Crossing her arms across her chest she said, “Trent. I’m not inviting you in.”
“Elaine, it’s just a ride home, nothing more.”
It always seemed to start so innocently, then ended up so hot and heavy. She was tired and hungry and didn’t have the strength to argue with him tonight. Giving in she said, “Okay then, I’m ready; let’s go.”
Once inside the car Trent asked, “How was your first day?”
“Surprisingly very productive. I thought it would take more time to get into the groove of things, but I was able to get a few good leads for the meeting Friday.”
“There wasn’t much notice for your first meeting, so don’t feel like you have to go crazy first time out of the gate.”
“Your donation will be very important to the recipient chosen, which makes it very important to me.” They pulled up in front of her apartment building. “Thank you for the ride, Trent.”
“You’re welcome, Elaine, but I wanted to clarify something.”
Elaine turned to face him. “What is that?”
“Tonight was only a ride home, but it won’t always be so. If it weren’t for a prior engagement, we would be enjoying ourselves again tonight. Don’t ever doubt that.”
His tone said he wasn’t joking. What an arrogant ass. She should correct him or slap his face for being so damn bold, but she couldn’t even bring herself to respond. Instead, she grabbed her purse and laptop bag, and got out of the car, and made her way to the door. She was grateful the doorman opened it for her because her hands were still trembling. Not out of fear. But she was afraid. Afraid of who she was when they were together. He brought out a side of her she hadn’t seen before—she was reckless and wild. It was a side meant to be shown only behind closed doors, and his lifestyle was anything but private. When she entered her apartment she headed directly for the couch, emotionally exhausted. He said he had a prior engagement. No doubt she would see that prior engagement splashed about the tabloids in the morning, giving her more encouragement to stay away. The battle she was facing was the one inside her. Tonight she was alone, but she was going to have to work very hard to resist his charm and keep her distance in the future.
Chapter Eight
To her relief, she hadn’t bumped into Trent at work for a couple days. That didn’t mean her mind had not wandered and secretly hoped he would knock on her door. It was better this way. After all, it was what she told him she wanted. Then why was she missing him? It is only physical attraction, nothing more. Oh, who was she kidding? She was battling a love/hate relationship. There were times when they were together she didn’t want to be anywhere else, and then a moment later he could make her want to strangle him. How could one person bring out such different emotions? If she had any sense at all she would put as much distance between them as possible. Even that simple thought affected her. It was something new, something unfamiliar and deep within her. There was no running from this. There was only one thing to do. Find a way to figure out who the real Trent Davis was.
His business and public life said playboy/corporate giant; he chewed competition up and spit them out when he was finished with them. Everything she hated in a person. But when they were alone or when he spoke of Takes One and the things they had accomplished in the past, she would see a hint of someone totally different. A compassionate, gentle, caring, and giving person. But in a blink of an eye, that person could disappear. Things would be so much easier if he was an arrogant jerk all the time.
Checking her watch, it was almost six a.m. She sat at her kitchen table and opened her laptop. Elaine was ready to present her first suggestion regarding the Takes One donation, however she wasn’t sure what to expect from the group. When she’d looked at the appointment on her calendar last night she was shocked to see she’d missed a very important piece of the meeting. They were all going to Skype instead of call. Skype. Pajamas wouldn’t have made the impression she was looking to give them. Elaine was never one who enjoyed rising earlier than need be, so she did her best before the sun came up. Business attire from the waist up, the rest she would take care of later.
One by one the gentlemen joined the meeting. First was Ross. “Good morning, Elaine, welcome to Takes One.” He looked wide awake, dressed in a shirt and tie. She couldn’t help wonder if he was using her tactics.
He was followed by Jon who appeared to already be in the office. “Morning, everyone.”
Then Trent joined, far from ready for work as his hair was still dripping wet, a towel hung around his neck barely covering his naked chest. “Yeah, I know. I’m late. Are we all on?”
Really! Couldn’t he at least put on a robe or something? This is a business meeting for goodness sake. She had to remind herself these guys had been friends for years, so she was probably the only one who cared. How was she supposed to present her proposal with a view like that? Talk about a distraction. Not going to be easy.
Drew was the last to join. “Trent, you lucky bastard, where are you this week that allowed you an early morning swim?”
She’d heard he may have been traveling, but no one knew where. Or maybe they were just not sharing his whereabouts. That explained why she hadn’t seen or heard from him the past few days. Happily, that had meant she could concentrate on work.
“Dubai,” Trent replied.
“Business or pleasure?” Drew asked.
“A little of both,” he said.
Pleasure? The thought of him there on pleasure with someone else sent a cold chill through her. She was angry, pissed off, wanted to yell, and throw something at him. Why? She had no right. She’d told him again and again there was nothing between them except a business relationship. He never offered her anything more. Yes, they had sex, wonderful passionate, hot sex a few times. Apparently that was all it was for him if he could so easily go away with another woman. That was just another reason she couldn’t be with him again.
“I thought Lizette would have taught you to relax a bit,” Drew joked.
“We can’t be all as relaxed as you, Drew.”
Elaine had stopped listening to them for a moment and then finally heard Jon say, “Elaine. Hello, can you still hear us?”
“Sorry, I had it on mute.” Great, another lie.
“No problem. Why don’t we get down to business? Elaine, I hope Trent informed you what we are asking you to do for us each month. I know you only started Monday, so we’ll understand if you don’t have anything prepared for today.”
She was more than prepared. “Thank you for this opportunity. I have a PowerPoint presentation prepared and have shared a WebEx link for you to follow along.”
Elaine spent the next twenty minutes discussing the potential donation recipient, the reason why the funds were needed, and exactly how they would be applied over the next twelve months, as well as the long-term benefits. “Do you have any questions or concerns with this choice?”
“I’m impressed. This is exactly what we’re looking for. Trent was right when he recommended you for this position,” Ross said.
Trent recommended me? “Thank you.”
“So are we all in agreement with Elaine’s choice for this month?”
The other three men responded, “Agreed.”
“Elaine, I look forward to seeing what you bring to us next month,” Ross stated.
“So do I. Since you are working closely with Trent, we will leave it to him to finalize the transaction with you,” Jon added.
“I know Trent can be what some would call difficult to work with, so feel free to give me a call if you need to vent or need a shoulder to cry on,” Drew joked.
“Don’t worry, Drew. Elaine and I have a good understanding of each other. Your assistance won’t be needed,” Trent responded in a tone that said he was not amused by Drew’s offer.
Good understanding? Who does he think he is kidding? Every time she thought she understood him, he either did something or said something to change her mind. Today was just more proof she didn’t un
derstand him at all. And even more proof he didn’t understand her either.
“That sounds like more than just business,” Drew teased.
She needed to change the subject before someone implied or said something closer to the truth. “Thank you for your offer, Drew. I will give you a call if needed. For now I have all the information I need to move forward with the donation, and I will provide you with a follow-up email once the transaction is complete. Have a good day, gentlemen,” she said before she disconnected the call.
Letting out a scream of frustration, Elaine pushed the laptop away, folded her arms on the table, closed her eyes, and laid her head down. How could things be so perfect and so screwed up at the same time? At least she knew Trent wouldn’t be in the office again today since he was in Dubai. Who is he with? Is it the young blonde cheerleader he was with last month or someone new? All she knew was it wasn’t her. Why she wished it was, was beyond her. Time was needed to build her defense against his sweet persuasions. Yes, it was good he was gone and the longer the better as far as she was concerned.
Chapter Nine
The tears rolled down her cheeks. It was almost more than she could bear, so sad, so tender, so loving. Reaching for Kleenex she blew her noise and sobbed some more. In the background she heard the door buzzer. They had to have the wrong apartment. When it buzzed again she got up and buzzed them in. Why does everyone forget their keys? When she was about to sit on the couch again, there was a knock on her door. She wasn’t expecting anyone. Who would stop by at this time of night? Opening the door, she had her answer. Trent stood there, holding a bottle of wine and a bouquet of flowers. Before she could speak he came in and shut the door behind him.
“What happened? What’s the matter?” he asked urgently, dropping the flowers and bottle of wine on the end table by the entrance.
Wiping her still wet cheeks she answered, “Nothing is the matter. Why are you here?”
“Elaine, you look horrible, like you’ve been crying for hours.”
Horrible? What a thing to say! Turning away from him she headed back to the living room and saw herself in the mirror. What a sight: puffy eyes, smudged mascara, red nose, messy hair from lying on the couch, and only wearing an extra-long T-shirt and slipper socks. God, he’s right. I’m a hot mess. She tried to smooth her hair and wipe the last of her mascara off.
Trent had followed her and turned her to face him again. “You can tell me anything. What happened?” he asked sincerely.
Her face grew even warmer with embarrassment. How was she going to tell him why she was bawling her eyes out over a tearjerker on the Hallmark Channel? “Trent, I was . . . umm . . . I was watching . . .” She pointed to the television where the DVR was paused.
Trent turned to the TV and burst out laughing. “All this crying over a movie?”
His laughter echoed throughout the apartment. “It’s not funny.”
Raising his hands in defense, he said, “No, of course it isn’t.” But his laughter grew louder.
Elaine grabbed the remote and turned off the television. “If you are going to laugh at me, I think you should leave,” she said firmly.
***
He loved it when she tried to challenge him. Her attempts had yet to be successful, but he still found it refreshing. Trent pulled her into his arms and said, “You can try, but I’m not leaving.” If she only knew how cute she was when she was mad. Her pouty bottom lip made him want her more. Wiping one remaining tear from her cheek, he said, “For a minute I thought all those tears were for me. Look how disappointed I am; I’m heartbroken.” He used the saddest voice he could muster. Then in a more suggestive sexy voice he added, “How are you ever going to make it up to me?”
She pushed him away and said firmly, “I don’t believe I owe you anything.”
Trent ignored her comment and pulled her into his arms. “Maybe you can start with a kiss?”
She kissed him, her mouth moving over his slowly, carefully, then abruptly stopped. “Okay, I have made it up to you; now you can do something for me.”
His blood was pumping and ready to give her anything she asked. “I’m all yours. What can I do for you?”
She stepped away. He watched as she picked up the remote and waved it in the air. No, don’t say it. “Watch the rest of the movie with me.”
Great. “Are you sure that is what you want to do tonight?” Say no!
Elaine’s tongue traced her lips, deliberately, and then bit on her bottom lip. “Yes, I’m positive that is what I want to do tonight.”
She was playing with fire, teasing the hell out of him. He would be more than happy to show her what he wanted to do tonight. If it involved the TV, there were things he wouldn’t mind watching with her either. “If I watch this with you, you are going to owe me a lot more than a kiss.”
“No promises.” Elaine laughed as she turned the TV back on and went to sit back to the couch.
What the hell did I get myself into? Trent grabbed the bottle of wine he’d left by the door, got two glasses from the kitchen, then joined her on the couch. He handed her a glass and then raised his glass to hers. “I’m going to need this tonight.” He laughed and put an arm around her, and she snuggled in close to him. Maybe this won’t be so bad.
He was thankful she’d already watched more than half the movie before he arrived. I was wrong, this is worse than I thought. His fears were coming true as he heard the sniffles start next to him. Trent reached over, grabbed several tissues, and handed them to her. She smiled at him, wiped her tears, and blew her nose. What part of this is supposed to be romantic?
Elaine turned off the TV and said, “That was so good. Did you like it?”
Hell no! She really couldn’t believe he would enjoy that, could she? But the look on her face said otherwise. “I enjoyed the wine.”
Elaine gave him a playful slap. “That is not what I meant.”
Trent tipped her chin and kissed her. “I will enjoy this more.” When his mouth claimed hers again, she gave a small gasp. That was all the encouragement he needed, pulling her hard against him, his tongue sweeping into her mouth. She tasted so good it almost blew his mind. He couldn’t get enough, and he plunged deeper, stroking her tongue with his, straining to be closer. Trent slid a hand down her body, palming one of her breasts, swallowing her moan as he pinched her nipple through the thin T-shirt. Elaine was hot and so responsive. He would make this a night to remember.
Lifting the shirt over her head, he tugged her bra down, revealing her erect nipple, taking it into his mouth eagerly, groaning. Her hands clutched at his shoulders, and her back arched, giving him full access to savor one breast before moving to the other, sucking and licking fervently. His hands unhooked her bra, and it fell to the floor. Then he slid her pink silk panties down her naked body.
He stood and quickly stripped his clothes off, not caring about the buttons popping off his shirt. He paused only to put on a condom. There was only one thing on his mind at the moment and that was to have her.
In one swift movement he lifted her against him, and she called out, “Trent.”
“Put your legs around me,” he ordered. She wrapped her legs around his hips as he lifted her higher. Kissing her, he carried her to the bedroom. Her soft wetness pressed against him. Without releasing her, he laid her on the bed and moved over her. She opened her legs for him, inviting him in. His hand slid between her thighs.
Lifting her hips, she grasped his shoulders. “Please.”
He stroked her clit with his cock, never taking his eyes off her. She trembled with need and desire, and so did he. “You’re so wet. Elaine, tell me what you want.”
She wiggled and tried to pull him closer. He resisted the urge to plunge deeply within her, stopping at her entrance. “Ohh,” she whispered.
“Tell me,” he demanded. Her head tossed from side to side as he stroked her clit with his cock again. “I . . . need you . . . inside me . . . please . . . I can’t . . .”
In one m
otion he entered her fully. His body hunched over hers. She met him thrust for thrust, angling her hips, giving him access to enter deeper. She was so tight. He wanted it to last forever. He rode her fiercely, demanding as he pumped in and out of her. “Tell me how it feels.”
Her fingernails raked down his back. “You feel so good inside me. Don’t ever stop,” she panted.
He could feel excitement rising inside her, tighter and tighter. He felt her coming, her back arching off the bed, her hands clutching at him.
“Elaine.” He buried himself deep inside her with his own release.
He collapsed on top of her, his chest rising and falling in time with hers. They lay, not speaking, both unwilling to move. After a few minutes Trent rolled to one side and pulled her to rest against him. He kissed her gently on the forehead, and together they drifted off to sleep.
***
The next morning she woke to Trent pressed against her back, his hand still holding her bare breast. This was the first time he stayed until morning. It was . . . nice. That didn’t change the fact it was also risky. She stirred slightly when he spoke softly near her ear.
“Good morning.”
Rolling over so she could look at him, she said, “You shouldn’t still be here.”
“And why is that?”
“You know very well why. Because no one, and I mean no one, can ever find out we have been . . . been intimate.”
Trent chuckled. “We were real intimate last night, wouldn’t you say?”
Elaine pulled herself away from him and sat up. “I’m not joking, Trent. We had an agreement when I accepted the job.”
“I said I wouldn’t kiss and tell.”
Why does he need to make this so difficult? She knew why. It was because he couldn’t understand what her fears were and didn’t consider them valid. At Another Chance she’d seen so many people lose everything over something stupid. She was not going to let that happen to her. “The fact that you find this funny only shows you have absolutely no understanding of how hard I have worked to get where I am today.”
The Billionaire's Masquerade: Betting On You Series: Book Two Page 6