He poked his finger in her much softer chest, and she gasped. “I’m not putting on forty pounds and growing a beard for anyone, Darling.” He had the gall to wink at her.
“And I’m not giving you a lap dance, so don’t even think about it,” she blurted, then pressed her lips together. He had such a powerful effect on her, she didn’t need alcohol to say and do the most outrageous things around him.
“Excuse me?” He scrutinized her with a sexy, curious gleam in his eye.
“Never mind.” She took a swig of water. Focus, Samantha, focus. “You were saying?”
“Next you’ll be having me say ho, ho, ho while I stuff someone’s stocking.”
Water sprayed out of her mouth like a snow globe, scattering drops all over his black cashmere sweater. “Oh my God. I’m so sorry. I got something stuck in my throat,” she croaked, then reached out and dabbed at his shirt with a napkin, her hand freezing just above his belt, and her gaze locking on the missile she refused to toe.
“Ms. Darling, are you okay?”
“Huh?” Her gaze whipped up to his. “Oh, sure. I’m fine. Just a bit light headed.” Damn Ellen and Amber.
He stared at her like he couldn’t quite figure her out. That made two of them, because she sure wasn’t acting like herself even stone cold sober.
“Maybe we’d better take a break,” he finally said. “I have to change my shirt anyway, and you look flushed. What do you say we call a truce and talk more about that new image idea? How about lunch?”
“You’ve got a deal.” She held out her hand, and he slid his palm against hers. A jolt of desire snaked up her arm and slithered its way straight to her libido, making her acutely aware of just how long it had been since her stocking had been stuffed.
Way, way too long, apparently.
***
“We’re doing what?” Nathan asked late that afternoon as he stared down at his designer pleated casual pants and genuine Italian leather shoes.
She, on the other hand, was dressed like a snow bunny in her lavender ski jacket and matching boots. The woman was crazy. Certifiably nuts. Yet the most intriguing woman he’d met since he could remember.
“We’re cutting down a real tree,” Samantha answered.
“Why? I already have a perfectly good tree.”
“That is not a tree.”
“Okay, well, there’s a tree lot right down the end of Main Street. We can just buy one.”
She touched her finger to his lips. “Trust me, remember?”
He grunted. Easier said than done. He’d learned the hard way the only person he could truly count on in life was himself. But he had to admit, he was highly entertained. For now, he’d play along. “Fine, but I don’t own a pair of jeans.”
“There’s a thrift store at the end of Main Street.”
Playing along was one thing. He still had an image to project: one of stature, wealth and power. “There’s no way I’m--”
“Trust involves no questions, remember?”
He studied her for a moment, recognizing the stubborn streak simmering just beneath her surface, and knew when to choose his battles. He’d save his demands for more important matters. Like convincing her his bed was where she needed to be. “Fine, but just so you know I don’t trust easy. I want to be involved in all aspects of this new image makeover as well as the designing of my front window. I always do that myself.”
“And that, my friend, is why you always lose.” She laughed at the shocked expression he couldn’t hide quite fast enough.
His mouth quirked at the sound of her laugh. Genuine, not forced or phony. “That’s what I like about you. You’re not afraid to tell me exactly what you’re thinking, unlike most people who only tell me what they think I want to hear.”
“Believe me, I value honesty above all else. I’d rather hear the truth than be blindsided any day.”
He brushed a pale blond curl off her forehead and pulled up her faux fur trimmed hood, his desire to touch her outweighing his common sense. “It appears I’m not the only one who’s been wounded as you say.” He tapped her adorable nose.
She stiffened, pulling away. “And you’re not the only one who doesn’t like to talk about it, either.”
“Touché. So if I am to trust you, then you are to trust me as well. I need you to accompany me to some functions I must attend in the city.”
“I thought you were home for the holidays. As in, ‘on vacation.’”
“Ah, well, yes. The truth is I’m married.”
Her jaw fell open on a horrified expression, and he laughed a hearty laugh this time, feeling the crow’s feet in the corners of his eyes deepen. She was such a refreshing change from the women he was used to that he couldn’t help but tease her a bit. She smiled in spite of what he’d just admitted.
“You said honesty, and that’s about as honest as it gets,” he pointed out.
“So where is this wife of yours?” she asked, not quite meeting his eyes.
“Wives,” he corrected, thoroughly enjoying the way her smooth cheeks flushed and her light blue eyes sparkled.
“Y-You’re a polygamist?” Her eyes snapped up to his, her smile vanishing.
“No. My wives are not women. They are all ten of my stores. You see, I can admit it because this is the life I chose. I am happily married to my job, and with that responsibility, taking a vacation never completely happens.”
“Well, okay then.” She let out an explosion of air, looking much lighter all of a sudden. “So what do you need me for?”
“There are a couple charity functions I have to attend at night, and I need a date.”
“A d-date?” she stammered, back to blushing even brighter than before. “And you want to take me?”
Nathan paused on the words ‘take me,’ thinking she had no idea the extent of what he wanted to do with and to her. This time of year was the loneliest for him, his memories of his childhood often depressing him. Seducing Samantha would be just the distraction he needed, but he’d bide his time. He might want her more than he’d wanted anyone in a long time, but he did not want to be in a relationship. He had to be sure she was clear on that before he proceeded any further, but make no mistake...
One way or another, he would have her.
For now, he simple said, “Why not? I need a date, and you need to run your ideas by me. Since we’re going to be spending so much time together, the choice of my date seems obvious don’t you think?”
“Oh. A business date.” She looked both relieved and disappointed, and Nathan had to fight back a chuckle. “Well, sure, that makes sense. I guess it would be okay then.”
“Good.” He let his gaze bore into hers. “I usually get what I want.”
“And that, my friend, is another thing we need to work on.” She rolled her eyes. “Your arrogant attitude.”
“Moi? Arrogant? Never.” His hard lips tipped up a smidgen, and she just shook her head.
“You’re simply hopeless.” She laughed again, the tinkling sound filling him with a sensation he couldn’t remember the last time he’d felt. Joy.
“And you, my friend, are a most interesting woman.” Her mouth parted like she wanted to say something, but he touched his index finger to her lips like she had him. “Later, Ms. Darling. It’s getting late.”
“That’s right, and we still have a tree to cut down.”
“Not so fast.” Nathan grabbed her arm. “Tomorrow will be soon enough to start phase one of your plan.” His voice turned husky. “You can be the boss during the day while we put your plan into motion, but I get to be the boss at night while you accompany me to my functions. According to my watch, it’s officially night. I get to call the shots, and you have to do everything I tell you to...no questions asked.” His words were innocent, but he knew his eyes were filled with pure sin.
“Oh, well, I’m not so sure that’s a good--”
He stilled her words when he cradled her cheeks with his palms. “Trust me,” he murmured softly.
“I trust you.” She licked her lips, and his eyes zeroed in, making his own lips burn to press against hers. As she pulled away, he could have sworn he heard her mumble something about trusting herself was another matter entirely.
“I’ll pick you up at seven,” he said to her hastily retreating back.
Her hand waved in the air, but she didn’t say a word.
***
“Wow.” Nathan stared in awe at the vision of loveliness standing before him. “You look beautiful.”
“Thank you.” A becoming shade of pink tinted Samantha’s cheeks. She smoothed her hands down the front of her ruby red chiffon dress, discreetly tugging the snug material down further over her curvy hips. It kept riding up above her knees, revealing more of her spectacular legs. “Told you I like to eat.” She laughed, sounding nervous. “One too many Christmas cookies, I guess.”
“You look amazing.” He meant every word as he held out the arm of his black Armani tuxedo. “Shall we?”
Tonight’s charity dinner in Boston was ten thousand dollars a plate and a black tie affair. Homes for the Children had always been a cause he’d felt strongly about. He might have grown up with everything, but he’d always felt alone, like he didn’t have a family at all. Snow’s Antiques was the biggest contributor every year. Nathan made sure of it. The money they raised tonight would keep the orphanages in the greater Boston area going all year, and that was important to him.
These kids needed to know that somebody cared about them.
“Hey, you in there?” Samantha touched his hand with her soft delicate fingertips, and a warmth spread up his arm. “You looked like you were far away for a minute.”
He smiled down at her as he led her to the waiting limo. “I’m fine. Just thinking about how much fun we’re going to have tonight.”
“Really, now. I thought these shindigs were pretty boring. Not that I’ve ever been to one before.”
“Oh, I don’t know. When you’re with the right person, it doesn’t matter where you are. You can still have fun. And,” once they were seated, he handed her a glass of Champagne, “they have a dance floor.”
“Uh, no thanks. I am never touching that poison again, thank you very much. And I can’t dance.”
He replaced her champagne with a bottle of Perrier, and his smile came slow and sweet. “Well, I can.”
She scoffed. “Well, that’s hardly fair.”
“So sue me.” He sipped his champagne, deciding Cristal was his new favorite.
“Maybe I will.” She downed half her bottle, her eyes darting about the inside of the limo, mimicking her thoughts, he imagined.
“Sue me for what?”
“For...for...breach of contract.” She waved her hands about as she talked, sloshing some of her sparkling water on the leather upholstery. “This dancing stuff wasn’t part of the deal.”
He paused a moment as he considered his argument. “You’re the one who agreed to let me be the boss at night, and you’re the one who came up with the ‘trust me’ with no questions asked rule. You brought this upon yourself, Darling.”
“Fine.” Her lips pursed in an adorable pout, and the urge to kiss the frown off her face pummeled him hard. “But don’t blame me when we look like contestants auditioning for ‘America’s got Diddly’ out there.”
“Relax. I’m a great teacher.”
“If you say so.” She shook her head, a couple of blond strands slipping from the twist on the back of her skull and falling down to frame her face in soft ringlets.
He fisted his hand to keep from stroking one. “I say there are a lot of things I’d like to teach you, and dancing is only the beginning.” His eyes heated, and he watched her skin quiver as though he’d physically touched her. She affected him stronger than any woman ever had, and yet, he barely knew her.
Disturbing? Yes. Enough to stop him? Hell no.
She inhaled a deep breath, and her face flushed a becoming shade of rose. “Listen, I’m not sure--”
“Oh, look, we’re here.” He smoothly opened the door and slid out. She’d come around. He’d see to it. He always got what he wanted, and right now, he wanted her...
Undressed and in his bed with no questions asked.
He opened her door and held out his hand. “Shall we?”
Samantha stared up at the impressive man before her. His expensive tuxedo was all black and tailored perfectly, the cut making her insides flutter. His slicked back hair made him look fierce and powerful. She supposed it was his armor, so to speak. His business attire that let everyone know he was ruthless and not to be taken for granted. Even though she was dying to mess it up, she had to admit this style gave him a dangerous quality that appealed to her inner vixen.
And that was why she’d hesitated.
If he only knew what she wanted him to teach her, hell, what she wanted to teach him, he’d probably be appalled. These were hardly the thoughts of a lady, but in her defense, she hadn’t had sex in a year. Right now, being a lady was the last thing on her mind. But no matter how much she might want him, she’d read enough about him in the tabloids. He was a ladies man through and through, but had never been in a serious relationship. Getting involved with him had major heartache written all over it.
“Are you coming,” he asked, his hand still stretched out, but his eyes held a devilish glimmer.
She cleared her throat. Her mind might not want to have an affair with him, but her body begged to differ. “After you, Boss.” She slipped her hand into his and shivered as his tanned fingers closed over her pale ones.
“Cold?” he asked.
“Hardly,” she muttered, and he just chuckled, leading the way inside.
Oh, yeah, he knew exactly what he did to her, and he was loving every minute of it. Well, two could play at this game, she thought, as she decided to turn the tables on him. Time to make him squirm for a change. She had to even the playing field somehow, make him realize he wasn’t completely in control before she did something stupid. She didn’t plan to follow through on her seduction, simply let him see what it felt like to want someone so badly but not be able to have them. She smiled slightly, a little thrill coursing through her at the thought.
“What’s that look for,” he asked, studying her quizzically as they took their seat at a table near the dance floor.
“Oh, nothing. Just deciding you were right. Tonight is most definitely going to be fun.” She grabbed a goblet of water off the table and took a sip, looking around.
Soft lighting, crystal chandeliers and silk tablecloths were only the beginning. A full piece orchestra occupied the entire corner on the opposite side of the dance floor. Politicians, entertainers, and business executives she’d seen plastered in the magazines and on the news--decked in designer evening wear no normal person could afford--moved across the dance floor in a waltz. And tantalizing aromas of foods she couldn’t begin to name bathed the room in a heady swirl of bliss.
She might do business with these type of people, but she didn’t live in their world. Being here was like something right out of a fairytale, with her as the leading lady, and her prince perched right beside her. Or was he the evil villain out to ruin her life?
“Hard to get used to, I know,” he broke into her thoughts.
“I can’t believe you give so much to help these kids. That’s amazing. I mean ten thousand dollars a plate is a lot of money.”
“Well, one-hundred actually.”
She choked on her drink. “You give one-hundred-thousand dollars? This charity must mean a lot to you.” Maybe there was more to him than she first thought.
He shrugged, looking a bit uncomfortable, then snagged another glass of champagne from a waiter’s tray before it passed by. Samantha could tell she’d hit on the truth.
“Well, Snow, you’ve done it again,” Senator Perry said, stopping by their table. “Your donation has topped us all, even your old man. I thought this year he might actually beat you, but somehow, you always manage t
o figure out what he’ll give and beat him at his own game. Well played, boy.” He clinked his glass to Nathan’s. “Maybe if he’d make an appearance for once, instead of jet setting all over the world, he’d fare better.” The Senator moved on to talk with a celebrity at another table, and Nathan conversed with various important people as Samantha watched and listened.
So much for hitting on the truth.
Samantha studied the enigma sitting beside her. Smooth talking, well refined, yet distant. She was usually a good judge of character, but then again, she’d been way off when it came to Mark. Still, it was a shame that Nathan’s generosity stemmed out of a need to outshine his father rather than a desire to help these children. She’d been right all along. He had no heart and was as cold and ruthless as they said.
Definitely not a good idea to get involved with him.
“I know what you’re thinking, but you’re wrong,” he said when they were alone again. “I grew up surrounded by such wealth and power, yet I’ve never been completely comfortable with it. Venturing out on my own, making my own money, making a name for myself...that was much more satisfying than being born into fame and fortune. At times I’m tempted to give it all away and start over again in a new venture.” He swirled the liquid in his glass, staring down into the gold contents. “Once you’ve achieved your goals, life gets a bit boring.”
He looked so handsome and lonely for a moment, almost vulnerable. She wanted to hug him and tell him it would be all right. “Maybe starting over isn’t what you need,” she said, shifting in her seat and her breasts nearly popped out of her dress that seemed to be growing more snug by the minute. Damn hor d’oeuvres. “Maybe adding a family is the void you’re trying to fill. Ever consider getting married? Having children?” Oops, had she said that out loud? Double Damn. She didn’t need alcohol to act stupid around him, he was intoxicating enough.
His gaze snapped to her breasts, lingered, then lifted to her eyes, locked, and held. “I told you...I’m already married.”
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