by Karen Booth
Some part of her hoped that he wanted her the way she wanted him. Another part—the grumpy, sensible part—said that it didn’t matter. Crossing that line would be foolish. It would never end well. He was worldlier and infinitely more powerful than any man she’d been with. How could she possibly make an impression on a man like Aiden? How could she not disappoint him with her relatively narrow frame of reference in the bedroom? And if it happened, and proved to be a misstep, there would be many awkward conversations to endure over the coming days. All while she was trying to save her business.
It was best not to push her luck. There were only so many things she could conquer in one day—Sylvia Hodge and building a fashion empire at the top of today’s list. She needed to force herself to stop barking up the handsome billionaire.
Sarah grabbed her evening bag and marched into the living room. Aiden was standing near the door, talking on his cell. Even seeing him only in profile, he was too much to take in with a single look. So her vision landed on his black dress shoes, perfectly polished. Eyes traveling north, she savored every inch—his long legs in black tux pants, his heavenly torso in a crisp white shirt, topped off with an untied bow tie. However ludicrous the thought, she considered begging him to forget the Sylvia thing. Face time with a fashion icon? Who cared? She needed face time with him. Face-to-face. Lips to lips.
He turned, his vision unsubtly washing over her. “I need to go,” he said to his phone, then tucked it into his pocket.
Sarah waited for his verdict, her pulse racing and her mouth dry.
“You look absolutely gorgeous,” he said. “The dress is stunning.”
The dress. The dress is stunning. She couldn’t ignore his choice of words.
“You clean up pretty nice yourself.” She stopped short of mentioning that his suit pants might look better draped over a chair, his shirt flung over a lamp.
He cocked an eyebrow and tied his tie without so much as looking in the mirror. Surely her heart was never meant to withstand these flirtatious blows. “Good?” he asked.
“Your tie?”
“Yes.”
“It’s a little crooked.” He’d done a spot-on job, but this was too good an excuse to touch him. She set down her bag and straightened the tie, quickly learning that with her height disadvantage, she was giving him a bird’s-eye view down the front of her dress. His warm smell teased her nose, making the proximity of his mouth impossible to ignore. Why was she torturing herself? She patted his shoulder and stepped back. “You’re perfect.” Too perfect.
“Good. Let’s get out of here.”
John quickly had them to the warehouse where Forward Style was being held. The show moved from city to city each year, and to make it that much more exclusive—and elusive—the exact location was never revealed to guests until hours before it started. Judging by the jam of limousines and expensive cars in front of the venue, along with the mass of people and photographers standing behind barricades, Sarah could only imagine the mayhem if the address were publicized ahead of time.
Sitting in the car, waiting for their turn at the red carpet, Sarah’s earlier calm faded. The closer they crept, it got worse. Cameras flashed. Spotlights beamed into the night sky. Sarah’s pulse acted like it was auditioning to join a Miami music rhythm section. This world they were about to step into was all kinds of intimidating, but she’d wanted this since she was a teenager. You’ve waited long enough. This is your future.
A valet opened the door and Aiden was out first. Sarah scooted across the seat, and just when she had another pang of doubt, he took her hand and gave it a squeeze. Regardless of what it meant, she was so glad to have her fingers safely tucked inside his grasp. He didn’t have to give a speech to bolster her now. His touch was all she needed.
She’d worried that the photographers’ camera flashes would stop when she stepped out of the car, but they kept coming. Of course, it was part of the excitement of the evening, or quite possibly the allure of Aiden, but she soaked up every second. She stood tall and smiled, hanging on to Aiden’s hand just as she had in the air above Biscayne Bay.
Across the threshold, gorgeous women in supershort dresses offered glasses of sparkling wine. Aiden and Sarah filtered into the warehouse, which had been done up with glitzy lighting and cascades of white fabric hanging from the tall ceilings. A din of conversation and thumping dance music filled the room. Models, designers, rock stars and the Hollywood elite were decked out in a dizzying array of fashion choices—everything from priceless gowns to ripped jeans. They all seemed to know each other, embracing, laughing and chattering away.
A handsome young man in a tux offered to show them to their seats. As they walked up the aisle, Sarah couldn’t believe it as they got closer and closer to the front. They stopped at the first row, taking their seats between one notorious magazine editor and renowned twin sister fashion mavens. “How’d you manage these?” she whispered in Aiden’s ear.
He put his arm around her and nestled his nose in her hair. “I made an additional donation. I figured it would add to your mystery. Everyone will want to know who you are.”
Sarah looked up at him, their lips only inches apart. With every crazy thing going on in this room, hundreds of endlessly wealthy and fabulous people milling about, she could only think about planting her mouth on his. Earlier, she’d wanted him just for being his sexy self. Now she wanted to kiss him for countless reasons. “I don’t know what to say. Thank you.”
He smiled. “Of course.”
The music faded and there was a rush for people to take their seats. The song changed to a delicate instrumental and a hush fell over the crowd. Sarah’s heart threatened to explode. This was really happening. Out strode a grinning Sylvia Hodge, lithe and graceful in a silvery-gray gown with a slit up one leg. Her black hair was pulled back in a high ponytail, her wrist weighed down with a stunning collection of diamond bangles. She carried herself as a woman who had the world at her feet. And she did, so it worked.
She raised a microphone to her ruby-red lips. “I want to thank everyone for joining us for this year’s Forward Style. It’s much more than a fashion event—it’s a community coming together to support a worthy cause. This year, all proceeds benefit art programs in our public schools. That makes me incredibly proud. We must nurture creativity whenever possible. Speaking of which, I know you’re all ready to see what our brilliant designers have in store for us this evening. Without further ado, on with the show.” Sylvia worked it on her way backstage, hips swaying, hemline flapping around her ankles.
The music changed to another driving dance beat, and before Sarah could put a single thought into Sylvia, the show started. An endless line of models filed down the runway as the secret Forward Style collections were revealed. Sarah focused on design details, following along in the program until she noticed that none of the other VIPs were doing the same. She set aside her guide. An up-and-coming designer wouldn’t be obsessing over who made what, she’d be enjoying the creativity of her peers. She sat straighter, watching the show, keenly aware of two people—Aiden right next to her and Sylvia, now seated in the front row on the opposite side of the catwalk. One person to be her rock, the other her greatest challenge.
After an unbelievable display of fashion, the show drew to a close with the designers’ curtain call. The crowd gave a standing ovation, furiously clapping. Sarah kept her eyes trained on Sylvia. Once the final bows had been taken, it was time to act. Goodbye comfort zone.
“I’m going in,” she blurted to Aiden.
Surprise crossed his face. “Yeah. Go.”
Sarah pushed her way through the throng of people, easier said than done when you’re height challenged, but she was not about to be thwarted. Just fake it. When she reached Sylvia, she didn’t think. She acted. She touched her arm and started talking. “Ms. Hodge. I’m Sarah Daltrey and I need to tell you about my c
ompany, Kama. I know you’re shopping for new brands and you need to see my designs. My company makes women’s sleepwear and lingerie. There’s a gap in your company’s portfolio when it comes to that category.”
Sylvia looked both astonished and amused. “Not many people have the nerve to be so direct with me. Can you show me your work?”
“I’m wearing one of my own designs tonight.”
Sylvia quickly eyed the dress. “Okay. Show me more.”
Not a ringing endorsement, but Sarah still couldn’t get out her phone fast enough. She pulled up the gallery and handed it over to Sylvia, then began explaining each image. That was the easy part. And now that she’d gotten over her initial nervousness, every word out of her mouth became more natural.
Sylvia flicked back through the pictures a second time, nodding, as Sarah tried to interpret what each facial tic might mean. She returned Sarah’s phone then gave her a business card. “Call my office tomorrow morning and ask for Katie. She’ll walk you through what else we’ll need from you before we can talk any further. I trust you have your financials in order? A website? Designs for next season?”
Sarah’s mind whirred into gear. This was happening. “Yes. Of course. Katie. I’ll call her.”
“She gets in very early. I’d call before her day gets too busy. You have talent, but it won’t do you any good if you don’t find the right partner.”
Sylvia Hodge, who Sarah now regarded as a powerful and intimidating fairy godmother, disappeared into the crowd.
“Well, that was intense,” Aiden quipped. “You just did it. You didn’t need my help at all.”
Sarah grasped his elbow with one hand and his lapel with the other. She wasn’t sure she should be so forward, but taking what she wanted and faking it when necessary had actually worked. “But I did need your help. Now let’s get out of here. This music is making me crazy.”
They made a quick escape into the Miami night, heading back to the hotel. Sarah settled into her seat—as much as a girl can when she’s floating on air for the second time in one day.
Aiden turned to her. “If things don’t work out with Sylvia, I want to invest.”
“Fashion’s not in your wheelhouse, remember?”
“Sarah, you could sell me the Brooklyn Bridge right now. That was a really tough thing you did. And you killed it.”
Pride swelled inside her, as did her yearning for Aiden. However much she’d wished earlier that she could touch him, kiss him, run her fingertips over the intricate patterns of that tattoo on his arm, the desire was tenfold now. “You’re so sweet.”
“That’s not what you’d say if you knew the thoughts going through my head when I look at you in that dress.”
“Thoughts?”
Her face was on fire. Swallowing became an impossible task. Kiss him. Just get it over with and if he turns you down, you can tell him it had been a momentary blip of insanity. The car came to a stop. Why are we not moving? We need to get to the hotel. Now.
“We’re here, Mr. Langford,” John said.
“Good.” Aiden gazed deeply into Sarah’s eyes, taking away her ability to breathe, let alone think. “Time to retire for the evening.”
Halfway through the lobby, Sarah was overcome with the feeling that everything was about to change. And not just with her career.
* * *
Aiden unknotted his tie on the elevator. He couldn’t take it anymore. He’d started something in the car, something that was not smart, but he’d had enough. Being with Sarah all day had been too great a test. Every inch of her was temptation...he would’ve berated himself for suggesting parasailing and subjecting himself to hours with her in a bikini if he hadn’t so greatly enjoyed it. He’d thought at least a dozen times about untying one of those bows on her bathing suit, caressing her soft skin, leaving her bare to him.
Next to her in the elevator, the view was incredible, but looking was no longer enough. He needed to touch her, without the dress, needed her in his bed, so he could finally get lost in her sweetness and beauty. He’d be kissing her right here and now if he thought for even a minute that he’d be able to stop.
Finally, mercifully, the elevator reached their floor.
Sarah stopped halfway down the hall, planted her hand against the wall and kicked off her shoes. “These things are killing me.”
Aiden laughed quietly. Her career was built on aesthetics, but she wasn’t afraid to be real with him. He opened their door, ready to sweep Sarah into his arms and finally just kiss her.
She had other plans. “Sorry, but I need to do one thing.”
Before he could say a single word, she darted into her room and closed the door.
Well damn.
He stood there for a moment, unsure of what to do, which made no sense. He almost always knew what to do. Come on, Sarah. Hurry up. But she didn’t appear. And there was no sign that she would return. What could she possibly be doing in there? How long could it take? So that was that. He’d crossed a line with that comment in the car, and it hadn’t worked. Time to admit defeat.
He stalked to his room and closed his door, disappointment threatening to consume him. This was not the way things typically went for him. Hell, he couldn’t think of any time this had happened. Then again, he’d never known a woman like Sarah. He stepped out of his pants, which oddly enough made his arousal a more pressing matter. It felt good to be less constrained, but now it was impossible to ignore how badly he wanted Sarah. Should I go to her? Tell her how badly I want to make love to her? Or will I seem like a jerk? They only had a few more days together.
A quiet knock came at his door.
Aiden looked around the room, unsure if it was a construct of his imagination. A second knock came. He lunged for the door and opened it, pure evidence of how little he was thinking. In his boxers, there was no hiding how thrilled he was to see her.
“There you are,” she said, slightly breathless, in the tempting black-and-silver nightgown.
“Where else would I be?”
“I thought you would wait for me. I mean...after the car. It seemed like you wanted to, um, spend some time together.” Her eyes flashed with something he’d never seen, which was saying a lot since she was such an animated woman.
“I do want to spend time together.” Why couldn’t he find something smooth to say? Oh right, everything below his waist was doing the thinking.
“What are you up to?” She looked everywhere—at the ceiling, the floor, the windows with the view of the water. Either she was trying to ignore the erection in the room, or she was waiting for him to make his move.
“I’m up to this.” He leaned down and cupped the side of her cheek, placing a soft and tentative kiss on her lips. He choked back a sigh of relief. He’d wanted this more than he’d known.
She popped up on to her tiptoes and reached for his neck. Before he could think twice about what she was doing, she had him in the throes of the most enthusiastic kiss anyone had ever laid on him. He stooped to get closer, her lips wild and untamed, as if she’d been sent to consume him. For an instant he had to wonder if he’d fallen asleep and was stuck in a dream, but then she nipped his lower lip and the heavenly sting brought him to the present.
“Do you?” He wasn’t sure what he was trying to prove by inquiring about her intentions. They were pretty clear.
She drew in a deep breath and nodded, never taking her eyes off him. “I do. I want you to take off my nightgown and kiss me again. I want you to touch me. I need to touch you. And I don’t want to stop until we’re both exhausted.”
She gazed up at him, her eyes open and honest, while he teased one of the skinny straps from her shoulder. The corners of her sweet lips turned up when he reached for the hem of her gown and tugged it over her head, dropping it to the floor.
He couldn’t have sti
fled the groan in his throat if he’d wanted to. Having her stand before him, completely naked, was overwhelming. He didn’t know where to start—he wanted every part of her at once. Her breasts were even more beautiful than he’d imagined—full and luscious. The outline of her bikini showed from their time in the sun—stretches of creamy, touchable skin paired with the golden glow of her tan.
He snaked his arms around her waist, leaning down to kiss her, taking her velvety bottom into his hands. Was he the luckiest man ever right now? He’d been fantasizing about this five minutes ago and now it was actually happening.
He wanted to kiss her in a way that projected how badly he wanted her, but their height difference made it difficult. He turned and sat on the edge of the bed, pulling her along. She stepped between his knees, her body bracketed by his legs. In his eyes, she was the embodiment of luscious femininity. His arms reined her in, holding her close, as his lips traveled from her pouty mouth to her neck, down the center of her chest, and he took her pert nipple into his mouth as he plucked at the other with his fingers. He listened to the way her breath halted, took note of the subtle moves she made to get closer to him. He had so much to learn about what pleased her, and about what would make her unravel.
She dug her fingers into his hair, massaging his scalp, soft and sexy moans coming from her gorgeous mouth. She dropped to her knees, seeking another kiss from him as she pulled at his boxer briefs and forced him to pop his hips up from the bed, so she could slide them down his legs. Kneeling before him, she took his length in hand, stroking firmly, making contact with her riveting gaze. It was everything he could do to hold his head up, let alone keep his eyes open. Her touch was bringing every nerve ending in his body alive, much as she was changing his entire life, bringing positive energy that hadn’t been there before. She lowered her head and wrapped her lips around his tip, taking him into her warm and welcoming mouth. Aiden had to recline back onto his elbows—the way the blood was rushing through his body right now was enough to make him pass out.
