Does the damn man taste as sinful as he looked?
She wanted to find out.
When was the last time any man had tried to make a move? And dammit, she’d wanted him to. Despite knowing he wasn’t meant to be hers, she’d wanted to know what his lips felt like. And to see if the fire that pulsed beneath the surface whenever he was near was real chemistry or just her imagination.
You know it’s not in your head.
All he had to do was grab her hand, and her heart rate sped up. She’d wanted to rise to her tiptoes and kiss him back when he’d leaned in. They’d been so close to taking that first step forward into this new relationship, and she’d had to pull away.
There’d been no mistaking the confusion in his gaze when he’d caught up to her, guiding her through a few side streets before they reached the restaurant. He hadn’t tried to touch her again until after the meal, and even that had just been a light kiss on her cheek as they parted.
What am I going to do?
They were supposed to get married, for goodness sake. He was going to expect to touch his wife.
She hit the edge of her desk in frustration. Why had Lillian run? If she’d stayed, if she’d met Julian the way she’d been meant to, she might have actually liked him. Now she’d up and left Holly in this mess.
Because I could like him. Easily.
And that would only end badly. While both she and her sister had the blood he wanted, only one of them had the inheritance.
He should get something for rescuing us. I get why it has to be Lillian.
But it was just one more instance that proved she was second best. For all his smiles, Julian would be gone in a heartbeat if he knew her real name.
Giving up on work, she left the little office she didn’t need but her father had forced her to take for appearances’ sake. She’d much rather work directly with her team than be shielded away from them.
Marketing and communications shared the large office walled with glass. The open space housed several work stations, and she quickly rounded the corner and made a beeline for the desk in the back. Pulling over her usual chair, she dropped down next to the woman staring intently at her computer screen.
“I need a break,” she said.
Charlotte closed her browser with a click. “Best news I’ve heard all day. Quick, check if my brain is leaking out my ears yet.”
“Long day?”
“Isn’t it always?” Her friend smiled, leaning back in her chair as she focused her attention on Holly. “Come on. Tell the boss man to lighten up on us.”
She snorted. “There are no words to express how little he’d care.”
“Okay, backup plan. You stage a coup, take over the company, and give us all a nice long holiday.”
Not a terrible idea.
“I’ll put it on my to-do list.”
“Excellent. Now, what can I do for you? Want to do a coffee run?”
“It’s like we’re of one mind.”
Charlotte laughed, tossing her headphones onto the keyboard as she stood. “I could use a walk.”
Together, they left their desks behind and headed for the break room. It was sterile and gray, like most of the building, but it was well stocked with coffee options.
“How’s life?” Holly asked as they walked down the hall.
“Same old. Did I tell you about my date last week?”
“The one who stood you up?”
“Yep. The joys of online dating. Whatever happened to good old-fashioned matchmaking? Come on. Don’t you know some drop-dead gorgeous guy just looking for the marketer of his dreams?”
“If I did, I’d call dibs,” she replied.
“No fair. You can waltz into a benefit full of eligible men. And yet, do you ever take little old moi? No.”
“I’m saving you. You have no idea how boring those evenings are.”
“Open bar, right? I’ll take my chances.”
She rolled her eyes. “Fine. You’ll be my date to the next one. But you can’t come crying back to me when you find it mind-numbing.”
“Wouldn’t dream of it,” Charlotte replied. “How about you? How goes the love life?”
“It’s…” Complicated. She cleared her throat. “There’s no one special yet.”
“I feel your pain. Well, chin up. We’ll figure it out eventually.”
“Right.”
They rounded the corner of the break room and found it empty. Charlotte made a beeline for the coffee machine, popping in her favorite pod flavor.
“Mocha?” she asked as she reached for the second cup.
“Thanks,” Holly agreed, moving to her side.
“How’s the fam these days?” her friend asked, watching the liquid streaming into her cup.
“Lillian is…traveling.”
And ruining my life while she’s at it.
“Must be nice to be a sales rep, eh? Where’s she this time? London? Hong Kong?”
“Not sure,” she said in all honesty.
“Want to get drinks when she’s back? Let’s hope we have better luck finding a guy in person than we do on the apps.”
“Sure.”
“Though, I gotta say, going out with two single blond twins is not exactly skewing the odds in my favor.”
She rolled her eyes. “You know they only pay attention to Lillian.”
“Girl, you need to get your glasses checked.”
Holly accepted her coffee with a laugh. “Ever my supporter, eh?”
“Always.”
Coffees in hand, they strolled back toward their corner of the office.
“There’s always speed dating.”
“How to disappoint twenty men in two hours? Fun.”
Charlotte rolled her eyes. “Just think of it like a game. If it’s a bust, I’ll take you out drinking after.”
“Maybe in a few weeks,” she hedged, imagining the trouble she’d get into if she started dating random men now. Julian might not want a real marriage, but she doubted he’d take too kindly to his future wife making her way around the speed dating circuit.
The image was so ridiculous she nearly laughed aloud.
But all amusement drained away when they reached the glass doors to the communications department and she spied a tall man standing with his back to them.
No. He can’t be here.
But even from behind she recognized him.
Apparently Julian Worth had come looking for his bride.
Chapter Six
“Damn,” Charlotte said. “Who the hell is that?”
Holly snatched the glasses off her face.
“Char,” she said, her eyes not leaving the now blur that was Julian. “I swear I’ll explain everything. Promise. But please play along. And whatever you do, don’t call me Holly.”
“What?”
She tossed the glasses at her friend and pushed into the department before Charlotte could utter another protest.
“I’m here to see Lillian Abbott,” Julian was saying.
“Lillian? She’s not here,” one of her colleagues said as she looked at the stranger in confusion.
“Yes, I can see that. When will she be back?”
“No, I meant she doesn’t work—”
“Here I am,” Holly said, quickly striding forward to catch Julian’s arm. “Sorry I missed you. Did we have an appointment?”
The smile Julian leveled on her made the breath hitch in her throat. “Do I need an excuse to want to see more of you?”
That damned blush that seemed ever present when he was nearby heated her cheeks.
“I was here to see your father about some files and figured I’d try my luck and see if you were free,” Julian continued.
“I’m a little swamped today, but I was just about to take a coffee break,” she said, holding up her cup.
“Perfect timing. I’ll join you.”
The butterflies in her stomach were back in an instant.
“Great,” she said, her smile past
ed on. “This way.”
They moved past the shell-shocked Charlotte who managed to snap her mouth shut just in time.
“See you later, Lillian,” she said, her eyes narrowed.
Perfect. More complications.
Just what she needed.
But she had more pressing matters to deal with. Like what to do with Julian and where to take him that wouldn’t cause a scene.
“Want any coffee?” she asked, gesturing down the hall she’d just walked to the break room.
“I’m good,” he replied.
“Then I’ll show you the rooftop. There’s a nice little seating area up there.”
“Perfect.”
Squinting, she tried to keep an eye out for anyone who might be watching them as she ushered Julian into the elevator and punched the button for the long ride up to the top floor.
He leaned back against the far wall, crossing his arms in a clear effort to look relaxed, and it nearly made her smile.
Julian wasn’t a man who could ever tone down his intensity. Even now, the hairs on the back of her neck stood on end, making her acutely aware of who was before her. One step closer and she’d been within touching distance.
Bad girl. Ignore those thoughts.
But his dark suit jacket hung unbuttoned. It would be so easy to slide up beside him and slip her hand beneath the cloth. He’d look down at her, and she’d rise to her tiptoes, taking the kiss she’d had to deny before…
“Not that I mind, but what are you thinking about?”
She jerked at the words, spinning around to face the door. “Sorry.”
He moved then. Pushing from the wall, he stalked forward on silent feet.
“I don’t need an apology when a beautiful woman looks at me the way you just did.”
She cleared her throat. “What way is that?”
“Like I’m a present she can’t wait to open,” he whispered in her ear, sending a shiver down her spine.
“I shouldn’t…”
The words died when he ran his hand lightly down her arm.
“We can move at whatever speed you want,” he told her. “But for the record, you absolutely should look at me the way you just did. As often as possible.”
But you’re not mine.
Then whose is he? an insidious voice asked. Lillian had made it clear she wanted nothing to do with this man. She was out there finding another way to avoid the layoffs. All Holly had to do was fill time until she returned.
And if there’s never going to be a wedding, couldn’t I have just a little taste?
Once Lillian was back and they confessed the truth, Holly wasn’t naive enough to think Julian would jump at the chance to date the younger Abbott. All she could ever have were a few stolen moments with a man she shouldn’t find fascinating.
What a tempting idea. She closed her eyes to try and regain her balance, but the second her sight was gone, she realized her mistake.
He surrounded her, delighting every sense. The feel of those careful caresses on her arm. The sandalwood scent of his skin. The warmth that seemed to envelop her. Never in her life had she been this attuned to another person.
Lips brushed against the vulnerable nape of her neck, startling a gasp from her. Clearly, she would have to wear her hair down from now on around this man.
“Julian…” she breathed, turning. “We shouldn’t be doing this.”
He stepped forward into her space, his hands splayed against the door on either side of her. “Why not?” he asked. “Because this time you can’t run away?”
“You’ve met me twice. You don’t know what I’d do.”
A smile curved his lips, a real one, not like the ones he’d offered her at their first meeting. “You’re right. I shouldn’t know anything about you.” He lifted a hand to her face, brushing his thumb along her cheek. “But I know you have a kind heart. You don’t like new fiancés wasting your time. And”—he paused, his gaze dropping to her lips—“I know it’s easier for you to fight than drop your guard. Am I wrong?”
She swallowed. “That’s not fair. You’re a business guru. Reading your opponents is second nature.”
He shifted closer. “Yes, it is. Except you missed one thing.”
“What?”
His gaze drifted lazily over her. “You’re not my opponent. You’re my wife.”
The words shook her.
“Might,” she qualified. “I might be your wife.”
Those dark eyes returned to hers. “Do I seem like a man who doesn’t get what he wants?”
She looked away. “And you want my company.”
“That wasn’t what I was referring to.”
She glanced back and froze under the weight of the desire in his gaze.
She’d made an art form out of not being noticed.
But with Julian, there was no place to hide.
Adrenaline surged through her, making her almost dizzy. She’d never felt more exposed.
Or more alive.
“Would you let me kiss you this time?”
She licked her lips, her hands clutching her cup of coffee like a lifeline. “You don’t seem like the type to ask.”
“True. But if you dodge me again, I’ll run into the doors.”
That startled a laugh out of her.
Make a decision. In or out?
Unable to stop herself, she trailed her fingers along that strong jaw, reveling in her ability to touch him.
He held still as she explored, and she appreciated the patience he was offering her. This, from a man who, if her father was to be believed, ruled his life with a ruthlessness that would take her breath away.
Yet with her, he left the business tycoon at the door. And as much as she wanted to keep her distance from him, that knowledge softened something inside of her.
Her gaze rose to his. Just for a few minutes, she wanted the full fantasy. Lillian took whatever she wanted. Why couldn’t she do it, too?
Especially since she was supposed to act like her sister.
Gripping his biceps, she started to rise…
When the elevator’s chime rang through the small space.
She jerked back so fast her head cracked against the wall.
“Christ,” Julian swore, reaching for her as she blinked at the unexpected blow. “Are you all right?”
She stumbled through the open doors before Julian wrapped an arm around her waist.
“Fine,” she said. “I’m fine.”
But he didn’t stop supporting her as they walked to the small seating area on the rooftop.
Best part of the building.
During the last renovation, they’d added some greenery and a few benches and picnic tables up here for the employees to take a break away from it all. Whenever she got too fed up with her father, this place provided a good spot to hide and pull herself together. This time of day, the lunch rush had already come and gone, leaving them alone as Julian guided her over to one of the benches.
“I have to say, I’ve never had so much difficulty kissing a woman in my life,” he said as he sat by her side.
“It will do your ego good,” she said, rubbing the back of her head.
“I have a feeling your presence in my life will take care of that.”
“Aren’t you lucky.”
He chuckled. “I’m not sure yet. I might be.”
He grinned down at her. For the first time, he looked relaxed, almost happy. It was a far cry from the intimidating man who’d shown up for brunch days ago.
Her heart beat a little faster at the expression.
“Head still hurt?”
“No,” she said, straightening to sit up. “I’m fine.”
He reached out to stroke a hand lightly over the back of her head to check for himself. “No bumps yet.”
“What a relief. You won’t have to marry a lumpy bride.”
“We all have our bumps and bruises,” he said, drawing his hand back, but not before his fingers brushed along her jaw.
She tried to focus. Really, she did. But when he touched her, something in her brain stopped working the way it should.
Damn man doesn’t even realize he’s doing it.
“I’m okay. Promise.”
“You don’t seem like the clumsy type. Am I really so frightening that a concussion is better than being seen with me?”
She pulled back, narrowing her eyes. “You don’t intimidate me,” she lied.
“Mm-hmm.”
“Besides, I’ve heard all about your boardroom meetings. You like to be intimidating.”
He stretched out his legs before him. “There’s a difference between the relationship I have with my business rivals and the one I want to have with you.”
Don’t blush, don’t blush, don’t—
She glanced away as her cheeks heated. “But this is a business decision to you.”
There was a beat of silence before he nodded. “Yes.”
Still, he reached out to take her hand.
Holly stared at their entwined fingers. “How did you do it?”
His thumb brushed over her pulse. “Do what?”
“Pick me.”
Or rather, Lillian.
He froze. “That seems like a dangerous line of questioning.”
“I think it would be helpful,” she said. “I’d rather go into this with all the facts.”
He sighed, dropping her hand. “This is going to sound very cold.”
“Tell me anyway.”
A slight smile curved his lips. “Yes, dear.”
She rolled her eyes. “Did you make a spreadsheet of all the women in the city or what?”
“The state, actually. And not of all the women. I made a list of everything I want to accomplish in the next ten years and then researched all the families in a position to help me do it.”
“There are other blueblood heiresses out there.”
“Not with your father’s connections.”
“So, you wanted my father, and I was convenient to seal the deal.”
He said nothing, merely watched her. Waiting, no doubt, for her anger at being a pawn.
But seriously, what else is new?
She’d been nothing more than that her whole life, and it wasn’t the most interesting part of his explanation to focus on.
“What are the goals marrying me will help with?”
Surprise filled his eyes. “I want to expand to Europe, and your father already has supply lines in place.”
Betraying the Billionaire (Abbott Sisters) Page 5
