James gave a wide smile and nodded before he stilled. He jerked his gaze back to hers, and his eyes were wide with confusion.

  “Wait—”

  “I’m back. Did you guys order for me?” Ryan pulled out the chair next to Tori, cutting off whatever James had been about to ask.

  “Sure did.” She winked at James. “Medium-rare steak and the french fries.”

  “But I specifically said—” Ryan froze and then laughed. “I get it. You’re messing with me. You’re cute, Vicky.”

  Vicky? Oh, hell no.

  “I’m going to need you to call me Victoria.” She gave him her most steely smile that definitely held a warning.

  “Oh.” Ryan’s mouth tightened, surprise and irritation in his eyes, before he forced a smile again. “Sure, no problem.”

  Hopefully, he was figuring out that her interest in him was pretty much at zero percent and would give up.

  While there was no denying Ryan was attractive and charming, Tori had no intention of getting involved with anyone at the firm.

  It wasn’t just that there was no attraction to him, but it could also put her job at risk. And that was a big nope.

  No one at Wright and Williams was worth that risk.

  Her gaze slid to James, who was asking his cousin about the phone call.

  Her heart did that weird little fluttery thing again and she bit back a groan.

  Stop it. Bad heart.

  She snapped her teeth together and looked away. The fluttery feeling didn’t go away.

  No one was worth it. Especially not James.

  *

  “Are you going to the Mariners game tonight?”

  James was halfway through composing an email to a client when his cousin appeared at his desk.

  “Mariners game?” he repeated blankly.

  “You know. Players hit a ball with a bat, run around the bases and stuff.” Ryan shut the door, sealing them off from the rest of the office.

  “Yes, I’m aware of who the Mariners are and what the sport of baseball entails.”

  “Good. The part you must be forgetting is that it’s one of the social events the firm does now and then to be swanky and keep its employees happy.”

  James leaned back in his chair. “I’ve been in small claims court the last couple of days and I’m a bit out of it with the social stuff.”

  Did he really want to go to a baseball game tonight? It certainly hadn’t been on his radar, and he’d clearly missed or forgotten any of the promotions for it.

  “I thought baseball games were more popular during the summer associate season?”

  “It can be. But sometimes they’ll splurge on a suite to keep the natives satisfied or if they’re wooing a big shot attorney from another firm.” Ryan grinned and folded his arms across his chest. He glanced out the glass door and down the hall to where the HR department was. “Victoria will be there.”

  James’s blood quickened, but he forced a casual shrug. “And that matters to me because?”

  “It shouldn’t matter to you. It matters to me. I need a little more time outside the office with her.” Ryan’s expression tightened. “She’s been remarkably resistant to any suggestions of hanging out.”

  It’d been a month and a half since they’d all gone out to the bar and had dinner.

  Why did it make him so happy to hear that Tori hadn’t fallen for Ryan’s charm yet?

  James lifted a brow. “Maybe she’s not interested?”

  “They’re always interested.” The cocky statement rolled right off Ryan’s tongue. “Some just are better at playing the game and making you want it more.”

  Gross. “Easy on the predator vibes, cuz.”

  He’d intended for it to sound teasing, though he meant every fucking word. Ryan needed to be careful with how far he took this. Tori wasn’t some prize to be won at the state fair.

  “You know, you sound awfully prickly about my interest in her.” Ryan leaned down, his eyes narrowed and his voice softer now. “You’re sure you don’t have a hard-on for this chick?”

  He absolutely did, but because he refused to act on it, it made it irrelevant.

  “She’s my sister’s best friend. I’m going to be a little protective.”

  “Good, because I’d kick your ass and fire you if you tried anything.” Ryan slapped his shoulder and laughed. “Kidding, not kidding.”

  Jesus, sometimes he wondered how they were related. How was Ryan this arrogant?

  “And while I get the protective stuff—maybe you feel like her big brother or something—she’ll be fine with me, I promise. I take care of my women.”

  Feeling like Tori’s brother was not even remotely possible, but he couldn’t deny he’d been growing more protective of her.

  After that dinner at the bar, things had changed between them at the office. He wouldn’t go so far as to say they were friends or anything, but they no longer went out of their way to avoid each other.

  They even smiled and said hello.

  As if summoned by their thoughts, Tori and Grace walked by James’s office. Both women gave a small wave, not breaking stride or their conversation, before continuing on.

  “Goddamn, she is so hot,” Ryan muttered. “You see Tori’s sweet ass in that skirt? One day soon, I’m going to—”

  “Shut the hell up.” James lost it. “I’m not here for this locker room talk, or whatever the hell you’re trying,” he rasped harshly. “Maybe you should worry about the consent part first before you go planning your night together.”

  His cousin froze and his face reddened slightly, but then he composed himself again and gave a small laugh.

  “You’re right, sorry. Work isn’t the place for this conversation, and you’re probably the wrong guy for it anyway. You being the nice, uptight guy who hasn’t gotten close with a vagina in over a year.”

  Ryan gave him a hard look before leaving the office and shutting the door behind him.

  James let the air hiss out from between his clenched teeth.

  He must’ve really gotten to Ryan’s fragile ego when he’d cussed him out.

  Good.

  Hopefully, Tori kept her head on her shoulders and stayed the hell away from his cousin.

  Had Ryan always been this vile toward women?

  Maybe. James wouldn’t have known since they’d never spent this much time together. Working at the same firm had shown a side of Ryan that James would rather have never known existed.

  With a sigh, he thrust a hand through his hair and tried to bring his focus back to work and the email he’d been working on.

  Tori wouldn’t leave his head, though.

  She was so much more than a pretty face. Sometimes when he saw her walking around at work, attracting all the usual attention like she did with Ryan just now—he thought back to that comment she’d made at the bar about wanting to be invisible.

  Talking comic stuff was as common to him as talking legal stuff. Maybe more so, since he’d been consumed with superheroes since he was a kid. So it hadn’t fazed him initially when she’d made the comment, and then it’d sunk in who he’d been talking to.

  Tori, the woman who both drove him nuts and made him hard as a rock when he thought of her at night. And at that dinner, she’d just casually dropped a Captain Marvel reference.

  He’d been ready with a follow-up question to make sure she hadn’t just been possessed by the ghost of a comic geek, but then Ryan had returned to the table.

  And since that night, he’d felt the guilt more than once at having written her off as a gorgeous goddess who liked all the attention she got from men.

  She wanted to be invisible.

  Which he could understand. He wasn’t big on crowded places and events where he didn’t know anyone. She’d kind of nailed that fact about him at dinner.

  The only exception he made being Comic Con—because it was absolutely awesome.

  And the Gem State Comic Con was this weekend. He’d be flying to Idaho Friday—which was right around when he was supposed to get the bar results back.

  Hallelujah. Good times all around.

  But for now, he needed to focus on work. And maybe make plans to go to that game tonight after all.

  Because it was growing increasingly hard to deny Ryan’s predator vibe, and James hadn’t lied about feeling protective of Tori.

  He’d go tonight. If only just to make sure she felt safe and comfortable. Because if Ryan had upped his game that much around James, he didn’t even want to imagine what it had been like for Tori.

  Chapter Seven

  There was no time to go home and get ready for the game, but Tori had come prepared.

  With most of the people leaving for the day, except for the late-nighters, she was ready to take off the business clothes and embrace the game-day casual vibe.

  While not a huge sports fan, she’d tried to find something to wear and had picked up a Mariners T-shirt at a thrift shop. It was definitely juniors sizing and fit tight over her chest, but hey, it looked good. Especially when she paired it with her light wash jeans and Vans sneakers.

  By the time she’d jumped on the light rail downtown to get to the stadium, she wondered if she should’ve stuck to her work wear.

  While most of the guys were still in suits, they’d taken off their jackets. Still, they looked all reputable and sharp, while she looked like she was heading off to the stadium for sorority game night or something.

  James was across the aisle, holding onto one of the overhead loops on the light rail. He was in discussion with another lawyer from the firm, but his gaze slid to hers.

  Was it her imagination, or were his lips curving into a tiny smile? Always a little weird. He was kind of stingy with the smiles for her.

  But when he gave them? Sweet Jesus, help her. They did something to her insides. It made her think about other times. Really, the second time they’d ever kissed.

  With the city flying by outside, she couldn’t stop her mind from drifting back a half a year . . .

  Oh god, he was losing it. He was straight up losing it!

  Tori tugged down her way-too-short maid of honor dress and shook her head as she watched the scene before her unfold.

  James was actually doing it. He’d ambushed his ex-girlfriend at Kris’s wedding.

  His mouth moved as he spoke to Hannah, but she was too far away to hear it. What was he doing? Begging her to come back to him? Apologizing profusely?

  Hannah’s eyes were wide and she looked pretty upset. After a moment, she shook her head and stormed away.

  Well, that clearly hadn’t gone well for him.

  Tori’s stomach twisted with a bit of sympathy. She didn’t want to feel bad for James, but damn it all if he didn’t look like a wounded puppy right now.

  She watched him stride off down the beach to where a tall tent-like structure had been set up as a dressing room for the bride.

  The rest of the wedding guests and the bride and groom were in small groups nearby, talking.

  When he disappeared into the tent, she knew he was probably alone in there, having himself a moment.

  Just let him be miserable, Tori.

  And yet, despite her best intentions, she went after him. A couple of minutes later, she lifted the flap of the tent and stepped inside.

  “Hey. Are you okay?”

  He turned, surprised etched on his face before it turned into a mix of irritation and anger.

  “What does it matter to you?”

  “I’m not sure it does”—she folded her arms across her chest, not swayed by the wounded lion act—“but I thought I’d try and be a decent human and check on you.”

  “I think you’ve done enough.”

  She arched a brow. “I haven’t done anything. This is all your doing, James.”

  He didn’t even try and argue.

  “You probably shouldn’t have tried to get her back here,” she added quietly. “Not at Kris’s wedding.”

  “I miss her—” His voice broke.

  Why did something inside her twist sadly at that? Was it because she felt guilty for their kiss—that he’d initiated? The kiss that had helped end his relationship with Hannah?

  Or was it because maybe, just maybe, she was the tiniest bit jealous?

  “I know you do.” She paused. “How did she react when you talked to her?”

  “There’s not a chance in hell.” He gave a harsh laugh. “Maybe she didn’t say those exact words, because Hannah isn’t the swearing type. But she made it clear I was being a fool.”

  Oh, undoubtedly, he was, but despite their constant friction, she wasn’t that much of a bitch to throw the reply aloud at him.

  “Look, I know you’re hurting right now, but you won’t be forever. And I know that sounds cliché, but it’s true.”

  “Don’t patronize me,” he scoffed.

  Okay, clearly, I am going to be a bitch.

  “Do you really want to be the guy whining and feeling sorry for yourself right now?”

  His eyes rounded and his mouth opened, but no words came out.

  “Just because your relationship ended doesn’t mean you can’t love again.”

  He went to move past her, but she caught his arm and stopped him.

  “Listen to me.” She stepped closer and captured his face and made him look at her. “It doesn’t mean another woman will never make you laugh. Or make you cry. It doesn’t mean you’ll never care for another woman, or never want to sleep with one.”

  He grabbed her wrists, and she was sure he was going to push her away. Instead, his fingers traced the sensitive inside of her wrists.

  Her pulse quickened beneath his touch, and she drew in a steadying breath.

  “I know you can’t see it now, but it’ll happen with someone else. Most likely more than once.”

  “There’s no one else I want.” Despite his harsh words, he didn’t let her go.

  “No one else you want?” She gave him a slow smile and tilted her head. “Are you sure about that?”

  He needed a distraction and, damn it, she was just going to have to fall on that sword and give it to him.

  He’d taken that kiss from her months ago, and now it was time to take one of her own. She pressed herself close, rose on her tiptoes and brushed her lips across his.

  He froze, but didn’t move away. His words were a whisper on her lips.

  “What are you doing?”

  “Making a point.”

  He still didn’t move as she teased her tongue past his lips to find his, lashing it with slow, erotic strokes. And then she sucked.

  That must’ve been what broke him.

  He dropped her wrists, grabbed her around the waist, and crushed her to him. Her breasts flattened against his chest as his mouth plundered hers.

  Just as quickly as she’d had control, she’d lost it.

  It was hard to care, though, because, god, he tasted so good. So vulnerable. So intoxicating. So angry.

  So perfectly James. This was even better than that first kiss in the car.

  They stumbled around in the tiny tent, lips still locked as they each struggled for dominance. Things got kicked over, they tripped on a bag.

  It was hard to even form a thought. There was just pleasure. Need.

  And that made her panic. She didn’t lose control with men. It wasn’t how she did things.

  She broke the kiss and moved to unbutton the crisp white shirt beneath his suit. When she found skin, her lips claimed it.

  She traced her tongue over the furious pulse in his neck and loved the slight saltiness she found.

  James’s hands on her ass had her gasping and briefly halting in her exploration.

  “This dress is too short.”

  “Kris picked it out. Blame her.”

  “I’m not complaining.”

  He squeezed each ass cheek in his large hands while she continued to taste his neck.

  Liquid fire gathered between her legs, and she trembled, needing so much more.

  When he grabbed her chin and tugged her mouth back up, she didn’t resist and let him claim her in a kiss again.

  Their tongues fused and lashed, and she was dimly aware of him hiking her leg up over his hip. Her dress eased higher, leaving her open to him.

  He was quick to take advantage and his hand moved between her legs. His knuckles brushed over the tiny piece of fabric that covered her most intimate spot.

  A gasp ripped from her, but it was lost in the kiss. His answering groan had the folds between her legs growing slicker.

  His knuckles brushed again, firmer this time, and the world started to spin.

  Lights flashed.

  He tore away. Dropped her like she was a hot potato. She stumbled, trying to catch her balance.

  “I think someone just came into the tent.” His words were uneven. Shaken.

  So maybe not orgasmic lights flashing in her head, but someone opening the tent flap.

  Reality hit hard.

  Where she was.

  Who she was with.

  She tugged her dress back down and squeezed her thighs together in a hopeless effort to stop the ache.

  She snuck a glance at him and was stunned to see how composed he was. How unaffected by what had just happened between them.

  With her pride a bit wounded, Tori did what she was great at doing. She built that emotional fence back up between them.

  “Well, I think I just proved my point. You’re going to be just fine, James Watson.”

  She gave him a small smile and a pat on the chest, then left the tent.

  The sudden stop at the stadium exit had Tori snapping out of the memory.

  Thinking about that moment in the tent left her breathless. Like it had happened five minutes ago, not five months ago.

  And then their paths hadn’t crossed again until she’d showed up for her first day at work.

  After their dinner in the bar that night, things had shifted between them. He wasn’t so hostile and uptight.

  She was used to grumpy, uptight, always-frowning James. But the smiles, though small ones, had been more frequent. When he said hello in the building, it was without the edge of resentment.

 

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