He had noticed her the moment he’d entered the ballroom and had known then she was someone he had to connect with. Each time their gazes had linked, he’d felt stirring emotions he had never felt before. There was no way he could have not sought her out. They had introduced themselves and now he wanted to know everything there was to know about her. Then maybe he could figure out why she was having such an effect on him. No woman had ever rattled his senses like she was doing.
“There’s not a whole lot to tell,” she said.
“I was born in San Francisco twenty-five years ago. My parents are still there, both alive and well, and I have a sister, who is older than me by three years. I got my degree in marketing from Duke and landed a job here in Charlotte right after college. Last year I opened my own PR firm.”
She felt good in his arms and he liked the way his arms fit around her waist. “Are you dating?”
“Sometimes.”
“Seeing anyone exclusively?”
“No.”
“Good.”
She raised a brow and he could only smile. And before she could ask he said, “The reason I think it’s good is because I want you for myself.”
She tilted her head to study him and even raised her chin showing a little irritation at his audacity. His intent was unmistakable. His smile deepened, clearly unmoved that what he’d said might have possibly annoyed her. He believed in being honest with women. Game playing wasn’t his style. “And what if I’m not interested, Virgil?”
“Then it would be my job to get you interested. But I think we can toss out that possibility. You’re just as interested in me as I am in you.”
He could tell her irritation increased. “What makes you think so?”
He shrugged. “A number of things, including body language. But primarily the way we’ve been flirting with each other most of night.”
“Is that what you think? That I’ve been flirting with you from across the room?”
“Haven’t you? But then I’ll admit unashamedly that I’ve been flirting with you, as well. Now I think we should move beyond flirting.”
“Do you?”
“Yes.” He held her gaze while she stared at him. The sway of their bodies in tune with the music was a no-thought process, and it was a good thing since they were so focused on each other. He especially liked the feel of their bodies touching while they danced.
“And just where are we supposed to be moving to?” she asked. For her to have done so meant she was giving the idea some thought.
“I’m hoping I can entice you to leave here with me and...”
When he felt her tense, he said smoothly, “Go to an all-night café not far from here and share a cup of coffee with me. That way we can get to know each other even better.”
She relaxed and he was grateful for that. The last thing he wanted to do was give her the impression all he wanted was to take her to the nearest hotel or back to her place or his. Doing any of the three would definitely work for him since he wanted her just that much. However, he had a feeling she was not a one-night-stand kind of woman, even though he had no problem being a one-night-stand kind of man when it suited him. He had a feeling he would have to work his way into her bed. He didn’t mind that and figured she would be worth it in the end.
“I’ll think about it...the part about the all-night café. But you haven’t told me anything about yourself.”
A smile touched his lips. He had no problem doing that. “I’m thirty and the oldest of two. I have a sister who is four years younger. She’s single but dates her high school sweetheart. I figure they’ll get married one of these days. I work at Bougard Enterprises, a financial corporation founded by my father years ago. He’s brilliant when it comes to finance and I’m learning all that I can from him. He’s been hinting at retiring in a few years.”
“And when he does, that means more work for you, right?”
“Yes, but I love what I do. I guess it’s in my blood.”
Much too soon the music came to an end. Without questioning why such a thing mattered to him, he kept a firm grip on her arm. Instead of leading her back to where she’d been standing before the dance, he led her toward the patio. “It’s a beautiful night. Let’s appreciate it, all right?”
“Okay.”
He couldn’t help but smile as he led her through the huge French doors and outside. For some reason he felt tonight would be his lucky night.
* * *
Virgil took a huge swig of his beer, bringing his thoughts back to the present. Had it been his lucky night? It depended on how he looked at it. Yes, they’d left the party early to share cups of coffee at that café, and, yes, from that night and for a full year after that, they’d dated exclusively. He chuckled, thinking she hadn’t been as easy as he thought to get into bed. She had made him earn that right and he’d felt it had been worth it. She had been worth it. And he had fallen hopelessly in love. Their time together had been happy times...till they were tinged with heartache when she’d accused him of being involved with another woman.
When he saw her tomorrow he would be as professional as he could, no matter how much he would hate every minute of doing so. He didn’t want to give anyone, especially his father, the impression that he felt anything for her anymore.
He finished off the rest of his beer and was about to change into more comfortable clothing when his mobile phone went off. He recognized the ringtone. Each of his godbrothers had their own specific ring. “What’s up, W? Calling all the way from Australia is probably costing you a pretty penny, isn’t it?”
Over the years he and his godbrothers had shortened their names for each other to just the first letter. Winston, a marine biologist, and his wife, Ainsley, were currently living in Australia near the Great Barrier Reef on some project dealing with sea turtles.
“Just giving all of you a heads-up that I’ll be home next month.”
Virgil chuckled. “You were home six months ago. Getting homesick?”
Winston returned his chuckle. “No. Ainsley and I love it here. Six months ago we were home for her parents’ wedding anniversary. This time it’s for Uriel. Have you forgotten his birthday is next month? I talked to Ellie and she’s throwing a party at the lake and would like all of us there.” He paused a moment and then asked, “How are things going with you, V?”
He knew why Winston was asking. When he was home back in February, Virgil and his godbrothers had been together at the charity ball when Virgil had seen Kara. They knew what Kara had once meant to him and were glad she’d finally found out the truth about her sister. They’d also thought it had taken a lot of guts for her to apologize, considering how he’d been staring her down all night. And last but not least, they all thought he should have accepted the apology she offered. They felt he should be able to forgive Kara even if he didn’t want to have anything to do with her ever again.
Virgil didn’t see it that way. He saw no reason to release her from the guilt of accusing him of something he hadn’t done. “Things are okay,” he finally said. “Tyson’s wedding went off without a hitch. In fact, he had that same lovesick look that you did at your wedding.”
“It’s the ‘I’m in love’ look, Virgil. I recall you once wore it yourself.”
“That was when I didn’t know any better. It was before I talked you guys into forming the club. The one you, York, Xavier and Uriel defected from.”
“Only to pursue happier days.”
“If you say so,” Virgil said, shaking his head.
“Have you seen Kara since that night, V?”
Virgil frowned. “Why would I see her after that night?”
“Um, maybe you’ve had a change of heart. Called her. Asked her out for old times’ sake.”
“Don’t hold your breath. But I will be seeing her tomorrow. Not my cho
ice, believe me.”
“Why? What’s going on?”
He then told Winston about his father’s plan to improve his image.
“Well, I hope you don’t plan to be an obnoxious ass when you see her. She did apologize. And can you imagine having a sister like Marti?”
Most of his godbrothers knew Marti because she’d dated Xavier. According to Xavier, three weeks was all he could take of Marti Goshay, who thought a lot of herself. Even Virgil would admit it was hard to believe Marti and Kara were siblings. They were as different as night and day.
“Can you imagine how Kara must feel knowing her sister lied? If you can’t trust your sibling, then who can you trust?”
Virgil decided not to answer that. In fact he really didn’t want to discuss the Goshay sisters any longer. He deliberately got Winston to talk about something else—namely his work. Winston loved what he did for a living and went on to tell Virgil how his research on the turtles was coming.
When Winston began getting too scientific, Virgil decided it was time to end their conversation. “We’ll get together when you arrive in town, W.”
“You bet. Take care.”
“You, too.”
“And remember to be nice tomorrow, V.”
“I’ll try. Can’t make any promises.”
Virgil clicked off the phone. Dread filled him as he thought about tomorrow. Just like he told Winston, as far as being nice to Kara went, all he could do was try.
Chapter 3
Kara paused to draw in a deep breath, needing to calm her frayed nerves. She was ten minutes early so why were the Bougards already in the conference room waiting on her? And the thought that one them had seen her naked probably just as many times as he’d seen her wearing clothes was enough to rattle her.
Shaking off the memories of all those times, she thought about one of her favorite quotes. You are more stronger than you think. She certainly hoped so because at the moment she felt a little weak in the knees. And what were those sensuous shivers racing through her? Now was not the time to remember any of that. Straightening her spine, raising her chin and pasting a professional smile on her lips, she turned the knob and entered the conference room.
Both men stood and, although she hadn’t wanted it to, her gaze immediately went to Virgil before shifting to the older Bougard. She liked Virgil’s father and could easily recall when Virgil had taken her home to meet his parents. She’d been nervous then, as well.
Like Virgil, Matthew Bougard was handsome. He was also tall, standing way over six feet, and had a muscular build. She knew he liked playing golf and he’d been on the Olympic swim team while in college at Morehouse.
“I hope I haven’t kept you waiting,” she said, and with all the professionalism she could muster, she crossed the room and extended her hand first to Matthew. Instead of taking it, he pulled her to him in a hug. “No, you’re early, in fact. We just didn’t want to keep you waiting on us. It’s good seeing you again, Kara.”
When he released her, she smiled up at him. “Good seeing you again, too, Matthew. How’s Rhona?”
“She’s fine and sends her love.”
Kara then shifted her gaze to Virgil. He was standing beside his father, impeccably dressed in a dark business suit. She wished she wasn’t so intensely aware of him and wished more than anything that seeing him didn’t remind her of how long she’d been without a man. After him and the pain she’d felt at the time, she had sworn off men.
His expression was unreadable when he said, “Kara, glad you could meet with us today.” He extended his hand to her, letting her know that if she assumed he would pull her into his arms for a hug like his father had, then she was wrong.
Kara took the hand Virgil offered and tried not to show any sort of reaction when a frisson of heat raced up her spine. “Glad I’m meeting with the two of you, as well.”
Although he didn’t say anything, something in his eyes told her that her presence here today hadn’t been his idea. She pulled her hand from Virgil’s and then said to both men, “I’m eager to find out why you feel that you need my services.”
“And we’re eager to tell you so you can get started on our problem right away,” Matthew said, smiling. “Please have a seat.”
“Thanks.” She sat down in the chair Matthew had pulled out for her, the one right across from Virgil.
She tried to ignore his intense stare or at least try to. “So what’s the problem?” she asked, darting her gaze between the two men.
It was Virgil who spoke. “It seems my image needs improving.”
She raised an eyebrow. “Your image?”
It was Matthew who then added, rather bluntly, “Yes, his image. Everyone thinks my son’s behavior is that of a manwhore, and it’s hurting business. We want to hire your company to improve his image.”
* * *
Virgil frowned at his father. “Manwhore? I wouldn’t go that far, Dad.”
“I didn’t say you were one, Virgil. I said that’s the perception out there and it’s hurting the company.”
Virgil wished he could say “damn the company,” but he loved Bougard Enterprises just as much as his dad did. He would do anything to make sure the company his father had started years ago did not fail under his watch. Even if it meant making sacrifices. Still, he couldn’t help saying, “I enjoy women and like I told you yesterday, Dad, as a single man there’s nothing wrong with my dating habits.”
Okay, he would admit he dated a lot of women, but being thought of as a manwhore was a bit too much. The only good thing about his father’s statement was that it was painting a picture for Kara that he’d successfully moved on and put her behind him.
But even with all the pain she’d caused him, he could say without a doubt that Kara Goshay was the most beautiful woman he’d ever met. Not too many could go from being a staunch businesswoman to a slinky seductress in the blink of an eye.
It had taken every ounce of strength he had to control himself when she’d walked into the room with that sensuous and graceful movement of hers. Six months ago when he’d seen her at that charity event, she’d been wearing an eye-catching evening gown. Today she was dressed in a tan business suit with matching pumps. He’d always thought he was a stilettos man but he had to admit her legs looked gorgeous in a pair of pumps.
Why was he thinking about that? And why was his mind filled with the memory of taking a business suit—similar to the one she was wearing—off her one night? Piece by piece. Bit by bit. And why was he remembering how good she looked naked, how smooth her skin was and how soft she was to his touch?
Her hair hung in soft layers around her shoulders and the little makeup she wore did what it was supposed to do, which was to enhance her looks and not cover them. And were those pearl earrings in her ears the same ones he’d given her when they had celebrated their first Christmas together? If so, why was she wearing them today? Did she think doing so would move him in some way? Make him remember the good times? Forget about the bad? If she thought that, then she was wrong. He was so over her.
“As far as something being wrong with your dating habits, our major investors apparently think so,” Matthew said, breaking into Virgil’s thoughts. “So what about it, Kara? Can he be helped?”
Kara didn’t say anything for a moment. Matthew’s words about Virgil’s wretched reputation hadn’t been a shock. Since their breakup she’d heard he had gone back to his womanizing ways.
Matthew and Virgil were waiting for her response...at least she figured Matthew was. Virgil sat there wearing one of those “I don’t give a damn what anyone thinks” expressions. That made her wonder if he was willing to change his lifestyle for the sake of his company, which prompted her ultimate response. “I can only help if Virgil wants to be helped.”
Virgil decided to speak up. It was time h
e let both Kara and his father know that this change in his image had limitations. “I’m a single man who’s not in an exclusive relationship with any woman. I enjoy dating and if anyone has an issue with that then that’s their problem and not mine.”
Matthew turned to him. “But you would agree after the Whitney Hilton scandal that your image needs an overhaul?”
Not really, he thought. Whitney had gotten just what she’d come to his hotel room for that night. She’d been happy. He’d been satisfied. It was her father who refused to accept that his daughter had an active sex life—before, during and after Virgil Bougard.
“Is that something I need to know about? The scandal with Whitney Hilton?” Kara asked.
As far as Virgil was concerned it wasn’t any of her business. But evidently his father didn’t see it that way.
“Whitney Hilton is the daughter of one of my biggest clients,” Matthew said. “At least I should say former clients. During a business trip almost two years ago, Whitney tagged along with her father. She took a liking to Virgil and ended up in his hotel room one night. It caused a little ruckus when her fiancé found out and broke their engagement. Her father was livid and accused Virgil of deflowering his daughter. Claimed she was saving herself for her husband. Since then Marv Hilton has tried to tarnish our company’s good name with potential clients.”
Kara looked over at Virgil, cocked her head. “Do you know if she was a virgin as her father claims?”
Virgil frowned. “No. That’s the lie Marv Hilton wants to believe. But then that’s the thing about lies. They are meant to be believed, especially by those who’re gullible enough to do so.”
Kara didn’t have to wonder if what he’d said was meant to be a dig because she knew that it had been. “How old was she?”
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