“Good night, Kit.”
“Night night.”
The call disconnected, and he tossed his phone back on the counter. Grabbing the chicken, he sawed off a drumstick then put it on his plate. He headed back to the fridge for accompaniments and paused.
He hadn’t had a chance to check in with Allison before she’d left today. Jenny’s call was as good an excuse as any.
Reaching for the phone, he tapped her number.
“This better not be work related,” she said when she picked up. “I’m officially off the clock.”
He leaned back against the counter, a smile curving his lips the second he heard her voice.
“Just heard from Jenny. She asked me to walk her down the aisle.”
“That’s a lovely idea.”
“You think I’m up for it, hmm?”
“Walk in a straight line? Well, I’ve seen you achieve harder tasks.”
A sound reached his ears that for a moment he couldn’t identify. When he did his cock went rock hard.
“Are you in the bath?”
The splashing stopped. “I’m relaxing.”
“With your phone.”
“There’s music on it. Sue me.”
He could just picture her now. Sitting in the warm water, her chestnut hair piled high on her head with a few loose strands pulling free to caress her damp shoulders.
“I wish I was there to watch you.” The words were out before he could question their sense. She’d said she was open to a casual relationship, but he still had a hard time believing he could be so lucky.
Silence dragged on and he wondered if he’d miscalculated.
Another splash reached his ears. “You know where I live,” she said.
If he’d thought he’d been hard before, he was wrong.
“Twenty minutes,” he said. “I’m on my way.”
Soft, feminine laughter followed him as he left the chicken on the counter and sped from the house.
…
Allison twirled in her office chair. Sex was a wonderful thing. She’d been in such a rut she hadn’t even realized what she was missing.
But Darian was putting all that to rights.
Closing her eyes, she pictured the night before. She’d greeted him at the door in her bathrobe, her hair still damp. He’d taken one look at her and swept her into his arms.
A small sigh escaped her. The man knew what he was doing. And for a little while at least she was the lucky recipient of that knowledge.
“You look like the cat that got the canary.”
She spun around to see Gillian. “I rather feel like it, too. What can I do for you?”
“John’s coming in today to sign those Sterling papers. Can you confirm Darian has booked out the time?”
Allison swung to her computer, her fingers flying over the keys. “Two o’clock on the dot,” she said. “We’re all set.”
“How go the wedding plans?”
“Sent out the latest round of invites this morning. We’ve got the venue and flowers locked in, and Darian said he handled the cake.”
“So it’s coming along.”
“I’m sure there will be bumps down the road, but right now I think we’re well on track.”
“Excellent. And how’s the sex?”
She snapped her fingers. “The real reason you didn’t just send me an email.”
“I thought it was a one-time thing?”
“I redefined the definition of ‘one time.’”
Gillian arched a skeptical brow. “As long as you know what you’re doing, I suppose.”
“I do.”
“So you’ve been job searching, then?”
“You know, you’re sounding like a disapproving parent more and more with each conversation.”
“Fair enough,” she said. “Anyways, I was planning on hitting the town this Friday. Want to come and mix it up with some appropriate men?”
“Apparently not my favorite kind.”
“Yeah, yeah. At the very least come and hang out with moi. Be my wing woman. It’s been way too long since you’ve had some fun.” Allison opened her mouth and Gillian was quick to amend. “Some gal pal fun.”
“I’ll think about it,” she said.
“You mean if Darian doesn’t invite you to something better.”
Her grin was unapologetic.
“Fine, be that way.” She headed for the door. “Oh, and keep a look out for John; those documents need to be signed.”
“On it,” she said. “The deal will get done.”
Her afternoon was so busy she nearly forgot about the Sterling appointment. She’d had a call from the florist bemoaning the state of dahlias in his greenhouse. She’d made it very clear that he’d either need to promise her perfection or give up the contract right now. Getting the sense that he was just looking for sympathy and perhaps a few extra dollars, the seller was more than happy to assure her that a contract to King Enterprises would be filled to the best of his ability.
Wedding crisis averted, she focused on her actual job, directing her staff and straightening out all the problems that had arisen for the week. After so many years, problem solving was second nature. No matter what was thrown at her she could develop a solution by the end of lunch.
Which was the reason she was at her desk at two o’clock. There was a coordination problem in marketing she needed to weigh in on.
She was so engrossed in her work she lost track of time.
“Knock knock.”
She glanced up, disoriented. “John,” she said. Shaking her head, she pulled herself away from her work and focused on the man before her. She rose from behind her desk and went to greet him.
“How’s my favorite assistant?” he asked, giving her a friendly hand shake.
“Busy,” she said, stepping back.
The Sterling owner grinned down at her. Though not as striking as Darian, John had more than enough charm on his own. His easy smile and bright green gaze put many people at ease. It was his skill, to lull his prey into languid relaxation before he struck and accrued segments of their company they had no idea were in danger. She’d seen him and Darian go head to head for various deals before, so it was no doubt a blow to John to be selling off a part of his holdings.
“Whatever he’s offering you, my dear, I’ll do better.”
She knew the words were simple banter. They’d dealt together more than a few times, after all.
“Really?” she teased. “I need to get that in writing.”
“Just say the word.” His business card was in his fingers, held out toward her.
Not wanting to be rude, she accepted the offering. Not that she’d entertain the notion. To jump from Darian to one of his competitors? He’d never forgive her for that.
“Are you ready for today?” she asked.
John ran a hand through his blond hair. “Personally? I’d rather sell to anyone else.”
“But in terms of business?”
“King is the best option. Even I see it.”
She smiled. “It’s a good deal all around.”
“Especially for the golden boy who sees the potential for profit before the rest of us.” He shook his head. “How does he do it?”
“If I knew, I’d be running my own company,” she replied.
“And showing us how it’s done, no doubt.” He leaned closer. “Tell me what I can do to steal you away.”
“You’re just after me because it would annoy Darian.”
John didn’t even have the decency to look shamefaced. “That’s part of it.”
“Well, go bother someone else. I’m happy here.”
“Are you?” He pinned her with a steady gaze. “Because I heard you might be window shopping.”
She froze. “Where did you hear that?”
“Around. But if it’s true, I hope you will consider my organization before knocking on any other doors.”
“The rumors are wrong this time,” she said stiffly.
“Of course. Let me walk you in.”
She led him from her office and down the short hall. After a sharp rap on Darian’s door, she turned the knob and pushed inside.
“Mr. Thompson to see you,” she said, ushering John inside.
With a final wink at her, he walked into the office.
Darian gave her a half smile as she closed the door.
Walking back to her desk, she told herself she’d never work for John. Yes, his company might be a touch smaller, but no doubt her responsibilities would be similar. If she left Darian, it would be for a more radical change. Maybe she’d go into non-profit. Or a startup needing a little expertise. Whatever she chose it would be a job that allowed her the life she’d been denying herself for years.
And nothing would stop her.
Chapter Nine
“This really is a beautiful location,” Allison said as they sat down at the table.
It had been a long ride to Sahra, but Darian thought a tasting appointment in this perfect location was a wonderful way to cap off an otherwise dull Wednesday.
“We chose well,” he agreed. “Fingers crossed the food matches the setting.”
Allison pulled out a notepad and pen. She was nothing if not prepared. “If the caterers aren’t up to par, we’re going to be in trouble.”
“Let’s hope it doesn’t come to that.”
“Happy thoughts?”
“Precisely.”
Sam appeared at their table, beaming at them. “We’re thrilled to have you here,” he said. “I assure you this event will be spectacular.”
“Let’s focus on the food for now,” Darian replied.
“Of course. As you know, we’ve worked with our usual chef to fit you into the schedule. As per your instructions, the kitchen has been preparing food with a French twist.”
“And it will be a sit-down meal, not finger foods,” Allison said.
“Absolutely. If you are ready, I’ll send out your choices for appetizers.”
“Please.” Darian shook out his napkin and placed it across his lap.
Sam hurried away, leaving them alone in the massive reception hall.
“If either of us knew how to waltz, this would be the perfect practice spot,” she said.
“It wasn’t taught in business school.” Thank God. He could only imagine how many toes he would have stepped on.
“Well, you know what they say about good dancers.”
He glanced up from the place card detailing the meal progression. Reaching for her glass of wine, she met his eyes. “Good in bed.”
The ever-present need bubbled up in him. If they were alone in a bedroom, he’d show her just how much he desired her. The past few days had been hell trying to last through endless hours of work when he knew he could be falling into bed with Allison.
A pastime he far preferred.
Sam bustled back into the room before he could respond to her teasing.
“Your first course,” Sam said, motioning the servers behind him to lay out the plates. “For appetizers, we have three options. First is a play on baked brie, second a melon brochette, third an endive and apple salad.”
“Looks tasty,” Darian said.
“Bon appetite.”
Allison smiled at her plate. “I must say this is the most fun I’ve had at a work dinner in ages.”
“Perhaps we should do it again sometime when it’s not for work.”
Her gaze flicked to his. “Do friends with benefits get dinner together?”
“We can do whatever we please,” he replied. Because more and more he just wanted to spend every minute with her. Never before had he had a partner who drove him to such distraction. He had no intention of losing her anytime soon.
“Which appetizer do you prefer?” he asked, staring down at the food on his plate.
“Well, I’m always a sucker for anything involving cheese. The salad is good, too, though. Brochette is basically just French for skewer, right?” She picked up the glorified toothpick and brandished it as a sword. “Might not be a great idea to give high society weapons.”
“A strong argument against the melon,” he agreed. “In terms of flavor, I don’t think it’s too bad, really.”
“Are you kidding? This food is amazing. If you are that hard to impress, I hate to contemplate what you must think of my performance at work.”
“Nonsense,” he replied, popping a piece of bread into his mouth. “There aren’t enough words in the English language to do you justice.”
Truer words had never been spoken. Allison was his rock. He’d be lost without her. It wasn’t a reality he ever wanted to endure.
…
The incredible flavors on her tongue drifted away as she blinked at Darian’s statement. Warmth spread through her that had nothing to do with the wine.
Don’t get more attached, she cautioned herself. Distance is your friend.
So he thought she was good at her job. It just meant she deserved a great reference.
“I wonder what the entrée options are,” she said, pushing away her plate.
She didn’t have to wait long before sample portions of beef bourguignon and coq au vin were set before them.
“Which do you think would appeal to more people?” Darian asked.
“Toss up. I’d eat either of these dishes for a week and be happy.”
“I’m not sure that’s quite the compliment you think it is, given you live off of grilled cheese and takeout.”
“You’re going to pick the beef, aren’t you?”
Patting his mouth with the napkin, Darian inclined his head. “You know me well.”
Yes, I do.
For the past four years it had been her job to know his preferences. To anticipate his needs and smooth out his life as best she could.
And in a few weeks it’d be someone else doing that for him. Someone else that words couldn’t describe.
She’d always thought about what she’d do next when she left, but now she tried to think about how life would carry on in the office. Because as well as they clicked, at the end of the day she was just an executive assistant. It wouldn’t take much effort to find a suitable replacement. A few days of interviewing and Darian would be on his way. Her loss was not one that would have much of an impact in the grand scheme of things.
“Thinking deep thoughts?”
Blinking, she turned her attention back to him. “Sorry.”
“You looked sad.”
She forced a smile. “Do you pry into all your lovers’ thoughts?”
He was silent for a moment before shaking his head. “Not ever.” Blue eyes met hers. “But you’re different.”
Not just another notch in the bedpost? How she longed to believe it. She’d seen women come and go throughout her years at King Enterprises. They never stayed around long. Some of the office even had polls on the length of new relationships, not that they’d ever admit it to the boss.
She’d like to think she was different from the countless others who had preceded her. But at the end of the day, was she really? She and Darian might have been colleagues first, but that didn’t guarantee she held any special status in bed.
“It’s nothing,” she said. “I was just thinking about a few work things. I missed a phone call I should have returned.”
“I’ve been asking you to basically do two jobs this month. Should I hire someone to help you with the work load?”
She smiled, taking a bite of food. “I’m sure I’ll manage. But thank you.”
He nodded, polishing off his beef sampler. “The more I taste this food the more I think we’ve found our caterer.”
“That would be one less thing to worry about,” she said.
“So you’re in agreement? This is our caterer?”
“I think it makes the most sense.”
“Sam wi
ll be happy. The wine isn’t bad, either. I’d like to bring in some of our own stock to start, but it will be a nice mix to have both.”
“So we’ll have the salad followed by the beef?”
“And some canapés during the cocktails.”
“Then boom, we’ve got a menu. I feel like I should high-five you.”
“Bit by bit, we’re getting this wedding done.”
Allison pushed up from her chair. “We should find Sam and let him know about our decision.”
He rose when she did then caught her arm when she moved to leave the room.
“He’ll be back,” Darian said. “There’s no rush.”
“Oh?” She turned into his arms. “And what would you like to do to fill the time?”
“Well, we are in a beautiful, romantic spot.”
“You don’t do romance,” she reminded him.
“True enough.” His lips trailed along hers. “Maybe you could teach me.”
Wrapping her arms around him, she pulled him close. “First, it’s always wise to start with a compliment.”
“Your current pinstriped suit is far superior to your other pinstriped suit.”
She scrunched up her face. “I should point out that mocking the woman you’re hoping to woo into bed is never a sound strategy.”
“Ah, now you tell me.” His hands slid down her body. “You look beautiful tonight,” he said. “It was all I could do to keep my hands to myself on our ride up here. I wanted to pull that clip from your hair and watch the curls bounce down around your shoulders. I wanted to pop the buttons open on that pristine shirt and see if the bra matches it or if you were hiding something sexy and colorful.”
“Obviously you’ve never had to hunt for the perfect bra to wear under a white shirt,” she commented dryly. “But please, do continue.”
He leaned closer, his breath tickling her ear. “I wanted to run my lips over every inch of your naked body. But making you scream my name might have been a little inappropriate with Tim driving right up front.”
“You think?” She tilted her head to the side as he kissed his way down her throat.
“I suppose I’ll have to be equally good on the ride back.”
“I’d rather not have the whole company know I’m screwing the boss,” she agreed. “But”—she pulled his face back up to hers—“with the divider up, maybe we don’t have to be on our utterly best behavior.”
Right Billionaire, Wrong Wedding (Sexy Billionaires) Page 10