by ZN Willett
“Ha-ha. Why are you cutting the pizza?”
“By the look of the little ones, I’m sure they can’t pick up a slice and eat it whole. It’s too bad they have to eat this garbage and not a real New York style pizza.”
I had to agree with him about the pizza, but seeing Christopher acting domesticated was strange—and wrong. “How did you find my plates?”
“I do know that plates are housed in these, Quinn.” He pointed to the cabinet in front of him.
I leaned against the kitchen island. “You know how to operate one of those, huh? I’m impressed.”
He stopped cutting and smiled to himself. “If I knew operating in a kitchen would impress you, I would have invited you to my home to really show you my skills.”
I laughed. “You mean your chef’s skills?”
“Don’t talk about my cook. Constance wouldn’t appreciate it, yet she has taught me a thing or two in the kitchen.”
“Is that so?” I asked, amused.
“Constance was Reagan’s and my Nanny. She came to work for us when Reagan was born, and she was one tough cookie.” He laughed to himself. “I was a terror.”
“I couldn’t imagine that,” I said sarcastically.
“She left us for a while, then I saw her one day at a Bodega—sorry, sort of a convenience store—while I was picking up some wine. I offered her the world to come work for me. It took me three times asking before she finally accepted my offer.”
Hearing him talk about her I could see this . . . human side. “I hope you gave her the world.”
“And then some. She is worth every bit of it.” He smiled.
I stood watching a different Christopher. “Well, thanks. I better get these out to the munchkins.”
“I’ll help you.” Christopher grabbed a plate, and followed me into the living room.
I placed the plates in front of Anna and Becca who were sprawled out in front of the television. Christopher sat down next to Missy on the sofa and started to help feed her. I said nothing and watched as Christopher Colby attempted to feed a two-year-old. She would grab a piece of pizza, and each time he would tell her to blow on it to cool it off. Missy would blow and spit all over it, while looking at Christopher with wide eyes. He would nod his head as she shoved a piece into her mouth.
I laughed as she grabbed hold of his white shirt with her saucy, red hand, while the other hand held on to another piece. He looked down then winked at me. “Good thing I have a change of clothes on the plane.”
“Plane? Are we going on a plane?” Anna asked, excitedly.
“No honey, Mr. Colby is going on a—hey, aren’t you going to be late for your flight?”
His brow rose before he dug into his pocket for his phone. He dialed, held it up to his ear, and said, “I will be late,” then hung up.
“If you need to go, I have the report over here.” I scrambled up.
His hand stopped me. “Are you kidding me? This is the best part of the movie. I love when that big blue monster thing starts scaring the kids.”
“Ya, he’s my favorite!” Becca yelled with a mouth full of pizza.
“Is he?” Christopher acted surprised.
“Yeah,” they all chimed in.
“Girls, why don’t we let Mr. Colby catch his plane. Missy, are you done eating?” She nodded her head. “Tell Mr. Colby thank you.”
She climbed on top of him and gave him a saucy wet kiss on his cheek. I grabbed and tickled her as I placed her in-between her sisters.
Christopher stood up, and I handed him the report as we walked to the door. “Do you want a slice for the road?” I asked.
“Thanks, but I’ll wait until I get home.”
I smiled, looking at the red stain on his check. “Okay and umm . . .” I took my thumb and wiped the sauce off his cheek. “You had some sauce there.”
Christopher grabbed hold of my wrist, placed my thumb into his mouth, and licked it clean. “Mmm, thanks.”
He grinned and walked out of the door to the waiting car.
I stood, frozen in place. What the hell just happened?
The car headed to the Colbys’ private plane, and I would be lying to myself if I didn’t admit I had been feeling anxious about the trip. I wanted Christopher to be one hundred percent on board with the expansion so we could proceed as scheduled.
He scrutinized the updated marketing report and I was surprised I had missed a few key elements. Even though I thought he stated his concerns out of spite, they were legitimate. The man knew his business and he proved it daily.
We had spent several hours each day the week prior going over the results, and he had great ideas for improvement. As much as the man was an ass, he was an intelligent ass.
Even with all of that, I was still uncomfortable being alone with him. I had asked Mia to come along, but she was needed at home with a sick kid and her husband Cory was out of town. I needed a Christopher Colby buffer, and I wasn’t going to fool myself into thinking he didn’t affect me. He haunted my dreams at night and my thoughts during the day. I was strong, however there was something about him; and I knew exactly what it was. He was a sex demon, and I was badly in need of sex. I had to take care of things myself—twice—before I had headed out to the airport.
“Ms. Cordell, welcome on board,” the tall redhead said in a nasally voice.
She scrutinized me up and down taking my coat.
“My name is Beth and I will be your stewardess for the evening. Would you like something to drink before take-off?”
“Yes, a vodka martini, dry and with onion, please.”
“Very well.”
She exited into the black drawn curtain as I found a seat. The interior was light gray with blue accents. The plush leather chairs looked comfortable and a long sofa stretched along the back wall next to a desk. Everything about it oozed wealth, and fit the Colbys to a T.
“Here you are.” She placed the drink on the table next to me, scraping the glass with her long nails. “Can I get you anything else?”
“No, thank you; when do you expect Christopher?”
“Mr. Colby is already on board. He should be out shortly.”
“Okay . . . thank you.” I made myself comfortable in one of the large swivel chairs and fired up my tablet.
Shortly afterward, I heard the cockpit door open. A man and woman walked out coming straight toward me. “Ms. Cordell, I am Captain Martinez and this is First Officer Peterson. We will be your flight crew for this evening. We will do everything in our power to ensure a safe and comfortable flight. If you need anything, please let Beth know,” she said.
“Thank you, I will.”
“We are in good hands,” Christopher said from behind me.
He sat down in the chair next to me looking comfortable and relaxed in a gray V-neck sweater and dark jeans.
“Mr. Colby, we are ready for take-off,” said the captain.
“Thanks, Robin.”
The two walked back into the cockpit as Beth came out and sat a drink next to Christopher. He regarded me while taking a sip. I smiled back. “Nice plane.”
He grinned. “It works. We traded in the old one for this upgraded model after the merger. It’s more fuel-efficient.”
I chuckled to myself. “It sounds as if you’re talking about a car.”
He raised a brow. “It is similar, they both use fuel.”
“Ha-ha, I know that.”
“Do you need another?” He nodded toward my empty martini glass.
“No thank you, I want to keep a clear head.”
“What fun is that?” His thumb brushed over the bottom of his crooked lip, and he had that gleam in his eyes, which told me it was going to be a bumpy ride after all.
I freshened up in the spacious bathroom located in the suite at the back of the plane. Christopher said the other lavatory was too cramped and to use the one in the back. The suite had a double bed dressed with opulent gray linens. The lighting was warm and one could interpret it as roma
ntic, though I tried to tone down that thought.
The entire plane was equipped with state of the art systems. There was even mood lighting that changed each hour. Christopher explained it helped with the effects of jet lag. There was also a Bose sound system that played soft music throughout each section of the plane, creating a different atmosphere, depending on where you sat.
At dinner, we had a light conversation, mostly discussing work. I was relieved Christopher focused on that versus other things. After the main course was served, we stopped talking about business and discussed television shows. He asked me if there was anything in particular I wanted to see on the large flat screen hanging on the wall next to us. He laughed when I said CNN.
“What’s so funny?” I huffed.
“News, Quinn? What about a romance, or crime show?”
“Not interested.”
“That doesn’t surprise me.”
Glaring at him, I stated, “I don’t have time to watch television. Running a company keeps me busy.”
“That’s just an excuse.”
“No, it isn’t! By the time I get home it’s too late to watch anything.”
“You can DVR it,” he stated nonchalantly.
“I tried that but I get behind in shows. The thing fills up and everything ends up getting erased.”
Christopher shook his head. “You need to relax.”
“I do relax. I just don’t do it by watching TV.”
He laid farther back into his seat. “I would love to see how you unwind.”
Our eyes locked. “I bet you would. Yet, I didn’t realize you watch kiddy shows for your entertainment; however that explains a lot of things.”
He seemed confused before recollection appeared in his eyes. “Oh, the monster thing. My housekeeper, Constance, the one I spoke about, has grandchildren. She lives with me, and when they come for a visit, well . . . it’s one of their favorite movies. I happen to see it, more times than I care to admit.”
“Would you care for dessert?” Beth asked, as she took my empty plate.
“No, thank you.” Looking at Christopher. “I think I’m going to try to get a few hours of sleep before we arrive.”
“You can take the bedroom. Everything you need should be ready for you.”
“I laid out a pair of pajamas for your comfort, Ms. Cordell, along with toiletries and fresh towels,” Beth added.
“Thank you Beth, but Christopher, I’ll be fine sleeping here. You take the bedroom. It is your plane.”
“I insist, and I have to work on the flagship piece. Beth will show you where everything is.”
He stood, and Beth started to walk back toward the bedroom. I didn’t feel right sleeping in there. It might have had something to do with the mile high club. I turned to insist Christopher take it, but he spoke first.
“Quinn, I won’t hear of it. Go, get some rest.” He nodded toward the room, turned, and walked through the dark curtains.
Well, damn.
As I was about to climb into bed I heard a knock. Of course he was going to try, I thought. I swung open the door surprised to see Beth. “Is everything to your satisfaction?”
“Uhm, yes.”
“If you need me lift the phone on the desk. Have a good night.”
I spent most of the night tossing and turning, even though the bed was incredibly soft. Unable to sleep, I thought a nightcap might help. Not wanting to disturb Beth, I decided to make myself a drink.
The cabin lights were dimmed and I quickly found my way to the front of the plane quietly, so as not to disturb Christopher. I poured myself a couple of fingers of vodka and slammed it down. Lightly placing the glass on the bar, I circled around and came face to face with Christopher.
“Did you find everything you needed?” he asked.
“Yes.”
He stepped closer. “Are you sure?”
I had seen that look in his eyes, and knew what he was implying. “Christopher . . .”
He raised his hand up to my neck, running his fingers across my collarbone, as he lowered his voice. “Why do you keep denying this?”
His fingers felt like strands of feathers as they floated over my bare skin. “You know why.”
“You want this as badly as I do.”
I shook my head as I looked away from his glare.
“You can’t hide the fact your heart is racing.”
I took a deep breath, trying to will my body to stay in control.
“The way your body felt . . . pulsating around my fingers that night . . . look at me!” My jaw tensed up as Christopher leaned in closer, inhaling deeply as our eyes met. “If you didn’t know who I was you would have been under me in seconds.”
I hated that he was right; and I would have bedded him . . . but, he was who he was. It was time to turn the tables.
I leaned against his chest as I whispered in his ear. “You want these lips around you badly, don’t you?” I felt him shiver. “You’re imagining how my mouth feels aren’t you? Wondering if I can take it all?”
“Quinn . . .” he breathed out.
“I bet you’re imagining how tight I am?” I breathed heavily.
Christopher pushed me hard against the bar, and I could feel the heat coming from his breath as his lips hovered over mine.
“I’m sure you’re good at what you do Christopher; since you’ve proven to be quite the expert. However, it’s only a game to you. The only reason you are still interested is because this is one piece of ass you won’t be buried inside of.”
Christopher grunted out in frustration, pressing harder against my body. I was very aware of the hardened presence that was now in line with the very place I didn’t need him to be. I peered into his burning eyes as I watched them increase in darkness.
“Ah, you liked when I said that, didn’t you Colby? Conjuring up images of me bent over, taking in all of you . . . too bad neither of those things will ever happen. Though, you can dream. Now, if you don’t mind.”
He squinted. “You can say what you want Quinn, but the look in your eyes speaks volumes. That dirty little mouth of yours is only masking what it truly wants.”
“And what would that be, Christopher?”
“To be on top of me. Writhing in ecstasy.”
A breath escaped. “I don’t crap where I eat. I’m sure you have heard something similar to that one before. Sorry, I don’t sleep with co-workers.”
“Yet, if I had you spread open on a table while I ate you.” His mouth turned crooked. “You would change your mind. Instantly.”
What could I say? I had nothing.
It was difficult enough speaking while feeling the weight of him pressed against me.
“That’s what I thought,” he cockily stated.
I pushed him away, and stormed back into the bedroom.
“Did you sleep well?” Christopher asked, with that smirk on his face, as I walked out of the bedroom the next morning.
I hated him. I sincerely hated him and that grin of his. “I slept fine, and you?”
“Like a baby. You look amazing, by the way.”
Christopher’s eyes lowered, checking out my slim black pantsuit, as we both walked to the front of the plane.
Beth handed me my coat as I said my goodbyes to the crew. The plane door opened and we exited to the awaiting car.
The meetings went well, and Christopher seemed on board with the new implementations. There was an uncomfortable moment when one of the Board members asked me to join him for dinner. Christopher stepped in stating we would love to join him; although, he knew damn well he wasn’t included in the invitation. Christopher smoothed it over by offering to take the gentleman to dinner, then grumbled in my ear that I was not going to be his main course. I told him I could take care of myself.
That caused an argument between us on the ride back to the hotel. I explained how I had been in the business long enough to deal with dirty old men who wanted to sleep with me, including him. The poor driver received an ear
full. Especially when Christopher stated how much he loved the blush of my skin when I got mad, and he couldn’t wait to have my hot shoes swung over his shoulders.
That statement caused me to go off on Christopher more so than before.
We argued about his lack of decorum and unprofessionalism all the way to my suite. He reminded me nothing was stated in front of anyone who mattered, which infuriated me even more.
Throwing my bag on the foyer table, I went straight to the mini bar in the living area. Christopher followed behind me as I continued to yell. “You are an ass! The driver matters.”
“I’m sure he has heard worse.”
“Not the point. We cannot work like this!”
“I’ve been trying to tell you that. If only you would give in—”
I turned around, appalled and fed up. “Christopher! You tried to steal my dad’s company away. That is personal!”
“It was only business. That was before I knew you.”
“You still don’t know me! All you want is to make me another notch on your bedpost.”
He plowed toward me angrily. “That is not true!”
“It is. I had a lack of judgment that night at the party, and made a grave mistake, but I promise you I will never make that mistake again! What you and your family tried to do . . . I almost lost him!”
“What?” he asked, and leaned against the wall next to me.
Damn it!
Not meaning to blurt that out, I had to think fast. My dad didn’t want anyone to know he had a heart attack. “Joseph had to be admitted to the hospital because of what you did.”
His brow rose curiously. “I knew he was in the hospital. Although, we were told that it was a routine check-up.”
That’s what I told them to say.
I walked past him and sat down on the sofa. “The thought of my father losing everything he had worked for put him in the hospital.”
Crossing his arms and tilting his head, he asked, “You said you almost lost him?”
“I meant to say that due to the added stress and pressure, his health could have been affected worse.”
“Ah huh . . .”
All Joseph wanted was to give me a comfortable life. It was what he continued to work for after my mother’s death. The company was their legacy to me. They started it together, and my dad and I expanded it with the money she had left us both.