Unforgettable You Read online

  “Thanks, Grey, I feel better now. I hope this works.”

  Grey logged off and sent a quick e-mail to his senior public affairs director, including his notes from the call, and handed the job off to her.

  He checked his phone again. Nothing. He sent a quick text to his best friend, Wes, to see how things were going now that his honeymoon was over. It was still odd for him to think of Wes, who’d been single for so long, as a happily married man. Marriage required commitment, trust, compromise, all things Grey had experienced in his seven-year marriage to Andrea. The car accident that had claimed her life had shattered Grey’s heart, and it had taken him a long time to come to terms with her death.

  But time was a great healer, and in the past few months, Grey felt lighter. He was slowly warming to the idea of dating again. Just dating, keeping things casual. There would be no serious relationship or second marriage in his near future. He’d dated men and women before he’d gotten married. Except for his wife, he’d preferred dating men. That seemed to be what he preferred now. Like that one night almost a year ago, with the one man that kept intruding on his thoughts.

  Last year, he’d reluctantly agreed to accompany Wes to a dinner party in New York, and that’s when he’d met Cal Pattison. The flirty, sexy artist kick-started Grey’s slumbering libido, and he hadn’t been the same since. The image of a gorgeous face with liquid brown eyes, plump lips, and soft blond hair took root in his mind. A night of silky sheets, hot skin, and hour after hour of sensual pleasure that was … unforgettable. Unforgettable, but best left in the past. Grey shook his head and adjusted himself quickly before he took a deep breath and focused back on work.

  An incoming call flashed on his phone: Wes.

  “How’s it going, Wes?” Grey answered.

  “Well, I’ve had sex every day for a month. I’d say I’m pretty good,” Wes joked.

  Grey rolled his eyes and shook his head. Wes had a bawdy sense of humor and a bit of an ego. He was also one of the most caring and loyal persons Grey had ever met. Their long-standing friendship had gotten him through the hell of the past two years. Wes and his husband, Ryker, were both successful authors but true opposites in terms of temperament. But opposites attract, and it worked for them. Grey felt privileged to have witnessed their love unfold over the past ten months. His friend had never been happier, and Grey was happy for them.

  “Really, Wes? How does Ryker put up with you? Or maybe he’s started tuning you out since the honeymoon is over.” Grey chuckled.

  “Hey, the honeymoon is so not over! And Ryker loves living with me. Except, he just gave me a dirty look and told me to stop talking about our sex life. Tough crowd… Okay, so on a serious note, how’s the plan for Cal’s PR going? Ryker and I are worried about him.”

  Grey sighed. “I know. It’s so easy for these cyber stalkers to hide in plain sight. I’ve seen crazy fan shit with celebrity clients before. It can be a long and painful situation. Everything seems to be a go for the exhibit in a few weeks, but I’m glad he’s hired security and there’s an investigation underway.”

  “Yeah, Ryker wants Cal to move in here with us, but Cal’s worried about putting other people on the stalker’s radar. Plus, his studio space is very specific, and he needs to finish one more piece.”

  “He’s got bodyguards round the clock, so I’m not sure what else he can do. Except keep a low profile at this point. I told him no parties, no pictures, no socializing period. Except for close friends and people vetted by his investigator.” Grey hoped like hell Cal was listening to his security team.

  “You know Cal. He’s the life of every party and loves being social. I’m not sure how much longer he’ll be okay living in isolation. It’s not normal.”

  “Cal doesn’t have a choice. He better follow what the experts are advising or I’ll head down there and remind him!” Grey barked, his fear for Cal suddenly jolting him out of his chair. He paced over to the window.

  “Calm down, bud. Cal’s doing the right thing. I just meant he’s going a bit stir crazy, but I’m sure he won’t risk his life.”

  “Sorry, but after his fainting spell at the youth center opening party, it’s all I can think about. The thought of anything happening to one of our friends is disturbing.” Grey paced back and forth.

  “I know. I forgot you spent time with him and Mac and Luca a while back when Mac’s grandfather was in the hospital.”

  Grey sighed. “Yes, and since then, I’ve also taken Cal on as a client. I’ve gotten to know him, and I’m very concerned about his situation.”

  “Uh, huh… You know, I haven’t heard you lose your cool in a very long time, Grey. Everything okay?” Wes murmured.

  “I’m fine, Wes. I’m just very concerned about Cal. Personally, I’ve felt much better these past few months. I… I’m thinking about dating again,” Grey whispered, not quite believing that he’d had the courage to voice his intent.

  “That’s great! I know it won’t be easy, but small steps. Anyone in particular?”

  “Nope,” Gray replied quickly, his word denying the vision of a certain blond artist. “I wanted to let you know I’ll be back in New York in a few days, prior to the exhibit, to get Cal prepped for the media. I’ve booked a room at the Plaza this time.”

  “You sure you won’t stay here with us? Ryker loves the company.”

  “I think you guys need alone time in your honeymoon phase. The walls in your apartment are not soundproof, so…”

  Wes laughed. “Got it. But the offer is always open. Besides Ryker and me, our dogs and cats are just waiting to be spoiled by visitors.”

  “I’ll stop by for some pet therapy for sure,” Grey replied as he looked at e-mail notifications filling up his inbox. “I’ve got work piling up, Wes. Talk soon, okay?”

  “You bet,” Wes replied, then hung up.

  Grey walked back over to his desk and perused several e-mails, but one marked Urgent caught his attention, for obvious reasons. He quickly scanned the note, and what he saw made his heart stutter and his breath catch. And not in a good way. Acting on instinct, he quickly changed his New York City flight and hotel plans.

  He debated calling Wes back, but he didn’t want him to worry. He’d tell his friend everything once he’d settled in. Grey pounded out a few more e-mails to delegate items and headed home to pack.

  He glanced at his phone as he was on his way to the airport and re-read the e-mail. A chill ran up his spine and settled in his body. Grey took a deep breath to steel himself for all the unknowns that lay ahead.

  Chapter Three

  Cal

  Cal had been working for two hours finishing the last piece for his exhibition when his phone rang: Julianne, Atonement.

  Julianne Prachter was the lead curator and a well-connected socialite in the city. Cal had been told to only answer calls from numbers he recognized, but lately, every time his phone rang, he jumped.

  “Julianne, how are you?” Cal answered, trying his best to fake enthusiasm. He placed his brush on the tray by his feet and sauntered over to the nearby couch.

  “I’m fabulous, Cal. Just calling to check in and see how my favorite artist is doing. I received a very long e-mail from your security lead, Oliver Gaston, about the exhibit in two weeks. Are you sure you don’t want to cancel or reschedule?”

  “No!” Cal yelled as he leaned forward, holding his head in his other hand. “This is important to me. I can’t reschedule the exhibit. This weirdo could disappear again. All the security measures will be in place. It’s unlikely this person will ever make themselves known.”

  He heard Julianne’s sigh on the other end of the line.

  “Okay, I just wanted to be sure before we send out the reminders. We’ve got a list of select journalists vetted by your team.” She paused. “Look, I think we can use this whole stalker situation for our mutual benefit. The extra security staff in attendance will surely cause quite a buzz. You know the art world—anything edgy and slightly dangerous has a certain
appeal.”

  Cal shook his head. “I’m so glad this stalker following me and threatening my life will mean higher sales. Why didn’t I think of this marketing tactic sooner?” Cal replied sarcastically.

  “I’m not trying to be a bitch, Cal. I speak only the truth. You know how our world works. People love strange and scandal. You should make the most of it. I’m sure they’ll catch this stalker, and you can add the entire experience to your bio. It would make for an interesting documentary, don’t you think?”

  Cal tuned out at that point and was ready to throw the phone against the wall. This was his life she was talking about, not some Netflix drama.

  “I have to go, Julianne. I’m almost done with my last piece. I’ll need you to send someone by in a week to pick it up. I’ll make sure it’s wrapped up and ready.”

  “Done. And don’t worry, Cal, everything will be fine. You’ll be the talk of the art scene in two weeks’ time.”

  “As long as I’m alive to enjoy it,” he said and hung up.

  He walked back out to his living room to grab a much-needed drink. Oliver was typing away on his laptop, as usual.

  “I’m making myself a mojito. You want water or anything?” Cal asked as he opened the fridge.

  “I’m good, thanks. You got two invites today, one for a club opening tonight and another for a restaurant debut in Brooklyn. I’ve declined both given the size of the crowds expected.”

  Cal snorted. “Why bother telling me? It’s not like I’m shocked at this point that I can’t go. I’ve been living like a prisoner for three months,” he griped as he searched the crisper for a lime and fresh mint.

  He finally found what he was looking for and grabbed a bottle of rum to prepare his drink. Besides champagne, the minty cocktail was his favorite. Too bad he was drinking alone.

  “I’m sorry, Cal, but it is what it is for now.” Oliver paused and rubbed his face. “Jon’s been working hard trying to figure this out, but like most stalkers, this asshole is sneaky as hell. We need this joker to tip his hand somehow. We need a viable lead.”

  “I get it, but I’ve never felt so violated in all my life, and me being cooped up is not a good thing. I’m fucking cranky and frustrated and just plain pissed.”

  Cal grabbed the copper martini shaker from the side cabinet and threw in some ice, rum, mint, lime juice, and syrup, then started shaking.

  “Why don’t you come with me tomorrow when I go for my workout? There’s nothing like sparring to get rid of your stress, trust me.” Oliver ran a quick hand over his buzz cut and then turned back to his laptop.

  Cal finished shaking his drink and poured the concoction into a highball glass filled with ice and added lime slices and mint sprigs. He took a long sip and sighed. Maybe beating the crap out of a punching bag was just what he needed.

  “You know what? You’re on. I need to hit something. Hard.” Cal drained his glass and started mixing another. Oliver chuckled until a knock at the door broke their easy banter. Oliver checked his phone and nodded.

  “It’s fine. It’s Eli. I’m out for my break. Be back in an hour. You need me to grab anything for you while I’m out?” Oliver asked as he rose to his full height and headed for the door, checking the peephole first.

  “Nah, I’m good. At this rate, all my condoms will expire before I can use them,” Cal replied as Elijah entered the apartment.

  Elijah Morgan was Cal’s secondary bodyguard. He was close to Oliver’s height and build, with dark brown eyes and a close-cut beard. He looked like a total badass with brown hair shaved close on the sides, lots of tattoos on both arms, and an intense expression that was scary as fuck. But Cal had learned quickly that the man was a gentle giant. Elijah kept to himself and didn’t engage in much small talk.

  Once again, Cal became fast friends with the handsome man when normally he’d prefer to flirt, fuck, and run. Cal was pretty sure Elijah was straight anyway, so he held off on the sexy banter and behaved himself. Most of the time.

  “Hey, Elijah, you want something to drink, coffee, water?” Cal offered as the big man sauntered into the room and took off his sunglasses, placing them and his laptop case on the kitchen island.

  “I’m good, Cal, appreciate it, though.”

  Oliver grabbed his coat and scarf and headed for the door. “I’m off. I’ll be back in an hour. Text or call, you know the drill.”

  “You got it, boss.” Elijah followed Oliver and locked the door after him. He walked back over to sit on one of Cal’s padded kitchen barstools, opening his laptop and typing away, seemingly oblivious to Cal.

  “So tell me, Eli.” Cal paused as he turned to rummage in the fridge and grabbed ingredients to make a grilled cheese. He located the block of cheddar, a stick of butter, and a loaf of bread. Done. “Can I call you Eli?”

  “Sure.”

  “What do you do in your spare time? I mean, when you’re not guarding people like me?”

  Eli rubbed his beard. “Well, um, I’m at the gym a lot. Weights, running, Judo. And I read a lot, watch movies. I also knit.”

  “Knit? You mean like clothes?” Cal tried picturing those large hands with delicate knitting needles.

  “Yeah, sweaters, scarves, you know. It’s very relaxing.”

  “Sorry to sound surprised, but I’m just trying to picture badass you knitting scarves.” He paused. “But that’s great. Creative expression is very satisfying. You’ll have to show me some of your work.”

  Elijah flushed and went back to his typing. “It’s just a hobby. I usually donate the items to charities looking for warm clothing in the winter.”

  “That’s a wonderful thing to do,” Cal said, and Eli’s cheeks darkened.

  Cal returned to his sandwich, buttering the bread and slicing the cheese. He grabbed a skillet and added butter, then put the sandwich in the pan, sprinkling more cheese on top.

  He realized he’d have to start more of the conversation since Elijah was on the introverted side, similar to his friend Ryker.

  “Do you have a significant other?”

  “Um, no,” Elijah murmured. “I had a boyfriend, but we broke up two months ago. My work hours are long and unpredictable, so it makes it difficult to sustain relationships. I don’t blame him for being fed up.” Eli glanced back at his laptop, and Cal decided not to press for further details on such a personal matter.

  “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to pry,” Cal replied, and Elijah nodded in response. “Being cooped up here is driving me nuts, and I’m a people person. You know, always curious and asking questions. Tell me to button it or mind my business if I overstep.” Cal smiled, and Elijah nodded.

  “No problem.”

  Cal flipped the grilled cheese and slid it onto a plate. He prepped a basic salad to go along with his dinner and poured himself a large glass of sparkling water. Another meal, at home, alone. Yeah, me.

  “You sure I can’t offer you anything to eat?”

  “I ate before I got here, but thanks, Cal. You know, you’re one of the nicest clients I’ve worked with.”

  “Really?”

  “Yeah, most people either ignore us or talk to us like we’re their servants.”

  “I don’t get that. Everyone interests me. I mean, I find what you do fascinating.”

  “Yeah, we have some of those, too.” Elijah coughed as his face reddened.

  “What do you mean?”

  “Some people, you know, they have a … a bodyguard fantasy.”

  “Got it.” Cal laughed. “Don’t worry. I’m on my best behavior until we nail the psycho who’s after me. I want all your attention on catching this guy.”

  “Oliver and M, the CEO of Spartan Security, are the best at what they do. And Jon is a skilled investigator. But stalker cases are tough.”

  “M?” Cal asked as he took an experimental bite of his sandwich. “What is that short for?”

  “I really don’t know. I’ve only met the big boss a few times. He’s busy running the business.”

&nbs
p; “M… I guess he has a James Bond thing going on. Do you also have a tech guy named Q?”

  Elijah laughed, and his face changed from stern to stunning. “Nope, but I’ll suggest it to our IT tech, Lita, at our next team meeting and let you know what her reaction is.”

  Knock, knock.

  “Are you expecting anyone?”

  “No,” Cal replied as his stomach clenched in fear.

  “It’s not Oliver. He’d text first. Stay here.”

  Elijah moved closer to the door, holding his gun near his hip. He looked through the peephole, then retracted. “Man in his thirties, curly brown hair, slim. Does that ring any bells?”

  “It sounds like Grey, my PR rep. He’s not supposed to be in New York for another few days, though. Let me look.”

  Sure enough, it was Grey. “Let him in.”

  Elijah unlocked the heavy wood door, and Grey quickly walked into the hallway. His face was pinched and pale under the recessed lights. He removed his coat and nodded at Elijah, who introduced himself.

  “Sorry for the unannounced drop-in. I thought it safest to fly down early and speak to Oliver.” Grey turned to Elijah and then looked around. “Is he here?”

  “Oliver’s on break. He’ll be back in an hour,” Elijah replied.

  “Good, because Cal isn’t the only one who needs a bodyguard.”

  Chapter Four

  Grey

  Despite the warmth of Cal’s apartment, Grey was cold to the bone. The chill he’d experienced while reading that disturbing e-mail locked in his body and refused to leave. He took his cell out of his pocket to check for messages and noticed the faint trembling in his hand and willed it to stop. His internal dialogue told him to stay calm, but a million questions and concerns ran through his mind.

  “Grey, do you want something to drink? Coffee? Wine?” Cal asked as he stared at Grey. Cal looked tired, his brown eyes filled with concern.