More Than Crave You Read online

  When I take Nia’s hand and stare at her through most of a stoplight, she glances my way, assessing me from beneath her long, dark lashes. The sheer rosy tint of her lip gloss snags my gaze as her lips curl up in a knowing smile. She remembers that night, too. My heart thuds. Beneath my zipper, my cock does handstands. God, the chemistry between us keeps brewing, bubbling under my skin, boiling me with anticipation. This need is something new, unsettling, and addicting.

  I exit my Bimmer and help her out. I keep her hand clasped in mine and hope my palm isn’t sweating as I lead her to her door.

  Under the bubbled glass of her porch light, I give in to my need to touch her, curling my hands around her shoulders. “I want you.”

  She meets my stare. “I want you, too.”

  “Thank god.” If I had to leave tonight without feeling her under me, I don’t know if my sanity would survive.

  I tug her close and lean in. Her grip on my arms tightens as she closes her eyes and offers up her mouth. I don’t hesitate.

  As I crush her lips under mine, I glide into heaven. She’s warm and velvety and lush, like I remember. But so different. The night I barged into her dressing room and into her body, she looked like a siren luring me with her red lips and a barely there robe. She felt like a woman, like temptation and sin. Tonight, Nia is more natural, almost vulnerable. I want to surround her, comfort her. Pleasure her. But it’s more. I want to make her forget every man who came before me.

  I don’t even know if that’s possible, but I damn sure want to try.

  Yet when I deepen the kiss to soften her, she does something to me instead. She arouses me, of course. But she also…comforts me. I don’t know why, but one kiss from her, and my anxiety seems to melt away.

  I feel nothing but her. I lose my head to her. I drown in her.

  When I grip her tighter, Nia moans, wraps her arms around my neck, and sways closer, pressing her body to mine. I part her lips. Her tongue dances against mine. She flicks, then retreats in a teasing sweep. Desire slides through my veins like a narcotic. I’m reeling. Blood rushes. Thoughts about anything besides getting her naked, panting, and under me stop.

  I don’t understand what Nia does to me. It makes no sense, but I don’t care. I can’t stop myself from nudging her against the side of her porch, notching my cock against her softness, and groaning long and low into her mouth.

  When I rock between her legs, Nia tears her lips from mine with a gasp, clawing into my shoulders and tossing her head back. Moonlight and arousal make her glow as she stares at me, blinking and breathing and seemingly stunned.

  “If we keep this up out here, your neighbors are going to get an eyeful,” I joke. “I don’t think you want that.”

  Slowly, she nods. “You’re right.”

  Thank god she agrees. All she has to do is open the door and let me in so I can put us both out of our misery.

  Instead, she plants her palm in my chest and gives me a gentle push. “I think we should say good night.”

  I freeze. Am I understanding her correctly? “End the date now?”

  “Yes.” She withdraws her keys from her purse. “I had a really good time with you. I appreciated the museum and the conversation. Both told me a lot about you that I needed to know.”

  That’s great but… “You said you wanted me?”

  “I do, but I don’t think we should have sex tonight. After all, it’s our first date.”

  “But we’ve already had sex.” I know she hasn’t forgotten.

  “Yes, but now we’re dating. Since we’re also talking about marriage, what’s happening between us isn’t a hookup.” I must look as confused as I feel, because she pauses, seeming to gather her words. “After what happened in the dressing room, you said you needed time to think, so I gave you space.”

  She did, and I appreciated it. “And now you need some?”

  “I have to ask myself if I can marry someone who may never give me children and may never love me.”

  Instantly, I want to protest…but what can I rail against? She’s not saying anything that isn’t true. And doesn’t she deserve everything she wants in life? Especially to be loved?

  “Evan…” she goes on. “Don’t be disappointed. The sex would probably be really good, and god knows I would love your touch…but it would muddy everything.”

  She’s probably right. Rationally, I know that, yet I find myself grappling. My libido wants to change her mind. The rest of me realizes I have to back down. If I don’t, Nia may think I’m more interested in sex than in her.

  Dragging in a ragged breath, I step back. “I understand. Everything is happening fast, and I’m asking a lot of you. Of course you have to think about it. Just consider that, no matter what, we could be our own family, and I will always endeavor to make you feel like the most important, beautiful woman in the world, especially in bed.”

  She tears up. “I think you mean that. Now I have to ask myself if that’s enough.”

  Wednesday, November 15

  I’m still troubled by my conversation with Nia last night when I walk into Stratus’s lobby to see her arguing with Douglas Lund and some other puffed-up suit. I presume it’s one of his staffers, whom I’ve never met. They don’t have an appointment, so why the hell are they here?

  Then Nia distracts me. She’s wearing a red dress that gathers at her small waist, flares over the tempting curve of her hips, and ends at mid-thigh. Her stilettos and professionally dismissive smile round out the look.

  “Mr. Cook’s calendar is very full. You’ll need an appointment to see him. He’s on vacation for two weeks beginning next Monday. So his next available opening is”—she glances at her phone—“December fifth at two thirty. Would you like me to put you down then?”

  “Look, Ms…” The silver-haired Wall Street bigwig glares impatiently.

  “Ms. Wright. I’m Mr. Cook’s executive assistant. He doesn’t have time to see you today.”

  “He hasn’t made time to see me since he flew out to New York months ago. I’ve sent my people here to reason with him, and he never has time for them, either. I call, and he dodges.”

  Nia crosses her arms over her chest. “He’s a busy man with many priorities. Would you like his next available appointment?”

  “I need to see him today. I have something he’ll want to see, I guarantee it. I suggest you find him. If he misses this opportunity, he won’t be happy. And I’d hate to see you out of a job.”

  Is that asshole threatening her?

  “I’d hate to lose my job, too, Mr. Lund, which is why I won’t be disturbing him for your unscheduled appearance. You’ll have to make an appointment. If December fifth doesn’t work—”

  “It doesn’t,” Lund growls and begins to lean into her personal space.

  “Do we have a problem here?” I speak up from the door on the far side of the room.

  She raises her chin. “Everything is fine. I’m just explaining to Mr. Lund that you’re unable to see him today.”

  “I have a final, very lucrative offer for you, Cook. I came to present it in person and pitch to you all the reasons you should take Colossus Investment Corporation seriously.”

  His pompous shit annoys me. But it’s business and it’s money. I didn’t get where I am by being pigheaded, closed-minded, and illogical. If he’s come all this way and is barging into my lobby insistently, I bet he’s finally going to give me an offer I can take.

  I glance at Nia. She’s come to the same conclusion. But I see that stubborn set of her chin. She doesn’t care about the offer; she doesn’t want me to sell.

  As much as I hate putting any more breeze in this windbag’s sails, I nod at Lund. “You have ten minutes. Follow me. Nia, can you call my eight a.m. and tell him I’m running late?”

  She presses her lips together in displeasure but nods. “I’ll take care of it.”

  As I march toward my office, I presume Lund and his lackey are following.

  An unfamiliar voice stops me. “
Nia, is it?”

  When I turn, Lund’s sidekick eyes her openly and speculatively.

  She draws up and lifts her chin. “Yes. Can I help you with something?”

  “I…I, um, was wondering if you could point me to the restroom.”

  This dude is in his mid-thirties, tall, and seemingly suave with his blond hair and movie-star blue eyes. And he can’t hold his bladder for ten minutes?

  “On the far end of the lobby, past the water feature, and to your left.” She points to the little alcove.

  “Thanks.” He says the word, but he still doesn’t move or take his eyes off of her.

  I don’t like it. And I don’t like him.

  “You’re welcome.”

  “I’m Stephen Lund.” He holds out his hand.

  What the hell? This must be Douglas’s son and golden boy, and he’s decided to flirt with Nia? He’d better not be looking for an opening to ask her out. If he is, I’ll shut the son of a bitch down and throw him out.

  Maybe Stephen is the kind of guy who’s capable of telling Nia he loves her.

  I push the thought aside.

  Slowly, she fits her hand into his. “Nia Wright. Do you need coffee?”

  “I’m fine. Thank you.”

  She looks as baffled by their odd interaction as I am.

  I turn to regard Douglas Lund, expecting impatience. Instead, he’s watching the pair of them carefully. He must be an excellent poker player because I have absolutely no idea what he’s thinking.

  Whatever’s going on makes my gut clench. I smell danger. Logically, I can’t imagine how Lund Junior could hurt Nia in my lobby, but my instinct warns me to get him far from her.

  “Nia, would you find Sebastian and tell him to join us?”

  “Of course. Do you need me there to take notes?”

  Normally, I would say yes. “No. We’ll be fine. This won’t take long.”

  The relief on her face is only obvious to me because I know her expressions well. “I’ll make sure your eight o’clock is waiting when you’re ready.”

  Then Nia is gone. Protectively, I watch her go. I want both Lunds to know she’s off-limits.

  “She seems efficient. You work well together,” Douglas observes. “How long has she reported to you?”

  “Three years. Do you want to talk about my assistant or present me an offer?”

  “Present an offer, of course.” Stephen walks up, suddenly all smiles, as if he wasn’t just barking up Nia’s skirt. If he senses my anger, he doesn’t let it show. “My dad has been looking for a good assistant since his last one got married and moved away a few months ago. If you’re at all amenable to us luring Nia away—”

  “I’m not.”

  Stephen laughs. “Sorry, Dad. It was worth a try.”

  Douglas gives me a bland smile, and the two exchange a look. I don’t believe them for a minute. Given how intently both stared at her, I don’t think they were interested in her efficiency.

  Silently, I fume as I lead the Lunds to my office. We’ve barely made our way inside when Sebastian enters and shuts the door. After some greetings and handshakes, Douglas doesn’t let even a moment pass before he pulls a tablet from his briefcase.

  “You have six minutes left.” I don’t care if I come off like a rude son of a bitch. They weren’t invited. Their manners suck, and their behavior is even more suspect.

  Lund clears his throat, and I see him shoving down his temper. “I’ve gone back to our investors. We’ve crunched more numbers, and we’re able to present you an offer that includes all the protections you wanted for your employees, plus another ten million in cash.”

  This is exactly the deal I’ve been waiting for. Triumph spikes. I maintain my cool facade. I can’t let my thrill show. But inside? I’ve won and I know it. The offer is above market value. The amount of cash they’re throwing at me is almost obscene. As a bonus, my employees will be taken care of, too. As presented, I have no reason not to take it.

  Sitting back in my chair, I study the two men. “What’s the catch?”

  “No catch,” Douglas assures. “But there are a couple of changes from previous offers. We’ve restructured this deal so we can offer you more cash. For that reason, we’re rescinding the clause that brings you on as COO for two years. You’re expensive.”

  Since I never wanted to stay on as chief operating officer of my own company after I sold it, I’m not bothered. I’ve already been tossing around ideas for other parts of the tech sector to tackle. On the other hand, I’m talking to a group of investors, not computer engineers. If I don’t run Stratus, who will?

  I frown. “All the other terms are the same?”

  “Minor differences. You can’t work for a direct competitor for five years.”

  That stipulation doesn’t bother me. Even if I sold out, I wouldn’t work for someone in my own industry. I’d rather have a challenge that’s totally new. “Fine.”

  “In exchange for the employee protections you requested, you’ll have a two-year moratorium on hiring any of Stratus’s employees, should you organize another start-up. Additionally, in exchange for these protections, we’re going to ask all existing employees to sign employment contracts for that two-year period.”

  I pause. It’s understandable they wouldn’t want me to steal away the innovators and important contributors if they’re going to assume the reins of the company. Ditto with employees wanting to leave. But their phrasing bugs me.

  “I’d agree to that, provided the language specifies we’re only talking about essential personnel.”

  “Define essential,” Douglas insists.

  “I’m taking Nia with me.” As I say the words, I glare at Stephen. I can’t be any clearer than that.

  He’s already shaking his head. “I’m afraid that clause applies to everyone. If Ms. Wright wants to resign and find another position with a different employer before the deal takes effect, of course we’ll wish her well. But we hope to have the opportunity to encourage every employee familiar with the business to stay.”

  I understand Junior’s logic, but the offer I was certain I would accept two minutes ago is now something my gut tells me to reject.

  Turn down over a billion dollars for a woman you don’t love who might never marry you?

  Before I can formulate a reply, Bas jumps in. “Are the timeframes for acquisition and transition the same as previously proposed?”

  “Absolutely. The payout structure is the same as well,” Douglas assures. “I suggest you think long and hard about this offer, Mr. Cook. No one else will give you this sort of money.”

  They’re probably right. And given how quickly technology changes, who knows how long before my data storage system, though revolutionary now, will become obsolete. That’s something they must be aware of.

  Until this moment, I never questioned why they wanted to buy Stratus. They aren’t the first, but they are definitely the most cash-rich and persistent. I also want to know why their interest suddenly extends to Nia.

  Whatever the reason, I want answers.

  “Out of curiosity, what do you plan to do with Stratus? Leverage its capabilities to persuade another tech start-up to begin some other line of business with you? Sell the technology to a bigger player?”

  “Neither. We’d like to grow it, maybe eventually merge it with some other technology we’re developing in-house.” Douglas shrugs. “See where that might go.”

  I don’t believe his nonchalance for a moment. He’s got a grand plan. Why else would he keep throwing cash at me like I’m a whore and he hasn’t gotten laid in a decade?

  I send Bas a glance. I see he’s confounded, too.

  “Email me the offer documents. I’ll consider them and get back to you with an answer.”

  “We need signed agreements by December twenty-ninth or the offer expires.”

  Whatever they want, they want it bad. I need to do some investigating and figure out what.

  “Duly noted.” I glance at my watch
and stand. “Now we’re done, gentlemen. I’ve given you an extra four minutes and kept my first appointment waiting.”

  Both Lunds take the hint and rise to their feet. The elder looks annoyed as he picks up his briefcase.

  That makes me smile. He assumed I would jump at his offer. No doubt, he did some research and heard I’m known for being calm and rational, that I always act in my financial best interest. So right now, he’s confused as hell and irritated because he’s wondering where he miscalculated.

  Honestly, I’m doing the same. I should take it, persuade Nia to come with me—marry me—and walk into the proverbial sunset with her.

  But what if she says no?

  Then I lose her, both professionally and personally. And the Lunds know it.

  Why are they trying to separate me from Nia?

  It bugs the shit out of me that I have no clue. But I intend to find out. Douglas Lund has been a pushy asshole throughout this whole process. I plan to think this through thoroughly and make him wait until the very last minute. If he sweats about it… Oh, well.

  I’m not usually vindictive, but they’ve rubbed me the wrong way, especially today. My impatience to show them out grows when Nia knocks and cracks the door, then sends me a questioning glance. Stephen’s stare is all over her again. I grit my teeth.

  I want him gone. In fact, I want both men out of my sight. Now.

  As I nod at Nia, I approach and block the younger Lund’s view of her with my body, then turn to face him and his father. “I’ll let you know when I have an answer.”

  CHAPTER SEVEN

  Friday, November 17

  Friday night can’t come soon enough. The week seems to drag on interminably. The one bright spot is that the Lunds have gone away and left me the hell alone for the last two days.