by Jill Downey
She used the sheet to drape him like a pro, then pulled his boxers down over his hips to gain access. He could feel his dick twitch and tried valiantly to suppress it. He tried thinking of anything that might distract him from her gentle hands right next to his cock…epic fail.
He saw her cheeks turn pink when she noticed his erection and suppressed a smile. Ignoring it she removed the bandages and examined the wound. “Healing nicely. I’ll clean it then change the bandage. You’ll be good to go.”
“You haven’t lost your touch,” he said needling her.
Kyle could tell she was doing her best to ignore him as she finished cleaning his surgical site and rebandaged it. However, he could tell by her quickened breath and flushed cheeks that Ella was more than aware of the heat between them. She was like a drug… Intoxicating and dangerous, and he knew he had to be careful to remember that even Ella was susceptible to the allure of money.
“Are your accommodations acceptable?” he asked.
“Yes, more than that, luxurious by anyone’s standards. Thank you for asking,” she replied coolly.
He wanted to rewind, go back to before she had shown him her true colors. One would think he’d be used to it by now, but this one hurt. He hadn’t realized how much he had been seeing a future with Ella until it all came crashing down. Fuck her. She’d get paid and paid well. He didn’t believe for one minute that she didn’t desire him as much as he did her. He would bide his time, and when she changed her mind… which he knew was just a matter of time, he would be more than happy to oblige.
9
Ella was stretched out on a poolside lounger next to her sleeping patient. It was day three and she had to admit she could get used to this. Lazing around a pool getting a tan and being able to take advantage of the lap pool and gym was sinfully luxe. She never had to leave the house and could still stay in shape. Last evening, they had watched the latest Chris Hemsworth release in the home theater. Wine, privacy and plush reclining chairs, may as well enjoy it while it lasted.
The sun was warming up and Ella decided to take another dip before going inside to get Kyle’s medications. She stood and stretched her arms overhead. She glanced down at Kyle, sound asleep, watching his muscular chest rise and fall with each breath. His shoulders were broad and strong, his skin a golden tan. He was unshaven, sometimes referred to as designer stubble… now that description fit him to a tee. He was always well put together even when wearing his underwear…Derek Rose pure silk boxers. Curious, she had googled them and was shocked at the $165 price tag! He even smelled rich.
Kyle let Ella think he was still asleep so he could watch her watching him, under the cover of his dark shades. She appeared to like what she saw judging by her thorough perusal. He was enjoying his view just as much. She was stunning, her dark wavy hair tumbled in wild disarray around her shoulders. Her movements graceful, like a dancer.
He didn’t think he could ever tire of looking at her. Her smooth satin skin was tanned and flawless, except for that tiny mole on her right breast which was driving him crazy with desire. She filled out her bikini top, dangerously close to spilling out at any second. He wouldn’t complain. Bring it on!
A guy could dream. She walked to the edge of the pool, long legs, an ass to die for…which was currently on full display since her bikini bottoms had wedged between her cheeks. He felt himself growing hard. He had never wanted a woman as much as he did Ella. He had thought she was the whole package which made her betrayal all the more painful. It reminded him of his own character flaws, and he felt a pang of remorse remembering how empty his marriage had become before Jemma had gotten sick.
Jemma. They had loved each other in the beginning, but the flames had quickly burnt out. Too young, too naïve, little in common. He carried the guilt knowing his ambitions had taken top priority and his endless hours at work had left his wife alone too many nights. He had given her everything money could buy, exotic trips, expensive cars, diamonds and gold, and at first that had been enough for her.
When she had an affair in their third year of marriage, he shouldered the responsibility for that. She had been lonely, and he hadn’t been there for her.
Unfortunately, by this time they had another life to think about besides their own, Finn.
They entered marriage counseling and had been working on their relationship when she was diagnosed with metastatic brain cancer. Devastating news. He had to live with himself knowing he had failed Jemma and the wedding vows taken. Since her death, he had bedded women, but none had scratched more than the surface. Until now. Ella.
And…she despised him.
They had established a routine over the last several days. Ella’s bedside manner was professional, guarded and cold, but today he had felt the temperature rise a notch to just above freezing. He felt like she was beginning to thaw. Still somewhat aloof, she was no longer acting like an ice maiden. Progress.
Tomorrow Finn would be coming home. He had always felt overwhelmed by the daunting task of parenting—that had been true even when Jemma was alive. He had never felt competent as a father. Hell, at this point he would gladly settle for adequate. Considering his own childhood, it wasn’t surprising he lacked any skills. Multiple nannies, a smothering beauty queen for a mother and a critical and distant father had left him with zero examples on parenting.
In their marriage, the parenting had been planted squarely on Jemma’s shoulders. Gentle, loving and kind… she had been a natural. Kyle’s role was to provide, and at that, he was exceptional. But now, left with no choice, he was forced to face his inadequacies. Without his career to hide behind he was terrified. He feared being exposed for the failure he knew he was.
Ella finished her laps and pulled her dripping body gracefully out of the pool. He watched as she sauntered leisurely back to her lounger to grab a beach towel. Squeezing off the excess water she briskly towel-dried her hair then bent over to dry off her legs.
“Need some help?” Kyle asked, voice husky.
Looking up, she rolled her eyes and said, “From the one-armed bandit? No thanks, I’m going to let the sunshine do the rest.”
“If you’re sure.”
“I’m positive.”
“I’ve asked the chef to prepare something special for our dinner tonight. I need to feel human again. I want to actually get dressed and out of my boxers.”
“Whatever.”
“You’ll join me then… for dinner?”
He sounded slightly unsure of himself which was totally at odds from what she’d come to expect from Kyle.
“I suppose. We both have to eat. Why would this evening be any different than the last three?”
“Good. Thank you.”
“Yep.”
“You’ll have to help me get dressed. Rich will be off for the day.”
Her eyes narrowed as she considered his statement, “Okay…I am your nurse, it’s not my first rodeo. I think I can manage.”
“Just sayin,” he replied, giving her a lopsided grin. “After the other day, our conversation, I thought it might be hard for you.”
Haughtily she said, “As you so eloquently put it, you’re paying me the big bucks.”
“Ella, listen,” he began only to be interrupted.
“Dinner between nurse and patient, not to be confused with a date. Got that?”
“Loud and clear. How much longer are you going to punish me?” Kyle said quietly.
“Oh trust me, I’m not punishing you, this is the new normal.”
“I don’t believe you.”
“Suit yourself, believe what you want to believe. I don’t care.”
“What if I beg for your forgiveness?”
“Forgive what? According to you there is nothing to forgive. I should be grateful.”
“Ella, come on, we were both heated, I’ve had time to think about it…”
Ella raised her eyebrows, “And?”
“I didn’t mean anything by it. I was trying to do us both a favor.”
“Really Kyle? That’s what you’ve “thought about” and that’s the best you could come up with?”
“What is that supposed to mean?”
“If I have to spell it out for you, it doesn’t amount to much.”
“Ella, I’m trying to apologize.”
“You’re failing miserably.”
“You’re being unreasonable. Why am I not surprised?” Kyle said unable to maintain his cool.
“Save it for someone who cares. A leopard can’t change his spots.”
“Ouch!”
She glared at him and marched into the house to get his meds. Maybe she could round up a little laxative to slip into his drink. She smiled wickedly to herself. A girl could fantasize.
As she bent over to help him, she caught him staring at her breasts. Heat flooded her cheeks and she was infuriated at becoming aroused. She decided to ignore him and the tingling between her legs.
Ella slipped on a coverup and went inside to shower and get dressed. Other than her patient and her conflicting emotions, this job was so easy she almost felt guilty. Almost…except for the fact that her boss was a billionaire who had coerced her into taking the job in the first place. She would happily take full advantage of this situation, thank you very much.
A large pile of discarded clothing lay on her bed. She had finally decided on a short-flowered sundress with spaghetti straps, belted at the waist with a loose flirty skirt. The soft silky material was sexy and flattering. Her legs were bare, and she wore a pair of slip-on black patent-leather flat-heeled sandals. She had even painted her toenails a bright fire engine red. As she was applying matching red lipstick there was a knock at the door.
“Come in.”
Richard stood at the door holding a small brightly wrapped gift box.
Her eyes went round. “For me?”
“Yes. Kyle wanted me to deliver this to you before dinner.”
“What for?” she wondered aloud.
“Mr. Bennett doesn’t need any reason.”
“Thank you for the delivery.”
“You are most welcome. I’m leaving for the night. Enjoy your meal.”
“I’m sure I will. Night.”
Ella quickly ripped the paper from around the fancy box. The lid had gilded lettering Clive Christian Imperial No. 1 Majesty. Opening the lid of the walnut box, she saw a small bottle nestled in red velvet, that looked like a mini decanter of the finest crystal. She knew she wasn’t looking at your run-of-the-mill department store perfume. She would google it later. On second thought, maybe she didn’t want to know.
She sniffed first then dabbed the perfume behind each ear. She could smell sandalwood and musk with hints of bergamot and a nuance of something sweet and citrusy. She couldn’t deny that she had never smelled a perfume this divine.
Curiosity aroused, she decided to google it after all. She stared at her phone in disbelief and sank down onto the chair in front of the vanity table, thunderstruck. Twelve thousand seven hundred twenty-one dollars and eighty-nine cents an ounce! She felt like gagging. That was over two months of her wages. She marched out the door, fuming.
She knocked, then entered Kyles room. He sat on a chair waiting for her to help him finish getting dressed. His eyes flashed when he saw her.
“Ella.”
Eyes blazing, she thrust the wooden box toward him and said, “What the hell is this?”
“An apology gift?” he said tentatively.
“I don’t need a twelve-thousand-dollar bottle of perfume! That’s almost enough to pay off my student loans! What’s wrong with you?”
“I thought you would like it.”
“Of course I ‘like’ it. That’s not the point.”
“What is the point?” he asked, seeming genuinely confused.
“The point is you are trying to buy your way out of your back-stabbing betrayal! You ruined my reputation at work, jeopardized my career, strong-armed me into complying with your wishes even though I had clearly said no, and now you are trying to fix it with a twelve-thousand dollar band-aid.”
Kyle held out his hand for the perfume and she snatched it back, “Oh no you don’t, I’m keeping it!”
His mouth hung open, now utterly lost. “You’re keeping it?”
“Yes, it’s been opened. You can’t return it now.”
“And you like it,” he said, trying to contain a grin, fearing for his life.
“Yes, and you deserve to be out the twelve-grand on principle.”
“Can I put some pants on now? I’m feeling pretty vulnerable.”
She bit her lip on a smile, “Sure. Where are they?”
“On the hanger over by the closet.”
Kneeling down in front of him, she held the waist band so he could slip his legs into the dark navy dress slacks. “Stand up, let me button you up.” Her knuckles brushed against his taut abdomen. He sucked in his breath sharply. She looked up at him through her lashes.
“Here you hold the top while I tug on the zipper.”
He touched her silver hooped earring before brushing his fingers through her hair, “I’m glad you wore your hair down.”
“Um okay, there you go. Now where’s your shirt?” He nodded toward the closet door.
“That would be the white linen dress shirt with a thousand buttons? Buttons? Are you serious?”
“Yes, I wanted to look good for you. Plus, I need to feel a sense of normalcy. Humor me.”
She held out the short sleeved linen dress shirt so he could slip his injured arm through first. Her fingers fumbled on the top button as she brushed against his chest hair. He felt soft and sexy as hell and the heat under her knuckles as she looped the buttons branded her.
He leaned down to sniff at her hair, “It was worth every cent.”
“Don’t push your luck,” she said through gritted teeth, finishing with the last button.
“We don’t want to keep the chef waiting. He can be quite the diva.”
“Ready when you are.”
He sat back down on the edge of the bed to slip on his brown Italian leather loafers.
“Here let me help you with your sling,” she said, wrapping it around his neck and sliding his arm through. She grabbed the cane propped against his bed and handed it to him. He grimaced slightly as he took the first step. He moved cautiously and very slowly, reminding her of how far he still had to go. Ella walked closely beside him as they made their way to the formal dining room.
10
The polished mahogany table with centerpieces of small potted greenery seemed to glow from the long-tapered candles. A fire blazed in the two-way fireplace at the far end of the room, creating a cozy elegance. The crystal chandelier hung centered over the table which was set for two but could probably seat twelve. Soft instrumental jazz streamed through the sound system.
A waiter in a black and white uniform stood next to the table awaiting their arrival. He pulled out a white cloth chair for Ella, while Kyle seated himself next to her at the head of the table.
“Wine, sir?”
“Yes,” raising his eyebrows at Ella he said, “If my nurse says it’s all right for me to imbibe.”
“One glass shouldn’t kill you.”
“One glass it is. Have the chef select whatever compliments the meal.”
“I’ll be right back with that Mr. Bennett.”
“This is so beautiful. Breathtakingly so. I honestly feel like I’m in a fairy tale.”
“Can I be your prince?”
The corner of her mouth quirked up, “More like Lord Voldemort.”
His jaw tightened, “Thanks a lot.”
Suppressing a smile, she said, “You’re welcome.”
The waiter appeared with the wine and poured them each a glass of the amber liquid. “Sauvignon Blanc to go with your snapper entree tonight, sir.”
“Beautiful,” he said approving of the selection.
“Your appetizers will be out shortly. I’ll bring the bread and dipping oil.”
“Thank you.”
“Hmm delicious, it has a hint of lime zest that balances well with the fruitiness,” Ella said appreciatively.
“I agree, I see you have a discerning palate.”
“I’m a certified wino."
“Help yourself. I have a whole wine cellar at your disposal.”
“Stop! I’m feeling overwhelmed as it is.” She shrugged her shoulders and said, “I just can’t wrap my mind around living like this. I guess you grew up this way so its normal for you.”
“Yes, but it means nothing.”
“Easy to say when you have it all.”
“I suppose you’re right. I can’t help where I came from. I hardly got to choose my parents.”
“Luck of the draw.”
“Some might call it luck, and some might call it a curse.”
“How so?” Ella had glimpsed a haunted look cross his face before it was quickly veiled, leaving her to wonder if she’d imagined it.
“It can be lonely. For instance, does one like me for who I am or for what I can do for them? Can they see beyond my wealth? Because power is an illusion anyway and money is really paper and commodities. It’s strange because it really doesn’t exist except in our social construct.”
“And yet here we are, drinking fine wine and about to consume a meal prepared by your personal chef.”
“I’m not going to apologize for my good fortune.”
Without thinking, Ella reached for his hand and clasped it, “I don’t expect you to, I didn’t mean that to sound the way it came off, all judgy. I know you come from a long line of philanthropists.”
“Don’t get me wrong, I like my toys and I enjoy the finer things in life, but to me they have no meaning beyond their creature comforts. As the saying goes, you can’t buy love or happiness and I’m certainly proof of that.”