“Would you like some company?”
She would love it! She hesitated one second then with a slight tilt of her head, she answered. “Okay.”
They walked past the reception area lit with twinkle lights and lanterns, down an inlaid stone pathway that led to steep steps. Only moonlight guided their way now, the party music fading.
“They’re tricky without much light.” Joe took her hand and helped her down steps that seemed to go on forever. He’d touched her more today than in the past year since she’d met him. Ali held out some hope that progress was being made, small as it may be.
Once they reached the floor of the vineyard, which was still pretty high up on the hillside, he released her hand. Ali gazed out at the endless rows of vines that columned Carlino land. She sighed in awe. “Most people have swing sets in their backyards.”
“We had those, too. We were privileged as kids, but believe it or not, we had a pretty normal childhood. My father was a taskmaster. We had chores to do and had to bring home good grades, just like anybody else. We got grounded. Well, I didn’t so much, but Nick and Tony? They were always causing the old man conniptions.”
Ali wished her childhood involved having a mother and father who loved her unconditionally. Someone who loved her enough to ground her or make sure she was doing her homework. She’d never had stability in her life. There was never much normalcy, either. Joe—living up here on a hill, with all his wealth and privileges—probably did have a more normal childhood than she had.
“He cared about the men you were to become.”
Joe scrubbed his jaw. “I guess so. He was a hard man. My mother softened him, though. He loved her so much. He’d have died for her.”
“They were lucky to have each other.”
Ali turned from Joe to absorb what he’d just said. She pretended to look out at the vineyards, but she looked beyond them to her own life. That kind of love—that close family bond—was completely foreign to her. People looked at her and assumed she had everything she wanted. But that was far from the truth. Her childhood hadn’t been a fairy tale. She wanted the kind of love that Joe’s mother had—that unconditional commitment and devotion. Ali had been on her own in one way or another most of her life.
She could easily live a superficial life, the kind her mother lived, bouncing in and out of relationships, grasping for the brass ring that would make her happy momentarily, but never fully content. Ali had vowed to never be like her mother. She wanted something real. Money didn’t matter to her. Oddly, she’d fallen for Joe, a man worth millions, but he could just as well have been broke and she still would’ve loved him. That was the difference between her and her mother.
“Ali, are you okay?” Joe came up behind her, his voice soft and tender. She felt his solid presence at her back. Maybe that’s why she loved him. Joe was a rock of stability. “You’re different tonight.”
Tears entered her eyes, and she fought them. She couldn’t break down in front of him. She didn’t want his pity. She didn’t want to tell him about her mother, her past and the love she’d never received as a child.
Taking a deep breath, she turned to him and gave a little shrug. “Weddings do that to me. I’m fine.”
“You’re quiet. I thought you loved a good party.” Joe searched her eyes. He looked puzzled and sweetly concerned.
Oh, how she hated all this deception. She just wanted to blurt out that she loved him. She loved him, and her heart was breaking. But it was the last thing Joe would want to hear. She’d destroy their relationship. She had to follow through with “the plan.”
“I’m enjoying myself.”
Joe cast her a dubious look. “Have I done anything to upset you?”
She shook her head. “No.”
To her surprise, Joe reached for both of her hands, clasping them tight. An unexpected jolt shot clear through her. She held her breath, her heart hammering.
Joe slanted his head, staring deep into her eyes and leaned toward her. “Maybe I’m about to,” he whispered into her mouth.
Then he pressed his lips to hers.
The kiss was gentle and giving, but that didn’t stop fireworks from exploding in her head. She could hardly believe this. Joy entered her heart, and she wanted to wrap her arms around his neck and press her body against him.
Please let this moment never end.
Joe must have heard her silent plea. He slid his hands up her arms and gently squeezed, tugging her closer, his hips crinkling her satin gown as he deepened the kiss.
The rich taste of liquor made her head swim, and images of bedrooms and silken sheets flashed in her mind. Joe parted her lips and their tongues mated, then a deep groan of pleasure rumbled from his throat and Ali’s joy doubled.
It was finally happening.
“Hey, Joe? You down there?” Nick called from above. “It’s time to toast the bride and groom.”
Ali gasped when she heard Nick’s voice and backed away.
“I’ll be right there,” Joe called toward the stairs. She couldn’t see Nick, which meant he couldn’t have seen what Joe and Ali had been doing.
Joe turned to her. “Sorry. We’d better get back. You okay?” he asked, blinking behind his glasses.
She couldn’t utter a word, so she bobbed her head up and down.
“I, uh, should explain,” Joe began, his voice a rasp in the breeze. “You looked like you needed…comforting.” Joe’s brows furrowed as if he was as confused by his confession as she was.
“Comforting?” Ali questioned on a low breath.
“Yeah.” Then Joe turned his attention toward the stairs. “C’mon.” He took her hand, and they climbed up the steps, Ali following behind him. Before they reached the top of the stairs, he turned to her, his gaze fastened to her mouth. “When I said I was sorry, I didn’t mean about kissing you. I meant sorry we were interrupted.”
“I think I knew that,” Ali replied, just catching her breath.
Joe’s lips curled up slightly. “You’re astute, Ali, but if I was out of line, you’d tell me, right?”
Heavens, he was so in line, it wasn’t even funny. “Yes, I’d be sure to tell you.”
Joe looked at her mouth one last time with regret in his eyes, and Ali wanted to skip right over the moon.
After the toasts were made by Joe and Nick, everyone sipped champagne and wished the newlyweds the best. Rena sidled up next to Ali by the dance floor. “How’s it going, my friend?”
Ali beamed her a smile. “I’m no longer in the potted plant category.”
Rena’s brows rose, and she looked on with interest. “Really?”
“Joe kissed me down in the vineyards,” she gushed out. She’d wanted to scream it from the rooftops that Joe Carlino finally showed some interest in her. “It was the best.”
“What did he say?”
“Not much. He was worried about me. I think this change really threw him off. He’s looking a little bit puzzled.”
“He noticed you. That’s all that matters.”
Ali drew in a deep breath and sighed. “Oh, I know, but I’m not patient enough to wait. I want more.”
Rena’s chuckle turned a few heads in her direction.
“Calm down, Ali. You’re doing fine. And you look stunning in that dress.”
“Who knew that I could wear something so…not me and pull it off?”
“I did.”
“Well, I’m not counting my chickens yet.”
“It takes time, Ali. If it’s meant to be, it’ll happen.” she said. “And look who’s coming straight toward us, with you in his sights.”
Ali glanced across the decking and spotted Joe, heading her way. Every time she looked at him dressed in that striking black suit, his dark hair groomed just so, his handsome face marred by just a hint of a beard and wearing those glasses that made him look sexier than a man had a right to look, her heart rate sped up like crazy.
Rena leaned over to whisper. “Remember, weddings have a way of brin
ging out the best in people.”
Ali swallowed hard.
Joe focused his attention on her as he approached. “Is it time to cut the cake?”
Joe was always spot on when it came to schedules. “Yes, I think it’s time.” She turned to Rena. “Ready?”
“I’m ready. I’ll find Tony and meet you over by the cake table.”
Both watched as Rena walked away. “I think everyone had a great time tonight,” Joe said.
“I know I did.”
Joe gazed into her eyes. “I’m feeling a little bit guilty,” he began, and Ali prayed he didn’t regret their kiss from a few minutes ago. She waited for him to explain. “A few people asked me if you were a party planner. You could have a very lucrative business here, if you wanted it.”
“So why are you guilty?”
“Because I told them you’re not interested in outside work. You did this as a favor to the family.”
“That’s not a lie.”
“Well no, not technically. But I shouldn’t have answered for you. The fact is, I don’t want to lose you,” then Joe hesitated before adding, “as my personal assistant.”
Ali smiled inwardly. Joe was slowly coming around. “You won’t.”
Joe stared at her, unblinking then glanced at her lips. She returned his stare, wishing he’d kiss her again. But she knew that he wouldn’t in full view of the guests at the reception. Too many people knew Ali worked for Joe, and his reputation was at stake, along with hers.
The irony struck her anew. Ali never wanted an office romance. She’d shied away from them all of her adult life, wanting to be treated as an equal in business and respected for her intellect. And as soon as she found a man who’d done that, she’d fallen hard for him.
“I’m in the mood for something sweet,” Joe said, still glancing at her mouth.
“Hmm?” She cast him a curious look. It wasn’t like Joe to make innuendo. Could he have been teasing?
He gestured with a slight nod toward the fondant cake decorated with white roses and greenery. “Cake. Let’s go and see how good your pastry chef is.” He’s not her pastry chef. She’d simply hired him, but Ali stifled her comment. “I’d like that. Royce recommended him highly.”
Joe’s lips twisted but he didn’t reply.
And ten minutes later, Ali sat at their table in sugar heaven. The mango-filled white cake was too delicious for words. “Mmm.”
“It’s pretty damn good.” Joe had his piece of cake polished off in seconds.
Ali scooped up the last bit of frosting with her fork, relishing every bite, aware that Joe watched her every move. When the owner of a neighboring winery stopped by the table asking to speak to Joe for a second, he agreed and rose from his seat, bending to whisper in her ear. “Excuse me, I’ll be right back.”
Goose bumps erupted on her arms, and Ali’s body sizzled. She cast him a quick acknowledgment and watched him leave. This was new for her. She’d never received so much attention from Joe, and she wanted it to continue. The handsome prince had kissed her and stolen her heart. But she feared her reverse Cinderella night was quickly coming to an end. Now what?
The final dance of the evening was announced. Everyone stopped their conversations and mingled around the dance floor. The band played an old classic tune “I Want to Walk You Home,” and Rena, dressed in an ivory-colored satin maternity dress, swirled around on Tony’s arm, glowing with joy.
Their happiness was contagious, and as Ali glanced around, she found smiles on all the guests’ faces. Out of the blue, Royce appeared next to her.
“Give me a rain check on a dance,” he said. “I couldn’t get away long enough to show you my dance skills.”
He’d changed from his chef’s uniform into dark slacks and a black shirt. She couldn’t deny her neighbor his good looks. She’d noticed more than one female’s head turn in his direction during the night.
“That’s okay, Royce. You showed me your culinary skills.”
“Well?”
“Absolutely perfect. Every dish was delicious.”
Royce closed his eyes, savoring the compliment. “Thank you, Ali. You recommended me for this event, and I didn’t want to let you down.”
“You didn’t,” she said. Then she tilted her head. “In fact, you exceeded my expectations.”
“The same can be said about you. You put this party together in record time, and it looked as if you’d worked on it for months instead of weeks.”
They shared a moment of mutual admiration.
“Let me finish up in the kitchen, and I’ll drive you home,” Royce said.
“I’m taking Ali home.”
Ali turned to find Joe beside her, his jaw tight as he faced Royce. Where had he come from? Ali hadn’t seen him since he’d taken off to speak with that elderly winemaker.
“It’s not a problem,” Royce said. “We live in the same building.”
Joe removed his glasses slowly, squaring off with Royce. Neither one of the men looked like they’d back down. Ali felt like a pawn in some macho game. “Actually, I have my own car. But thank you both for the offer.”
There, she’d settled it.
Joe hesitated, eyeing Royce, then slipped his glasses back on. “The food was exceptional tonight.”
Royce seemed surprised at the compliment. His rigid stance relaxed some. “Thank you.”
That’s what she loved about Joe. He was fair-minded. “Ali recommended you, and I trust her judgment.”
“I’m happy to have the honor.” Royce glanced at Ali. “I’ve got to see to the cleanup in the kitchen. Catch you later, Ali.”
“See you, Royce.”
Ali turned to face Joe, his expression noncommittal. “I’ll be leaving shortly, unless there’s anything else you need me to do?”
“No, you’ve outdone yourself with this party. Tony and Rena are thrilled with how it all turned out. I am, too.”
“It was a pleasure,” she said. “Well, then I’d better say good-night to them.” She turned to leave.
“Wait,” Joe said firmly. “It’s a difficult drive down the hill at night. You don’t know the roads. I’ll follow you.”
“But you don’t have—”
“No arguments, Ali. I’m following you home.”
Five
Joe followed behind Ali’s car until she parked in her garage. He watched her get out. He debated for a half second whether to get out of the car and walk her to the door, a little war waging in his head.
The kiss they shared earlier was still on his mind. He’d been foolish to do it, yet he hadn’t been able to stop himself. Ali had looked vulnerable and a little sad, something he’d not recognized in her before. The change in her made him want to comfort and console her. He’d meant to plant a little peck on her lips, but the minute he’d taken her into his arms, something snapped inside him. He wanted to hold her and go on holding her. To kiss her and go on kissing her.
He wanted to do more.
Warning bells rang out in his head. His mind screamed that she was off-limits. He wasn’t ready for any relationship, much less one with his employee. How many times had he reminded himself of that?
Joe stepped out of his car and leaned against it. “Thank you for following me home, Joe. It wasn’t necessary, but I do appreciate it.”
“Just wanted to make sure you got home safely, Ali.”
She faced him and leaned over to give him a little kiss on his cheek. “That’s sweet.”
Sweet? Joe’s hackles went up. He spread his legs and braced Ali’s waist with his hands, pulling her closer. Her exotic scent scurried up his nose and went straight to his brain. “Can you forget that I’m your boss for one night?”
His gaze dropped down to the ripe fullness of her mouth.
Ali blinked. Then a beautiful smile emerged. “I think so. Why?”
Joe answered her by wrapping a hand around her neck and bringing her mouth to his. “To show you I’m not that sweet,” he whispered before he crus
hed his mouth to hers.
A tiny whimper of pleasure arose from Ali’s throat, her lips inviting and lush. Joe deepened the kiss and brought Ali even closer, meshing their hips together.
Pressure built in his groin, his breathing sped up and the urge to take Ali inside her apartment and finish this overwhelmed him. He mated their tongues, all the while stroking his knuckles along her smooth cheekbones and then capturing her face in his outspread hand.
“Still think I’m sweet?” he asked, nipping at her lower lip.
“Not at the moment,” she answered without hesitation.
“Am I out of line?” he whispered.
She sighed into his mouth. “Very.”
But she wasn’t complaining, and that’s all the fuel Joe needed to continue. His mind went on autopilot, and he kissed her again and again, each time bringing her closer, crushing her beautiful breasts to his chest, his arousal hard to restrain.
He stroked her lower back, gliding his hands up and down, damning the satin material and wishing he could put his palms to her creamy skin.
Ali pulled away slightly, her breathing labored, a soft sheen on her face. She searched his eyes and shook her head. “I don’t do one-night stands, Joe.”
Joe loosened his hold on her. It was hard to let her go. Al ready, he missed the sweetness of her mouth on his and her erotic scent filling his head. He pursed his lips and nodded. He’d let his lust get in the way of what he knew to be right. “When I asked if you could forget that I was your boss for one night, that’s really not what I had in mind. I, uh, things got a little carried away.”
“They seem to, whenever you kiss me,” Ali stated quietly.
Joe knew better than to mess with Ali’s emotions. Nothing could come of their relationship. He was her boss, and she was his most trusted employee. “Listen, uh, I, don’t believe in workplace relationships. I did that once, and let’s just say that it was painful and destructive.”
Ali listened patiently, her gaze intent on him. She looked so lovely tonight, and any other man would have found it easy to seduce her into bed. Joe still wanted to. He wanted to make love to Ali tonight.
Seduction on the CEO's Terms Page 5