Impulse

by E. B. Walters

“No, I’ll pass.” Still scowling, Eddie grabbed a seat. Not one of the four across from Lex’s massive desk. He chose the sofa near the coffee table.

  “Mr. Fitzgerald,” Lloyd’s booming voice with a mid-west accent filled the office. “What can I do for you?”

  “I’ve been informed there’s a problem with Leeds’ order.”

  The man laughed. “No, no, sir. That was a misunderstanding, which has been resolved. The warehouse manager assumed he was dealing with Montenegro’s people.”

  Lex exchanged a look with Eddie. Montenegro was their competitor. The Seattle-based motorcycle company had launched their first bike three months after Leeds unveiled the Road King. They’d been going after Leeds’ suppliers, and Montenegro was a competitor Lex planned to squash or push permanently into second position where they belonged. Third if he included Harley-Davidson. They might be a long way from being like the giant company, but he planned to find a niche for Leeds bikes.

  “Everything’s on schedule,” Lloyd continued. “The parts will be shipped on schedule.”

  “Good. One of my people is flying out first thing tomorrow morning to make sure everything goes smoothly. He’s my closer. Once he signs off on the order, he’s authorized to place the next one.” ‘Or not’ was implied. Lex understood the mentality of businessmen like Lloyd. Once they knew you didn’t trust them blindly, they did the right thing.

  “I look forward to meeting your man and doing more business with you, Mr. Fitzgerald.”

  Lex terminated the call, then asked his secretary to get Daniel Brimberry.

  “Brimberry lives for this kind of thing,” he explained to Eddie, who watched his every movement with a quiet intensity. “Lloyd’s people will know we mean business when he’s through with them.”

  A knock on the door and a tall African-American stuck his head into the room. He nodded at Eddie then focused on Lex. “You wanted me, sir?”

  “I need you in Tomahawk, Danny. One of our deals is about to go south.”

  “Leeds or Fitz?”

  “Leeds. Paula will fill you in. They expect you there tomorrow. Make sure they’re not jerking us around. If you’re happy with the results, you know the drill.”

  “I’m authorized to place the next order, got it.” The door closed behind the guy.

  A chuckle from Eddie drew Lex’s attention. “What?” he asked.

  “I’d hate to be your enemy, man.”

  Lex shrugged. “Lloyd just needs a nudge to do the right thing. All the other parts should be delivered in the next couple of months.” Like most bike makers in the country, they bought parts from all over the world. Unlike others, they built the bikes here in their factory in Arcadia. Even though Eddie and his team of engineers had designed the engines of the first several bikes from the ground up, an Australian company was building them in bulk. It was time and cost effective. Figel Auto had an automated system and a reputation for following specifications.

  Eddie nodded. “How are the negotiations with Hujimura?”

  “We’re trying to tie the order with distribution, and that’s delaying things.” Eddie didn’t need to know that the old man was in negotiation with Montenegro, too. The original company in Japan produced brake components, but the branches across Asia and South America, run by the son, were the most reliable distributors with ships docking rights here in L.A., San Francisco, and New York. Lex had approached them for distribution and realized son and father worked together, except the father was still the CEO. He would rather deal with the son, a modern thinker.

  “In fact, Ryo and I are having a teleconference in”—he checked at his watch—“five minutes. Do you want to join us?”

  “Nah.” Eddie jumped to his feet. “I leave the wheeling and dealing to you. I’m on my way home. Oh, Amy wants you to come over for dinner. Are you free today or tomorrow?”

  Lex’s eyes narrowed. He’d been receiving dinner invitations from his siblings more than usual. “Has she been talking to my mother?”

  Eddie’s eyebrows slammed down. “I don’t know. I think so. Why?”

  “Is Amy inviting a friend?”

  “Her friend from Idaho is visiting.” Eddie made a face. “She talks nonstop.”

  Lex groaned. “I’ve been getting dinner invitations from everyone. Ashley, Jade, Faith, even Kara insisted, but Baron warned me to stay away because Mom was behind it. The dinners have one thing in common.”

  “A girlfriend who just happens to be visiting the same evening and is single. I’ll tell her you’re busy,” Eddie said, heading out the door. “Let me know what Hujimura decides. If that doesn’t work out, we could always go with Brembo in Italy. They have a solid reputation for their brakes. HD uses their components.”

  Lex nodded. He could hint at Brembo during his talks with Hujimura, but he wanted them for distribution too, which was more important. “That might prove to be useful.”

  As soon as Eddie left, Lex pressed a button and a screen lowered. He dialed Tokyo.

  ~*~

  Three hours later, Jillian entered the restaurant and Lex’s breath stalled in his lungs. She wore a bold red dress that hugged every curve on her body. From her glossy hair tumbling down her back to the black heels, she owned the room. Glazed eyes followed her, confirming he wasn’t the only man wishing they owned her.

  She was his. She just didn’t know it yet.

  Lex stood when the hostess nodded in his direction, and Jillian’s eyes found him. Her eyes widened ever so slightly, and even from afar, he noticed the tinge of color creep into her cheeks. She was a contradiction, a spitfire siren, yet she could switch in a heartbeat and show vulnerability. He liked that.

  Eros’ cocktail lounge was packed with guests waiting to be seated, but Lex had claimed a corner couch after chatting with the chef, the hostess making sure no one shared his table. For the past fifteen minutes, he’d cooled his heels and ignored the glances from other patrons. Some women were worth breaking a few rules, he’d decided.

  He started across the lounge. A little closer and her warmth and feminine scent sent heat straight to his groin. His cock responded.

  “Hey,” she said, eyes meeting his squarely. The pulse at the base of her neck beat furiously, indicating she wasn’t as calm as she looked.

  He wanted to lean down and press his lip on that pulse, but he settled for a kiss on the back of her hand. “I’m happy you made it. You look beautiful.”

  “Thank you. You cleaned up well, too.” She looked down at his custom-made shoes. “But I miss the scruffy boots.”

  He chuckled. “Why?”

  “They made you more approachable,” she said bluntly.

  He liked her honesty. “They’re in the back of the car. I can go put them on if they’ll make you feel more comfortable.”

  She glanced around the room and wrinkled her nose, the simple reaction adorable. Her eyes came back to him. “No, I’m good. All this can grow on me.”

  He wasn’t sure whether she meant the opulence of the restaurant with its clientele or his dinner attire. A nod from the hostess and he cupped Jillian’s elbow. “Our table is ready.” He steered her toward the stairs. “Did Douglas find your home okay?”

  “Yes. When you said you’d send a car, I’d expected a limo.” She met his gaze, her turquois eyes luminous with laughter.

  “I’ll try to be accommodating next time,” he said.

  She laughed, the pure joy in the sound drawing the attention of the customers. It didn’t help that they’d started up the stairs and the entire room, from the lounge to the eating area, could see them. He wanted to capture her laugh with a kiss.

  “Limos are so Hollywood, and I have a thing about Phantoms.” She chuckled as though enjoying a private joke. “What kind of engine do they have? What’s the power delivery? The engine was so quiet, the acceleration seamless. Uh, what?” she asked, and Lex realized he was staring.

  Once again, his toy was getting more attention. This time, it was his latest acquisition, a Rolls
Royce Phantom, courtesy of a British friend and a supplier of luxury cars. “Would you like to go outside and take a look under the hood before we eat?”

  Her eyes lit up. “Really? Can I?”

  “Sure.”

  She opened her mouth, and he was sure she meant to say yes, but then she closed it and studied the people waiting in the lounge below before meeting his eyes. “Later. I don’t want to hold up a table when people are waiting to be seated.”

  Beautiful and considerate. She wasn’t going to be thrilled by what was waiting for them upstairs. He’d secured a private room just for the two of them. The more time he spent in her presence the more he wanted her to himself. Her fascination with engines was a big turn on. He couldn’t wait to see her reaction to his vintage cars. He’d probably have an orgasm watching her. No, he wanted to get dirty with her, messing around with engines, and then make love to her in the midst of it all.

  Oblivious to his naughty thoughts, she said, “I like your driver, Mr. Douglas.”

  Lex chuckled. “Just Douglas.”

  “His first name is Just?”

  He chuckled and continued leading her up the stairs, loving their closeness and the fact that she didn’t try to pull away. “Why do you like him?”

  “He quotes Nietzsche,” she said. “And he blushed while answering my questions.”

  “What questions?”

  “Oh, you know. This and that. Don’t worry. I didn’t bring up the women and the socialites in bed.”

  Now she was teasing him. Upstairs was a smaller bar, but instead of a lounge, arched doorways led to private dining areas. The bartender nodded when their eyes met, then went back to chatting with the lone woman leaning against the counter. The bar had no stools.

  Lex led Jillian to the right, past archways leading to private rooms with about ten to twenty guests. Most preferred outdoor seating on the balcony. They reached the corner room where the hostess—who’d gone ahead of them—waited by a single table set for two. He’d chosen indoor seating for privacy, but closer to the window for the view of Beverly Hills. The room was smaller and cozier than the others, all the other tables and chairs discreetly put away.

  “Your server will be with you shortly, Mr. Fitzgerald,” the woman said, curiously studying Jillian before leaving the room. It wasn’t often Lex brought a woman here.

  He pulled out a chair for Jillian before taking the seat across from hers. Light from the sconces bathed her exquisite features and added a golden hue to her skin. Wisps of hair caressed her cheeks, and a lone lock had escaped and was touching the corner of her mouth. He reached out and gently swept it out of the way. She didn’t flinch, although her pupils widened slightly. He knew enough about women to know when one was attracted to him. Jillian was. He’d felt it at the gas station and now as she met his gaze. He liked that she wasn’t backing away or acting coy. She had guts, which she’d need to deal with his family.

  She gave him a tiny smile. “You’re staring.”

  Would she still be smiling once he told her his real plans? His gut told him she would not overreact. They both wanted something the other could offer.

  “I’m sure you’re used to it,” he said, leaning back against his seat and straightening his tie.

  Her eyes followed his hand, and for some reason, she blushed again. One perfectly trimmed eyebrow rose. “Because of my profession?”

  “No, because you’re a breathtaking woman.”

  Jillian chuckled and ducked her head. Ahh, compliments made her uneasy. Interesting. He waited as she glanced around, anticipating a question about their privacy. She didn’t disappoint.

  “Why are we the only ones here?” Her voice had gone sultry.

  “I want us to talk without distraction and eavesdroppers.” He leaned forward and stretched his legs underneath the table. Their legs touched briefly before she shifted. “And the owner was kind enough to give us this room.”

  “And Greg and Chris?”

  “They’re downstairs. I understand they’re celebrating something.”

  “Belated anniversary.” Jillian bit her lip and cut him a look from under her lashes. “You know you just became his favorite client.”

  “Client. Does that mean you’re taking the job?”

  “Only if you agree to my terms.”

  “Done.”

  She laughed. “You haven’t heard all of them yet.”

  “I’m very accommodating when I want something.” His eyes went to her lips before locking gazes with her. “I’m sure we’ll come to a mutual agreement. I do have some terms you need to meet, too.”

  Her eyes narrowed, but before she could speak, the waiter appeared. The man forgot what he was doing when she smiled, and he spilled the water. Lex didn’t blame him. Her smile was breathtaking. The man apologized profusely as he cleaned up, then discreetly stepped back to wait in the shadows.

  “Why am I your agent’s favorite client?” Lex asked.

  “Client-to-be,” she corrected. “We tried to make a reservation here for their anniversary, but they were booked solid for weeks.” She tilted her head and studied him. “Yet you got a reservation without any problem.”

  He grinned. “Must be my charm.”

  “Or deep pockets,” she retorted.

  He liked that she wasn’t shy about teasing him. “Are you implying that I bribed her?”

  Grinning, she swept the rim of her water glass and placed her finger on her mouth. Hell, the way her lips wrapped around it sent his imagination down a dangerous path. Did she realize how seductive she was? Everything she did was sensual.

  “I think you probably had your assistant call and ask for a table. When they told her they were booked, she dropped your name and how your patronage would benefit the restaurant, blah, blah, blah. When that didn’t work, she told them you’d buy the building and boot them out.”

  Lex was laughing by the time she finished. “I’m not an ogre.” He sipped his drink and carefully placed the glass on the table. “In fact, I sent the chef a box of very rare wine for the grand opening of the restaurant and she decided, without my say-so, to always have a room reserved for me and my, uh, guests.”

  “Of course you know the owner,” she murmured.

  “She’s an exceptionally gifted cook, and I’m happy your agent and his partner can enjoy her cuisine. Next time you need a table or this”—he indicated the room with a wave—“just let me know.”

  He signaled the waiter. They consulted him and discussed the menu. She was gracious without being flirtatious. For an appetizer, she ordered cauliflower soup while he started with pan-seared day boat scallop atop cauliflower puree and caviar. Lex noticed a change come over Jillian.

  Impatient to find out why, he barely listened to the waiter’s recommendations, but she did and chose. He went for his usual—wild Norwegian cod. As soon as the waiter left, a sommelier rolled a cart with various wines. He consulted with the guy, chose the perfect wine for their meal, and dismissed him.

  Lex went back to studying Jillian. She’d shut him out, and he wanted to know why. Her eyes were cooler, the sparkle gone. “Was it something I said?”

  She sipped her water and gave him an innocent smile. “What do you mean?”

  “If you want something else, I can call the waiter back. They won’t mind. In fact, they’re paid to be accommodating to impossible-to-please clients.”

  “I’m very easy to please. How often do you eat here?”

  “Whenever I’m spending the night in town, which is not that often.” He wanted the sparkle back in her eyes. “Why stunts?”

  She shrugged. “My mother was in the business. I’d watch her in awe as she performed and knew I wanted to be just like her. She always pushed the limit.” A smile curled her lips, but it didn’t reach her eyes. “She was the best.”

  “You speak of her in past tense. Is she retired now?”

  “She died when I was sixteen.” She sipped her water again.

  “So your father raised y
ou?”

  “My step-father.” Her eyes softened, but the sparkle was still missing. In fact, he could say she looked sad.

  “Do you enjoy Hollywood?”

  “Love it. The glitter and the glam, otherwise I wouldn’t have chosen the profession.”

  Lex had a knack for reading people, which was handy in his line of work. Jillian’s entire demeanor said she was lying through her teeth. “So doing stunts is a stepping stone to an Oscar-worthy part?”

  She gave an unladylike snort, eyes flashing. “Doing stunts can beat acting parts any day. Actors follow scripted lines and squeeze a few fake tears…” Her eyes widened in horror. “I, uh, like live performances. Improvising.” She covered her eyes and moaned.

  “Don’t stop.” He pulled down her hands and trapped them under his. Her hands were small and delicate, her nail polish matching her dress. She kept her nails short. Practical. That surprised him. She didn’t act like the practical type. “Go on.”

  She pouted. “Did I blow my chances for getting the job?”

  “No. I want someone who doesn’t follow the script, and the ability to improvise is at the top of my list of requirements.”

  She tilted her head to the side. “You said you had terms.”

  The waiter was gone to get their first course, leaving them alone, so he could talk freely. “Yes. First, you must be single.”

  Her eyebrows shot up. “And if I’m not.”

  He’d steal her from the faceless man. “Are you seeing someone?”

  Her eyes narrowed. “No, but that doesn’t mean I’ll not meet someone next week or… How long are you going to need me?”

  “A year.”

  She blinked. “Seriously? You need a bodyguard for a year?”

  “No, Jillian.” Lex decided he was done being evasive. “I need a wife.”

  CHAPTER 5

  Jillian prided herself on never letting anything or anyone shock her, but Lex had just sucked the breath out of her lungs and driven thoughts from her mind. Then all sorts of possible explanations flashed through her head like a tsunami.

  It was a joke.