Just One Night

Book 1: The Kingston Family

by Carly Phillips

Genres: Sagas; Romance; Billionaires Romance; Contemporary Romance; friends to lovers; workplace romance; Surprise Baby; one night stand

Synopsis

She’s the woman he can’t live without.

The one he can’t risk screwing up their relationship by sleeping with her.

Linc Kingston doesn’t accept anything less than perfection. Not in his billion-dollar business or in his personal life. He has it all, except one thing: his personal assistant and best friend in his bed, moaning his name. No matter how much Linc wants her, she’s completely off-limits.

Jordan Greene grew up the daughter of the housekeeper at the Kingston estate, where she met and bonded with Linc at a young age, despite their economic differences. But no matter how close they are now or how much their attraction simmers beneath the surface, they’re still from two different worlds. Besides, Jordan isn’t about to risk losing her best friend for one sensual night.

Jordan might be the only woman who can handle Linc and his domineering, bossy attitude, but beneath that gruff exterior is a vulnerable man who, despite his wealth, has had a less-than-charmed life. And when Linc’s father dies, she’s there for him—unwavering in her friendship.

Until one night of passion and a positive pregnancy test changes everything.

Release date: April 20, 2021

Publisher: CP Publishing

Print pages: 282

Sample

Chapter One

 

Linc Kingston’s father was a pompous jerk, a philandering womanizer, an asshole of the first order and he was dead, leaving behind four legitimate children and one illegitimate daughter. That they knew of. 

Linc spread the canceled checks he’d found weeks ago across his desk. As he’d discovered yesterday from the private investigator he’d hired, the trail had led to a sister he knew nothing about and the information had sent him reeling.  Who knew what other surprises awaited in the wake of Kenneth Kingston’s death of a heart attack a month earlier?

Picking up the glass of Maccallan 18, not his first or even his second, he finished the contents. Without hesitation, he poured himself another with the bottle he’d taken from the bar in the corner of the office that had once been his fathers.

“Slow down or you’ll end up sleeping here tonight,” his brother, Xander, said. Feet kicked out in front of him, he leaned back in his chair.  

 “I have a car waiting to take me home. I can get as drunk as I want.” Linc lifted the tumbler to his lips.

Xander groaned. “Look, I get it. I’m not happy about the news either but it’s not like we thought Dad was a stellar human being. Are you really shocked he knocked up his secretary nineteen years ago and left a daughter to show for it?” 

“No.” Linc took another sip. “But the fact that while dad thought his child was with her mother, she was really being raised in foster care? That galls me.” And during the years their half sister had been in the system, her mother had been cashing generous checks signed by Kenneth Kingston. Another gem of a person, Linc thought in disgust.

Xander glanced up at the ceiling adjusting his black framed eyeglasses he wore after a long day staring at a computer screen. “If dad had given a damn about his child, he’d have checked in on them and found out the truth years ago. And on that note, I changed my mind. I could use a drink myself.” 

With a shake of his head, Xander, rose from his seat and walked to the bar in the corner, grabbing a tumbler glass and bringing it back to the desk. He poured himself a drink and settled into his chair before indulging in a hefty gulp.

“What do Dash and Chloe say?” Xander asked of their full siblings.

Of course Xander wouldn’t know how they’d taken the news. While Linc was dealing with their late father’s estate, the business he’d been helping to run for years, and the paperwork after their father’s death, Xander had been closed up in his home office writing. A marine turned thriller writer on his return state-side, his books had been made into blockbuster movies, and he often got lost in his own world. Linc had called him here tonight to fill him in about their sister. 

Everything relating to the family real estate business banking was online. That Kenneth had obviously opened an account to hide these payments spoke volumes about what their father was capable of when it came his penchant for deception.

“With Dash on tour, I haven’t told him yet.” 

Their other brother was the lead singer of xXXX, a rock band he’d been a part of since he was eighteen. After years of playing bars and smaller gigs, they’d been discovered and their success was massive and worldwide. 

Linc rubbed the back of his stiff neck with his fingers. “I thought I should do it in person and he’ll be in town soon when they have a weekend off.

Xander nodded. “Can’t wait to see him. He’s pretty mellow. He’ll deal. And Chloe?”

“She’s upset. Devastated she had a sister she never knew about and one who obviously grew up in way different circumstances than us.” It turned Linc’s stomach and he didn’t have details of this sibling’s upbringing he knew wouldn’t be pretty. “Aurora,” he said.

“What?” Xander asked.

“Our sister’s name is Aurora. I think we should start getting used to it.” 

A knock sounded on his door and his personal assistant and best friend, Jordan Greene, walked inside, her dark hair pulled back in a sleek ponytail, her black slacks and silk blouse as immaculate as they’d been this morning. After her upbringing, Jordan prided herself on being able to afford quality clothing and looking her best. No more hand me downs from her sister.

“I’m leaving for the night. Anything I can get you before I go?” she asked, as she did every night he stayed later than her. They both worked long hours.

Xander turned to face her. “Hey Jordan. You weren’t at your desk when I came in. I almost thought you gave up on dealing with my brother.” He jerked a finger back at Linc and laughed.

“Shut up, asshole.” Linc scowled at his sibling.

Jordan chuckled. “We all know I’m the only one who will put up with him. I can’t subject my fellow females to his demanding personality.”

“I am not that bad,” Linc muttered.

“Yes you are,” they both said at the same time and their joined laughter echoed around the room.

Linc shook his head as they made fun of him. It wasn’t unusual for Jordan to gang up on him with one of his siblings and maybe he deserved it. He wasn’t always easy.

Jordan’s mother had been the Kingston’s housekeeper and so Jordan knew all of his siblings well but mostly Linc as they’d bonded early on. They’d become not just best friends but a united duo. Despite their different backgrounds, they’d just clicked. After school she’d come to their house to do her homework while waiting for her mother, and Linc used to join her.

Getting her to work for him after she’d graduated college had been the smartest thing he’d ever done. His schedule was always up to date, she knew what he wanted almost before he asked and their friendship had only deepened. 

He met her blue eyed gaze. “I’m good. You can take off for the night.”

“Awesome. I’m going to pick up Sushi for dinner on my way home. See you in the morning!” she said, bright and cheery as always. “Night, Xander.”

“Good night, Jordan.” Xander gave her a wave before turning back to face Linc, a curious expression on his face as the door clicked shut behind her.

“What?” Linc all but barked the question at his brother, who still stared at him as if he had something to say.

“Have you really not fucked her yet?” Xander asked.

“You asshole. Don’t talk about Jordan like that.”

Xander’s grin told Linc he’d nailed him, prodding him on purpose to get a reaction out and Linc had given the bastard what he wanted. 

“Come on, seriously. Why haven’t you two gotten together?” Xander finished his drink and put the glass down on the old mahogany desk.

“Want more?” Linc lifted the bottle of scotch.

Xander shook his head. “No, but I do want an answer.”

Knowing he needed more alcohol for this, Linc poured himself another drink. He was getting wasted far deeper and faster than he preferred, liking to keep his wits about him. But after hearing about his new sister and processing how she’d been raised when a family with money would have welcomed her, he needed to numb his feelings. Aurora had deserved the money he’d sent for her care.

“Linc!” Xander kicked the desk with his foot. “Where did you go?”

He blinked and looked into his empty glass. “Sorry. What did you want to know?” The alcohol was getting to him.

“I asked why you and Jordan haven’t hooked up.”

“Because she’s my best friend and I couldn’t live without her if things didn’t work out.” Even if she had a body his fingers itched to touch, lips he was dying to kiss, and sky blue eyes that could see into his soul, he had to keep his hands … and mouth to himself. Over the years, the restraint had cost him but he’d managed not to step over that line.

He’d grown up well aware of his father’s indiscretions, mostly with the women who worked for him, and Linc had gone out of his way not to be anything like the man. If that meant he was more serious, asked more of others, then so be it. As long as he wasn’t leaving work to meet up with a mistress or sleeping with one of his assistants or secretaries, Linc could look himself in the mirror each day.

Xander tipped his head to one side. “Rational reasoning, I guess.” 

Xander knew all about heartbreak after being duped by a young hot Hollywood actress he’d fallen in love with while in L.A. during the filming of his first book made into a movie. He wouldn’t argue with Linc’s reasons to keep things platonic with Jordan. Not when it meant avoiding both heartbreak and the potential ending of an important friendship.

“You ever wonder if she would want more?” Xander asked.

Linc shook his head, knowing he couldn’t let himself go there. It would only make it harder if he knew she desired him, too. But he had no intention of giving his brother ammunition. He hadn’t told Xander he wanted Jordan and he wasn’t about to. 

For the next hour, Linc drank, Xander watched, and they talked about Xander’s next book that was in the pre-filming stages. Xander didn’t bring up their half sister or their father again and Linc was grateful. He wasn’t sure why the news had hit him as hard as it had. Xander obviously had his head on straight about it but then again, his brother worked his issues out on the page. Linc brooded.

“What do you say we call it a night?” Without waiting for an answer, Xander stood and grabbed the liquor bottle from the desk before Linc could pour more. Which was just as well. He was feeling the effects of how much he’d already had to drink.

Linc picked up his phone to text Max, his driver. “You want a ride back to your place?” he asked his brother.

Xander had a house on Long Island where he retreated when he was deep in work along with an apartment on the upper east side of Manhattan in the same building Linc lived in for when he came into the city.

His brother shook his head. “I drove in and I’m going to head back to my house tonight. I want to get to work first thing in the morning. Want me to drop you off?”

“It’s out of your way and my driver’s waiting. I’ll talk to you soon.” 

Linc shut the light, they both grabbed their jackets and they walked out of the office, taking the elevator downstairs and heading to the city street where they parted ways. As usual, Manhattan was busy at eight p.m., cars, taxis, and buses clogging the street and honking when another vehicle didn’t move fast enough.

Linc’s driver was coming around the corner. In no time Linc was sitting in the back of a Town Car, fiddling with his phone, his mind on everything he’d learned today. God, he hated his father. Hated the times he’d hear his mother crying while he was growing up, knowing she’d stayed married to him for the sake of her children. His stomach churned and he knew it was the combination of the liquor and the memories assaulting him.

He leaned his head against the back seat and closed his eyes, surprised when his phone rang. Lifting the cell from his lap, he glanced at the screen and groaned. His ex-girlfriend and one-time friend with benefits was calling. Though he rarely saw her anymore, he occasionally ran into her at the country club where both of their families belonged.

“Hello?” he asked, planning to keep the conversation short.

“Linc, honey, it’s been so long. How are you?” Angelica purred in an obvious attempt to interest him. It didn’t work.

How was he? Drunk, pissed, confused, and the last thing he needed or wanted was a woman whose only goal was to marry into his family. When he was younger he’d had no problem indulging her because they’d both needed the same thing. To be seen with the right person on their arms. These days he was older, wiser and more discriminating. And not about pedigree or women who faked everything about themselves. 

He wanted someone real. Someone like Jordan. Shit, he was drunk.

“Linc?” Angelica asked, her voice causing his eyes to open wider and force him to concentrate.

“I’m here. It’s been a long day.”

“Oh, poor baby. Why don’t you come over and I’ll pour us some wine. We can work out your frustrations.” 

He knew her offer came with strings, something he’d discovered when they’d tried the friends with benefits route. She’d always wanted and demanded more than he was willing to give. Financially and emotionally.

“Sorry. I’m home for the night,” he said, glancing out the window. The car was nearing Jordan’s apartment.

“I could come to you,” Angelica offered, the desperation in her tone obvious.

His entire body tensed at the sound. “Sorry, I’m beat. I need to go. Bye.” 

He disconnected the call and before he could think through what he was doing, he leaned forward in his seat. “Excuse me, but I had a change of plans,” he said and rattled off Jordan’s address.

With his mind spinning as much as his head, there was only one person he wanted to be with tonight. The only one who’d understand his pain. 

He leaned against the cushioned backrest and waited for the car to come to a stop in front of Jordan’s building.

 

#

 

Jordan came home and changed into a pair of gray joggers and a tie-dye swing tank-top, an outfit she’d be comfortable wearing to relax and watch television, and also to sleep in once she removed the bottoms. She released her hair from the low ponytail she’d had it in, the last thing she needed to free herself from the constraints of working for Linc’s Fortune 500 privately held company where appearances were important. She was grateful to him for giving her a job where she earned more than she’d ever dreamed when growing up and she refused to let him down.

She poured herself a small glass of wine and dug into the sushi she’d picked up, nearly inhaling the food because she was starving. Then she cleaned up and settled onto the couch in her living room, pulling a blanket over her and snuggling in.

Man, she’d had a long day. 

Since Kenneth Kingston had passed away unexpectedly a few weeks ago, she and Linc had had their hands full catching up on his father’s deals and properties. Although no one in the family liked to talk about it, Kenneth Kinston had been suffering from the early stages of dementia when he died. He’d refused to step down from his position as chairman of the company or become a figurehead in the organization he’d founded. All Linc had been able to do was make sure that Wallace Donnelly, their Chief Financial Officer, and Kenneth’s closest friend, was on top of Kenneth’s investments.

Now, while Linc handled both the business and the estate, Jordan had been going over the elder Mr. Kingston’s MLS listings, outstanding contracts, and coordinating with his secretary, Suzanne, who Linc had decided to keep on in a different position. He hadn’t wanted to fire the woman who’d been with the company for years. Linc thought he was a hard-ass and they all liked to tease him about his demands, but deep down he had a good heart.

And right now he was hurting. 

With a sigh, Jordan picked up the television remote and was about to turn it on when her cell rang. A glance showed her it was her doorman and she tapped accept, surprised he’d call so late. “Hi, Jerry.”

“Miss Greene, Mr. Kingston is here. Should I send him up?”

“Yes, please,” she said, rising from her seat, concerned. She disconnected the call.

Why would Linc be here now? When she’d said good night at the office he’d been drinking with and talking to Xander, filling him in about the sister they hadn’t known about. He’d already told Jordan everything about his discovery and she understood how upsetting he’d found the news. To show up here now wasn’t in character. He was self-contained and kept his emotions to himself, even when he was upset. But she’d never seen him quite as worked up as he’d been about his new sister, Aurora and the fact that she’d grown up in foster homes while he and his siblings had wealth and comfort.

Folding the blanket she’d pulled over herself, she lay it onto the couch before heading to the door, reaching it just as Linc knocked. 

She opened the door to find him standing there, one arm on the doorframe, a sexy vision with his white dress shirt unbuttoned and tie hanging loose around his neck. His silky black hair was messed from running his fingers through the strands and a day’s worth of scruff graced his gorgeous face. 

But it was his eyes that drew her attention most. Devastation looked back at her from his blue gaze with a darker ring around the outer edges.

“Hey,” he said and she caught the whiff of whiskey on his breath.

“Come on in.” She stepped back and he entered, brushing past her and leaving her with a hint of his cologne in his wake.

After closing the door, she followed him into her living room. “I’d offer you a drink but it smells like you’ve had enough.”

Without replying, he threw his body onto the couch she’d been sitting on, choosing her favorite side and he knew it.

“Talk to me,” she said, joining him on the cushion next to his and crossing her legs in front of her. 

“I’m pissed at my father.” He leaned back and groaned.

“I know.” She’d spent enough time in their large house growing up. 

Enough to know that Kenneth Kingston hadn’t been a man to be emulated. A man of power? Yes. A kind, caring parent to the children with his wife? Not so much. But a worse husband and definitely a horrible human to the daughter he’d abandoned. Now Linc was left to pick up the pieces.

“Does your mother know about your half sister?” 

He shook his head. “And who do you think has to tell her?”

Linc was close to his mother, as were all his siblings. Jordan truly liked Melissa Kingston, who liked to be called Melly, even by Jordan. Since the time she was young, his mother had never been formal with Jordan. A kind, caring woman, Melly hadn’t deserved for her husband to cheat on her and Jordan knew from Linc, his mother had stayed because it was easier than to divorce him, at least in her mind.

“You’ll handle it,” she said, putting a hand on his shoulder.

He pulled her closer until she leaned against him, her head in the crook of his arm. His body was warm and he smelled good and she did her best to ignore the tingle of awareness inside her. Linc liked to hang out, to snuggle and watch a movie or just talk. Their friendship consisted of everything she’d want with someone she loved deeply except sex and the intimacy that came with it. 

So as she sat with his arm around her, comforting him in silence, she ignored the scent of his cologne, masculine and sexy. She tried not to focus on the hard muscled body she leaned against but it wasn’t easy.

She couldn’t lie and say she’d never wanted relationship with Linc but those days were over. When she was younger, she’d had a crush on him but her mother had caught on quickly and warned her about their different status in life and how ultimately Jordan didn’t fit into his world. 

Those words had crushed her young heart but since her mother cleaned their home, Jordan forced herself to focus on being Linc’s friend. Even if she hadn’t understood or agreed with her mother’s feelings. Eventually, he’d gone to college, the cost fully covered by his family. She had student loans. Then he’d attended business school and she’d gone on to get a job.

But maybe she’d read too many romance novels because her first year out of college, during her time working in human resources, she’d met a hot guy at a bar. Collin had been attentive, taken her number, and called her the next day. They’d begun dating and she’d quickly learned he’d come from a wealthy family who made their money in hedge funds. 

The relationship turned serious fast but she never met his family and she’d begun to feel like he was hiding her from his parents. After all, he’d already met hers. And just like with Linc, Jordan’s mother was wary thanks to his family’s status but since she didn’t work for them, she hadn’t harped on the issue.

Then she’d missed her period and a test proved she was pregnant. And Collin Auerbach had panicked and handed her money to get rid of the problem. Much like Linc’s father had apparently done to one of his mistresses, as she now knew. 

Jordan had thrown him out and ripped up the check and the man she’d thought would marry her one day got engaged to an oil heiress six months later.

As for Jordan, a month into the pregnancy, she’d experienced terrible cramps, heavy bleeding and lost the baby. The pain of remembering that time always hurt. And who had been there for her? Linc. He’d helped her with her grief and was there as she’d picked up the pieces of her broken heart.

Once Linc began working at Kingston Enterprises, he’d all but begged her to become his personal assistant, something his father hadn’t been happy about because she was the help’s daughter. This time she understood she’d never be good enough for anyone with wealth. Fine. She didn’t want that kind of life anyway. She’d just wanted a normal existence with a job she enjoyed, a man she loved, and eventually a family of her own.

She’d taken the Job at Kingston Enterprises, refusing to give up a great opportunity because his father was an asshole. 

Besides, the older man’s office had been a long hall away from Linc’s. Once she’d been hired, she and Linc fallen into a work dynamic that was special, and she’d be a fool to think about him as anything other than her boss and friend. 

A friend she treasured and didn’t want to lose by mixing sex with their relationship. Lesson learned on that score. Plus she saw the kind of women he dated, the type of families they came from, the approval his mother gave those women, all proof her own her mother’s words still held true. She wasn’t in his league.

“I need a plan,” he said, speaking up out of the blue. 

She’d actually thought he’d fallen asleep. 

“Do I go meet my sister? Or do I let it go because knowing the truth about her father might be too painful for her?” His tone sounded slurred and he was obviously in no position to talk tonight.

“I think we should discuss this in the morning. You need a clear head to make those kind of decisions.” She pushed herself off him and rose to her feet.

“Stay with me,” he said and when she glanced at him, his lips were set in a little boy pout. 

This was the Linc not many people saw. The vulnerable man beneath the businessman he presented to the world. “You need sleep. Do you have a car waiting?” she asked because he used a driver to get around the city.

“I sent him home.” He stretched his feet out on her couch and she realized he was settling in for the night. 

“Kick off your shoes,” she said. No way could he sleep on the couch in his work clothes.

He did as she instructed and his black dress shoes fell to the floor. 

“Now take off your tie and shirt so you’re comfortable.” 

“Bossy,” he muttered and began undo the buttons. He worked his way down, revealing his muscled chest and defined abs from time with a professional trainer. He shrugged out of the shirt, struggling with the buttons on the cuffs but he managed to release them.

Swallowing hard, took the shirt and tie from him and put them aside, planning to hang them up so they didn’t wrinkle even more. He’d need them to wear home in the morning. 

Despite herself, she couldn’t help but stare at his naked chest. It had been years since they were kids swimming together in his family’s pool and the man in front of her now was a far cry from the boy he’d been. 

How could she look at him and not drool? “Do you want to wash up before you settle in for the night?” she asked in a husky voice. 

She reached a hand out to help him to his feet and without warning, he pulled her forward. She tumbled, twisting herself so she landed on top of his hard body. 

“Linc, what are you doing?” She lifted herself up, intending to climb off him when a firm arm around her back locked her in place. 

“I need you,” he said, his voice full of longing.

His words took her off guard. Heart pounding, she looked up and his gaze, hazy with alcohol but no less compelling, met hers. Everything inside her twisted with need. Need for this man and everything he was.

“Kiss me, Jordan.”