“How old is he?”
“Oh no. I gave away too much already, don’t try to dig for any more.” She playfully swatted Maureen’s thigh beneath the quilt. “Now, come on. Your day of pampering awaits!”
Lottie flounced toward the door.
“Wait, Aunt Lottie?” Maureen stood by the side of her bed. When Lottie faced her, she tried her best for a serious face. “Ted Bundy was really cute too.”
“Oh you…” Maureen’s laugh preempted her tirade, and she rolled her eyes. “Move your ass.”
* * * * *
Maureen hit the emergency stop button in the elevator halfway between the eighth and ninth floor of the five-star hotel. Luckily, no alarm sounded. She just needed another minute.
She knew everything was prepared for this ahead of time. Three separate hidden panic switches were built into the furnishings, and one tap would send the two huge bodyguards through the door. They were in the suite across the hall along with Lottie. Even Lawrence Green was there, in case any contractual disagreement came up. She wasn’t scared for her life.
Physically, she was ready. Hair, nails, waxing…all that was done. She wore a new dress, a simple silk A-line that flirted with her knees. The color was perfect for her, a dark teal which shimmered when she moved, and reflected the green in her eyes. Her hair was bound in a flirty up-do, with enough sophistication to afford her some confidence. She looked like a million bucks.
Two and a half.
Oh great. That didn’t help. Her heart beat wildly, and she used her thin clutch to fan herself. Don’t faint, Maureen.
That was the crux of her worry. Two point five million dollars for this job, and she didn’t even know what the hell she was doing beneath a man.
Oh sure, Lottie tried to help. She showed her the Kama sutra, and multiple pornographic movies, but when it came down to the reality of it, this man is paying a hell of a lot for sex with her. What if she disappointed him? Would she be in tomorrow’s paper as the world’s worst lay?
“He knows you’re a virgin, Reenie.” Lottie had told her when she mentioned it. “He isn’t going to expect a porn star. Just relax and be yourself.”
Nick told her that—
No. She didn’t want to think of Nick tonight. Logically and theoretically, she wasn’t cheating on him. They had one date. She’d see him tomorrow, at the beginning of her new life. Her new, financially secure life. God, she missed him. One more day, Maureen. Tomorrow, she’d find pleasure in the arms of a man. That, she knew.
With that surety, she pulled the stopper from the lighted panel, and lifted her chin confidently when the doors opened.
Still, she fumbled for her key card. She didn’t know if he would be inside, or if she would be stuck waiting for him. Did she knock, or just walk right in? Should she be here doing this in the first place? The legal and moral questions of right and wrong seemed insignificant up against the thought of betraying Nick’s trust in her.
All she had to do was unlock that door and walk in.
Easy.
So why didn’t she just do it? Lottie’s girls did this every night. Walked into the arms of a stranger for money. It couldn’t be too bad, or they wouldn’t continue to do it.
Right?
The key card dug into her slippery palms, and until her back was against the wall, Maureen didn’t realize that she’d been retreating.
She spun around and knocked on Lottie’s suite. Five minutes, that’s all. She needed five minutes with Lottie to remind her that this was all right.
The door opened, and without a word, Lottie pulled Maureen into her arms, and into her suite.
“I can’t do it.” Maureen said the words without thinking, but the tightness in her chest eased after that succinct statement, muffled as they were by Lottie’s green blouse.
“You can do it, honey. I promise. The hardest thing will be walking into that room.”
“But Nick. I can’t betray him. The guilt will eat me up. I have to face him tomorrow and pretend that I didn’t sleep with a strange man.”
Lottie led her past the seating area, where the three men were crouched over three pizzas. Maureen couldn’t even make eye contact with Lawrence Green. He worried from the beginning that she’d back out, and here she was doing just that. At the last minute. The two hulking men didn’t even look up from their feast as the women moved through the doors to the bedroom.
“Nick will understand.” Lottie didn’t release her from the embrace, even after they both sat on the edge of the bed.
“He’ll hate me.”
“He’ll understand. You won’t be making love to a stranger tonight.” She pulled Maureen’s face up to meet hers. “You’re saving that for Nick, right?”
“But…on the phone…the other night. He asked me if I was seeing other men. I know he wouldn’t understand. He’ll never want to see me again if he knew. And then…to do it for money…”
She knew the tears were ruining her expensive makeup, but she didn’t care. She remembered each phone call, how he was so sweet and understanding, not even making her feel bad when she told him of her childhood. How he spoke of Lottie, and even her girls without condemnation. Maybe he would understand. Would it be better if she asked for permission rather than forgiveness? Of course, she admitted to herself that she wanted to hear him talk her out of this, and she knew she would walk away if he asked.
Yes, she was weak. She was putting the responsibility for this major decision that would affect not only her life, but her mother’s as well, onto Nick. He had to know. “I need to talk to Nick.”
“Call him.”
Maureen was too focused on digging her cell phone out of her purse to wonder why Lottie gave in so easily.
While the phone rang in her ear, Lottie dropped a kiss to the top of her head, and set a box of Kleenex beside Maureen, before quietly leaving the room.
“Hey baby. I thought you were going to be busy tonight.”
Maureen’s chest burned with his easy tone. “I am busy, but I need to talk to you.” Her voice shook, and she snatched three tissues from the box, knowing the dam was about to burst. “Do you have a minute?”
“Of course. Are you okay? You sound upset.”
That did it. The tears flowed freely, and she struggled not to sob out loud. She took a cleansing breath before she could speak again. “I am upset. I need to tell you something about me before I do something…something that you might never forgive me for.”
“Hey, hey…nothing can be that bad. You can tell me anything, Maureen. You know that. I won’t judge you.”
Just those words lightened the crushing force in her gut. She dabbed at her eyes. “I know you won’t. That’s why I want to tell you what I’m about to do.”
“All right.” She heard the trepidation in his voice now, so different from the light greeting of before, but she pinched her eyes shut, took a deep breath, and told him.
“I’m Lottie’s virgin. The project she’s been working on these past few weeks.” She told him everything, from how they first came up with the idea when aunt Lottie first found out she hadn’t been with a man, to the press conferences, even the contract details. The only thing she didn’t mention was the final bid. For some reason she couldn’t bring herself to tell him that; he could look it up himself if he wanted to know. “I’m supposed to be in a hotel room with the man right now.”
She bit her bottom lip when she finished, drawing blood at the long pause. She wished he would say something. Anything. Hot tears ran down her cheeks, and she wiped them away before they left mascara streaks on her new dress.
“I see.”
That’s it? I see? “I’m sorry. I’m so sorry Nick. I called you because…I don’t know. Maybe I wanted your opinion…your permission, but now I know that I don’t want to do this. Tell me you don’t want me to, and I’ll call the whole thing off.”
“You’d do that?”
Maureen didn’t know how he kept his voice so steady, but the low tone mad
e her think he was upset. “Yes. Tell me. I’ll walk out of the hotel right now. I don’t want to hurt you.”
“But the money…”
“I don’t care anymore. I’ll think of something else. We’ve gone through tougher times than this. Mom and I will survive, but I don’t want to be living in some nice house somewhere without any worries if you aren’t going to be a part of my life.”
His sigh came through the phone, a long airy sound that sent her blood pressure through the roof. “I can’t ask you to break a contract, Maureen. You need to decide for yourself what you’re going to do. I’ve already told you what a selfish bastard I am, and just the thought of you with another man hurts like hell, but if you decide to do this—as a business decision, then we’ll discuss it over lunch tomorrow.”
“But—”
“No, Maureen. I’m not going to give you permission, and I’m not going to ask that you break a legal contract. Even if there is a clause. It’s got to be your decision.”
Damn it. She so wanted him to take over, to make the decision for her. “I’m sorry Nick.”
“Maureen, it means a lot to me that you called, but you need to decide what you’re going to do. I’m going to ask one thing of you though.”
“Anything.” That one word felt so right. She would do anything for him, even give up two and a half million dollars. If only he would ask.
“If you decide to call this off, at least tell the guy yourself. He deserves to hear it from you. That’s just me the business man talking.”
“Okay.”
“I’ll see you tomorrow, Maureen.”
“No! Don’t hang up—”
“You need to make your decision, and I’m not helping. I’ll see you tomorrow.”
He was pushing her away already. She shouldn’t be surprised, but it felt like a burning stake was just plunged into her heart, but what could she say? “Okay.”
“Good bye Maureen.” He disconnected before he could hear her call his name.
She threw herself down on the bed, no longer caring about the muddy mess her mascara would leave on the pristine white pillowcase. Damn it, her mother was right. Lawrence Green was right. The conservative press was right. She couldn’t do it.
That’s it. She couldn’t do it. Her tears spent, she rolled over and stared at the ceiling. Her decision was made. She didn’t care about the field day that the press would have with this. She didn’t even care that she and her mother would be homeless within weeks. She would worry about that later.
She rolled off of the bed, and into the bathroom. Her makeup wasn’t ruined completely, but it did take time to repair it, and even longer for the redness to leave her eyes, but she wasn’t going to face that man across the hall looking like a weak weepy woman. She hoped he would understand, but knew that it didn’t really matter. She’d hurt this stranger’s feelings over Nick’s anytime. She pulled open the bedroom door, and faced her aunt, Lawrence, and the two tough-guys where they all sat in front of the television.
Lottie was the first to speak. “What did he say?”
Maureen suddenly felt stronger than she had in weeks. She met Lawrence’s eye steadily, then turned to her aunt. “He told me to do what I have to do.”
Disregarding their questioning expressions, and without another word, she left the suite, and crossed the hallway. This time, she didn’t even hesitate before slipping the key card into the slot, and pushing open the door.
“Good evening Reenie.”
Only the reddish light from the setting sun illuminated the huge pane of glass. The voice came from the man, who stood silhouetted against the window across the room. She was glad that she couldn’t see his face, it might be easier to deliver the bad news.
“I’m sorry, sir. I’m afraid I’ve come to inform you of a change in plans.”
“What do you mean, change of plans?” That voice. She knew that voice…
“I think we should discuss this across the hallway with Mr. Green.”
“I don’t think so.”
Maureen stood frozen. He didn’t think so? His imperious tone, and the lack of lighting scared her. She took a step for the first panic button on the mirror near the door, but changed her mind, and instead went for the door. “Maureen?” The man left his post by the window, and crossed the room.
“Oh my God.” He knew her name.
Wait, she knew that voice. As he drew nearer, she recognized his scent. When he was a breath away, she almost collapsed. “Nick?”
Chapter Six
He didn’t say a word. He merely enfolded her in his arms, and melded his mouth to hers. She was shocked. She was thrilled! She was relieved. She really did collapse. Her legs folded, but he was there, holding her high and tight against him. His mouth was warm and gentle, filled with the taste of coffee and…familiarity. Ah, yes. She remembered this kiss. She curled her fingers into his shirt. And to think that she was nervous about—
What was he doing here? She just hung up with him. He was across the country. This can’t be Nick, but she couldn’t think straight, especially with the way he kissed her so thoroughly. Maybe she was going crazy. Maybe she was hallucinating. She whimpered into his mouth.
He pulled away, then grinned down at her. “Remember me?”
“What…what are you doing here?” She reached up to touch the hard planes of his face, to prove to herself that it really was him, and he really was here.
“The same thing that you are.” His lips tilted in a lazy smile, which made her heart skip a beat. He turned his head slightly to graze her fingers with his lips.
“You’re in Boston. I just talked to you…how did you know where I…how did you know what—”
“You really don’t get it do you?” He lazily covered her face with light kisses. “You’re mine tonight, Maureen. Bought and paid for.” His eyes remained on hers while realization dawned.
“You mean…you?”
“I’m the highest bidder.”
“But how did you know?” She looked away, “I…God I didn’t want you to know.” He led her to the sofa, where he leaned across her to turn on the lamp. She blinked in the sudden brightness, and stared up at him in awe.
“Sit down.” She did, because her legs were still unsteady. He sat beside her, and took her hands in his.
“I knew who you were. From the very beginning.”
“How?” Maureen’s voice was thin, barely audible.
“Maureen, I read the papers and listen to the news just like anyone else in this town. Did you think I wouldn’t know who you were? Did you think that those eyeglasses were enough to hide your amazing eyes?” His voice rose in irritation, and she lowered her eyes.
“I hoped you wouldn’t know. You were in Boston most of the time, and so…”
“You made national news, not just local.”
She glanced at him, but then snapped her gaze back to their clasped hands.
“But before that,” he continued. “I’d talked Lottie into bringing you out to dinner at Tito’s.” She searched his face then, but his grin wasn’t dishonest, it was mischievous.
“Why?”
“I wanted to meet you. You intrigued me.”
“Intrigued?” She raised an eyebrow.
“Yes.”
“Not repulsed?”
“Never.” He sealed the statement with a kiss. A kiss so gentle and stirring that she opened her eyes only when he pulled away. She’d melted into the back of the leather sofa.
“Aunt Lottie knew…all along?”
He shook his head. “She knew I was interested, but she couldn’t rig the outcome, that would be illegal.” He laughed. “Oh, no. I had to sit by my computer just like every other horny bastard out there, upping the bid and hoping to God that Lottie would close it before someone else got in.
“I can’t believe this. Lottie knew today, and she wouldn’t—”
“I swore her to secrecy. I wanted to surprise you. Did it work?”
She nodded in amazemen
t and laughed. She still couldn’t grasp this turn of events, but he was here. She wasn’t alone with a big clumsy oaf, or a homicidal maniac.
“But…your conference?”
“I left yesterday. I flew back last night. Now, why don’t you show me how much you’ve missed me?” he said with a devilish grin.
Reenie answered with a sensuous smile. She stood on suddenly very sturdy legs, and dropped her purse to the floor. She reached up into her hair, and slid the long pins free, allowing her hair to fall over her shoulders.
Nick stood, reaching up into her heavy auburn strands. He dragged his fingers through the wavy tresses, he seemed fascinated by the many colors that slithered between his fingers.
“I feel like I know you so well. We’ve talked about everything on the phone. I know so much about you, but this is the first time I’ve just…ah, touched you.” He pulled her against his chest. He tucked her head beneath his chin, and breathed in her hair.
“You touched me outside the bar that night.”
“I didn’t touch you like this. I manhandled you. I’m still a little pissed at myself for that night, but I couldn’t help my… ah…baby, I feel your heart beating so fast against mine. Are you scared?”
“No…no.” She laughed at the ridiculous question. “Nick, I’m thrilled. I’m excited. I’m so happy, but I’m not scared. I know you won’t hurt me, just…teach me so I know how to please you.”
“Ah, Maureen,” he groaned. She felt him swallow before he continued. “I know you think I’m only after sex. I bungled it when I touched you that first night. And then I couldn’t keep my mind out of the gutter when we talked on the phone, and I can’t seem to keep my hands off of you now, and then there’s the money.” He swore, then tightened his arms around her. “Just know that I’m happy simply holding you like this. Don’t feel like you have to do anything else. I don’t want you to worry tonight, or whenever you’re with me. I’ll never force you to give more than you’re willing to share, and I’ll never be disappointed. Understand?”
Olivia Brynn Collection Volume 1 Page 12