by Coleen Kwan
Copyright © 2014 by Coleen Kwan
All rights reserved, including the right to reproduce, distribute, or transmit in any form or by any means.
This book is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents are the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual events, locales, or persons, living or dead, is coincidental.
Chapter One
Cool night air gusted around Jacinta Greene as she hurried from her car toward the building. It was past ten pm, and the windows of the tower block, which housed the headquarters of Jubilee Holdings, were mostly dark except for a few, like the ones at the top-most floor. That must be Lex Rochester’s office. Lex Rochester—the company CEO, and the reason why she was here in downtown San Francisco on a Tuesday night instead of relaxing at home.
She shivered, not just from cold but anxiety, too. Thrusting her hand into the pocket of her trench coat, she tightened her fingers around the pager. If only her brother hadn’t left the pager at her condo. Didn’t he realize that being on IT overnight support was a serious responsibility? Jacinta, an IT security consultant herself, knew what it was like firsthand—the beeping pager, the urgent phone calls, the complex problems that had to be solved in the dead of night—but Kevin was still an undergraduate, and his internship at Jubilee Holdings had only begun a few weeks back.
This evening when he’d come round for dinner and shown her the pager, she’d been puzzled that someone so inexperienced was on the overnight support roster, and then she’d grown uneasy when Kevin told her that he wasn’t supposed to be on call, that he was filling in for someone who had a hot date tonight. He’d looked so pleased at doing a favor for his new friend that she didn’t have the heart to lecture him. It was only one night. Maybe nothing would happen. But Murphy’s Law, it seemed, couldn’t be avoided.
As she walked into the foyer, a security guard approached her. “You’re the IT support Mr. Rochester’s waiting for?” When she nodded, he motioned to the bank of elevators behind him. “I gotta swipe you in for the thirty-second floor. You don’t have access with your security pass.”
She didn’t even have a security pass. She didn’t work for Jubilee Holdings, and she was entering the building under false pretences. Her stomach churned with mounting anxiety as she followed the unsuspecting guard.
Earlier, when the pager had beeped, startling the bejesus out of her, she’d called Kevin straight away, but his cell phone was turned off, and she had no idea where he’d gone. So she’d called the number shown on the pager alert, intending to tell Mr. Rochester the truth, but he hadn’t given her a chance, interrupting her tentative introduction by saying she’d better get over to his office ASAP if she valued her job, before hanging up on her.
So here she was, speeding up in the elevator, feeling apprehensive and annoyed. Annoyed not just with her brother, but with this arrogant Lex Rochester who demanded attention at the click of his fingers. Unfortunately she came across his type all too often at work—the cocky, demanding, insensitive type. She always made sure to stand up for herself right from the start.
Which was why some of her current annoyance was directed at herself. Not only had she let this Lex Rochester bulldoze her, but at the same time his rough, husky voice had sent a tiny thrill through her. She’d never heard such a sexy voice before, and even though he was abrupt and dictatorial, she couldn’t help wondering if his looks matched his voice. Most likely not, she tried to assure herself. Most likely he was squat, paunchy, and red-faced from too many corporate lunches and champagne parties.
She grimaced, checking her phone once more for any messages from Kevin. As soon as she met this Lex Rochester, she’d explain the situation to him, and, fingers crossed, Kevin and his friend wouldn’t get into too much trouble.
The elevator pinged as it reached the thirty-second floor. Squaring her shoulders, she stepped out into a spacious reception area with acres of marble floor tiles and a fortune in artworks hanging on the walls. Clearly this was the executive floor. The main lights were off, but subtle lighting cast pools of light here and there.
From a dim corridor footsteps sounded. Jacinta swung round, her heartbeat revving up. Maybe she should have got the security guard to escort her up here. Out of the darkness a tall, broad-shouldered figure loped toward her. There was an air of concentrated purpose, almost menace, about him. She tightened her grip on her cell phone. At the very least she could hit him over the head if she felt threatened.
He emerged from the shadows. Um... she’d be lucky to clock him on the head because he towered over her. Six foot three, at a guess, with long, powerful legs and shoulders built for wielding a baseball bat.
“You took your sweet time,” he growled.
Her nerves jumped. That throaty voice again, so imperious, and yet so damn seductive. “E-excuse me?”
Damn. Why was she stuttering? Hadn’t she met a handsome man before? But this Lex Rochester wasn’t just handsome, wasn’t just blue-eyed, dark-haired, chiseled-body handsome. There was an animal intensity about him that went beyond conventional good looks, a primitive appeal that his sober, expensively tailored trousers and business shirt did little to hide. She’d never experienced such raw, unadulterated sexuality, and it hit her right in the throat, like a blast of jalapeno chili.
“I’ve been waiting over half an hour,” he said, frowning down at her.
She raised an eyebrow at him. He might be stunning to look at, but his manner didn’t impress her much.
“I came as quick as I could,” she coolly replied, “but some of us mere mortals can’t afford to live close to the city.”
She hadn’t meant to say that last part; it had just slipped out. Lex blinked at her as if she’d flipped him the bird. For a long moment he looked her up and down, as if seeing her as an individual for the first time, and there was something unnerving about his study.
“I’m sorry. I’m an impatient guy sometimes.” His drawled apology sent another frisson rippling through her body. Honestly, she couldn’t understand why this man affected her so much. His piercing blue gaze traveled over her once again, more slowly, curiosity showing in his expression...and maybe interest, too? Or was that just wishful thinking on her part?
“Can we start again? Lex Rochester.” He stuck out his hand to her. “I didn’t get your name when we spoke on the phone earlier.”
“Jacinta...” She clasped his hand, and the dry strength of his palm robbed her of all thought except for: Sexy hands. Bet he knows how to use them, too.
“Jacinta...?” Lex looked at her expectantly, still holding her hand, his firm pressure scattering her wits. “No last name?”
Oh damn, what should she say? If she gave her surname as Greene, he’d be able to trace her back to Kevin. At this stage, she didn’t know what was going to happen. Better to play it safe and use a false name until she was more certain of the situation. But what should she call herself? Desperate for inspiration, she glanced past his shoulder and spied a rack of business magazines on the wall.
“Uh, Forbes,” she said. “Jacinta Forbes. I, uh, just started here recently so I’m still getting used to the ropes.”
Finally he let go of her hand, and it was a relief to be able to think more coherently again.
“Well, Jacinta Forbes, I have a real emergency on my hands.”
She couldn’t help shivering at the way he rolled her name in his mouth, like he was tasting a fine wine. Ja-cin-ta. Had he done that on purpose? No, he can’t have. Why would he hit on a lowly IT support person when he was one of the Rochesters? The Rochester family owned the company and were worth billions. With Lex Rochester’s looks and wealth, he could have his pick of women. Was he married? He didn’t wear a wedding ring, but some husbands didn’t. She realized she was staring at him, probably with her mouth hanging open in admiration, and quickly averted her eyes.
Lex gestured toward the darkened corridor. “Follow me.”
As she hurried to kee
p up with his long-legged stride, genuine anxiety began to nag at her. She might be an expert at IT security systems, but she had no idea about the technology setup here at Jubilee Holdings, and besides she didn’t have a login or password to the system. Whatever Lex’s emergency was, she couldn’t fix it herself, and very soon she’d be forced to tell him the truth. Judging by what she’d seen so far, he was an exacting boss to work for, and he wouldn’t suffer fools lightly. But if she chatted to him and tried to form some sort of human bond with him first, maybe he wouldn’t explode with anger when she finally confessed to him.
He led her past a smaller reception area and into an office which must be his. The spacious room occupied a prime corner position, the windows commanding a sweeping view of the night-time city skyline and the Oakland Bay Bridge. Jacinta halted, transfixed by the Transamerica Pyramid with its blue-white light atop glowing in the near distance.
“Wow,” she breathed. “How do you get any work done with a view like that?”
His mouth lifted in a lop-sided grin. “It’s a nice view, but it’s not much help when I’ve got a tight deadline to meet.”
Oh heavens, that grin of his was too much. It made him younger, sexier, its charm lighting a warmth in her belly which quickly radiated out to all parts of her body.
Lex moved to the massive desk where his computer sat. His grin faded as he tugged at his tie, his impatience returning. With his shirt sleeves rolled up, he leaned his fists on the desk, a vee forming between his eyebrows. “I’ve tried everything, but for the life of me I can’t get my document to print out.”
Jacinta waited several seconds for Lex to continue, but he just continued to frown at her, waiting for her reply.
“You can’t print your document?” she said faintly. “Is that it? You paged overnight support because you can’t get your printer to work?” She couldn’t help her voice rising at the end in disbelief. “Really?”
What kind of prima donna was this guy? He might be the CEO of a huge company, he might be worth billions himself, but that didn’t give him the right to act like his whim was everyone’s command.
Her indignation must have shown, because Lex straightened, his shoulders stiffening.
“Yes, really. You got a problem with that?” His silky tone contrasted with his chest muscles bunching beneath his business shirt which fit him like a second skin.
Jacinta stood her ground. “Well, it does seem a trivial problem for a level one support ticket.”
He looked down at her from his considerable height advantage. “I need this document for an early meeting tomorrow which could lead to a hundred million dollar contract. Does that sound trivial to you?”
She flushed and fiddled with her coat belt to cover her discomfort. “No, I guess not.”
So much for forming a bond with him. She’d only succeeded in irritating him. Maybe she should throw herself on his mercy now before she annoyed him any further.
She cleared her throat. “Mr. Rochester, I should tell you—”
“Can it wait until you’ve looked into this printer problem?” He gestured to the seat at the desk, indicating she should sit. “Please?”
Jacinta hesitated a few seconds before obeying. If it was just a simple printer problem, maybe she could solve it and get out of here without revealing who she really was. That might be best for everyone.
She settled herself in Lex’s chair, aware he’d occupied this seat just a few minutes ago. She tapped on the keyboard and examined the information on the monitor. Lex stood just inches away to her left. He didn’t move or make a sound, but she was hyper-aware of him, of his body, of his thighs clad in business trousers not far from her elbow. Those thighs of his were firm and muscled, emphasizing his virility. If she swiveled her chair toward him, her face would be about level with his... Uh-uh, don’t go there.
She forced her attention back to the screen, determined not to be distracted by Lex’s powerful physicality.
“Oh, that’s all it is.” She gave a relieved laugh as she clicked the mouse a few times. “There you go.”
She pushed to her feet, tilting her head up at Lex. “Problem solved.”
He still looked suspicious. “Just like that?”
She walked over to the printer in the corner that had begun to hum as it warmed up. Seconds later, several printed pages slid out of it. She picked them up, patted them into order, and handed the bundle to Lex with a flourish.
“I think you’ll find that’s all in order.”
He riffled through the pages. “Yeah, it’s all here. I don’t understand how you fixed the problem so quickly.”
His appreciation set off that warm feeling in her again. “That’s why you have an IT department, I guess.”
“You must think I’m an idiot.” He threw her a rueful grin. “I’ve been trying to solve this for hours.”
She tried not to notice the effect his grin had on her. “You’re the CEO. I’m sure you’re not an idiot.”
“Huh. Thanks.” His eyes sparked at her like blue gas.
Oh wow, she could drown in those vivid blue eyes of his. She found herself grinning back at him as she flicked her fingers through her hair. As she struggled to breathe evenly, warning signals went off in her brain. She shouldn’t be lingering here trying to flirt with the CEO. She should get the hell out of here as quickly as possible.
“Well, Mr. Rochester, if that’s all, I’ll be on my way—”
“You can’t go until I’ve printed everything I need.”
She hesitated before nodding. “Okay.”
“And call me Lex.”
She blinked at him. “Oh. Really?”
“It’s too late in the day for formalities, don’t you think?” He pulled up a visitor’s chair next to his own. “Take a seat, Jacinta.”
His gravely drawl tugged at her, unraveling her defenses even as the danger alarm inside her head wailed louder. This Lex Rochester was way too attractive for her own good. Every minute she spent with him was a risk to herself and to her brother. She couldn’t afford to let her guard down around him. But he was simply irresistible. She slid into the chair, aware that this was not the smartest move.
Chapter Two
Lex watched as Jacinta took the seat like a gazelle entering a cage. She was jumpy, ready to bolt. He sat in his own chair next to her, aware how on edge he was, too. There was something about this woman, something indefinable that had his body humming and all his senses zeroed into her. It wasn’t just her looks that did it, though she was stunning with all that long, dark brown hair running down her back like a river of cocoa, her luminous, silky skin, and her full, sweet mouth. It was more the way she looked at him, her honey-colored eyes filled with a mixture of intelligence, amusement, and wariness.
She thought he was an idiot for not knowing how to fix a problem she’d solved in one minute. She thought he was arrogant for hauling her in so late for such a minor problem. And she didn’t bother hiding her opinions from him. Unusual. Intriguing. And definitely stimulating.
“You’re not the usual IT support I get around here,” he said.
Instant color bloomed in her cheeks as she fiddled with a paper clip. “Oh, what’s your usual kind?”
“Male, geeky, quiet.”
“I can be geeky and quiet.”
“Maybe I don’t want you to be geeky and quiet.”
Jacinta lifted her shoulders, her face still pink.
“It’s warm in here,” he said as he turned to his computer. “Why don’t you take your coat off?”
She nodded and rose to her feet, shrugging off her trench coat. Lex hovered his mouse over the next document he wanted printed, but when Jacinta moved to the coat rack opposite his desk, his fingers froze. The sight of her skin-tight jeans showing off her long legs and sexy curves captivated all his attention. What an incredible ass she had. He could watch that all day. As she turned back, he realized he was perving at her, and she was his employee, damnit. He yanked his attention away from her
and quickly hit the print button.
“So how long have you been working here?” he asked, figuring he should move the conversation to more innocuous territory.
Jacinta hesitated before replying, “Um, about a month.”
“And you like it here? They treating you well?”
Again, that curious hesitation. “Yes, everyone’s been good to me.”
Was she hiding something? She didn’t seem the shy type. As she sat down again, he leaned toward her instinctively and caught a whiff of her delicate, slightly citrus scent. It must be powerful stuff, because he had a sudden urge to press his lips against her smooth, creamy neck and inhale everything about her. He gave himself a mental shake. Give it over, man. As CEO he couldn’t go hitting on his employees. Especially late at night with no-one about. That would be perfect fodder for a sexual harassment claim.
But just because he was the CEO didn’t mean he could shut off his male instincts, and every one of them was telling him that this woman was special and he’d be an idiot twice over if he didn’t do something about it.
“You don’t have to be nervous because I’m the CEO,” he said, thinking to ease her reservations.
“I’m not nervous,” she declared, pushing back her lustrous hair with an air of defiance.
She crossed her legs, drawing his attention to the shapely line of her thigh not too far from him. Heat shot through his veins, instant and shocking. Averting his eyes, Lex clicked almost savagely on the next document. Christ, he could hardly start sporting a boner with her sitting next to him.
“That’s good to know,” he said. “I hope you can approach me if you ever have a problem.”
“Do you mean that?”
“Yes. Why wouldn’t I?”
She lifted a shoulder. The pink 49ers T-shirt she wore tightened around her breasts. “You’re the CEO. I’m sure you’re too busy to worry about someone in IT.”