Not My Type Read online

  Trying not to grind his teeth and mess up the great smile his mother had paid for with expensive braces, he noticed Darrell head out the room. Robert got up and took the spot vacated seat. He noticed she tensed up as he sat down, taking some small satisfaction in her unease since her presence had done the same to him all night.

  She ignored him for almost ten seconds before turning and putting her finger in his face. “Your team sucks.”

  Robert swiped the large green foam #1 away. “Really? All we need to do is keep them from advancing to the next down. Then it’s about one minute left, and we only need a field goal to win.”

  “That’s a lot y’all need to do against a team already kicking your butt.” Mika watched as Darrell came back, throwing his hands up at Robert taking his seat. The man in question just looked at him and nodded his head to the left, as if telling him to take a hike. Robert definitely made no move to get up. Darrell grumbled but moved on. “That was rude.”

  “It’s my house, I sit where I want.”

  “You’re supposed to be nice and defer to your guests...just in case no one ever told you that.” They both heard Devon on her other side snicker.

  “Does my conduct not suit Miss Manners? Besides, he’s no guest just family. The deference he gets is eating my food and drinking my liquor.”

  She whipped her head around and narrowed her eyes at him. “Whatever. Just because your team is about to lose doesn’t mean you need to take your aggression out on folks.”

  As he watched the green pom-pom antennas swaying on top of her head, he wondered how he could find himself wanting to shake her and kiss her at the same time. Between the headpiece and the foam finger she should have looked goofy or flat-out stupid. Instead the headgear on top of her wild curly hair looked adorable, while the rest of her just looked outright sexy. Cheers in the room brought his focus back to the game. He was the only fool not watching the screen to see that U of M defense had done its job, and the ball was turned over with fifty seconds left. He turned back to his adversary once the broadcast cut to commercial.

  “You want to make a wager on the game?” He saw her eyes light up with interest at the question.

  “Hmm, depends on what we betting. On the unrealistic chance that State loses, what do you want?”

  He aimed a smile her way for the first time that evening. “A case of Auchentoshan American Oak Scotch Whisky. It’s about $40 a bottle.”

  Mika just lifted a brow. “What are you an alcoholic?”

  “I’ll use it for my next party. Maybe next year when Michigan will be beating your team again.”

  “Okay...whatever. And when I win you can have a case of Diva Sangiovese by Naked Winery delivered to me.”

  He snorted at the name of wine, though it fit her to a tee. “Bet.” They shook on it and he tried to ignore the shock of electricity that seemed to go straight to his balls. He saw her eyes widen before she jerked her hand away and faced the TV. Good to see he wasn’t the only one feeling the attraction.

  The whole house focused on the remaining seconds of the game. Yells ensued! While threats to the coach, players and their family members were screamed at the TV from both sides. As U of M struggled to get the ball down the field. Then just like that it was over. The field goal kick was blocked. State had won.

  Robert watched as Mika celebrated the win, jumping around like a little kid, before running to embrace the other State fans. Robert shook his head at her and the lost game, standing up to take the jokes that he knew were coming. He took it more gracefully than normal, mostly because he was only half-listening. His eyes busy tracking Mika around the room. He eventually saw her talking to Cam and Andrea, who had their coats in their hands. He frowned as he saw them pointing Mika down the hall. Probably directing her to where she could find her coat. Making a split-second decision, he picked up the phone she’d left on the living room table and followed her.

  Mika danced down the hall following Cam’s directions. She walked into what seemed to be a den/library combination and sure enough saw several jackets and fall coats tossed over a loveseat. Picking up her State jacket, she slipped it on before taking in the room. Like the rest of the house it was tastefully done. Not fussy, but stylish with a contemporary feel to it. She was actually surprised considering whose house it was. Mika had expected over the top pretentiousness, something to let everyone know he was “high-level”.

  As much as she had enjoyed the game and the company, she was ready to leave. The undercurrent of tension between her and Robert the whole night was nothing compared to that jolt of sexual recognition that had zinged through her palm and body when they’d sealed the bet. In her brain there was a neon sign clearly yelling, “Danger, Mika Harrison!” Whatever else she might be she wasn’t a complete idiot. It was time to go! Still she made her way to his bookshelves, taking a quick peek at what he read.

  Robert entered the room to see her lightly running a finger along book spines. He stepped inside, closing the door behind him. When she turned around at the soft click, the smile on her face faded.

  “Are you being nosy?” He asked.

  “Just getting my coat and looking around. What are you doing?” Her eyes flickered to the door he’d purposely closed.

  “Bringing you your phone. The one you carelessly left on the table.” He held it out and watched her shoulders relax as she walked over to him.

  “Thanks actually. I’m horrible about keeping up with my phone sometimes.”

  She went to take it from him which he allowed, before wrapping his big hand around hers. Her eyes snapped to his face before he stepped in, closing the distance between them.

  “You’re welcome.” After a beat of silence he continued. “What are we going to do about this Mika?”

  “This what? You can start by releasing my phone and getting out of my space...Robert.” She tried tugging free.

  “You know what I’m talking about.” He proved his point by stroking her hand with his thumb, watching her lips part before they tightened. “This sexual attraction. Neither of us can blame it on alcohol this time.”

  “First, I still don’t know what you're talking about. Two, speak for yourself. I indulged in plenty of your fine alcoholic beverages, and if you—”

  He had enough of watching her lips deny the situation. Swooping in for a kiss that would not only quiet her, but would prove his point. He instantly felt her yield against him as he tilted her head up, tangling his hand in the mass of hair he’d admired earlier. He let go of the phone pulling her waist against his body. Sure she would feel the proof of his attraction.

  Mika forgot what they’d been debating the moment his full firm lips brushed hers. She wasn’t thinking. She was feeling his hardness against her stomach, the firm muscles on his back as she circled her arms around him. And damn him but she felt the masterful way he used his hand in her hair to deepen the kiss.

  His tongue seemingly sweeping every inch of her mouth. He took her breath away, and she was starting to think maybe breathing was overrated? Everything was on automatic, and thank God for that as some part of her brain heard Andrea’s voice in the hall. She jerked back before pushing past him, so she was closest to the door when it opened.

  “There you are, I thought you might have gotten lost...” Andrea trailed off as she took in the pair. “Oh, was Robert helping you?”

  “Nope.” Robert turned to face them. “I was returning her phone. Didn’t want her leaving without it.”

  “Yeah, you know I seem to misplace my phone at least once a week. Anyway I’m ready to head out,” Mika corroborated.

  “You guys don’t have to leave so early. Cam you know the party usually goes for another few hours.”

  Andrea looked guilty before speaking up. “Sorry. I’ve reached my limit on football and smack talking for the day.”

  “The wife is ready to go.” Cam still got a kick out of saying the title. “I did win a Benjamin on the game from the loss,” Cam said grinning.

 
“Oh you bet against my team? Then it’s definitely time for you to exit my house.”

  As Robert and Cam started bantering back and forth, the group left the room and made their way to the front door. Opening it Mika enjoyed the cool air rushing over her heated skin. She knew it was a mistake looking back around when Robert immediately caught her eye.

  “Mika, you never answered my question.”

  “Sure I did. You can have my wine delivered anytime in the evening or on the weekend.”

  When he looked like he was about to speak again and damn an audience, she rushed on. “Great party! Andrea and I will be in the car, it’s chilly.” She dragged Andrea forward before Robert could say anything else. Cam following a few minutes later. As they drove to drop her off her mind went where it shouldn’t. Back to that room, wrapped in the arms of a man who stepped on every nerve she had. Which equaled a BI. In this case a very Bad Idea for everyone involved.

  Chapter Five

  THE LAST FRIDAY IN October found Mika happy to finally be back home. She’d gone out with a few co-workers for drinks after work, and was just getting in close to eight. She left her heeled boots haphazardly at the door and headed to her bedroom. While they hadn’t had an early snow, the weather had taken a major dip in temperature. Taking a quick hot shower to warm up before throwing on some pajamas. She settled in for the night and scanned Netflix to see what was on.

  Picking a comedy, she stretched out to eat the dessert she’d brought back from the bar. Her sweet tooth was going to kill her one day. Or at least add weight in undesirable places in a few years. Ten minutes into the show her phone pinged. She thought about not even checking it, she was “peopled-out” right about now. Then again checking it didn’t mean she had to reply.

  She unlocked the phone and blinked a couple of times. Yes she’d had three cocktails, but she’d eaten a full dinner with them. She wasn’t drunk or delusional last time she checked. Yet the message remained on her screen.

  Robert: Call me

  What in all the nine levels of hell was this? She’d spent the week since the game ruthlessly shutting down any thoughts of him. Now he was somehow texting her, and had the audacity to give her orders. Of course she’d wondered would he try to reach out after that kiss. However she hadn’t really expected it, and sure enough nothing had happened until now. She couldn’t imagine he thought they were a good idea, any more than she did. Mika doubted he had such a tough time getting laid that he would pursue her when she wasn’t interested. Well okay...her body was, but her mind wanted nothing to do with him.

  Mika: No

  When no response came she relaxed and ate the last bite on her fork. Two minutes later, her phone rang. She closed her eyes and thought about not answering, but then decided this was stupid, she was tired of running from this man. It wasn’t in her nature to do so, particularly where men were concerned. She’d tell him to take a hike, and that would be the end of it.

  Mika answered the phone. “Who dis?”

  “Stop it. You saw my name on the caller ID.”

  “What do you want?” She made her voice disinterested.

  “We need to talk.”

  “That’s an opinion I don’t share,” she volleyed back.

  “So you don’t think we need to address the fact that we slept together in Vegas? Or that we’re still strongly attracted to each other now?”

  “No to both. Vegas was Vegas...shit happens,” she added a hint of steel to her voice. The tone she used at work from time to time, when she had to check a condescending asshole. “There is no law that says you have to act on the attraction you think is present.”

  “Just me huh?”

  “Apparently. I’m good over here.” Mika listened to the long pause of silence from the other end. Maybe he would let it go. He was a man, which meant he was prideful. Maybe he wasn’t used to being turned down and would want to cut his losses. Instead, she heard a low chuckle over the line that had her holding her breath.

  “Okay...I see you want to make this more complicated than it has to be. So be it. We’ll talk later.”

  “There's nothing else to talk abo—” She heard the click of the phone and looked to her screen, incredulous as the “call ended” message flashed. “That man’s ego is so damn inflated! It’s a wonder he doesn’t just float off!”

  Tossing the phone on the couch she refused to let him ruin her night. Reaching for her drink she grimaced when her hand came back only holding a water bottle. She was actively trying to cut down on her in-home drinking. She’d prefer to be sipping on something more than H2O right about now. Mika tried to stop the conversation from replaying in her head, but it was near impossible. Almost an hour later and she was still thinking about it.

  Just who did he think he was? First trying to order her around, then refusing to take no for an answer. Did he really think he laid pipe that good? That one night with him would render a woman incapable of not sleeping with him again? So what if she couldn’t keep her eyes off him when they were in the same room? An electric touch and a stupid hot kiss didn’t mean she was controlled by her hormones. Already edgy she let out a little groan followed by a small scream of frustration when the doorbell rang.

  ROBERT ADMITTED HANGING up had been petty and done partially out of anger. Turning the light off in the bathroom he grabbed what he needed and left. He couldn’t say he was a man with a lot of patience outside of work. Even at work he could be a bit of an asshole, as he convinced people to part with their money and entrust it to him. People preferred confidence and competence at the end of the day, when dealing with large sums of money or their life savings. He had a finite amount of real patience, which he saved and used for his close friends and family. As of right now he’d used up all the patience Mika Harrison was going to get.

  For sure he’d taken his shot a number of times in life and been rejected. That was part of life, hell part of being a man. He took his hits on the chin and kept it moving. But he’d be damned if she would dismiss him over the phone like he wasn’t worth at least a conversation. How she could outright deny that there was a spark between them, he’d never know. If they never hooked up again so be it. But they needed to clear the air for any future run-ins they had. Robert didn't believe in letting stuff fester and he wasn’t about to start now. Which is how he found himself standing outside her door fifty minutes later. He rang the bell a second time and waited. Finally, he heard some movement behind the door.

  “Who is it?”

  He was leaning down to the peephole already, but in a dry voice answered, “Open the door. If you leave me standing outside too long you know someone will call the police.”

  Shit. He had a point. Someone in her nice, pricey Canton suburbs would call the police. They would think he was casing the place, no matter how nice his car or clothes might be. She reluctantly opened the door but blocked the entrance.

  “Would serve you right if I let them. What do you want?” She looked him over. There he stood, a tall, sexy and aggravated man outside her door. He was dressed in jeans and a nice t-shirt, with an excellent blazer thrown over it all. He shook his head, then slid past her into the house. Closing the door against her better judgement as she was letting the cold air in, she faced him. Crossing her arms under her braless breasts, she saw Robert’s eyes track the movement then remain on her chest. Annoyed that her nipples started to harden she spat out.

  “Why the hell are you here? At my house, uninvited?”

  “You wouldn’t talk over the phone. So I decided to come here and see if you can ignore this face-to-face.”

  “Oh, so this is how you react when you don’t get your way...noted.” Disgusted Mika took a few steps further into the house before thinking better of it. Instead she rounded on him, hands on hips. “Just how the hell did you know where I live in the first place? I doubt Cam or Andrea would have given you my address. At least not without telling me.”

  “The same way I texted you. I put my name and number in your phone b
efore I gave it back to you. Got the address from looking at your gps app. Phones automatically mark your home address.”

  “What the fuck, Robert!” She threw her hands up. “Do you stalk much?”

  “I wouldn’t go that far. I view getting the address as information I needed to send you the wine you won off me.”

  “And I guess it never occurred for you to ask?”

  “Quicker to just get it myself. You seem to have a tiresome habit of not answering my questions. Besides now maybe you’ll think twice before leaving your phone unattended.”

  Mika forgot about keeping her distance, walking forward to poke her finger into his chest. “Where is my wine since we speaking on it? That should have been the only reason for you to ever to show up at my door.”

  “It’s on its way, should arrive early next week. But that’s not why I’m here and you know it.” He grabbed her finger as it went to poke him again.

  Mika took a step back and he matched it with one step forward. “Why exactly are you here? Besides your perturbing stalking tendencies.”

  “To finish our conversation.”

  “You hung up in a fit.” Why was she allowing him to still hold her finger? Wetting her lips, she saw his eyes jump to them like a magnet. His own lips tightening in response.

  She felt the air around them change, and more softly she said, “You didn’t come here to talk.”

  He let her finger drop, reaching up instead to rub his thumb back and forth on her bottom lip. His voice came out low and aroused when he answered. “I did...but I’m thinking we can talk after.”

  “After...what?” She snuck her tongue out and gave his thumb a quick lick, followed by a teasing nip.

  “Shit, after I get inside you again.” He lifted her up in his arms eliciting a startled yelp of surprise as she hurried to wrap her arms around his neck. “Tell me which way, before we end up taking care of business on these nice wood floors of yours.”