Trent now raised himself to sit on the bed. “And I haven’t?”
How could she expect him to understand? Not only was he rich and powerful, he also was a man. The world used a different lens when viewing a woman struggling to make it to the top. Mistakes were not so easily forgotten. “There is no risk to you in this situation. No one will care, but I’m the one with everything to lose. If this gets out I would be forced to quit my job. But that would only be the beginning. Any future job offers . . . well, let’s just say they would all come expecting more than I’m willing to give. My career would be over.”
His tone also changed. “I have respected your wish for privacy. But you cannot go through life worrying about what others might think or say about you. If you do, you will shut yourself in a box while everyone else keeps living.”
It was a good way to describe her life: in a box she’d created herself for emotional protection from anything or anyone who could hurt her. There were things she needed to resolve, get answers to, before moving forward and taking the risk of truly being happy. “You make it sound so simple when it’s not.”
Trent shook his head. “There is nothing simple about it. It is a conscious choice each day to live my life my way.”
Live his life his way. Well, yes. That was evident from his pleasure in Dubai. And then I let him into my bed. What was I thinking? It just made her angry. At him. At herself. She couldn’t help the bark in her tone next. “Without consideration of who gets hurt as long as you get what you want.” She knew her words must have stung, but once they were spoken, it was too late to take them back.
“Part of your statement is true. I have always done what I wanted. My parents could verify that for you if you don’t want to take my word for it.”
Having another opinion of him might help, but what mother wouldn’t defend her son? “They are not an impartial party. I bet you do no wrong in their eyes.”
His tone had softened as he began to talk of his family, which caused Elaine to begin to relax as well. “I’ve never pretended to be an angel. In fact, I guarantee I gave my parents a few gray hairs when I was younger and probably added a lot more as an adult. Some people are better at following orders than others.”
She had been rebellious herself but for different reasons. Reasons she was not ready to share with him yet. But that didn’t mean she didn’t want to learn more about him. “What does that mean?”
“My grandfather was a Marine, my father is a retired Marine, and my two older brothers are also Marines. My two younger sisters, who decided to follow in my mother’s footsteps, became nurses. You can tell I don’t fit in those molds.”
He definitely wouldn’t have made it through the military with his lack of ability to take orders. And it must have been challenging for him to grow up in a home where he chose not to follow in his family’s footsteps. But even though he was different from them, at least he had them, knew who they were. She wondered if he knew how lucky he was. All she ever wanted was to know who her parents were and whether she had any siblings. It had been difficult never having anyone she could call family. No tears came when she thought of those questions. Those tears had long ago dried and were replaced by a determination to one day find answers. “You’re right, Trent. I can’t picture you fitting in those roles. So you are one of five? I would have thought you were an only child, a very spoiled only child.”
“Way off mark. I was not born with a silver spoon in my mouth. There were times things were tough, and we all had part-time jobs through high school. I was not spoiled, but I will admit, I was a brat. With my father deployed, sometimes for long periods of time, I acted out more than I should have. They say there is one in every family, and I’m that one.”
“You seemed to have outgrown it.”
“Don’t be too sure about that.”
There was no hint he was joking and, from everything she’d read about him, he was right. She was happy the tension between them had all but vanished, but that didn’t eliminate the issue. He needed to leave before others began to get up. “Trent, the sun will be up soon, you need to leave now.”
He didn’t argue with her this time. Instead he asked, “Aren’t you interested in why I stopped by last night?”
Really? It’s obvious: wine, flowers. “Was there something other than what I already know?”
Trent grinned. “I won’t deny the obvious, however there was another reason as well. What you are doing next Friday night?”
For the moment Elaine would give him the benefit of doubt. She did work for him and maybe there was something going on for Takes One she needed to attend. “I don’t have any plans at the moment. Why?”
“There is a charity event I thought we could attend together.”
Did I waste my breath earlier? Why doesn’t he get it? Crossing her arms she said, “Trent, did you hear me when I told you we cannot be seen together like that? You would be feeding into the reporters’ speculations.” Her voice had risen slightly.
“Believe me, I heard you the first time, the second time, right up to the tenth time you said it. I get it. I will never admit there is anything between us.”
“Have you seen the tabloids? They are all talking about you.”
“That is nothing new. They always watch, then write something whether it’s true or not.”
“And that doesn’t bother you?”
“I didn’t say that. It’s the price I pay for my success. After a time you learn to ignore them.”
Shaking her head, she responded, “I’m glad you have no issue with it, but I don’t want any part of it, so my answer is no. No to the charity event or anything else that may lead them to believe we are involved.”
She wasn’t about to tell him she followed the tabloids and was reading the latest issue of the National Enquirer yesterday morning. There he was, on a beach in Dubai. He had said it was a combination business and pleasure trip, but the article confirmed he had traveled alone. That knowledge was bittersweet as the reporter dropped the hint that Trent suddenly seemed off the market, and rumor had it there might be someone special in his life. If the tabloids were digging for a story, she wasn’t going to give them anything more to talk about. If he didn’t care what people said, true or not, about him, that was his decision. She had a reputation, a good reputation, and she would protect it at all costs, even if it meant not being with Trent.
He smiled at her. “You may reconsider when you hear more about the event.”
Okay, her interest was piqued. What did he think would make her change her mind? “What is it?”
“A masquerade ball.” She could tell by the expression on his face he’d achieved the reaction he had been looking for. “With a mask, we can even make out on the dance floor if we want to, and no one will know who the couple doing the nasty is.”
A masquerade? Faces covered from the world, inhibitions let down. Yes, this could work. For one night she could have it all, and no one would know the truth. It was perfect. She could feel the tension from earlier leave her body, replaced with excitement for a night that promised to be romantic, and maybe fulfill a few of her fantasies. “Yes. I would love to go with you, Trent.”
“I will have everything delivered to you Thursday, and I will have a car pick you up at six. Now before you tell me I need to leave again, I have one last question for you.”
“And what is that?”
“Is the shower big enough for two?”
It’s still early, maybe one more hour. “There is only one way to find out,” she said, throwing the covers off and running naked into the bathroom with Trent following closely behind.
Chapter Ten
The week was not going to be as rushed as the previous one, yet there was still so much to do. Not only did she need to begin researching the information for next month’s Takes One donation, but she also needed to attend several meetings for Davis Enterprises to keep her cover as the customer relations liaison. There was one meeting where things became
heated between Trent and his latest acquisition. They both had strong opinions regarding staff, and she actually found herself as mediator. Trent had even thanked her after the meeting for her input but warned her not to forget who signed her paycheck. Positive they would butt heads far too often, she was glad that wasn’t really her job, as eventually, she might find herself in the unemployment line for speaking her mind.
Last week there were a few people who questioned her, not only about her job, but her personal life as well, so she made a point to avoid them as much as possible. Everyone had a different routine during the day, so she skipped the coffee lounge no matter how desperately she needed a pick-me-up. Now was one of those times.
The office phone rang, which was a first since she started. “Good afternoon, this is Elaine Manning; how may I help you?”
“Elaine? I was hoping you hadn’t had lunch yet, and you were free.”
It was good to hear Lizette’s voice on the other end. They hadn’t spoken in almost two weeks, and she’d promised to call her to get together once she was settled in her new apartment. Time had a way of slipping by, and she felt guilty for not calling her. “You have perfect timing, Lizette. I was just thinking I needed coffee, but lunch sounds so much better.”
“That’s great because I’m downstairs waiting for you.” She laughed.
“Let me grab my purse, and I’ll be right down.” She hoped it didn’t seem rude not to invite her up to her office, but she didn’t want to give the gossip train anything more to talk about, especially given Lizette was in the public eye since she became engaged to Jon.
When she arrived in the lobby, she saw Lizette standing by the elevator, speaking with Trent. She hadn’t mentioned he was going. Too late to bail now. Giving Lizette a hug, she said, “Sorry I haven’t called you. I’ve been so busy, and I wanted to give you and Jon as much alone time as I could.”
“Don’t worry, I completely understand. It takes time to get used to living in New York. It’s nothing like back home.”
She didn’t want to tell Lizette, but Rhode Island wasn’t home to her. It was just another state she had tried to make home. “There’s no place like home.” Turning to Trent with a forced smile she said, “I didn’t know you were joining us.”
“Sorry to disappoint you, Elaine, but I can’t join you today. I have a meeting in a few minutes, so you ladies go do whatever you do on an afternoon off.” Trent leaned and gave Lizette a kiss on the cheek before turning to the elevator.
What was that all about? Last time she’d talked to Lizette, she’d said Trent was an arrogant ass. Now they seemed to be all buddy-buddy. Yes, things had seemed to have changed since they both moved to New York. This lunch may have presented an opportunity for her to find out more about Trent, without sharing too much information. Convenient. “I’m starving. Let’s get out of here.”
At first she thought they would walk to a local restaurant, but Lizette had a driver waiting for them. “I found this great restaurant that would be a wonderful place to sit and talk.”
They arrived at a small, quaint diner with a relaxing atmosphere. The waitress took their orders, and finally they were alone and could talk, catch up on things.
She was hoping this spur-of-the-moment invite didn’t mean there was trouble in paradise. Elaine asked hesitantly, “How are things going with you and Jon?”
“They couldn’t be better. We chose a date for the wedding.”
Thank God. How could she have missed the blissful state Lizette was in? It was apparent being with Jon was what brought her true happiness. Every time she spoke about him her face lit up. She was happy for her friend, but couldn’t deny the tinge of jealousy for what she would never know herself. “That’s fantastic. When is the big day?”
“Exactly one year after the charity event when I won the grand prize raffle.” Both ladies laughed as they recalled who and what the prize had been.
“That is so romantic. I’m happy for you, Lizette. Things really seem to be working out. I was worried when I told you about relocating from Rhode Island, but New York seems to suit you.”
“I have to admit, I wasn’t thrilled when you first told me, but it was meant to be, and I couldn’t be happier. There are some things I want to ask you.”
“Anything, what is it?” Please don’t let it be about Trent and me.
“The wedding is going to take place back in Rhode Island. Jon said I could use any wedding planner I wanted, but that isn’t what I want. I want to plan this myself with friends and family.”
“I totally understand that.”
“I knew you would. That brings me to my first question. Will you help me with the research and planning?”
Wow, helping plan a wedding. That was not something she had ever done before. She’d attended them, but help plan? Nope, not a one. “I don’t have any experience at wedding stuff. I’m not sure what I can offer.”
“Elaine, you are amazing at whatever you do. You know what I like, and you are familiar with the venues in Rhode Island. Besides, I want both my maid of honor and bridesmaid involved.”
Is she asking me to be in her wedding?? Both fear and joy flowed through her.
“Elaine, would you be my maid of honor? It really would mean so much to me if you said yes.”
Even if she wanted to say no, who could with the look of excitement on Lizette’s face? “I would be honored.” There was more truth in her response than she was willing to admit even to herself.
Lizette bolted from her chair and gave her a huge hug. “Thank you. Jill is my bridesmaid. We are going to have to get together for a girls’ night out and go through my wish list. Then we can all go dress shopping together. This is going to be so much fun to plan.”
Sounds fun? Lizette hates this kind of stuff. And not only her. Elaine equally had avoided these types of situations in the past. But Lizette was her friend, and she would do anything for her, including all the wedding festivities. Prior to meeting Jon, Lizette had always been so quiet and reserved. Is this the real woman she was seeing now? She had really blossomed, and was truly lovely. “I’m sure it will be.” Elaine hoped she sounded sincere. She was happy for Lizette, but she was not used to being so deeply involved in people’s lives. She’d always drawn a line in the sand and never crossed it. Until recently that is.
“So, tell me, how are things with you and Trent?” Lizette asked her softly.
Does she know? Did Trent tell Jon about them? “Fine.”
“Fine? A one-word answer says more than you think. Tell me, what’s wrong? Is he that bad to work for?”
Great, now I’m stuck lying to Lizette after she just asked me to be in her wedding. “No, everything is okay. I’m still settling into the role. No surprise, but it’s a big change from the one I had at Another Chance. Different but still good.” She was happy she’d found a way to keep it to the truth without revealing anything too personal.
“Way different. I’m still shocked you even took the job. But as long as you’re happy, then I’m happy for you. And don’t be so hard on Trent. He grows on you if you give him a chance. You never know, you might be just what he needs.”
Oh, that thought has crossed my mind many times. And the answer is always the same. No. “He is only my boss, Lizette. Nothing more.”
“That’s a shame. Jon said he spoke highly of you; I was hoping a little spark might have started. I have to admit, you two looked great together on the dance floor at my engagement party.” Elaine watched as Lizette let out a sigh of disappointment. “Oh well, you’ll find someone when you least expect it. I hadn’t realized I was lonely, Elaine. I hadn’t realized my life felt . . . incomplete somehow. Sorry, Elaine. I feel like I’m rambling. We are so different in many ways, but when it comes to what is important, we are the same. Don’t lose hope.”
A little spark was the understatement of the year. The sexual chemistry between her and Trent was something she couldn’t control. It was explosive and haunted her day and night. One thing
Lizette was right about—Trent did grow on a person. If she hadn’t made him leave early Sunday morning, she would have enjoyed spending the entire day with him. Their relationship, or whatever it was called, was changing, evolving, but not to the point she could talk about it and make it known. Not even to her friend. Yes, things right now were good between them, but there was one major problem. She found herself caring about a man who she could never tell anyone about. She could see how working for Takes One was a very good fit for her. Could she work under Drew or Ross to save face here? If she fell for Trent, and didn’t feel she could pull away, would that be an option? How did I feel so much so quickly?
“Elaine, I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to upset you,” Lizette said, reaching across the table, touching her hand softly.
She hadn’t realized her thoughts and emotions were so apparent. “No, you didn’t. I’m fine. I was just thinking . . . how glad I am that you found Jon. Knowing you were feeling alone . . . sorry.” She was grateful for the interruption when the waitress delivered their food. “How are things going with Another Chance? Do you find it hard to manage things from New York?”
“No, it works out better than I thought it would. My fear was I would need to be traveling back and forth a lot for business, but Jill is awesome at scanning me anything I’m missing, so I’ve only gone back to visit once. They even made the announcement last Friday that they’ve found your replacement. She will start next week. It will be nice to have someone in the role, but it won’t be the same.”
Even though she was no longer there, Elaine wanted to ensure the future of Another Chance was intact. “I’m glad they found someone that quickly. Do you know who it is?”
“No, I only know it is someone Mr. Scott has personally recommended. Guess that’s a good sign.”
“Mr. Scott is well-known and respected for his work with nonprofit agencies. He’s been an advocate for Another Chance for a long time. If he recommended someone, then they’re in good hands,” Elaine said, smiling. She felt so much better knowing the agency had not been affected too much.
The Billionaire's Masquerade: Betting On You Series: Book Two Page 7