The Dom with the Dragon Tattoo(11)
Rob Ferino’s newly built home lay nestled at the end of a dead-end street, making parking difficult. When he saw Rebecca’s red Aston Martin sitting proudly on the driveway, he couldn’t help but smile to himself. In his opinion it was far too powerful for a woman, but he figured she’d never admit to it.
As the boss of Cerberus Technology, Tyler received plenty of social invites from his employees but generally turned them down, often using the excuse that he was too busy. Today was different. He’d known Rob and his wife Samantha since high school, and truth be known, when he’d learned that Rebecca was going to be there, he’d decided to join the party. That very morning, he’d had the pleasure of her company as they’d checked out the real estate for sale in the local area. Rebecca’s allure and charisma had seriously gotten under his skin.
After grabbing a case of beer from the trunk, he opened the gate and made his way along the winding path to the front door. He pressed the doorbell, which chimed annoyingly with “The Yellow Rose of Texas.” Jesus Christ, Rob, change the tune, man.
Sam Ferino opened the door, her infectious smile greeting him as always. “My, my, we are honored. A visit from our great leader.” She hugged him with genuine affection. “Always good to see you, Ty.”
She was a great girl. Her short blonde hair and elfin looks always reminded him of the young Mia Farrow. Just like she was in Rosemary’s Baby.
He kissed her cheek. “Great to see you, Sam. You look stunning, honey. I wouldn’t want to miss out on Rob’s barbecuing skills.”
She threw back her head and laughed. “Yeah, yeah, of course you wouldn’t. Just don’t spend the whole evening talking football and politics with him. We’ve got other guests.”
“Football and politics? You know me, I’d never do that.”
“Only just about every time you come here.”
Tyler arched a brow in mock surprise. “You know me too well.”
She took hold of his arm and pulled him inside. “Enough of this small talk. There’s beer in the refrigerator.”
He followed her through to the kitchen, placed the case of beer he’d bought on the table, then helped himself to an ice-cold Bud. “Thanks.”
Samantha stood at the kitchen window, looking out onto the backyard, taking in the group of friends laughing and joking. “She seems nice.”
“Who?”
“Rob’s new boss, Rebecca. I must admit I was a little concerned when he started working late on a regular basis with a woman I didn’t know. I’m not normally the jealous type, and I trust Rob implicitly, but the thought did cross my mind. Crazy, huh?”
Tyler put his arm around her shoulder. “Believe me, Sam. Rob’s as loyal as they come. You don’t need to have any worries on that score.”
“Now I’ve met her, I realize how ridiculous I was being. I like the lady. She’s real nice. Anyway, I’d better go tend to my guests. Come out and mingle, when you’re ready.”
Left alone, he stared out the kitchen window. Rebecca Miles intrigued him. Just what made her tick? Was she really the cold, career-focused woman who worked for him, or was she the woman he observed, talking easily with a group of people? Dressed in tight-fitting blue jeans and a T-shirt that emphasized her shapely breasts, she looked like any other woman socializing with friends. Normal. Vanilla. Conventional even. No wonder Sam didn’t see her as a threat.
Tyler popped the cap and took a long swig of the Bud. He was thirsty, and it slid down his throat with a satisfying ease. He’d seen a different side to Rebecca at Club Submission, back in Boston. A side that she kept hidden from everyone. It was this facet of her personality that he wanted to explore to the point of obsession.
Perhaps sensing his intense scrutiny, she glanced in his direction. He liked it when her beautiful brown eyes widened in surprise when she registered his presence. Tyler smiled and raised his bottle of Bud in acknowledgement then made his way outside.
“Hey, Ty, glad you could make it, man.” Rob was busy cooking burgers, hot dogs, and chicken on a grill. The delicious smell rose up on the charcoal smoke, suddenly making him feel hungry.
“Hi, Rob, where are my two favorite godchildren?”
“Peyton and Rob Junior are playing in their rooms, but don’t worry, they won’t be long. Those kids are like homing pigeons. They’ll come running as soon as they smell the food.” He deftly flipped the burgers a couple of times. “Rebecca looks real good tonight. Not so buttoned up. She’s done her hair different, too.”
“I can’t say I really noticed.”