“Serena. Nice to meet you finally. I’m Scott Kinsdale. I’ve been your father’s lawyer for years.” His sandy hair is still unruly but in a fashionable, cocky way. He wraps both of his warm hands around my own and shakes it gently and holds on for a second too long. I suspect that there is a twinkle of recognition in his deep-set eyes as I let his strong hands rest on mine. I feel transfixed by his smoldering gaze and I can feel an unfamiliar warmth in the pit of my stomach.
Wilson clears his throat and I quickly withdraw my hand. “We’re just bringing Serena up to speed about the sale and both of us believe that we should execute the deal as soon as possible.”
“Mr. Kinsdale, what do you think?” I put him directly in the spotlight. Is he one of “them” or is someone I can trust?
“Please call me Scott,” he places his hand over his chest in deference. To my surprise, he says, “I think Ms. Stanza needs time to think about it. This is not a decision to be taken lightly. Sure, if Paul were here, we’d probably all be celebrating the completion of the sale over drinks by now. But this is a new reign and Serena, I think,” he throws a meaningful look at me and then continues, “can make her own decisions.”
Scott
She is as alluring as when I first saw her in the wine bar that night. At that time, she was dressed in a short black skirt and a white apron with high heels. To me, she looked like every one of my dirty dreams since I was a teenager. I didn’t know what I intended to do, hustling my way to a table at the wine bar. Slowly sipping my drink, I watched her luscious curves in full sway as she darted between tables. My eyes linger over her high bosom and pert behind. Impatiently, I wanted to peel off those annoying clothes and have my way with her.
When I asked her again for that drink, she refused me flat out. “A rich asshole?” Of course, that’s who I am. You can’t climb to the top of the corporate law ladder and insinuate yourself into the upper echelon of this city by being the nice guy. I have worked hard, I am nice to my employees, and I am fiercely loyal to my friends, but I am most definitely “a rich asshole.” I am not apologetic for who I am. I am not scared of anything, much less other people’s opinions of me. And I have always been sure of who I am and what I want to do in life.
At the time, her refusal amused me more than anything. She is so young and idealistic. I want to take her and possess her. I want to break down her doubts and defenses slowly. I want to rub away her sharp edges and her fierce independence until she looks at me with only admiration and trust in her eyes.
But that’s usually when I get tired of a woman. When she starts to trust me and opens up to me, and when she expects the same from me. When a smile from her would still turn my head, only the other way. When I turn cold and cruel so I can push her away because I would never open up to anyone.
So I left before I even knew who she was. Because I knew myself.
Looking at her now, that familiar feeling of yearning starts in my chest and spreads to my lower belly. Even in black mourning clothes, she looks like a sexy vampire who will lure unsuspecting men into her lair and then drain them of their life.
I want to wrap my arms around her small waist so I can whisper dirty things into her cute little ear. I want to feel the warmth of her soft body pressing up against me and her small hands pushing on my naked chest while my cock is buried deep inside of her.
But she is now the head of Stanza Wine. This changes everything. She is not only my most important client, but she is also the daughter of a man I consider a friend. I would protect her with everything I have. That includes protecting her from myself and my own bad habits with women.
“Thank you, Scott,” she answers appreciatively and sits back down. “Wilson, Greg, please continue,” she says sweetly. Unlike the two men, I can tell that it’s all just an act. She was quite the little tigress when we first met.
I admire her sapphire eyes and the smooth line of her elegant neck, as I listen to her innocently poke holes in the two men’s arguments. I can see their faces getting redder and redder.
“I think that’s enough for today. Let’s discuss more tomorrow.” Mercifully, she stops before one of them falls over in embarrassment and rage. I am thankful that I am not the one on the receiving end of her provocations. But how soon would it take for her to turn her attention toward me? She doesn’t seem like the vindictive type, and I’ve only harmlessly flirted with her when I didn’t know who she was. But you’d never know.
Before I can leave with the others, she stops me. “Scott, can you stay for a second? I have a question for you.” I straighten my suit. I feel like my moment of reckoning is at hand. Do I need to explain my behavior at the wine bar? That it was all just a funny coincidence that I didn’t know who she was? Also, why was the heiress to a multi-million dollar wine fortune working as a cocktail waitress?
“It seems like you agree with a lot of my points.” She crosses her arms in front of her chest and drops the innocent act. “But I need to know whose camp you’re in.”
As someone who gets paid a lot of legal fees by her company, this should seem intimidating. But as a man, I could only focus on the deepening of her cleavage and the sexy scowl of her brows.
I clear my throat and smile. “Those two” -I gesture with a sway of my neck- “are only out for themselves. I am here for you.”
Her expression softens but then her pretty brows furrow again. “And that’s why I don’t trust them, but I need to find people I can trust. I don’t know how else I can do this.” Her sky-blue eyes bore into mine. “Scott, can I trust you?”
I want to pull her into my arms and tell her that she can trust me and that I will take care of everything. But that would be the wrong thing to do right now. Instead, I nod confidently and declare, “You can trust me.”
I want her to trust me not just with business decisions, but also with her body and her heart. That sudden thought scares me. Where did that come from? Sure, I can’t take my eyes off of her ravishing curves and my hands itch to touch her silky skin, but what does her heart have to do with it?
Not to mention she is too young for me and an important client. Without pause, I push down all of my impure thoughts about her and decide never to revisit them.
“I don’t want to sell the company,” she almost throws the words out. Then she waits as she watches me closely. I realize that she is used to men like me who shut her down. There was her father and now there is Greg and Wilson.
My face relaxes into a smile and I pat her shoulders encouragingly. “If you want to turn the company around. I will help you.” Her crystal blue eyes widen in surprise and she blushes heavily.
With great relief, she nods and stands up. “Forthright and capable. Just the way I like it, even if you’re a rich asshole.” Then she throws me a mischievous smile over her shoulder, as she walks out the door, her heels clicking on the marble floor.
With that, all of my impure thoughts come roaring back.
Chapter 3
Serena
It’s amazing how if you’re a pretty woman, men assume you to be stupid or at least useless.
It didn’t take long before I have Greg and Wilson eating out of the palm of my hands, and now, we are all on our way to Paris to meet with the buyer in person. Everyone thinks I am trying to renegotiate the contract, but in reality, I have no desire to sell my father’s company. Sure, it is an old stodgy boy’s club that is also past its prime, but I think I can turn it around and grow it into a successful business once again.
But first, I need help, and that’s why I have ventured into enemy territories. Despite all of my advanced business degrees and how I spent years learning about my father’s business from behind the scenes, I realize that I have no idea what I am doing. I am terrified that everything will go up in flames in front of me and it would be all my fault. Scott reassures me that I should trust my instincts and that he will be there to guide me. His presence calms me down.
Maybe I should just listen to the old men and sell the com
pany. I can retire with Mom to some lovely country and never have to worry about making a living. But I also know that this is my only chance to preserve Dad’s legacy and to save the company. I need to go for it.
I plan to keep the company but find someone who will loan me the money to cut Wilson out. Without Wilson in the way, I can run and grow the company as I please. But how do I find a partner I trust without other people knowing? I steal a glance at Scott, who is sitting next to me. He knows about the plan and he has kept it a secret for me. I am grateful that I have him by my side. Especially someone so attractive and confident, the naughty part of my mind adds.
No, he is so not my type. I shout in my head. I can’t stand cocky men who, without their money and status, are nothing but sniveling yes-men. But he isn’t like that, I remind myself. At the risk of losing his job, he is willing to challenge my ideas and support my plan. I have never trusted anyone so much before. But this is a business relationship. Nothing more. I am not about to lose my head in the middle of the most important negotiation of my life. Yet every time he leaves the room, I can’t wait for him to return. When he isn’t around, I find myself taking note of funny anecdotes that I want to share with him later. I am falling for him, I suddenly realize.
I smile back at Monsieur Beaumont. “Thank you so much for hosting us. We are so pleased with everything we have discussed.” The Beaumont family owns one of the largest wine businesses in the world and they are interested in buying our company to increase their North American foothold. But they would not be satisfied with just Wilson’s share. They would want to buy everything and control the whole company.
“Yes, your father, God bless his soul, was a genius with wine. Even as a Frenchman, I envied him.” He laughs. “We would love to own and take good care of Stanza Wine. It would become our pride and joy. Oh, Alexandre, have you met Mademoiselle Stanza? She is here to talk about the merger. This is my son, Alexandre.” A handsome blond man enters the room. He is lean and tall, with sharp features and dark brows.
“Oh please, call me Serena.” I extend my hand. I can feel Scott stiffen next to me.
“Alex, it’s a pleasure,” he speaks with a slight French accent and instead of shaking my hand, he flips my wrist and his lips gently brush against the back of my hand.
Scott springs up and extends out his hand. “Scott Kinsdale. Nice to meet you.”
The two men shake each other’s hand firmly while sparks fly between them. It almost seems like they are trying to crush each other’s hands. What do they have to be competitive about? They just met! Men are so mysterious, and I have no idea what has gotten into the two of them.
“You will join us at Winemaker’s Gala tonight?” Monsieur Beaumont smiles and pats me on the arm.
I am elated. “It will be a pleasure.” The Winemaker’s Gala is an annual gathering of the top winemakers in the world. It would be the perfect place to search for a potential business partner.
◆◆◆
“I want to find someone to buy Wilson’s stake tonight,” I state after we climb into the back of the limo. We are on our way to the gala. Back at the hotel room, I squeezed into a silky formal dress that I just bought. I don’t feel particularly attractive right now with my thick thighs and round shoulders. The party will be full of elegant and thin European women who would snicker at my plus-size American ass.
Scott arches a brow at me. “Tonight? Who do you have in mind?”
“Maybe one of the smaller California winemakers. Or even a South American one.” I shrug. “I haven’t thought too far. Maybe someone like Alex even. I heard he is starting his own wine business and I know he likes our company.”
Scott frowns and presses his lips together. I hate how sexy even his scowls look. I instinctively cross my legs as I settle into the backseat. I can’t be like this, I tell myself angrily, getting hot and bothered by Scott at every turn. I whip my head toward the window to avoid looking straight at Scott.
“Not him, anyone but him,” Scott almost snaps. There is irritation in his deep voice.
I turn back to him in surprise. “Why not? He is a good candidate. I like him.”
“No,” he commands me with a shake of his head. Anger rises in me. I am not a child. He can’t talk to me like this. I am my own woman. I am his boss, for Pete’s sake! I am so flustered right now that I don’t know what to say. What has gotten into him?
“Why?” I press him again.
“I forbid it.”
Scott
“You forbid it?” Her voice is shrill and her nostrils are flaring. Just like when we met, she looks so sexy when she is angry. She is wearing a purple strapless gown. She looks so elegant. There is a palpable discomfort in the front of my tuxedo pants.
I’m too absorbed in my own head to appreciate the pink in her cheeks or her flashing eyes right now. I don’t like the way Alex looks at her. I am a man and I know how men look at things that they desire. In fact, he looks at Serena as if he already possesses her. I hate it and I immediately want to punch the living daylights out of him. I have never felt this way before. It is as if suddenly, I have become a different person. A crazy, jealous person.
For weeks now, I have supported Serena in her business dealings while staying at arm’s-length. I have kept my promise to myself to take care of her as a friend’s daughter and a client. But now, with another man who is evidently interested in her, I cannot stay silent anymore. I cannot watch her go with Alex. I have completely fallen for her, I realize with surprise.
However, in my haste, I might have chosen the wrong words to convey my thoughts. I forget that the kitten has claws.
“This is my company, and this is my decision. You can’t forbid me to do anything.” She huffs and puffs. Her full bosom rises and falls with each labored breath.
My chest is rising and falling rapidly, too. I can’t let her go into that room and talk to that man. I just can’t. All of my lawyer instincts and good sense go out of the window. I grab her by the shoulders and cover her mouth with mine.
Her beautiful blue eyes widen in surprise and a small moan escapes her throat. Her fingers are clenching my arms. Oh god, her lips are soft. She tastes amazing, like the finest wine. My eager tongue darts into her mouth and she responds with her tongue. We are intimately wrapped around each other in the back of the limo.
After I tear myself away, I pant as I tell her, “Don’t ask him. I will find a way. Just- just don’t ask that man.”
Her eyes are bright in the darkness and she runs a tentative finger across her swollen lips. Instead of arguing with me again, she pauses and then nods quietly.
She remains silent for the rest of the drive. And I start to grow unsure about what I did. I wonder if I scared her or confused her. I really hope that she feels the same way about me. She is so beautiful and stubborn, and sometimes I get so frustrated with her that I want to tear out my hair by the fistful. Yet whenever I look into her pretty and determined face, I practically melt and agree to anything that she wants. Perhaps I am just a fool. A fool in love with her.
For the first time in my life, I am scared. Scared that I have frightened her, that I have offended her, and that now she will push me out of her life. I wonder if she’s angry at me and my mind goes through a list of a million things I should do or say right now. For the first time in my life, I am unsure of the path I should take.
As I help her out of her car, her small hand rests in the palm of my hand. I squeeze it and look into her eyes. She looks away without a word, but I notice with small comfort that she lets her hand stay in mine.
A few of the socialite whisper and giggle as we walk in, and Serena turns into a bright shade of red.
“Don’t mind them,” I whisper gently into her ear. “You’re more gorgeous and amazing than any of those empty-headed trophy wives.” She turns even redder and smiles sweetly at me. Hand-in-hand, we walk into the ballroom and settle at our table.
Alex immediately appears at Serena’s side. He bombards her w
ith questions and she answers them politely. With each answer, she throws watchful looks in my direction. And with each question, Alex throws irritating leers in my direction.
I place a possessive hand over her knee and stroke the silky fabric of her dress.
“Would you like to dance?” Alex suddenly asks in a husky voice. I have never wanted to punch anyone so bad in my life.
“I-” Serena is about to refuse when he pulls her to her feet.
“Come, it’s rude to refuse.” He clicks his heels and twirls her around. He throws a satisfied smirk over his shoulder at me as he pulls her into the crook of his arms.
I seethe as I sip my drink. My eyes never leave the dancing couple as I clench the crystal glass in my hand. I must be losing my mind. Before the song is even over, I tear Serena away from him. “I need to talk to you about something important. In private.” I just can’t stand seeing her with another man anymore.
I lead her into a powder room and lock the door behind me. I take a deep breath to calm myself down and try to loosen my tie around my neck.
“Scott, what’s wrong?” She places a soft little hand on my forearm. The touch of her hand calls out the wild animal in me. I grab her shoulders and plant a kiss on her mouth again.
She pushes me away. “We can’t do this right now.”
“Why not? I want you. You want me,” I growl into her ear.
“Because I need to save my father’s company first. I can’t let my feelings get in the way.”
So she does have feelings for me, I am glad to note. “Ugh, screw the company!” There is a hunger in my chest and I need her physically close to me right now. I want to lock her in my arms and never let her go. She is angry at me again, and that only makes me want her more. I pin her against the door and ravage her lips. Her mouth tastes like the most exquisite sweets. I can relish its taste forever.
Taste of You: Older Alpha Younger Woman Page 2