“All right, moving to Sasha and Delayne Diamonds,” Brian started out with the next agenda item. “They were very unhappy with the last campaign they ran with our competitor. Obviously, they are looking for something different from us. What do you have, Sasha?”
Giving Brian a smile, she started out, “I was thinking we may focus on their vintage line, a black-and-white throwback.”
She definitely had my attention.
Warren spoke over her. “How are you going to do black and white when diamonds are white?”
“Well, I was thinking of muted colors, but—”
“I think it goes without saying that we need a big splash on this one. Show them they made the right move coming to us,” Warren interrupted.
I watched her swallow and could feel the tangible tension when she tried to continue. “We could do an engagement or wedding focus with the vintage spin…”
Everyone shook their heads and looked unimpressed. I watched her confidence strip away with one comment after another.
“Isn’t their vintage line the least profitable part of their business? I don’t think they’d want to put their ad campaign dollars towards something with such a small niche,” John from Chicago pitched in.
“Plus engagement and wedding would need to be done in time for the holidays which would prove impossible at this point. For some odd reason Christmas and New Years are big engagement holidays,” Warren remarked.
Brian then spoke, clearly taking control of the situation and, in my mind, protecting Sasha from any more of Warren’s comments. “I think that we should do a smaller breakout session tomorrow and discuss some possible new options for diamonds.”
Sasha appeared to be biting her tongue and I felt a small amount of sympathy for her. She continued on, however, discussing her other clients as though she hadn’t been grilled. Her ability to shake it off, was impressive.
***
Later, while Juliette briefed everyone else on the plans for the evening, I excused myself to go to the ladies room. I walked in on Sasha dabbing her eyes.
She immediately tried to recover when she realized I was there, but I knew without a doubt she’d been crying. She gave me a brief nod and then went about washing her hands.
I contemplated what to say. “For what it’s worth, I absolutely loved the vintage idea.”
She turned to look at me and sighed.
Just in case, I prepared myself for a tell off.
“Thanks, Haylee. Now back to the wolves.” Resignedly, she turned and made her way out.
No matter how tough she might appear, I realized she wasn’t above being affected by the criticism.
I was relieved to be able to skip out on the evening’s dinner and entertainment at the jazz club and instead go up to my room and watch television. I didn’t get the chance very often, and the downtime was welcome.
CHAPTER ELEVEN
Saturday evening was spent packing for our trip to London, scheduled for the next morning. Josh had been right about travel getting old quickly as we’d just gotten back from Charlotte on Thursday. But it had been nice to be back in New York for the weekend. After hitting the Statue of Liberty as well as the Empire State building, I had finished my day with a half price Broadway show. I wanted to make sure I took advantage of my time in city.
At least I was becoming more efficient with my packing as I had the list down pact. The exception this time however, was that I was bringing one of my formal gowns for an art gala on Monday evening. It would be nice to have an occasion to finally wear one.
The six hour flight to London felt a whole lot easier on Sunday morning, compared to the long flight to Asia. Josh worked for the first couple of hours and then shut it down and glanced over at me. “What are you doing?”
“Finishing my personal statement for law school. I need to have everything submitted in the next week.”
“That’s good. Obviously, you’re prepared.”
I smiled. “Being prepared is the only way I know how to relax. I know that sounds strange.”
“It doesn’t. Actually, it speaks to me. I’m much the same way.”
I saved my document and turned towards him. “Did you read ahead in school?”
He nodded. “I did. My friends used to make fun of me, but I was always worried about being behind—which was really about not being ahead.”
I couldn’t help but laugh. “I was the same. Tell me something, something about you in college. What were you like?”
“Undergrad or MBA?”
“Let’s start with undergrad. I want to know about eighteen-year-old Josh.”
He gave me a wry smile. “I was entitled, like a lot of freshmen at Harvard, I guess. My dad was an alumnus, we had money, and I was known. I went there with my best friend from childhood. He was much more extroverted than I was, had charisma in spades, but I was the one who made sure he studied. I suppose that’s what made us a good team.”
“Are you still friends?” I questioned.
“Yes, you know him. Brian Carpenter, your biggest treadmill fan, is my childhood friend. We grew up next door to one another, went to Harvard together, and we met Mark there freshman year.”
I was shocked. “Mark the attorney, Mark?”
“One and the same.”
“Wow. Well, that’s wonderful you have such good friends.” And a little strange that he would be jealous of Brian, considering their long history.
“I told you, I have a hard time with trust. I keep the people that I can confide in closest to me, and it has served me well. Mark and Brian are two of the best people I know.”
“I can see that. So no big time parties, fraternities, girls?” I teased.
He shook his head. “Not really. My father was adamant about no fraternity, so we spent the first year in the dorms. But the three of us got an apartment by sophomore year. Mark met someone junior year who he was serious about, so it was mainly Brian and I. We all finished up Harvard together. Brian and I stayed there for our MBA. Mark went onto law school at Yale. So now it’s your turn. What was Haylee like in college?” He wriggled his brows as if to suggest I had some seedy secrets.
Laughing, I marveled at this rare side of him. “Sorry, there isn’t much to tell. My mom was there with me, and we shared an apartment. Studying was kind of my escape when I sat through her chemo appointments. I had a notion junior year that I would go out and try the party scene because I was tired of missing out. So I went to a fraternity party and drank too much. That’s where I met the douche bag who I told you about. The episode didn’t exactly inspire me to go out anymore.”
“Any good friends?”
“I wish I could say yes, but I guess my priority over the last few years hasn’t been forming or maintaining friendships.” Matter of fact I’d yet to call my former roommate, Angela to let her know how the move and new job was turning out.
“But you’re so outgoing,” he commented.
I smiled. “I am, but I didn’t click with fellow students. They were all so carefree, talking about what they were going to do on Friday night while there I was without a dad and about to lose my mom. I spent a lot of time in hospitals, though, and I got to know a lot of the hospital staff and many fellow patients. I guess I had a sense and still do, to some degree, that there is no permanence in relationships. People in high school went off to their separate colleges. People in college went on to their careers or more school. People in the hospital went back home or, unfortunately, they died. I guess you could say I’ve learned it’s easier not to get attached. But then I hear about how you and Brian and Mark have been best friends for years, and I’m envious.”
He reached over and took my hand. In that moment he didn’t seem to care who saw it. “I’m impressed that you could keep your focus on school. A lot of people wouldn’t have been able to. A 4.0 at Stanford is commendable, especially knowing what you were going through.”
“Thank you. I know it sounds strange, but it was my escape. Now enough of th
e sad talk. I wish I had better stories to tell you. Maybe I can make up for it in law school. I have a feeling you have plenty that you aren’t telling me. Maybe I can get them from Mark or Brian?” I teased.
He smiled, and we went on talking about a lot of things, ranging from where we grew up to our favorite movies and things to do. It made the flight go by quickly, but more importantly, it made me realize how much I enjoyed talking with Josh and getting to know him. Even if I didn’t believe in any relationship actually lasting, it was still important to feel some sort of connection in the moment.
***
I could hardly contain my enthusiasm when we traveled into London from the airport, and I got my first glimpse of Big Ben. When I found Josh’s eyes on me, I gave him a smile. “All this history in a modern city is amazing.”
He returned my smile and hooked my pinky. It seemed to be our car ritual.
The gesture made me flush with pleasure.
We traveled to the hotel, which was in the financial district of London. My breath caught at the classic architecture. “Even the hotel is amazing.”
The driver opened up my door and we walked into the lobby of the Chancery Court Hotel. The entrance smelled like Japanese cherry trees and looked like a London postcard with high ceilings and large flower arrangements. It was classy and elegant and I loved everything about it. I checked us in and smiled at the British woman behind the counter with her sophisticated accent.
As we made our way to the elevators, I glanced down at the room numbers and realized we were next to each other. “There must be a mistake. They have me booked next to you in another suite.” I was about to step off the elevator and go back to the front desk.
Josh’s hand took my arm, pulling me back in. “It’s not a mistake. I asked Maria to ensure we had adjoining rooms. I explained that I needed you close by.”
I was speechless for a moment before we got off on the top floor and walked down the hall.
We went into our respective rooms. I smiled at the lovely suite, which was complete with a sitting room and a large bathroom. I unpacked my evening dress and hung it up, followed by my suits for the week. I was exhausted with all of the travel and wondered once again how Josh managed it.
A soft knock came at the door and realized the sound was coming from the side door. Ah, right, the adjoining rooms. Opening the door, I smiled at Josh standing there.
He frowned, looking at my face. “You’re tired. You should get some sleep.”
I imagined I had dark circles under my eyes, and I didn’t bother to stifle my yawn. “It’s not even nine o’clock, but I feel like I could probably crash.”
He gave me a quick kiss and stroked my cheek. “I’ll see you in the morning.” He closed the door halfway, allowing me some privacy.
***
I woke up after midnight, London time, and saw light coming through under the shared door to Josh’s room. After quickly brushing my teeth and ensuring my hair wasn’t sticking up all over, I padded quietly over to the adjoining door and opened it slightly.
Josh was propped up in bed with reading glasses on, looking at his laptop. He was the absolute epitome of sexy, I thought, smiling.
He looked up and met my eyes. “Hey, you. Feeling better?”
I nodded and climbed up onto the end of the bed. I enjoyed the way his brows rose, showing his surprise. Crawling up and straddling his hips, I watched him smile. After removing his reading glasses and putting the laptop aside, my hands skimmed over his chest. “Hi,” I breathed.
“Hi, yourself. I guess someone got a power nap.” He rubbed my back.
I bit my lip and put my hands on his bare chest. “You are so sexy like this.”
Doubt was reflected in his gaze. “With my reading glasses and a laptop?”
“Mm hmm,” I responded, dipping my lips to his neck where I worked little kisses and nibbles back up toward his delectable mouth. I could feel his hands moving down my hips and then cupping my backside. I shimmied down the length of his body so that I could move the sheet to expose him in nothing but boxers.
I felt him harden when I slipped my hands down to stroke his flesh. He felt like silk and grew larger as I moved my hands down the length of him.
His eyes focused on me. “Haylee,” he whispered.
Simply saying my name had me completely undone. I ran my fingers over his taut abs and traced the vee down to his hips.
“Tell me something,” he requested.
I gave him a sexy smile. “When you say my name like that it makes me instantly wet.”
He groaned and smiled roguishly. “Haylee, Haylee, Haylee.”
I couldn’t help but giggle. “Now tell me something,” I returned, feeling his hands pull down my panties.
“I was thinking about you and selfishly wanting to crawl into that bed behind you and wake you up. Then you were here, so maybe I’m really asleep and dreaming right now.”
That admission from him warmed me completely. I shifted so that he could get my panties off fully and then repaid the favor, sliding his boxers down the length of him.
He helped me out of my shirt and his hands were instantly on my breasts.
I hovered over his arousal and positioned myself so that I could sheath him fully.
“Jesus, Haylee, are sure you’re ready?” he asked.
“Considering you’ve said my name now for a fifth time, yeah, I really am.” I got the satisfaction of his groan when I placed his wide tip between the lips of my swollen sex, coating him in my slickness. I could feel his breaths coming out shallow and fast and then lowered myself down, enjoying every inch as he filled me to the hilt.
“Ah, fuck, Haylee, you are so sweet.”
I loved the fact that I got to control the tempo and rode him up and down. I enjoyed watching the pleasure that was so evident in his eyes. His skilled fingers found my moist sex and I lost my ability to control things. I moved faster and faster, now frenzied with my climax about to hit and the fact that I could feel Josh getting close. I exploded and leaned down to whisper in his ear. “Come in me, baby.”
That turned out to be his undoing. A powerful shudder ran through him and his climax rushed deep inside of me.
Collapsing onto his chest, I felt his lips on my neck. I leaned back and gave him a satisfied smile.
He withdrew slowly and rolled me onto my back, then gathered me close.
We lay like that for minutes or hours. I wasn’t sure. But when I realized I was about to fall asleep, I made myself get up. I kissed his cheek and slowly started to slip out the side of the bed.
“Where are you going?” he inquired, pulling me back.
“To bed. I know you like your space— Good night,” I declared, kissing his cheek.
He snuggled me tight. “Stay. I like this.”
My head was in the crook of his arm and our legs were entwined. I sighed at the delicious skin on skin contact. “How could I say no?”
I tried not to read too much into it, but it felt good to be held in his arms.
***
The day in the London office was uneventful. Josh was pretty much in meeting after meeting all day. Unlike Hong Kong, however, every single person was nice to me. They were professional and I enjoyed listening to their accents.
Josh had plans for a working lunch, so I was excited when two of the assistants took me down the street to a local pub for lunch. I ordered the bangers and mash. I tried my best to pretend the food was good, when in fact it had sounded better than it actually was. The highlight however, was ordering a round of pints. It seemed socially acceptable to have a one with lunch.
I was smiling on my way back into the office when I came face to face with Josh as I came off the elevator.
“Haylee, do you have a moment?” he asked, looking at me strangely.
I bit my lip. Busted. “Yes, certainly.”
We went into a vacant conference room, and I started to apologize. “I’m sorry. We only had the one beer, and it was nice. Everyone is
just so kind, but the bangers and mash, not so great. I mean I thought I’d like British food, but so far…” I was rambling on and saw his mouth twitch as he obviously tried not to smile.
“That’s all very interesting, and I’m glad this trip is going much better for you than Hong Kong, but I needed to see you about the golf charity in Miami. I found out there is a conflict with someone attending and need you to cancel my appearance. I’ll keep the donation, however.”
I wondered briefly if the conflict had anything to do with his ex-wife. “Oh, sorry. I thought maybe I was busted for the beer.”
That amused him even further. He shook his head. “No, the British are different from us about drinking during lunch. I’m glad you got out, plus I have to say you’re kind of adorable once you have had a drink.”
“Because I ramble?”
He nodded and gave me one of his small smiles. “I should be done at the office about five o’clock. Then we can head back to the hotel. The gala starts at six o’clock and I don’t plan on staying long, just an hour or so.”
***
I dressed in my mother’s vintage Jean Desses gown for the gala. Aside from her wedding gown, it was my second favorite piece. The layers were not only flattering, but the look was soft. It was a beautiful bubblegum pink. Because it was strapless and had a stunning bust line, it didn’t require a necklace.
I let my hair down and spent some time with a curling iron, putting in nice chunky curls. Then I did up my eyes. Satisfied with the look, I was about to grab my clutch and head next door when Josh framed the connecting door in his tuxedo.
I felt a burn of desire flare up simply from watching him devour me with his eyes. His slow smile caused a flutter in my belly.
“What’s that smile for?” I questioned.
He offered his arm. “You said your mother always wanted you to be arm candy, and here I am thinking you look like a delectable confection.”
“Hmm, too bad I don’t get to be your arm candy tonight.” I knew that as soon as we got to the gala, we would need to separate and put the professional barrier back up.
Tell Me Something (The Something Series Book 1) Page 14
