Determined (Determined Trilogy Book 1) (16 page)

While dinner finished cooking, we sat around the fire pit on the back patio, the cold November air tempered by heat lamps and wool blankets. We shared a bottle of the latest McNeary zinfandel, and relaxed, unfolding into easy conversation.

“So David, I don’t think I’ve heard the story about how you two met.” Julie turned to us, topping off our glasses. David looked up from his phone, his brow furrowed. I figured something must be up at work; he didn’t normally check it constantly.

“What’s that?”

“I was asking how the two of you met.”

“Jenna and I went to an opening at the Kinsler Gallery in Oakland. Samantha is a gallery assistant there.” He pocketed the phone, and before he could continue, Jenna cut in.

“And we all met because I spilled wine all over her dress!” She cringed at the memory. Everyone looked mildly shocked.

“You did not!” scoffed Julie.

“That’s our Jenna,” teased Jack. “You know, we used to let her run around naked at home when she was little, because she was always spilling something on herself.”

“I think I’ve improved significantly since I was five, thank you very much,” she shot back, “well, except for that night. But, hey, you can’t argue with results,” she said, nodding toward David and me.

David smiled and pulled me in closer.

Julie cut in. “So Sam, how long have you been at the gallery?”

“Oh, let’s see, almost nine months. I was an intern during my last semester at Cal, and then continued working there once I graduated.”

“How do you like it?”

“Oh, it’s great. My co-workers are awesome, and it’s part time so I have lots of free time, which is good. I volunteer at a children’s center once a week, so I like to have time for that.”

“Oh, that is so nice. Where is the center?”

“It’s in Oakland. I help with admin stuff and run some of the activities—crafts, sports, stuff like that.”

“That sounds lovely.”

“It is. I love the kids. They are the best, they have so much energy and such a positive outlook on life; it’s really grounding.”

“Children do have that power.” Julie shot David a knowing look. I didn’t dare look up at his reaction. I decided to change the subject.

“So, Julie, how did you and Jack meet?”

Everyone broke out in a collective groan.

“What?” I asked, bewildered at their reaction.

Julie answered. “Oh, no, don’t worry Sam. You didn’t know what you were bringing up. I take it David hasn’t mentioned the epic rivalry we have going here?”

“Oh, no. He hasn’t,” I replied innocently while jabbing David playfully in the side.

Julie continued. “Well, should I tell the story Jack, or do you want to?”

“Go ahead, dear. I’ll correct any parts I object with.”

She scrunched her nose at him, but continued, “Well, Sam, you first need to understand that my family are proud fourth generation Californians. Some of the first people here during the gold rush.” She sat up proudly as she announced this fact. “So, of course, it goes without saying, we are 49ers fans.”

Ah, football. Got it.

“So I was downtown in San Francisco one day with some friends watching the game at a sports bar. It was San Francisco versus New Orleans.”

“The Saints,” Jack added.

“Right, the Saints. So I’m there, in the bar with my friends, and we’re having this great time, when all of a sudden this man next to me buys me a drink. He was very handsome, and we started talking. You would have thought I’d have noticed he was rooting for New Orleans!”

“But it was too late! She was so dumb-founded by my good looks; she didn’t notice my Saints sweatshirt until she had already agreed to go out with me on a date.”

“So you went anyway?” I asked.

“Yeah, he convinced me by arguing that at least I knew what his fatal flaw already was. I didn’t have to find it out later.”

“And it has all worked out, hasn’t it honey?” Jack said to Julie.

“Every day except Sunday,” Jake added, and everyone laughed.

We continued talking about football for a few more minutes until a woman in an apron poked her head through the back door.

“Dinner is served.”

We all gathered our glasses and headed inside. Julie lagged and pulled me aside.

“Hey, Sam,” her voice was quiet, and she kept glancing toward the house, “I know we just met, so don’t take this the wrong way, but I was wondering ... I don’t know if you’ve had a chance to talk with David about his ...” she paused, trying to find the right word, “... past.”

I nodded solemnly. “He’s told me a little.”

“The universe doesn’t cut us all an even share.” She glanced away, and ran a finger under one of her eyes. “I’ve tried hard to be a good mother figure, but it’s hard to replace ghosts of angels. I always figured he kept his distance because he didn’t want to be hurt again, and I was fine with that.” She exhaled, “But it’s killed me to see him go so long without female companionship. It’s like he just deadened the part of himself that could feel anything.”

My heart broke. All this time, did I have it wrong? All the dates, the numerous women, was it really that he wasn’t willing—or able—to feel deeply? To feel love and connection? Julie continued.

“But tonight, I am seeing a different side of him. I don’t know what you’ve done, but I haven’t seen him this...” she searched for the right word “
happy
—in ages.”

I smiled. I didn’t know what to say.

“He makes me very happy, too.”

“I’m so glad, Sam. And thank you. That’s all I wanted to say.” She smiled gently at me. “Come on, I’m sure everyone is dying to eat.”

She put her arm around me, and we rejoined everyone for dinner inside.

~

After the plates had been cleared, and cake had been eaten, we said our good-byes. John and Julie both gave me big hugs as we left.

“Don’t be a stranger, now!” Julie shouted after us as we walked down the stairs toward the car.

I nuzzled into David’s side. “Your family is so sweet.”

“They are. I think Jake has a little crush on you.” It was true; Jake had been staring at me during dinner.

As we walked to the car, I remembered something. I stopped in the midst of the gravel driveway, and turned to face David.

“David ... can I ask you something?” I said playfully.

“Of course,” he pulled me in closer, but I pushed back against him.

“You didn’t, by chance,
push
Jenna into me at the gallery opening?”

David’s pupils dilated, and his mouth, forced into a tight line, showed signs of pulling up at the corners. He looked up past my head, like he was keeping a juicy secret. He let go of me and shoved his hands into his pockets.

“Are you accusing me of purposely ruining your white dress, Ms. Sharp?” he shot back a look that ripped right through me.

“I think I am, Mr. Keith.” I paused for a beat. “I think you pushed Jenna into me so that we could meet.” I glared up at him with a confident smirk. I had him figured out.

“Hmm, that would have been a genius plan.” David smiled as he contemplated the story, and pulled me in under his shoulder as we resumed walking to the car.

“I thought you were a gambler, David. You didn’t want to leave it to fate?”

“I am a gambler Samantha, but that doesn’t mean I won’t go to lengths to put the odds in my favor.”

12

The city was abuzz as I got out of the black SUV. I was careful to keep my legs together so that my skirt didn’t flash everyone on the sidewalk. I was in the city to meet David at his office for lunch.

“I’ll be here when you are ready, Miss.”

“Thank you, Thomas.” I looked up at the tall glass building, the home of Keith Ventures.

Ah, so this is where he spends his days.
I chuckled. It was only fitting that I met David’s family before getting to see where he works. His company was such a big part of his identity, it felt almost more intimate than kin. A doorman opened the heavy glass doors as I entered the lobby. I spied a counter manned by three beefy security guards.

“Excuse me, could you tell me which floor Keith Ventures is on?”

“Do you have an appointment?”

“Uh, um. Yes. With David Keith,” I stammered. I didn’t want it to seem like I was one of
those
girls, or that I was name-dropping.

“Ms. Sharp?” I nodded. He picked up the phone and after a beat another security guard appeared at my side.

“Right this way, ma’am.” I followed him across the lobby to the last elevator. He led me in, swiped a card and pressed the top button before exiting, leaving me alone in the car.

I expected the ride up to the 31
st
floor to take a while, so I glanced at my phone, checking my texts. Just one from Carrie asking about lunch next week. She had been spending every spare moment with Derek lately, and I ventured to guess she was totally smitten. It would be good to see her.

Finally the car dinged, and the elevator doors parted, revealing an expansive lobby. The ceilings had to be at least two stories tall—a perk of being on the top floor. Everything about the space was super masculine but airy, all glass and sleek stone. It felt familiar. It was very... David.

I approached the reception desk. It was staffed by an attractive young African American girl, wearing a crisply pressed black suit. She looked up with a smile as I approached.

“Hello, I am here to see Da, err, I mean Mr. Keith.”

“Very good, Ms. Sharp,” How did she know it was me? David must have alerted them. “Dana will take you back.” Almost out of nowhere another young woman appeared at my side. She was tall with platinum hair styled in French twist. Equally attractive as the woman at the desk.

Don’t any men work here?
I mused. Dana led me down a hallway to a smaller reception area, past an empty desk,
hers presumably?
She stopped outside a large door.

“Go ahead.” She nodded, indicating I should go in.

I pushed open the heavy door and tiptoed into the huge space. David was standing at his desk, on the phone, with one hand shoved in his pocket. He was wearing his glasses today. His posture was confident, and his tone was calm. He motioned for me to sit down. His office was impressive. There were huge floor to ceiling windows lining one side with a full view of downtown San Francisco. The office was furnished with a heavy-looking glass conference table and a seating area with leather sofas. It was all sleek, masculine, and very Alpha Male. Seeing him in his domain really turned me on. I was here with two objectives: the first one—some afternoon delight, but the main one being to tell him about my upcoming trip to Miami. I wasn’t sure how he’d react. I dropped the bag with our lunch on the table, and made eye contact with him while I unbuttoned the top button of my shirt. He ran his hand through his hair.

“Charlie, I have to go. My next meeting just arrived.” And he hung up the phone, I think, without waiting for a response.

A restrained grin passed his lips and he motioned for me. “Come here, baby.”

I looked around the room speculatively.

“Don’t worry, there aren’t any cameras.”

I walked over, slowly, savoring the sight of him. He was in his business uniform—charcoal dress pants, crisp white shirt rolled up to the elbows, and a black tie. There was a suit jacket hanging nearby. Something about seeing him so neatly pressed made me want to tear him apart—mess up his hair, undo his tie, and smear lipstick all over his collar, claiming him as mine. He sat down, and I sat on his lap. I felt him getting hard through the fabric. He kissed me on the lips, and then I pushed his face into my décolletage.

“Remind me why we haven’t had lunch before?” he said, looking up with a naughty grin on his face.

“Some of us work for a living.”

“I work.”

“No, you run your universe. It’s different.”

“I see. Well. Maybe you should come and work for my universe.” He stared at me hotly, challenging me with his eyes. “Then we could have lunch every day.”

“Wouldn’t you like to lock me away here in your tower?” He started kissing my neck. I moaned.

“I would throw away the key,” he whispered.

“Are you hungry?” I tried to redirect our attention to lunch, but it was already too late. It was crazy how hot the prospect of sex at his office made me feel. I felt around and unbuttoned his pants. He hiked up my skirt, revealing the garter belt I wore as a surprise. He stared at me, eyes full of wonder.

“Fuck, Samantha. You are incredible, do you know that?” I started to take my heels off, when he stopped me. “Keep those on,” he ordered, his eyes dark with need. He stood up, scooping me in his arms and took me over to the conference table. He set me down softly and took a step back.

He stood there, examining me. He was still fully clothed, with just his pants unzipped, hands thrust into his pockets. I unbuttoned my shirt further, my breasts heaving over the fabric. He took one hand and rubbed his mouth and neck, contemplating his course of action.

His control was so arousing. I was soaking right through my panties, and my sex longed for the relief that could only be granted by his thick cock.

“Spread your legs.”

I obeyed. He ran his thumb over my panties, feeling the wetness. He smiled wickedly at the sensation.

“Touch yourself,” he commanded.

I reached down and rubbed my clit slowly, propping myself up and staring him down while I did it. He leaned in, pulling me closer to him.

“That’s right, Samantha. You have a greedy little cunt, don’t you?”

“Mmmhmm.”

“I’m not going to let you keep it all for yourself. “

“So bossy,” I breathed, barely able to speak.

“You have no idea.”

His eyes narrowed, and he licked his lips. He pulled his cock free and jerked me to the edge of the table. He pushed my panties off to the side, and slid his length into me in one quick hard thrust. My back arched in an attempt to accommodate his size.

He took me over and over again, and I gave myself away to pure animalistic fucking. I pulled at his ass, forcing him deeper into me. I adjusted myself, looking to capitalize on the rhythm. I could tell he was getting bigger; his breath changed, and I could tell he was close.