by Nicole Casey
I could see Simon raising his eyebrow again as he spoke softly, his hand still on mine, sending flashes of fire through my body.
“Not all men, Kate.” He said, “I believe in rewarding hard work and initiative, not just taking what I want.” For a moment I looked at him; I could see he was trying to be genuine, but I just couldn’t bring myself to fully believe it. There had just been too many men in the past who only really wanted one thing.
Simon cleared his throat; I knew he was unsure of what to say next, “What about you?” I asked; attempting to lighten the mood. Simon smiled but this time I could see the sadness in his eyes.
“My parents were very supportive, they gave me five grand to get started in business; it was their entire life savings. But I have built everything from there by myself.” I could hear the pride in his voice as he continued, “They have had their investment returned many times over.”
Simon looked at me again as if deciding whether to continue or not. “I have a son named Shaun.” His eyes never left mine as he spoke, “He is my world. His mother left three years ago; she was a gold digger.”
I could feel the chill go through my body, as Simon had said the last few words his eyes had become distant, angry. He might have money, but he still had issues.
Chapter Two
Simon
“Come in.” My own voice sounded weird, but then, I was still thinking about the evening before. Certainly, the conversation had moved onto normal ground but I had never opened up so easily about Shaun or my ex before. I had a strong feeling that the same was true for Kate.
That wasn’t the real problem though. I had very little reason to bump into Kate again at present, which should have made me feel good. I simply don’t need the complication of a relationship and the money grabbing which comes with it. After all, by her own admission, she was from a poor background; my money would be certain to be too good to pass up. The problem was I wanted to see her again and soon!
“Sir?” Ellie’s soft voice brought me back into the room. Startled I shook my head, clearing the unnecessary thoughts. “Yes?” I asked, there was a time when I had liked Ellie in that special way, but it was quickly apparent that there was no connection between us.
“Stacey is sick, looks like she is going to be out for at least a month.” Her eyes met mine, for a moment I didn’t realize the significance.
Stacey was the best we had at creating new networks, and I had an important meeting this afternoon with one of my biggest clients; regarding that very issue. “Have we got anyone else capable?” I asked softly, pushing the panic down as I focused on potential ways to resolve the issue. “I’ve got HR checking now.” Ellie replied, “But I don’t think there is anyone of her caliber.”
I wasn’t surprised; there weren’t many of her caliber in the whole city. “Let me know as soon as you can please.” Ellie nodded and disappeared, leaving me to ponder the issue. I was unable to simply hire a temporary replacement and I certainly couldn’t postpone my client for a month.
“Sir?” Ellie hadn’t knocked; she knew this was too urgent to worry about interrupting me. “HR has finished their review of the files; there is one person who has the skill level.” She paused “But I don’t know if she is ready for this.”
I nodded, “Who is it?” I asked; instantly wary.
“Kate; the new girl.” She said the concern was obvious in her eyes.
I could feel my heart flipping, could I stand a whole afternoon with this girl that fascinated and scared me?
I might not have a choice.
Kate
“You’re needed in Simon’s office.” Fiona cocked her head as she spoke, “Have you been naughty already?” She asked grinning. She had been very friendly from the start; she had even managed to confirm that it was normal for new staff to go for a drink with the boss.
I had to admit I was relieved and sad to find that out. Part of me really wanted it to be more than just a drink. I suddenly registered what she had said, I could feel my eyes widening and my neck going red; “No!” I said a little too quickly. “I mean, I don’t think so.” I tried to clarify but Fiona was already laughing. “You better go.” She said with a grin.
It took less than three minutes to reach Simon’s door. Again Ellie announced me as I cautiously walked in. A shudder swept across my body. I could smell his cologne, musky yet with a hint of sweetness to it. He was wearing a dark gray suit today, coupled with a pale yellow shirt and matching gray tie. It fitted him perfectly.
“Good morning Kate,” he said briskly. It was a clearly business. Even though I should have been relieved I could feel my heart sinking. “Sit down.” He said, gesturing towards the chair in front of the desk. Instantly I felt my anger swell; he was arrogant, demanding and so assuming.
“What can I do for you sir?” I asked as sweetly as I could. Simon glanced at me, the surprise clear in his face for a moment.
“I asked you to call me Simon,” he smiled softly as he spoke, instantly weakening my defences.
For a moment I wondered what it would be like for his strong hands to glide across my skin. I wanted him to feel the curves of my body; I could feel the yearning inside me, something that hadn’t been properly satisfied in too long.
His eyes locked with mine, I could feel myself being sucked into a whirlpool of hope, desire and frustration.
“Our network specialist is sick, and you are the best qualified. I need you to attend a meeting with me this afternoon.” His voice was factual, business like. But his demeanor and eyes were like a panther hunting its prey. I had never felt so good about being prey!
I locked eyes with him, willing him to climb across the desk and sink his lips onto mine. I wanted to tear his clothes off and run my hands across every part of his toned body.
His voice brought me back to reality. “We leave at twelve, you have two hours to review these files and get ready.” He paused, suddenly very serious.
“Are you up for it? They are a very important client.”
Oh I’m up for it! I thought to myself, but I wasn’t thinking about the meeting.
Pushing the chair back I swept the files off his desk.
“Yes.” My own professional front was now firmly in place. This was an unexpected chance to prove myself. It was only as I glided out of the office that it hit me, I would be spending the afternoon alone with Simon. It was terrifying and exhilarating at the same time.
Simon
I had to admit the relief was immense; all I could think about was whether she was up to the task. She didn’t know we would be going by private jet; despite the seriousness of the situation I could suddenly feel the urge stirring in my groin; there was no doubt that Kate affected me in a way that no other woman had for a very long time.
As I guided Kate out of the car and onto the runway, I had to chuckle; her reaction to the private jet, emblazoned with ‘Live Enterprises’ was priceless. I could hear her jaw hitting the floor.
“Where exactly is the meeting?” She had suddenly asked; it probably hadn’t occurred to her before and the journey so far had been absorbed with preparations. Knowing her stuff wasn’t enough; I needed to know her plan of attack! My smile broadened as I replied, “About an hour away, you do fly okay, don’t you?”
It was my turn for my jaw to drop when she replied, “I don’t know. I’ve never been on a plane before.”
Three and a half hours later, I let my breath out slowly. I felt like I had been holding it for the entire time. The whole journey there had been about preparing for the meeting but Kate had performed admirably. In fact, she might even have been better than Stacey.
“Time for a drink.” I said; it wasn’t a question.
Kate didn’t argue, she seemed to be in a daze; possibly from the experience of flying, maybe the obvious success of the meeting or, maybe from the glass of wine she had consumed at the end of the meeting.
I knew the nearest bar was just one block away, but I also knew of a smaller more in
timate one, several blocks away. Without thinking, I hailed a cab and told them where we wanted to go.
Kate was incredibly animated as she rehashed the meeting and some additional ideas. For the first time I could see her passion.
“It would be possible to re-route it all,” her tongue didn’t appear to want to stop working as she worked out the possibilities.
I watched her for a moment, feeling a stirring deep inside. This wasn’t just an urge; there was something special about Kate. She suddenly stopped talking. Her deep, emerald green eyes connected with mine.
“What?” Her voice was husky; her eyes glinted in the dim light as her skin seemed to glow. “You know I opened up to you yesterday in a way that I never have before, to anyone. It was supposed to be just a friendly drink, but you had flair, innocence and sparkle that overcame my natural suspicion of women.” I paused, unsure why I was saying this but knowing that this was possibly the only opportunity.
“I want to know more about you.” It was my turn for my voice to be soft. I tried my best to keep my face balanced between neutral and passionate. In fact, I couldn’t remember the last time I had experienced fear of rejection. It was amazing. I was used to getting whatever I want, but this young lady completely overwhelmed my defences.
Kate didn’t hesitate. She placed her hand over mine; I could feel the desire flowing through my body.
“I could say the same.” She said; her voice still husky but now low and seductive. I was suddenly glad I was sitting down as a tremor shot through my body.
For a long moment the two of us sat there, my mind was blank and anything I could think of saying would destroy the moment.
Finally, Kate spoke, “I’m not a gold digger, you know.” The concern in her eyes was obvious. I didn’t reply for a moment. My eyes gently caressed her face. Kate’s brunette hair was swept back from her face, brushed into a tidy ponytail which cascaded down her back. Her face was petite, her chin almost pointed and her lips were simply begging to be kissed.
“You can, if you want.” She said, startling me.
She knew what I was thinking. Without hesitating, I leaned across the small table and locked my lips onto her warm, soft and delicious ones. She responded instantly, her tongue slowly slipping between my lips and into my mouth.
Suddenly, I could take it no more. Pulling back from the kiss I dropped a note onto the table and slid my chair back. Within moments Kate was out of hers and we were heading for the door. The back of the cab might not have been the first place I would have chosen to become intimate with Kate, but it was the most convenient. Again, our lips locked and our tongues entwined as I ran my hand through her soft hair; feeling the smoothness of her skin and the warmth of her body against mine.
The ride to the plane was short. I wanted to tell the cab driver to take the long route, but I couldn’t. The pilot had waited long enough for us.
“That was my first kiss in over a year and my best ever.” Kate murmured softly to me as we moved up the steps to the plane. I smiled. It had been three years for me, but it was definitely the best kiss ever.
Chapter Three
Kate
The third day of my new job and I had already clinched an important meeting, been on the company jet and kissed the boss. What else could I possibly achieve? In truth, it would be very little.
The plane ride back had been fantastic. We had kissed and talked. My body wanted more but my mind wasn’t ready to commit to someone new yet. The problem was that had meant the drink had kept flowing and my head was feeling it now!
Swallowing two ibuprofens I looked in the mirror one more time. There were small bags under my eyes and a huge grin on my face; it didn’t matter what I did, I couldn’t shift it. The blast of cold air hit me as I closed the door to my flat. There was no way I was driving today. The bus stop was just a five-minute walk away, but it took me fifteen minutes.
Fortunately, the busses were running well; I walked in the door of the office with one minute to spare. Not bad considering I had left half an hour early than normal.
“Morning!” Fiona smiled, her voice echoing in my head like thunder. I winced. Fiona smiled, “Really? On your third day here?” She asked, but her tone was jovial.
I nodded slowly, “Not a good idea.” I groaned; the pills didn’t seem to have taken effect yet. Suddenly Fiona’s face became serious. “Hey, you were at the meeting with Simon yesterday, is this connected?”
I paused for a moment as I wondered how to answer that.
Fiona looked shocked, “Are you sleeping your way to the top then?” Her expression was still jovial but her voice serious.
I could feel myself reddening, “Not a chance.” I said wincing at the sound of my own voice. “It’s one of the things I despise the most.” Fiona nodded, but her eyes told me a different story.
At that moment my phone rang, “Simon needs to see you please.” Ellie’s soft voice floated through the receiver to me. My heart raced at the thought of kissing Simon again. We could carry on in his office, and there were so many possibilities in it.
Fiona laughed at me, “Go on then, don’t want to keep the boss waiting.” I scowled at her which was another bad idea as my face felt the pain instantly.
Simon looked up as I entered. I noted with annoyance that he looked perfect; no trace of a hangover.
“Are you okay?” He asked, the concern genuine in his voice.
I nodded, “Just not good at handling too much alcohol.” I replied, trying to smile. Simon looked me slowly up and down; I could feel his gaze penetrating me, stripping me where I stood. I suddenly felt really horny.
“You still okay for our date tonight?” He asked softly. I nodded, glad that what I had imagined had actually happened.
“Yes, is that what you wanted me for?” I replied, my voice starting to sound normal again. Simon smiled indulgently. “No, you were impressive yesterday. I simply want to offer you a different role here.” I gasped as the reality sunk in; promotion on day three at the office.
Simon
It had been a good week. Four nights in a row I had managed to see Kate; although the drinking had been less frequent. She was bubbly, fun and vivacious, but she was also scared. Today was the time to move the relationship forward.
I drove my Porsche convertible the twenty-five minutes from the best part of town to where Kate’s flat was; not quite the roughest part of the city, but approaching it. I had to admit, thoughts of gold diggers flashed through my head as the area got poorer and the houses smaller.
Kate opened the door at my first knock; she was wearing a short white skirt coupled with a red, loose fitting top. She looked stunning.
“Hi,” Kate said, conscious that this was the first time I had seen her flat.
“Come on in.” I followed Kate into the small, one bedroom flat.
“I pay you better than this.” I said, without thinking.
“Yes, but I don’t need anything else; especially now I have you.” She replied smiling.
Instantly I pulled back, the comment clashed with the gold digger thoughts fresh in my head.
“What do you mean by that?” I asked, the irritation obvious.
Kate looked shocked. “Just that I have a roof over my head, and a handsome man by my side; what else do you need?” She replied.
For a moment I thought about snapping at her, but she actually seemed genuine. In fact, on our dates so far she had insisted on paying half of everything; even though my resources were infinitely larger than hers. It had made for an interesting experience as I tried to pick places that were not too pricey.
“Sorry.” I could hear myself saying. “I guess I am still sensitive about my ex.” Kate’s smile warmed my heart; her entire face lit up.
“Don’t worry, so am I.” Her face was serious for a moment, as she appeared to think about her track record.
I tried to lighten the mood, “Why are you thinking about my ex?” I demanded. The responding giggle was enough to restore the
good atmosphere.
“I’ll be five minutes.” She said as she disappeared into a room at the side. “Make yourself at home,” her disembodied voice called.
I wasted no time in walking around her flat; I could get from one side to the other in just six seconds. The place was neat and simply decorated. A bank of computers on the far wall was the only indication of her passion for life. This was something I had become very aware of in the last few days: if I got Kate on the right subject she would just light up.
Less than five minutes later she slipped her hand into mine, and the now familiar thrill raced through my body as we stepped outside. Kate suddenly stopped as she stared at my Porsche. “Have you got anything less ostentatious?” She asked, shaking her head in disbelief.
I chuckled. I did have several vehicles but I knew this one would play to her concerns about her level of wealth. Ever the gentleman, I opened the door for her. The roof was up; I didn’t want to ruin her hair yet.
Kate
I had to admit that Simon had been the perfect gentleman. We kissed every night, but he hadn’t pushed for more. I was just starting to think that maybe not all men wanted one thing; that maybe it would be possible to find real love.
“What have you got planned for us today then?” I asked as he drove, a little too fast, through the town. Simon had been very insistent that he had a plan today. For a change, I was happy to simply go with the flow. It had been a busy week!
“You will see soon.” He said, grinning as he turned to look at me.
Again, I was touched by the strength in his face. His ice blue eyes portrayed confidence and power, but I knew he was also vulnerable. His reaction today hadn’t been the first time he had shown that he still thought all women were gold diggers.
