Claiming Love Read online

  "Let go of me," she snapped, jerking out of his hold, and reaching for the button again.

  Danny grabbed her wrist and spun her around. He took both of her arms and pinned them behind her back, using his body to pin her between him and the wall. His face was inches from hers, the scent of coconut shampoo tickled his senses. The feel of her full, perky breasts pushing against his chest with each labored breath she took, reminded him of that night a week ago, of how her hard nipples had tasted, of how they'd felt rubbing against his naked body. His cock thickened and he cursed himself for it. Arousal was not a reaction he should be having right now, especially when his girlfriend was in his apartment waiting for him.

  "Why do you care so much?" he whispered, his gaze lowering from her eyes to her full lips.

  "You're my best friend, Danny. Why wouldn't I care?"

  "You've never seemed to care this much before." He was having a hard time focusing on anything other than the desire to kiss her. It was stronger than anything he'd ever felt before.

  "Yeah, well, you've never done something this stupid either."

  He forced himself to tear his gaze away from her mouth. "Stupid?"

  "You didn't see yourself a week ago. I did. I saw how hurt you were and honestly, it scared the shit out of me. When I put you into that cab and took you home..." She momentarily closed her eyes and shook her head. "I just don't want to see you hurt like that again. I'm not sure I can handle watching you drink yourself into another stupor."

  She was right. He had drunk way too much that night, but he didn't want to admit it. "I wasn't that drunk, Krista. I knew what I was doing, and I remember everything that happened. Every touch, every word spoken, every kiss," he inched closer to her mouth, "all of it," he said. In fact, he'd thought about it more than he wanted to, more than he was comfortable admitting to anyone, especially not her.

  "What?" She had that same stunned, incredulous expression on her face that she'd had that night when he'd told her he'd told her she was sexy, and again when he'd admitted to checking her out.

  He slowly released her hands and took a step back. Remaining that close to her was a bad idea. His self-control was waning fast, and he didn't want to do something he'd regret later. Neither of them had any family, so they were all each other had. He wouldn't risk that by getting involved with her any more than he already had. "Jess has changed," he said.

  Krista laughed. "Oh please. You really expect me to believe she changed so much in the course of one night? I'm not dumb, and I didn't think you were either. Apparently I was wrong."

  Danny scowled at her. "I really wish you could be happy for me," he said, pushing the button to start the elevator. They rode to the bottom floor in silence. When the doors slid open and Krista stepped out, he felt a deep sense of loss that made no sense to him whatsoever. He held the door with his palm. "Please, Krista. It would mean a lot to me."

  "Are you really standing there asking me to watch you have your heart broken again? Because we both know that's exactly what's going to happen."

  "You're wrong," he said firmly. "Just give her a chance. Come out with us tonight. Please?"

  "I'm sorry, I can't. I have a lot of work to do." And then she spun on her heel and walked away.

  Danny let his hand drop to his side. Why did he feel as if he just lost his best friend? Is that what just happened? Had he and Krista had a fight they would never recover from? And was she right about Jessica? Was Danny setting himself up for another heartbreak? He dragged a shaking hand through his hair and blew out a breath before hitting the button for the sixteenth floor where Jessica was waiting for him. Suddenly, that didn't seem like such an enticing idea.

  ****

  Krista drummed her fingernails on her desk, staring blankly at her computer screen. She'd spent the weekend home alone, despite Danny's repeated invitations and pleas for her to go out with him and Jessica. God, she hated that woman. The thought of watching Jessica giggle and hang all over Danny was the last thing Krista wanted to do. How could Danny not know that? Was he really that clueless? It made her wonder if he really knew her at all.

  "Hey, Krista, could you come to my office for a minute?" asked Max, her boss.

  Thankful for the interruption of her thoughts, she stood and went into Max's office. She took the seat across from him and folded her hands in her lap. Max was a good guy, and as far as bosses went, he was one of the best. He was young too, and sexy. If he wasn't her boss and she wasn't so hung up on Danny, she would definitely try to date him. "What's up, Mr. Sutton?"

  He smiled. "Please, call me Max," he said, leaning back in his chair, looking comfortable and relaxed. "I'm sure you've heard that we're opening a new office in New York."

  "Yes, I've heard the rumours." It was the talk of the office, which was odd because she worked as an event planner and as a company they'd handled some really high profile events, but the opening of a new office was big news. It didn't make sense to her.

  "I'm looking for someone to run that office, and I'd like to offer you the job."

  "Really?" The excitement in her voice was unmistakable. Being in charge of her own office? That was a huge promotion. "Well, thank you so much. I don't know what to say."

  Max chuckled. "You're good at what you do Krista, and you're great with the clients. Plus I've seen you interact with the staff. They respond to you. I'm fully confident in your abilities."

  "Thanks," she said again, smiling broadly.

  "So are you interested?" Max leaned forward and crossed his arms on top of his desk. "Of course, there will be a significant increase in your salary and we'll pay all the expenses associated with relocating."

  Her excitement plummeted. She'd have to move to New York---and away from Danny. She couldn't do that, could she? It hurt to admit it, but it might be the best thing for her. She'd just been thinking about moving and getting a fresh start. She nodded. "Yes, I'm definitely interested. I'd be happy to take the job."

  "Great!" He clapped his hands together and stood. "We've already got a lease on an apartment. Ideally we'd like to have you out there this weekend so that we can start first thing Monday."

  "We?" Wow, this was all happening so fast.

  "Yes, I'll be flying to New York with you and staying for the first month or so to help you settle and get the new office staffed."

  Her head was spinning. If she took this promotion, then within the next two days she'd have to say goodbye to Danny---for good---move clear across the country, and adjust to the fact that she'd be spending a lot of time with Max. That was fine with her. It was like ripping off a bandage: the faster the better. She smiled. "When do we leave?"

  Max laughed. "I love your enthusiasm." He walked her to the door and opened it. "I'll have my secretary make all the arrangements and let you know later today, but plan to be on a plane Sunday morning."

  "Thank you Max," she said, shaking his hand and then leaving his office. During the short walk back to her desk, she decided to spend tonight and all day tomorrow packing. She'd say goodbye to Danny Saturday night, as late as possible, so that she could be on her way and not have to prolong what she knew was going to be the hardest thing she'd ever have to do. Sitting back at her desk, she picked up the phone and called Danny.

  "Good to know you're still alive and talking to me," he said with a laugh.

  Krista smiled. That was how Danny always answered her calls. He'd been doing it for so long she couldn't remember how or why it started. For a brief moment, she questioned her decision to take the promotion. "Hi, Danny."

  "What's up?"

  Her heart raced. It was now or never. "Can we hang out tomorrow night? Just the two of us," she clarified.

  "I have plans with Jessica. We're going away for the weekend."

  She wondered if having a rusty piece of metal shoved through her heart would hurt less. Whatever doubts she'd just had about taking the promotion vanished. She was doing the right thing.

  "I can meet you for lunch today," he offere
d.

  "No, I can't." She put her elbow on the desk and dropped her head into her hand. Lowering her voice, she said, "I've never asked you to choose between me and a girlfriend but I am this time, Danny. I really need to talk to you tomorrow night. Please."

  There was a long moment of silence. "You're scaring me, Krista."

  He had a reason to be scared. She was terrified. "My place, tomorrow at seven, will you be there?" She held her breath, waiting for him to answer.

  "Is this about Jessica again? Are you going to yell at me for taking her back?"

  "This has nothing to do with Jessica." Not directly, anyway, she thought bitterly. But, if Jessica wasn't in the picture, Krista would've turned down the promotion. There were no doubts about that.

  Another long silence ensued before he said, "How important is this?"

  She could hear the uncertainty in his voice, and she felt a little guilty asking him to choose, especially knowing that she was moving and Jessica would be all he had. Krista didn't want to come between them, but she really needed to say goodbye to Danny. "Life changing," she said.

  He blew out a breath. "Okay, I'll be there."

  "Thank you."

  *****

  Danny's stomach had been in knots since he'd gotten that phone call from Krista yesterday. What could she possibly have to tell him? She'd said it was life changing, which just scared the shit out of him. What if she told him she was pregnant? He hadn't been able to get that thought out of his mind. Sure, he'd worn a condom, but they weren't fool proof. What the hell would he do if she was? And what would he tell Jessica?

  Jessica was downright pissed when he'd told her that they'd have to postpone their trip so he could go see Krista. It had erupted into a major fight and ended with him promising that this would be the one and only time he ever chose Krista over her. He hated to make that promise, but Jessica was important to him so he'd made it. He just hoped Krista wouldn't ask him to choose ever again.

  He took a deep breath and knocked on her door. She answered immediately. "Hi, Danny, thanks for coming." She stepped aside so he could enter.

  Danny immediately noticed the luggage next to the door. He also observed that all of her pictures, knick knacks, candles, everything she owned were packed into boxes. "Going somewhere?" he asked, finding her gaze and holding it.

  "Yes." She looked away and walked toward the kitchen. "Want something to drink? I have a bottle of wine and some plastic cups," she said with a laugh.

  "No, I don't want anything to drink." He followed her into the kitchen and stood in the entryway, arms crossed over his chest. "So where are you going?"

  "New York." She poured herself a cup of wine and took a drink.

  "It looks like you're moving." He already knew the answer. The look on her face said it all. His heart shattered when she nodded her head to confirm his statement. Suddenly he wished she had told him that she was pregnant.

  "I got a promotion. I'm going to be in charge of the New York office." She set the cup on the counter and gripped the edge of it.

  He noticed her hands were shaking. "When do you have to leave?"

  "Tomorrow."

  "Tomorrow?" he shouted, and then pressed the heels of his hands to his eyes, trying to stave off the rush of tears he felt coming on. Tonight could not be the last night he ever saw her. That just wasn't possible. He had to convince her to stay. She was the only family he had, the only person in the world he could always count on and now she was going to leave. Over his dead body. When he was confident he wasn't going to cry and embarrass himself, he lowered his hands and looked at her. "Why?"

  "Why not? It's a great opportunity. I've worked so hard for this. I deserve it."

  He walked around to the other side of the counter where she stood and took her hands into his. "You're right. You do deserve this promotion but it's New York, Krista. It's thousands of miles away from here, away from me." His voice was thick with desperation. "Is your job really more important to you than me? Than our friendship?"

  "That's not fair," she said vehemently, yanking her hands from his. "Just because I'm moving doesn't mean we won't still be friends. We can call and email. And I'll come to visit."

  "What if that's not enough?" He dragged his hands up her arms, luxuriating in the feel of her skin erupting in goose bumps, knowing it was his touch that prompted that response.

  "It has to be," she said, looking down. "You've got Jessica now. My job is all I've got."

  "You've got me." Danny put his thumb under her chin and lifted her face, shocked and saddened to see tears pooled in her eyes.

  "No, I don't." she whispered with trembling lips.

  Several thoughts hit him all at once like a freight train. This, right now, was the last time he'd ever stand in this apartment with her. It was the last time he'd touch her, look at her, see her smile, soothe her tears...kiss her lips. God how he wanted to kiss her lips again. Without a second thought, he pulled her to him and slanted his mouth over hers, parting her lips with his tongue, and moaning at the feel of her returning his kiss. Her fingers curled around his neck, stroking it softly, sending him into a full body shudder. "Krista," he groaned, hugging her tight to him, lifting her, and then setting her on the counter.

  "Danny," she whimpered as he stood between her parted legs and reclaimed her lips.

  No woman had ever responded to him like she did. It was intoxicating and he couldn't get enough. "You can't leave me," he said, kissing along her jawline and down the length of her throat.

  Krista put her head back, granting him greater access. Her fingers coursed through his hair, her nails grazing his scalp. "I have to."

  He put his hands on the counter on either side of her legs and looked at her pointedly. "No, you don't. I'm sure you can stay here and keep the job you've got."

  She clutched his shirt in her hands and nipped at his bottom lip. In that moment he knew he wasn't leaving tonight. "You just don't understand," she said, alternating between biting, kissing, and sucking on his lip.

  "So help me to understand." He put his hands on her upper thighs and gave them a firm squeeze, opening them further, and letting his thumbs graze over her crotch. She moaned lightly and pushed her hips forward just enough to let him know that she liked it, which had his cock thickening even more than it already was.

  "It's..." She began to unbutton his shirt and he didn't stop her. "I can't...I mean..." Krista guided his shirt from his shoulders and he stopped touching her long enough to take his arms out, and then his hands were back on her, his fingers caressing her through her jeans shorts.

  "Whatever it is, you can tell me."

  Krista groaned. "It's hard to concentrate when you're doing that," she said, her voice strained.

  Danny stilled his hands. "Tell me, Krista." He brushed his lips over hers. "What don't I understand?"

  "I can't forget about what happened between us, Danny. I don't want to."

  Her words buzzed around in his brain. "Then why did you agree to it?" His heart thudded so hard in his chest, it was a small wonder he didn't break a rib. It was on the tip of his tongue to tell her that he didn't want to forget it either; that no matter how hard he'd tried, he hadn't been able to. That he wanted another night with her. But he kept his mouth shut and waited for her response.

  "I was afraid if I didn't you'd get angry. That it would hurt our friendship." Krista rested her hands on his shoulders and slowly moved them up to his face, her thumbs caressing his cheeks. "But I realize now that it doesn't matter because I can't just be your friend anymore."

  "That's why you're leaving? Because you don't want to be my friend?" He knew he sounded despondent, but her words stung.

  Krista dropped her forehead to his, closed her eyes, and slowly shook her head. "It's not a matter of wanting to be your friend, Danny. I simply can't." She opened her eyes and he was taken aback by how much truth and hurt he saw in them.

  "Why can't you? We've been friends forever, Krista. What's changed all of a sudde
n?" He swallowed the lump in his throat. "You're not making any sense."

  "Because I'm in love with you. And it kills me to know that you're with her."

  Danny pulled back and looked at her. Krista loved him? When the hell did that happen? Oh God! Now it all made sense--her reaction the morning after they'd had sex, the way she'd been avoiding him, the refusal to hang out with him and Jessica. And now this, her ridiculous idea to move to New York. He should leave right now. He should just walk out her door and let her go because he knew he couldn't give her what she wanted. Not that he didn't want to. Lord knows he'd entertained the idea a long time ago, but she wasn't interested at the time. Now, he was terrified about what would happen if things went south between them. He'd not only lose his best friend but he'd lose the only family he had.

  To hell with it he thought as he unbuttoned her shorts and slipped his hand inside of them. He found her clit and applied pressure to it, circling it with two fingers before working them inside of her slick pussy. So he was a selfish son of a bitch. He wouldn't apologize for it. Christ, what was wrong with him? This whole thing was so wrong for so many different reasons. At the very least he should feel a little guilty about doing this, knowing he had a girlfriend, knowing how Krista felt about him, knowing that this was just another ill-conceived night of sex for him and it was so much more for her. But he didn't feel guilty, not even a little, because his fear of losing Krista was just too high. He was desperate to be as close to her as he could be.

  "Oh God," she moaned, clinging to him as he fingered her.

  Her pussy was nice and tight around his fingers, and he remembered how tight it had felt around his cock too, and he knew he had to feel that again, to feel himself buried inside of her. Danny wrapped his arm around her back and pulled her ass toward the edge of the counter so that he could get his finger deeper in her pussy. He crushed his mouth over hers in a hard, frantic kiss that left both of them breathless and craving more. Then he felt her inner walls clench around him and he knew she was about to come. He silently vowed that it would just be the first of many tonight.