I pull on my blouse as Tony fastens his belt. In a moment, he’s ready and grabs the little wooden racket. “I enjoyed this way more than I thought.” He rubs the rubber surface and smacks his palm. A shiver runs over him and when he looks at me again, I see heat in his eyes. “How about you? Did you like spanking me?” A wry expression crosses his face. “You had no problem using it to your advantage.”
I blush and look away, uneasy with the stunt I pulled in negotiating under those circumstances. “I’m not going to apologize for squeezing Apollo for more cash. I know what our company is worth.”
Tony stalks toward me, a glimmer of mischief in his eye. “Do you now? You don’t think it was unfair…having me in such a compromising position?”
I square my shoulders and stand tall. “If I remember right, you didn’t think so at the time.” I cock my head at an angle and jut out my chin. “Are you going to renege now that I don’t have you bent over your desk?”
Tony wraps his arms around me and gives my butt a playful swat with the paddle. The wood hitting my bottom sends a jolt of awareness through me. “Nope, not on your life. But I plan on keeping this handy in case you’d like to feel it, too.”
Anticipation thrills through me at the thought of being at Tony’s mercy. Eager to place my feelings firmly under control, I nip him lightly with my teeth on his shoulder. “We’ll see.” I pull out of his embrace and grab my purse to dig around for a mirror, anxious to see what type of damage was done to my hair and makeup.
“You look fantastic, but there’s a bathroom behind that door, if you need it.” Tony directs me and I gladly escape for a moment to collect myself. I close the door softly, still slightly uncomfortable with the situation. Thinking back, Tony said no to me during our sex play and I was okay with it. Even then, a part of me knew he’d never hurt me. And if I’m honest, that same part of me knows he only went along with my orders because he wanted to. He could easily ignore me or overpower me anytime he wants.
I look in the mirror, expecting the worst.
The attractive woman staring back at me takes my breath away. My lipstick is long gone—the lips swollen from recent attention and appearing plumper than normal. My curled hair is still wavy, but fuller and a little wild. The overall glow of my skin must be from increased circulation. My eyes twinkle with an untold secret. I look like I’ve slept well for a week and been to a designer salon.
Maybe this is what being happy does to a woman.
Quiet. Don’t place more on this than it seems. Sure, you had great sex and spanked his tight bum with a paddle, but that doesn’t mean it’s time to pick out china and go over your bank accounts together.
I sigh. The logical workings of my mind are a nice, harsh reminder of a reality I’d like to ignore.
I use the bathroom facilities and wash up before opening the door. Tony lounges in one of the club chairs by a round table positioned near the window. He rises when I emerge, looking as breathtaking as he did at the meeting but more relaxed. His tousled hair and olive complexion make my hands itch with the desire to touch. Sexy caramel eyes, gold lighting their depths, gaze at me with heat and longing.
Banging my brains out over his desk obviously agrees with him.
“You look beautiful.” He draws my right hand to his lips and kisses the knuckles.
The moment he says it, I believe it. For the first time in I don’t know how long, maybe ever, I feel deserving of the words. “Thank you.”
The handsome executive cocks his arm, offering an elbow to me. “Shall we?”
I rest my hand on his forearm and a smile of pure happiness spreads over my features.
We journey to an exclusive uptown restaurant where I’ve never eaten. The old me would have worried my sexy boots may not be right for the establishment, or that my mussed hair looked uncouth. The new me glances around at the other diners, consciously aware my good looks are drawing attention from the men.
Tony’s hand at my waist drifts lower, cupping my bottom briefly as he whispers in my ear, “Are you missing something?” He squeezes one cheek and lets go. “I have your thong in my pocket.” He hands me off to the server holding out a chair. A flush creeps up my neck as I sit. The waiter pushes my chair in, and drapes a napkin over my lap.
“Good evening, Mr. Carmine,” our over-forty and dashingly dressed waiter says. “It’s a pleasure to see you back. It’s been a while, no?” his Italian accent barely detectable.
Tony’s face transforms into a jovial patron, instead of secret seducer. “You’re right, Leo. I’ve been working long hours for a while now.”
Leo looks to me and then back to Tony. “It’s good to take the time to enjoy the finer things of life, yes?”
Tony’s light eyes lock onto mine. “I couldn’t agree more.” A thrill of pleasure runs through me. I don’t think I’ve ever dated a man so…charismatic and appealing. He makes me feel desirable with a simple glance. “May I order a bottle of white wine, Heather?”
I nod and reach for my water while he discusses choices with the server. I can’t believe less than an hour ago I had this man bent over a desk while smacking his cute butt. I gulp the water and sputter. Heat rushes to my cheeks and Tony raises an eyebrow in my direction. The waiter leaves and he asks, “Are you okay? Is the restaurant too hot for you?”
I shake my head and reach for my menu. “My mind wandered for a minute.”
His sexy and mischievous look returns. A satisfied and indulgent smile blossoms in the dim light. “And where did it wander to, mon amore?” He leans forward and removes the menu from my grasp, taking my smaller hands into his larger ones. “Were you thinking about what you did with that paddle,” his low voice carries only to me, “or what we did after?”
I like this bolder, sexier side of Tony. He let me lead before, but seems perfectly content to switch sides with whatever mood I display. I’m still unsettled by what happened between us—I’ve never connected with another person so intimately.
Heat lights my cheeks again when I think of the noises I made at the end. The entire experience was liberating.
I want to do it again.
Tony’s thumb rubs the back of my hand, encouraging me to answer. “I liked it all.” I look away and then back to him, wondering if I’m revealing too much of myself. “I’ve never done anything like that before.”
His eyes bore into mine. “Like I said before, me neither.”
A small snort escapes before I can stop it. “Really? I find that a little hard to believe with all the women you’ve been with.”
“Quantity doesn’t equate to quality.”
Quality. Huh. I’d never thought of relationships like that. He may be on to something. “I think I’ve had some pretty low-quality relationships myself.”
His expression turns more urgent. “Is that what we have, a relationship? Is this the beginning of something…something more?”
My heart beats loudly in my chest, the pounding filling my ears. I’m glad I’m sitting or I might fall. Can I do this? Can I keep pretending to be someone I’m not and enter a relationship with him? Is the new me an act or is it a part of me I’d never let out?
“Is that what you’d like?” I ask, hoping to get more direction out of him before I answer.
He draws my hand to his lips and kisses my knuckles, like he did when we were alone. “I’d like that very much.”
Our waiter returns with the wine, apologizing for interrupting. Tony releases my hand and I don’t know if I feel relief at Leo’s intrusion or annoyance. This is what I want, isn’t it? I want to go a little further with Tony than sex buddies, right? As the waiter makes a show of pouring and offering the wine, I examine the man across from me.
Strong chin, angled cheekbones, glossy sable-brown hair, and a generous mouth. His wide chest fills his suit, making him almost larger than life at our little table for two. Warmth rushes to my middle, bringing a tingling feeling of goodness to my limbs. Any woman would be a fool not to want a relationship w
ith him.
The waiter leaves and I open my mouth to tell Tony yes, when I hear my name. “Heather? Is that you?”
I turn toward the voice and see Rick, my ex from two years ago. The one who left me on New Year’s Eve for another woman. An unreadable mask slips over Tony’s face as the lanky, polished man approaches.
“Hi, Rick. Yes, it’s me.” A calm I never would have expected at seeing the two-timing jerk settles over me. I smile, secure with the knowledge I’m now with a better man. “How have you been?”
He reaches out to shake my hand and I follow suit, extending my own. To my chagrin, he pulls me out of my chair to hug me. “I’m good.” He lets go quickly, before his actions cross a line past familiar to lascivious.
A welcoming smile spreads from ear to ear when he steps back. “You look terrific.” He tilts his head to the side, examining me. I ignore his overt scrutiny and return to my seat, tossing a helpless, apologetic look at Tony. “Is it the hair? Hmm…I can’t be sure.” Tony clears his throat and Rick finally acknowledges him. “Oh, sorry.” He offers his hand to Tony. “Rick Freeman.”
Tony shakes his hand and replies, “Tony Carmine.”
Recognition at the name sparks in Rick’s expression. A calculating look ensues, and a hopeful gleam comes into his eye. “Do you and Heather work together?”
“No.” His voice sounds almost chilly. “We’re here on a date.”
An unexpected joy fills my heart. Such a simple sentence, yet it makes me feel like I’m his. I’d never date the two-timing jerk again, but Tony doesn’t know that.
“Shoot. Can’t blame a guy for trying.” Rick winks at me and takes his leave, wishing us a good night.
Tony shakes his head and stares at his retreating back. “The nerve of some guys.”
“Don’t let him bother you. I’d never date that asshole again for a million dollars.”
Surprise widens his eyes. “Seriously? But you were so nice to him.”
“Being polite in public does not equate to being nice. Would you rather I called him an asshole for dumping me and made a scene?”
“He dumped you?” Tony reaches across the table for my hand again, drawing it into his and teasing my palm in slow circles with his thumb. “Idiot didn’t know what he had right in front of him.”
I smile. “Good thing I do.”
A smoldering look darkens his caramel depths and he leans forward, raising my hand to his mouth. He moves to kiss the tips of my fingers, but instead, slips his mouth over my index finger. Warm suction surrounds the digit up to the first knuckle and the tip of his tongue teases the end.
A zing of energy travels up my arm and shoots to my crotch. A shudder runs through me as he draws away his clever mouth. “You seem like a smart woman to me.”
The rest of our dinner proceeds without a hitch. Tony feeds me delicacies from his plate and begs some from mine as well. I’ve never been in a situation where the outside fades into the background and the only thing in the moment is you and the man you’re with. But tonight, that’s exactly what happens.
It’s as if Tony is deliberately setting out to seduce me—making sexual innuendos and flirting non-stop. My skirt has been sticking to my privates all night and I feel like a gush of moisture has collected between my folds. Squirming in my seat seems to emphasize my growing desire rather than diminish it.
Even after our explosive encounter in his office, I want him again. Excusing myself before the dessert arrives, I make my way to the ladies room, located in the middle of the large restaurant, off to one side.
Anticipation for what could come after dinner snaps all my senses to high alert. This euphoric rush is entirely new. Have I felt this giddy with men before or is this one different?
Nope. Tony is definitely unique.
I wash up and apply lipstick. Giving my head a playful shake, I fluff my curls and leave to join my date. Tony mentioned going to his place tonight, but I’m not sure that’s a good idea. I’ve got that early morning meeting tomorrow with Mr. Sayers.
I walk through the restaurant and falter when I see three men trailing the hostess, walking right toward the section I’m seated with Tony. As if my thoughts of work have conjured him, Mr. Sayers along with two other men who came to the meeting today take a table ten feet behind Tony.
Holy crap. There is no way I can return and sneak out unseen with Tony. I turn around, changing course for the front door before I’m spotted. If they see me with someone from Apollo, I’m sure they’ll think the worst. Like I’m sleeping with the enemy and giving him corporate secrets.
Oh God! That’s partly true—I am sleeping with Tony. Tears sting my eyes as I storm through the foyer while digging in my purse for my phone. I wonder if they’d fire me right on the spot or make a big scene?
How could I not have thought of this before we went out in public? The timing couldn’t be worse. All I’ve worked for the past years, thrown away for a roll in the hay.
Outside, I rush two doors down and stand in the light of a closed shop. Finding my phone, I scroll through the numbers to find Tony’s. I hit dial, adrenaline making my hands shake. I’ve got to tell him why I’m not coming back from the bathroom. If I don’t, he’ll think I’m running.
Do I really do that? Did I run two years ago when I thought Rick was two-timing me on the dance floor but maybe he really wasn’t? Could he have just been dancing with her and when I ran out he thought I left him?
Tony’s phone continues to ring, unanswered, and dread fills me. Oh God, what if he left his phone at the office? What the hell am I going to do?
Chapter Twelve
Tony
Our cheesecake arrived two minutes ago and Heather still isn’t back from the bathroom. I hope something she ate didn’t make her sick. Worry crinkles my brow as I glance at my watch for the third time. I’ll feel awful if it was one of the items from my plate.
The sound of a throat clearing draws my attention to Leo, our waiter. “Mr. Carmine, you have a phone call at the hostess desk.”
“Really?” I pat my pockets, belatedly realizing my phone is missing. When was the last time I left it behind? Must be years. Then again, it felt good to not be interrupted during dinner for a change.
Leo nods, motioning for me to follow. I glance toward the bathroom again and rise to follow the server. It’d better not be Marcus, he knows I love this place. I’ll have to punch the prick good if it is. Needs to mind his own damn business.
Lost in my own ruminations, I’m almost past the three executives from Parkerson before I recognize them. They’re in a heated discussion and don’t notice me, so I continue toward the front of the establishment, grateful I don’t have to make small talk.
The pretty blonde at the front hands me a cordless phone. “Hello?”
“Tony, it’s me, Heather.”
A fist tightens in my chest, crushing my heart. “What the hell is going on? Are you okay?”
“I didn’t run out on you, I swear.”
Everything becomes clear when I connect her leaving to whom I passed in the restaurant. “You’re worried about being seen with me, aren’t you?” Tension I didn’t know I was holding drains out of me.
“I saw Mr. Sayers being seated near our table. I couldn’t risk it. The timing is really bad. Think of how it will look.”
I run a hand through my hair, unused to a woman having to hide to be with me. A few of them used to alert the media for a photo op. “Yeah, I understand.” I breathe out a sigh and hear her do the same on the other end of the line. “I don’t have to like it, but I understand.”
“I’m sorry. I couldn’t reach you on your cell…”
“I didn’t know I forgot it until Leo came over. Look, I’ve got to pay the bill before I leave. Where are you?”
“I’m two doors down, on the left.”
“Wait for me, please?”
She hesitates, which ratchets up my anxiety another notch. “Okay.”
I signal to Leo for the bill and w
ait by the front door. After I pay, I bolt out to find her. Why did she hesitate at the end of our call? Is she worried the risk of being with me isn’t worth it?
Two doors down leads me to the closed establishment of a high-end clothier. Heather leans on the locked glass door, one booted ankle crossed over the other. She smiles at my appearance, pushing off to join me on the sidewalk.
She takes a deep breath while striding down the block. “I think we need to lay low for a while.”
I stop on the sidewalk. “What? You mean we can’t be together because you’re worried about your job?”
“That’s not fair. I’ve worked really hard to get where I am.”
I start walking again, unsure if we’re going to my place or hers. “I don’t doubt you worked hard to get where you are. Hell, you’ve done your job and Harvey’s for the last few years.”
She tugs on my arm. “Speaking of which, how the hell did you know that?”
“Easy. I met him and then I read the financials. It didn’t add up. How could this raging alcoholic manage such a complex portfolio and company funds? When I saw you in the meeting and learned you were his assistant, the rest fell into place.”
“How come you saw something no one in my company has seen for years?”
I halt on the sidewalk, hauling her to my front. How can this woman drive me to distraction and make me want to scream like no other woman ever has? Wrapping my arms about her gently, I kiss her hard. Our passion boils, engulfing me in heat. We break for air, both of us gasping. “Maybe what you need to ask yourself is why those people never let themselves see what was right in front of them? Was it easy? Was it cheaper? What did they gain?”
By the shell-shocked expression on her face, I can surmise she’s surprised. “You really think keeping me under Harvey could have been on purpose?”
I shrug, not really caring, just wanting to know where I stand with her. “Does it matter? What matters is how you’re going to let your fear affect us.”
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