Roughing, page 3
I only knew one way to do that.
Chapter Three
Muddy Waters
~~Michella~~
Filing endless paperwork was so freaking dull I began to doubt my most recent career choice. This wasn’t what I’d imagined when I’d taken on this job. But then, what had I envisioned? Chasing bad guys, capturing murderers, helping friends and family members find their missing son or daughter? Whatever I thought I’d be doing, this wasn’t it.
I could hear my mother now, “Stop being such a princess.”
I was the only girl in a family of boys, and I was a princess and proud of it. I could’ve gone either way, try to be one of the boys or become family royalty. I chose royalty. My oldest brother bought me a tiara for my twelfth birthday, and I still had it in a place of honor in my tiny living room.
I’d recently moved, having previously shared a larger place with my besties. Everly now lived with her boyfriend, Dashel Bates, the captain of the Portland Icehawks, and Inez, who worked for the Icehawks, wanted to be closer to her office. I’d had a hell of a time finding an apartment I could afford by myself until Briggs pointed me toward a unit available in his complex for a shockingly reasonable price. I hadn’t wanted to live that close to him, but I couldn’t pass up a bargain. So far, I’d managed to avoid Briggs.
And why was I thinking about Briggs right now? I knew why, but I fought it. I was attracted to that man and had been since the first night I’d laid eyes on him. I’d been hanging with friends at the Puck. They’d left early, and I’d moved to sit at the bar. Briggs, in all his grumpy gorgeousness, was hunkered over a whiskey and gave off this stay-away vibe. I’d had a few and was operating on liquid courage. I sat down next to him and struck up a conversation. I talked, he grunted occasionally.
One grunt led to another. Before I knew it, I was in his apartment, grunting for a very different reason. I wasn’t a “pick up a guy in the bar and hump him” kind of girl, but I was with Briggs. After that, we met up for booty calls and pretended we didn’t know each other the rest of the time. The arrangement worked out for both of us for a while. He’d given me the incentive to free myself of Gordon for the last time. I wasn’t ready for another heavy relationship, and Briggs didn’t plan on being in Portland longer than necessary. The arrangement had been perfect for both of us until it wasn’t. I’d grown increasingly concerned regarding his controlling nature, which reminded me too much of Gordon.
I sighed at the thought of Briggs. I didn’t know what to do about him, so I did nothing.
I stood and stretched. My shoulder and back ached from bending over the file cabinet and fishing through the piles of paperwork. Hadn’t Carla ever heard of going paperless? Obviously not.
The family member we’d been meeting earlier never showed up, even though we waited for a half hour, nor did she answer her phone. Such callous disregard for the value of our time irritated me, even though I had to admit I’d been late once or twice, maybe several times.
Much to my disappointment, Carla drove to the office and dropped me off rather than taking me to interview witnesses for a different case.
I stared at the looming piles of paper and groaned. I’d barely made a dent in this mess, even after several hours of working on it.
The old-style business phone rang, and I reached for it.
“Gone Missing Detective Agency,” I said brightly. If I knew how to do one thing well, it was customer service after all the years of working in my parents’ coffee shop.
“Oh, good, you’re still there.” Carla sounded breathless and harried. I glanced at the time, shocked to find it was after six p.m.
“I wasn’t sure what my hours were.”
“We don’t have hours in this line of work. We do what we have to do when we have to do it.”
Consider me lectured. I bristled and bit back a sarcastic retort. I didn’t accept authority well, but I wasn’t about to get fired on my first day on the job. “I understand.”
“You’re free to go home. I expect you at the office by eight a.m.”
“I’ll be here.”
Carla abruptly ended the call without saying goodbye. I grimaced and placed the landline back on its cradle. Who had landlines anymore? Obviously, this company did.
I glanced outside through the small window, surprised at how dark it was, especially at the back of this building, which opened onto an unlit alleyway. For the first time, my nerves jangled with warning. My car was parked in that alley, and my stalker ex could be lurking in the shadows, ready to attack at any time.
I shook off my fears and labeled them as ridiculous. This was my first day on the job. He couldn’t possibly know where I worked. I’d been very careful on my way here, making sure I wasn’t followed. In this somewhat deserted area of town, there weren’t many cars or people out and about. I’d have noticed him.
Shaking off my uneasiness, I reached for my purse and my phone. Only then did I notice my text messages. Everly and Inez wanted to know if I got the job. My parents invited me to dinner tomorrow night. My hockey-playing brother wanted to meet up when he was in town next week. Last but not least, three texts from Briggs that merely stated, “Call me.”
I rubbed my forehead wearily and debated my next move.
Ignore them all, go home, and take a nap, or go out and celebrate the new job while venting to friends about my boss.
My phone vibrated in my hand. Briggs.
He probably wanted what he always wanted. To hook up. Nothing more. Nothing less. While the arrangement had originally suited my needs too, lately, I’d kept my distance. Not only was his surly attitude grating on my nerves but he’d been suspended from the team for picking a fight with my ex at a charity gala. Who does that?
His uncontrollable jealousy had humiliated me in front of countless Portland society matrons and art connoisseurs. I was so furious I hadn’t spoken to him since, even though I missed the hot, animalistic sex we both craved so much. The two of us were like junkies needing our next fix, and that fix was each other.
Seething, I answered his call. “What do you want?”
“Hey.” His usually gruff voice softened and melted me into the floor. When he was like this, I was putty in his hands, but not this time. I’d resist his particular brand of bad-boy charm.
“What do you want?” I repeated, letting my annoyance carry across the miles.
“How about dinner?”
I prepared an appropriate rebuff, but nothing came out. Instead, I was speechless. He’d never asked me to dinner before. Usually we met for sex and nothing else. Eating a meal together required communication and getting to know each other, which I had zero interest in.
On the other hand, my bank account was in the minus digits, and I wouldn’t be getting a paycheck for at least two more weeks. My refrigerator was as empty as most of the warehouses in this area.
“Just dinner?” I asked.
“Yeah, I owe you.”
“You owe me more than dinner.” My anger rose to the surface.
“I know. You choose the place.”
“McCrane’s.” I chose the most expensive steak-and-seafood house in Portland, with amazing water views, incredible custom cocktails, and desserts to die for.
“You got it. Are you home?”
“No, I’m at my new job but just about to leave.”
“I could pick you up at work if you prefer.”
My gaze shifted to the darkened alley outside. I squinted but couldn’t see anything beyond the small pool of light cast through the small window.
“That works.” I gave him the address and instructed him to drive around to the back alley.
Having him come here was a stroke of brilliance. If I’d chosen my apartment, we’d end up in bed. But here— There wasn’t anywhere for us to screw our brains out, and I didn’t know if Carla might return during the evening. I was safe from temptation.
“That’s a questionable part of town. What are you doing there?” I almost thought I heard concern in Briggs’s tone, but I had to be delusional. Briggs didn’t care about anyone, not even himself.
“That’s my new workplace.” My statement was met with silence. “One more thing.”
“Yeah?” he said.
“We’re not fucking tonight or ever. I’m done with you and your jealousy.”
“Okay.”
I detected disappointment. Of course he assumed we’d end up naked. We always did. Not this time, buster, I swore and crossed my fingers. I had to be strong and resist the sexual magnetism emanating from this man.
I wasn’t sure how I’d manage, considering I’d never been able to tell him no before, but I was determined to prove I had willpower. He’d stepped over the line at the gala, and I wouldn’t be associated with him again. I cared about appearances, while he displayed no concern regarding what others thought.
“I mean it,” I added.
“I said okay.”
I scowled at the phone, not believing him for a minute. Briggs was an expert at enticing me into wanting him, but this time was about my self-respect. I wouldn’t give in.
“I’m on my way. It’ll take me about fifteen, twenty minutes to get there. I’m at the practice facility.”
“I’ll be here.”
The minutes ticked by, and Briggs was nowhere to be found. I texted him. He didn’t respond, but he probably wouldn’t if he was driving. Annoyed, I debated leaving. I hated it when a guy kept me waiting. That was my MO, not theirs.
I craned my neck to see through the window, making sure there weren’t any ominous shadows or monsters lurking outside. I didn’t notice anything, but relentless rain made visibility next to impossible.
Deciding fate had given me a message, I switched off the lights, unlocked the back door, and slipped outside. Turning, I fumbled getting the key in the lock but finally managed to secure the office.
I dug in my purse for my car keys, realizing too late I’d done one of the dumbest things a woman alone in the dark could do. I hadn’t fished out my keys before exiting.
Cursing, I riffled through my huge purse, crammed full of every item I’d ever need or hope to need.
A loud clatter was followed by a metallic bang. I jumped out of my skin. My heart raced and my pulse pounded. I fumbled for the keys while scanning the darkness. The noise had come from the direction of a couple garbage cans, barely visible against the brick wall twenty feet down the alley. Had someone slammed the cover shut? Had a cat knocked them over?
I was close to full-blown panic when headlights pierced the darkness, rounding the street corner and turning toward me. I held my breath, gripping the office keys between my fingers, ready to gouge out an attacker’s eyes.
As the car approached, movement off to one side caught my attention. Was that a figure just outside the scope of the headlights?
A large truck stopped before me, and Briggs poked his head out the window. “Sorry I’m late.”
I ignored him. My gaze fixed on where I’d seen something or someone.
“Mick, are you okay?”
I didn’t bother calling him out for using my family nickname. We weren’t alone in this alley.
I barely heard his door open, but a second later, he was next to me with his arm around my shoulders. I was tall, but Briggs was taller, and I leaned into the comfort of his body.
“What’s wrong? Do you see something?” He followed my gaze, but there was nothing there.
I gathered my wits and silently chastised myself for being a coward. It’d been a stray cat. No doubt.
My ex had me spooked, as always. The guy always showed up at places I never expected to see him.
I shook my head and moved away from Briggs. “No, it’s nothing.”
He didn’t pull me close to him again but kept his distance, surprising me. I’d expected him to be pushy about having sex, but he was respecting the boundaries I’d set.
“What is this place?” he asked as he opened the passenger door. Grateful, I climbed in and let the plush leather seats comfort me. He studied me in the dim light, frowning and with concern etched on his ruggedly handsome face. Those striking blue eyes pierced the gloom, and I made the mistake of meeting his gaze. The intensity burning there bombarded me with emotions I shouldn’t be feeling.
I refused to read anything into his expression. When I didn’t answer, Briggs shrugged and closed the door. A few seconds later, he was beside me in the driver’s seat.
“What are you doing in this neighborhood?”
I should’ve known ignoring his question would get me nowhere. Briggs didn’t give up when he wanted something, and he wanted an answer.
“I told you. I work here.”
“Here?” He was incredulous. I didn’t blame him. I’d thought the same thing.
“Yes,” I said proudly. “Meet the new assistant at Gone Missing Detective Agency.”
He sat back in his seat and stared straight ahead, rubbing his chin. “Assistant for a PI? I had no idea you were interested in that line of work.”
Of course he didn’t. We never talked. We fucked. That was the extent of our relationship, and both of us had liked it that way.
“When the opportunity presented itself, I couldn’t pass it up.”
His gaze swept the surrounding area and back again. Before he asked his next question, headlights illuminated the far end of the alley, and a split second later, an indiscernible vehicle sped away.
Fear clutched at my gut. There had been someone in the alley, and Briggs’s appearance had spooked them. We exchanged a knowing glance with no words required. Briggs wanted to say something, but for once, he wisely held his tongue. Maybe he’d learned his lesson after he’d gotten in trouble one too many times for trying to control me. I found that hard to believe, yet I was oddly touched he was trying.
We drove in silence to the restaurant; Briggs was deep in his own thoughts and emanating some serious don’t-bug-me vibes. I wasn’t going to spend the evening like this, even for the best steak in town.
“Why did you invite me here if all you’re going to do is pout?”
“I’m not pouting.”
“Well, excuse me, Mr. Personality. Let me try a more masculine term. Why are you brooding?”
Briggs growled but didn’t answer my question.
He gave his keys to a valet, and we entered. The maître d’ immediately recognized Briggs with a huge smile on his face. “Mr. Pierce, so lovely to have you and the lady dining with us tonight. Would you like your usual table?”
Briggs nodded. “Of course. Thanks, Sid.”
The man ushered us to a prime table along the window with a view of the water.
I took in the opulent interior, done in dark woods and elegant accessories. The romantic lighting gave the wrong message, and now I worried I’d chosen unwisely. I imagined this decor hadn’t changed much in decades, yet it worked, reminding me of a man’s den in a century-old mansion. While I preferred modern and spare, there was something to be said about this kind of elegance. The room had oodles of personality and uniqueness you didn’t see in today’s stark modern restaurant decor.
“Have you ever eaten here before?” Briggs asked, finally breaking the silence between us.
“No, but I’ve wanted to dine here for as long as I can remember. Obviously you have.” I wondered how many women he’d wined and dined here before taking them to bed. A twinge of jealousy caught me off guard.
“I love steak.”
“That’s why they know you?”
“Yes.”
This man was infuriating. His answers were as minimal as possible. Drawing him into a conversation was as rare as the Icehawks winning a game. Okay, that was a low blow, but I hadn’t said it out loud.
“They don’t mind you bucking the dress code?” I took note of his casual clothes.
He shrugged. “Money and a classy lady on my arm.”
I snorted, but I was classy. I knew how to dress well, and I did so. I never left my apartment without full makeup, hair done perfectly in what style suited me that day and dressed impeccably. I loved my designer clothes and shoes, even though I didn’t have the budget for them. I was an expert at finding deals online and in various consignment shops, but I still ran up my credit cards and drained my bank account. Restraint was not my friend when it came to walking away from a good deal on Louboutin booties or a Versace fringed leather minidress. Some people had a drug addiction, some abused alcohol, others gambled. I had a fashion addiction with no cure in sight. Wanting to be the center of attention was another one of my flaws, but I tried hard to counteract my insecurities.
Briggs ordered a bottle of wine, and it was heavenly.
“I’m afraid to ask what you paid for this.” I took another sip and let the amazing flavors dance on my tongue.
“Don’t ask.” Briggs’s rare smile tugged at my heart, and I refused to fall prey to the real man lurking underneath the thick body armor. I’d seen glimpses of that man, and I was vulnerable to him.
My gaze slipped to the menu, which didn’t list any prices. I guess if you had to ask how much, you shouldn’t be eating here. I didn’t feel bad about spending Briggs’s money. As he often reminded me, he had plenty and rarely spent it. Regardless, a twinge of guilt sliced through me. I didn’t want a relationship with him, and we weren’t friends. Just fuck buddies. I worried I was taking advantage of him, and I didn’t like that one bit. I might be a princess, but I was an independent princess, not a mooch or a user.
“What looks good?” Briggs asked.
Briggs looked good to me. Too good. My gaze locked on his handsome face, and my body begged for another round between the sheets or anywhere else we saw fit. Briggs and I were inventive and reckless when it came to where we chose to do the deed—one of the things I adored about him.
Going to dinner changed things between us, and I’d made a grave error in judgment by accepting his invitation. We kept things focused solely on sex. Now I’d changed the rules while promising myself I wouldn’t sleep with him again.
