The Perfect Stroke (Lucas Brothers #1)(17)

“No.”

“CC…”

“I have something planned already, but… I will go out with you another night if you call.”

“If I call, will you answer?”

“I guess you’ll have to just try it and see.”

“You’re going to keep making me work for it, aren’t you, Claudia Cooper?”

“How do you know my name?”

“Well, Cammie mentioned it, but I knew before that. Claudia ‘Claude’ Cooper, born January third…”

I hold up my hand to stop him. I don’t care how old you are, a woman never wants her age given out to the man she’s slept with, at least not this early on—not that I’m planning on anything with Gray being long term…

“Okay, that’s enough,” I tell him, trying to stop my brain from dreaming. Although, I’m thinking it’s more like my libido.

“You aren’t the only one who knows how to research on the web. I’m calling you tonight, Cooper. You better answer,” he says, turning away.

I don’t answer. I watch him walk away, wondering what I’m getting myself into.





Me:

Are you naked?



My text is simple and straight to the point. It has been two days since I saw CC at the garage. We talked on the phone last night and, as much as I’d love to tonight, I’m out with Riverton and his annoying as hell daughter. The thought of CC in bed naked makes my dick feel like a bottle rocket all set to blow. Damn, I have to get ahold of this girl soon. I’m starting to think I might have imagined how great it was between us. I’m not sure reality can live up to the dreams I’ve been having of her.



CC:

And if I am?



I read her text, feeling a thrill run through my body. My hand practically shakes as pictures of CC naked on silk sheets flashes through my mind.



Me:

I need you to not move for about thirty minutes.



CC:

Why thirty minutes?



Me:

That’s how long it will take me to get there.



CC:

Go back to your business dinner.

You’re interrupting my alone time with Bob.



Me:

Bob?



I feel a stab of jealousy that I try to ignore.



CC:

Battery operated boyfriend.



Me:

Don’t you dare! Your orgasms are mine.



CC:

Sorry. I’m afraid the phone signal is going out.



“Grayson? Did you hear me?” Cammie asks, and I reluctantly put my phone down.

“I’m sorry, dove. My manager wanted my opinion on some contracts he got in today.” My eyes automatically go to the wall across from me and the large clock that proclaims I’ve only been here for an hour. How long do I have to stay before I can make an excuse to leave? If I don’t get out of here soon, I may go crazy. “What was it you were saying?”

“I was asking if you’d like to go out with father and I sailing.”

“Sailing?” I’m pretty sure Kentucky is nowhere near the ocean.

“A hobby of mine. I have a couple of sailboats docked in the Kentucky Lake. I’m going to take them out this coming Sunday and stretch the sails. Hell of a way to relax,” Riverton says, and I nod. The last thing I want to do is go sailing with Riverton and his daughter. I can hear Seth in my head demanding I agree, though.

“Sounds fun. I’d love to join in,” I lie through my teeth.

“How grand! I can hardly wait. Sailing is one of my favorite pastimes. Isn’t it marvelous how much we have in common, Grayson?” Cammie asks.

“Amazing,” I tell her, hoping the sarcastic intent is somehow hidden enough it goes over her and Riverton’s heads.

“I think I’m going to leave you two kids alone and find my bed. I’m not as young as I used to be,” Riverton says, standing up. He reaches out his hand to me, but I’m feeling my stomach drop to the bottom. The last thing I want to be is alone with Cammie. I shake his hand, clearing my throat.

“I was hoping we could discuss the upcoming tour, sir.”

“I’m much too tired for business tonight, son. We’ll talk about it this weekend and then we’ll take the boat out.”

“Sounds good,” I tell him, inside calling him an *. It’s not that I’m wanting to leave Kentucky. With CC here, I’m finding the last thing I want to do right now is leave. It’s just I don’t like being dicked around, and I’m pretty sure that’s exactly what Riverton is doing. I’m not sure why he would want someone like me for his daughter. Fuck, if I was a father, I’d be the last type of man I’d be searching out for her.

“You want to retire out into the garden?” Cammie asks.

I have to restrain myself from groaning. Retire?

“Actually, I should be going. I have a conference call early in the morning.”

“Oh, no! Gray, don’t leave.”

“Again, I’m sorry, but I…”

“Well, I demand you spend a few minutes out in the garden with me. Why, we barely got any time alone with daddy here monopolizing all your time.”