The Billionaire's Masquerade: Betting On You Series: Book Two

by Winters, Jeannette

  Her legs trembled as he bent to kiss her. Slowly at first, he traced her lips with his tongue, teasing and encouraging her lips to open for him, which they did. She clung to his shoulders, pulling him even closer. He was driving her over the edge with only his kisses. She wanted, no needed, more.

  His hands found their way under her shirt to cup her breasts. She moaned as he kissed her. He lifted the shirt over her head, exposing her breasts. His mouth left hers and trailed kisses slowly down her neck, to her collarbone, and finally stopping at her breast. Taking one nipple gently to his mouth, he sucked and nibbled it. When she thought she couldn’t take any more, he moved his attention to her other breast, repeating the process.

  He removed his mouth, tracing kisses lower, over her flat stomach. As he knelt in front of her, his hands slid beneath the waist of her pants and stroked the curve of her bottom until she felt the fabric of her pants slide down her legs, leaving her standing naked in front of him. He trailed kisses up again. Once again he claimed her lips. Swiftly, never lifting his lips from hers, he picked her up and carried her down the hall, looking for the bedroom.

  “Second door on the left,” she said, her voice trembling.

  He laid her on the bed and parted her legs with one hand, giving him full access to her delicate folds.

  His mouth kissed and licked its way to her most intimate place. “You taste so sweet.” His words echoed through her. She fisted the sheets beneath her when his tongue first touched her clit. His tongue teased while his strong hands clenched her buttocks, pulling her closer to him, until her heels rested on his strong back. Cries of pleasure filled the room. Oh God, this feels so good. When she thought she couldn’t take any more, he pulled himself to lie fully on top of her. One hand slid down, and he dipped a finger into her hot center.

  “You’re so wet,” he said against her ear.

  She felt herself tighten around his finger, and it didn’t take long to find the spot inside that made her quiver and rock her hips. His thumb stroked her clit, faster and faster until the waves of her climax shook her body.

  His breath warm against her neck, he whispered, “You don’t know how badly I want to feel you wrapped around me.” He pulled away slightly but she held him in place with her legs.

  Elaine understood his hesitation. She reached out to the nightstand, opened the drawer, and pulled out a gold foil packet.

  Handing it to him, he echoed her thoughts, “Thank God.” Quickly he tore the packet and sheathed himself.

  She felt him thick and hot, teasing her entrance. “Please,” she begged, needing to have him, all of him. Once she looked up into his smoldering, lustful gaze he entered her in a swift thrust. Yes! She rocked against him. He knew exactly how to please her and quickly another climax shook her.

  “Yeah, fuck.” His voice was husky with need.

  She tried biting her lip to contain her moans, but he seized them with his own. He withdrew for a moment and adjusted their position so he could kneel in front of her and lift her hips from the bed. He teased her with his hard tip, and she heard him moan as he thrust deep within her again. He knew when to take them forward and when to pause long enough for the intensity to heighten. Sensing her need for more, he went even deeper and faster to bring her to climax a third time. This time she felt him shudder against her. When the wave of their climaxes ended, they collapsed into each other’s arms.

  Legs entwined, breathing slowing, they lay holding each other, neither uttering a word as their bodies still tingled. Wow! He was not her first, yet she’d never known sex could be so intense, fulfilling. Three orgasms? Never before. The chemistry between them was undeniable, but this couldn’t happen again.

  With a hand on his chest, Elaine closed her eyes. There would be plenty of time to talk tomorrow, but for now she was spent. And for once, he was silent.

  The sound of her alarm rang loud and clear. Monday had come too quickly, and she dreaded informing the staff she was leaving Another Chance. Elaine was alone. How she wished last night had been only a dream: a sweet, wonderful, hot, sexy dream. Unfortunately it wasn’t; she had sex with her boss last night. Not just casual quick sex, but the most intimate wild sex she’d ever experienced in her life. Her body still tingled.

  Reluctantly dragging herself from the bed, Elaine wrapped the bed sheet around her and slowly made her way to the kitchen where she was greeted with the sweet aroma of brewing coffee. That was nice of Trent to start coffee before he left. Grabbing a mug, she poured herself a cup and sipped it. Black. Not the normal way she would have taken it, but she hadn’t picked up any creamer. If there was any morning she needed coffee, it was today.

  Having taken a few more sips of the strong coffee, she headed for the shower. She wished she had time for a long one, but work was waiting, so a quick shower was in order.

  There was nothing like a hot, refreshing shower to re-fire the synapses. Elaine felt alive, rejuvenated. It surprised her when she couldn’t see her robe hanging behind the door, but as she realized why it wasn’t there, her skin began to tingle, recalling the previous night’s events. Seeing it stretched across Trent’s sinfully gorgeous body made her think she’dnever be able to wear that robe again. She laughed to herself as she walked naked back to her room.

  Her hopes of not dealing with what happened last night were abruptly shattered as she spotted Trent standing at the end of the hall with a grin on his face, holding a cup of coffee. She was both shocked and embarrassed but had no intention of letting him know that. “How’s the coffee?” she asked.

  She watched him sip the coffee again, however he never took his eyes off her. “It’s hot, but not as hot as the view.”

  Walked right into that. Elaine needed to set him straight on a few things if she was going to move forward with the job offer, but the first thing she needed to do was put on clothes. In her current state there was no way he would take her words seriously.

  “Excuse me while I get dressed for work.” With that, she left him standing and closed the bedroom door behind her. Thankfully he hadn’t followed her.

  Dressing was the easy part, but she normally blew her hair dry and straightened the unruly mass of curls. Today she didn’t have time for either. Towel drying it the best she could, she pulled it into a ponytail at the nape of her neck. She looked far from her normal work self, but today there were more important things to address than her appearance. Setting Trent straight about last night was at the top of the list. Shutting off the light, she headed for the inevitable confrontation waiting for her in the living room.

  She found Trent sitting on the couch watching the local news. Taking a deep breath and slowly exhaling, Elaine came around the coffee table and sat in the chair nearest the couch. There was no need to add fuel to the fire by sitting next to him. “Thank you for waiting. We need to talk about last night.”

  “Okay. I thought it was amazing. What did you think?”

  Elaine wished she could argue with him, but he wasn’t wrong. Last night was something she wasn’t going to forget, and that was part of the problem. Sighing, she said, “That is not what I meant, and you know it. Trent, what happened last night can never happen again.”

  “No problem, I can change it up a bit for you next time.” He grinned at her.

  Her frustration was building as he refused to take her seriously. But she was serious. She’d just spent the night in the arms of her boss. “I’m glad you find humor in this, but I don’t. My reputation will be ruined if anyone ever finds out about this.”

  “I don’t kiss and tell, if that is what you are worried about.”

  “You might not, but eyes are always on you. If I’m going to work for you at Takes One, no one can ever find out what happened last night. You need to promise me this will never happen again.”

  Trent just looked at her for a moment then said, “I can’t promise that, and I don’t believe you can either. There’s an attraction between us. We are adults. What we do behind closed doors is no one’s bu
siness but ours.”

  “That’s easy for you to say. I see your rendezvous posted all over the tabloids. I refuse to be one of them. No one would ever give me the respect I’ve earned if they thought I slept with my boss. My career would be over.”

  “Is that what you’re worried about? People talking about you? People always talk; just don’t listen, and you will be fine.”

  Oh, this man is infuriating! “That might work for you; no one expects anything different. But they do from me.”

  “I would like to argue that statement, but I can’t. So what are you telling me? Are you backing out of the job?”

  There would never be a job offer like Takes One again. Only a fool would back out. “If you promise no one will ever know there is anything more than a professional business relationship between us, then I would love the opportunity to work for Takes One.”

  “You have my word I will not grope you in the office. Is that fair enough?”

  “No!”

  He smiled at her and said, “Okay, I will do my very best to keep the appearance of a purely business relationship. Better?”

  She couldn’t help but feel a little disappointed he hadn’t fought for more, but she knew that was the lustful side of her thinking. Interesting he thought I would be more tempted to continue things with him than take the job. Arrogant ass. No, this was for the best. She didn’t need a relationship, especially one with him or anyone else. Working hard on her career was her best plan.

  She extended her hand. “Yes, that’s better.”

  Smiling at her he said, “I would rather seal the deal with a kiss.”

  Tempting, Trent. But no.

  Then he shook her hand and said, “Agreed.”

  Chapter Five

  Elaine knew it was going to be a shock to the staff when she informed them she would be leaving Another Chance to work for Davis Enterprises, but that was an understatement. One person even said she was going to work for the enemy. She couldn’t deny that. If she was actually going to work for Davis Enterprises she would have been working for a company that created some of the issues she worked daily to fix. Trent had made it very clear, no one was to know the truth about Takes One or what she truly would be doing. Lying was not something she agreed with, but when she thought of taking what she does to a global level, well . . . the lie was worth it.

  The intercom buzzed as Jill announced, “Lizette is here to see you.”

  She was not sure if the lie was going to be as easy to deliver to Lizette. For all she knew, Jon had told Lizette about Takes One. And if he hadn’t told her, Elaine knew she would not be the one to inform her. That secret was one Jon would have to tell himself. “Thanks, Jill. Please send her in.” She would soon have her answer.

  Lizette entered her office all smiles. It was great seeing her so happy, so in love. A lot had changed for her in such a short time. Not just finding her Prince Charming, but something more, something within her. What was it? Ah . . . she saw it now; she looked at peace, totally stress-free. This was the first time Elaine had seen her wear her hair down at the office. Yes, it was nice that the happily-ever-after romance had at least found one of them.

  “I’m sorry. I meant to make it to the staff meeting, but I was so tired after the party and overslept this morning.”

  Elaine was suffering from lack of sleep as well, but had no intention of mentioning that. “I purposely didn’t include you on this one; I wanted to talk to you privately.”

  “Is everything okay?” Her concern was evident.

  Forcing a smile, Elaine said, “Yes, Lizette, everything is fine. Actually, it’s better than fine. I have been offered a fantastic position elsewhere and will be leaving Another Chance.”

  “What, you’re leaving Another Chance? Why? When?”

  “In two weeks. I’ve been offered another job.”

  “This must be one great job because I never thought you would leave here.” Lizette let out a short sigh then continued. “Guess I shouldn’t talk, look at all the changes in my own life.” She smiled. “So what agency was lucky enough to steal you away from us? Is it the one in Providence? I hear they are looking for new leadership.”

  “No, I’m not staying in Rhode Island.”

  “Leaving the state? Where are you moving to?”

  “New York,” Elaine said with forced enthusiasm.

  “Seems to be a lot of that lately. Hopefully you won’t be far from Jon and me. The only people I know there are Jon and his friends.” Laughing, she continued, “I’m glad I will have one of my friends close by; I’m totally outnumbered by male egos.”

  That was an added benefit of the relocation. “I like that as well.”

  “So what charity stole you away?”

  “Davis Enterprises.”

  Judging by the shocked breath that escaped her lips and the raised eyebrows, she guessed Lizette was more than surprised by her answer.

  Why shouldn’t she be? Every time Elaine heard herself say it she almost choked.

  “Davis Enterprises? As in Trent Davis?”

  “Yes,” Elaine said, trying to sound confident but knowing she failed miserably. Lizette and Jill knew her better than anyone else here, and it was not easy to fool either of them. She could only hope they respected her decision and friendship enough not to question her too deeply.

  “Elaine, are you sure about this? You know the reputation of Davis Enterprises, never mind his. You’re headed into the lion’s den.”

  “You don’t have to worry about me. I know what I’m doing. Besides, I believe I can add something new to that company.”

  “Like ethical behavior? Oh, I shouldn’t talk about him like that. Not only is he your new boss, but he is one of Jon’s closest friends, so there must be something good about him we don’t know. And if not, well if anyone can handle it, or him, it is you.” She laughed. “Funny, Jon hadn’t mentioned anything to me. I wonder if he knows yet.”

  And there laid the answer to her question: Jon kept the secret from Lizette. She didn’t know about Takes One. “I just accepted the job last night.”

  “Hmm. Last night when you and Trent disappeared from the party? Anything you want to tell me?”

  Absolutely not. No one can ever know. “Sorry to have skipped out without saying goodbye. We had to finalize the offer, and I had to prepare for this morning’s announcement to the staff. I hope you understand.”

  “Of course. Don’t worry about it. I just thought the way you and Trent were dancing maybe you two had hit it off, and a romance was brewing.”

  “He is my boss. Nothing more,” she stated plainly.

  “What a shame. I would have loved to watch you put him in his place. Do you think he’s the arrogant ass he appears to be?”

  “I wouldn’t know.” Oh yes, he is that and more.

  “You work so many hours here. I’ve never seen you date. Since there is nothing between you and Trent, maybe you’ll find someone in New York.”

  “Maybe. But that’s not why I’m relocating. This job will keep me just as busy, if not more so.”

  “Look at me. I wasn’t looking when I found Jon. Actually, if you’d told me I would end up with Jon, I would have said you were crazy. But now I’m engaged.”

  It was time to change the subject because she didn’t want to think of anything that even resembled a future with Trent. That would only lead to heartbreak, something she’d been able to avoid all these years. She was not about to break that streak now.

  “Let’s take one thing at a time. There is still a lot to do regarding Another Chance. Let’s work on the transfer of responsibility that will need to take place over the next two weeks.”

  “I’ll help in any way I can. It will not be as easy from New York, but we’ll manage until a replacement is found.”

  With that she opened her laptop and began going over the list of duties Lizette would need to take on in the interim.

  ***

  “Guess she wanted the job enough to ignore your ch
arm,” Drew joked.

  “Something like that,” Trent responded. “Elaine will be here in two weeks.”

  “Here? As in New York? Why?” Jon asked.

  “Jon, you should be the last person to ask Trent that question,” Drew commented.

  “Point taken, Drew,” Jon said. “She is aware of total discretion regarding Takes One and our involvement, correct?”

  Trent couldn’t help but laugh to himself. Elaine lived by the word discretion. “She understands clearly what we are asking of her. I even set her up with a position at Davis Enterprises as a cover story.”

  “How long do you think she will last there? The team you built isn’t known for being nice,” Drew asked.

  Trent had hired people who could get the job done. In his line of business, it didn’t pay to be nice or live in a world of regrets. He motto was, it’s only business. If it hadn’t been for the fact Elaine stood her ground with him he might worry about her, but he should worry more about his team if they decided mess with her. “I’ve got it covered.”

  “I bet you do, Trent. Just don’t piss her off so badly she quits on us,” Drew said.

  Trent knew what Drew was implying. He had left a trail of woman who didn’t think too highly of him, even though he had always been honest with them. Somehow they believed they were the one who would change his ways. That person doesn’t exist. He didn’t have to worry about that with Elaine. They seem to have an unspoken understanding, neither looking for anything serious. Finally he seemed to have met someone who was as driven to be as successful in business as he was. Granted, their view on what successful meant seemed to vary. What they had, worked. At least for now.

  Trent was thankful Ross brought sanity back to the conversation. “I assume you will be providing her all the additional information needed.”

  “Already taken care of,” he replied.

  Ross continued, “I look forward to seeing what she brings to us for our meeting this month.”

  “This should free up a little time for us each month. What do you say we start meeting again once a week to play pool and shoot the shit. It’s been awhile since we haven’t needed to talk business,” Drew offered.