Meggie's Secret

Home > Other > Meggie's Secret > Page 18
Meggie's Secret Page 18

by Felisha Goulding


  Meg hadn’t felt this sexy in a long time. It had been a while since her last date and now she fought internally with herself to get her nerves under control. She tried to relax as best she could, and held her chin up high before she walked out the front doors of the condo. The attire she wore was glamorous and she was convinced Drake’s assistant helped choose the outfit. There was no way he had the time in his busy schedule to go shopping, but she appreciated his thoughtfulness nonetheless.

  “Good evening, Matt,” she said as she climbed into the backseat of the limo and gave him her best smile.

  “Well, Ms. Malone, you look rather charming this evening,” he said while pausing to look her over appreciatively.

  “Thank you, Matt. I appreciate you saying that.” Meg was a little surprised by his compliment. She thought, although he was kind, he was extremely reserved.

  He winked at her, and she didn’t feel the least bit uncomfortable as he did so. She knew he was devoted to his boss, and he would never betray him by hitting on her. His entire persona was one of protection; Matt was no threat and Meg felt safe in his hands.

  * * * *

  The restaurant was tucked away between a few low-rise buildings on the street to Meg’s left. She had no idea where they were, but there was no mistaking how busy it was. People were lined up out to the street waiting to get inside. Meg’s stomach felt tied in knots, the kind that made you tremble from something good, not the fearful kind she had grown used to. The limo came to a stop, and Matt raced around. After opening the door, he extended his hand to her and helped her out of the limo. He pointed his finger toward the door, “See that man standing over there, in the black tuxedo and burgundy tie? Go ahead and tell him you’re a guest of Mr. Noble who is expecting you for dinner. He’ll escort you inside to the private dining lounge.”

  Meg approached the man as Matt had suggested; he greeted her by her name immediately after telling him she was a guest of Mr. Noble’s. “Ms. Malone?”

  “Yes, that’s me.”

  “Good, now, let’s not keep Mr. Noble waiting. Right this way please.” The man didn’t waste any time. She followed the older gentleman to the back of the restaurant where the private lounge was located. Her chest constricted at the fact that within mere seconds she would see him again, her nipples tightened in anticipation and a warm feeling rushed through her. The restaurant was busy with the buzz of conversations everywhere around her. Waiters and waitresses rushed around, serving guests and holding trays of food that made her feel hungry all of a sudden.

  Oh, God almighty, there he is. He stood up from where he was seated behind the table the moment she entered. The room was small, intimate, and romantic. Perfect in every way, but nothing in this room compared to the tall dark handsome man walking in her direction. Butterflies replaced the nerves in her stomach. His eyes darkened and made their way down the full length of her. Slowly, he took in every inch of Meg, and she was achingly aware of the appreciation in his gaze. His face softened when they fell upon her face. She straightened and walked toward him, her breath hitched and everything around her disappeared with the exception of one man.

  They met one another halfway in the room, and when he was close enough, he took her hand into his and pulled it up to his mouth. He gently kissed the top of her knuckles. “So glad you can make it,” he said and leaned in closer, he kissed her cheek and whispered, “Are you wearing panties under that dress, Ms. Malone?”

  Meg couldn’t believe he’d said that. She felt herself blush at the provocative words and his bold nature. He took her by complete surprise. She leaned into his ear and whispered, “I think I’ll keep you guessing all evening, Mr. Noble.” Holy shit, did I really say that? He gave her a devilishly wicked grin and winked. Meg swept her tongue over her bottom lip and then bit down slightly. God, the man was delicious. Drake pulled the seat out for her and adjusted her chair toward the table comfortably before walking to the other side and seating himself.

  “You look stunning,” he offered. “I knew you would make that dress look good.” Meg’s insides were melting. The way he said that with his gaze fixed on her made her shiver in delight.

  “This dress is beautiful,” she said to him in return. “Remind me to thank your assistant. She certainly has incredible taste.” She smiled back at him and watched a wide grin transform slowly across that beautiful mouth of his.

  He chuckled softly and his eyes didn’t leave hers. “Contrary to what you may think, Ms. Malone, I will have you know that I had my personal shopper come by my office first thing this morning with you in mind. There were several dresses for me to choose from, but this one was by far ‘you’. I’ve never seen a more stunning and beautiful woman.”

  Meg gasped, her eyes widened in surprise. “Are you telling me that you picked this out, the shoes, everything?” She crossed her legs to ease the ache settling between her thighs before continuing. “I never would have guessed. I mean, I just assumed, with your busy schedule, that...well, I have to say, you are full of surprises, Mr. Noble. How did you ever find the time to do this?”

  He eased forward slightly to ensure she heard what he had to say. His focus was on her and her alone. “I make time for the people who are important to me, and make no mistake, Ms. Malone, you are becoming very important to me.”

  Meg’s heart did a somersault. She grew dizzy from his words alone. She knew this wasn’t a business conversation, and she was only too happy about that fact. “I don’t know what to say in response to that,” she said. A warm smile curved the corners of her mouth upward in appreciation of his boldness. Her tongue felt dry and she swallowed. She was in desperate need of a glass of wine to quench her thirst. He was drinking her in, and Meg realized in that moment she’d finally met someone who touched her to the very core. He wasn’t afraid to share how he felt, and she was thankful for that. There was no beating around the bush with this man; he was a straight shooter and not afraid to say what was on his mind. In a husky voice, Meg continued. “Drake, I don’t know how to thank you for the dress and everything that goes with it. No one’s ever done this sort of thing for me before.” Meg felt her face flush, as it always did when she was around him.

  “You don’t need to say a word, and least of all you don’t need to thank me, Meggie. You spending this time with me is thanks enough. I’m not sure what kind of men you dated in the past. A beautiful woman like you should be treasured and showered with beautiful things. But I have to admit, I’m glad to be the first to do this for you. Now, let’s enjoy the evening, shall we?”

  Drake was appalled that Meggie had never been spoiled in any of her past relationships. This woman sitting across the table from him wasn’t just any woman. She was special, and he knew that whatever came out of this business deal, that she was priority. He just had to have her. He’d never in his life felt this drawn to a woman, and he had many. He never believed in love at first sight or long term relationships for that matter. His parent’s marriage was a joke, a complete disappointment to him, and after growing up in that household, he never really thought to settle down. But now, he had an entirely different idea in mind. Now he found himself wanting more than just sex. He wanted far more than a one night stand with Meggie. Fuck, what the hell is wrong with me? He drew himself back in to the present, and watched Meggie reach for the water.

  Meg reached toward the middle of the table for the ice water. Drake put his hand up to stop her, “Allow me,” he said and poured them both a glass. Meg held the cool liquid to her lips and took a long drink. It was refreshing and cooled her off a little, but she was hot and not from the temperature of the room; she was hot for the man who sat across the table from her. She set the glass back on the table and decided to strike up a conversation, about anything at all to get her mind out of the gutter and ease her mind away from the wild thoughts she was having.

  “This place is nice. You come here often, Drake?”

  The sound of her voice filled his ears, and he simply couldn’t stop looki
ng at her. She was stunning in that dress. Her neck was completely exposed, long and sleek. He wanted to kiss along the curve of her neck down to her shoulder. Her lips were full and that damn dimple that stood out when she smiled was driving him wild. He was lost in the idea of taking her right here and now. It wouldn’t be the first time he took a woman in this very room. All he had to do was close the door and lock it. But Meggie was different, he reminded himself.

  “Only on special occasions like this evening,” he replied when he got his thoughts back in order. He reached for the wine in the center of the table, and with a steady hand he poured for both of them, careful not to spill. His eyes held hers. “You really do look magnificent, Meggie. I hope you enjoy the food here. It’s Italian cuisine. I placed our order. I asked that they cook everything separately, no fish, no shellfish. I want you healthy this evening,” he said. His eyes twinkled in the low light of the room, and Meg couldn’t help but notice the striking blue color of his eyes.

  “I trust your judgment. I’m sure I’ll love it.”

  “Excellent,” he said, pleased at her response.

  Drake held up his wine goblet. “To the many possibilities that lay ahead,” he toasted. She assumed he was talking about the sale, but she would be lying if she didn’t admit that she was hopeful he was referring to them instead.

  She held up her goblet and touched his, “Cheers,” she responded. They both took a sip and once again, she found herself amazed at the texture and velvety smoothness of the full bodied wine. She allowed the silky liquid to linger for a moment, savoring the taste.

  Dinner arrived right away, a basket of fresh bread sticks wrapped in a white cloth, perfectly warm and penne a la vodka with veal steaks. Meg stared across the table at the most striking man she’d ever seen. Her girly parts tingled as her sexual awareness heightened thinking about the many possibilities this evening might have in store for them. I so need to get my thoughts back on dinner and out of his pants, that’s for sure.

  They dug in, eating, drinking wine, lots of wine. After dinner, they shared dessert, Meg had a coffee and Drake espresso. They needed something to bring them down from the buzz of the wine. Dinner went by at a leisurely pace, the air charged between them with sexual tension. Subliminal messages went unspoken. It was a truly magical feeling, and despite the fact that Drake hadn’t touched her in a way, their time together was intimate, and Meg found him to be the most fascinating man she had ever met. If there were no more moments like this to be shared between them, she would forever engrave this in her memory.

  * * * *

  Drake turned the subject to business. “You know, Meggie, I’m certain that Frank will accept my offer to buy his company.”

  Wiping the corners of her mouth with the white napkin, she fixed her gaze on him. “I’m happy to hear that you will be making an offer.” Meg was a little surprised to hear he had made such a big decision without their talking about it further. She knew he did his research, and she was now at odds with why exactly he would need her here for the next week or so. If his mind was made up, there wasn’t really much more to discuss. But she let that thought go for now and hoped it didn’t mean she would have to return to the office right away.

  “I want this, Meggie. This deal has huge money-making potential; the existing client base is fairly solid. Once I reach out to the existing client base they will be pleased with a few changes to their existing contract, and I’m confident they will be much happier with a lower rate and sign on for a five-year term. Everything on paper looks promising. I will be sending one of my people out there once you return to go over the offer and hopefully sign off on the deal. I might be away in Japan during that time.”

  She hid her disappointment, wishing he would be the one to visit and finalize the offer as opposed to one of his people. “You know, he has two other offers under review as well. I’m simply giving you a heads up.”

  “I know about the other offers,” he said confidently. “Look, Meggie, I’m a successful business man. I have never failed at anything and I don’t intend to now. I know a good thing when I see it, and this looks like a very promising investment to me in more ways than one. I know how to get what I want, and let me assure you I will own Griffin Publishing. I don’t intend to let this opportunity slip through my fingers. I’ll make it worth his while.”

  “You won’t regret it, Drake. I can assure you of that.” she smiled in return. Meg knew when it came to business that Drake was indeed a pit bull. A no bullshit kind of guy, extremely confident and she’d be damned if that didn’t make him hotter than hell.

  Drake thought to himself as he studied her, there was no way he would let this opportunity go by. Particularly when it meant he would see her again. He would buy that damn company just to stay close to her.

  “When are you scheduled to return?”

  “I’m scheduled to return Friday next week but was hoping to stay the entire two weeks that I’ve committed to. Now that you’ve made the decision to put forth an offer, I’m not so sure you’ll need me to stick around for that long.”

  He sat back and thought for a moment. No way was she going back early, to hell with that. “I’d prefer you stay. I may have a few other things that I need to firm up while I draft up the offer. Do you have any other plans this evening?” he asked, hoping she would accompany him for the remainder of the evening.

  “Not really. Sarah is out of town so that leaves me with a free evening.”

  “Good, I was hoping you would join me for a drink at a night club not too far from here. Do you feel up to it?”

  The man doesn’t have to ask me twice. I would spend all night with him, all he has to do is ask. Without having to put any thought into that invitation, she immediately responded. “Yes, I would love to go out and experience a little New York City night life. Before I forget, thank you for dinner and again, thank you for the beautiful dress. I really do appreciate it, Drake. But I have to admit that thank you doesn’t feel nearly enough.”

  “It was my pleasure, but I can think of many other ways you can thank me later,” he wriggled his eyebrows suggestively.

  She smiled back at him and licked her lower lip. His eyes fixated on her mouth and his pupils dilated, the blue pretty much washing away. It was undoubtedly a look of pure lust and male hunger. The intensity of his gaze sent a thrill straight through her. I could jump across this table and straddle those long muscular legs and kiss those perfectly sculpted lips. She was going absolutely wild for him.

  Drake and Meg sat for a while longer and exchanged stares, seducing one another without a word or a touch, their eyes never straying away. She knew he had to be as aroused as she was. Drake moved uncomfortably in his chair trying to suppress the rage inside his pants. Although Meg was less familiar with the sexual experience, she was old enough to recognize the signs. Drake watched her as if he could read her mind and Meg prayed he couldn’t or she would turn completely and utterly red from embarrassment.

  * * * *

  Moments later, they both took a seat in the back seat of the limo. Drake reached over to the console behind them and closed the privacy window before he turned back to Meg. They sat next to one another, their outer thighs touching and Meg shivered at the way he felt against her. He reached over with his hand and caressed her cheek softy. He simply stared into her eyes and his thumb brushed over her bottom lip; he was intrigued with the fullness of her lips. “Do you have any idea how beautiful you are, Ms. Malone? I know you’re here on business, but I can’t stop how I feel and I am so very attracted to you. I’m not one to mix business with pleasure but I can’t help myself with you,” he whispered. “I find you extremely captivating and I can’t stop thinking about you. You’re the perfect package and so God damn sexy, I feel like I’m going to explode if I don’t get inside you.”

  Meg was a goner. He simply undid her and she had no idea how to respond to that. She was a little shocked at his boldness but then he wasn’t one for holding much back. He called a s
pade a spade, was a straight shooter, and evidently had no filters when it came to her. His words set her on fire, and there was no doubt she wanted him just as badly. He didn’t scare her and that was a welcoming thought. More than anything she had ever wanted in her entire life, she wanted him to kiss her, right here, right now. But he didn’t; he removed his hand and sat back letting out a deep ragged breath. Meg remained silent and stared out the window to her left. She closed her eyes. The feel of his hand on her face lingered and she fantasized about that kiss she desperately wanted.

  After a twenty minute drive, they arrived at the night club. Drake tipped the doorman and whispered something in his ear and they walked past the huge line up of people waiting eagerly to get inside. The music was wailing, people were dancing, drinking, shouting, the air was filled with energy and excitement. The club was huge and people were literally shoulder to shoulder.

  “Stay with me, Meggie,” she heard him shout over his shoulder. He held her hand firmly in his. “I’ll get us through the crowd and to the bar.”

  Cages hung high from the ceiling above, each one occupied by a male or female dancer covered in next to nothing. They moved their bodies perfectly to the rhythm of the music. Their bodies were sleek with oil, their moves seductive. The bass was loud and vibrated throughout the club. Drake led them to the bar at the back, the line-up was huge and you could barely make your way to the bartender behind the long sleek counter. Meg watched as Drake pulled out his cell, eagerly pressed the digits and the bartender held two drinks high in the air above the crowd, tilting his head toward Drake to push his way through and retrieve the drinks. He threw the bartender a wad of cash before he turned back to Meg. “Follow me,” he yelled above the music.

  Holding both their drinks in his steady hand, Drake told Meggie to hang on to the bottom of his shirt while he made his way through the crowd and up a set of stairs nestled away in the corner. She noticed it wasn’t as crowded up here as they made it to the top of the stairway. She was relieved with having a little more room to maneuver around. They entered a room that occupied maybe fifteen people or so. To her surprise, when they walked further in, she realized they were on a balcony looking out over the dance floor. He pulled her toward the front of the balcony to a tall bar table. There were no chairs anywhere in sight other than a few couches at the back pushed up against the wall. A few people sat comfortably mingling and drinking shots, laughing and talking amongst themselves.

 

‹ Prev