“Mr. Fontaine, please accept this gift bag with our thanks, and have a wonderful evening.”
He handed the ornate bag to Grant, who accepted it, waved again and they started back to the table. En route, he gave the bag to Alyssa. “You can have it.”
Alyssa took it, startled. “No, no, it’s for the client. I’m sure they spent quite a penny on these, so you don’t want to pass them up.”
He shook his head. “Nah, you keep it.”
They reached their seats and Alyssa dug into the bag, extracting a portable GPS device, a pedometer that played music, a cell phone that boasted about a hundred applications, and a gift certificate to a prestigious health spa for a day of pampering. She looked over at Grant, smiled and shrugged.
Tony said from across the table, “They’re all products from McDunn and Early clients.”
Grant nodded and nudged the phone out from the collection. “This one’s Calibrite.”
“Oh! Of course.” With all the research she’d done on Calibrite she should’ve recognized it.
After dessert, the guests were asked to vacate their tables while the hotel staff prepared the ballroom for dancing. Alyssa excused herself and went to the ladies’ room. She lingered near the mirror, freshening her face with her compact and mascara. The rest room was crowded so she left and found a quiet spot in the hotel lobby, pulled out her phone and called Caroline’s cell. Although her daughter was only eight, Alyssa had gotten her a cell phone so they could be in constant touch when they were apart.
“Hello?” Caroline answered after the second ring.
“Sweetie, hi! How’s it going? Are you having a good time at Brianna’s house?”
“Yeah. We went to a pizza place for dinner, now we’re in our jammies and watching movies in the den. We’re going to sleep on the floor in here all night! Brianna’s mommy gave us sleeping bags and blankets.”
Alyssa couldn’t help smiling at the excitement in her daughter’s voice. “That sounds great, honey. And sometime soon we’ll have Brianna overnight at our place, okay?”
“Okay! Can we invite Marla too?”
Alyssa hadn’t heard too much about Marla. “We’ll see, sweetie. Well, I’m at my business dinner and I need to get back. I just wanted to see if you were having a good time. Are you ready?”
She heard the catch of laughter in Caroline’s voice. “Yep.”
Alyssa glanced around while she sang. “Gray skies are gonna clear up. Put on a happy face.”
Then Caroline’s turn. “Brush off the clouds and cheer up. Put on a happy face.”
They took turns, as they did each night, back and forth till they reached the chorus, which they sang together, “And spread sunshine all over the place. So, put on a happy face!” Alyssa chuckled. “Night night, love.”
“Night, Mommy.”
Alyssa sighed and disconnected the call, slipping her phone back into her tiny evening bag.
“I think that would put a smile on anyone’s face.”
Alyssa startled at the male voice so close by. She thought she’d found an isolated corner of the lobby, but Grant had found her and listened in on her conversation. She looked at him, speechless.
“I’m sorry,” he said. “I didn’t mean to startle you. I just didn’t want to lose you in the transition crowd.”
Alyssa blinked. “Oh. All right.”
“Bedtime routine?” he persisted.
“Yes.” She cleared her throat. Some things were private. She hesitated talking to a business client about her personal life and her daughter Caroline was about as personal as it got.
A strained moment passed. Grant said, “I think it’s wonderful that you sing to your daughter at bedtime.”
She sighed. “Grant, it’s just … I’m a single mom and I’m very cautious …”
He put his hand up. “Got it. None of my business. How about I get you a drink? I believe they’re still transforming the ballroom into a set suited for Fred and Ginger.”
“Sure.” She pushed away her misgivings about his minor invasion of her privacy and strolled over to the bar with him. After they enjoyed a glass of wine, a waiter in a tuxedo approached them and invited them back into the ballroom. When they entered the room, Alyssa gasped at the transformation. Dining tables gone, the floor sparkled with a high sheen. Chairs circled the perimeter, small round tables for two peppered in every so often. An orchestra now occupied the stage. Alyssa could make out violins, cellos, a large string bass, a trumpet and saxophone, along with a drum set. The lights were dimmed and tall potted trees sat in intervals around the room. Latticed archways decorated the huge room, trellised with roses. She inhaled the sweet smell of the blooms. “It’s beautiful.”
“Could I interest you in a breath of fresh air before the orchestra starts?”
Alyssa nodded. They made their way outside on the terrace. The breeze was brisk and the two of them were one of a very few couples who’d braved a trip outside. Alyssa shivered.
He noticed immediately. He stepped closer and wrapped an arm around her shoulder. “Let me know if it gets too chilly for you. We can go back in.”
“It’s not bad.” As she said it, she hid a smile. No, it wasn’t bad to be embraced by a very attentive man like Grant – a good-looking, sexy man who not only looked good and smelled heavenly, but standing this close to him, she knew that his clothes hid a very tight and fit physique. One that she wouldn’t mind exploring if given half the chance.
And yet, the worst thing she could possibly do was to lose control around him.
Still, she leaned her head closer to his shoulder and inhaled deeply. Wow, the man smelled damn good.
“Do you like it?”
His words made her catch her breath. “Excuse me?”
“My cologne.”
She sniffed again. “Yes, it smells great. What is it?”
He chuckled. “It was my wife’s choice for me. She picked it out and I’ve always bought it since. Reminds me of her, I guess.”
Alyssa nodded and a wave of sadness flowed over her. Of course, she knew the story of Grant’s lost love, his wife, killed on their vacation together. But she’d never spoken to him about it. Would it upset him if she told him?
He turned to face her, his hands on her shoulders. “I guess I should explain that remark. My wife is … no longer with us. I lost her ten years ago. She died in a car accident.”
Relieved that he’d revealed that frank detail of his life, Alyssa said, “How tragic. I’m so sorry, Grant.”
“Thank you. I just didn’t want you to think I was married.”
Alyssa found that comment interesting. Why would his marital status be relevant to their business relationship? Unless Grant felt the same physical attraction to her that she did for him.
He took a few steps to the edge of the terrace and they stood looking down several stories to the busy Manhattan street below. He removed his jacket and draped it over her shoulders. “That should keep you warm.”
She ignored the dive of adrenaline to her core, precipitated by pesky thoughts of a variety of other ways that he could raise her temperature.
“So, what do you think of New York so far?”
She smiled. “I love it. I always have, even before I moved here. I enjoyed visiting the city to keep up on Broadway shows, museum displays, what have you. Now, I’ll be able to visit those attractions without having to travel nearly so far.”
He chuckled. “I’ve lived here for twenty years and can’t say I’ve been to a museum or a Broadway show that whole time.”
“I want to make sure that I expose Caroline to all the culture that New York has to offer.”
He turned his head and looked at her. “Great idea. I’m sure she’d love attending museums and shows with you.”
“Broadway actually has a lot of shows that cater to kids. I don’t want her to miss those.”
A genuinely happy, beaming smile formed on his face as he looked down at her. She was just about to ask why, when h
e lifted a knuckle to her face and caressed her cheek, then extended his fingers and cupped her jaw in his hand. The intimacy of the gesture took her breath away and she closed her eyes to drink in the emotions he was causing inside her body.
“You’re a phenomenal mother, Alyssa.”
Eyes still closed, Alyssa furrowed her forehead, confused. With him caressing her like that, she anticipated a compliment on her face, her appearance. But her skills as a mother? How would he know?
“Thank you.” She hoped her voice didn’t betray the confusion she felt at the oddness of his compliment. She tried to shake off her suspicions and accept the comment for what she was sure he meant it to be: an accolade. She was so accustomed to being protective of Caroline and their unusual history, maybe she was suspicious without due cause.
His gaze lingered on her, then he looked out over the street again. Filtered strands of music from the orchestra inside the ballroom reached them on the terrace. “I hear the orchestra starting. Would you care to go in for a dance? As long as we keep it simple, I promise not to step on your feet.”
“You’re on.” They made their way into the hotel and she pulled his jacket off her shoulders and handed it to him. Inside the ballroom, they headed toward the dance floor. As they claimed an empty spot, the orchestra ended a fast-paced samba and started a slow waltz.
Grant took her into his arms, a position that was foreign, yet oddly right. She fit perfectly into the strong circle of his embrace. His fingers absentmindedly traced the strap of her dress across her shoulder, making her shiver. Intertwining hands, they moved around the floor, their bodies touching in so many spots Alyssa had to concentrate to count them all.
The spot on her back where Grant had settled one hand seared from his heat. As he led her in wide circles across the floor, she tucked one of her own hands under his open coat and rested it on his waist, just above his belt. Her fingers toyed with his white cotton dress shirt. Only a slip of fabric distanced them from his skin. Her pulse increased while she imagined trailing her fingers over his bare torso in a room much more private than this one. She leaned into his shoulder, needing to calm the racing of her heart rate, then tilted her head back to stare into his eyes.
The music ended. Their bodies, so in tune with each other moments before, moving as one, their touches so natural, seemed awkward without music. Alyssa dropped her hands to her sides and stumbled away from him, suddenly feeling like a spotlight had located her in the crowd.
Grant closed the distance between them and took hold of her chin between his fingers. He leaned in and rested his mouth on hers and the world stopped. Conversation and laughter generated by the people around them became filtered. The noise was gone, the people were gone. All that was left on this dance floor – in this world – in this evening, were her and him.
In the back of her mind, an objection was being raised.
She ignored it. She pushed it away and sank into the kiss. She closed her eyes and concentrated on nothing but the warmth of his mouth on hers. His lips were tentative at first – seeking her invitation. She raised her hand to his chest, feeling the solid heartbeat that proved to her that this was a living, breathing man with needs and desires. Not just a legendary businessman, not just her firm’s newest client, but a man. At this moment, he was the man who made her yearn to fulfill her basest needs. She pulled him closer.
She ran a hand over his shoulder, plunging it into his hair. It was full and thick, but soft. She tugged on a strand and thrilled at the gasp she pulled from him, even as he pursued their kiss, refusing to break contact.
What other mysteries could be solved about this man? This man who’d changed her life already, this man who invaded her thoughts. She ran her hand across his cheek. His face was clean-shaven and warm and she rubbed her fingers over the faint stubble, exploring the surface of his face.
As he moved his tongue into her mouth she felt it two ways – her hand felt it as his mouth opened wider to make its delicious assault, and then … she came to her senses.
She gasped as the implications came crashing down on her. She was standing on the dance floor with Grant, getting kissed like she’d never been kissed in her life. And with her participation, she had encouraged him – invited him – to proceed. At a business dinner!
Impulse took charge. She ripped her lips from his and jerked herself out of his grasp. She avoided his gaze and not knowing what else to do, she turned and ran away, across the floor, out of the ballroom.
Chapter Seven
Grant watched her leave, panting slightly. He struggled to keep his expression mild while he cursed himself a blue streak in silence. His face felt heated and he knew he would benefit in more ways than one from a splash of cold water.
Fighting for control over his warring emotions, he stalked to a secluded table for two. He flung himself into a chair and scowled at the floor.
“You want to tell me what that was about?”
The words were delivered with controlled fury. Tony stood before him. Grant turned a stony stare to the man. He didn’t need this yahoo to inform him what an idiot he’d been.
“Well?”
Grant took a measured breath. “Move on, White.” Hopefully his icy tone would convince the other man to back off.
Tony studied him quietly for a moment. “Look, Fontaine, I saw you and Alyssa on the dance floor and I saw her storm off. She looked upset to me. Whatever you two do with mutual consent is none of my business.”
“The way I see it, it’s none of your business, regardless,” Grant interrupted.
“Oh, that’s where you’re wrong. I don’t know where you get off, or whether you’re such a user that all women succumb to your every move. But don’t make the mistake of including Alyssa in that expectation. Or else, you’ll have me to answer to.”
Fury roared in Grant’s ears and he tamped down the impulse to put this guy in his place. A fist delivered to his face would provide satisfaction right about now. On the other hand, Grant had to begrudgingly admire the guy. He was accustomed to men backing down when his tone made it clear that he didn’t want an intrusion. Not this time.
But damn it, he was right. He had no business kissing Alyssa on the dance floor; or anywhere else for that matter. Of course, Tony had no idea the scads of reasons why he shouldn’t be kissing Alyssa, and Grant wasn’t about to fill him in. But it was quite clear Alyssa had a colleague in her corner who couldn’t care less that Grant was their firm’s newest big spender. He cared only for Alyssa’s well-being and for that, Grant was grateful.
Even though it meant he’d have to eat crow while trying to retain whatever dignity he might have left.
He took a deep breath and exhaled. He looked up at Tony. “You’re right.”
Tony gave him a dubious look.
“Seriously, I stepped out of line, and you were right to call me on it. I’ll apologize to Alyssa and hopefully, she’ll forgive and forget.”
Tony opened his mouth and shut it. He narrowed his eyes and studied Grant’s face. “Just like that?”
Grant huffed a frustrated breath. “It had occurred to me that I’d made a mistake without you telling me, you know.”
Tony shrugged. “Okay.” He held out a hand. “No hard feelings?”
Grant paused, then accepted the shake. He watched Tony walk away, leaving him to wonder how long he should wait for Alyssa to cool down before going to find her.
* * * *
“You okay?”
Alyssa shifted her gaze in the mirror to see the woman standing behind her. Melinda, Tony’s date, gazed at her with concern in her eyes. No doubt had observed what a fool she’d made of herself on the dance floor in Grant’s arms, and wanted to offer comfort for her destroyed career.
“I’m fine. Just … mortified, that’s all.” Alyssa puffed out a breath, finished re-applying her lipstick and turned to look at Melinda.
“Don’t be. Hey, when a man who looks like that kisses you, it’s easy to lose your self-control.
” Melinda smiled.
Alyssa shook her head. “Not an excuse. That man is my client, not my boyfriend. I can’t imagine why I lost my head like that. And I wonder if I can recover.”
“What do you mean?”
Alyssa plopped into an upholstered chair in the corner. “First of all, I’m sure Grant doubts my professionalism now.”
Melinda giggled. “Looked to me like he started it, not you.”
Alyssa nodded, concentrating on the memory of that moment. “Yes, and that’s the other thing that bothers me. Why did he do it? Did he simply get caught up in a romantic moment? Fancy clothes, moonlight, music? Or did I do something to make him believe that I wanted a kiss from him?”
Melinda snorted. “You’re forgetting one thing. He’s a man. Men don’t need much encouragement. They’re conquerors.”
Alyssa looked over at Melinda and blushed. Melinda’s comments approached on “TMI” considering her “conqueror” was Alyssa’s mentor. “But forget why Grant kissed me. McDunn and Early associates could’ve been watching us. You know how rumors start. I can just imagine the doozy that will circulate around the water cooler next week. How I got Calibrite as a client, for one.” She sighed, fighting the urge to tear up. She’d worked too long and too hard, and was way too dedicated to let one false rumor diminish her track record. The urge to grind her stiletto heel into her own foot as punishment for her careless action was overwhelming.
“Sounds like you could use a drink. Come to the open bar with me?” Melinda stretched out a hand to help her out of the chair.
“Sure.” Pickling herself in alcohol was one way of dealing with her problems. Not her normal modus operandi, but right now, it didn’t sound half bad.
She’d barely stepped through the door when she spotted Grant lingering in the hallway. Melinda placed a hand on her arm and gave her an inquisitive look. “Your call.”
Grant stood with one hand in his pocket, the other rubbing his chin. His hair appeared a little rumpled. At the sight of her, he took a step forward, then stopped. “Alyssa.”
“Yes?”
“Could I talk to you?”
Hidden Agenda Page 7