Page 2 of Playing to Win

My body is doing traitorous things to me, like my core clenching and nipples tightening. The fire inside me plus being annoyed with myself only makes me clean the floors harder and faster in an effort to get out of here as soon as possible. I pretend I’m scrubbing him from my memory bank—his ungodly tall figure, light chocolate brown hair, whisky-colored eyes, bronze skin, and clean-shaven face. Maybe it was the way he discarded his suit jacket, leaving him in a long-sleeved black button-down shirt, the cuffs of his sleeves folded back, showing off deep veins running along the top until they rotate toward the inside and reach his wrist. Yep, for someone who wants to cut off a certain male species, I’m sure doing a bang-up job of forgetting about Theo Goldman. I move to another spot after working on the same area for the past too many minutes, cursing myself internally while having thoughts about Theo as if he’d give me the time of day, or that I’d give him the time of day. This is my last task for the day. I already cleaned the rest of the penthouse. Another thought attacks me after meeting the owner—his bedroom. The floor-to-ceiling windows are carried out through the entirety of his house, including his bedroom, where I changed the dark black bedding. His rich black currant with a mix of tobacco almost overwhelmed me. The scent matches its owner, completely and overwhelmingly.

I finish up the last portion of flooring and make a mental note to tell Mallory to pay me more for this job. Clean and Gleam doesn’t skimp when it comes to paychecks. The fact that I’m in my fourth year of college as a twenty-five-year-old says a lot. I worked two jobs to afford my small postage stamp apartment, saving up as much as I can in order to pay cash for school. I’d need another payment like I need a hole in my head. So, while yes, I’m older than most students in my class, at least one day, years later than I’d initially wanted, I’ll come out on top while being debt free. College isn’t cheap, especially for what I’m going for—an ultrasound technician. The pre-requisites were holding me back, and night school after working ten-hour days cleaning made it even harder.

“Finally.” I throw the rag into the mop bucket and take my earbuds out, pocketing them in my jean shorts. It wasn’t smart of me to wear them, but when Mallory called saying it was a 9-1-1, that I needed to fit this last job in and that the owner would be out, I wore my usual when I’m cleaning. Except I’m always by myself. Today was an anomaly. It’s the tank top that has me re-thinking things. New York is experiencing a heat wave, so sweating any more than necessary seemed stupid. My hands go to my lower back as I arch it in a stretch. A heating pad will most assuredly be my best friend tonight, along with a Coke. I’ll need the caffeine to finish my homework before tomorrow night’s class, and I know Mallory will have my schedule packed tomorrow, too.

I stand up, grab my bucket, and walk toward the half bathroom to dump the nasty water, clean the toilet, then call it a day. Anything else will have to wait until next week. I’ve been here for too long as it is and way past my quitting time, which means I’ll miss the train I need to take. Walking home is going to be a bitch but nothing I haven’t handled before. Except today, my back hurts and my knees are snap, cracking and popping from all the work I’ve done, plus my period is due, which makes me one cranky bitch. That’s probably why I’m not paying a lick of attention at where I’m going with two hands holding the bucket, arms weak. And smack hard into a solid mass of muscle.

“Shit, shit, shit.” The cuss words are out before I can stop them. Mallory is going to kill me if Theo reports every single incident that happened today, and I’ll be out of a job. Jesus, it’s like today is trying to kill me the fuck off.

THREE

Theo

“Whoa, are you okay?”My hands go to her shoulders, holding her steady so she doesn’t slip in the water that’s currently soaking both of our lower bodies. I was walking toward the kitchen, needing something to eat after working at the office longer than I’d have liked. Four Brothers is looking at acquiring another business, this time a bank. We’ve never taken over something this substantial, meaning there’s a shit ton that can and I’m sure will go wrong. So, I spent most of the day pouring over the numbers as well as working with our specialist in fraud to see where the money went and why a bank is on the verge of bankruptcy before we take the final step. A lot of things aren’t adding up. There’s no reason a bank should be hemorrhaging money. Especially one of this caliber. Evertrust has been around for nearly seven decades. The president right now is the one who came to Four Brothers asking for a merger—our name, our money—all while he remains owner at fifty percent.

“I’m so sorry,” says the woman whose mouth seems to run away from her whenever I’m near. Danica currently has her forearm over her mouth, probably to cover up the litany of curse words she just let lose. While in my home office, I went through my personal email, finding Clean and Gleam’s in order to finally put a name to the face in my house.

“It’s not a big deal. Stay where you are. I’ll go grab a few towels,” I offer. She’s already shaking her head no.

“No, I will. I’m in sneakers. Your shoes are no match for wet marble flooring, and, well, this is my job.” She takes off, her body leaving my hands faster than I would have liked. My cock jerks beneath my pants as I watch her cute little ass bounce with every step she takes in those sinful jean shorts. I should be going after her, not standing here like I’ve got my dick in the dirt, hunkered down in a desert waiting for a sniper to pick me off. I’m about to follow her when she’s rushing out of the room, whispering to what I assume she thinks is herself, except my ears are ridiculous, and I can hear more than I care to.

“I’m going to lose my job and a ride home if I don’t hurry this along.” A few towels are bundled in her arms, and she’s got a look of sheer determination on her face. The weight of the world may be on her shoulders, but Danica isn’t crumbling like so many others would. I’m stunned stone-cold silent when she drops to her knees. Jesus fucking Christ, my restraint is about to come undone. She doesn’t use the wall or my hand to steady herself as she lowers her body to the floor, and damn if my cock doesn’t harden further. A thought hits me. I gave my friends, who are so much like brothers, a ration of hell. Each of them is tied in fucking knots over their women. Women who are now like sisters to me by way of marriage. A couple of them even have kids. On the rare occurrences we all get together, I’d tell them there was no damn way I’d ever be strapped to a woman. Yet one tiny little woman who’s on her knees in front of me has me rethinking every single thought I’ve ever had.

“That’s enough, Danica.” The strawberry-blonde crown of her head tips back. Her lips are pursed, eyes narrowed, and all I can do is smirk.

“How do you know my name? I didn’t give it to you.” There’s a note of worry in her tone as she drops the towels beside the mop bucket and stands up, staggering back a step or two. A bad feeling takes hold of me. There’s more to Danica than her working for Clean and Gleam.

“Mallory sent me an email with your name in it.” I don’t elaborate that her boss, whom I’ve had under my employment for many years, has always had this protocol. Now not only is Danica on high alert, so fucking am I. A range of expressions crosses her face before worry and shock transform into a look of indifference. It’s her hands balled into tight fists at her sides that gives her away. “Leave it. I’ll take care of the rest. You’ve done more than anyone else has, and it’s me who’s causing the extra mess.”

“Crap, I should have thought about that. I usually work in the corporate offices, where there’s no one except a few other employees.” She bends down to grab the towels and mop bucket.

“Danica, hand it over. I’ll take care of that. You mentioned something about missing a ride?” I question, stepping closer to her in order to take the items from her hands since she’s standing still, unmoving, with her head cocked to the side.

“No. It’s too late now. I’ve missed the train, and the next one won’t arrive for another couple of hours. I’d have had to leave ten minutes ago. I’ll finish this up and then order a car.” She checks the watch on her left wrist, one of those that isn’t a smartwatch like most everyone wears these days but a run-of-the-mill basic one that looks well worn, going hand in hand with the defeat currently rolling through her body.

“I’ll take you home. It’s my fault you’re running late.” I’m not giving her an option. There’s no way I want her in the back of a car where who knows who is behind the wheel.

“Mr. Goldman, I appreciate the gesture, but I’ll be okay. I always am,” she mumbles as I take the bucket from her hands. The grip she has on the towels says enough. Clearly, Danica will handle them.

“Theo. Call me Theo.” One more step, and I’d be close enough to touch her. I also see she’s reluctant in that aspect, which is why I stay where I am but continue the conversation. “Non-negotiable. I’m driving you home. You want someone to vouch for me, I’ll give you my brothers’ numbers. Call them. Mallory will do the same.” Danica’s nod is hesitant. Either she really needs to get home, or the ride will set her back financially. Regardless, it’s a win in my book.

FOUR

Danica

I’m goingwith my gut, that’s the only logical explanation I can give as to why I relented so easily when Theo offered to give me a ride to my apartment. The thought of waiting for a ride, bus, or train had me ready to bite my nails down to the quick. At this rate, I’m without a doubt going to be late for class tonight, for the first time ever during my final year in college, so close but still so far away. Sure, he told me I could call one of his friends from the well-known Four Brothers Incorporated, or call Mallory, but there was no way I’d call my boss. As cool and laid back as she is, this wouldn’t be okay with her, and asking his friends for what? A background check? As if that would help. I only hope my instinct doesn’t get me killed.

“I need an address if I’m going to get you home anytime soon,” Theo says after pulling out of his parking spot in a vehicle I’m all too knowledgeable about how many zeros are in its price. Much like his penthouse, the black-on-black luxury sports car goes with his personality.

“Amelia and West 304th Street.” I don’t give him the exact location of my apartment. I do have some sense of self-preservation.

“Alright,” Theo responds while he’s looking both ways before pulling out of the parking garage. I’m doing everything in my power not to look at him, but it’s kind of hard when nothing else seems to be holding your attention. His hand is on the gear shifter in the center console, and his firm thighs move seamlessly as he goes from first gear and drops into second. That’s when my gaze zeroes in on his muscular forearm, watching each flex and pull. It’s porn for women of all kinds, there’s no two ways about it.

“So, tell me about yourself, Danica.” Our eyes collide. The tilt of his lips tells me I’ve been caught staring. I pull myself away from his warm eyes. The back of my head meets the headrest, and I close my eyes, gathering my thoughts and composure. There’s something about Theo. He makes me want to do the unthinkable—trust a man who’s worth billions.

“Hmm, well, I work at Clean and Gleam full-time, have for years now.” A shiver runs down my spine thinking about how I thought my eighteen-year-old self could bounce right back with the wad of cash my mother gave me. It was a hope and a prayer. It wasn’t until after staying at the women’s shelter for nearly a week that Mallory hired me on. I worked a few hours a day while completing my high school career in the form of a GED at the women’s shelter. As much shit as she gives me, I give it right back, and even when I joke that she’d fire me, I know she wouldn’t. It’s also why I usually have the choice of where I work. “I also work at a bar a few Saturdays a month when there’s a concert and they need a second set of hands. After working for Mallory, I head to night classes at the local college.” The money from the bar is pocketed away, a fallback in case there’s ever a time dear old stepdad decides to come looking and I need to get the fuck out of town. It’s been seven years. There’s no reason for him to try and find me. Unless something happens to my mom.

“Do you ever sleep? It’s kind of hard to do it all with the schedule you’re handling.” I want to roll my eyes. Oh, I’m handling life alright. That being said, men should never underestimate the power of a woman who is determined.

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