His Sweet Reward Page 3

  “Quite a few countries do. It’s common in Europe.” He pulls out more food from the basket and opens the containers.

  “I should visit them all and see if this is true. You can’t trust everything you read online.”

  “So on our next date then.”

  I laugh, because he has to be joking. “If you get a next date,” I tease as I take a bite of my steak and it melts in my mouth.

  “There will be a next date.”

  I wish I could be as confident as him. “Okay. We’ll have a next date,” I agree. “As long as you’ll come with me to my family reunion,” I add in quickly. Hey, if he can throw things out there with such certainty, then I can too. His fork pauses in front of his mouth. “I mean, you will go with me to my family reunion.” There, that’s more his style.

  “If you want me to.” He takes a bite of his food and shrugs. Damn, that was easy.

  “You’re going to make my stepsister Charlotte so jealous,” I blurt out, but I might as well get it all out there.

  “Did she do something to you? You don’t seem like the vengeful type.” I look down at my food, chagrined. I’d gone out on this date with revenge in mind, but that hasn't played out. But I’m totally sure this Dash is the same Dash my friends went out with. It has to be because it was the same restaurant and the same first and last name. Crazier things have happened before, although I can’t think of any off the top of my head.

  “I guess it’s a little more like sass. I’m going to take a date so they’ll stop teasing me about my love life.”

  “They?” I peek back up at him, feeling guilty. When he calls it revenge it makes it sound so bad. This is not what I’d tell one of my students to do.

  “My stepmom too.” I let out a long sigh. “Never mind.” I shake my head. “I should go alone and face them. It’s petty of me to only bring a date to shut them up.”

  Dash’s nose flares for a second before he lowers his fork. “I’ll go with you.”

  “No, it’s fine.” I shift, feeling uncomfortable. I can’t read his mood now and he’s gone from teasing to something else. I look down at my food again, willing myself not to fidget, which is a habit of mine when I’m unsure of myself. One my family brings out in me.

  “It’s not fine.” My head jerks back up to look at him. Now he really sounds angry. “Not only does your stepsister fuck with you, but the mom does too?”

  “They’re jerks, but I should be used to it. Or at least be over it.” I’m moving on with my life, but somehow they can always get to me.

  “I think we can do better than me going with you to the reunion.” His face softens and the anger in his voice fades.

  “What do you have in mind?” I joke as I take another bite.

  “We’ll get married.” I almost choke on my steak as I cough, and he hands me some water, patting my back. “Are you okay?”

  “I’m fine,” I laugh, trying to catch my breath. I wanted to ruin this date when I got to the restaurant, and now that I’m enjoying myself I can’t seem to stop. He reaches up and tucks my hair behind my ear. I’ve noticed he seeks out small ways to touch me and I can’t say I hate it.

  “I wasn't joking.” His face is serious, but I know he has to be joking.

  “So we go and pretend to be married?” When I stop and think about it, it’s not really a bad idea. They’d probably fall over in shock. Not only does Dash clearly have money, but he’s handsome too. “That would really bug them. I bet my stepsister would hit on you.”

  “You’ll need a ring,” he says, as if talking to himself.

  “Maybe a fake pregnancy test too,” I suggest and then snort a laugh. “No, then they’d think you're only marrying me because I got knocked up.” I laugh again and shake my head.

  “This sounds crazy. You know that, right?” he says.

  “It’s okay, I’m going to let it go and be the bigger person. I’ll show up and see my dad and then leave.”

  “That’s not what I meant. I’m going with you to the reunion. I just meant that it’s crazy that anyone would think you couldn’t get any man you wanted.”

  “That’s really sweet of you to say.”

  “I’m not your friend trying to make you feel better, Brooklyn. It’s the fucking truth.”

  My chest warms at his conviction, but even from what little I know about Dash, he isn't the type of man to feed people lies. Although Cherry would probably say he’s trying to get in my pants.

  “Well, I didn't always look this fabulous.” I bat my eyelashes as I try to hide that I’m suddenly feeling shy. “After all, these are my fancy yoga pants. Look, not one hole.”

  “And adorable.” He leans over and brushes his lips against mine. “Too bad for anyone else who missed their chance. You’re mine now.” There he goes again, wrapping me up in his sweet words.

  “You’re not too bad yourself. Why are you on a dating app?”

  He’s been so charming. If this was the same man who went out with my friends, I think they would have fallen all over him. Not Blair though; she wound have junk-punched him when he tried to boss her around and stole her phone. She never would have found it swoony like I did.

  “Why is anyone on a dating app?” he asks.

  “Some people do it to hook up, but I’m sure some do it to find love.”

  “And where do you fall in that, Brooklyn?”

  “Love,” I admit. “I haven't had the best of luck on any dating site and I was about to give up.” I notice he didn't answer the question.

  “Why didn't you give up?”

  “If you want something you can’t give up. If I’ve learned any lesson from my stepmom and Charlotte, it’s that if I kept working towards a goal I’d get there.” I wanted out of the house and to put myself through college. I did that and now I want to find love. I want to be with the man I will spend the rest of my life with. I want a family of my own that’s nothing like the one I grew up in.

  “You’re right about that. You never stop until you get what you want.”

  This time when he pulls me close he deepens the kiss. I part my lips and his tongue sweeps across my bottom lip. His fingers tangle in my hair, and although he starts out slow, his possession is clear. I can feel a power in his hands and chest that he’s holding back. My core tightens and my body shudders at what could happen if he unleashes it.

  “Brooklyn.” He pulls his mouth away and rests his forehead against mine.

  “What?” I start to kiss him again and he shakes his head.

  “We’re in public.” And it’s then I look down and see that I’ve climbed in his lap. I don’t remember moving, but I do remember craving more.

  “Wow.” I smile, and my lips feel sweetly sore. “That was—”

  “Unforgettable,” he finishes for me with the perfect word.

  “You’re nothing like I thought you’d be,” I admit.

  “I can say the same about you.”

  “Too bad you told my friends you’d have me back by midnight.” I bite my lip to try and stop the laugh.

  “We’ll have a lot more nights together.”

  I really like the sound of that.

  “I think you’ve earned a second date, although I have no idea how you’re going to beat this one.” It started off terrible but he changed it in a second. I think Dash is the type of man to go after what he wants too. Another thing I like about him.

  “I’ll figure it out.” He gives me another kiss before I move off his lap and to the blanket beside him.

  I’m sure he will and I’m going to have to figure out how to tell my friends about this.

  I might be sneaking out.

  Chapter Six

  Dash

  Me: Pickles.

  Brooklyn: Seriously? How are you allergic to pickles? They’re so good, I would cry if I had to give them up.

  I laugh as I lean back in my office chair and put my feet on my desk. I can’t remember the last time I smiled so much.

  Me: You’re one to talk
. You’re allergic to spiders.

  Brooklyn: That is a real thing!!

  Me: Two exclamation points. I think you might be exaggerating.

  Brooklyn: I hope you are enjoying this.

  Me: More than you know.

  Leaving her at her apartment last night was no easy feat. I didn’t even allow myself more than a quick kiss because I knew exactly what it would turn into. If I’d let go of my self-control I’d have her up against the bricks of her building. Instead I waited for her to go in and then I barely made it back to my penthouse before I ran in the door and started jacking off.

  She’d already texted me by then saying she had a great time, and flashes of her on my lap made it impossible to concentrate. As soon as the door snicked closed behind me I was shoving my hand down my slacks and grabbing my cock hard and tight. I fucked my hand so many times last night it was shocking to see it still full and thick this morning when I woke up.

  I sent her a good morning text and told her I couldn’t wait to see her tonight. She sent me a picture of herself already dressed and on her way to work, and I’m not ashamed to say I jerked off to that too. Her little yellow cardigan had bumblebees all over it and I kept thinking about what it’s going to be like to fuck a kindergarten teacher dirty.

  Brooklyn: Favorite ice cream.

  Me: Mint chip, and if you don’t agree you are wrong.

  Brooklyn: Okay, you’re right. That really is the best.

  Me: I’m glad you see it my way. Favorite way to eat a potato?

  Brooklyn: You’re so mean, that’s hard!

  Me: You made me pick a favorite movie and song.

  Brooklyn: True. Okay, French fries, but I would like to ask forgiveness from the baked potatoes of the world.

  Me: Have I mentioned how cute you are?

  Brooklyn: Boxers or briefs?

  Me: Careful.

  Brooklyn: What? I’m just asking questions.

  Me: You’re teasing me. And I’ve still got four hours and seventeen minutes until I can see you again. Favorite pizza topping?

  Brooklyn: Pickles.

  Me: Liar.

  Brooklyn: Maybe…

  Me: Finish your work. I’m ready to see you.

  Brooklyn: Okay, I’ll try and concentrate. See you soon!

  She sends me a selfie and I stare at it for a long moment before I reply with a heart emoji. The way the light shines behind her in the picture, she looks like she’s wearing a halo. Fuck, how can someone so beautiful and perfect be for me?

  I never thought finding a woman would feel like this. It was always a chore before and I never took any joy in going out on dates and having to pretend to be interested. But with Brooklyn I want to know it all. I want to hear every story and every detail of her life. It didn’t even dawn on me that I’m supposed to be finding a woman to breed until this morning when I was jerking off.

  The thought of entering her bare and cumming inside her was just fucking hot. It didn’t have anything to do with my obligation to the company or my legacy. I just wanted to feel her pussy on me without anything between us. I’ve never felt that before, and honestly never wanted to until now. With Brooklyn I want inside her body as well as her soul.

  “Lazing around, I see.” My cousin Josh walks in my office with Geoff hot on his heels.

  “Sorry, Mr. Belmont, I tried to page you.” Geoff glares at the phone on my desk that I put on silent when I was talking to Brooklyn.

  “It’s okay, I’ll deal with him,” I say to Geoff, and Josh rolls his eyes.

  Geoff walks out of my office and pulls the doors almost closed. He leaves it cracked, I'm sure to listen out if I call for him. Which I plan on doing just as soon as I find out why Josh is here.

  “Deal with him? Honestly, Dash, you’re so rude to family,” he huffs as he looks at the degrees on my wall and then walks away from them. “I could understand if you were talking to the help.”

  He motions towards the door Geoff just walked out of and I want to punch him in the mouth. Geoff is more loyal than Josh would ever be to this family.

  “Let’s not play games. Why are you here? Do you need money?” I know I’ve struck a chord when he narrows his eyes at me.

  “No. I’m just checking in on my future office. I need to take some measurements. Fiona wants to redecorate the space when I take over.”

  “Tell your wife to spend her extra time with her tennis instructor. That’s the one that got her pregnant, right?”

  Direct hit once again as I see the flash of anger in his eyes and the color rise on his neck. “Speaking of pregnant, I hear you still can’t find a woman willing to let you fuck her.”

  “I guess I’m not as easily fooled as you, cousin. How many mistresses do you have again? Does Fiona only know about the underage nanny, or the other women all over town?”

  “Mind your business,” he hisses as he takes a step toward me.

  He catches himself before he lashes out and smooths back his black hair. He takes a breath and straightens his tie as he forces a smile.

  “The deadline is fast approaching and I don’t see you crossing the finish line,” he says, trying to relax. “I have my lawyers on standby.”

  “I’m sure you do,” I agree, unwilling to give him anything.

  He’s here to try and get information from me, or at the very least to rile me up. I won’t let him have the satisfaction, so I just smile and nod. It will get him out of here faster.

  “Well, I’ve got business to attend to. I just thought I’d stop by and pay a visit to my favorite cousin while I was nearby.” He walks toward the door of my office but pauses and turns around. “Oh, I forgot to mention. I heard you were in the zoo last night. Interesting place to have dinner.”

  I feel my own anger rise this time, but I don’t let it show on the outside. I give him a tight-lipped smile and wait for him to get out before I tear him apart.

  “See you soon, cousin.” Josh winks at me before he swings the door wide open and walks out.

  He’s left me standing there wondering two things. One, how the fuck did he know where I was last night, and two, does he know about Brooklyn?

  Chapter Seven

  Brooklyn

  I send out my end-of-the-day newsletter before I shut my computer down. I’ve been counting down the minutes until I see Dash again. I’m hoping to get home and out the door before any of the girls see me. Otherwise they’ll drag him into the apartment and I’m not really sure what will happen from there.

  They tried to grill me when I got home last night, but it was late and I had to be up early. I didn't mention I would be going out again tonight. I’m sure they have plans for a full interrogation tonight. It was implied in their texts throughout the day. I sent a few lols and laughing faces but never actually said I would be there. They’re going to kill me.

  “Are you Miss Tanner?” I turn toward my classroom door to see a man in a suit filling the space. I know all my students' parents and although his face isn't familiar, something about his eyes is.

  “I am. Can I help you find something?”

  He runs a hand through his slicked-back hair, which is too dark for the wrinkles around his eyes. I never understood why some men dye the gray out of their hair. I think it looks good on most men.

  “I’m thinking about enrolling my son and I’m doing a tour of the school.”

  “Oh, how old is he?” I step out from behind my desk and grab my bag so I can slip my phone inside.

  “Six. I was told he’d be in your class.” He steps farther into my room and holds his hand out. “I’m Josh.”

  “Brooklyn.” I take his hand and he gives it a firm shake but then holds on to it. “You’re welcome to take a look around,” I offer. All the kids are gone for the day and it’s only a few teachers at this hour.

  “That’s really nice of you.” I pull my hand from his when he doesn't let it go. “But you look like you’re heading out. Want to get a coffee instead?” He leans closer to me and smirks. “Or
happy hour?”

  “I’m sorry. I actually have plans.” It’s not a lie, but I would never go out with a student's father. I don’t care that he’s only a potential one at this point. Plus, I think I’m taken. I could be wrong since some people date multiple people at a time, but I don’t let my mind go down that path. It’s way too early to have those thoughts.

  “Maybe another time.” He winks and then walks out of my classroom before I can wrap my mind around what he just said.

  Gah. What the hell was that all about? I hope he doesn't enroll his kid here. That would make it super awkward. I decide to shake it off because he might be new here and didn’t mean it like a date. Maybe he’s just looking for friends—and then I feel guilty. Oh well, there’s nothing I can do about it now.

  When I get home Blair isn’t there yet and I’m safe from an interrogation. She’s always coming and going at random hours and I never know if she’ll be here or not. I scribble down a note and leave it on the small dining room table for her. If I text her to tell her I’ll be out for the night, that will lead to a million more questions.

  I don’t know why I’m avoiding telling them about Dash. I think part of me doesn't want to hear about him being out on other dates with my girlfriends. I want to get to know him on my own. It might be naïve, but this is the first guy I’ve felt anything for, so I’m trusting myself on this one.

  I do a once-over in the mirror and touch up my lip gloss. I didn't put much effort into how I looked last night, but tonight is different. I want him to see me as cute and maybe even sexy. He didn’t tell me where we’re going but he did say to wear comfortable shoes. I ditch my wide-leg slacks and flats for jeans and a pair of sneakers.

  A knock on the door alerts me I’m out of time and I half run to the door and pull it open. We have to get out of here as fast as possible because we could run into the women he’s already been out with.

  “Did you open the door without looking?” I don’t pay attention to what he’s saying because he’s as handsome in his suit as he is in a pair of jeans and a T-shirt. His hair’s ruffled a bit and I’m guessing he didn't give it any attention when he changed. Maybe he was in a hurry to see me too. “You shouldn’t open doors without looking.”