Page 12 of Unsure in Love

“It’s sad that you’re forty and still referring to women as chicks,” I clapped back.

He grinned, not at all offended. Keneti was probably the coolest individual I’d ever met. Absolutely nothing bothered the man. I envied him sometimes. Crushing the tiny ball in my hand, I asked, “So, what’s up? You didn’t come up here just to annoy me, did you?”

Ken lifted an eyebrow. “This is why I’m your only friend.”

“Lie. You’re one of two,” I returned with a smile.

He snorted. “Two. What an impressive social circle.”

I only smiled harder in response. If I’d taken the time to become a social butterfly, I wouldn’t be where I am now. My introverted ways worked for me. The only stranger I’d felt comfortable coming out of my shell with was Cass, and by the end of our night together, there was no way I could call us strangers. I knew every dip, curve, and taste of that woman. If I closed my eyes, I’d see her clearly, feel her even. Blowing out a breath, I bit back a groan. Cass appeared in my thoughts way too often.

“Speaking of your only other friend, what’s Nic up to? I still feel bad about missing the wedding.”

“He’s great. Expecting a child already.”

“Christ, can you imagine? Marriage and kids.” Ken shuddered as if the mere thought was horrifying. “I could never.” His lips quirked. “Not again anyway.”

I chuckled. “You’re seriously damaged.” One marriage that went south, and the man was turned off for life. I didn’t blame him, his ex-wife was a harpy.

“I don’t see you making any commitment moves,” he grumbled, shifting in his chair. Any hint about marriage conjured memories of his ex-wife and made him uncomfortable. I watched him with a mix of sympathy and amusement. The poor guy. Michelle had put him through the wringer.

“I’m committed to this.” I held out my arms to encompass my office—our offices. Allied Private Security took up three floors of the skyscraper building. To think we’d started out in Ken’s tiny office that he’d rented for his private investigation work. It took commitment to grow our security firm to this multibillion-dollar status. It took sweat and blood... literally. The security jobs I’d had to take on after leaving the military to make enough to start this operation were insanely dangerous.

“So, did you call that woman yet?”

I blinked, pulled back to the present by Ken’s question. Deciding to play dumb, I shrugged. “What woman?”

Ken smirked. He knew me better than most, so there was no playing stupid to get out of this conversation. “The one you met at the wedding. The one that rocked your world and sent you back here with your tail between your legs.” He laughed and I scowled.

“Never got her number, so how can I call her?”

“Please, you’re the CEO of a private security company. You can have her phone number, age, family history, dating history, and find out what she ate for breakfast this morning with a few calls.”

“That would be stalking, Ken. I hope that’s not what you do with women you’re interested in.”

“So you finally admit it. You’re still interested in her.”

My jaw clenched. I remained silent because I didn’t want to lie.

Ken shook his head. “I can’t believe she told you to get lost after you caught feelings.”

“I didn’t…” I crushed the stress ball with everything I had. Clearing my throat, I tried again, but much calmer this time. “I didn’t catch feelings. I never catch feelings.” That was total bullshit. I caught all the feelings that night.

The next morning, I abandoned all logical sense and mentioned staying in touch with Cass. I still couldn't believe those words had passed my lips. She had shut me down so fast that my head still spun and my pride had yet to recover.

6

DAMIAN

Four months ago…

Before the door to Cass’ apartment closed, I knew I was in trouble. Already, I felt like I was too into her for the one night we’d agreed on. It was a frightening first for me. I hadn’t even gotten a proper taste of her yet, and I was hooked. The explosive chemistry that flared between us had me floored. I actually connected with someone. I liked her. A lot.

“I’m a little offended.”

The breathy statement pulled me from my haze of emotional confusion. Cass had stopped teasing me with her lips to study me with a frown. I’d just stepped through the door of her apartment with her straddling me while we devoured each other in a fervent lip-lock. I was ready to go, to press her against the door and make her scream my name all night. Then, I got thrown for a loop by my feelings.

“I’m sorry…” I blinked. “What exactly am I apologizing for?”

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