a warm shiver through her. Yeah, flirting with him was very natural and easy and always reciprocated with genuine interest. “I’m impressed. You’ve obviously done your homework, too.” She would have been more shocked if he hadn’t.

“I always do,” he murmured. “Speaking of homework, how crazy was that matchmaking questionnaire we had to fill out?” he asked with an incredulous shake of his head.

The required survey had been a long, tedious process that had covered every end of the spectrum of a person’s life, from personality, career aspirations, religion, finances, pet peeves, family values and even sexual compatibility. That last part had been her favorite section of the test. As she’d answered each question, her mind had strayed to Aiden, wondering if his responses had matched hers. Was he more gentle and romantic in the bedroom, or did he prefer the aggression of unleashed passion? Was he open to role-playing and fulfilling fantasies if his partner was willing? And how important was foreplay to him?

Oh, yeah, she’d definitely had fun with those questions. The other more personal ones, not so much, but she’d been honest with her replies in order to see how the whole matchmaking process worked.

“The quiz was pretty intensive,” she agreed, and since he was in a chatty mood she slipped her work folder back into her computer case. “I felt like I was back in college taking a final exam. Except the subject was my life. I know the questionnaire is necessary, but it all seems so...desperate and forced.”

He absently rubbed his palms along his jean-clad thighs, considering her reply for a moment. “How so?”

Since he looked genuinely curious to hear her opinion, she gave it to him. “I’m not a big fan of professional matchmaking,” she said honestly. “I’d rather let nature take it’s course instead of my interest in someone being dictated by the answers on a quiz.” After how badly her last relationship ended, for her, basic chemistry was the way to go, without any messy emotions to lead her astray. And it gave
her
more control over how long an affair lasted.

“Which also has its pros and cons,” he refuted smoothly, not the least bit bothered by the rattle of the plane as it hit an air pocket. “The problem with letting the relationship develop naturally and being lured in by the initial physical attraction is that you only see what’s on the surface and you don’t really know the person beyond the basic likes and dislikes.”

She tipped her head to the side, always enjoying a good debate with Aiden, knowing that the deeper they got into this conversation, the more her point would be revealed. When he believed strongly in something, his fierce passion, drive and intelligence was always a delightful sight to behold. “And you think a matchmaking quiz would change that?”

“I think the test might reveal some potential problems between couples that might not be there in the beginning, but could cause issues and conflict once the initial glow wears off. Or even after marriage.”

Something in his gaze hardened with that last sentence. Aiden was always so charming and easygoing, that the darker emotion she saw flicker in his eyes startled her.

“I think it’s important to know if you have a similar outlook on politics as someone you’re seriously dating,” Aiden went on, as if choosing his words carefully. “Or if your views on finances are the same. Or what kind of priority having kids and a family is in comparison to career aspirations.”

“I see your point, but I also think the results could be skewed, depending on the answers the other person provides,” she disputed lightly. She knew Aiden was divorced, and wondered if his argument was based on his own personal experience. “I highly doubt that someone is going to openly state on the application that they’re a controlling jerk, or that they have severe OCD tendencies or if they have an internet porn addiction.”

He grinned at that, his demeanor relaxing once again. “Okay, I’m not saying it’s a perfect system, but statistics do show that taking a compatibility test does work and can identify issues between couples
before
things get serious. And that’s not a bad thing.”

Chloe doubted that a quiz would have alerted her to Neil’s dominating behavior and his explosive temper when things didn’t go his way. No, it wasn’t until he’d put an engagement ring on her finger that she’d started to see the true personality he’d kept under wraps while they’d been dating. “Well, it’s a good thing that I’m not looking for anything serious, anytime soon,” she said, pulling herself back from those dark thoughts.

A slight frown marred his brows. “What about the guy you’ve been seeing?”

She hadn’t been seriously involved with anyone in years, and had no idea what had given him the impression she was seeing anyone, let alone seriously. “What are you talking about?”

“That guy I’ve seen you with at the Executive Bar,” he explained, and then she understood. “I just assumed the two of you were dating.”

“Ummm, no.” An occasional hookup didn’t equate to dating. Steve, the guy Aiden was referring to, had been nothing more than a friend with benefits. Neither of them had been interested in a complicated relationship, until Steve had met Jenna and he’d fallen hard for the other woman. That had put an end to their booty calls, and Chloe hadn’t been with anyone since.

“I’m not seeing anyone,” she said, deciding to keep her reply simple and straightforward. And now that the question was out there in the open, she was curious to know if he was dating anyone. “How about you?”

“Nope.” He shook his head. “I’ve been so focused on work that I haven’t had time for a relationship.”

A relationship, no. But what about sex, she wondered, just as the refreshment cart came to a stop by their seats. She couldn’t imagine a sexy, virile man like Aiden abstaining for long stretches of time. But as she hadn’t volunteered that information, she couldn’t ask him, either.

The pretty female flight attendant turned their way. “Would either of you like something to drink?” she asked, her gaze lingering appreciatively on Aiden.

Aiden didn’t seem to notice the attention as he glanced at Chloe with an impish smile. “I believe I still owe you a drink to celebrate the Organic Kitty contract,” he said, sounding truly apologetic for not showing up at the Executive Bar like he’d promised. “Can I make it up to you now?”

“It’s kinda early for alcohol,” she said, her tone wry.

“Coffee then?”

She nodded. “Sure.” She could use a shot of caffeine since she’d been out of the house early to catch their flight.

Aiden asked for two coffees, hers with cream and sugar, and just sugar for his. The attendant filled the order, placed the paper cups on their trays along with a warm cinnamon roll for a morning snack, then moved on to the next row.

“I think you’re getting off way too easy for standing me up,” she said, motioning to the
free
coffee she was sipping. “I waited for two hours that evening and you never showed. The least you could have done was text me to let me know you weren’t coming.”

His grimace reflected a genuine amount of contrition. “I really am sorry about that. I was just so thrown by Perry’s decision to pit us against each other, I needed time to process it all.”

“I get it,” she said as she pulled off a piece of her cinnamon roll and popped it into her mouth. “Honestly, I felt the same way.”

“But I’m fine now,” he reassured her with a grin while biting into his own breakfast pastry. “In fact, I’m looking forward to the challenge.”

“That’s good, because you’re going
down,
Landry,” she said with a playful, flirtatious growl that sounded very suggestive, even to her own ears. Her innocent comment had twisted into a sexual innuendo that hung in the air between them like a challenge of its own.

“Mmm, we’ll see about that,” he murmured.

His eyes had turned dark and hot, and something deep inside Chloe quivered with awareness. After what seemed like an endless amount of time, he finally glanced away, took a drink of his coffee and devoured the rest of his cinnamon roll before she’d even finished half of hers.

Not quite ready to let the slow burn between them fade away, she decided to embrace her new go-with-it attitude and have a little fun with Aiden. “So, back to that questionnaire we filled out. How important is sexual compatibility to you in a relationship?”

Aiden’s bemused expression told her that he had no qualms discussing the intimate details of his sexual preferences with her, and it was that playful, comfortable attitude she enjoyed so much about him. They could pretty much talk about anything and it never felt awkward.