One Sizzling Touch

by Tina Folsom

  She swallowed hard and had difficulties uttering a coherent sentence. “What is—”

  “I have to show you something.”

  “What?”

  “Proof that I’m innocent. Henderson will pick you up in the limousine.”

  “But—”

  “Please trust me. Just this once. After that you can do what you want and I will never bother you again. You owe me this. And you owe it to yourself.”

  She hesitated, while her eyes wandered back to the list of subsidiaries in front of her. Zinfluence, she read again. Something was going on, and the more she thought about Steve’s new job, the more doubts about Zach’s guilt crept in. Could she really deny him this one wish?

  “Please.” His voice conjured up memories of bliss and reminded her of the happy hours she’d spent with him.

  Before her brain could register that she’d already made her decision, the words rolled over her lips. “Right now?”

  “He’s waiting downstairs in front of the building for you. You can’t miss him.”

  There was a click in the line, and Zach was gone.

  She was still holding the receiver in her hand. Her heart pounded in her chest all the way up to her throat, and she felt her palms perspire. Had she made the right decision?

  “Nicole, I’ve got to run a quick errand. When Antonio comes back with the subpoena, please wait for me before you head to the bank, ok?” She rose and grabbed her handbag.

  “Sure,” Nicole answered from the other side of the divider. “What is…”

  But Rochelle was already hurrying toward the elevator, not wanting to have to make up an excuse to her colleague’s unfinished question.

  In front of the building, the same dark limousine with which Zach’s chauffeur had once driven her home was waiting for her. Henderson stood next to it and opened the passenger door for her.

  “Miss Wright.”

  “Thank you.” She looked over her shoulder, reassuring herself that nobody was watching her, before she got into the dark interior.

  Behind her, the driver shut the door.

  Only once she leaned back in the comfortable leather seats, did she notice that she wasn’t alone. A gasp escaped her.

  “Miss Wright, I’m Xavier Eamon, a friend of Zach’s.” The man offered his hand, and she shook it hesitantly.

  The limousine started moving, and Rochelle quickly assessed the stranger. He had dark hair and was slim. He wore a tailor-made suit and appeared elegant and well groomed. His voice was deep and calming.

  “What is this about?”

  He smiled at her and looked at his watch. “We only have about fifteen minutes, so please listen carefully. Zach found out who’s trying to pin the insider trading on him. And my friends and I are setting a trap for the culprit.”

  Then he started explaining the plan.

  25

  Zach adjusted his tie and felt the tiny microphone that was attached underneath the knot. A thin cable ran along the underside of the tie and then disappeared between two buttons of his shirt, where it led to a small receiver. Its reach wasn’t far, but it didn’t matter, because his friends were close by.

  The Champagne Bar at the Plaza Hotel at Central Park was relatively empty this time of day. Only a few tables were occupied, and Zach had chosen one from which he could watch the entrance. He didn’t have to wait long.

  Emily Grover, dressed as elegantly as ever, entered the large room and ignored the host, who stood at the entrance. Zach rose and waved to her, smiling.

  When she saw him, she walked to him. A broad smile lay on her red painted lips and he could see that she’d added an extra helping of make-up today. A wave of expensive perfume reached him and robbed him of his breath, when she stopped at his table.

  “Zach, this is really unexpected.”

  “It’s nice to see you.” He kissed her on both cheeks and pointed to the chair opposite his.

  She sat down. “What’s so important that you wanted to see me right away?”

  Zach reached for the bottle of champagne that stood in an ice bucket next to the table. “May I pour you a glass?”

  “Please.”

  When he filled her glass, he noticed that she seemed to become more curious by the second.

  “Well, just tell me already what this is about.”

  He placed the glass in front of her and took a deep breath. “Emily, do you remember our last meeting, when we spoke in the coffee shop of my building?”

  She nodded and stiffened somewhat because she obviously remembered that he’d rejected her attempt at getting closer back then. “Of course.” The smile on her lips disappeared.

  “I’d like to apologize. I was under a lot of pressure that day, and you just caught me at the wrong moment.” He took a deep breath and reached for her hand, stroking his fingers over the back of it.

  Emily’s eyes widened in surprise, but she relaxed visibly.

  “I have to confess that your words made me think. During the last few days I’ve come to realize that we are alike in so many ways.”

  “Zach…” A seductive smile spread over her lips, but her charm was wasted on him like on a piece of furniture. He was drawn to Emily as little as he was drawn to a rattlesnake.

  “Please, let me finish.”

  She batted her eyelashes at him. “Please.”

  His throat was dry from all the lies he was dishing up. He reached for his glass. She lifted hers, and he clinked his glass to hers. Drinking from his champagne bought him a few seconds of time.

  “Emily, I was very surprised to find out that you’re really interested in me. After all, I heard rumors that you were getting married again. And I didn’t want to step into anybody else’s territory…” He let the sentence hang there, and she swallowed the bait.

  “Oh, Zach. Those rumors… people understood wrong.” She looked deep into his eyes, and he had difficulty keeping his friendly facade alive. “Of course I’d love to get married again…” She put her hand over his. “But only to the right man… a man like you.”

  The conversation was heading in the right direction, so it was time to get ready for the blow.

  He looked out through the large windows and sighed. “Emily, I wish it were that easy, but I really can’t drag you into my problems. It wouldn’t be fair.” He looked back at her. “You were right. The SEC is investigating me for insider trading. And the way the case looks right now, it doesn’t look good for me. I’m sure you don’t want to be involved in a scandal like that.”

  He withdrew his hand from her hold and leaned back in his chair.

  “The evidence is too damning.”

  Emily leaned over the table, lowering her voice. “But you can fight it.”

  “How, Emily? They’ve found bank account statements at my place. For the account with which those trades had been made. They’re going to convict me. I don’t know how to fight that.” He tossed her a smile that he had to force onto his lips. “So you have to understand that there can’t be anything between us. Even though I want it.” He sighed. “Emily, you’re a beautiful woman. Any man would be happy to hold you in his arms and make love to you. Including me. But with the SEC breathing down my neck… I can’t do this to you.”

  “But the bank account statements don’t even have your name on them. Anybody could have hidden them in your house in Bridgehampton. With all the parties you have there, so many people would have had access.”

  Bingo! Emily was so keen on turning him into her fourth husband that she’d thrown caution to the wind. “How do you know that?”

  She froze. “Know what?”

  “I didn’t mention that the bank statements were found in my house in the Hamptons or that the account wasn’t in my name.”

  Even though she was caught, she didn’t give up easily and tried to save the situation. “But of course you just said that. How else would I know?” She laughed, a fake sound if he’d ever heard one. “You’re just under stress. I understand that. Who wouldn�
�t be stressed? We’d better discuss how we can get you out of this mess.”

  He dropped his mask. “I know exactly how I can get out of this mess. By getting you to admit that you planted the evidence and were trying to pin this on me.”

  She shot up from her chair. “That’s outrageous! How dare you accuse me of this? And here I was trying to help you.”

  He grabbed her arm and pulled her down onto her chair. “Sit down! We’re not done.”

  Emily huffed indignantly and crossed her arms over her chest.

  “What was your plan? First you plant incriminating evidence so that I’ll be accused of insider trading, and then you try to help me get out of it? That’s strange, don’t you think? Or were you planning to soften me up by offering your help? Did you really think that I’d get involved with you if you helped me out of this situation? Is that why you told everybody that you would marry again soon?”

  His fury was boiling over now, and finally Emily, too, lost her cool.

  “You can’t prove anything!” She stabbed her index finger into the table. “It’s your word against mine. And who’s gonna believe a man who’s accused of insider trading?” She laughed coldly. “As if I still wanted you now!”

  He leaned over the table, his voice a deep growl now. “I wouldn’t touch you if you were the last woman on earth. What you need is a lapdog, not a man.”

  “I think our conversation is over.” She rose and looked down on him. “I hope you’ll have time in prison to regret your words.”

  “Funny,” Zach said and rose slowly, “I was going to say the same to you.” He smiled and looked over Emily’s shoulder toward the entrance. From there two men approached.

  “Before you leave,” he added, “may I introduce somebody?” He pointed past her, and Emily turned.

  She froze, and a gasp issued from her throat.

  “Oh, my mistake. You already know each other, don’t you?”

  Next to Wade stood the actor who’d opened the bank account under the name of John Miller. Now that he was dressed normally and wasn’t wearing stage make-up or any kind of disguise, he didn’t look as much like Zach, even though he was similar in type and stature.

  The actor nodded. “That’s her. She hired me to play you and open the account.”

  “That’s a lie!” Emily screamed.

  “You can tell the district attorney,” Rochelle interrupted from behind Zach.

  He turned, relieved that Rochelle had come, even though it hurt to see her and know at the same time that what they’d had was over.

  ~ ~ ~

  Rochelle tried not to look at Zach directly, because then she wouldn’t be able to do her job and would probably break out in tears and start apologizing for not having believed him.

  She’d been in a room next door with Xavier, who stood beside her now, and listened in on the whole conversation. She’d heard each and every condemning word. And if that alone hadn’t been enough, there was still the testimony of the actor who’d admitted to being Emily’s accomplice.

  “It’s over, Miss Grover.”

  “You’ll never be able to prove this!” Miss Grover pointed to the actor. “I’ve never seen this man before. He’s lying.” The high-pitched sound of her voice suggested that she knew well enough that she was lying.

  The actor huffed and pointed to her. “She paid me.” He lifted his chin in Zach’s direction. “She claimed that it was a joke she was playing on you. I didn’t know… Will I get in trouble with the police now?”

  “As I told you already, I’ll make sure you get the best attorney out there. I’ll pay for it,” Zach answered.

  Rochelle nodded to the actor. “That won’t be necessary. If you turn state’s evidence, I’ll make sure you get immunity. Give me everything you have to help me convict Miss Grover, and nothing will happen to you.”

  “Convict…” Resignation was evident when Emily Grover uttered the word. Finally she seemed to understand what kind of trouble she was in, and that she couldn’t fool anybody any longer.

  Rochelle let her gaze sweep over her. Had she really wanted Zach so much that she’d employed any means to get him?

  And herself? How far would she go to win back Zach’s affection? She felt disappointment crash over her. She’d lost. She hadn’t trusted him enough to fight against the overwhelming evidence against him. He probably hated her for that. After all, on the phone he’d said that after today he’d never bother her again. His words had a finality to them. He didn’t want to see her anymore.

  Rochelle felt that she could barely keep on her feet any longer. She turned to Xavier. During the drive here she’d gotten the impression that he was a man who could be relied upon.

  “Xavier, would you accompany Miss Grover and make sure she doesn’t leave town until I can get a warrant for her arrest?”

  “Warrant for my arrest?” Miss Grover gasped.

  Rochelle nodded. “Obstruction of justice and insider trading, since you were the one executing the trade in question. I’m sure Mr. Ivers will want to sue you in civil court, too, but that’s up to him.”

  Her face turned ashen.

  “It’ll be my pleasure,” Xavier answered to Rochelle’s request and nodded to Miss Grover. “Miss Grover? Where would you like to spend the last few hours of your freedom?” He gripped her elbow and led her outside.

  Rochelle’s stomach fluttered when she slowly turned toward Zach. She swallowed hard, but didn’t know what to say to him. Their gazes met, but she couldn’t stand it and looked away.

  “I’ll make sure that the case against you is closed with immediate effect and that your passport is returned to you.” Her throat became dry. “On behalf of the SEC, I would like to apologize to you. All evidence…” She broke off and tried again. “Everything led us to believe…” But she couldn’t do it. “I’m so sorry…”

  Her tears cut off her ability to speak.

  Escape was her only option.

  She turned on her heel and ran outside. She thought she heard Zach call her name, but it was probably wishful thinking. She hadn’t trusted him. How could he ever forgive her?

  Trust was the basis for every relationship. Without trust they had nothing but a few memories of passionate nights and heart-stopping, stolen kisses. Nothing lasting. No future.

  26

  Zach jumped out of the taxi that had stopped in front of the main entrance of the New York-Presbyterian Hospital in Manhattan, and rushed inside. At the information board, he looked for the right department and found the way to the women’s clinic.

  He didn’t have to ask for any directions, when he arrived there moments later. Several of his friends already sat in the waiting room.

  “Hey, Zach!” Michael called out to him and patted Wade, who sat next to him, on the arm.

  Xavier stood near the vending machine, getting himself a coffee. He looked over his shoulder. “You haven’t missed anything yet.”

  Hunter came marching back from the restrooms. “Hey, Zach, how’s it going?”

  Zach nodded at his friends. “Has Daniel said anything yet about how Sabrina is doing?”

  Wade grinned. “He came out a half hour ago. White as a sheet.” He jabbed Michael in the side. “I think the contractions are hurting him more than his wife.”

  Zach laughed for the first time in days.

  Normally he wouldn’t have come to the hospital just to wait for a former member of the Eternal Bachelors Club to become a father, but he couldn’t spend another night staring at his walls. He’d done that three nights in a row already. Tonight he’d at least spend a few hours with his friends and celebrate the arrival of Daniel’s son or daughter. Maybe that would lift his mood and stop him from thinking of Rochelle.

  “Do they have anything stronger than coffee here?” he asked.

  Xavier shrugged and took a sip from his coffee. “Afraid not. But as soon as the baby is here, we’ll go out to celebrate. You’re coming with us, right?”

  The hesitant glance his
friend tossed him made him even more aware of the fact that he’d withdrawn over the last few days. “Sure, why not?”

  “Just saying.” Xavier exchanged a look with Wade before adding, “Any news from Rochelle?”

  Zach stiffened immediately. “I’m not expecting to hear from her.” When he heard footsteps and voices behind him, he breathed a sigh of relief at not having to continue this conversation. He pivoted and saw Paul arrive with his very pregnant wife, Holly. “Well, well, look who’s here!”

  Holly laughed, glowing. “I can’t let my best friend go through childbirth without me.”

  Paul had his arm around her waist as if trying to take the heavy burden of her pregnant belly off her. “Hey, guys.” He motioned to a chair. “Don’t you want to sit down, baby?”

  Holly made a motion of refusal. “I’d rather see if they’ll let me in her room. Sabrina sent me a text saying she left my name with the nurse so they’d let me in.”

  She kissed Paul and waddled to the nurse’s station, where a nurse was sorting through a stack of files. Zach noticed how lovingly Paul looked at Holly and how his other friends watched her, too. Her blond locks reached almost to her behind and even in the sixth or seventh month of pregnancy Holly still had an amazing figure, which her husband seemed to be unable to get enough of.

  Damn, he had to turn away from this. He couldn’t stand seeing so much love and happiness in one evening. Maybe it had been a bad idea to come here. It would have been better to go somewhere and get drunk. Not his local bar though, since everything there reminded him of Rochelle.

  Paul tapped him on the shoulder. “Congratulations on convincing the SEC that you’re innocent.”

  Zach forced a smile on his lips. “I wouldn’t have managed it without everybody’s help.” He nodded at them in thanks. “I owe you guys.”

  “You can pay for the drinks tonight,” Hunter agreed. “I’m rather thirsty.”

  All his friends laughed, all except for Xavier. His taciturn friend only looked at him intensely. When Paul joined the others, Zach walked to the vending machine and got a—probably awful—black coffee. He didn’t have to look over his shoulder to know who’d joined him.