by Nicola Marsh
Rather than bristle or bite back, she crossed the room to examine his layout. “You’re probably right. I do tend to have controlling tendencies.”
Stunned by her admission, he joined her alongside his display. “What do you think?”
“Your work is brilliant,” she said, leaning closer to study his mock-up. “You’re incredibly talented.”
“Thanks,” he said, humbled by her effusive praise and feeling like a real bastard for having a dig at her moments earlier.
“It’s why I’m here, actually.”
So much for his undeniable charm and flamboyant overture luring her halfway across the world. Of course she’d be here in a professional capacity, but for a wild, crazy moment, when he’d first heard her voice, he’d hoped she was here for them.
Considering he didn’t even know what “them” entailed since he’d left Palm Bay, he had to be out of his mind to contemplate anything more than their current frosty working relationship.
But that ache in his chest didn’t lie. He’d thought he’d mastered it over the last two weeks, had dulled the pain with all-night action flick marathons and the occasional bottle of whiskey. Yet all it took was one glance from Allegra and the pain was back, intense and breath-stealing.
“Did you get my delivery?”
Confusion creased her brow. “What delivery?”
Great. Now he’d have to do things the hard way: by trying to articulate how he was feeling and what he envisaged for them going forward.
“I couriered something over to you.”
Her frown deepened at his obtuseness. “What?”
“A portfolio. Containing copies of every ad campaign I’ve done for my biggest clients. Their likes and dislikes. Inside information I’ve collated over the years. Every last detail you would need to make them your clients if you wished.”
She propped on the edge of his desk. “Why?”
Here went nothing. “Because I thought by handing over my most lucrative business, you’d take me seriously.”
She shook her head. “I don’t get it.”
“That makes two of us, sweetheart.” His bittersweet chuckle sounded brittle. “Ideally, I would’ve used that info to start a new company from scratch. But I wanted to show you how serious I am about us teaming up. I think we could take the advertising world by storm. And if it takes a gesture like this to prove to you I’m one hundred percent committed to you and your company, well, I hope you’re up for it.”
Yep, he’d made a hash of it. He knew he would. For a guy who could barely analyze and recognize emotion, having to express how awe-inspiring this incredible woman was in a few words was a real balls-up.
“Committed to me?”
His first instinct was to laugh it off as a slip of the tongue. But it wasn’t, and the sooner she realized his offer was more about them than her company, the better.
“Yeah.” He nodded. “How about it?”
When he’d contemplated this very scenario, he’d imagined her running into his arms, wrapping her legs around him, and celebrating their partnership in hot and sweaty style on his desk.
He hadn’t anticipated her laughing so hard tears leaked out of the corners of her eyes.
“What’s so funny?”
She stepped forward, her familiar floral fragrance tickling his nose and urging him to bury his face in her hair. “I came here because I have a proposition for you.”
“I wish,” he said, a faint pink staining her cheeks the only indication she’d heard what he’d said as she slid a manila folder out of her satchel.
“I’m restructuring AW Advertising.” She handed him the folder. “My ideas for the proposed changes are in here.”
Curious as to why she’d be sharing any of this with him, he flipped open the folder, scanned the first document, and almost fell over.
“You’re offering me a partnership?” He blinked, read the fine print again, before staring at her like she’d lost her mind. “Why the hell would you do that?”
“I told you. Because you’re exceptionally talented.”
Rattled by the unexpectedness of all this, Jett shook his head and snapped the folder shut. “The advertising world is chock-full of talented people, but I don’t see you offering them an equal partnership in your precious business.”
She pinched the bridge of her nose before inhaling deeply. “I was hoping that offer would prove something to you.”
“Prove what?”
She eyeballed him, her sincerity unquestionable. “Prove that I can relinquish control when it counts. Prove that I want us to be equal partners. Prove that I want you to be a part of our success.” She laid her palms out, face up, like she had nothing to hide. “My company is the most precious thing I own. It’s everything to me. So to give up full control of it, to invite you in…well, surely that proves I want you in my life.”
His heart jackknifed. “Professionally, you mean?”
“Argh.” She threw up her hands in despair. “How many ways do you need me to spell it out?”
“Keep going ’til I say stop.”
The corners of her mouth twitched at that. “So what do you think? Can you stand having me in your life?”
“Absolutely. But this?” He tapped the folder against his other palm. “This is a big deal.”
“Stop.” She held up her hand. “We trust the people closest to us. In your case it was Reeve, in mine it’s Zoe. Who’s also going to be an equal partner, by the way. But the way Reeve abused your trust has nothing to do with you not being good enough or smart enough to recognize the signs, okay?”
He stared at her, stunned by her casual articulation of his deepest fears.
“Because that’s what you think, isn’t it? That somehow it was your fault you lost the company.” She shook her head. “You accused me of taking pity on you and thinking you were a loser on Palm Bay. That’s plain wrong.” She stood and jabbed him in the chest. “You’re many things, Jett Halcott. Infuriating, cocky, stubborn. But a loser isn’t one of them.”
Having her echo his father merely solidified what he already knew. That if he didn’t let go of some of his stubbornly held beliefs, he would lose this amazing woman. Permanently.
“You forgot good-looking, suave, and a sex god in bed.”
She smiled and he could’ve sworn all the air whooshed out of his lungs. “I also forgot egotistical, flippant, and a pain in the ass.”
“I can live with that.” Before she could react he flung the folder on the desk, wrapped his arms around her waist, and pulled her close. “The question is, can you live with me?”
…
Allegra couldn’t think with Jett holding her close. She’d dreamed about being in his arms again so many times that now that it was a reality, she didn’t know whether to laugh or cry.
“An answer sometime this century would be nice,” he said, his eyes crinkling with amusement.
“I’m not quite sure what you’re asking.” In fact, she had no clue. Was he asking her to live with him? To stay in Australia? To try a real relationship?
The scenario she’d pictured had been way different: him accepting her partnership proposal, spending most of his time in LA, and traveling when needed, maybe finding their way to some middle ground where they could both be happy in a relationship that moved beyond a fling.
In reality, she hadn’t thought it through much beyond his being overjoyed by her offer and bestowing copious amount of gratitude—in the way of physical compensation.
She’d missed him, hadn’t realized quite how much until she’d walked in here and seen him, a picture of casual ruggedness in his navy cargo shorts, pale blue polo shirt, and boat shoes.
He’d let his hair grow, too, and it curled around his collar, just begging for her fingers to comb through it. But his eyes were the same, that startling deep green with a glint of gold that deepened in color when he was excited or angry or aroused.
Right now, she hoped it was the first and the last.
He cupped her cheek. “I’m asking if this offer means what I think it means?”
“What do you think it means?”
He rolled his eyes at her deliberate obtuseness. But she wanted to hear him say it first, was frightened of putting her heart on the line only to have him hand it back with a “thanks but no thanks.”
“I think your relinquishing control is a big step, especially professionally.” His thumb brushed her cheek and she sighed. “I think you know what it’s like having parents who don’t give a damn so you cultivate an independence that you think will get you through anything.”
Damn, he was good.
His thumb stroked her bottom lip and she resisted the urge to nip it. “I think that aloof image you present to the world is a defense mechanism against being hurt by people who let you down.”
“Wow, an ad wiz and a shrink. Lucky me.”
He smiled at her throwaway comment. “I once thought we were very different but you know something? We’re alike after all.”
He kissed her, a soft, tender, whisper-light caress of his lips against hers, leaving her wanting more when he eased away. “We both need to drop our guard and let the other person in. Think you can do that?”
She nodded. “I already have. I never would’ve made this offer if you hadn’t pushed me out of my comfort zone on the island and made me realize it’s okay to surrender with the right people in my life.”
The implication of her agreement sank in when he scooped her into his arms and deposited her gently on the suede sofa near a small conference table.
Letting her guard down, relinquishing control, meant changing the habits of a lifetime. The partnership had been the first step, but was she ready to embrace a new way of thinking for all facets of her life?
“You’re overanalyzing again.” He touched the tiny dent between her brows. “Stop thinking so hard and start feeling.”
“Where should I start? Here?” She zeroed in on his hard-on.
“A good a place as any,” he said, maneuvering into a better position, with him on top. “You know, that’s the only place I’ve seen you truly lose control. In the bedroom.”
He lowered himself so they had body-to-body full frontal contact. “I like it.”
“Good, because I plan to lose control often,” she said, hooking her arms around his neck and dragging him down.
She’d had enough talk.
Time for action to show this wonderful man exactly how much she loved him.
Epilogue
The Kaluna Resort in the Whitsundays opened with the fanfare it deserved. Thanks to the AW Advertising campaign led by Jett Halcott, a recent partner at the firm, Australia’s crème de la crème paid five thousand dollars a head for the privilege of attending the star-studded opening.
Hollywood stars, supermodels, and local TV personalities mingled with the elite, reinforcing the resort’s message: Why settle for the rest when you can have the best?
Jett stopped reading the press coverage online when Allegra snatched the cell out of his hand. “Hey, they weren’t done pumping up my ego yet.”
Allegra switched the cell off and pocketed it. “If your head gets any bigger you won’t be able to fit through the doorway.”
He slid an arm around her waist, loving the way she snuggled into him. “You were the one who made me partner and helped my creativity soar.”
“You were doing just fine before I came along,” she said, batting her eyelashes at him so he’d laugh.
“Actually, I wasn’t.” He captured her chin, tipped it up so he could look into her eyes. “You complete me in ways I never thought possible.”
A barf sound came from over his shoulder and Jett released Allegra in time for Zoe to elbow him in the ribs, hard.
“Can’t you two get a room so the rest of civilized humanity doesn’t have to listen to that sappy crap?” Zoe stepped between them like a referee breaking up a fight. “And you, hun, I expected better of you. What happened to the uptight workaholic you used to be? You’ve melted into a marshmallow around this schmuck.”
“Careful. That’s my fiancé you’re calling a schmuck.” Allegra ducked around Zoe and cuddled up to Jett again. “And you’re just jealous because you haven’t hooked up with any of those GQ models yet.”
Zoe’s eyes sparkled more than the gold glitter sprinkled across their lids. “Did you see the one that looks like Channing Tatum? Oh. My. God.” She fanned her face. “Wonder if I can get him to do a Magic Mike impersonation?”
Jett cleared his throat. “Do I really need to hear you two debate the broadness of Channing’s chest versus Joe Manganiello pecs again?”
“We didn’t come to any conclusions last time so it’s a debate worth resurrecting.” Allegra patted his chest. “But don’t worry, gorgeous. Yours is far better than theirs.”
“Liar,” he said, but puffed out the chest in question a tad.
Zoe pretended to stick two fingers down her throat. “I’m actually glad I’m heading to the Mediterranean to suss out that land deal next to Kaluna’s resort. It’ll get me away from you two lovesick morons.”
Jett crooked his finger. “Maybe you’ll meet some hot-blooded Italian stud who’ll stand up to you.”
“Yeah, and maybe George Clooney will invite me to his Lake Como pad for a sleepover.” Zoe rolled her eyes. “I’m headed to that island to work. Guys are the pits.”
Allegra mouthed “bad breakup last week” and Zoe whacked her.
“Wasn’t a bad breakup considering we were dating for three weeks.”
Jett winked. “Isn’t that a record for you?”
This time Zoe thumped Jett.
“I’m outta here,” Zoe said, saluting them. “Going to find Channing and see if he’ll sign my boob.”
Allegra giggled and Jett groped her ass.
With one last derisive roll of the eyes, Zoe slipped into the crowd, leaving Jett with his woman.
Damn, he loved that.
“She’s lonely,” Allegra said, her smile fading as she watched Zoe disappear. “She puts on this brave front like nothing or no one can touch her, but I see glimpses every now and then that she’s not happy.”
“Reminds me of someone I used to know,” he said, nuzzling her neck. “But you came around. Maybe Zoe will, too?”
“Hope so.” Allegra slipped her arms around his waist and gazed up at him in adoration. “How’d I get so lucky?”
“Well…it started with that rocks-off lingerie, then a little mile-high action, and some hot island nights where I discovered your fetish for being tied up by Aussie men—”
She kissed him and he was totally happy to relinquish control.
Sometimes it paid to be submissive. And when his fiancée whispered in his ear what she’d do to him once they made it back to the privacy of their exclusive villa, he was all for giving her total control…
Acknowledgments
Thanks to the following people who were onboard for this book’s publication ride:
Libby Murphy, editor extraordinaire, whose insight and enthusiasm is a huge inspiration. I love working with you, Libby!
Heather Howland, for welcoming me into the Brazen Books fold. And for her fab cover skills.
Liz Pelletier, for launching Entangled Publishing and making dreams come true.
Natalie Anderson and Soraya Lane, for being the best writing buddies ever!
Carly Phillips, who took time out of her hectic schedule to read Wicked Heat for a cover quote. Much appreciated.
To my supportive readers, who buy my books…you’re the best!
To my amazing sons, who are incredibly gorgeous and funny and cuddly. Love you to the moon and back, and then some more.
About the Author
USA TODAY bestselling author Nicola Marsh writes flirty fiction with flair for adults, and riveting, spooky stories for teens.
She writes contemporary romance for Harlequin, Entangled Publishing and indie, has published 40 books and sold over 4 million
copies worldwide. Her YA novels release with Harlequin Teen and Month9Books.
She’s a National Readers’ Choice Award winner, a Waldenbooks, Bookscan and Barnes & Noble bestseller, and a multi-finalist for awards including the Romantic Times Reviewers’ Choice Award, RBY (Romantic Book of the Year), HOLT Medallion, Booksellers’ Best, Golden Quill and Laurel Wreath.
A physiotherapist for thirteen years, she now adores writing full time, raising her two little heroes, and her favorite, curling up with a good book!
www.nicolamarsh.com
While you’re waiting for Zoe’s sizzling story in Wanton Heat, check out
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