by Angelo, Judy
Rock folded his arms across his chest and shook his head but said nothing, realizing his dilemma. He’d thought he’d got to the bottom of this but if the culprit was not Sean Johnson, then who was it?
He was back at square one.
CHAPTER SIX
For the second time that evening Dana looked up to see Rock watching her and he did not look pleased. What had she done now? She glanced away and turned back to her computer screen, feigning intense interest in the report she was typing.
This was the third night in a row that he had asked her to stay late. She hadn’t minded at all. In fact, she totally understood because he had explained to her that there had been a steady decline in business over the last few months and he was determined to reverse that trend. That would require a lot of work – analysis, meetings with their major clients, a change in their business strategy. All of that meant that she would have to put in long hours with Rock so that he could complete the tasks within the time he had specified. He had shared with her that within the next two months he hoped to reverse the slide in the sale of luxury vacations but also to embark on some major projects. Instead of just selling luxury packages to clients Rock wanted to take the business to a higher level. He wanted the company to own its own luxury resort. That would require extensive research as they checked properties in the Caribbean for possible purchase.
Dana was up to the task and she’d been willingly working late hours with Rock. Although it was a lot of work, she’d actually enjoyed it. The only challenge was a personal one. Every time they were in the same room she had to fight to subdue her body’s reaction to this virile man. Each time he came near, her breath would catch in her throat and her nipples, traitors that they were, would stiffen inside her bra. With a treacherous body like hers, working with Rock late at night was like playing with fire.
But tonight, for some reason, Rock seemed to be in a foul mood. Instead of piling on the work he would fall into silence, his thoughts seeming to be a million miles away. Then he would scowl and turn those golden eyes on her with a look of such ferocity that she would swear he had something against her. But if he did, he said nothing to explain himself, and she definitely was not going to ask.
**
God, this was torture. Rock got up from behind his desk and began to pace the room. He had asked Dana to work late again, and although the work had to be done it was more for selfish reasons than for anything else that he had her here till seven-thirty at nights. He let out a grunt of self-disgust and shoved his fists into his pockets. He was pathetic.
The fact of the matter was, he wanted Dana. He’d been trying to fight it all these months but he finally had to admit it to himself. What he felt for her was more than merely passing interest. Much to his chagrin he finally had to admit that, contrary to his morals, he was attracted to one of his employees. Now how the hell was he going to get out of this mess?
Rock drew in a deep breath then shook his head. The only way to get this monkey off his back was to confront it head on. He walked over to stand beside Dana’s desk then folded his arms across his chest. “What’s going on between you and Jason Blake?”
Dana looked up, seeming startled at first, then her brows came together. “Excuse me?”
“You heard me,” he said, his voice brusque.
As he watched, Dana drew in a deep breath and her nostrils flared. Then she fixed him with a cold, hard stare. “I told you before and I’ll tell you again. There is nothing going on between us. Not that it’s any of your business.”
“When it’s taking place inside my office that makes it my business.” So she wanted to play tough? Two could play that game.
“And I keep telling you, there’s nothing going on between us. Whatever you may think of me, I’m a professional, and I don’t take my personal business to the office.” She got up from behind the desk and turned to face him. “And I don’t appreciate your accusations.” Dana’s chest heaved and her eyes flashed. Her lips were trembling - those full, pink lips, so angry and yet so vulnerable, so tempting in their rage.
And as he stood there glaring at her, all Rock could think about was what it would feel like to pull her into his arms and kiss her breathless.
For what seemed like an eternity he just stood there, staring at her, fighting the urge to give in to his desire. He was her boss, he knew, but he was also a man…a man whose baser side wanted to take over right now, office protocol be damned.
His silence must have confused her because she took another breath then bit down on her lip. And all he could think was, so sexy. But the situation was impossible. He shook his head and gave a deep sigh. “I owe you an apology.”
That made her look even more confused. But, to her credit, she said nothing.
“My behavior might have been…inappropriate, but it’s hard to stay objective when…” He decided against finishing the sentence. He was being a fool, and he knew it.
She raised her eyebrows. “When what?”
He shook his head again. “Forget it. I’m not myself this evening.” Then he gave her a rueful smile. “I apologize for not complimenting you on your new look. I can see why Blake has a hard time staying away.”
She looked surprised at his comment. He knew it was wrong but he couldn’t resist expressing what he had on his mind. “A man would have to be made of stone not to-” He caught himself just in time. But then, when he saw the look of eager anticipation on her face, he decided to plunge in. To hell with it. “You know what I want to do right now?”
“What?” Her eyes wide, her voice breathless, she was hard to resist.
“I want to kiss you.”
With a look of challenge in her eyes she tilted her head up to stare him full in the face. “Why don’t you?”
That was all the permission Rock needed. Before he could change his mind he stepped around the desk, reached out and pulled Dana up and into his arms. Sliding his fingers through her silky hair, he cupped the back of her head then he tilted her mouth toward his. As his mouth descended she moaned as if in anticipation of his kiss. That only spurred him on further. His mouth captured hers and then he was kissing her, tasting her sweetness, feeling the softness of her lips against his.
And she was kissing back, opening to receive him, pressing her body against his so that the fullness of her breasts pressed against his chest, sending the heat of passion coursing to his groin.
When Rock finally released Dana and lifted his head to stare down at her, her eyes were closed, her lips soft and swollen. God, she was beautiful. And he wanted more of her. But he knew it would not work. It couldn’t. She was his employee.
The thought was like a bucket of cold water in his face, jerking him back to his senses. He had to get a hold of himself.
Rock stepped back and away from Dana then cleared his throat. “Excuse me,” he said hoarsely. “I’d better leave you to your work.” And as he turned to walk away her eyes flew open and he saw the look on her face. It was a mixture of confusion and distress and he knew he was the one who had put it there. Feeling like a cad, he kept on walking.
CHAPTER SEVEN
“I can’t believe you did that. Dear, sweet Dana, a flirt?” Becky’s laughter echoed into the phone.
“And it’s all your fault.”
“Mine?” Becky’s voice was a squeak of incredulity. “What do I have to do with it?”
“Don’t you play innocent with me,” Dana growled. “It was you who made me into what I’m not.”
“What? An attractive woman who’s sensible enough to enhance her strong points? I’m sorry, but I’m not going to apologize for that. And besides,” Becky said, chuckling, “all I did was make you pretty. I didn’t tell you to go kiss the man.”
Dana could only sigh. “I know. You’re right. I don’t know what came over me.”
“I do,” Becky said enigmatically. “Your new look gave you greater confidence, made you bolder. It’s the new you. Daring Dana.”
Dana sighed again.
“I wish you wouldn’t joke about it. And anyway, he was the one who made the first move. I told you that.”
“Now why don’t I believe that?” Becky scoffed. “A man like you described Rock to be, uber-professional and all, he wouldn’t-”
“Yes, he would.” Dana cut her off mid-sentence but then she bit her lip. She could only fool Becky for so long. “Okay, I admit it. I might have given him a wee bit of encouragement.”
“I knew it.” Becky laughed out loud. “You go, girl. I’m proud of you. Hey listen,” her voice fell to a conspiratorial whisper, “if you let me coach you I’ll have him eating out of your hands in no time. Next thing you know there’ll be wedding bells.”
“Becky.” Dana’s voice was sharp as she chided her friend. “Don’t even go there.”
“Come on, girl, be realistic,” Becky scolded. “How do you think you’ll ever get married if you don’t assert yourself?”
Dana rolled her eyes, no matter that Becky wasn’t there to see it. “This, from a woman who hasn’t snagged herself a husband yet.”
“Don’t you worry about me,” Becky said with a chuckle. “You’re the subject of conversation now.”
For a moment Dana was silent. Three hours had passed since ‘the kiss’ and she still felt the searing heat of Rock’s lips on hers. When she finally spoke her voice came out in a broken whisper. “Becky, I’m scared.”
“Oh, honey, of what?” The laughter in Becky’s voice was gone and in its place was a hint of concern. “Was it what I said?”
“No, it’s how I feel. I liked it just a bit…too much. How am I going to face him at work tomorrow?”
“Sorry, I can’t help you with that one,” Becky said with a smile in her voice. “I’m afraid you’re going to have to face the music on your own.”
Becky was right. She’d put herself in this situation and now she would have to deal with it. And the best way she could think of was to be tough and pretend that nothing ever happened.
Now if only her boss would follow her lead, life could go right back to normal.
**
Next day it took less than fifteen minutes in office with Rock to realize that there was no going back to normal. She was too isolated with him, all the way down the hall in the executive suite. And her body was too aware of him, too tuned in to his presence. She could hardly think straight. Everywhere she turned there was something that reminded her of ‘the kiss’ – the chair that she’d hopped out of, the desk he’d circled to reach her, the door he’d disappeared behind after devastating her with his kiss. Was she going crazy? The most innocent of objects had now become her enemy.
She was sitting at her desk, mulling over her difficult situation, when the phone rang. It was Rock and he needed her in his office right away. He’d pretty much avoided her all morning, but what would his reaction be now, with her sitting right across from him?
If he totally ignored her, pretending that nothing had happened, it would be a good thing, right? That was what her mind said but as far as her heart was concerned if he did that, she would be crushed. It would mean the kiss meant absolutely nothing to him.
As the thoughts swirled inside her head Dana stood up then sucked in her breath. Come on, girl, get your act together. You can’t afford to lose your heart to your boss. Business is business. There’s no room for you to get your heart involved. Feeling more confident after her pep talk she walked boldly through the door and into Rock’s office.
Dana was surprised when she saw the smile on Rock’s face. Since taking over the company she could count the number of times he’d actually smiled. On one hand. So what had happened to him today? Was she the reason for his dramatic change of mood? She could only wish.
“Have a seat, Dana.” He waved her over to the chair. “I have some good news to share with you.”
Dana did as she was told and sank onto the edge of the chair, brimming with curiosity.
“Remember I told you of the new strategy I was planning to implement, where I would be acquiring a few luxury resorts?”
She nodded.
“I’ve finally made a breakthrough.” He stepped away from the window and walked over to the desk where he sat on the edge, looking down at her. “There’s a small luxury hotel for sale in the Bahamas, on the main island of New Providence, and the price is a steal. The owners are retiring and are looking to offload the property real fast. I want us to go down there next week, do a site visit, get a feel for the place. If it’s a good fit, then we’ll take it.”
At his words Dana’s breath caught in her throat then she frowned. Had she heard right? “Did you say…we?”
“Of course. I’ll be having meetings with the owners and I’ll need you there to support me. After all, you’re my right hand.”
A trip to the Bahamas. With her boss. Dana didn’t know whether to feel elated or scared so she ended up feeling both. And she had every right to be scared because, although this would be a business trip, she had absolutely no idea how she was going to handle it. She’d thought being in the executive suite alone with Rock had been difficult but being away with him on an overseas trip, now that was going to be a real test of her fortitude. Her body had turned traitor last night and she prayed she would be able to keep it in check.
“Now before we go there’s a lot of work to do,” Rock continued. “I need you to provide me with as much background information as possible on this hotel and its operations.” As he looked down at her he folded his arms across his chest and his face became thoughtful. “I’m already enthusiastic about this business possibility but I don’t want to be swayed by emotions. I want the facts to be my guide. And that’s where you come in.”
Dana nodded. “Just let me know how soon you need the information and I’ll have it ready for you.”
Rock smiled. “That’s what I want to hear. Let’s plan to have a debriefing on Monday around two o’clock. We leave for the Bahamas Wednesday morning.”
“Very good,” Dana said with a nod and rose to leave.
“And Dana,” Rock said, giving her an enigmatic look.
“Yes?”
“You’ll have nothing to worry about.”
Dana nodded and made her way out of Rock’s office, pulling the door closed behind her. Only then did she expel her breath. You’ll have nothing to worry about? Now what the heck did he mean by that?
CHAPTER EIGHT
Sun, sea and sand, the typical promise of the islands of the Caribbean and Dana was looking forward to it. This was her first visit to the Bahamas. In fact, it was her visit to a Caribbean island, and she could hardly wait. The closest she’d come to a tropical vacation had been a spring break trip to Mexico five years before but a visit to an island? That was a totally new experience for her. And regardless of the fact that this was not a vacation at all but a business trip, she was thrilled.
And what made it even more nerve-tingling was that she was making the trip with a man who made her heart forget that it was supposed to be beating steadily in her chest. Lately, that most critical organ seemed to be more interested in skipping and hopping than in beating at its steady old rhythm. Being in the company of a super-handsome man could do that to you. But if she had retained even a little of the good sense that God had given her, she would rein it in and take control. This was a business trip and she would do well not to forget that.
As the limousine sped away from the Lynden Pindling International Airport, Dana leaned back and settled into her seat.
“Drink?”
She opened her eyes to see Rock reaching for a chilled bottle of wine. “You look like you could use one after that flight.”
Dana almost smiled. It had been a bit of a bumpy ride. At one point she’d almost grabbed Rock’s hand but she’d caught herself just in time. She’d never been a big fan of flying but she’d thought that the trip to the Bahamas would have been a breeze, seeing that the flight time was only two and a half hours. She’d been sure she would be able to manage that. Now, though, sh
e was just grateful to be on the ground.
She shook her head. “No, thanks. I just want to relax and enjoy the view.”
The journey from the airport to Paradise Island took less than half an hour and along the way Dana relaxed and enjoyed the sights and sounds of the island. The car took them along Cable Beach, past Goodman’s Bay Park and through parts of downtown Nassau. Soon they were riding across the bridge leading to Paradise Island, their destination.
Dana sat up and stared wide eyed as they approached a huge, impressive-looking hotel. “Is that where we’re staying?” She twisted her body to get a better view. “I’ve always heard about this hotel. I never thought that one day I’d be staying there.”
Rock chuckled. “We’ll be staying at the Reef Atlantis. I trust you’ll be comfortable there.”
Dana turned back to face him. “I’ll be comfortable anywhere as long as we’re on this island. I’ve never been to a Caribbean island before.”
Rock frowned. “Are you telling me that with all the luxury packages sold by Premier Holdings you’ve never taken advantage of any of them?”
Dana looked at him, slightly taken aback by his question. “No, not at all. I can’t afford that sort of thing.”
“I didn’t mean that you would pay for it.” Rock looked at her as if she were crazy. “This is the business of your company. You’ve never sampled any of the products?”
“No,” Dana answered, her voice hesitant. “Never.” In truth, the thought had never even crossed her mind that she or any of the other employees should be allowed to try any of the packages that the company sold. She was surprised that Rock would even suggest it. Wouldn’t something like that affect the company’s bottom line, letting the staff stay in luxury hotels?