The Risk: A Billionaire Romance (Wagered Hearts Series, Book 2) (13 page)

“If you want, I can remind you of what we had last night,” he said, waggling his brows at me. It was almost like he’d read my mind and saw where my thoughts were headed. Even though he was only kidding, a part of me wanted to take him up on it—to see if it would feel the same in the light of day.

“Maybe that’s not such a great idea,” I said, shaking my head.

“Too bad,” he said. He gave me a wink before he turned to head into the bathroom.

When I heard the shower start to run, I took it as my cue to leave. I got off the bed, moving gingerly so as not to rattle my sensitive little brain. I managed to pick up all of my clothes and slip them on without much difficulty. A quick glance at the clock on the side table told me it was just after 9am. With any luck, the girls were still asleep, or so hung over they wouldn’t even remember their own names, much less what I’d gotten up to last night.

Now was not the best time for hashing over my poor choices and what it could mean. My head pounded and I needed a nice long shower and a good scrubbing of my teeth to even feel human again. All those nagging doubts could hold off until then.

I didn’t honestly expect her to still be there when I’d gotten out of the shower. Still, I felt a twinge of disappointment at seeing the empty bed. I’d almost half hoped she’d join me in the shower and left the door unlocked just in case, but she didn’t come.

When I’d woken up this morning, I almost felt like I was still dreaming. Mel was sitting on the edge of the bed, clutching the sheet over her chest, leaving her back completely exposed. It was such an erotic sight, I felt my cock twitch just looking at her. I reached out to touch her, almost expecting her to vanish into thin air as if she were a product of my imagination, but when I felt warm soft flesh beneath my fingertips, I knew that it wasn’t a dream.

Her reaction was a little disappointing, though I shouldn’t have been surprised. She was embarrassed, shy, and a little uncomfortable, and I had wanted to put her at ease. The only way I knew how was to play off last night like it was no big deal. The funny thing was, it shouldn’t have been a big deal to me. I wasn’t a stranger to the opposite sex and it wasn’t the first time I’d woken up with a naked woman in my bed, though not for several months now.

Mel was nothing like the other women I’d been with. She looked like she was ready to bolt at any moment. I guessed it was all for the best anyways. I didn’t exactly have a great track record when it came to relationships, and should have counted myself lucky that Mel wanted nothing to do with me. Well, not all of me anyways. There were other parts I was sure she’d be more than pleased to be reacquainted with. The look of desire in her eyes as she looked me up and down spoke volumes and I would have given her what she wanted if she’d only said the word. But she didn’t.

Now she was gone and would probably try to avoid me until the wedding. I told myself that I should let her go and forget about her, but I found it harder and harder to do. I ran my hand through my hair in frustration. What was it about her that got under my skin so much? Maybe she did me a favor in darting out here like she did.

I finished getting dressed and headed out of my room. The guys were in the suite next to mine and I made my way over there. It was already 9:30am and we had a flight to catch later that afternoon. When I walked in, it took me a minute to make sure I was in the right suite. The place was a mess, which surprised me because Roman and the rest of the guys weren’t usually such slobs. There were empty liquor bottles strewn on the floor, food wrappers left on countertops, pillows and blankets lying haphazardly on the floor. I half expected to see a tiger come stalking out of one of the rooms. When I walked further into the suite, I found Rob and Roman splayed out on the couch, just barely awake.

“Morning sunshine!” I yelled, smiling at them brightly. “Time to get up!”

“Oh, bugger off,” Rob mumbled before covering his face with his pillow.

Roman tried to sit up and glare at me at the same time, which proved to be too much for him. He slumped back down onto the couch with a loud groan.

“You two look like hell,” I said.

“I feel like hell. Why are you looking so chipper this morning?” Roman asked.

“Where’s Nicky and Mark?” I asked, ignoring his question.

“Who knows?” Rob muttered.

I plopped down on the couch next to Rob’s head and leaned back against the cushions, enjoying this rare opportunity to needle Roman and Rob. As long as I’d known him, Roman had never been hung over, at least, not when I was around. Yet here he was, looking like a mere mortal.

“I was thinking we should get breakfast. I’m starving and could kill for a three cheese omelet with sausage and bacon and peppers, or maybe some blueberry pancakes with a dollop of butter and smothered with maple syrup. Oh, I know, I’ll have to get the corned beef hash with some onions—.”

“Oh, shut up about the food, will you?” Rob groaned.

“You never answered my question,” Roman said, pinning me with a shrewd look. “Why are you so smug this morning? What did you do last night?”

“I didn’t go overboard like you two seem to have done,” I replied.

“I seem to recall you leaving the club,” Roman said. “Who’d you leave with?”

“A gentleman never kisses and tells,” I said.

I didn’t want to broadcast to everyone that I’d had sex with Mel. For one thing, she seemed to be uncomfortable with that fact. For another, I had to work through my feelings for her first. They seemed to be running the gamut this morning. On minute I was grateful for her hasty exit and avoidance and the next, I couldn’t help but recall scenes from last night and the way she fit so perfectly in my arms. I couldn’t believe I was actually contemplating taking my chances with her and seeing where things would go.

Even though she was trying to fight it, I knew she must have felt something for me too. The way she reacted to my touch and the look in her eye told me she wanted me. That was something at least. Maybe it could be something we could build on. Once we were back in New York, I’d decided to see her again. After all, it wasn’t like I was proposing marriage. What was one little date?

“You’re being awfully vague,” Roman said. “Why won’t you tell us who it was?”

“Does it matter? What if I don’t remember her name?” I said, feeling my annoyance rise. The last thing I needed right now was to discuss this with Roman. He was too protective of Mel and would have me offering her my hand in marriage before I even took her on a proper date.

“You never change,” Roman said.

“Where’s Lily? I’m surprised she’s not with you this morning,” I said, trying to change the subject by bringing up his fiancé. It worked. His face darkened and took on a scowl.

“She’s not here,” he said. I threw him a questioning glance, waiting for him to continue. “She’s with the girls,” he added petulantly.

“Ok, did you two get in a fight?” I asked.

“No, we didn’t.”

“Then why are you in such a sour mood?”

Rob started laughing and pulled the pillow off of his face. Roman sat and glared at him, but said nothing. I looked between the two of them waiting for someone to enlighten me.

“My dear sister and her partner in crime, Candace, forbade Lily from leaving with Roman. They told him flat out to get lost,” Rob chuckled. “You should have seen his face when they said that. I don’t think anyone’s ever said that to him before. He didn’t know how to act and just stood there stunned. They were all gone by the time he came out of his stupor.”

“Ouch. Denied from his own fiancé. That’s harsh. I guess that’s why you decided to come back here and tear up the room?” I said, amusedly.

“I noticed Mel was nowhere in sight. I wonder what happened to her?” Roman said, pinning me with a glare.

I shrugged my shoulders, trying to look unperturbed. “Mel’s a grown woman. I’m sure she could take care of herself,” I said.

***

“What are you doing with Mel?” Roman asked as he stalked into my office and took a seat on my couch a couple weeks later.

I remained seated behind my desk. “It’s nice to see you too,” I said sarcastically. “Why don’t you have a seat?”

“Cut the bull, Ryan. I know something’s going on between you two, and I want to know what your intentions are.”

I couldn’t help laughing. The last person I ever expected to utter those words to me was Roman Conrad, and yet here he was in my office saying that very same sanctimonious nonsense. He at least had the grace to look a chagrinned, but continued to stare at me waiting for an answer.

“You’re asking me what my intentions are?” I said incredulously. “Am I dreaming? Have I entered an alternate universe?”

“Quit playing around and just answer the damn question,” he demanded.

“What business is it of yours what my intentions are? You’re not her father and frankly it’s none of your business,” I said losing some of the calmness from my voice.

“It is my business if you’re just playing around. Mel has been a very good friend to Lily and I and I won’t allow you to hurt her in any way.”

“What is it with people thinking I’m going to hurt her?” I said a little peevishly. “First Natasha, and now you.”

“Maybe because we know you best,” he replied

“Have I ever been cruel or treated anyone callously? I’ve always behaved like a gentleman even when the situation didn’t warrant it, so don’t try to come here and insinuate that I’m some heartless lothario leaving a trail of broken hearts,” I said losing a bit of my patience.

Roman leaned back in his chair and sighed, a little bit of the edge taken out of him. “Mel’s vulnerable now. She just got out of a relationship and Lily’s worried. She hasn’t been acting like herself lately and the last thing she needs is to go jumping into another relationship that doesn’t have a chance of lasting. So, if you’re not serious about her and you’re just looking for some no strings attached amusement, then I suggest you back off now and find your entertainment elsewhere,” he said.

“I see.”

I was surprised at how genuinely protective Roman was of Mel. I knew he was a loyal friend, but he’d never acted this way before with anyone else that I could recall. I knew he just had Mel’s best interests at heart and I couldn’t be angry or upset with him for that, even though he was butting himself into my personal life. I finally decided to let down my guard and confess what I’d been feeling for some time now. If anyone knew what I was going through, it would be Roman. I looked up at him to find him watching me with a curious expression. Finally, I blew out a loud breath and ran an agitated hand through my hair.

“If you must know, I really like her,” I finally confessed. “She’s someone I wouldn’t mind getting to know better.”

Roman didn’t seem wholly satisfied with my answer, but his interest was piqued. He sat up in his seat and leaned forward so that his elbows rested on his knees.

“What do you mean ‘know better’?” he asked. “Like I said, if you’re just looking for a good time—”

“Oh for heaven’s sake, Roman, what do you take me for? I really can’t believe I’m even having this conversation with you, but if you need me to spell it out for you, fine. I like her a lot, not for a quick fuck or empty sex. I could see myself falling for her, so to answer your question, my intentions are honorable,” I snapped.

I didn’t know it until I said it out loud, but the words and sentiments felt right. It had always been floating in my mind, but I’d always shut down before the thoughts could take shape. Now that Roman had basically forced my hand, I could finally admit to myself what I had been trying to deny. Granted, it was still early and there were still many things about her I didn’t know, but what I did know was enough to make me want to find out more.

Roman beamed at me, his earlier combative demeanor long gone. “So good of you to finally admit it,” he said.

He stood up and walked to the sideboard near the back corner of my office and poured out two glasses of scotch. “If you hurt her, I’ll kick your ass,” he said as he handed me one of the glasses.

“I’ll be sure to remember that,” I drawled. “Mel’s a tough one to get to know,” I ventured after taking a sip of my drink.

“How so?”

“She seems…I don’t know…almost like she’s holding herself back. There’ll be times when I think things are great and then her mood suddenly changes,” I said snapping my fingers to emphasize my point.

I figured, now that I’d let the cat out of the bag, I might as well confess it all and try to see if Roman had any insight.

“Lily told me she’s become a little more circumspect after the whole thing with Chad, her ex,” Roman explained.

“Speaking of Lily, I’d appreciate it if you didn’t tell her of my—er—feelings for Mel. I don’t want my business out there being known, especially since Mel doesn’t even know herself,” I said.

“You know I don’t keep secrets from Lily,” Roman said.

I blew out a frustrated breath and rolled my eyes heavenward. “Since it’s not your secret to tell, I’m sure you could forget to mention it to her,” I said.

“All right, if it means that much to you, I won’t mention it. Although if you ask me, you’re going about this the wrong way. Lily could be a big asset to you.”

“How so?”

I wasn’t particularly close with Lily. We’d never spent much time together and when I did see her it was usually in the company of other people. She seemed nice enough, but even so, I’d only ever looked at her as Roman’s fiancé. The fact that she’d be able to help me with Mel never even crossed my mind.

“She could put in a good word for you with Mel,” he suggested.

I must have made a face because Roman’s helpful mood vanished and he resorted to his usual arrogant demeanor, which I knew was something he usually did whenever he was feeling defensive.

“You don’t exactly have the best reputation,” he said.

“Neither do you and yet somehow you’ve managed quite well. I’d rather Lily not even mention me to Mel. It all seems so…juvenile,” I said. “I’d rather speak for myself.”

“Suit yourself then. I think Mel’s supposed to go to look at dresses today with Lily and then head to lunch at Claude’s.”