by Claire Angel
I watched as she walked away after our brief chat, acutely aware of the stirring in my groin as her ass swayed seductively. Her beautiful green eyes lingered in my mind's eye long after she’d left the room. How was it that I’d never met her before? I figured her to be close to me in age, and clearly her job would have brought her into my circles on occasion, yet she was a delightful, fresh face.
The uppity waiter, Henry, came over to ask if I wanted anything else. I declined, courteously. He, too, had watched closely as Lauren walked away, no doubt hoping to bag her before the week was out. I picked up on his veiled hostility when he first came to our table. Male rivalry was amusing. As if any man had control over a woman’s mind. At the ripe young age of thirty, I was yet to understand the pretty puzzles.
It was time for our week-long shindig to start. I was a businessman, not a party planner. I left that kind of thing to my capable staff, at home or work, as the thought of chatting to people about dreary things other than work left me less than enthusiastic. I spent enough time in the boardroom, negotiating deals and dodging egos. I planned on relaxing throughout the week and engaging with others only when I was in the mood. The point of the week-long retreat was to spoil my staff and colleagues, by rewarding their hard work. I’d say a few thank yous and pat a few backs, but that was about as involved as I wanted to be.
As I moved to the conference hall, my mind drifted back to Lauren. She had spunk, and unlike some men, I preferred my women that way. Plus, the feisty ones were usually the best in bed. There it was, knocking on the door again, the beginnings of a boner.
How old are we, Chris? Stop thinking with your small head and use the big one. Focus!
I caught a hint of her perfume as I entered the elevator—there was no mistaking her scent. I imagined the two of us sharing an elevator to be a very interesting experience. The pictures that formed in my mind did nothing to still the python in my pants. I looked forward to our next interaction, whatever it would be. The hall was at the end of the long passage to the left as I got off the elevator. The chattery voices grew louder the closer I got.
Like the token drunk at the end of a bar counter, every company had its loud mouth. Harry was ours. I heard his thick Scottish accent thundering above everyone else’s as I entered the hall. He was a jolly man in his late fifties, balding on top, with crystal clear blue eyes, and a ruddy beard like a rhododendron. His eyes danced when he saw me.
“Hullo, Chris!” he boomed as he waved me over.
Harry was part of the furniture. He owned one of the first successful businesses I bought after I made my first hundred million. Behind the brash, seemingly ordinary man, beat the heart of a Ninja. There was an intelligence about Harry that shone brightly through his blue eyes. Those who didn’t recognize it, found themselves outwitted rather quickly. He was the ace up my sleeve, and I the son he never had.
“Hi, Harry. Good to see you’ve got this party under control. Have I missed anything?” I asked as he patted me warmly on the shoulder.
“Ye got here just in time, laddy. Bob here was just telling us about a juicy little geisha he met on his last trip. The next time there’s a conference in Japan, I think I’ll volunteer.” He laughed, raucously.
“Now, Harry. You know I promised Irene that I would keep you out of trouble. She’ll never forgive me if I drop that iron ball.”
Irene was Harry’s wife and lifelong soulmate. They made the perfect couple, complete opposites, each absolutely adoring the other. They reminded me so much of my parents.
“Oh, ye little tattle tale, ye. I guess I’ll have to live vicariously through ye then, Bob, ye old hound dog,” he said as he gave him a devilish grin and a smack on the back.
“Speaking of which, who's warming yer handsome self these days, my boy? Anyone we know?” Harry chuckled.
“You know a gentleman never tells, Harry.”
“Struck out, did ye?” He laughed, as his belly shook up and down. We all laughed.
“If you’ll excuse me, you ill-mannered mob, I have to mingle,” I said.
The hall was even more impressive with all the happy faces milling about. The champagne was flowing, the buffet table looked a treat, and the room spilled out into the garden through the large fold-away glass panel doors. It was a nice change to have the scent of roses wafting about rather than that of the city’s.
She was standing near the door that led to the rose garden. Her long, dark hair moved gently in the breeze, and her white, summer’s dress clung to her body with every fresh puff of wind. She was magnificent. I looked about the room and watched as men and women stared unapologetically at the exquisite creature. She threw back her head and exposed her sleek neck as she laughed at a rotund man who’d obviously said something amusing to her. Her laughter filled the room, and I felt my stomach do cartwheels.
Lauren looked up, as if she knew I was looking at her. She smiled at me from across the room, and it felt as though everyone else disappeared in a flash. Come on, you big girl! What are you, a pussy? Snap out of it. She’s a woman like any other. But I knew she wasn’t. I’d have to watch my step with her.
The moment was brief, but it felt much longer. Someone touched her on the shoulder and she looked away. I thought it best to do the same.
“Hello, Mr. Carter. Lovely party.”
I turned to face the woman behind me. There were a handful of people in my world I tried to avoid if at all possible, and Giselle was one of them. At some point during our acquaintance, the woman got it into her head that our one night stand meant more than what it had. It took me months to extricate myself from her tentacles—the woman was batshit crazy, with a biological clock that thundered ahead like a stream boat.
“Hello, Giselle. I’m glad you’re having a good time.” I smiled as pleasantly as I could at the thorn in my side.
“I’ll have a much better time if you give me half a chance. And so will you,” she whispered as she moved her eyes across my body.
“As tempting as that sounds, Giselle, I’m afraid I’ll have to take a rain check. Busy week, you see.”
She grew sullen for a moment, then recovered. “Pity. Well, you know where I am if you change your mind,” she said, then licked her lips and walked away.
“You look like a hamster that just escaped the claws of a vicious cat.”
I turned to see Lauren standing behind me with a bemused look on her beautiful face. Her red lips were parted ever so slightly—I wanted to move in and kiss them.
“I need a break from this crowd. Can I buy you a drink?” I asked, hoping she wouldn’t say no.
“That sounds too tempting to refuse.” she said, her eyes smiling.
“Great, let’s get out of here.” She followed me as I made my way to the bar. I saw Giselle, out of the corner of my eye, practically choking on her drink at the sight of Lauren. I hoped she wouldn’t make a fuss. I was in no mood for hysterics.
I led the ravishing Lauren out of the hall with hundreds of eyes burning into our backs as we walked. I was excited.
Chapter 4
LAUREN
I felt all eyes in the room glued to Chris and me as we crossed the floor to the bar. My heart fluttered a bit at the thought of him following so closely. His cologne was subtle but spoke volumes and made my sex clench, despite the alarm bells going off in my head. I had to be careful. I had no intention of becoming a billionaire’s plaything, no matter how much I wanted to jump his bones.
The barman smiled at me as he asked me what I wished to drink. I ordered my signature tequila and OJ and noticed Chris’ raised eyebrow.
“Tequila. I figured you for a white wine kind of girl,” he said.
“The only reason I’m not challenging you to a tequila shot showdown is because I don’t want to embarrass you in front of your colleagues, Mr. Carter.” I smiled. “Hence, the OJ.”
He looked at me with surprise in his eyes. Clearly, he wasn’t used to a woman who preferred wit over kissing his ass. A woman who wasn’t afr
aid to speak her mind. In short, a woman like me.
“I might take you up on that later, when this little shindig is over,” he said in a low, suggestive voice. My nipples went instantly hard at his devilish grin. He smiled as he noticed the hard pearls showing through my dress.
“Don’t say I didn’t warn you. I won’t be responsible for your hangover tomorrow.” I grinned back.
“I promise not to complain if you promise to go easy on me.”
“I’m not making any promises,” I whispered as he reached past me for his whiskey.
I looked around the room just to make sure that everything was running smoothly. A blonde with a dress so tight it looked as though it was painted onto her body was wielding a death stare at me. A woman could always tell when the threat to ‘stay the hell away’, was aimed at her by another. I didn’t pay much attention to the busty Barbie. Instead, I focussed my attention on my team, while they made their way about the room.
I turned my attention back to Chris, who was watching my every move. A chill ran down my spine at his hazel eyes scanning my body. Ordinarily that sort of stare would annoy me, but with Chris, it was welcomed. I pushed out my chest just enough for him to shift his gaze to my breasts. I knew it was wicked but I enjoyed our little game immensely.
“So, what time can I expect to engage in this tequila challenge?” he asked as he turned his attention back to my lips.
“Eight o’ clock,” I said rather nonchalantly, just in case he thought I was an easy mark. He’d have to work for it. I’d make sure of that.
“Sounds good. I’ll meet you downstairs in the lounge at eight,” he said.
“See you at eight.” I smiled. “I’m afraid you’ll have to excuse me, Chris. Afterall, I can’t have the boss thinking that I’m neglecting my duties, now can I?”
“I am the boss, remember,” he said in a husky voice.
“Thanks for the drink, Mr. Boss.” I put the half empty glass back on the bar counter, turned, and walked across the room to chat with Janet.
“I see you’re hobnobbing with moguls.” She smiled as she looked over my shoulder at Chris. “You know he’s been staring at your ass this whole time, right?” She chuckled.
“Stop looking,” I said as she giggled.
“He’s gorgeous and rich. Some girls have all the luck.” She rolled her eyes.
“I’m weary of rich playboys, Janet. Screwing the help is a sport to them. I haven’t decided yet if I want to play his game or not.”
“Oh, please, you big liar. I know when you’re gagging for it. I saw you ogling him when you thought no one was looking.” She smirked as I pretended not to know what she was talking about.
“Don’t you have a tablecloth to straighten or something?” I grinned.
“Okay, but this conversation isn’t over, Juliet.”
“Go find something to do, Mom,” I said as I nudged her toward the other side of the hall. She laughed at my pseudo indignation.
No matter how hard I tried, I found myself seeking him out the entire afternoon. I caught him looking back at me more than once, smiling as I did. He was so sexy. Everything about him made my heart race. I hoped my attraction wasn’t too obvious—I wasn’t usually the gushy sort, and a billionaire wasn’t a smart place to start.
The hours dragged on as I smiled and greeted endless faces, trying to hide my boredom. At roughly six o’clock, the room started to empty out. The meet and greet welcoming party was a roaring success, and I couldn’t wait to kick off my stilettos and soak in the tub. The team and I took down the decor and had a quick drink together.
“Oohh, what I wouldn’t give to have an afternoon with the gorgeous Mr. Carter,” Scotty gushed. “I’m sure I can change his mind about batting for the other side.”
“If anyone could, Scotty, then my money would be on you.”
“You damn right, sista,” he said. “I’m going to have a little drinky poo before dins. See you later, gorgeous people.”
I followed suit and headed for my room. Inside, I went straight to the bathroom and drew a warm bath with plenty of bubbles and salts. The fragrant steam that rose from the water enveloped me as I listened to sounds of the birds calling to each other from the trees outside in the beautiful gardens.
My thoughts turned to Chris and his captivating eyes. I wondered what he thought of my shameless flirting, using tequila as a pathetic rouse. Usually I flirted unashamedly with the object of my desire, but Chris was different somehow. I felt the need to impress him, which was a rarity for me. I couldn’t read him, and that made me nervous. A bit like a schoolgirl with a crush on her sexy young phys ed teacher, I felt myself flailing about when he looked at me.
I could almost hear Dianne egging me on to ravish his bones. She had absolutely zero shame about snagging a lover. Not that she had any trouble in that department with her looks. Her blonde hair and blue eyes did most of the work for her, leaving her with the pleasant task of bagging and tagging. I wondered if any man would ever enslave her heart.
I was very relaxed after a long soak in the tub. I lay on the bed for a while contemplating my approach to the night with Chris. His scent still lingered in my senses, my mind wandering to the rest of him. I decided to keep my approach casual and pulled on a pair of my favorite blue jeans, a white button down top, and sneakers. I tied my hair back in a loose plait, and lightly dusted my neck and wrists with my favorite perfume. I checked my appearance in the full length mirror. It was ten to eight. I was ready to charm the pants off Mr. Carter.
***
CHRIS
When Lauren had whispered in my ear at the bar, I nearly swallowed my tongue. It became increasingly difficult to hide my growing desire for her, amongst other ‘growing’ things. How could I, when she was so drop dead beautiful, and more than a little intimidating to boot. The women I usually met were predictable. A good bottle of wine and a nice dinner, and they were on their backs, trying to ensnare me with their feminine wiles. I didn’t complain—what man would—but honestly, the chase just wasn’t there. It was like shooting fish in a barrel. There was a lot to be said for the excitement and nervous butterflies of wondering if a beautiful woman would yield or kick you to the curb.
I wondered what Lauren thought of me. I tried to play it cool, but when she caught me staring at her a few times like a naughty school boy, I willed the floor to open up and swallow me whole. No sense in crying over spilled milk. The die was cast and I had to push on through, and hope I didn’t make a fool of myself.
I wasn’t in the mood for a monkey suit, so I wore my ‘oldest’ new blue jeans, and a black T-shirt. My hair was wet from the long shower I took, so I towel dried it, put on my favorite sneakers, and checked my watch. It was time to rock and roll. I splashed on a dash of cologne, then pulled the door closed behind me. Showtime.
The lounge was filled to capacity with guests, but I spotted Lauren without even trying. Her tight jeans hugged her incredible body tightly, and it was all I could do to not rip them off right there and ravish her. Okay, Chris, calm down. It’s a marathon, not a sprint. This one is special. Don’t fuck it up.
She stood at one of the tables close to the bar, chatting to a couple. Her dark, thick mane of hair was hanging down her back in a loose plait, and she looked relaxed and happy. I watched her for a bit, glad that she hadn’t spotted me. I looked around at the eyes watching her, lusting after her. I had no idea why, but suddenly I felt rather proud to be the one to have her all to myself for the evening. I walked slowly across to where she stood, and placed my hand, very gently, on the small of her back.
“Are these your tequila swilling pants?” I whispered in her ear.
She swung around in a flash, surprise written all over her deep green eyes.
“Sorry, I didn’t mean to startle you,” I apologized.
“You could get hurt sneaking up on a New Yorker like that.” She smiled, her green eyes bright and alert.
The moment my hand touched her back, a bolt of electricity sh
ot through me. I wondered if she picked up on it when I startled a little. From where I stood, I could smell her freshly shampooed hair, and just a hint of sensual perfume. The woman was a walking aphrodisiac—and by the looks she got, I wasn’t the only one to think so.
The couple she was talking to peered at me in anticipation.
“Oh, where are my manners?” Lauren said as she introduced us. “Chris, this is Sam and Dave. We know each other from New York. They’re here on holiday. Sam, Dave, this is Chris Carter.”
“Good to meet you, Chris,” the smaller of the two men said as he extended his hand to shake mine. “I’m Sam. Don’t tell me you fell for her tequila challenge? I feel I should warn you, but you look like the sort of guy who can take care of himself.”
“We’ll be right here if you need any help,” said the other guy. “Hi, I’m Dave.”
“Oh, come now, you two. Don’t scare Chris off just because you handle your liquor like two teenage girls on prom night.” The two men grinned at her.
“Oohh, snap, girl. Someday you’re gonna meet your match, and then we’ll see who’s the fallen prom queen,” Sam commented with a naughty smile.
I’ll see you later.” She winked at the happy couple, who waved us farewell.
She turned her full attention to me, and I made the most of it. I had no intention of sharing her with anyone. Her shirt was buttoned down just far enough for me to see a hint of cleavage flanked by a white lacy bra. Her collar bones were exquisite, and I wanted to trail them with my tongue until I reached the nape of her neck. I didn’t of course. Not yet.
“Shall we?” I asked as I motioned to an empty table near the back of the room. “Good to meet you, guys. I’ll holler if I need any help.”
“You do that.”
Lauren walked ahead of me, her perfectly round bottom swaying as she went. Man, she was hot! Her perfume drew me in like the pied piper drew a rat. I couldn’t wait to find out more about this magnificent beauty. When we reached the table, I pulled out her chair and leaned in close when she sat down so I could take in her dizzying scent.