“Thank you.” He laughed. “And no, I’ve never gone to such lengths to impress a woman.”
“I’m honored.” Nervous, she sipped her wine, glancing around the neutral-colored room. The leather sofa and matching chair were centered before a brick fireplace and a massive flat screen television.
Steven swallowed a mouthful of wine, and then placed his glass on the maple coffee table. He shifted to face her, resting his arm along the back cushions. “Christina, I know we’ve only known each other a few weeks, but in that time…” He shook his head. “I think I might be falling for you.”
Her heart skipped a beat. Could it be possible? Was this powerful, gorgeous guy falling for her? “I…”
He placed a finger over her lips. “No, please. Let me continue.” He settled against the cushions. “That night, when we first met, I acted like a jerk. You terrified me.”
Liking where this conversation was going, she raised an eyebrow.
He smiled. “You cast a spell over me. I couldn’t take my eyes off you. I didn’t even realize I was walking until I stepped in front of you.”
She traced her fingertips through the light hairs on his arm, working up to the thick muscle under the hem of his black T-shirt. She longed to pull the shirt from his grey dress pants, to run her hands over the muscles in his chest. “You should have just told me, instead of accusing me of sleeping my way to the top.”
“I’ve been hurt in the past, witnessing first-hand how ruthless women can be when they want something. I guess my defenses shot into gear. I believed you were after status and money. Even though I prayed you weren’t.”
During her studies in university, Christina had observed many female students flirt with professors in hopes to propel their careers. Their lack of self-respect made her stomach heave. She moved her fingers from his muscular arm to trail to the edge of his strong cheekbone, remembering the slap that had stung his face. “I believe I repaid you nicely for thinking badly of me.”
He captured her hand and pressed her palm to his lips. “You sure did.” He placed her glass on the table and tugged her into the haven of his arms. “I’ve been meaning to talk to you about something”
Intrigued, she gazed in his eyes, but continued her pleasant exploration of the muscles in his chest.
“One of the lawyers in my department is transferring to another location. His position will be vacant by the end of the month.” He twirled a strand of her hair around his finger. “They’re seeking candidates to replace him.”
“Really?” Christina’s attention was swayed from her fingers’ quest. His statement captured the driven professional in her.
“I could put in a good word for you?”
“No, don’t do that. People might think…”
“What my senseless head thought?”
A sharp snap from the fire echoed in the room. She stared at the golden flames flickering in the fireplace. If or when she applied, she couldn’t have anyone assume she became a lawyer any other way than to have earned the position on her own merit, through her grades and job performance. “I’d rather you didn’t say anything. I don’t think I’m ready. I still have a few months until I finish my degree.”
He slipped his finger under her chin and lifted her face, waiting until she met his gaze. “You have a good chance. Ted said you’re the best assistant he’s ever had. With the two of us on your side…”
Christina shook her head. The conversation was cooling the warm mood. “Can we talk about something else besides work?”
“At least promise me, you’ll apply.”
She considered what this opportunity would do for her career—a definite move in the right direction, too important to pass. “I’ll think about it, as long as you promise not to say anything.”
Steven flicked his thumb and index finger over his lips, as if turning a lock.
“Now where were we?” She cuddled under his shoulder, planting kisses along his chin and neck.
“I’m good with more of that.” He smiled.
His blue-eyed gaze scorched her skin. “You should wear T-shirts more often.” She leaned closer to his lips.
“I thought my business suits attracted you.” He chuckled.
“Oh, you look devilishly handsome in those, too.” She teased.
“That dress you’re wearing is driving me crazy.”
She waved him off with a flick of her wrist. “What, this old thing?” He didn’t need to know she’d spent her lunch hour scouring boutiques for the perfect dress.
With a warm palm, he stroked her cheek and then slid a hand around her neck, tangling his fingers in her hair. Steven pulled her even closer, his lips hovering near hers.
The wine on his breath mingled with the woody scent of his skin, sending a stimulating rush of desire through her body. A tense moment hung in the air before he covered her mouth with his. He kissed her gently at first and tightened his fingers in her hair, deepening their kiss.
Her heartbeat galloped. She gasped a breath and clung to his strong arms.
Steven’s tongue danced with hers.
Christina moaned and wrapped her arms around his neck. She tugged his shirt from his pants and ran a hand along his bare six-pack.
A growl sounded from the back of his throat.
Heated desire swept over her and her will to resist was long forgotten. All doubts were checked at the door.
A chill brushed her skin as he slowly backed away. He stayed riveted on her gaze, his breathing labored and unsteady. “We need to stop, or I’ll lose any control I promised to keep.”
“Do you want to stop?” she whispered, lifting his shirt higher, smoothing both hands over his sculpted abs. She couldn’t resist the temptation to see more of him, and pulled the black cotton material over his head. Damn! He was beautiful. Tanned and ripped, a row of strong muscles along each side of his ribs, his stomach tight and covered in a soft layer of light hair. She spread her fingers over his chest.
“Christina,” he muttered, his lips hot on her cheek. “I think…”
“Don’t think.” She stood and reached back, tugging the zipper of her dress. It slid down her body and landed in a pool at her feet.
He sharply inhaled and met her intense gaze.
Her body trembled with anticipation. She stepped from the rumpled material.
Steven’s chest heaved up and down. He placed a hand on her shoulder and eased her back to the plush carpeting, lying beside her in front of the fireplace. He kissed her cheeks, her forehead, and her nose, using the tip of his tongue to tease a kiss from her lips.
She trembled under his touch as an intense tidal wave swelled within her, ready to burst. She wound her arms around his neck and pulled his head down. There was no turning back.
Chapter Eight
Spending the night with Steven was even better than Christina imagined. She’d kissed a lot of men before, yet could count on one hand the number of times she had sex. No one would ever accuse her of being promiscuous. She leaned closer to the side of celibacy, focusing on her studies and never being swayed by a handsome face. Though she wasn’t naive enough to believe love was required to sleep with someone, she respected the values her parents taught her that making love should not be taken lightly.
Unlike herself, she assumed Steven would be a master at lovemaking, and hoped she didn’t disappoint with her lack of experience. Last night was the most stimulating and hottest moment in her life.
When her head warned they were moving too fast, she refused to believe she had made mistake number three.
After a fervent night of passion, they spent the morning in bed. Christina longed to stay wrapped in his arms, but she wanted to swing by the office. The career-minded business woman in her never rested when opportunity knocked. In her regular schedule, she was up and out the door by seven. When she glanced at the nightstand clock, she saw the display read past ten.
Christina left him a note on the bedside table and hurried home to shower and chang
e. Tanya was already gone, allowing Christina a reprieve from answering the many questions she knew her sister would ask about the overnight date. Half an hour later, she walked into her office, wearing an afterglow. Nothing could ruin her mood today. She was on top of the world.
Clicking the keys of her computer with speed, she put the final touches on her resume. She picked up the printed copy and slipped it into a manila envelope, wetted the flap, and sealed it closed. She scribbled Phil’s name across the top and pushed her chair away from the desk.
Management personnel were in a meeting, so she hoped to leave the envelope with Phil’s assistant and sneak back out before anyone else spotted her. Then she’d return to Steven’s with breakfast, and continue where they left off in the wee morning hours, before exhaustion set in. Christina reached under her desk for her bag and headed for the elevator.
“Going somewhere?”
She jumped at the sound of Ben’s voice. She tucked the envelope under the jacket she had draped across her arm and turned. “Ben, what’s up?”
“You’re in an awful hurry.” He raised a brow.
“I have some research to do for a case Ted and I are working on today.” She lied and stepped backward into the open elevator.
Ben glanced down the hall and frowned. “Need help?”
“No, thank you. I’m good.”
Ben most likely had applied for the lawyer position, and he’d certainly get his back up if he found out she planned to, as well. His competitiveness revealed a whole other side of his personality, one she didn’t want to deal with this morning.
“I must be going.” She pressed the Door Close button.
Ben reached out, blocking the door with his arm. “Would you like to get lunch later?” He searched the hallway again, his hand fidgeting at his side.
He was acting strange—stranger than normal. “Are you okay?” She poked her head out the doorway and followed Ben’s gaze down the hall.
He snatched her arm and tugged her out of the elevator. “Do you have a minute?”
She shrugged off his grip. “I have to go.” The doors closed behind her with a muted whoosh. She sighed.
“I…I need to talk to you.” He glanced over her shoulder.
Christina turned, but before she could see why his eyes had gone wide, Ben spun her to face him. He slouched, and his bottom lip quivered.
“What the heck is going on with you?” She rested her hands on her hips. Was he crying?
Tears glistened in Ben’s eyes. “I…we…my girlfriend and I had an argument.” He sobbed. “She broke up with me.”
“Ben. I’m so sorry.” Christina didn’t even know he had a girlfriend. She rubbed his shoulder, comforting him.
“What should I do? I’m miserable.” He lowered his head, still holding her arm. “I need someone to talk to, and you’re the closest person I have to a best friend.”
Best friend? This was awkward. She only considered Ben a co-worker, a passing acquaintance. Sure they chatted about classes and cases a few times during the occasional lunch, and attended Phil’s party together, but they drove in separate vehicles. That hardly classified them as best friends. Discussing his personal life went way beyond her comfort zone.
She was about to come up with another excuse to leave, until Ben’s grief-stricken face pulled at her heartstrings. “Give her a little time to cool down. Then call her later to apologize.” Whatever their fight had been about, she suspected he was to blame. Ben flirted with anything that walked in heels, and most likely, that was what got him into trouble.
“Do you think she’ll forgive me?” He sniffed, wiping his nose with the back of his hand. “I’m in love with her. She means the world to me. I can’t live without her.”
“I’m sure she will after you tell her how you feel―” Before she finished her sentence, she was hauled into his arms.
“I knew you’d help me.” He spoke close to her ear, his breath hot against her skin.
His actions were inappropriate for the work place, making this situation extremely uncomfortable. She patted his back with her palm, and then shifted in his embrace, but Ben wouldn’t release his tight hug, and still blubbered on her shoulder.
“You’re the best.” He kissed her cheek, his lips lingering a little too long for her liking.
She wiggled out of his hold, pushing gently against his chest to ward off another unpleasant cuddle. “I’m glad I could help.” Christina stepped back, forcing a smile.
Ben gazed at her and stroked the length of her arm. He leaned close, planted a kiss on her forehead, and then backed away, his tears vanished and his mood had changed considerably. He grinned and chuckled. “Oh, you helped me, Christina. You have no idea just how much.” He turned and swaggered down the hallway.
His turmoil was gone, replaced by a peculiar confidence. That was too weird. Christina shook her head and picked up the envelope that slipped from her fingers when Ben hauled her out of the elevator. She pressed the button and stepped inside.
On the ride up to the tenth floor, she still couldn’t make sense of Ben’s bizarre behavior. Maybe he was in love. She dismissed him from her mind and brushed a hand over her blazer and skirt. She needed to concentrate on getting this promotion. If her professor doubled her studies for the next few weeks, she would complete her degree early and accept a new position with ease. But first, she had to apply and get the job.
When the elevator doors opened, the owner of the firm, Phil Carver, was standing at his assistant’s desk. His lips were compressed in a tight line, sunken brows creased the lines above his nose, and his cheeks were flushed. “Christina, my assistant was ringing your office.”
Christina smiled, thankful for an opportunity to discuss the upcoming opening in his department. Then changed her mind when the abrupt wave he flung toward his door hinted this might not be the right time.
She entered the office, surprised to see Steven seated across from Phil’s desk. Dressed in a dark blue business suit, he sat with his long legs tucked under the chair. She hoped he hadn’t come to put in a good word for her. She wanted to earn this position on her own, and he’d promised to respect her wishes. An instant heat swept over her, recalling the intimacy they shared last night.
Christina would have addressed Steven with a cordial greeting, but he wouldn’t turn, ignoring her presence on purpose.
He leaned back, his gaze focused on Phil’s certificates hanging on the wall. His jaw clenched and locked, and his arms were tightly folded.
She assumed he didn’t want Phil to know they were dating, but why was he acting so stand-offish?
Phil pulled out his chair and sat, waving a hand toward the empty seat beside Steven.
Stomach churning over this impromptu conference, Christina remained standing.
“I’m not sure where to begin.” Phil ran a hand through his thinning hair. “So I’ll just get right to it.”
She nodded. Whatever Phil wanted to discuss must be big for him to miss today’s board meeting.
“I’ve recently learned an employee is partaking in inappropriate behavior. What you do after hours is not my concern. However, when such disrespect enters these doors, the conduct becomes my business.”
Steven’s continued silence and Phil’s stern tone, gave her a sense of apprehension.
“I hate to do this, especially since your record has been flawless up until now, and I would normally proceed with a warning notice.” Phil shook his head. “Unfortunately, other members of the firm are adamant on an immediate dismissal.”
Dismiss who? Her? Christina’s mouth went dry, and she had difficulty swallowing. She stared at Steven, who had the nerve to continue gazing in the opposite direction. “I don’t understand? What is going on here?”
Phil coughed. “I’ve been made aware that you are…” He paused, inhaled a breath, and then continued. “You are sleeping with several men in this firm, and while that tends to be a private matter, one of the gentlemen has discussed his concerns with
me. He claims you’re…having sex with him and other men in order to advance your career.”
What! She couldn’t believe her ears. Phil had to be joking. Words were lost.
“I take this business seriously, and I expect the employees working in my firm to respect this company’s policies—”
“I’m very serious about my career.” Christina interrupted Phil. “I’m shocked to hear you or anyone accuse me of such scandalous behavior. The accusations are unjustified, not to mention completely false. My studies and training speak for themselves. Who fabricated these lies?”
“Are you telling me you’re not here to apply for the opening in this department? One that would immensely further your career.” Steven finally spoke, turning toward her. “And you’re not having sex with any member of this firm?”
The baby blues that usually stole her breath were now dark and glaring, filled with menacing hatred. Was she on trial with Steven as judge and jury? “Steven…I…” Why would he attack her like this? Especially after last night. Hell, he had already sentenced and convicted her. The attention, his heated kisses, the lovemaking—had they been nothing but a strategic maneuver? Steven presumed her guilty from the moment they met. She’d been a fool to think he cared.
“I don’t believe there’s anything further to discuss.” Phil stood and walked her to the door. “I hope you take some time to reflect on your goals and how better to achieve them. Christina, you’re extremely intelligent and can succeed in this industry based on merits alone. Regardless of the recent findings, your training performance has been exceptional. I’ve asked my assistant to prepare a generous severance package.” He held out his hand, giving her a weak smile.
She should have accepted Phil’s handshake. That would have been the professional thing to do, but she couldn’t. She was too disgusted with Steven’s behavior and with Phil for not allowing her the chance to defend herself. Christina glanced over her shoulder at Steven. “You’re wrong about me,” she snapped. “I’ll prove it.”
Cheeks flaming, she stormed out of the office and didn’t look back. As the elevator doors closed, she felt her whole body shake with anger and remorse. Tears cascaded down her cheeks. Until she reached her office, she kept her head lowered. Christina gathered a few personal items from her desk. Glancing at the picture of her family, the pen set her parents had given her, and the tube of lipstick in her hands made her laugh. She was hardly invested with this company. So why did her heart ache with such overwhelming pain? Like it had been ripped from her chest. The answer was, she had led with her heart and only had herself to blame.
Law Of Attraction Page 6