From Boardroom to Bedroom

by Jules Bennett

  “Perfect. I’ll get everything together.”

  And playing the dutiful hostess would give her the distraction she needed from one Kace LeBlanc.

  Lulu waited until the cameras left to pull out her begging for the wedding episode and questioning her friend about the spin-off. She loved Fee and didn’t want to put her on the spot for all viewers to see.

  Fingers crossed Fee would be in agreement for both. Nigel was counting on Lulu to make all of this work out and she didn’t want to let him down.

  * * *

  “That was weird how my sister insisted she’d seen you before,” Nigel stated, gesturing for Sophie to enter their second-floor suite.

  Sophie’s heart still hadn’t gone back to a regular rhythm after that close call. The scrutiny with which Ellen kept staring had had Sophie ready to hop back on Nigel’s jet and head back to New York.

  “Weird,” she agreed, for lack of anything else to say.

  As she eased past him and into the room, Sophie gasped at the view. A wall of patio doors leading out onto a private balcony drew her across the room, ready to take in the beauty of the land from above.

  Heavy gold drapes outlined each side of the doors and she was positive no royal palace was arranged more beautifully. Her decorator eye would take in all the details of the room later, but she wanted to step onto the balcony and look over the snow-covered grounds.

  “It’s freezing out there,” Nigel said when she unlatched one of the locks.

  “I just have to see it for a moment. I’m imagining the beauty in the summer.”

  She shoved open one door and took in the crisp fresh air. Sophie blinked against the bright white covering of snow that stretched over the grounds for as far as her eye could see. The evergreens were accented with winter and she hated that she’d missed seeing this place all decked out for the holidays. She imagined perfectly decorated Christmas trees with gold-and-white stockings hung from each of the fireplaces, dinner parties with glamorous dresses, and champagne fountains.

  She turned from the view and came back in, latching the lock behind her.

  “You grew up here?” she asked.

  “I lived here my entire life, except for my schooling, until I moved to New York.” Nigel shoved his hands in his pockets and glanced around. “This is actually my room, not a guest suite.”

  Of course, they would be staying in his childhood room. If that didn’t add another layer of guilt, nothing would. She wanted to come clean with him; she wanted to tell him everything. But how could she and still stay loyal to her brothers?

  It was supposed to be so simple. A few days at Green Room Media, snooping for exclusive footage, chatting with some camera guys. In theory it all sounded like a perfect plot...but somehow the execution had gone astray and now she risked breaking her heart and hurting the one man who made her want to forget this entire vendetta.

  “Quite the little prince,” she joked. “Though I imagine you stood on your balcony and had the best imagination as a child. I know I would.”

  He smiled and started to cross to her. “And what would young Roslyn have imagined?”

  Young Sophie would have loved this room. “She would have pretended to be a queen overlooking her land, protecting her castle and her family.”

  Not so far removed from grown-up Sophie.

  “Really?” He closed the gap between them and took her shoulders in his hands. “That little girl wouldn’t have dreamed of a knight coming to rescue her from the tower?”

  “I’ve never needed to be rescued,” she countered. “I’m the one who would save the day. Always.”

  Wasn’t that what she was ultimately doing now? Sacrificing to save her family’s legacy?

  And who knew what would happen now that Darius was coming to Royal and Miranda wanted to connect with him.

  One thing Sophie knew, she refused to let Blackwood properties, holdings and finances stay in the hands of a gold-digging socialite who probably already had her sights set on another unsuspecting wealthy man. Sophie couldn’t figure out why she hadn’t already remarried, but maybe the perfect billionaire hadn’t come along, yet.

  “You’re very protective of your family,” he stated, sliding his thumbs up along her neck and jawline. “I admire that.”

  He had no idea the lengths she’d go to.

  “You and your sister must have a special bond,” she replied. His touch had her body tingling and trying to concentrate on the actual conversation was difficult. “Since you are part of the wedding.”

  “We’ve always been close. She’s older than me, so my grandmother doubled the pressure on her to settle down and have children.” Nigel laughed. “Now that she’s closing in on that goal, Grandmother has turned her attention solely on me. You’ve been warned.”

  Sophie reached up and gripped his wrists, returning his grin. “I can handle myself for a few days. Besides, I don’t mind playing your girlfriend. You’re not exactly an ogre.”

  Nigel’s low laugh curled those nerves tighter in her belly. “I’ll take that as a compliment. You’re pretty sexy, too.”

  After the way he’d worshiped her body on the flight over here, she didn’t need the words. She was well aware of how he thought of her. During their time on the jet, Sophie had pushed aside all of the outside problems facing them, all of the lies and deceit. She’d focused on them, on the pleasure and desire.

  But reality hit hard now that they were here and she had to maintain the facade. Sophie only hoped she could get through these five days without Ellen circling back to how Sophie looked familiar.

  “You know, we don’t have to be down for dinner for a while,” Nigel said, backing Sophie toward the four-poster bed.

  “If we lose track of time and miss dinner, your grandmother will reprimand both of us.”

  Nigel shook his head. “If she thinks there’s a chance you’re going to help with the next generation of Townshends, she’ll lock us in here and to hell with all dinners.”

  The idea held its temptations...but she knew it was nothing more than a fantasy. Even without the deception hanging between them, Sophie was sure this world wasn’t for her. The Townshends were pretty much as powerful and wealthy as royalty. And even though the Blackwoods were wealthy in their own right, the differences were vast. City and country life were quite different. Nigel may have grown up in this gorgeous countryside town, but he was all city. He was larger than life, someone who needed that hustle and hard work. Royal, Texas, wasn’t for someone who needed that rush of moving from one project to the next.

  Sophie, on the other hand, loved her laidback lifestyle back home. She loved the ease of her work, the thrill of designing for others at her own pace.

  Nigel kissed her neck and Sophie realized how silly and foolish she was being by thinking there would ever be anything more between them. Instead of a foundation for a true relationship, they had a fling, they had a farce for the next few days, and they had her lies. Not exactly future-building material.

  “I thought we were faking this relationship,” she murmured, thrusting her fingers through his hair.

  “Only some parts.” His lips moved over her heated skin. “I want you. Nothing about that is a sham.”

  She couldn’t argue, not when she wanted him just as fiercely.

  In a flurry of hands and stolen kisses, their clothes fell to the floor. Sophie stumbled back onto the bed and Nigel followed her down, pressing his weight against hers and into the soft thick pile of blankets.

  Sophie hadn’t known she had such passion inside her until she met Nigel. Never before had she wanted to forget her goals and give everything, including and especially her body, to one man.

  “I’ll be right back.”

  Nigel eased off the bed, leaving her to watch as he crossed the room. The brightness from the daylight filtered in through the glass doors, casting a
glorious glow on his magnificent form.

  She didn’t even try to turn away or hide the fact she was blatantly staring.

  Nigel rummaged around through his luggage until he pulled out a box of condoms. Sophie laughed.

  “Wow. Feeling optimistic, aren’t we?”

  He shrugged. “Hopeful. Besides, we’re here for five days.”

  “Are you planning on us leaving this room?” she asked as he stalked back toward her. “You do have a wedding to be in.”

  “Oh, I wouldn’t miss my sister’s wedding.” He sat the box on the side table and climbed back on the bed. “I also wouldn’t miss the chance to explore this body again. I don’t think I appreciated it enough on the plane.”

  “Oh, I’d say you appreciated me more than enough,” she laughed. “Maybe it’s my turn.”

  With a bold confidence she’d never felt before, Sophie came up to her knees and pressed her hands on his bare chest. She shoved him back onto the bed and straddled his lap.

  “I think you’ve had enough control for once.”

  Leaning back against the headboard, Nigel placed his hands behind his head and smiled. “I’m not about to argue with a beautiful woman.”

  She had no idea what she was doing. She only knew she wanted total power over him for this moment, so she let her desires guide her.

  Sophie reached across to the nightstand and grabbed a condom. There was no hiding her shaking hands as she tore open the wrapper and carefully covered him.

  He never took his eyes off her.

  That intense stare added to her nerves...and her arousal. This man could be so potent without saying a word or even reaching for her. The way he looked at her, like she was the most important thing in his life, was so foreign to her. She could tell he was falling for her, even if he hadn’t said so or maybe he didn’t even realize it himself.

  But she couldn’t, wouldn’t, dwell on emotions right now. Nigel had awakened something inside her and she wanted to spend their time together not worrying about the issues back home. For the duration of her stay here, she would play the dutiful girlfriend and sultry lover.

  Those would be the easiest lies she’d ever told.

  Bracing her hands on his chest, Sophie joined their bodies. The moment they connected, she let out a sharp cry. This was so much different than what she’d experienced earlier. She didn’t know if it came from the dominance on her part or the position, but Sophie closed her eyes as sensation after glorious sensation rolled through her.

  Nigel’s hands gripped her hips and she lifted her eyes to focus on him. Yeah, there was that look, the one she could identify—something stronger than lust...something she feared would get them both hurt.

  Ignoring the impending broken heart, Sophie placed her hands on either side of his head and leaned down. Her hair curtained them both as she slid her mouth over his. She wanted everything he had to offer and more. She wanted to consume him, to join with him in every way. The ache in her body grew as her hips pumped against his. The spiral of euphoria slithered through her as she tore her lips away and cried out.

  Nigel gripped her backside as his own body jerked and trembled. Sophie watched as the pleasure overcame him, and she wondered if anything could ever compare to this moment.

  She didn’t believe so. All she could do was enjoy these next few days, because when they got back to New York, she was going to have to finish her plan and head home as soon as possible. The longer she spent with Nigel, the more she worried he might just be the one she hadn’t known she was looking for.

  Thirteen

  Nigel didn’t know why he was so damn nervous, but he stood outside of his suite door and adjusted his bowtie. He hated these bloody things, but since he had to stand up with the groom, he had to wear one.

  He’d left Roslyn to get ready on her own while he’d gone to see if anyone needed help with setting things up for the ceremony. Ellen had decided to get married in the grand ballroom of the estate and there were bustles of wedding planners, florists, caterers, and who knows who else all around the east wing on the main level.

  Nigel had ended up in the study, reading texts from Seraphina telling him she was so sorry, but she and Clint had made the decision not to film a spin-off. She went on and on about how she knew this would not be what Nigel wanted—assuring him that she’d had a lengthy conversation with Lulu about the prospect of a new show—but Fee wanted to let him know that she was certain it wasn’t for her. She would be happy to talk contract removal once he returned home.

  Nigel cocked his head from side to side, trying to alleviate some of the pressure of this bloody buttoned-up shirt and tie. He had no clue what to do about Fee’s contract right now, and that was something he’d have to put on the back burner—at least for today.

  His sister was getting married and Roslyn was no doubt going to looking breathtaking. He’d had five gowns for her to choose from that his personal stylist had assured him any woman would love.

  He tapped his knuckles on the door and then reached for the knob. The moment he pushed it open, every thought vanished as he took in the sight of Roslyn across the room, standing in front of the floor-length mirror.

  Her eyes met his in the reflection as she fastened one earring. Her honey blond hair fell in waves over one shoulder and the ruby red strapless gown fit as if the designer had all of those luscious curves in mind.

  The material draped down in the back and scooped low in the front. A little flare at the bottom only accentuated Roslyn’s pinup shape.

  “I hope you like it,” she told him, turning to face him and smoothed her hands down the front of the dress. “I know it’s a little flashy for a wedding, but someone told me red was your favorite color.”

  Flashy? More like elegance and sex all rolled into one. The dress, the woman... It was all utterly perfect.

  Nigel moved on into the room and smiled. “You’ve been talking to my grandmother.”

  “Maybe.”

  Nigel stopped before he reached her, afraid if he got too close they may never leave this room. The sight of her had him forgetting any issues with Secret Lives and the dealings back in New York.

  “I don’t think it’s customary to show up the bride,” he told her.

  “Oh, I doubt I could do that,” Roslyn laughed. “I haven’t seen Ellen’s wedding dress yet, but I’m certain she’s going to be stunning.”

  “I’m positive I won’t be able to take my eyes off you. Maybe we could skip the ceremony and just hit the reception.”

  When he started to reach for her, she skirted around him with another laugh.

  “You’re a groomsman,” she reminded him. “I’m pretty sure your family would notice if you weren’t there.”

  “With the way you look right now, I don’t really care what my family thinks.” He took a step toward her, his gaze raking over her once more before landing on her eyes. “I couldn’t imagine being here without you.”

  Roslyn’s smile faltered and she glanced down to her hands.

  Nigel reached for her, curling his hands around her arms. “Everything alright?”

  Her dark eyes came back up to his. “I need to tell you something.”

  Good conversations never came from that starting point. Nigel smoothed his thumbs across her skin, toying with the thin straps across her arms.

  “You look worried,” he told her. “Whatever it is, you can tell me. I trust you.”

  She opened her mouth, then closed it. A moment later she pasted on a smile that he knew she’d forced.

  “I just...”

  Worry rolled off her in waves so Nigel leaned forward and slid his lips over hers for a second before easing back.

  Roslyn licked her lips and sighed. “I think I’m falling for you.”

  Well, that wasn’t what he’d thought she would say and he had to admit, he wasn’t surprised.
Scared like hell that the words were out in the open, but not actually surprised. He wasn’t oblivious to how she looked at him, how she touched him.

  “I know it’s wrong,” she went on in a hurry. “We’re supposed to be faking this while we’re here, but—”

  “Roslyn.” He had to stop her. “You’re intriguing, you challenge me, you’re sexy as hell and I enjoy our time together. I just... I can’t offer love. I’m married to this show, to growing it even bigger. A relationship with love and commitment... I don’t know when I could offer that. You deserve more than I’d be able to give you.”

  Roslyn closed her eyes and shook her head. “I should’ve kept my feelings to myself,” she muttered.

  “No,” he countered. “I’m glad you shared what you’re feeling. I just...can’t say the same. I care for you, but love isn’t something I can do.”

  She returned her anxious gaze to his, but Nigel kissed her forehead. He wished he could give her everything she deserved, everything she wanted. But love was huge and he couldn’t commit to something so strong, so permanent right now...not when he was in limbo of making or breaking the show he’d worked so hard to produce.

  “Besides, there’s plenty about me you don’t know,” he retorted. “Let’s enjoy the day and then we can work on taking things slow once we get back to New York.”

  “I don’t think New York and slow belong in the same sentence,” she stated. “But, I agree. We should enjoy today and then we’ll talk later.”

  Nigel wrapped her in his arms and wondered if she was the one. His grandmother had already fallen in love with Roslyn, but Nigel wondered if all of this was too good to be true.

  Were they meant to be? He’d known her such a short time, but he couldn’t ignore the strong pull or the deep connection they’d already formed.

  But he also had to remember that the show came first for now. There was too much going on, too many people depending on him and his social life; his love life would not be taking top priority.

  * * *