“The company doesn’t run itself, you know.”
“That’s a very debatable point right now.”
“It’s not a picnic running a worldwide business and looking like you are doing nothing. Takes real skill. Not everyone can pull it off. But I manage.”
“Look, I’d like to sit around and discuss just how incredibly important you are, but I have a date.”
“A date?” He positively glowered back at her.
Sarah held back her smile. “Yes. A red-hot date.”
“I’ve reserved a table for us at Delectable.”
“Why?” Was he serious or just baiting her?
“To go over the week, and prepare for the coming one.”
“Can’t we do that here?”
“Rick and I made it a regular thing.”
“You and Rick dined at Delectable?” Sarah feigned misunderstanding and raised her eyebrows.
“Of course not.” He sat in the chair on the other side of the desk. “We had beers at the office bar.”
“Exactly. So, why would you presume I’d have dinner with you?”
“I didn’t presume. It’s hard to get a booking but easy to cancel one. I was just being prepared in case you agreed.”
“I see. Well, just for future record, if you feel the need to touch base at the end of the week, please make yourself available to be here in my office from three until four on Friday afternoons. After that I won’t be here until six Monday morning. You can get my PA to schedule you in.”
“I shouldn’t need to make an appointment with my head of legal.”
“Fridays you will have to. I enjoy my weekends. They are sacred, and I do not ever intend to be out to dinner talking work with you, or anyone.”
“You’re impossible.” He raked his hand through his dark hair. “It was a gesture of friendship.”
“And you’re presumptuous. You shouldn’t take it for granted I’d be free at such short notice, or even have the desire to dine with you, for any reason. What happened, happened. It doesn’t tie us in for dates or anything else.”
“I was being efficient.”
“I’m sure. But, as I say, I have a date. So, we may have to make it Monday morning to go over things if you find it necessary.”
“I still need this lease signed as soon as possible.” Brock pointed to the lease in front of her.
Sarah stared at him and shook her head. Unbelievable. Yes, he made her feel squishy inside, and she had to work harder at the abstinence thing. Sure, it would’ve been way easier if he didn’t look like some modern version of a Greek God. But all the handsome in the world was not going to get Sarah to sign anything she hadn’t read.
She picked up her phone and punched the extension for finances. “Hi. Is Bob still in?” She watched Brock’s eyes widen, as he realized she called his bluff. “Hey, Bob, that lease contract Mr. Devlin has kindly organized for me, is there a deadline on that?”
Sarah smiled as she listened. Brock shrank down a little in his chair. “Uh huh. Yes. Great. Thanks Bob. I’ll take it home and review it. Let you know sometime next week.” Sarah put the phone back in its dock. “Seems I have time to read it after all.”
Brock looked at the floor, and then back at her with smiling eyes. “I should’ve known.”
“What? That I wouldn’t be a pushover?”
“I’m just trying to get you into proper living quarters, so you can use the company vehicle that comes with the position.”
“A vehicle too? You’ll be organizing my underwear next.”
He looked up and smirked. “One could only wish.”
Sarah cheeks burned. Blushing? Really?
“Do you drive?”
“I do.”
“Very good. Would you prefer a driver?”
“It would be a great idea if I didn’t think it would be you in disguise.” Speaking of which, should she check the apartment and car for bugs? He wouldn’t go that far, surely. “I’ll look over this contract, and I’d like to check the place out.” Sarah smiled.
“How about Sunday? If you’d like to join me for lunch, we could do that, too.”
“I can view the place Sunday morning, but no go on lunch I’m afraid.”
“Another date to go to?”
“Unless it’s a business meeting, I have to decline all offers for meals with you.”
“Naturally.” Brock frowned and stood up. “I’d like to say it’s been a pleasure…but I’d be lying.”
Sarah gave a small laugh. “It’s for the best, and you know it.”
“I may know it, but I don’t have to like it.” He stooped over the desk, and he frowned but humor glinted in his eyes.
“Call me about Sunday and let me know where to meet you.”
Brock made a low bow, sweeping his arm across in front of him. “As the lady desires. I’m at your service.”
“Cut it out. Stop sulking.”
He smiled and walked to the door. “You have my number if you get the urge to booty call me after Friday wine with Bella.”
Sarah stiffened and watched him slowly closing the door behind him. “Stop stalking me. I have a right to privacy.” But she smiled at their banter. It was fun for sure. But everyone knew fun led right to trouble.
“Sorry, Miss Beaumont. The company policy insists on full screening for front line executives.” He called back, as the door clicked shut. She was certain she heard a low chuckle.
“That’s crap and you know it.” She called back, wondering if he’d even heard.
That man was aggravating, so why did he always leave her with a smile and the warm fuzzies? He also had a smile that killed her and a body she imagined in various naked positions, and they all involved him taking what he wanted from her.
This was the worst part. The wanting. The desire that sparked when he was in the same room, or even across the city sending text messages. Was she just hanging onto an antiquated idea of abstinence out of stubbornness? What could a casual night of hot sex matter? It wouldn’t matter, not at all.
Except it would to her because she wasn’t sure she could do that with Brock and keep emotions out of it.
If she made a conscious decision to change her mind and allow herself to enjoy the desires of the flesh what would that mean? It might mean she was moving on finally and was free from the shackles of her past.
It might also mean she was weak and headed for heartache again because she didn’t have the determination to carry through her commitments to herself when the going got tough.
The facts were simple. Sarah wanted Brock more than she’d ever wanted any man, but she knew he wasn’t the marrying kind, and even if he was, could she live with him long term? She thought not. The sex would be damned explosive, that much was certain, but would it be worth it?
A little voice inside her begged her to find out.
Chapter Nine
“This is a very weird lease agreement.” Sarah settled on her tatty sofa and pulled her legs up underneath her.
Bella tapped lightly, and Sarah heard her friend pad in. She always wore fancy Friday socks. “Hey. That’s fine. I’m happy that you bring your work into our sacred drinks night. Knock yourself out.”
“This isn’t work, and it concerns you.”
“Me and that big stack of papers?”
Sarah looked at Bella over her reading glasses. “Yes.”
“Whatever it is, I didn’t do it. I wasn’t there…never slept with him…” Bella laughed.
“It’s nothing bad. This is a lease agreement for a very swanky apartment owned by the company I work for.”
“Billionaire Brock is paying for your living quarters?”
“No. It costs a packet. Which I can now afford according to my salary package, which I have checked out very carefully, and it is the same as my predecessor’s. I’ll also be able to pay out all my schooling debt.”
“The whole ninety grand? Oh my God. That’s amazing. Does the company cover that for you?”
&n
bsp; “No. My salary will take care of it.”
“What is this salary anyway?” She waved her hands in the air in a dramatic flounce. “I guess you’re in the high six zeroes a year now.” Her raucous laughter filled the tiny bedsit.
Sarah just let her laugh and took a huge swallow of her wine. She refused to think about her salary. She just couldn’t even go there.
“Sarah? Are you okay? I was just kidding around. If it’s not that large, it doesn’t matter. Anything that helps you pay that debt and still lets you eat is great.”
“Bella…I’m not sure I can even think about it, let alone talk about it. The amount is obscene.”
Bella eyes went wide and sparkled. Then, she finished her glass of wine. And topped up, encouraging Sarah to do the same. “I feel a toast is in order. So hit me with it. It is in the six zeroes, isn’t it?”
Sarah could do nothing but grin.
Bella fanned her face with her hands and practically hyperventilated. “Oh my God, Sarah…tell me now, I promise I won’t be jealous. Much. Tell me how rich you are.”
“Five million.” Sarah couldn’t even say it loud. It was almost a whisper.
Bella just stared. “I’m sorry, I thought you said five million.”
Sarah looked across and nodded.
Bella fell silent, and then she screamed and ran around the room waving her arms. Finally, she ran back over to throw her arms around Sarah.
“That is mind-blowing. I mean, how does a person even spend that much money?”
“I guess ten grand a month on this new lease helps.”
“Ten grand! No. Are walls made of gold?”
“Brock Industries is a worldwide company, with headquarters in five continents. I’m twenty-four, almost fresh out of law school, and I’m not equipped for this.” Sarah eyes prickled with tears. “Oh Bella, what if I make a fool of myself?”
“I’m not the person you should be having this conversation with. I can tell you I know you’ll do fine, but if you have real doubts, you need to talk to Brock. You need to be honest with him.”
“I know. But I can’t. How can he understand how scary it is for ordinary people to suddenly have a salary like that? He must have ten times that in his bank account.”
“You can’t keep this bottled up. Talk to someone.”
Sarah thought about the panel of young people she’d just met. Perhaps Heather or Jasper would get it.
“I’m going to miss you around here though.” Bella gave a huge pout.
Sarah drank a big mouthful of wine. “That’s the bit that makes this about you as well. This lease has you written into it.”
“What the fuck? Me? I’m sure my tips won’t cover five grand a month to go halves in rent.”
“Would you believe Brock has a list of positions he feels you’ll be suited for?”
“Who is this man, Merlin? And why? Why would he want to employ me?”
“If you get the answer to those questions, please let me know.”
“Tell me about the apartment.”
“It’s a dual living situation. Neighboring two-bedroom places that are fully self-contained but also joined in the middle by a communal lounge, entertaining, and kitchen area. With a large balcony.” Sarah read off the page.
“That could work.”
“I’m going to see the place on Sunday. You should come, too.”
“I will. I’m very interested to see what jobs Brock Devlin thinks I’m suited for. He doesn’t own a circus, does he?”
Sarah had to laugh. “Not that I’ve found so far. If you want in, I want in. I want this for you.”
“That’s not a good enough reason if you don’t really want it.”
“You’re my best friend and taking you with me is a way better option than leaving you.”
“I’ll make a deal with you. If you promise to talk to Brock about your doubts over this massive job, I’ll be there with you all the way. But anytime you want out, you take me with you again, no matter what. Okay?”
“Okay.”
“Sweet.” Bella picked up Sarah’s phone to her. “No time like the present.”
“What?”
“Call him. Ask him to dinner. Keeping it in, isn’t going to help.”
Sarah slumped back in her seat. “No way. I’ve made rules. No socializing outside of business. No dates. No more anything.”
“You better call him right now, or I’m going to.” She waved the phone in the air.
“You know, in a perfect world, I would. I’d grab that phone, giggle, and apologize for being silly and ask him to dinner.” She took another drink. “Then, I’d go back to his place, have mad sex, marry him and live happily ever after. But life is no fairytale, and I can’t compromise my principles. I also don’t want to risk anything until I feel settled into the job with confidence.”
“This is a self-imposed punishment for reasons that should stay in the past. Why drag them into your future by hiding behind some crazy promises to yourself? You aren’t that same person anymore, Sarah. ”
“I chose abstinence until marriage. It’s not crazy. It’s not easy either, not when Brock is around because that man is used to getting any woman he wants. But, even he has limits. Brock Devlin is not going to marry me just to get sex.”
“He might marry you to get the best, most intelligent, loving wife in the world.”
“Again, this is real life. Not fantasy.”
“I get why you chose abstinence, I really do. I just question whether it’s a kneejerk reaction that seems hard to get out of now because of pride, or just not wanting to be wrong.”
Damn it. Bella always knew exactly what the problem was. “It is what it is. If I can’t keep my promises to myself, then what’s the point? I might relax the rules and have lunch with him if everything goes well on Sunday.”
“You should. You should relax all your rules. In fact, you should abolish all rules.” Bella poured more wine. “Seriously. Life’s too short to be putting limits on yourself.”
Sarah sipped and considered Bella’s advice. That made sense.
“What would you go back and tell sixteen-year-old Sarah, knowing what you know now.”
“That size twelve really isn’t fat and to let the parents go; they’re a lost cause.”
“Amen to that, sista. Keep going.”
“That the man you meet at eighteen will not love you forever. In fact, the downward spiral he causes will almost take your life, so keep away.” She choked the words out, unshed tears brimming her eyes.
Bella patted her hand and spoke for Sarah. “That you will survive all the bad and end up in a fabulous place so don’t give up. And you are going to meet a friend who will see through all the fake stuff and love the real you forever.”
Tears rolled down Sarah’s cheeks. She squeezed her friend’s hand. “That she will come to love a quirky and unorthodox girl who will pull you through. And that she’ll never look back to those dark days.”
Bella squeezed her hand back. “Keep going.”
Sarah took a breath. “That you will get a five million dollar salary at the most unexpected time but not before you need to practically starve and drink cheap-ass wine from a box. And the starving, cheap-ass wine days are the very best days of your life.”
Bella took over when Sarah faltered. “That you’ll meet a billionaire who is into you and that it’s okay to let him in, oh, and that you want mad monkey sex with him, which is also okay.” Bella stared at Sarah.
Sarah didn’t answer. She just let the thought marinate a little inside her head. Would it be okay?
“Come on, Sarah. It has to be better than telling yourself by the age of twenty-four you’ll be frightened to have sex, frightened to fall in love, and it’s okay to not live brave and strive for happiness above all things. That settling for mediocre is what she has to look forward to.”
Bella was right, again. By limiting herself, Sarah was living half a life. Was that the advice she wanted to give to herself at s
ixteen, to anyone at sixteen? No.
“That one day she’ll meet a sexy billionaire who is totally into her, and it is okay to want crazy monkey sex with him. If it doesn’t turn into forever, there will be even better opportunities around the corner.” Sarah exhaled and relaxed.
“Crazy monkey sex for the win.” Bella smiled.
“You only live once, right?”
Chapter Ten
“Ah. You must be Bella.” Brock stepped forward in his flawless suit and held his hand out. The way he looked should be illegal, a danger to public safety.
“You must be Billionaire Brock.” Bella said his name with the low, sexy tone she used at home when teasing Sarah.
“Bella!” Sarah couldn’t believe Bella had just said that in front of the man himself.
Brock laughed and smiled at Bella. He used a voice which Sarah assumed was meant to be Elvis. “Thank you. Thank you very much. I’m not dead, baby, I’m just taking a break.” He swiveled his hips.
Bella hooted at his impression, and Sarah glared at her then smiled because Bella’s laugh was simply infectious.
Sarah tried to get this back onto the professional track. Why she bothered she had no clue. “Good morning, Mr. Devlin. This is as much Bella’s decision as mine, so I invited her.”
“Of course.” Brock’s devastating smile warmed Sarah, and Bella couldn’t take her eyes off him by the looks of it. “And, Sarah, if you don’t call me Brock every time, I will spank you.”
Bella cackled at that order.
Sarah knew the blush had risen in her cheeks, and she clenched her thighs trying not form the picture in her mind. Too late.
“Let’s go then.” He turned his back on them and walked to the elevator doors.
Sarah felt a jab from Bella’s elbow and turned to see her mouthing ‘wow’ and waving her hands at her face like she was trying to cool down. Sarah shook her head rapidly to try get her to stop before Brock turned and caught her.
The doors dinged open, and Brock stood aside to usher the ladies in with his arm outstretched. “I know you’ll love this place.”
“I’m not sure I’m comfortable with you choosing my living arrangements. I just want to mention that.”
INDISPENSABLE: Part 1: A Billionaire Romance Page 5