by Belita Renn
An embarrassed grin, tugged his lips. “I was feeling anxious that you might come in here and change your mind. I was sitting out there picturing you shimmying out the window to escape me."
"Aw, what can I do to make you feel more secure?"
"I don't think you can, at least not yet. You will just have to learn to live with my insecurities,” wryly he said, stroking his fingers over her hair.
"Then what can we do to make you believe I won't slip out the window while gathering my things?” She glanced out the closet door and pointed. “Why don't you sit on the bed?"
"Why don't I assist you? While you jump in the shower I will take your things to the car."
"All right.” Glancing down she pointed at the shoes she had intended to take. “Those beige pumps, this suite, and that bag.” She pointed at her small suitcase on the upper shelf. Facing him she met his gaze, “I will get my under things and place them on the bed.” Scooting past him, she moved to the chest-of-drawers and removed two bra and panty sets.
He was leaning against the doorframe of the closet when she looked up.
"What are you doing now?” she asked.
"I want to watch you undress. I have never seen you totally nude."
Staring at him, she blinked, and then blinked again. “I am not performing a peep show.” Her gaze ran down his body. “I remove a piece, and then you remove a piece."
"You're taking a shower I'm not. I'm taking clothing to the car remember. I will undress when we get to my place and shower, you can watch me then."
She pealed her jacket from her shoulders and let it slide down her arms and drop to the floor. “Your turn."
"Stubborn wench.” Shaking his head, he straightened and shrugged out of his suite coat and laid it over the chair beside the closet doorway.
Watching his face Carie removed her top. A cocky grin tugging his lips he opened the buttons and removed his shirt.
"You know I was naked at the office Yesterday."
"No, you had on shoes."
"Oh, I can see where that would make a different.” Her skirt fell to the floor.
Hale stepped from his shoes. Her bra hit the floor. He removed his belt.
"That's it, your belt?"
He nodded. Flattening her lips, she removed her panties.
"Very nice sweetheart. Now I can remove my pants, but if I do we are going to bed, or I can keep them on. The choice is yours."
Her gaze slid to the erection pushing at the front of his pants. Smiling she shook her head. “I need a shower.” Spinning she walked to the bathroom. Leaning out of the doorway, she quipped. “I am beginning to believe you have something to hide. Do you wear an extension or strap-on perhaps?"
Drawing her head inside the room, she closed the door. Reaching in the shower, she turned the water on to warm then tied her hair up. Turning on the radio, she stepped into the shower and closed the door.
She was rinsing the water from her body she saw the bathroom door open. Biting her bottom lip to contain a smile she waited for him to enter.
When he didn't enter she stepped from the shower and wrapped in a bath sheet. Moving to the door she opened it slowly and gazed into the empty bedroom.
"I'm on the phone,” he called from the front room.
"On the telephone,” speaking under her breath she sighed, and moved to the bed where she began tugging on her clothes.
She was zipping her dress beneath her arm when he strolled. “Sorry, I was put on hold."
Crossing his ankles, he touched the toe of his loafers to the floor.
"Need any help?"
He looked so confident and self-assured that she was forced to doubt his claim of insecurity. Had he merely wanted to watch her strip?
"No, I am ready."
"Shall we go?"
They drove to Hale's home. It was a three story Victorian with gabled roof and chimneys. The exterior was stone and the lawn sculptured with an arbor next to a pond and a small cottage quest house off to the side in the rear.
"It's lovely. You never said if I would be meeting your parents."
"They live in Paris. They'll visit soon I assure you. They come often, and they are eager to meet you."
"Are ... your parents know about me?"
"I did mention that I had found a lady I wished to become better acquainted with."
He parked in a stone circular driveway beside a gargoyle fountain.
"You told them didn't you? You bragged about your conquest."
"No.” Frowning he stepped from the car and circled to assist her from the seat.
Taking his hand, she stood beside him. “If you didn't tell how did they find out about the party?"
Leaning inside he reached for her overnight bag. “I told them I went to the company party, and was lucky enough to spend some time with the woman I am interested in knowing."
He straightened and moved aside, and closed the door; pressing the electronic key, he locked the car.
"I have a feeling there is more,” curious she gazed at him suspiciously. She wanted to know what he had told his parents about her.
He shrugged; placing a hand on her back, they started toward the entrance. “I don't kiss and tell. I'm an adult Carie, I don't need to tell gossip, like a girl, about my sex life."
Tilting her chin, she looked at him with a challenging expression.
"My father guessed,” he admitted with a disgusted expression. “But I didn't talk about us, it."
Fighting a chuckle, she flattened her mouth together and glanced over the groomed lawn while he opened the door. When she looked back, he was waiting for her to step inside.
The interior was light pine with stair descending to a sunken living room from the entrance hall. Following him through an archway carved into leaves and vines they entered a small hallway, a doorway on the right side revealed a formal dining room, one on the left was a small breakfast room, turning down another all they passed the kitchen that looked as superior as any chief would desire.
"Do you have a cook?"
"A housekeeper, she works during the day and leaves dinner prepared, except when I call like today and tell her I am dining out.” Continuing down the hall to a staircase, he ascended to the next level. “My bedroom is down here.” Striding to the end of the hall, he disappeared through a doorway. Walking slower, she wondered if she would ever be content with her little home again.
His bedroom was almost as large as her home. Stopping in the doorway, she watched him open her bag on the bed and remove her dress then carry it to the closet and hung it on the door. Removing her shoes, he placed them on the floor beneath the dress. Her night case containing a toothbrush and makeup, he carried these through a doorway and deposited them on a counter.
Assuming it was the bathroom, when he didn't come out she followed him to the door. Peaking inside she discovered Hale removing his clothing. There was a dressing table with sink and a shower. No necessary facilities. “Where is the necessary?"
"The door behind that door."
Stepping into the room, she peaked around the door at the door to the necessary. Wasting time, she was avoiding looking at him while he removed his clothing. Stepping from his pants, she could see the protrusion extending from a patch of curly dark hair before his stomach. Standing with his side facing her, she admired the ripple of muscles down his arm, the rounded curve of his broad chest that tapered down to a flat stomach and rounded buttocks.
Dark hairs dusted his legs. Turning to face her, he revealed his frontal view to her hungry gaze.
"Still think I use an extension or strap on."
Swallowing a lump, she forced a smile. “You are beautiful."
"I like the seductive tone of your voice when you are aroused. Would you like to join me in the shower?"
"You go ahead; I will look around out here."
Returning to the large bedroom, she strolled along the wall admiring the art. Along the far wall was a small built in bookcase. She studied the spines to le
arn his taste ran toward classics instead of the new best sellers. The bed was a king and she imagined them rolling all over it in aggressive passion.
Emerging from the bathroom, he wet hair sparkled beneath the lights. Moving to the closet, he opened the door and stepped inside.
Following him, she gazed in at the line of suits a carousel of ties and two racks of shoes on the floor. Whistling softly she turned from the closet and moved to the bed to wait.
When he returned he was fully dressed in a fresh designer suit that draped his body to perfection. Her mouth went dry. There was too much tension on this evening. She needed to do or say something to break the tension, but what. Pressure was not conductive of witty thoughts.
"I have a dinner reservation at my favorite French restaurant."
"I don't eat French.” Inside she flinched after the words left her mouth. It had been the first glib thing she could think of to say.
His dark eyebrows arched. “The food or the man?” straight faced he queried.
Feeling nervous she chuckled. “It was a joke. I love French food."
"Good, I must admit I am anxious to have you on your knees before me."
"Anticipation is good for you.” When he approached her holding out both of his hand, she felt relief. To be in his arms again would remove the tension pushing at her sense of security. Being emotionally vulnerable was an uncomfortable feeling.
Taking the two steps forward into his extended arms, she pressed her body firmly against his strong chest. Laying her head against his shoulder she whispered, “Do we need to leave?"
His strong hands smoothed over her back, caressing and soothing her tension away. There was something about him that seemed to mold perfectly to her soul.
"Soon, first I think we need to discuss our relationship."
"All right.” His words sent the tightening of tension into her body again. Damn I wish he hadn't said that.
"I am a bossy man. I don't expect you to be my slave, but I think you should be aware of this. I can be demanding at times."
"I already knew this. You want to know if I can take your orders all day at work, and then be bossed around at home?"
He nodded. “I cannot change my nature, but something different at times will be interesting won't it? I am willing to be your slave, literally some of the time. All of the time I am a slave to my attraction of you.” The deep timbre of his voice trembled with emotion.
It was sweet of him to say although she hardly believed he was head over heels for her on so short an acquaintance. “Wait until you get to know me better, you may discover I have a cruel nature. In case you haven't noticed I enjoy teasing."
Grasping her shoulders, he turned her toward the doorway. “I like that also. This could turn out to be quite satisfying. At the very least we won't be growing bored with each other anytime soon."
They had dinner in a dimly lighted French restaurant on the opposite side of town. It was very intimate and Hale sat with his thigh pressed against hers. Most of the time his hand was on her thigh, his long fingers stroked the crevasse between her thighs.
Although she pretended not to notice, she was aware of each caress and the strength in the thigh pressed against her. Slowly, he worked his way upward until his fingertips touched the narrow white cotton panel covering her mons. It was the lightest tickle but she could feel it deep in the flesh of her pelvis. It titillated as a sign that his thoughts were always on her.
He kept her physically aware of his body and touch throughout the meal, although he talked of everyday things. He told her about his family and some of the amusing things that they had done during the holidays.
"I went to college in Alabama, then I moved to Atlanta where I opened a packaging company. We specialize in making those odd shapes that people have trouble finding for retail items. It took a lot of promoting but once the company was going it only needed to be maintained, so I hired Markus Keye to run it."
"You must have been thrilled by the accomplishment."
"It was satisfying. I wanted to be well established before I considered starting a family. I needed to be certain that I could take care of them. I suppose you will consider that another insecurity of mine."
"It doesn't sound like you are insecure. More like you are responsible."
"Thank you. I like to think I am. I don't wish to monopolize the conversation, but you are easy to talk to. Plus I want to do all I can to make you comfortable with me."
"What are we going to do about work? We cannot continue having sex in the elevator. People will certainly guess what is happening."
"Not a problem. If you are keeping me satisfied at home, I can endure until we get home. I won't make love to you at work anymore,” he promised.
"Oh, for some reason that makes me feel sad, almost as though I have lost something special."
Pulling his hand from her thigh, he wrapped his arm around her shoulder and hugged her to his side. “Just think of it as teasing. I will grope you occasionally,” he offered as a concession.
"You cannot do that if we are going to maintain a professional atmosphere."
"Woman, make up your mind.” He chuckled.
"Alright, I am sorry, my fault. Professional at work,” she decided.
"You know what that means? You have to keep me satisfied at home. We will begin by moving you into my house."
"Moving me? I don't think that is a good idea."
"Carie, you don't believe I am serious about our relationship. I want to do everything that will make you secure concerning us. Second we go shopping for an engagement ring."
"Now wait a minute. I definitely do not think we are ready for that step."
"Very well, just know that the offer is open. When you decide you are ready, say the word and we will purchase the ring. I want you to start thinking of us as a permanent relationship. As far as I am concerned we are engaged. As I told you before I am not a whore you can use and toss aside like a used condom."
"You really are bossy."
"And aggressive. Let's get out of this place. I want to take you home and make love to your luscious body."
Her heart melting she took his hand and slipped from the seat. Hale paused long enough to toss some bills on the table. He slid his arm around her waist and escorted her toward the door.
Upon spotting Mr. Phifer at one of the tables ahead, she felt uneasy. “Mr. Phifer,” she whispered in warning to Hale. All he had to do was drop his hand from her waist and they could pretend this had been a business dinner.
His fingers tightened on her side. Reaching Phifer's table he paused. “Good evening.” he greeted and waited while Phifer introduced his wife. “Allow me to introduce Miss Carie Clark."
"Miss Clark is Mr. Noble's assistant.” Phifer informed his wife, his gaze setting on Hale's hand on her waist.
"And my fiancé."
His eyebrows arched. “Indeed, our congratulations!"
He was curious but to leery of the new boss to ask questions about the sudden engagement, or ask if it was sudden.
"Thank you. Carie and I are planning a dinner for the executives Friday week; I hope you will be able to attend?"
"Yes, thank you,” Phifer replied.
Carie plastered a smile on her lips and watched Hale's expressions as he spoke to Phifer. His confidence was impressive. Her chest swelled with pride over being chosen by this man as his special person.
She wasn't certain about love, but she was certainly eager to be his companion. She wanted to be with him more than she would have dreamed possible on such a short acquaintance.
"Was it love at first sight?” Mrs. Phifer was asking.
"I have to admit it probably took three looks Mrs. Phifer. My mind was occupied with business the first two times I saw Carie,” Hale informed, not really telling her anything of value. “If you will excuse us."
Hale started them up the aisle, while Carie reclaimed her bearings. Outside the crisp air of the dark night scattered with glaring streetligh
ts allowed them a clear view of the cars lining the parking lot. The clicking of their heels on the blacktop pavement followed them to the car.
Once inside instead of starting the ignition Hale turned to look at her. “Now do you believe I am serious?"
She nodded, looking straight ahead through the windshield at the black sky above the parked cars.
"Will you be my woman, until you decide if you want me for your husband?"
"Why did you tell them we are engaged?"
"I go for what I want Carie, and I want you to know I truly want you in my life."
Sighing, she swallowed a lump. She couldn't believe her luck had finally turned around. She didn't know what the future would bring for them, but Carie knew she wanted to be with this man. He made her feel proud to be a woman. He made her feel wanted for more than sexual gratification. Tears of happiness formed in her eyes.
"I want you, Carie. Will you be my woman?"
Turning toward him, she gazed at his handsome face through the sparkle of tears. A smile tugged her lips wide. “I am honored to be your woman, Hale."
"No, damn it, I don't want you to be honored. I want you to burn with passion. I want you to need to spend time with me. Blast it! I need you to love me."
"I do believe you are being not only aggressive, but also bossy."
"I am sorry.” After straightening in the seat, he faced the wheel and started the car. Then he shifted into gear and started them forward down the aisle of the parking lot. “I am blowing this aren't I? I am being too dammed forward and pushing too hard. Am I scaring you away?"
"Actually, you are winning me over. You cannot imagine how good it is for my ego to have someone want me so badly that they are aggressive and determined to win my affection."
"Also nervous and anxious that they won't get what they want,” he pointed out with a wryly smile.
"Or insecure enough to feel I will jump out a window to escape?” Biting her bottom lip, she struggled to contain a happy chuckle. “You are a very confident male and that you feel that way about me makes me feel very honored. So when I say honored it isn't an insult."
"You have really made me a wreck. My emotions have run straight into my lust and mangled me up. If you consider that a compliment then I am happy for you. Would you kindly have mercy on this bumbling fool and put me out of my misery."