Turning the Tables
Page 10
Tina gave a soft, bitter laugh. “I wish.”
His thumbs found the indentation at the base of her skull and moved in firm circles. She groaned, halfway between pleasure and pain. “What time do you take your break? I’ll come across and grab you. We could go for a walk.”
“No, don’t do that,” she said quickly. “I’ll probably work straight through today.”
His fingers paused on the fragile stem of her neck. “Seriously, Tina. Your boss asks too much of you. It’s not like you’re getting a share of the profits.”
“It’s okay. I want to do it.” She pulled away and gave him a grateful glance. “I’d better go.”
He laid a hand along her cheek and bent to kiss her, angling his mouth for a stolen moment to taste and explore her lush lips and sweet tongue. He eased back and brushed her hair away from her face. “I’ll call you later.”
“Sì.” She patted his chest and flashed him her brilliant smile.
His answering smile lingered long after she’d hurried out of his office. No doubt about it, she’d wriggled her cute curvy ass into his life and shimmied under his skin. So he’d buy into the fantasy. Enjoy it while he could.
Ask no questions, she’ll tell you no lies.
…
Tina pressed her fingers to her forehead and tried to concentrate on what Janelle was saying. Along with Charmaine, they were seated around the coffee table in the office going over the inventory sold so far, trying to determine which articles were moving best in the American market. She’d taken pain relief tablets and Luke’s massage had helped briefly but far from fading, her headache had intensified.
Through the window onto the showroom Tina could see customers browsing and Pam working the register while Kylie ferried garments to patrons in the fitting rooms and returned discarded clothing to the racks. The opening day sales were still on and bringing in plenty of business.
Janelle paused, her worried frown expressing concern. “Are you all right, Ms. Borlenghi? You look pale.”
“I’m fine. And please, call me Tina.” She smiled reassuringly through her pain and snuck at glance at her watch. They’d been at it for two hours. “Sorry, I missed the last thing you said. Could you repeat?”
Janelle tapped a column on the computer printout. “The evening gowns and lingerie are outselling the daywear. I’ve never seen that before.”
“Is it the sale or the uniqueness of the designs?” Tina wondered.
“Why not expand the displays of those items and find out?” Charmaine suggested.
A commotion out in the showroom drew their collective gaze. Tina gasped, a hand to her mouth. “Madre mia.”
Fabio, flowing blond locks and male model handsome, had entered the store. He wore a black silk shirt and gold on his fingers and around his neck. He paused in the doorway, waiting until every eye was on him. His heavy Italian accent sounded clearly through the open office door. “Is Tina Borlenghi here? I wish to speak with her.”
Tina surged to her feet and stormed out the door, leaving Janelle and Charmaine with open mouths. How dare he stroll into her store as if he owned the place? She would call the police. She would have him thrown out—
“Tina, cara mia.” Seeing her, Fabio held his arms wide and came toward her.
She stopped dead behind the display counter. Everyone was now looking at her. Her hands clutched at the marble counter, her knuckles as white. She couldn’t cause a scene. There were customers and employees present. She wouldn’t let his presence hurt her boutique in any way, shape or form.
“Fabio.” She managed a frozen smile that she hoped didn’t give away how much she hated him. “What are you doing here?”
“I’m in town for fashion week, shooting the Calvin Klein collection.” He reached out and caressed her cheek. “It’s wonderful to see you.”
It was all she could do not to strike his hand away. Switching to Italian, she kept her tone sweet to hide the vicious intent of her words. “You have ten seconds to leave my store or I’ll call the police.”
“But Tina,” he replied smoothly, also in Italian. “I’ve done nothing wrong.”
“You don’t call lying, cheating, and swindling wrong? And now you’re harassing me with a lawsuit.” She wanted to spit in his plucked and exfoliated face. “You’ll be laughed out of court.”
“Ah, straight to the point. I always liked that about you. I’ve come to offer you a deal.” He leaned on the counter and smiled pleasantly, his voice low and oily. “I know how you hate publicity, and you’re so generous. You could save all the hassle by settling the matter beforehand. Two million Euros ought to salve my broken heart.”
“You’re not getting another penny from me!”
“What’s the big deal?” He shrugged negligently. “That amount is nothing to you.”
She wrapped her arms around herself in a vain attempt to stop shaking. This was a nightmare. Surely any moment she would wake up.
Charmaine and Janelle emerged from the office and stood behind her. “Is everything okay?” Charmaine asked, touching her shoulder.
“Everything’s fine,” Tina said with an effort.
“Like hell it is.” Luke’s voice sounded from the doorway. Then he was striding toward her, brushing aside curious shoppers to round the counter and put a supportive arm around her waist. “Tina, you’re white as a sheet. What’s going on? Is this guy bothering you?”
She clutched at Luke, grateful for his solid warmth beneath her palms and his imposing height and bulk at her side. She’d never been so glad to see anyone in her life. “It’s okay. He can’t hurt me. Not anymore.”
Clearly not convinced, Luke turned to Janelle and Charmaine. He might not know who was the boss, but he was very definitive in his demands. “I’m taking her out of here. Look at her. She’s been working way too hard. She needs a break.”
“Wait a minute,” Janelle said, shaking her head. “Who are you?”
“Luke Pederson,” Charmaine said in something close to awe. “Is that your sports bar next door?”
“Yes,” Tina answered. “He’s my friend. I…I should take a break. Just for a few minutes.”
“Take as long as you want.” Janelle smiled. “You’re the b—”
“Grazie,” Tina cut off Janelle in a rush. Ignoring Fabio, she tugged on Luke’s hand. “Let’s go.”
…
Luke kept his arm tightly around Tina and led her across Madison Avenue against the traffic, hand upraised defiantly against the blaring horns and screeching tires, down another block to cross Fifth Avenue and enter Central Park. He took a side path through a shady byway, away from the nannies pushing strollers and the tourists studying maps. She was still trembling, and her face was very pale. He’d entered the store simply intending to see if she could go for a coffee but seeing her behind the counter looking ready to faint he’d seen red. All those women standing around with their mouths gaping, not doing anything to help. He wanted to punch something. Or someone, more like.
“Who was that guy?”
Tina was silent, as if trying to decide how to answer. They walked halfway to the lake before she finally spoke. “He’s my ex-fiancé.”
Fiancé. Not just boyfriend. Shit. What if Goldilocks wanted her back? Maybe they’d just had a fight, and he’d come to apologize. What if Luke had made a giant mistake dragging her out of there like some caveman? What if she wanted him back?
“You’ve got to give me more to go on than that.” He stopped, forcing her to halt, too. “Come on, Tina. Talk to me. Do you still love him?”
“No!” She shook her head vehemently. “A thousand times no. I despise him.”
Thank God. The strength of his relief surprised him. “What did he do to scare you?”
“He doesn’t scare me.” Color flooded back into her cheeks, and her hand shot out in an angry gesture. “I will not let him intimidate me.”
“Good for you.” Facing her, Luke took both her hands in his. “What did he want?”
Luke couldn’t let it go that easily. “He obviously upset you. Do you want me to kick his ass? I’d do it in a heartbeat. Just say the word.”
“No!” She chuckled. “Although the offer is tempting. Thank you for taking me out of there. I almost expected to hear a bugle and see the Cavalry riding over the hill.”
“If I could have arranged that, l’il lady, I would have.” He pretended to tip a hat.
Tina laughed out loud, some of the sparkle returning to her eyes. Luke wrapped her in his arms and just held her, rocking her gently, stroking her back. She felt good, warm and soft. Safe. He was so glad she was with him and not that creep of an ex-fiancé. Then something occurred to him. “Did he follow you to New York? If he’s stalking you, you should get a restraining order.”
“It’s nothing like that. I’m not in physical danger, I’m positive.” Tina eased away. “He’s a fashion photographer, here for fashion week. He must have looked for me once he arrived here, though.” She pressed a hand to her chest. “Can we please not talk about him? It’s such a lovely day and even though I should go back to the store I’m really enjoying just strolling through the park with you.”
“Works for me.” Luke turned down another path at random, wandering aimlessly to stretch this out as long as possible. Bees buzzed in the flower beds lining the path and out on the Great Lawn a yellow kite bobbed high in a clear blue sky.
Tina turned to watch a girl teeter past in red heels wearing skinny jeans ripped at the knees and a midriff-baring top. “I wish I had my camera. This would be a great opportunity to photograph some street fashion. Get a handle on what American women like.”
“Do you want to be a photographer, or a fashion designer?” Made sense, if she did. She worked so hard, she was bound to be ambitious.
“Not a photographer.” She plucked a leaf off a shrub and took a moment before replying. “Fashion design, yes. I’ve always loved the fashion industry. When I was a teenager I wanted to be a model.” She shrugged. “I’m too…big for that.”
She was sensitive about her weight, like so many women. He honestly didn’t get why it would be an issue with Tina. Unless lover boy had made her feel bad about herself. Luke didn’t often get an instant irrational hatred of a stranger, but he had the moment he’d seen Tina’s stricken expression when confronted by that asshole.
“I’m glad you look like you do. It’s why I’m so attracted.” He pulled her into another hug, smoothing his hands down her back and over her nicely rounded ass. “I think you’re perfect. And incredibly sexy.” She opened her mouth to say something. He placed a finger over her lips. “Do you know what I like best about you? The way your smile lights up your whole face. It’s like a small miracle every time.”
Her wide mouth curved, lifting her cheeks and crinkling the corners of her shining amber eyes. Her light olive skin was smooth and clear. A warm glow seemed to emanate from within. Suddenly he was aware of his heart beating in his chest. “Yeah,” he said gruffly. “That’s what I’m talking about.”
Tina stood on her toes and kissed him lightly on the lips. “Tu sei molto dolce.”
“I can see I’m going to have to learn to speak Italian.” On second thought, how much could he learn in less than a week? He brushed away the thought before it could dim his good mood.
“I said you are very sweet.” She slipped her arm through his elbow. “And now, I must go back to the boutique.”
He went into the store with her, briefly, just to make sure dipshit had left. Then she walked him out again, standing next to the building out of the stream of pedestrians.
“I’m getting together with my old hockey teammates tonight to talk about the exhibition game but if your ex hassles you in any way, call me.”
“I will, grazie. Maybe we can meet tomorrow after work?” She ran a hand up his shirt front. “You haven’t told me what your sexual fantasy is.”
“Hmm, let me think. Something prim and proper would be interesting. A teacher or librarian.” He tugged lightly on the ribbon at her neckline. “Layers of clothing I could slowly strip away…”
“Ooh, I could get into that.” Her full-throated laugh was full of promise. “I’ll come to you this time…but you won’t know when.”
…
By the following afternoon, Luke was in a lather of anticipation, waiting for Tina to arrive. As he sat at his desk, pretending to work, his niggling doubts about her crept back. Why would that man, her ex-fiancé, come to her workplace if they’d broken up? And why wouldn’t she tell him what the guy wanted from her? The better he got to know her—and the more he cared—the more it bothered him that she wasn’t open with him.
A knock sounded at the door. On cue, his pulse kicked up a notch. It had to be Tina because he’d asked Rosie and Luis not to interrupt him. “Come in.”
Tina entered, wearing a trench coat. Her dark hair was scraped back in some tight, elaborate style. “Before we get started, I should let you know that I only have an hour.”
“Okay.” Now maybe he had a dirty mind but a trench coat on a woman shouted kinky to him. Underneath she would be wearing something hot and sexy. Leather or lace? Either would be good. “Did Rosie let you in?”
“No one knows I’m here.” Tina pushed papers aside, sat on the side of his desk and crossed her legs. The neckline and hem of her coat gaped but all he could see were tantalizing shadows. “I slipped back here while the bartender was serving a customer. Your cook is chopping onions, and his eyes are too full of water to see.”
“No more problems with your ex?”
She placed a finger across his mouth. “Shhh, we’re not spoiling the mood by talking about him.”
Luke nodded. Fair enough, but…. “You have an hour off in the middle of the afternoon.” He slid a hand up her smooth calf then cut his gaze to hers. “Your boss isn’t such an ogre, after all.”
“No, she’s actually a very nice woman.” She studied him a moment, opened her mouth as if to say something, then seemed to think better of it. With a toss of her hair, she jumped to her feet. “Let’s not waste time.”
She turned her back to him and started unbuttoning her coat. All thoughts fled as his groin immediately tightened. Now the coat was hanging loosely, conjuring wild images of her sexy body. With her back still to him, she pulled a pair of severe black glasses out of her pocket and put them on. Oh boy. He gripped the arms of his chair, torn between the urge to rip the coat off and to wait to watch what would undoubtedly be a very sexy show.
Tina spun on her heel and flashed open the sides of her trench, letting it fall dramatically to the floor revealing a prim and proper black pencil skirt and demure blouse buttoned to her neck. The librarian or a teacher, he wasn’t sure which. Didn’t matter. Either way, her severe clothing couldn’t hide her sexy curves any more than her cast down lashes concealed the glint in her eyes. Then she grabbed a yardstick leaning on his filing cabinet and slapped it against her thigh dominatrix-style. Fucking hell. He was rock hard, and he hadn’t even touched her yet.
She paused, as if suddenly uncertain. “I shouldn’t be here.”
He tilted his head, unable to tell if she meant that for real, or in the game. With her hand not holding the yardstick she scraped at her thumbnail, a nervous gesture he’d noticed before. Suddenly the stakes felt very high. He chose his words carefully. “You must need me or you wouldn’t have come.”
“I’ve heard you know what a woman wants and how to give it to her.” Her smoldering gaze dropped and her voice became husky as she admitted, “I do need you.” A pause and then, “That’s not easy for me to say.”
He stood and walked over to her. Took the ruler and propped it against his desk. He brushed his hand down her cheek, along her jaw to her slender neck to toy with her top button. Then he undid it. “You want to be exposed.” He spread the collar wide. A pulse at the
base of her neck fluttered. “You just don’t know how to do it.”
She cleared her throat. “You could show me.”
“Oh, I’ll show you.” Every breath he took he drew in her scent, sweetly floral with earthy undertones, as complex as the woman herself. Warmth radiated from her and his body heated purely from proximity. “But you have to do what I say.”
Holding her waist, he angled his mouth and kissed her, slowly, gently, coaxing a response. Teasing her full lips with his tongue till they parted and allowed him entry. Her hands crept onto his shoulders. Her breasts were near enough to brush his chest—close but not quite touching. It was as if they’d taken a step back from wild sex to exploration. It was surprisingly erotic. And scary. If she was afraid of being exposed he was equally terrified of wanting her so badly.
“I like it when you take charge,” she breathed. “It’s not easy always telling people to shush.”
Librarian. That answered that question. He smiled against her mouth and edged closer so her breasts brushed his chest and their thighs touched. He heard her sharp intake of breath, and his cock stiffened. “I don’t shush. I’m a badass hockey player. I do what I want.”
She moved restlessly, pushing her hips forward till she pressed against him. “You’re too hot for a lady like me to handle.”
He chuckled. “I bet beneath that uptight clothing you’re a screamer.” One hand spread across her ass, drawing her closer. The other hand reached for the clip holding up her thick mass of hair. “It’s time you let your hair down.”
Being firmly in role playing territory was almost a relief, but he felt a brief stab of disappointment at an opportunity lost for them to open up to each other. He released the clip and silky dark waves tumbled over his hand and down her back. Her chest rose and fell, making him itch to rip open the rest of her buttons. He made himself take it slowly, eke out the game by removing her glasses and tossing them on his desk. She blinked, looking suddenly defenseless. He had a powerful urge to take her in his arms and protect her.
Instead, he pushed back her hair and kissed her on the soft skin behind her ear. The heady scent of her skin made him lightheaded. Her lips found his ear lobe. She licked once then drew it in, sucking, making him think of her mouth on another, even more sensitive part of his anatomy.