For Business...Or Marriage?

by Jules Bennett

  He froze. Her sultry, pleading tone should’ve had him ripping that material from her curvy body instead of pulling him back to reality. Just as abruptly as he’d pulled her to him, he pushed away.

  His body shook. He couldn’t breathe.

  They’d been on the verge of taking their professional relationship into territory it had no business going. And he had no one to blame but himself. As much as he’d like to place the blame on Abby and this newfound seductress side of her, he couldn’t.

  Even worse than the lack of professionalism was the fact he’d just cheated on his fiancée.

  “I’m sorry,” he rasped. God, was that his voice?

  Abby wrapped an arm around her waist, bringing one hand up to her moist, swollen lips. She was shaking, too.

  “I didn’t mean to…” Cade turned, took a deep breath and looked back to her. “I don’t know what to say, Abby.”

  She went over to the table where only moments ago she’d dropped the folder. When she came back, she handed it to him, but remained arms-length away.

  “Here’s your schedule with the contractor tomorrow and his credentials.” She shoved her messed hair over her shoulders and smoothed her hands down her dress. “I’m afraid I won’t be able to attend that meeting.”

  He kept his eyes on hers, though he wanted to watch her chest rise and fall. “Why?”

  Her chin tilted up a notch. “I think it’s best if I don’t.”

  And with that, she spun on her heel and left the room. But, unlike most women who had been rejected, she didn’t slam the door. Though the soft click was just as deafening and just as final.

  He’d screwed this up. But, unfortunately his problem wasn’t that his behavior was unprofessional or that he had already promised to marry another woman.

  Cade’s problem was that he wanted Abby Morrison now more than ever. And when he wanted something, he never gave up until it was his.

  He’d broken his promise to be faithful to Mona, even though they weren’t in love. But how could he marry one woman when all he wanted was to be with another?

  Cade prayed to God this was just sexual attraction. Sex he could handle. Sex he could live without until he married Mona.

  But he had a feeling this was more than lust and carnal thoughts.

  An orchestra or a simple harp?

  No. No harpist.

  Abby resisted the urge to slam down the screen on her laptop. She simply couldn’t concentrate on wedding plans…especially those of the man who’d kissed her like he was going to devour her, then rejected her all within one breath.

  But she had debts to pay off and planning this god-forsaken wedding would take care of all her mother’s medical bills. She couldn’t avoid it. No matter how much she wanted to stop this preposterous “business arrangement,” Cade had to see on his own that this wedding was a mistake.

  If, and only if, he came to his senses, would Abby come clean and confess her feelings. Until then—if then ever came to be—she would continue to work with Cade in a professional environment.

  On a personal level, though, she couldn’t halt her plans to show him what a honeymoon with a woman he loved could be like. After that kiss, that body-shaking, toe-curling kiss, she knew Cade wanted her on a physical level. Now if only he could see the love she wanted to give him. If only he’d open his eyes and heart to what was within his reach.

  The ache in Abby’s chest only worsened when she came to her feet and saw the dress she’d worn last night draped over the white wicker chair next to her canopy bed.

  She turned the opposite way and went to the wide double doors that led out onto the balcony. Resting her arms on the wrought iron railing, she breathed in the refreshing ocean scent. A soft breeze caressed her, lifting her hair to dance about her shoulders.

  A tremor swept through her body. She didn’t even have to close her eyes to remember the way Cade’s lips had felt against her heated skin. But she closed them anyway, as if locking the memory inside forever.

  What if he didn’t ever come around? What if his business was more important than his happiness? What if he never saw her as anything more than his assistant?

  But, what if he did?

  Abby knew giving up was not an option, but the devil’s advocate kept interrupting her daydreams. She only had four weeks to show Cade romance and passion. To show him just how much life had to offer if you could spend it with the one you loved.

  He had no reason to be so cynical about love. His own parents had had a long, happy marriage until his mother passed. His father had never remarried. From what Abby learned before Cade’s father’s passing, the man had said no one would replace his one true love and the memories of his wife would last the rest of his life.

  Abby rubbed her arms and blinked back tears. Something was keeping Cade from seeking love, but what? His own brother, Brady, was happily married and expecting twins in a few months.

  Cade just had to see there was more to life than business mergers, luxurious resorts and jetting off to the next hot piece of real estate.

  On a sigh, Abby turned. She had wedding plans to get back to. Even though she thought this was a mistake and she was going to do everything in her power to make Cade see that he needed love in his life, she still was being paid to do a job.

  Settling back down at the small desk in the corner of her suite, she sent a quick e-mail to Mona to ask her opinion on the music.

  Once the message was sent, Abby couldn’t stomach another plan. She’d chosen the flowers, fresh of course, planned the extravagant menu, booked the location at a historical church in San Francisco and arranged for the special lighting that she always used for evening weddings to illuminate the happy couple.

  Ugh, just the thought of the pale glow around Cade and Mona made Abby ill. But, just because she didn’t agree with this wedding didn’t mean she’d slack on her duties…no matter how nauseating and heartbreaking they may be.

  Her computer chirped, letting her know she had a message.

  Abby clicked on the Inbox icon to see a reply from Mona.

  “That was fast,” Abby muttered.

  Abby,

  Anything is fine. Just plan this as if it were your own. No need to consult me, I’m leaving everything in your capable hands.

  Mona

  Insane. Positively insane. But at least she didn’t have to consult the woman anymore. She hated the thought of hurting Mona, but if she wasn’t even remotely in love with Cade, she shouldn’t get hurt. At least, Abby hoped not.

  Six

  Always the professional.

  Cade hurried his way through the meeting with the contractor, barely able to concentrate. All he could think of was Abby’s mouth, Abby’s soft sighs, Abby’s hands running up his bare chest and around his neck.

  But when he’d pushed her away, she’d immediately reverted back to professionalism.

  He’d known her for a year and had only seen her lose control twice—the mechanical bull fiasco and yesterday when she’d melted into his arms.

  As he let himself back into his suite, he wondered what Abby was doing. Was she working on his schedule for their next destination? Was she working on his wedding?

  His wedding.

  He’d already cheated on Mona. No, they weren’t married yet, and no, he didn’t love her. But he’d promised himself to her and he’d gone and kissed another woman. Granted, some men wouldn’t consider a kiss cheating. But he was a man of honor and was taught to uphold promises and respect women.

  The kiss was a problem in itself, but now he was on the verge of an even bigger disaster. He needed Abby on a level he should never even be considering. Abby had awakened unnerving feelings in him. He’d never thought this much about wanting a woman before. In the past, if he’d desired a woman, there was no second-guessing, no fantasizing. He’d just acted on his instincts and gone after what he wanted.

  But Abby was unique. She was simple, pure. She’d never used her curvy, sexy-as-hell body to gain his attent
ion. Or that of any other man as far as he knew.

  Yet, Abby’s sexuality was just as effective and just as damning as the supermodels and A-list actresses he’d dated.

  He needed to stay focused, though. No matter how hard his teenage hormones tried to control his actions, he was an adult now and he needed to act like one. He had a multi-billion-dollar business deal hinging on his arrangement with Mona. The merger was black-and-white…even if Abby was turning into the shaded gray area.

  She knew how much this partnership meant to him. There was no way she’d purposely try to sabotage his business.

  Cade checked his messages on his BlackBerry and chuckled at the thought. Abby wasn’t interested in him. She’d never once acted as if she wanted something on a personal level. In fact, she’d specifically avoided even talking about her personal life. She’d never been anything but his organized, precise assistant.

  And the kiss didn’t count. He had been the instigator. He had pulled her lush body against his. He had been the one who would’ve taken her right there on the floor had she not sighed his name and brought him to his senses.

  Even though she’d matched his demanding kiss, he couldn’t blame her. He’d given her no choice but to respond. He’d obviously caught her off guard, causing her not to think clearly.

  And when it was over, she’d handed him his file and walked away. She hadn’t yelled or screamed at his rejection like most women would’ve. Which only proved she wasn’t interested. How silly, really, to think that she would be.

  Brady had always accused him of having an overinflated ego. Guess this only served to prove his brother’s point.

  Cade clicked through the messages and came across one from Mona stating she was in Rome, looking for some possible properties to build on. Her next stop was Florence and she’d contact him there with their options.

  While Mona took Italy, France and England, Cade would concentrate on tropical islands and tourist hotspots…with Abby at his side.

  Damn. Every thought lately was hinged around his libido and his assistant. Not good for business.

  The knock at his door jarred him from the unwelcome thoughts. Sliding the phone into his pants pocket, he crossed the tiled floor and opened the door to find Abby standing on the other side.

  “I was hoping you’d be back from the meeting,” she said, sidestepping around him and making herself welcome in his suite. “I have some hot real estate news and we need to act on it now.”

  After Cade took in her simple, yet sexy yellow sundress that flowed around her ankles and left her shoulders bare, he laughed and closed the door.

  No, this woman who just breezed through his room was not attracted to him. She looked him dead in the eye as she spouted off orders. Obviously she was not upset about their last smoldering encounter.

  “What’s the news?” he asked.

  “I was researching honeymoon destinations in Puerto Vallarta just because it’s a hot spot, and I came across a resort that is getting ready to shut its doors due to lack of tourists.”

  As she talked, Cade listened, but found himself mesmerized by her mouth. How could he look at those naturally pink-tinted lips and not recall how they felt against his?

  “I told them we’d be there first thing in the morning.”

  He forced his gaze up to her eyes. “What?”

  “At the resort,” she explained. “I told them we’d be there to look at it in the morning. Once I said your name, they assured me they would let Stone Enterprises have first dibs before they put the property up for sale.”

  Yes, Abby was something. She was efficient, she was knowledgeable about the business…and she had starred in every one of his dreams last night.

  “I’ll call my pilot.” Cade pulled his phone from his pocket and punched in the numbers, trying to forget his last thought. “How soon can you be packed?”

  She tilted her head and offered a wide, cocky grin. “I’m ready. My bags are being held downstairs.”

  “You’ve had a busy morning.”

  “Is there any other kind?” She moved past him, back to the front door. “Meet you in the lobby.”

  And she was gone.

  God, what was he going to do about this new take-charge Abby? She’d always been efficient, knowledgeable, yet meek and quiet. Never before had she steamrolled past him and told him what they would be doing next. Usually when she had a suggestion, it was just that—a suggestion.

  But she’d stormed her way through like a tornado. She was in, she was out and she was effective.

  And she’d caused so much damage in his life in such a short time, he didn’t know if he’d ever recover.

  Jet-setting was exhausting. Abby once again settled into her leather seat on Cade’s lavish plane and booted up her laptop.

  Cade settled into his own seat, using the matching tan leather sofa directly across from her. He was on his cell talking to Phillip, discussing business she cared nothing about.

  Tuning out his sultry, sexy voice, Abby pulled up her spreadsheet for the wedding. Flowers, check. Music, check. Lighting, check.

  Unloving bride and groom, check, check.

  Moving onto the reception decorations and covers for the chairs would keep her mind off the inevitable uncomfortable silence that would surely join them on this flight.

  She’d put on the performance of a lifetime this afternoon. Pretending she was all business and not still shaking from their kiss had been difficult. She hoped he hadn’t picked up on how fast she’d been in and out of his suite.

  Oh well, no time to dwell on that amazing memory. There was work to do.

  Cream jacquard chair covers would add to the elegance of the candlelight and the calla lilies that would extend and drape from tall, slender vases. Round tables, of course, to keep the immense production as cozy as possible.

  Name cards with guests’ names in calligraphy and a little note from the bride and groom on each plate.

  Yeah, and what would it say? Thanks for helping us celebrate our business deal?

  Abby groaned in frustration, both at the preposterous nuptials and the fact she wanted to throw her laptop down, stomp on it and yell at Cade until he came to his senses. Okay, so maybe acting like a temper-tantrum-throwing toddler wasn’t the best approach.

  “Everything okay over there?”

  Abby jerked to see Cade looking at her with a slight grin. He’d ended his call and her groan was obviously louder than she’d thought.

  “Fine,” she assured him, lying through her teeth. “Just ran into a snag with a minor detail for the reception.”

  His cocky, devilish smile fell. “I appreciate the extra work you’re putting in. There’s no way I could’ve done this without you.”

  “You could’ve had a simple ceremony like your brother.” Shut up, Abby. “He got married on the beach, right?”

  Cade shrugged. “He was in love and wanted that intimate setting. I want everyone to know about the merging of two dynasties.”

  Abby’s heart actually hurt. Not for her, though, but for Cade who really, truly thought this was his only option in life.

  “I don’t mind the extra work.” She lowered the screen on her laptop, silently indicating she wanted to talk. “I needed the extra income and you needed my help. It’s a win/win situation.”

  His dark eyes seemed to study her for a second. “You make a pretty good living, Abby. What on earth do you need more money for? You have no children, no spouse. As far as I can tell, you never go out on shopping sprees and I’ve seen your apartment building, so I know it’s not too expensive.” He stopped, seeming to catch himself. “Sorry,” he said, raising his hands. “Your finances are none of my concern.”

  Abby swallowed, sorry that she’d unknowingly chosen this particular path to travel down. The last thing she wanted from anyone, least of all Cade, was pity.

  “I have several medical bills.”

  He eased forward in his seat. “Were you sick?”

  “My mother wa
s.”

  No. No, she couldn’t cry. The unwanted tears burned her eyes anyway and Abby looked out the window at the puffy white clouds below.

  “How long ago did she pass away?”

  Blinking back the moisture, Abby looked back. “A little over a year ago.”

  “Just before you came to work for the company?”

  She nodded, unable to speak further.

  Cade unbuckled his seat belt, and, dear God, he moved to sit right next to her. He removed the computer from her lap and set it on the table in front of them. Then, in a move that shocked, moved and touched her, he took her trembling hands in his.

  “Just before my father died?”

  “Yes,” she whispered, caught in the moment of being held by Cade and looking into his caring eyes.

  His thumb stroked over the back of her hand. “You never said anything.”

  “What was there to say? I didn’t know you all, I was there to do a job, not get sympathy.”

  A ghost of a smile flirted around the corners of his mouth. “You’re one of the strongest women I know. You dealt with your mother’s death and then after my father died, you consoled me and Brady.”

  Embarrassed, Abby looked away. “I didn’t console you.”

  “Maybe not with hugs and reassuring words, but you ran everything in that office and kept us going through the toughest time in our lives. I’ll never forget that.”

  With a shrug, she looked back up. “I was just doing my job. No big deal.”

  “It was certainly a big deal to me, and to Brady. How did your mother pass?”

  “Cancer.” One tear trickled down her cheek. “She fought ’til her last breath. If I’m strong, I get it from her.”

  Cade wiped her cheek with the pad of his thumb. “I’m sure she was amazing. Her daughter is.”

  Abby’s breath caught. Between the endearing words and his hand now resting on the side of her face, Abby could hardly think.

  And as much as she craved the strong arms of someone to hold her, she didn’t want to get Cade’s attention, or affection, out of pity.