“This coming from someone who just ran out on her perfect boyfriend and his family.”
“This isn’t about me.”
“Brock and I come from different worlds. It can’t ever be a relationship.”
“Not unless you let it be one. Seriously, Sarah. Brock Devlin must be doing something right because no man has touched you since you went to hospital all banged up. You get my amazement here, don’t you?”
“I’m as shocked as you are. But that only makes more reasons why I need to steer clear of him personally. He’s not the traditional kind, and I am.”
“You think you are; I’m not so sure.”
“Believe me, I am. I want a gentle, loving man who considers my feelings and lets me be me.”
“You want to be bored all your life?”
“I just want peace. A nice peaceful life.”
“Boring.”
Bella’s phone rang. She looked at the display and sighed. “It’s Greg. I guess I’d better face the music.”
Sarah nodded and mouthed ‘good luck.’ She turned back to the television and flicked channels only to see it all replayed again. The coverage made her feel sick. Then, the way he’d bundled her into the back of his car and drove off. That looked just great didn’t it? Her phone rang. Work number.
She grabbed her wine and hoisted her legs up on the sofa as she answered. “Sarah Beaumont.”
“Are you watching the news?”
The sound of his voice went right to where he’d been touching her not all that long ago. She tensed her body, and her breast tingled. “Brock?”
“We make a striking couple. Have you showered? I did. I was thinking of you in here with me. Almost came again. I’d like to make you come again.”
“If I’d known this was you, I wouldn’t have answered.”
“Exactly.”
“You went back to the office after you showered, just to call me?”
“I did. I also wanted to see that Rick’s things were cleared out and delivered to him. Then, my mother called and suggested I switch on the news.”
“We need to fix the way this looks.” His mother? Great.
“How does it look?”
“Like you promoted me to get me into your bed.”
“Nonsense. Everyone knows I don’t have to promote anyone to get them into my bed. But the backseat of my car? That’s a totally different story.” He gave a small laugh. He was making fun of her.
Sarah felt foolish. Why had she let it happen? Of course, he would be laughing at her now. He had women throwing themselves at him on a daily basis, and she’d just plonked herself right in the middle of that stereotype. How stupid could she be? “Stop it. You got what you wanted now just back off and let me do my job.”
“I didn’t get anything near what I wanted, but I’m not complaining. We’re both adults, nothing to be embarrassed about.”
“I’m embarrassed we’re even having this conversation. Now, does this call have a point other than you gloating over your last conquest?”
“Sorry, I lost control. I’ll try not to gloat over you again—at least not in the back of the limo.”
“Stop joking about it. I want to forget it. I want to forget about the whole day, and I think you can find someone else for the head lawyer job if I’m only there for your personal titillation at my discomfort.”
“I do love it when you talk dirty.”
“I’m hanging up.”
“Okay, okay. Don’t worry. You’ll be earning your keep. In fact, this call is to let you know we’re due in the boardroom at eight in the morning. The youth panel want to explain why they chose you for head of legal. They have a vision.”
“They chose me?”
“Yes.”
“Not you?”
“Correct. All I did was execute their wishes. They did all the selecting, and you were the only one on their list. Now, they’d like to speak with you about it.”
“Tell me you’re kidding.” Sarah had no idea what criteria they selected her under, so that would be interesting to hear. “Will I have the option to refuse appointment to head of legal?”
“Of course.”
“Thank God. I’m tired. Goodbye.” Sarah disconnected the call.
Her day changed from her being excited about even being on the legal team at last, to the shock of being thrust into top position, and now feeling horrified at being splashed across the news as the latest sex-quest of the World’s Most Eligible Philanderer. And she’d let herself give into him.
Shit. What a mess. Tomorrow I’ll say thanks, but no thanks. Just being a lawyer and getting some experience under her belt was what she needed. Not some false faith from young people she’d never met.
The wine was gone, and her head ached. She grabbed a glass of water and took some headache pills. Hopefully, sleep would make everything clear and she’d walk in there tomorrow and tell them she didn’t want the job she’d set as the carrot at the end of her ten year plan.
Just as she went to turn off the television, Rick was there talking to a media group. Damn. “This cannot be good.” She unmuted the sound.
Chapter Seven
“She’s been having sex with him. It’s obvious the way they cozied up, pretending they’d just met. But I ask you? She’s nothing that special to look at, is she? But I bet she has special skills.” Rick’s twisted smile made her want to throw up.
The man was vile gutter trash, and to think she’d looked up to him. “…Skills a man like Devlin appreciates in a woman. Plus, she’s always been desperate to succeed. Why not take a short cut?”
Sarah couldn’t believe what she’d heard. Her anger flared, and she wanted to break something into tiny pieces. Rick just kept spewing out poisonous words while the reporters lapped up the scandal. Clearly, he wasn’t threatened by Brock and was willing to take him on.
“I mean, really? Why is Brock Devlin so concerned about women’s equality when he treats women like they are disposable junk? He’s a hypocrite. He’s in the news every other day with his antics, yet he wants to talk about equality. It’s a joke.” Rick was on a roll now, he looked to be in his glee.
“As if he really cares, he’s just trying to use this fake concern over the treatment of women as a smokescreen. Sarah Beaumont won’t last five minutes trying to do a job she has no experience for. She just got lucky today, and no doubt she’s been getting lucky for a while, if you know what I mean…”
Sarah switched the television off and stopped herself from hurling the remote control across the room. The television set was the only decent thing she owned. Rick was an asshole, and she’d prove him wrong. She could totally do this job, and it had nothing to do with Brock Devlin.
Her phone rang. An unknown number. Not the press already. She didn’t answer it. She walked into her bedroom, and it rang again, same number. Brock flashed through her mind. Don’t be ridiculous.
What she needed was a shower and sleep. She undressed in the bathroom and turned on the water and stepped under the cascading water. The heat soothed her frayed nerves and self-doubt. She didn’t care about anything right now. Tomorrow was another day. She turned off the water and stepped back out to dry herself.
The message tone went off, and she checked her phone. It was from the number she didn’t answer.
You can absolutely do this job. Let’s show Rick how we roll. Don’t doubt your abilities because of his sour grapes, otherwise he’s won.
****
The next morning, when Sarah hit the boardroom door and strode through with confidence, exactly on time, she never made eye contact with Brock. She knew he was in there, she could feel him. She faced the twelve youths all staring at her, and then made solid eye contact with every person there. Brock wasn’t sitting at the table. But she could see his outline standing at the back in her peripheral vision. Definitely not looking at him.
“Good morning, everyone.”
“Good morning, Sarah. Take a seat. Relax.” The girl looked un
der twenty.
Sarah nerves made her jittery inside, but she was in no doubt today was her day. “Thank you. I prefer to stand. I appreciate the faith you’ve all placed in me.”
“There’s been a bit of a shit storm in the media about your relationship with Brock and the way in which you found yourself as head of our legal department.”
“I’m aware. Yes.”
“Rick Anderson is also showing his true colors. Do you intend to defend yourself against his comments?” A young male with large blue eyes and messy blonde hair spoke up from the back. He never let go of his smartphone the whole time.
“No. I’m going to do my job and get the team solid. Then, I intend to win every case we have.”
“So you don’t intend to refute the claim that you a Brock are embroiled in a sexual relationship?”
“No. Why should I? None of its true. I’m not known for my promiscuity, as I’m sure everyone here already knows.” She saw the nods around the table. “Mr. Devlin is the only one with anything to refute. He has the playboy reputation. Not me.”
“A good point, Sarah. We aren’t at all concerned with it, in fact, all press is good press as they say. I don’t like see character assassination though.”
“Let them go. They’ve got nothing. I don’t do sexual, so it can’t hurt me. But if I were having sex with Brock, or anyone else, I wouldn’t be ashamed of it.”
Brock cleared his throat and drew her attention. His eyes dark with desire, and his mouth turned up at one corner. “Hear, hear.”
Sarah felt the blush heat her face. Damn, she’d forgotten he was there for a minute.
The group all laughed. The young lady spoke again. “We are in a unique position with the opportunity Brock has allowed us here. We’d like to show the world that we can bring a vibrant energy and fresh ideas to businesses that have an old-school hierarchy.”
The blonde-haired young man, who looked fresh from surfing the waves, looked up from his texting and continued. “We don’t want to work against what exists. We’d like to break down barriers and stereotypes while maintaining the value that old practices and experienced workers bring, along with helping them allow more tolerance about the ways that work should be done.”
“But harassment, bullying, and discrimination cannot ever be a part of that.” Brock spoke as he moved forward, around the table, to stand next to Sarah. I think yesterday we made a stand, and I hope that gives others the confidence to do the same.”
The group at the table broke into chatter amongst themselves, then the young lady shushed them. “Thank you, Sarah. We certainly made the right choice in you. Don’t let us keep you from your work any longer.” She held out her hand to Sarah. “I’m Heather Wellings. I hope we’ll be spending a lot of time together.”
Sarah took it in a warm handshake. “Me too, Heather.”
The young man with the unkempt hair and smartphone glued to his hand stood up also. “I’m Jasper. Thanks for what you did for Cara. She’s a good friend of mine.”
“My pleasure, Jasper. Thank you for all your input today.”
That was it. Sarah left and went back to her office. Rick’s personal effects had been removed, and Sarah drew in a nervous breath. She was really doing this. She closed her door and sat in the swanky leather chair. She couldn’t resist a spin around a few times, really fast. Her belly tickled inside, and she let out a small laugh.
Then, the chair stopped abruptly, and Brock stood over her. He leaned his big hands on the arms of the chair and moved his face closer. “You were magnificent!”
He cupped his hands either side of her face and kept it tilted towards him. “You just wowed the pants of them. And me. You clever girl.” He leaned in and kissed her lips, softly, carefully. “I can see even I underestimated you, Sarah Beaumont.”
Sarah smiled at his genuine statement, but when she went to speak, his mouth covered hers again, and his clever tongue dancing with hers made her head spin. She’d sworn that she would never have anything personal with Brock Devlin. Now, he kissed the resistance out of her, and Sarah couldn’t stop herself from kissing him back.
It’s just one kiss. Let it go. You know you want to.
Sarah matched his kiss until Brock pulled back. She really must work on stopping first, preferably before they started. From now on.
“Sarah. One night I am going to show you just how magnificent you are. I won’t be denied forever. But for now, I’ll stay away and let you settle into your new job.”
Sarah should’ve just thanked him and walked away. It was a no-brainer. Instead, she let him kiss her again.
Chapter Eight
Sarah got the irony that she wished Brock Devlin hadn’t turned out to be a man of his word. She hadn’t seen him or heard from him the rest of the week. In spite of her resolve, she had to admit things had been a little boring. But the time had also been productive. Friday night wine with Bella would be extra sweet tonight.
Her office door opened and in strode Brock. He threw a stapled stack of papers across the desk to her. “Sign these.”
“Please, come in.” She glared up at him, why she had missed this arrogance, she didn’t know. “I’m not in the habit of signing my name to a contract I haven’t read.”
Brock moved around her desk and sat on the edge of it next to her chair. “It’s a standard lease agreement. But it needs to go in immediately. You know how anal the number-crunchers are.” He gave her a sweet smile.
“Cut the cute act. Why do you have a lease agreement for me, and why are you sitting on my desk?” She refused to let her awareness of him being so close distract her.
“Company policy. All top line executives are to live in a manner reflecting the high standards of the company.” He stood up and walked around behind her chair.
“Really.” Sarah’s neck prickled. A tiny shudder ran up her back. Just keep it cool, Sarah.
“Yes.” He stepped around the other side of her chair, standing close to her, and Sarah released her breath. “Read the terms of employment. You’re too easy a target where you live if a sore loser pushes the boundary.” He leaned forward and tapped the contract papers in front of her. “Don’t give me trouble, Sarah. Just sign the agreement.”
Sarah pushed her chair back a little on its wheels to get some distance from his maleness. “Don’t give you trouble? I think I’m the one who should be saying that. Stop bullying me.” He made her so angry. Why couldn’t he just come in and ask nicely if she’d look at the lease and consider signing?
He postured up straight; his shoulders went back; and he planted his hands on his hips. “A top line company executive cannot be seen living in Averswood.” His voice had descended into little more than a spoken growl. “There’s a reputation to uphold.
Sarah got up out of her chair because he could capture her there and walked to the back of the office to her storage drawers, opening one to pretend she needed something. She was determined not to let him get the better of her.
The atmosphere crackled, and the awareness deepened, as she tried to ignore her arousal. “If it’s for the reputation of the company, surely getting rid of you would be the answer.” She turned to face him, holding her breath because the words that just slipped out were sure to goad him.
He stiffened and glared back at her. “I’m the owner, not an employee. I can’t just be ‘gotten rid of.’” His long strides covered the gap between them before Sarah could think of a way out of this. The only way was through him, so she stayed still.
Now, his body was a mere inch away and his stance told her he had no intention of moving to make her more comfortable. “Sarah, you must understand. The person you were before, you aren’t her anymore. You’ve a responsibility to uphold the company brand. Especially now you are in the public eye.”
Sarah clenched her fists. “You really like to hide behind your company, don’t you?”
He leaned down to her; his face close; his earthy-spice scent filled her with desire. Brock looked into
her eyes and pressed his erection against her. “Does it look like I’m hiding, Sarah?” Both his hands went on the wall either side of her.
“You really ought to put a leash on that thing if you can’t control it. What’re you going to do? Kiss me? Do it. I still won’t sign that lease until I’ve read it.”
“So, you want me to kiss you?” Brock smiled and nuzzled into her hair.
“I never said that.”
“Yeah, you did. And if anything is going to have a leash on, it’ll be you. Fine leather attached to a diamond-encrusted collar, as you open your legs wide for me all night so I can savor every morsel of your moist pussy.”
“Stop making this personal. We can’t. The car was a mistake.”
“You smell like strawberries. I love juicy, sweet strawberries. Love eat them, suck them, and lick their sticky juices off my lips.” He nibbled her ear lobe, and Sarah was helpless as he lightly kissed her neck. Brock looked into her eyes again. “Am I making it personal?”
Sarah just didn’t answer. He’d backed her into a corner and nothing she said was going to take away from what her body was communicating. Why did he fry her brain?
His lips brushed hers, and she took a breath. Oh God, she couldn’t take this, she’d be on the floor with him shortly. Just say no and push him away, Sarah.
The kiss wasn’t demanding and harsh; he let his lips play gently over hers. Slanting his mouth and coaxing her into it with a slow burn. Sarah hadn’t moved, hadn’t kissed back. How she hadn’t collapsed she didn’t know. But he pulled back and gave her a predatory smile. She somehow found her senses, ducked under his arm, and walked back to her desk. “Get over yourself, Brock. It’s not happening.”
“Pity. I was rather enjoying that,” Brock walked back to the other side of her office desk.
“Clearly.” She arranged everything on her desk neatly around the contract. “But I need to go early. Do you actually do anything in this company? You seem to have a lot of time on your hands.”
INDISPENSABLE: Part 1: A Billionaire Romance Page 4