Chapter 5

The first thing that hit her when she received the call was trepidation. He had made the call personally, and his deep voice had sounded brusque and cool, as if he had bad news to impart. She had no idea why that was and had believed that she had been doing an excellent job with the account.

“What do you think he wants?” Babs had hurried into her office as soon as she was told that there was a meeting.

“I don’t know.” Trying not to show her nerves, Collette searched for everything she had been working on over the past weeks. McBride Music Productions were vast and had several entities attached, and it took up a lot of her time.

She had passed some of the pressing accounts to two of her subordinates to give herself time so that she could offer quality work.

“You must have an idea.” Babs refused to sit and was prowling around the office in an agitated manner which was not helping the situation or Colette’s nerves.

“How did he sound?”

“Cool and remote.” Even admitting it was doing things to her nervous system. She could not afford to lose this account. But she had read about Richard McBride’s ruthless reputation.

He was a stickler for perfection and expected a lot from the people around him. She had been breaking her back and frantically trying to find ways to deal with the account and thought she was doing great.

“He gave no indication what he wanted?”

“No.” She almost shouted the word as she stuffed material into her briefcase. “He just said to meet him at the office by seven. That’s it, and then he hung up.”

“Oh God.” Babs sank down on one of the chairs as if her knees had given out on her.

“Have you gone over everything with a fine-tooth comb?”

“I have, several times.”

“We are making a lot of money off the man.”

“I know that.” She glanced at her watch and realized it was time to go. She did not want to add tardiness to whatever her other sins were. “I have to go.”

“Please call as soon as you find out what’s going on.”

Babs rubbed her hands over her pencil-thin black skirt nervously as she rose. “It’s Friday, but I am not going anywhere. Ben invited me to some play or the other, but I turned him down. Besides, he is slowly getting on my last nerves.”

Collette cast her a glance and shook her head. “I thought you said he was a dynamite in bed.”

“Yes, but out of it, he is witless and dull. In order for me to keep being interested, I would have to keep him in bed. Which is not practical.” She sighed softly. “Oh, to find a man with all the attributes.”

“That would make him the perfect human being, and we both know there is no such thing.”

“Maybe Richard McBride just wants to jump you.”

Collette let out a startled laugh that did the job of easing the band of tension in her chest.

“Yeah, right.”

“You don’t know your own attraction.”

“I am leaving. Listen out for my call.”

“Oh, I will.”

*****

Richard stood back to study his handiwork. He wasn’t sure what she would make of his effort, but he did not want to just spring his offer on her like that without a preamble or preliminary. He was going to invite her into his bed, but he would offer her a meal first.

He had no elevated notions about his ability to charm a woman, especially one like Collette Sutherland. He would throw it out there and hear what she has to say. He had ordered a full meal from the kitchen and the chef had outdone himself. The veal looked so tender; he imagined it would just dissolve in the mouth.

The chicken breasts were smothered in some sort of rich, creamy sauce, and the lettuce from the salad was fresh and green. A bottle of Costa Regal nestled inside the bucket of ice. He had thought fleetingly about using his own brand but decided against it.

The scene was set for seduction. He had wrestled with the decision about bedding someone working for him, but his desire had won out over common sense.

He wanted the woman naked in his arms, and he was going to act on that. He had no idea how she was going to take his offer. Would she be shy and bashful? Honored and flattered that a man like him wanted to sleep with her?

He was a very generous lover and would provide for her while she was with him. He was going to assure her that it would not affect their working relationship. Technically, she did not work directly for him, or he would have had to rethink the entire thing.

They would be discreet, of course, and since they were both adults in their forties, they did not have to beat around the bush. A frown touched his forehead as he reflected on her past. She would have hang ups about relationships, but then again, who doesn’t? But he had no intention of leading her on.

He would be honest with her from the beginning. He just needed her physically. His frown deepened as he shoved his hands into the pockets of his ash gray dress pants.

He had dispensed with the matching jacket, and the sleeves of his pearl pink sweater were rolled up to the elbows. It was not just a mere attraction if he was being honest to himself. It was more than that; how much more, he did not know.

Walking over to the liquor cabinet, he poured a finger of bourbon and took it with him over to the desk. He had instructed security to send her straight up.

The place was more or less empty by now, except the studio, which was occupied all hours of the day. No one needed his attention tonight. He had been planning on going to a private showing of Macbeth, but this was where he wanted to be.

He stood up behind his desk and watched the monitor as he viewed her arrival. Taking a deep breath, he sipped the rest of the drink and put the glass away just as she came into the office.

“Thanks for coming.”

“Of course.” She hesitated just inside the doorway before entering.

“Please close the doors.”

Juggling her tote and briefcase, she did just that and went to stand in front of one of the chairs.

“I was just about to have dinner and would love it if you joined me.”

If he had told her that she should hop up on his desk and dance naked, she would not have been more surprised.

“Pardon?”

A smile curved his lips. “You were expecting something else.”

“Well, yes.” She was staring at him with a dazed expression on her lovely face. “When you called, you sounded–”As if realizing what she had been about to say, her voice petered off.

Emerald eyes watched her closely.

“Go on.”

She shrugged uncomfortably. “You sounded as if you were on the verge of firing us.”

A frown touched his brow as he continued to stare at her.

“You know me well enough to deduce that from my voice?”

The discomfort increased, and she wanted the ground to open up and swallow her.

“No, and I apologize for jumping to conclusions.”

“If I was going to fire your company, you would have received a detailed email. Now, about dinner?”

“Oh. Where–”Her eyes swiveled to the table set by the window and took in the place settings.

“You want us to have dinner—together.”

There was an amused expression on his face. “That’s the idea, yes. You may put your things–”His voice tailed off as he took in the briefcase and large tote. “You came armed for a meeting.”

“Well, yes.” She took a deep breath. “Like I said, I thought–”She shook her head as she dumped everything onto the chair. “I thought you were displeased with the job I am doing.”

“Whatever gave you that idea?”

By this time he had left his desk and was indicating for her to accompany to the table.

“I– never mind. I need to send a text first. Babs, my boss is on tenterhooks waiting to hear of we still have the account.”

“By all means, put her mind at rest.”

He waited while she shot off the text and pulled out her chair. She was confused and it showed, but he had no intention of broaching the subject until they had finished the meal.

“I hope everything is to your liking.” His voice was courteous and impersonal, making her even more confused. It looked like an intimate setting, and she had no idea what this was in prelude to. Could it just be dinner in celebration of what she had been doing?

“You have a personal chef?” The question was rhetorical, but he responded nonetheless.

“Yes. “Plucking the wine from its icy bed, he twisted the cork, hands strong and sure, and poured the burgundy liquid into two glasses. “We entertain here a lot and keep all sorts of hours. So, it was prudent to have a chef on hand to prepare the meal, in case we get hungry as we invariably do.” He handed her the glass.

“And I spend most of my time here anyway, which makes it very convenient. Dig in.” he nodded to her plate, and she automatically took up her utensils. Trying to shed her self-consciousness, she cut off a slice of veal and took a bite. Sensations exploded, and her taste buds went into orgasmic delight that had her eyes widening.

“I take it that you approve?” Richard had been watching her closely and waiting for her reaction and was not disappointed. In fact, he was aroused. The look on her face made him really want to strip off the black sweater and feast on her generous breasts. He could see the outline of lace and the shape of her nipples under the thin material.

“It’s–”She could not come up with the adjective to describe the taste. “Indescribable.” “Anton will be pleased to know you are enjoying the meal. He makes a big production out of coming up with something different. I am afraid we who have been having his food for a long time, do not show the appropriate appreciation.”

“How could you get used to something like this?” she asked in amazement as she cut into another piece of meat.“It takes years of practice.” His smile was charming and gave his stern face a very attractive veneer and made her acutely aware of him.

Trying to distract herself from her disturbing thoughts, she picked up her wineglass and took a sip. “You said you spend a lot of time here. Would that be in the studios?”

He nodded as he picked up his own wine and took a sip. Sometimes, all through the night. I am a stickler when it comes to getting a melody right or striking the right tune. I am afraid I am a rather hard task master.”

“Your reputation precedes you, that’s why I thought–”She shook her head. “Never mind.”

“That’s why you thought I was giving you marching papers.”

“Something like that.” She smiled ruefully, bringing his attention to his lips and sending heat pooling at the center of him. Shifting to make himself more comfortable, he wondered if she would object to making love on the sofa across from the hearth.

Mentally shaking away the thought, he concentrated on the meal in front of him and introduced a topic that would effectively take his mind off his inner turmoil.

“How long have you been in advertising?”

As she told him the history, he watched her lips curved and her eyes sparkled and wondered how much longer he was going to be able to hold out.

Someone came in to clear the dishes and brought a pot of coffee and slices of strawberry souffle and whipped cream.

“Could you please tell Anton how much I enjoy the meal?”

The man nodded with a delighted smile as he stacked the dishes.

“That’s all for tonight, Peter.”

“Yes, sir.” With a bow, he wheeled the tray out and closed the doors behind him.

“Shall we take this over to the sofa?” He nodded toward the oatmeal-colored leather sofa in front of the fire burning in the hearth.

“Your office took my breath away the first time I saw it.”

“In what way?” He reclined against the cushions and stretched his long legs out as he sipped his coffee.

“The décor. The color, the ambiance. Everything about it. I am assuming you had a hand in the design?”

He looked around as if seeing it for the first time. “I did. I wanted something lavish yet simple. As soon as I started to make it in my career, I wanted somewhere I would be comfortable.

I held a lot of auditions inside this very room and one of the requirements was that it be sound proofed. It’s a complete suite with a room and bathroom and a sitting room in case I want to entertain or spend the night, which I usually do.”

“It’s beautiful.”

“I am happy you like it.” His voice deepened and had her turning her head to stare at him. What she saw there stopped her in the act of lifting the cup to her lips and had her going still.

Nerves shot through her like a lightning bolt, and the awareness couldn’t be ignored. He was seated near enough for her to feel the heat emanating from his long, lean body. Suddenly, she knew it was time for her to leave.

Setting her cup down, she jumped to her feet.

“I- It’s getting late.”

He rose as well, his movements economical and graceful, reminding her of a lion about to pounce on its prey. The analogy sent her heart pounding over time.

“I have something to ask of you.”

“What is it?”

Ignoring the panicked look on her face, he took her hand and drew her back down next to him.

“What are you thinking?”

“You don’t want to know,” she murmured shakily.

“I am afraid I do.”

“That I should be leaving. That this is inappropriate.”

“Which part?”

“Us, sitting here like this. I don’t know what you want–”

“You.”

The single word was like a cattle prod spearing through her, and for a moment, she could not respond.

“That’s not possible.”

“Why not?” He still had her hand imprisoned in his, and she could feel the incredible warmth of his skin seeping through hers. Suddenly, she was feeling hot everywhere.

“You are– I am–”Her words were jumbled together, and she was not certain she could get them out without twisting her tongue into knots. Surely this was not happening.

She felt a jolt when he lifted their joined hands and pressed his open mouth at the back of hers. The heat spiraling through her body was alarming and had her gasping softly.

“Please–”

“I want you. That’s the reason I asked you to meet me. I want us to be lovers.”

She stared at him as if he had taken leave of all his senses.

Finally gathering her thoughts and finding some semblance of composure, she lifted her chin.

“Thank you, I am really flattered, but I am going to have to say no.”

“Why?”

She shuddered out a breath at the emerald fire of his gaze. “I– I am not in the market for a relationship, and even if that was the case, I wouldn’t– it wouldn’t– I am sure you can find hundreds of women to be with you.”

His amusement was profound. “That might be a slight exaggeration, and yes, I could have my choice, but I want you.”

“Why?” she demanded.

“Hell, if I know. That’s not true. You are a very attractive woman, and there is just something about you that makes me want to know more. Certainly, I would like to explore and find out what it is that makes you wear that vulnerable expression on your face. We are two consenting adults, and I am old enough to know what I want.

“And what you want is for us to become lovers.”

“Yes," he nodded. “I believe we could be good for each other. I happen to be a very generous lover, the only thing I demand is utter discretion and that you not see anyone else while we are together.”

Her eyes glittered. “Let me get this straight, you want to be in a physical relationship, during which time you would provide for me, and all I have to do is keep it a secret?”

“I can see that upsets you.”

“What gave it away?” She dragged her hand away from his and surged to her feet, wheeling toward the doors. She had not taken two steps before she felt his hand on her arms, and he turned her to face him.

“I might have jumped the gun a little bit or a lot.” He shook his head ruefully. “I am not usually this clumsy or awkward. Chalk it down to nerves.” He drew her against his hard length slowly.

“I need to restate my cause.” His hands drifted slowly to her waist, effectively banding her against his muscled frame. “I am incredibly attracted to you, Collette.

In fact, I have not felt this much attraction since–”he sought to find a comparison, and to his shocked surprise, he couldn’t find any. “Suffice it to say that I want you in my bed. I apologize for my haste in trying to make this happen, but it just shows you how impatient I am to have you.”

“I can’t.” She whispered.

“Why not? Is it the secrecy part of it? You have to understand why that has to be.

Unless you want our names bandied about in the press, then–”

“No!” She closed her eyes briefly and willed the incredible sensations of being close to him away, but it did not work. She had been without a man for so many years, and maybe that’s what was contributing to her feeling of weakness and utter need.

But she had to be sensible. This was not merely someone simple. Richard McBride was very powerful and very wealthy. She could not just simply enter a relationship with a man like him.

“I am not cut out for casual flings.”

His emerald eyes took on a glow that had her heart quickening.

“I would scarcely call it casual.” His hands were roaming up and down her back, his face an inch away from her, so near in fact that she could feel his wine and brandy breath on her skin. Lifting one hand, he tilted her chin up, his desire to kiss her written all over his face. His eyes dropped to her parted lips, made red by the wine she had been drinking.

She panted breathily, her nipples reacting to his stare and the feel of his body against hers.

She should stop him, she thought, panicking. She should stop this madness and run like hell. Before she could act on it, his lips were rubbing against hers, and the sensation was so incredibly electrifying that she found herself sagging against him.

Richard felt her slight resistance, and instinct told him to take it easy, to go slow, as impossible as that was going to be. His body was already hard, his blood roaring inside his ears. His hand drifted to her tight and shapely derriere as he brought her flush against him so that she could feel the evidence of his arousal.

Swallowing the gasp, his tongue darted into a mouth so sweet and redolent of the wine and coffee she had imbibed that it sent him reeling. His fingers tightened on her flesh as his tongue explored the sweet crevice of her mouth. His tongue plunged and then retreated, each movement sending them further into an ecstasy that was hard to deny.

Her hands crept up his chest, feeling the hardness of the muscles there as they flexed in response to her touch. Sliding her hands around his neck, she sagged against him and helplessly gave into the wildness of kiss that was threatening to explode between them.

Her breasts were soft, pressed up against his chest—nipples sensitive and pebble hard. Clothing became an irritant. He wanted to feel her flesh against his.

His hand bunched up the sweater around her waist as he tried to get to her skin, and he felt as if his entire body had been set on fire.

Dragging his lips from hers, he took several harsh breaths as he fought for control.

“Come to bed with me.”