“Are you entering a piece into the reading tomorrow?”
“Ah, what?”
“Are you reading one of your stories tomorrow? I am. It’s going to be wicked fun.”
“I don’t think so.”
“You should. I bet you could come up with something hot to write about.” He winked.
I couldn’t help but smile. In the back of my mind, I thought of Jonathan listening to me read a sexy story. Something I had written just for him. A hot ball of lust gathered deep between my legs.
“Yeah, maybe I will.”
Chapter Seven
Lounging on the king-sized bed, I finished tapping out the last sentence of my short erotic story on my laptop as I cradled the phone between my ear and shoulder. Serena was currently giving me the second lecture of the night.
“Mak, give this up. You’re going too far this time.”
I could hear the irritation in her voice and knew she was most likely pacing back and forth in the apartment. Serena did that when she was angry.
“Serena, on my honor, I can tell you I haven’t done anything that goes beyond journalistic ethics.”
“Not yet anyway.” Serena sighed. “And besides, you have no honor.”
I put aside my laptop and reclined onto the fluffy pillows. “I do, too. Sort of.”
“Why this vendetta, Mak? I’ve never seen you so determined to do a story.”
“It’s not a vendetta. It’s a story that could take me out of the shit pile and into a gold mine.”
“There are lots of stories out there that could do that. You’re a good writer. Why waste yourself trashing people? And especially Jonathan Devane. What really happened that night in Toronto?”
I glanced over at the slinky red dress I was going to wear to meet Jonathan and sighed. “He snubbed me, Serena. We were going at it, and then he pushed away from me as if he was embarrassed to have been caught with the likes of me.” I looked away from the dress and glanced up at the ceiling, blinking back the humiliation I still felt. “He’s a pompous egotistical prick, and he deserves to be taught a lesson.”
“And you’re just the girl for that?”
“Damn straight I am. By the time I’m done, he’ll be more than humiliated.” I closed my eyes against the hard lump I felt form in my throat. My stomach hurt and I felt sick.
Opening my eyes, I tried to shrug off the feeling. Must have been all the little chocolate penises I ate earlier. Beatrice had sent me a few extra boxes. Damn things were addicting. At least I hoped that’s what it was, and not guilt swirling around in my gut.
Serena sighed loudly. I imagined she was shaking her head. “Just be careful, Mak. When you play with fire, you get burned.”
I sat up on the bed. “Yeah, yeah. If that’s not the most overused analogy.”
“It’s overused because it’s true.”
“Okay, duly noted. Thank you for clearing that up. Anything else I should be worried about?”
“Yeah, Jasmine’s been snooping around the offices.”
I popped off the bed. “You didn’t tell her where I was, did you?”
“Of course not. Although I should sic her on you so you’ll stop this hare-brained scheme.”
“But you won’t. Because deep down inside, you love me, Serena. I know you do.”
Serena chuckled. “Yeah, I suppose. But I can’t guarantee that everyone will keep their yap shut.”
“Carmen would never tell. She hates that woman more than I do.”
“Yeah, but Jasmine’s been waving around free two-day spa passes. You know how Carmen is a sucker for a great exfoliant.”
“I’m not worried,” I said as I gnawed on the side of my finger.
“You should be.”
After I hung up the phone, I paced around the hotel room. I was nervous because of the possibility of Jasmine’s arrival. Or, was it because I was dressing for sex when I had no intention of it ever happening. No sex. I’d made myself a bargain. And no amount of butterflies in my belly or pulsing aches in between my thighs was going to jeopardize that.
Wandering into the bathroom, I stared hard at myself in the mirror. I fluffed out my hair and pursed my lips. I knew what I was doing. With that I nodded to myself and continued to get ready for my date…er meeting with Jonathan.
I strode back into the room and stared at the sexy red dress, matching red tanga bikini, and crotchless nylons, I had lain out on the bed. I fingered the flirty lace on the panties. I was wearing them because they made me feel good. Not because they would make Jonathan drool. If everything went as planned, Jonathan would never see them.
I frowned and picked up the panties. Except these were just too damn nice not to see. I tossed them back on the bed. Okay, if he happened to see them, just by chance, that would be all right. No harm done. Right?
I screamed with frustration and fell back on the bed into the clothes. I wrapped the dress around me, rolled back, and forth with my eyes squeezed shut. Damn it all. I would just get dressed and see what happened. I was never any good at sticking to plans anyway. Whatever happened happened. I would just deal with the consequences later. That was my specialty.
Later, after primping, preening, and a generous slathering of coconut body butter, I entered the hotel bar at ten minutes after eleven. I purposely restrained myself from arriving on time or early for that matter. I didn’t want to look eager. Not that I was eager. Just apprehensive about my new plan of having no plan. Anything could happen, and that made me very nervous.
I glanced around the bar. Jonathan was seated at a corner table with two other men I didn’t recognize. He looked up at me. The moment his gaze met mine, my knees nearly gave out. His eyes traveled down my body and I knew I had chosen the right outfit for the evening.
The dress was halter style, dipping low in the front and clinging sinuously to my naked breasts. I had considered wearing my plastic nipples just like the ones Samantha of Sex and the City wore in one of the episodes but decided against it. Too over the top.
As Jonathan’s gaze caressed me, my nipples hardened into tight buds. I didn’t need any stinking plastic nipples, mine were doing fine all by themselves. I discreetly glanced down at my breasts and noticed twin peaks jutting out from the clinging fabric of my dress. Nope, those plastic nubs had nothing on me.
I made my way over to the bar. I slid onto a stool and crossed my legs slowly, showing off the long elegant line and the promise of a prize at the top. Of course, the effect would have been better if my legs had been longer. But by the appreciative glance I got from the bartender, I figured I was doing all right with the stems nature had given me.
I ordered a peach Bellini and settled in to wait for Jonathan to come to me.
A half-hour and two Bellinis later, I wondered if the man was standing me up again. I refused to look behind me. Refused to look and act like a desperate woman in need of some attention from a gorgeous male specimen. But his waiting was killing me and pissing me off.
Again, the man managed to get the best of me. I was going to finish my drink and leave. Maybe even go up to my room, pack my bags, and call it a day. I could write my killer story from the comforts and security of my little downtown apartment. With no delicious smelling, intoxicating man to agonize over.
I stiffened when I felt a hand touch my exposed lower back. The touch was gentle but intimate, and I felt the zings go straight to my crotch. Wet heat pooled between my legs. I nearly groaned as an ache so intense clutched at my insides.
“Sorry I kept you waiting.”
I turned to the deep arousing voice and arched an eyebrow. “I was beginning to think you were ignoring me.”
He took my hand in his and brought it up to his mouth. He pressed his lush lips to the back, his eyes glued to mine. “You’re absolutely impossible to ignore.”
I had the urge to lean forward and gobble up his edible mouth. It was just begging me to nibble at the plump flesh. I pressed my lips together and tried to rein in the insatiable crav
ing. The man should come with a warning label. Warning! Do not look, smell, or touch. Hazardous to your libido.
Soft music erupted from the speakers situated around the small dance floor in the bar. A few couples stood up and went to dance. I tore my gaze away from Jonathan and glanced casually at them. I didn’t want him to read the desperate desire for him in my eyes
Jonathan still kept my hand in his. “Care to dance?”
My head snapped back to him. I swallowed and hoped it was not audible.
“You’re not afraid are you?”
“No. I’ll dance with you.” I slid off the stool.
Jonathan put his arm around me, settling it lightly at my back, barely touching as he led me to the floor. I could feel my body quiver and hoped he didn’t notice, but by the small smile on his face, I knew my hopes were lost.
“You need to stop daring me into things.”
“Why? It works so well.”
I glanced up at him and caught his playful grin.
When we reached a small spot on the floor, Jonathan took my hand again and pulled me into a waltz. He moved fluidly across the floor leading me with practiced ease and poise. I could feel the heat of his hand at my back and hoped I didn’t sweat too much. I looked up at him under my lashes.
“You dance…well.”
“Ballroom lessons. My mother made me take them when I was a boy.”
“Really? Interesting.”
He shook his head. “I actually wanted to box. She let me after I took the dance lessons. She said a man should know how to dance and fight. Made him well-rounded.”
I chuckled. “I’ve done some research on you, Mr. Devane.”
“Really?” “Yes, I googled you.”
His eyebrow arched in amusement. “Googled? Well there’s a first time for everything.”
“Oh, I’m sure it’s not the first time you’ve been…examined.”
He chuckled. “No, not the first.” He spun me around and dipped me. His eyes bore into me. “And what did you learn?”
“Well, you’re a very successful businessman. One of the richest men in the country. Have had a long line of women strung around your finger. And you’ve ruthlessly snatched Devane Communications away from your father.”
I said it with a smile, but I could feel him stiffen the minute the words were out of my mouth. He spun me around again but did not pull me in close like before. He looked down at me, a smile still on his face, but I could see it did not quite reach his eyes. I wondered if I’d gone too far too soon.
“Hmm, yes I imagine it does say all of that in the media. They have a way of slanting things to their liking. Ratings, you know.”
“Funny, coming from a man that owns two television stations, a radio station, and a movie studio.”
He peered down at me, curiosity furrowing his brow. “Yes, I suppose, but my station runs mostly children’s programs with an occasional documentary thrown in. Most of the places you find distorted information about me are in tabloids and cheesy entertainment magazines.”
I could hear an edge to his voice. I decided to end that piece of conversation. I didn’t want him angry with me. Not yet anyway.
“I noticed you’ve never done an interview before. Why is that?” Okay, I couldn’t just stop. Just wasn’t natural.
“Same reason. Distortion of facts. I wouldn’t want my words turned and twisted.”
“Not all reporters do that.”
“Yes, they do.”
“I wouldn’t.” I flinched, and my feet stumbled as I stepped on his foot.
He looked down at me, his eyes flashing a dark blue.
“I mean I wouldn’t if I was a reporter.”
“Well, I guess not everyone has your ethics. Your honesty.” His gaze was penetrating, and I had to look away. I glanced down at our feet.
I really didn’t like the way he said those words. There was definitely emphasis there. Was he mocking me? Did he know who I really was? Was he playing with me?
“Anyway, let’s stop talking about me, and just dance.” He pulled me closer to him, his hand planted firmly at the small of my back. His scent permeated my nose. My nostrils flared from the exquisite smell. I found I had a hard time not licking my lips.
He lowered his head a bit and nuzzled into my ear. I could feel his hot breath on the nape of my neck where I had swept up my hair for just this purpose. I loved the feel of a man’s breath right in that sensitive spot. It sent goose bumps all the way down to my toes.
I involuntarily wriggled in closer to him. Feeling him shift his stance, I knew I had made a big mistake. I could clearly feel his erection pressed against my belly. Oh, damn that felt like a lot of hard, hot man reaching out to me. Teasing me to have a touch, take a taste.
Jonathan moved his head slightly so his mouth pressed against my ear. His breath tickled my lobe, and I shivered.
“You smell like sin.”
My legs quivered, and I felt like I was falling. I turned my head to look into his face. His mouth was partly open, an invitation. My eyes fluttered closed as I raised my chin, arching my neck toward him. My lips parted on a sigh as I felt him a whisper away. I would just kiss him. That was all. I deserved a kiss. Didn’t I? After all, I’d been such a good girl.
“You bastard!”
My eyes snapped open and I staggered out of Jonathan’s arms. Tatiana stood beside us, with rage in her eyes, bad booze breath, and mascara smudged under her lashes. She looked like a demented raccoon.
“Who’s this slut?” Tatiana demanded, her boozy breath making my eyes water.
Jonathan pushed back from me but kept a protective arm around my shoulders.
“What are you doing here?” I noticed how he glanced around self-consciously at the crowd starting to give them notice.
“I came to make up with you.”
“Jesus, Tatiana, we’ve already been through this. There is no us anymore.”
Tatiana’s eyes welled with tears. I almost laughed. I’d never seen such an Oscar worthy performance, no wait Golden Globes. She didn’t quite deserve that Oscar yet.
“How can you say that to me, Jonathan? I love you, and I know you love me. You’re just afraid of committing. I understand. I forgive you.” She grabbed onto his shirt, pulling at the fabric as if she would fall to my knees in sorrow at any minute.
I shook my head in awe. Okay, bring out the golden statue and the orchestra music.
Jonathan took his arm off me and disentangled himself from Tatiana. I could plainly see the embarrassment on his face and the anger welling there at the edge. I turned and saw everyone on the dance floor staring at us.
“You are embarrassing yourself and me. You’re drunk and being foolish. I suggest you go get a room and sleep it off. We can talk about it tomorrow.” He said between clenched teeth.
Tatiana broke out of his grasp and whirled toward me. “So you can sleep with this slut? She looks like a two-cent whore. Are you paying for it now, Jonathan?”
I clenched my jaw shut. My hands fisted at my sides. I’d like nothing more than to punch the lush right in her collagen-injected lips. But I didn’t want a scene any more than the one we were already having. I’d let Jonathan deal with it. It was his mess anyway.
“If I have to, I will call security, Tatiana.”
I had enough. The man couldn’t even defend my honor. Couldn’t even defend me to his old girlfriend. I shouldn’t have been surprised. But I was nonetheless, and it hurt more than I wanted it to.
“I’m out of here. I don’t need this.”
I turned on my heel and marched out of the bar. I wasn’t surprised when he didn’t call me back.
Chapter Eight
Tossing my purse on the bed, I sat on its edge and slipped off my shoes. I fell backwards onto the mattress with my arms spread out. I felt like a fool, again. The man had an amazing talent for that.
Oh, whom was I kidding? My own actions made me foolish, not Jonathan’s. He was actually kind of charming and funny. A
wry sense of humor was not something I expected. I supposed that if I wasn’t trying to cut him to pieces I could actually get to like the guy.
I sat up as a sharp knock sounded at the door. I didn’t order room service. Maybe it was Jasmine, coming to destroy me. Cautiously, I unlocked the door and opened it.
Jonathan stood leaning against the doorframe, a single rose in his hand and a saucy smile on his face.
I put a hand on my cocked hip. “Hmm, I think I would remember ordering a man with a flower.”
“How about a man with an apology?”
“Maybe.”
“I’m sorry for the scene downstairs. There’s no excuse for her behavior.”
“A jealous lover always has excuses.”
“We’re not lovers. Haven’t been for a long time. She has the notion that she can come back into my life any time she wants. I’ve made it very clear to her that I don’t want her any where near my life.”
I watched his face as he spoke. The man definitely looked and sounded apologetic. He was more than likely sorry, but for exactly what I didn’t know. Was he sorry for the insults Tatiana had tossed my way, or for the embarrassment the scene had caused, for him?
I took the offered flower, smelled it, and decided to accept his apology. Besides, the guy looked quite pathetic standing at my door with a sad-sack look on his devilish face.
“How did you know what room I was in?”
He arched one perfect eyebrow. “I bribed the bell hop.”
“How much?”
“Fifty bucks.”
I smiled. That was exactly something I would do. Except I didn’t know if I would have paid so much. Maybe he wanted it that badly. He just went up a notch or two on my likeability scale.
“Can I come in?” His eyes twinkled slyly.
I glanced behind me and noticed my laptop and notepad lying on the table. Hot Gossip magazine lying beside it. Nope. Not a good idea.
“No, but I can come out.” I reached over and grabbed my purse from the side table, pushed him back, and stepped out into the hall.
We stood a foot apart looking expectantly at one another, both with sly grins on our faces.
Love's First Bite: Bad Boys and Alpha Vampires Boxed Set (6 book bundle) Page 25
