But it wasn’t fair to her, and he’d vowed that he’d never put himself in that situation again.
He reached into his pocket and pulled out a jewelry box made of gold velvet. “This is what I’d meant.” He handed Ali the box, laying it on her palm. “It’s a thank-you for all you’ve done to help me.”
Ali gazed at the box she held. “I don’t understand.”
“A pay bonus didn’t seem quite right in thanking you for what you’ve done tonight. You helped my family, and that called for something more personal. I can’t tell you how much I appreciate, well…you. Open it.”
With trembling hands, Ali opened the box. The look on her face made it all worthwhile. “It’s beautiful.”
“I picked it out, but I wasn’t sure you’d like it.”
Joe had gone to the best jeweler in the county to find just the right gold and diamond bracelet. He was used to seeing Ali wearing bangles and jewelry that made a big statement. But that wasn’t what he’d wanted for her. When he’d spotted this bracelet, he knew it was right for her. It wasn’t gaudy—the small, but perfect diamonds were set within the gold framework of the delicate piece.
“I love it,” she said softly. Then her eyes filled with moisture. “This is a thank-you?”
He nodded. “For everything, Ali. But mostly for making my brother’s wedding so memorable. Do you want to try it on?”
She nodded and Joe lifted the bracelet from the box and took her wrist in his hand. He secured the clasp, his head bumping hers as they looked on. Her subtle exotic scent dazzled him. Their heads came up at the same time, and they stared into each other’s eyes.
Joe’s heart thumped, a spark of something more than lust making its way in. He kept thinking of the torturous night ahead while he slept alone in his bed, yet knowing he’d made the right decision.
I don’t do one-night stands.
And that’s all Joe could offer her. He released her hand.
“It fits perfectly.” Ali’s voice lowered until it was barely audible. “You are sweet.”
Joe cringed inwardly.
Ali smiled, and he wasn’t sure what to make of it. She blinked and took a deep breath that was almost a sigh of disappointment. “Well, I’d better get inside. I’ll probably fall asleep the minute my head hits the pillow.”
Joe wished he’d be that lucky. He already knew what his night would be like. “Good night, Ali.”
“Good night, Joe.”
He waited for her to get inside and close her garage door before he got into his car and drove away.
Ali leaned against the garage door of her condo, listening as Joe drove off. She fingered the bracelet on her wrist, with love bursting from her heart. She’d never been given such a beautiful, thoughtful gift and yet, she’d let Joe leave tonight, making it clear that she wasn’t a woman who slept with men unless there was a commitment.
It was the vow she’d made to herself after watching her mother’s social-climbing ways. If Joe wasn’t ready to give her more, then Ali would have to wait.
But the waiting was killing her! She could be in bed with Joe, making love with him at this very moment if she hadn’t stopped him, yet she’d had to express her feelings. He hadn’t offered her more than a night of passion, and Ali wouldn’t settle for that. She wanted Joe—but not just for one night. She wanted his love and respect, too.
She learned a hard lesson allowing a man to call all the shots. Ali knew better now. Judging by the press of Joe’s arousal while kissing her, Joe would have definitely made her night memorable. Sadness filled her heart for a moment, but then she remembered what Rena said.
Be patient.
She realized Rena was right. After all, she’d made progress, and turning Joe away tonight might not have been a bad thing. All things considered, the night had been magical, and Joe had certainly noticed her.
Ali took a quick hot shower and dressed for bed. She climbed in, tucking herself in cozily, and laid her head back, relishing the softness of her pillow. When the phone rang, she groaned and let it ring again, pretending she hadn’t heard it. On the fifth insistent ring, she grabbed for it grudgingly, glancing at the clock. It was after midnight, and she couldn’t imagine who’d be calling this late. “Hello.”
“Ali, it’s me.”
Those three words instilled fear in her heart when she recognized the voice. She bolted up from bed. “Mom, what’s wrong?” Her mother lived on the East Coast, and it was three in the morning there. Concern rippled through her. Guiltily she realized she hadn’t talked to her mother in over a month. “Are you okay?”
“No, I’m not okay. I’m terrible.” Her mother sobbed into the phone, alarming Ali all the more. Visions of her contracting a rare disease or having a car accident flashed through Ali’s mind.
“What is it?”
“It’s Harold. He’s being impossible. I don’t think I can live with him anymore.”
Ali’s rigid shoulders slumped.
Not this again.
She recognized her mother’s tone and the sobs that were more complaint than anguish. What was it this time? Was his work interfering with their playtime? Or was Harold smoking too much? Maybe he liked his dog more than her. Ali had heard it all before. Her mother’s need for attention and adoration was monumental, and whenever she didn’t get it from one husband, she’d move on.
At forty-nine, her mother was still a beauty, and she had no trouble attracting men. Her problem was keeping them. She expected perfection from her mate, when she was far from it herself. She wanted to be placed on a pedestal and admired by her man. It had become increasingly clear to Ali that the main trouble with her mother’s relationships with men was that life got in her way.
There were times when her mother couldn’t be the main focus in her husband’s life. Times when their work took precedence and times when outside influences that couldn’t be helped, interfered. Ali had always believed that the men Justine had married truly loved her, but they couldn’t keep up with Justine’s need for attention.
“Mom, what’s wrong with Harold?” Ali had actually liked Harold Holcomb. He was a man of honor and integrity and had always treated her mother well in their three years of marriage.
“He’s being so…so, stubborn.”
“Mom, please stop crying.”
“Okay,” she said immediately, catching a sob. “I know you hate when I cry.”
“I do. You know I’ve always liked Harold. I think you should calm down and think about what’s important in life. Really important.”
“I know you think I’m flighty, but this time I’m really worried. We’re always fighting and… Ali, I really love Harold.”
Her mother seemed a little stunned by her own revelation. Maybe she’d finally figured out what love was all about. “He loves you, too, Mom.”
“I know.”
“Then whatever it is, you two can work it out.”
“I know, I know. You’ve already said you won’t come to any more weddings so I’d better make this one stick.”
“Mom,” Ali said, sighing into the phone, “can we discuss this in the morning? I’m really tired.”
“It’s only midnight there, sweetie.”
“That’s late for us working girls.”
“But surely you’re not working tomorrow—on Sunday?”
“No, I’m not.” Yes, she actually was. She’d brought home a stack of work to look over. She’d been so busy with the wedding reception this week that she’d put a few projects on hold, knowing she’d get to them on Sunday.
Not that her mother had asked her how she liked her new job or her new home. When Ali had moved here from the East Coast, her mother had called her once to make sure she was settled and safe. Once she was assured of that, she hadn’t called again, leaving it up to Ali to make the calls from then on.
Her mother really did love her, but she showed it in odd ways sometimes. This call tonight was a perfect example of her love. Justine confided in Ali when she wouldn’t confide in
anyone else. Ali had always shared that bond with her mom. She’d listen to her and give advice and encouragement, and her mother always made it clear that Ali was the only one she trusted to vent her frustrations.
Maybe Ali had been far too understanding with her mom over the years. Justine needed a hefty dose of reality. “I had a big day today, Mom. I helped my boss plan a wedding reception all week, and tonight was the big event. I just got in a few minutes ago, and I’m really pooped.”
“Your boss? You mean, Joe Carlino?”
“Yes, I mean, Joe.”
“How was the affair?”
“Spectacular, even if I do say so myself.”
“If you had anything to do with it, I’m sure it was stylish and fun.”
“Thanks, Mom.” Justine was loyal and thought Ali could conquer the world. Another example of how she showed her love.
Ali wondered what her mother would think of the “new-and-improved” Ali Pendrake, the one with the conservative clothes and reserved demeanor. The one who’d sink to fraudulent behavior to ensnare the man of her dreams.
Justine never had to resort to such measures. She’d simply flirt and tease a man to garner his interest, but Ali was sure her mother had never come up against anyone like Joe before. A man like Joe wouldn’t interest her enough to make overtures.
Yet, Joe held Ali’s heart in the palm of his hand.
“Okay, sweetie,” her mother said. “I’ll call you in the morning.” She sniffled. “It was good to hear your voice. I miss you, Ali.”
Ali closed her eyes and savored the sentiment. “I miss you, too, Mom.”
She really did.
“Good night. Sleep tight. You’re my beautiful princess.”
Ali smiled into the phone. “I know. Good night, Mom.”
On Monday morning, Joe walked into the Carlino Wines office, amazed at how this century-old building had survived to modern times. The building on Main Street was well known as one of the “ghost wineries” of the past that had been nearly crippled by age and ruin. The exterior built of mortar and stone, refurbished to its original vintage architecture, spoke of winemaking in its earliest form in the Napa region.
While the exterior held the ambience of old times, the interior had been transformed into offices that represented the most modern and up-to-date technology and equipment in the country. For all his old ways, Joe’s father, Santo Carlino, had also been a forward thinker.
Joe headed past the reception area and aimed his way toward his office, stopping short as he approached Ali’s outer office. He blinked his eyes then drew his brows together.
Ali sat at her desk, her gaze focused on her computer screen. Her auburn hair was drawn severely back and clasped at the nape of her neck with a band, and her face, free of makeup was adorned with plain, wire-rimmed eyeglasses. He approached with caution. “Ali?”
“Hi, Joe,” she said, barely casting him a glance. “Just catching up on work.”
He swallowed. “I didn’t know you wore glasses.”
Ali stopped what she was doing to grant him a little smile. “My contacts were bothering me under the fluorescent lights. I think I need to see my eye doctor.” She shrugged. “It’s just easier to wear glasses at work.” She tilted her head to one side. “Do you mind?”
“Mind?” Joe stepped back a half step. “No, of course not.” He pushed his own glasses farther up his nose. “I just didn’t realize you wore them.”
Ali stood up and came around the desk. “I came in early to finish up those reports you’d asked for.” She handed them to him, and Joe noticed the diamond bracelet around her wrist.
His heart gladdened at the sight.
She wore no other jewelry but a pair of tiny heart-shaped gold earrings.
Joe took the files from her. The brush of her hand against his created an immediate spark. They stared at each other, their eyes behind their eyeglasses, locking. Then he scanned her body, taking in her soft pink knit sweater and straight-leg, gray slacks. Something was way off, and it had little to do with the clothes she wore. Joe couldn’t put a finger on it until his eyes ventured farther down her body to her feet.
She wore flats. Aside from the glasses and clothes being different, Joe realized he towered over her by three extra inches. “You’re shorter today.” He hadn’t meant to blurt that out.
Ali stifled a giggle. “That’s what happens when I don’t wear high heels.”
Joe smiled, reminded of the night he’d fixed her computer, after she’d come out of the shower. She’d been barefoot, but he hadn’t noticed how he’d towered over her. He’d had other things to focus on then. In the workplace, though, it caught him off guard. “I guess so.”
“Anything else?” she asked.
“No, not at all.” Joe tapped the file against his other hand. “Thanks for this. There was no rush on it.”
Ali sat behind her desk. “It wasn’t a problem. I came in early.”
Joe continued to stare. He couldn’t help from peering at her mouth and remembering how her lips felt pressed up to his. The kisses they shared the other night couldn’t be repeated, yet they’d stayed with him all weekend long. If he were honest with himself, he’d have to say the memory had haunted him.
He remembered holding her and pulling her against him, having her body pressed to his, his desire evident and obvious to both of them. He shoved that memory aside and instead recalled the joy he’d witnessed on her face when he’d given her the bracelet.
Putting it on her.
Seeing her green eyes sparkle as bright as those diamonds.
Feeling contentment that he’d made her happy.
“Joe,” Ali was saying, holding the phone to her ear. “You have a call, line two.”
“Oh,” he said, coming out of his reverie. “Thanks, I’ll get it in my office.”
“Mr. Carlino will be right with you,” Ali said into the phone, and Joe strode to his office and closed the door.
The rest of the week had been pretty much the same. Joe found himself immersed in Ali. He stole glances at her whenever the mood struck, watched her talk on the phone or interact with other employees. She’d play with a rebellious lock of her upswept hair as she studied something on her computer screen, and Joe’s methodical mind would wander to the land of Ali Pendrake.
“This is crazy,” he muttered to himself on Friday afternoon. He’d been avoiding spending more time with her than necessary, but he owed her. And Joe was a man of his word.
He shot up from his chair and walked over to her desk. She peered up at him over her glasses, and Joe thought she looked adorably sexy.
Don’t go there, Carlino.
Those thoughts were exactly why he’d procrastinated all week long.
“Do you need something, Joe?”
“Ali, this is really short notice.”
“What is?” She looked puzzled and glanced at her watch. “If you need those invoices sooner, I’m on top of it. They’re almost done.”
“No, it’s not about invoices.” Joe scratched his head. “Do you have plans tomorrow?”
“Saturday? Well, nothing that can’t be changed. I can come in if it’s urgent.”
Joe shook his head and stared at the diamond bracelet he’d given her. She’d worn it every day this week. “This isn’t about work.”
She stopped what she was doing and took off her glasses. Her eyes were the prettiest shade of light jade. Joe leaned over her desk, bracing his hands on the edge. “I thought you might like to see some of the sights in Napa.”
Realization dawned, and Ali pursed her lips, drawing his attention there. Her mouth looked glossy and soft pink, kissable. He forced his attention back up to her eyes.
Ali drew in a breath, then sighed. “Joe, I know you don’t want to do this.”
The disappointment registering on her face made him feel like a heel. He shouldn’t have waited until the last minute. From the look in her eyes, he could tell she’d let him off the hook. Yet, suddenly, that’s t
he last thing Joe wanted. “I do, Ali.”
“Because you owe me?” she asked softly.
“Because we made a deal, and I want to show you—”
“Show me?”
“Around. I’d like to show you around wine country. I’ve been checking out some places during the week that I thought you’d like to see.” The fib flowed easily through his lips.
“Really?”
Joe nodded. “Just tell me what time you can be ready.”
“I just need to make a phone call to cancel a lesson.”
“A lesson?”
She shook her head. “With Royce. He was going to teach me how to cook a—” Ali stopped in mid-sentence and made a slight gesture with her hand “—it’s not important. He can show me another time.”
Royce again? Joe was glad he’d foiled her plans with Royce. He felt no compunction whatsoever, and a sly smile curved his lips. “How strong are your legs?”
Ali snapped her eyes to him. “My legs? Pretty strong, I guess. Why?”
She worked out. Joe remembered the night she’d opened the door to him in her workout clothes, her body gleaming with moisture. He’d also seen her going into the on-site gym during her lunch hour. “We’re going on a bike trip. It’ll take the whole day and into the evening. Are you up for it?”
Ali’s expression brightened, and for a second, he thought she’d jump out of her chair. Then she took a deep breath and sent him a sweet smile. “Yes. I’m up for it.”
“I’ll pick you up at nine.”
“Do I need to bring anything in particular?”
Joe shook his head. “I’ve got it covered.”
Joe walked back to his office and sat behind his desk and waited until Ali left her desk. Then he called his friend from high school who ran the Napa Wine and Dine Bike Tour Company. “Hey, Benny. I’m calling in a favor. I need to arrange a private bike tour ASAP. Can I count on you?”
After his phone call with Benny, Joe leaned back, arms behind his head, and rocked in his leather seat, thinking about Ali and looking forward to spending the entire day with her.
An unexpected peace washed over him.
Joe bolted upright in his seat, coming to grips with what he was feeling for her.
Seduction on the CEO's Terms Page 6