Reforming the CEO (South Beach)

by Marisa Cleveland

  Date her? What on Earth was going on in this man’s mind? From charities to dating. Like he was interviewing her for a position she hadn’t applied for.

  She didn’t know how to answer him. His line of conversation threw her off-kilter. Yet, even though his rejection came out of nowhere, it hurt he’d be so blunt about not wanting to date her. Well, she could be equally as forward.

  “I never asked you to. I know your reputation.” She stood, prepared to storm out. But he stood, too, blocking her path.

  “It’s not that I’m not attracted to you—” He blinked at her. Then his shoulders sagged, and he whispered her name. “Reece.”

  She might have heard regret in his voice, but she also might have made that up. What she didn’t make up was the little zing when he tucked a finger under her chin and then traced a line to a piece of hair that had fallen in her face. With a gentle tenderness, he slipped the strand behind her ear. “You’re not exactly a girl I could—” He licked his lips. “You’re not— I suspect you’re a hearts and flowers kind of girl.” He threw the words at her like an accusation.

  He’d said he couldn’t date her. Like he’d actually considered it. Like he wanted to date her. She should be pissed he’d be so blunt, but he didn’t say why he couldn’t date her.

  And now that he’d thrown that out there, she grabbed it and examined it and liked what she saw.

  Dating Vincent Ferguson.

  You should date for fun, not for forever.

  She blew out an unsteady breath. Damn. Maybe she was crazy to say what she was about to say, but assessing the way his chest rose and fell, maybe he was attracted to her, too.

  She bit the inside of her cheek and then blurted, “For the record, I don’t want to date you, but I wouldn’t say no to sex.”

  This was why she’d come to his office—she’d wanted to see him. She’d wanted to confront him about why he’d turned so cold to her on Monday night, when she thought they were flirting and maybe heading somewhere fun. Not into a relationship. She was done with those. For a while, anyway. And she was pretty sure, given the quick internet search she’d done on him, he hadn’t had a steady girlfriend since undergrad.

  Sometime since last Friday, she’d developed a tiny crush on the man, and standing so close to him, his intoxicating scent clouding her judgment, she couldn’t think of a better way to pass the summer months. She knew his reputation, but he’d hit a sore spot—at one time, she might have been a hearts and flowers kind of girl. Everyone expected her to find a man and get married. But the last two relationships had been disappointing, to say the least. She wanted to stray from the image in her mind of the perfect life. And she wanted to stray with him.

  For ten seconds, she couldn’t read his expression. Then his deep laugh burst into the quiet of the office. “I’m not sure how to respond.”

  Well, at least he hadn’t said no.

  “I want to do it on a boat, on a balcony, and on a bridge, and I want to do it with you.” His widened eyes pushed her to say, “And if you could figure out a way for us to do it under a waterfall, in a river, and on an air mattress in the back of a pickup truck in the middle of an orange grove, I wouldn’t object.”

  He stared at her, his jaw clenched and his lips pressed into a firm line. “Fine.”

  “Fine?” Had he just agreed to have sex with her? Had she really asked?

  With a curt nod, he confirmed, “Fine. Yes. I’ll give you the boat, the bridge, and the balcony, but I need a favor.”

  Yes! She’d won. For once in her life, she’d— “Anything,” she breathed, and she meant it. He could ask her for the moon, and she’d figure out a way to disrupt the Earth’s gravitational pull for him. It scared her to realize how easy it was for her to step out of her self-imposed box.

  He chuckled. “You’re a terrible negotiator.”

  “Not true. I’m just feeling—magnanimous right now.” And a little hot under the collar. No one would dispute Vincent Ferguson’s hotness factor. And from the way women flocked around him, she could imagine he’d show her a new trick or two in the bedroom. In fact, the more she thought about dating for fun, the more she relaxed. Hmmm. Why hadn’t Amelie told her to date for fun sooner?

  Vin’s lips—very kissable lips—pressed into a tight line. “I need a girlfriend for the summer.”

  Of all the favors he could’ve asked, asking her to be his girlfriend wasn’t something she would’ve guessed. She frowned and then pressed a finger against the wrinkle between her brows. “Uh, okay. So, you do remember how you just said you can’t date me?”

  He shook his head, a small grin tilting one side of his mouth. “Yes, I remember. And I want to be clear about that. We aren’t dating. Just”—he lifted a shoulder—“attending some events together.”

  She got it. “Ah. This is about business. Your IPO? So you look reliable?”

  “Yes.” He sounded surprised that she’d guessed, but she knew how his world worked. It was her world, too.

  “How many events?”

  “Boat, balcony, bridge, waterfall, river, orange grove.” His large fingers extended as he spoke. “Six events.”

  “Done.”

  Chapter Five

  After her daredevil challenge with Vin, Reece headed to see her oldest brother to settle another matter. She entered this CEO’s office without any hesitation and dropped a stack of scholarship applications on the conference table in Landon’s private boardroom. “I swear, kids these days have too much going on.”

  Her older brother didn’t even glance up from his tablet. “I don’t disagree.”

  “So why do we ask them to list their extracurricular activities? It perpetuates the necessity to be overly involved.”

  That got his attention, and he lowered the tablet to meet her gaze. “Are you ready to revamp the scholarship program? Take over from Candace?”

  An awkward frisson of fear skated up her spine, and her palms moistened. “I’m not sure. I just said I’d read through these while she was out of town with Dad.”

  Even after graduating with her masters in project management and working for two years at an education foundation in Washington, D.C., she still hesitated accepting the role she’d always planned to take. CEO of Rowe International had been reserved for Landon, COO for Christopher, but their foundation, the charitable branch of their corporation, that one had Reece’s name reserved since they’d adopted her, and one day she would step up. Now would be the perfect time, now that she and Amelie planned to stay in the area.

  Landon inhaled sharply. “If you don’t want to be part of the solution, then please don’t criticize the problem.”

  Sometimes her brother could be a pompous ass. “I merely said—”

  He cut her off with that famous Landon Rowe eyebrow arch.

  She pressed her lips together for as long as she could. Then she charged forward and placed both her palms flat on his desk. “Landon.”

  His expression softened, and he actually let out a bark resembling a laugh. “Did you just Landon me?”

  “I did!” She straightened. “Can’t you just assign someone to fix it? At least until Dad and Candace come back from their latest vacation.” Rowe International employed the top graduates from around the country. Surely, one of them could lead the foundation. Someone already on the board. Someone who wouldn’t mess it up. The critics would really come out of the woodwork for her.

  Landon shrugged. “Of course I could.”

  “So, why don’t you?”

  His shoulders shook as he laughed silently. “You won’t like my answer.”

  She crossed her arms and waited.

  “Because I want you to head the program.” He frowned. “No. I want you to do more than head the program. I want you to revitalize the whole damn thing.”

  “Why me?” There had to be thousands of people eager to jump on board.

  “Because you’re the best one to make positive changes.”

  She sighed. “What if I’m not? The
best one?”

  “Accept the offer and find out. What do you have to lose?”

  It was just like her brother to be so offhanded about asking her to take over the foundation her mother built from nothing and against the wishes of her father.

  “Landon, if I fail, it’s more than me losing. All those people depending on the foundation will lose, too. It’s not that simple.” The weight of the responsibility might crush her. At one time, she’d wanted to be that girl, the one who could solve all the inequities of the world. But not after she’d been swindled by her first serious boyfriend in college. He’d wreaked havoc on her heart and her self-esteem.

  Her brother gave a long-suffering sigh and shook his head. “I know you left because something happened, but I wish you’d talk to me about it. Or someone. Talk to someone.”

  If only Landon could live a day in her skin. But he couldn’t. He grew up with a different set of standards—he’d grown up with people expecting him to do great things. She’d been adopted as the baby someone hadn’t wanted, and no matter how much she tried to be perfect, she’d never quite felt good enough. If the Foundation would be her legacy, then she didn’t want to fail, and she just wasn’t ready.

  “I’m fine. I mean, I left for college. I’m back. Just give me some time.”

  “You left for college then stayed away for two more years after that for grad school. Christopher and I had a bet Mom would return before you. I won.”

  “How much?” Just like her brother to make money off her life. He’d been the one to mention the refurbishing of the condos she and Amelie purchased. No wonder he’d wanted her to return. He had a bet on it.

  “Five grand.” He chuckled, as if enjoying the memory, and then waved a hand to clear the thought. “Look, I’m not going to push. But those teens deserve someone more invested in their future. Candace wants to have a baby.”

  “With Dad?” None of the other three wives who’d succeeded Reece’s mother had wanted children. But Wife Number Five did?

  Landon shrugged like it didn’t matter one way or the other. “She’s forty. She wants a kid. Can’t say I blame her. Having a Rowe would certainly secure her future.”

  Ass. Her brother could sound so cold at times. But when he put it like that, Reece wanted to jump on board immediately—she just couldn’t wrap her mind around managing the Foundation staff. On a small scale, she could delegate and supervise, but lead an entire nonprofit team with a budget in the millions? Her palms dampened at the thought.

  “Let me think about all it would entail to take over and revamp the programs.”

  “Fine. But here’s another stack of scholarship applications. Take them?” His tone softened, but the ice in his gaze did not, and just like when she was little and lost the wagon race, she felt like she was letting Landon down.

  She hugged the folder to her chest and sighed. Would she ever feel good enough?

  …

  It was one of the most torturous weekends in his life. Vin couldn’t concentrate, and it was all Reece Rowe’s fault.

  Of course she didn’t want to date him. But use him for sex…that was how she saw him. She’d rattled off those places too easily, like she’d had fantasies on her mind for some time. Not so goody-goody after all. That really shook him, because instead of reviewing spreadsheets and bottom lines, he was thinking about bedsheets and her bottom.

  This didn’t happen to him—he didn’t get distracted over a woman. Ever. And he’d had more than his fair share try to tempt him. He wouldn’t lose focus just because some spoiled socialite suggested they trade favors. He’d give her what she wanted, and he’d give his board what they wanted, but that would be all.

  One summer, and everything he ever worked for would finally come into fruition.

  By Sunday night, lounging on his back deck alone, he was ready to put this plan into motion. After whipping out his phone, he shot her a text and waited.

  Minutes later, Reece exited onto the back deck, wearing a T-shirt and jeans like she’d shown up in his office on Friday. And same as Friday, the casual clothes rattled him. No way should a thin, gray T-shirt look that good on any woman, but damn if the snug fit over her full breasts didn’t unnerve him. His heart sped up as she strolled over to where their two decks connected with a waist-high rail and leaned on the wood. “Hello, neighbor.”

  Relief at seeing her hit him hard, and he pushed up from his chair and joined her. “You got my text.” He hadn’t been entirely sure she’d come outside, even though he’d seen her car in the parking garage.

  “I did.” She gave him a little smile that shouldn’t have his pulse pounding, but it did.

  “I see you’re doing the out-of-character thing again.” He gestured to her outfit.

  “I wanted to clarify that. I wasn’t talking about you being out of character at Lacey’s.”

  She’d insinuated he was more in character wearing chambray shirts than designer suits, but he’d heard that insult enough over the years it hadn’t surprised him. Just pissed him off. Right now, with the way the V-neck of her T-shirt dipped open enough as she leaned on her elbows, he couldn’t care about anything except how his mouth watered. They had a deal, and very soon, he’d get to taste all of her. “Doesn’t matter. I like the look on you.”

  “Good. Because this”—she straightened and gestured down her very delicious body—“is my preferred outfit.”

  She didn’t lean over again, which was too bad, but it gave him a moment to concentrate on something other than her cleavage.

  “I think we should have a game plan.” It wasn’t the sex that would be tricky; it was where she wanted to have sex. All outdoors. His whole reason for wanting her to attend some events with him was to make sure the business world understood he was more than models and mayhem, like one reporter dubbed his antics.

  This time, her smile made it all the way to her midnight eyes when she whispered, “For our summer of secrets.”

  They locked gazes while he processed her words before letting out a low chuckle. “Is that what you’re calling it?” Summer of secrets. Had a conspiratorial ring he found intriguing. And the way she said it brought images of slow, sultry nights where he could take his time unraveling her controlled image. He’d skipped dinner, but the gnawing ache slamming into his stomach had nothing to do with hunger and everything to do with wanting to kiss Reece. He couldn’t remember the last time he’d been this turned on.

  She shrugged. “Well, yeah. We both have our reasons for keeping our arrangement secret, right?”

  “Care to tell me yours?” He had a feeling her request for sex hadn’t been planned, and spontaneous wasn’t a word he’d ever use to describe Reece Rowe.

  She bit her lip before she said, “Not a chance.”

  “Listen,” he said quietly, shoving his hands in his front pockets. “I want to thank you for agreeing to this.” He didn’t know if he meant the fake dating or the sex or both, but she could interpret his gratitude however she wanted. All he knew was if he had to spend a summer fake dating a socialite and he got some side action in the process, well, he’d make his appreciation very clear.

  She waved a dismissive hand through the air. “Truthfully, it’s refreshing being up front about it. I’ve dated enough men for all the wrong reasons. If this one will help you out business-wise, so be it.”

  “Why? Why would you do this for me?” It couldn’t be just the sex. He had a reputation, but surely she hadn’t chosen him because he was reportedly a rock star in bed. She could get any guy in South Beach, heck, the whole planet, to make her fantasies come to life. His body tensed at that thought.

  She bit her lower lip, drawing his attention to her very kissable mouth. “I guess it’s because you’re convenient.” As if realizing how that sounded, she quickly added, “Because you live right next door.”

  Her answer sounded less than genuine, but he wasn’t about to dig deeper. Not when his cock twitched with anticipation. “Same here,” he agreed. “Care to join
me for a drink?” He motioned to his patio furniture. “We can hammer out the details.”

  When she gave a brief nod, he expected her to walk down her stairs and up his side. Instead she hitched her leg over the rail and landed next to him with impossible grace. Acrobatic. Noted.

  His brain calculated all the ways he could position her while her legs wrapped around him. He’d cup her ass, haul her against the wall, and— He rubbed his hands through his hair. “I have some white wine inside. Let me grab it.”

  Even in jeans and a T-shirt, she sank onto the sofa with the grace of a queen wearing a ball gown, and once again their difference in breeding caught him in the gut. It happened less frequently since he’d become a multimillionaire, but little things constantly reminded him of his socioeconomic roots.

  …

  When Vin returned with the wine, Reece clapped her hands. “I love Scandal!”

  This was a great sign. He had her favorite stemware, and the wine was white, just like she preferred, and she couldn’t wait to solidify the details of their summer of secrets.

  He frowned. “Scandal?”

  She pretended exaggerated shock as she took the wineglass from him. “You don’t even know what I’m talking about?”

  “Guilty.” He plopped down next to her, his thigh almost touching her thigh.

  Could she feel the warmth from his leg through her jeans, or was that heat her imagination? Taking a tiny sip and finding the light, fruity aroma appealing, she asked, “Who gave you these glasses?”

  He leaned back in the cushions, cupping the bowl of his glass with both hands. “My sister.”

  The way his palms framed the delicate stemware made his hands look gigantic. Manly. Hands that could easily… Wow, she needed to save those thoughts for later. With a tiny smile over the rim, she said, “Well, I bet she’s a Scandal fan.”

  He sipped and said, “She teaches kindergarten. I don’t think she’s ever been in a scandal.”