by C. R. Moss
The visitor chuckled. “No, sir. I am Brandan West, here on behalf of your mystery date. I am Robert Bourbon’s executive assistant. He’s currently detained in a meeting but would like to meet you in the Shadscale Bar in an hour.”
“Sounds fine to me. It will give me time to shower and get ready.”
“Very good, sir.” Mr. West held up a plastic container with a rose boutonnière in the purple, pink and gold hues of a desert sunset. “For your lapel. He will be wearing one as well, so you can identify him.”
“Thanks.” Kiran took the container from him. “Let Mr. Bourbon know I’m looking forward to meeting him.”
“I’ll do so, sir.” The messenger left.
One hour. Soon I’ll meet the guy who might just be all I’ve ever dreamed about.
Chapter Three
All gussied up in the elegant, hunter green gown, Ivy twirled in front of the full-length mirror in the bathroom. Excitement sent tingly flutters through her stomach. She rang Brandan to let him know she was ready. A few minutes later, he showed up.
“Hello, miss. May I say you look lovely?” He handed her a long-stemmed, sunset-hued rose.
Heat crept into her cheeks. “Thank you.” She took the multi-colored flower. “You know, Brandan, this rose represents my family name, Tramonto, which is Italian for sunset.” Dang nerves have me babbling.
He offered a polite smile. “If you are ready, I will escort you to your date.”
She placed her empty hand in the crook of his bent arm.
“We’re not going to miss any of the event, are we? I would like to enter my wish into the drawing.”
“Not to worry. Mr. Bourbon will give you a card and put it in the drum in plenty of time.”
When they arrived downstairs, the assistant led her through the dimly lit, elegantly arranged restaurant into an outdoor dining area edged by white fencing. Her nervousness had all her senses on alert. In an attempt to calm her anxiety, she zoned in on various parts of the scenery. A white arch laced with colorful flowers stood on the far side of the area opposite the entry. Probably used for weddings since the mountain backdrop is so beautiful. Weddings. Dates. I can’t believe I’m here! But where is the man I’m to meet? Brandan motioned her to a round table for two which sat in an alcove of tall, well-groomed bushes. Next to the intimate setting stood a man facing the stunning view.
Even from the back, her date seemed impressive. His black suit jacket fit him to perfection. Its cut tapered to his waist and hugged his shoulders, alluding to a fine body hiding underneath.
“Mr. Bourbon. Miss Ivy Tramonto is here to see you.”
The man turned. He wore a flower that matched hers. Her heart skipped a beat.
Tall. Check. Handsome. Check. His hair fit his last name—the rich brown color of matured versions of the liquor. Mr. Bourbon’s gaze caught and held hers.
Dark green like the deep corners of a woodland. Mesmerizing. A forest I could get lost in. She shook off the thoughts. Steady girl. Don’t let him think you’re some nitwit.
“Miss Tramonto.” He extended a long-fingered hand. “It’s a pleasure.”
She couldn’t quite place his accent. British? Kind of. Eastern European? Sort of that, too. Wherever he hailed from that gave him the deliciously sinful quality to his speech didn’t matter. She could listen to him talk forever.
She accepted his gesture. Her skin tingled from his touch. He tugged her toward him and placed a kiss on each cheek. Her knees shook and almost buckled. Ah, hell. He’d turned her body into a red-hot wire.
“It’s a pleasure to meet you, too, Mr. Bourbon,” she managed after several awkward moments.
The corner of his lips turned up, and a twinkle lit his eyes.
Charmer.
“Call me Robert or Rob. Please, sit.” He pulled out a chair. “I hope you don’t mind, but I have ordered us a late lunch or early dinner, depending upon how you want to look at it.”
But I want to suck your blood. “That’s fine.” She stifled a giggle. Damn her nerves and twisted humor. Stupid accent. Stupid, stupid nerves. Why had she let Heather do this to her?
“Are you all right, Miss Tramonto?” His eyes widened and his eyebrows lifted slightly.
“Yes. Sorry. But, please, call me Ivy. Every time you say my last name, I want to turn around and search for my mother.” Not that I dislike hearing you talk. She sat.
He strolled around to his chair. “Ah, yes. My apologies…Ivy. I do not wish to make you uncomfortable.”
“I appreciate that.” The man oozed charm. Each refined word passing from his lips hinted at elegant and exciting times like being whisked away to Monte Carlo…yachting on the Mediterranean…climbing mountains in South Africa and India….
“Ivy?”
Startled, she blinked. “Sorry. Must’ve been woolgathering.” She looked out at the mountainside rising up toward the sky. “The view is breathtaking. Absolutely beautiful. I adore it up here. So quiet and peaceful. I’d live somewhere on this mountain if I could.”
“Why can’t you?”
“Because the jobs are down in the city. Cheaper cost of living. So, for now, I live in the valley. And it’s not like all this,” she swung her arm out toward the vista, “is hours away. A half hour to an hour at most, depending on traffic, and I can be here.”
“The best of both worlds within your grasp.” He smiled, reached out, and stroked her hand.
The caress sent delightful shivers through her. She studied him with longing. The powerful set of his shoulders strained against the fabric of his suit. Laugh lines faintly graced the area around his eyes. An urge to see what the incredibly handsome stud would be like in bed built up within her.
The first part of the meal arrived, saving her from her zealous hormones.
“Mr. Bourbon.” The man in a white jacket and chef’s hat bobbed his head and placed a platter on the table. “Your appetizer of garlic olive oil drizzled over Burrata mozzarella, prosciutto, and cherry tomatoes. Enjoy your meal.”
“Thank you, Chef.”
The man bowed and walked away.
Over the first course, Robert told her he’d named all the important public rooms in the hotel after Nevada plants. When the butternut squash soup came, he had her talking about parachuting then mentioning the time she did a hash run.
“What’s that?”
“It’s a combination of running and other athletic activities depending upon where the lead runner, the hare, marks the trail. Sometimes the trail leads the runners through malls, cemeteries, or back alleyways. Sometimes the water stops are actually at bars, and we drink beer. It’s all in good fun. Then at the end of the run, we party.”
“Sounds interesting.” His chuckle sent heat straight to her pussy. The urge to stretch out, run her fingers along the strong line of his jaw and into his thick hair grew within her. She wanted to feel his body up against hers and have his arms around her. Hell, maybe he would sweep her up, carry her to his room, and have his way with her.
“So what’s your wish?”
Could the man read minds? The intensity of a thousand suns flamed her cheeks. “Excuse me?” She took a long drink of pinot grigio.
“The charity drawing this evening. You are planning on entering a wish, right?”
“Yes, of course. I’d like to be included in the drawing. As for what I want, I’m looking for help with a new place to live. We’re being booted from our current apartment, which is a blessing in one respect. The place is older than God and falling apart. Landlord doesn’t care about anything except getting his money. It’s been hard, though, to find another since we both lost our jobs. A better location with the security deposit and a few months’ rent taken care of would be a great gift right about now.” She shook her head. “But I don’t want to discuss all that. Kiran—he’s my roommate—and I agreed that tonight’s supposed to be a reprieve from our problems.”
“And I will do my best to give you a memorable evening to help you forget your troubles.
” Her date beamed, and more lusty bolts of erotic electricity zapped through her.
A throat cleared. She pulled her gaze away from his mesmerizing eyes to see Brandan standing a couple feet away.
“Yes?” Robert stood, tossing his dinner napkin on top of his empty soup bowl.
“You have an important call holding in your office. They said it couldn’t wait.”
“Thank you, Brandan.” He moved to her side, leaned down, and brushed his lips over hers. “I apologize that I have to leave. The entrée and dessert are on their way, so stay and finish eating. I will have my assistant come find you when I am finished, and we can continue our date then. All right?”
Ivy nodded, his touch addling her brains for a moment and making her unable to speak.
Once more he pressed his mouth against hers. The kiss lasted a second longer than the last.
It sucked that he had to cut their meal short and leave her alone, but he had business to attend to and the kisses…. They were velvety, delicious sensations, hinting there was more for the asking. He left her hungry for more than just the food.
The waiter brought a plate of filet mignon with roasted red potatoes and asparagus. He let her know that he would return with cinnamon ice cream and apple cobbler when she was ready.
“Sounds good.” She wouldn’t let the food go to waste. No telling when I’ll have the chance to eat again tonight. Ivy took a bite of the steak. I’d much rather be tasting the hunk of man who’s given me a sample of his fare. And soon I’ll have my chance.
Chapter Four
Butterflies and nerves paired up in Kiran’s stomach and danced the rumba. Not long now. He checked his appearance and outfit one more time. His thick dark hair stayed gelled in place. Black suit jacket and pants were lint free from what he could see in the mirror’s reflection. Crimson tie lay flat against his crisp white shirt. He retrieved the flower from the refrigerator and attached it to the lapel. With a deep breath, he left his room.
On the way to the Shadscale Bar, he stopped outside the Mesquite Ballroom. Volunteers stood behind a table with a spinning drum that reminded him of the ball mixer at bingo games. After verifying his name and attendance, he filled out a card and popped it into the bin. His wish? To have enough money to make good on his extreme loan and be able to pay for a new place. He somehow had to make it up to Ivy for his stupid mistakes.
After he arrived at the bar, one of the servers led him to a private table in the back corner. He sat facing the entryway. Moments later, a waiter brought over a plate of white cheese balls with tomatoes and thin slices of meat.
“I don’t think this is mine,” he told the man. “I haven’t ordered anything yet.”
“It’s on behalf of Mr. Bourbon. When you finish, I will bring you the soup. He will join you for the rest of the meal. He wanted you to get started.”
The butterflies in his stomach dropped like pebbles, weighing heavy at the bottom. “Oh, okay.” Fidgety nerves had him wondering if he could eat, but he dug into the food anyway. Plus, he planned to continue drinking. Alcohol on an empty stomach would be a recipe for disaster.
Kiran pushed aside his empty soup bowl, took a sip of his second drink, then caught sight of a handsome, tall man in a black on black suit with a dark gray tie entering the lounge. He wore a sunset-hued rose boutonnière as well. If the guy approaching happened to be Mr. Bourbon, Madame Evangeline had done a wonderful job picking out the scrumptious male specimen. Kiran loved the color of the man’s hair. He rose on wobbly legs.
“Hello, Mr. Emerson. I’m Robert Bourbon.”
The man’s smooth, accented voice, along with the way his slow, seductive gaze sweeping up and down Kiran’s body sent his libido raging. The appraisal was followed by a sexy grin of approval. Heat lanced his gut and sliced straight to his cock. The other man’s strong facial features and straight white teeth filled Kiran with wanting and a need to be close to him. He accepted a handshake and cleared his throat. “Please, call me Kiran.”
“Kiran it is then. Feel free to call me Robert or Rob.”
Kiran dropped into the chair before his knees gave out on him.
“So what are you drinking?” Robert took a seat across the small table from him.
“Bourbon, Mr. Bourbon.” His attempt at humor didn’t come off like he’d wanted. He hoped Robert didn’t think it was as cheesy as it sounded.
The corner of his lips tilted up for a second. “Sounds good. May I have a taste?”
Robert moved for the glass with one hand and took Kiran’s in his other. Kiran sat transfixed as his date dipped one finger into the liquid. The man rubbed the amber drops over his lips then slipped the digit into his mouth and sucked on it. “Mmm, good.” He waved at the bartender, indicated the glass of liquor, then held up two fingers. He looked back at Kiran. “Hope you don’t mind.”
Entranced by gorgeous green eyes and suave demeanor, Kiran smiled. “Nope. Forward. Decisive. I like that in a man.”
“Well, if I’m reading the vibes correctly, you like me, and I’m very attracted to you. So why beat around the bush?”
“Yeah, why waste time. And you’re right. I do like what I see so far.”
Robert leaned across the table and cupped the back of Kiran’s head, pulling him up and out of his chair, and planted a kiss on him.
One moment the man seemed dominating, harsh in his passion, as his sexy lips molded onto Kiran’s. The next, his date’s conduct changed, became soft and yielding while he gently stroked his tongue into Kiran’s mouth. His heartbeat quickened as Robert’s tender kiss and the brushing of his fingers up and down his arm sent his head spinning.
“Excuse me, sir.”
They broke apart and waited while the waiter put plates of great smelling food on the table. While eating the main course, Robert told him about his businesses and philanthropic endeavors. Kiran shared his love of the arts and told him about his background in dance and gymnastics, which had helped him land some gigs with the shows on the strip.
Kiran chewed on the last, delicate piece of filet mignon. As it melted in his mouth, he stared at the charming, good-looking man across the table and still couldn’t believe his luck. He’d ended up with the resort owner. “This is one of the best steaks I’ve had in a long time.”
Robert’s mouth widened into a devastating smile. “My chef will be pleased.”
The anticipation Kiran had felt earlier returned, went straight to his crotch, and became unbearable. Every time his date’s bold gaze caught his, Kiran’s cock pulsed and hardened a bit more. “That’s nice, but I’d rather be tasting another kind of meat right now.”
The man raised a brow. “Is that so?”
He nodded.
Robert placed his fork and napkin onto his plate. “Let’s be off to my room then.”
***
Robert opened the door, and Kiran’s mouth dropped open. The penthouse looked like the places he’d seen on those crib shows—grand, high-end décor, expensive furniture and the view…. He headed straight for the glass wall and doors on the other side which framed the picturesque mountain landscape.
His match came up behind him, wrapped his arms around his waist, and kissed his neck. “Nice, isn’t it?”
Shivers from the man’s warm breath on his skin raced down Kiran’s side. “It’s gorgeous.”
“You fit right in.” Rob nuzzled the space between his throat and shoulder, then nipped at his earlobe.
Kiran tilted his head back, enjoying the advances until a vibration against his back made him jerk forward.
“Sorry about that.” Pulling his cell phone out of the inside pocket of his jacket, the green-eyed hunk chuckled. “No rest for the boss. I need to take this. Feel free to go out onto the balcony if you like.” He disappeared into another room.
Balcony? More like a deck. He went outside and breathed deep, enjoying the crisp mountain air and the scenery. I really like the guy Madame Evangeline set me up with. I can’t wait to savor him, too.
&
nbsp; Chapter Five
“Please show Ivy up.” Robert clicked off the call, then removed his suit jacket. He hung the garment in his closet, loosened his tie, and unfastened the top button of his shirt. At the doorway to the living area, he leaned against the jamb. Kiran, one of the most lively and fun-loving men he’d met in a long time, appeared to be talking to himself as he paced the balcony. Perhaps he was working on the next conversation starter. Maybe considering ways to convince him to take the evening to the next level. Robert stifled a laugh. If he only knew what was about to happen.
The suite door opened. Ivy entered as Kiran came in from the balcony. Robert stood back a little to observe how they would react to the first part of his surprise without his interference.
“What are you doing here?” Kiran asked in a shrill voice.
“I might ask you the same thing,” she countered in an ominous tone.
The man and woman stared at each other for several long moments. The atmosphere grew heavy and tense. She narrowed her eyes at her roommate, and he reciprocated. He tilted his head. She mirrored him. Both crossed their arms over their stomachs at the same time.
“My, we’re a stubborn pair.” Kiran sat on the black leather couch.
“Yes, we are, and you know I’m patient and can outlast you, so why don’t you just tell me why you’re in this room?” She stepped toward him.
He shook his head and leaned back with his arms on top of the cushions. “Ladies first.”
“Good try. How about age before beauty?” Near enough after one more step, she leaned over and poked him in the chest.
Laughter bubbled out of his mouth, and he stood. “Age? I’m only four days older than you.” He pushed her shoulder.
“That’s right. You’re older. Now ’fess up.”
“Never.” He winked.
Robert entered the room. “Time. As much as I am enjoying your banter, I need to ask you both to calm down.”
They stared at him. Kiran appeared perplexed with his wrinkled brow and open mouth, while Ivy’s narrowed eyes and flaring nostrils warned him she was angry.