by Toni Jackson
“Probably knows it, too.” Dani glanced down at her nails. “He wants me to have a late supper with him.”
Eyes wide, Tina’s voice dropped to a whisper. “Seriously?” She took a moment to pat her perfectly styled hair as a grin spread across her face. “Girl, I’d have a late supper with him all right. And a late breakfast.”
Laughter bubbled up inside of Dani. Anyone listening to their conversation would think Tina was loose. Only Dani knew Tina was extremely discriminating in who she dated. Tina just liked teasing Dani because she had no real experience with men. Dani shook her head. “Not on the first date. Maybe not for the next several dates.”
“You’ve got to take the opportunities where you can, girl.” Tina propped her hand on her hip.
“Hmm…like you did with Mr. Johnston at that last showing,” Dani teased. “You’re lucky you got out of here in one piece.”
“That wasn’t my fault.” Tina pouted her lips. “He was trying to feel me up on the sly. When I called his bluff and his wife saw him, he tried to fake amnesia.” Both women laughed at the memory. The man felt so guilty at the scene his wife started, he bought four paintings that were being shown and left as fast as he could.
Tina shrugged. “Anyway, I still say you’re crazy. The way they say he goes through women, you’d better get it on the first date. There may not be another. What have you got to lose? Wouldn’t you want your first time to be with somebody who knows what they’re doing?”
“And how do we know that for sure?” Dani shook her head at her friend and held out her hand. “Girl, give me my coat and let me get out of here.”
“All right. But I’m telling you, you aren’t getting any younger. You need to brush out those cobwebs out and take the plunge.”
Dani turned towards Sean where he still waited patiently near the statue. The intensity of his focus made her feel like she was his prey.
“Bye Tina. I’ll call you tomorrow,” Dani murmured and walked away.
CHAPTER 6
As Dani walked back over to Sean, she admired his chiseled features, his deep green eyes, and the way his dark hair curled over his forehead. His skin held only the slightest tan, telling Dani that he spent most of his time indoors. Sean’s body was no slouch either. Her mind began to wander, imagining what he would look like without those clothes. The look in his eyes as she drew closer made her feel like the sexiest woman in the world.
His body looked solid. The fit of his pullover hinted at a lean, muscular body kept in the best of shape. A few dark hairs dusted the part of his chest that was visible. Too bad he wore loose slacks; she would love to see if he had a nice tight ass to go with the rest of him.
“I’m ready.” Dani smiled up at Sean.
“Good.” The hand he placed at the small of her back warmed her through the coat and dress she wore. Dani refrained from leaning back against his body as he escorted her out of the door and signaled to the valet to get his car.
‘This should be interesting,’ she thought as she stole a quick glance at him. Dani was not surprised to see the valet pull up in a black BMW and hand Sean the keys. He smoothly tipped the valet and walked over to open the door for her. Although Dani had dated several men of different races, she never found herself particularly attracted to white men. Until now. Sean Davenport appealed to all of her senses.
She slid inside, loving the feel of the soft leather seats. This was a long way from her beat up Stanza that rattled up and down the street. Smiling, she snuggled into the seat. So…this was how the other half lived. With any luck, she could make enough to buy one of these for herself.
Sean got in and smiled at her before pulling away from the curb.
Being around him was comfortable, contrary to how she thought she would feel.
He waited a few minutes before breaking the silence. “So how long have you been an artist?”
Dani smiled. “As long as I can remember, I’ve been creating things. It was all I ever wanted to do.”
“Did you always sculpt? Or do you paint also?”
She shook her head. “No. Of course in school, they’re not exactly going to give you a hammer and chisel and let you have your way.” She smiled. “So….while I was at school, I was a good little girl with my paints and clay, and when I got home, I whipped out my knives and hammers.”
Sean laughed. The deep, husky sound sent a chill through her body.
“Sounds like you were not the one to play with on dates,” said Sean.
“No. I wasn’t,” Dani said. “But I didn’t go out a lot. I would get so involved with my sculptures that I would lose track of time and forget about my dates. Eventually, people just stopped asking.”
Dani turned to him. “And what about you? Everyone refers to you as THE corporate shark. How much of that is true?”
“Shark?” he frowned. “I wouldn’t call myself a shark. Just determined. When I see something I want, I go after it.” He gave Dani a look that shot a bolt of heat through her body.
She smiled. “Oh really?”
Sean stopped at the upcoming red light and turned to study her. “Yes, really. It’s not worth having if it’s not worth fighting for.”
The intensity of his stare caught her off guard. Blushing, she turned towards the passenger window when the light changed. The rest of the ride passed in silence, something intangible floating in the air between them.
Sean took them to an intimate restaurant downtown that she had passed, but never had the opportunity to patronize. A valet rushed forward and Sean walked around to help her out of the car. She was surprised when he took her hand and curled it around his arm. She was a little nervous strolling into the restaurant with him. This was not her world. It was his. Looking at the well-dressed people seated at the tables, she resisted the urge to turn and run.
They had barely stepped into the restaurant when the Maitre’d recognized Sean and scrambled to greet the tycoon. “Welcome, Mr. Davenport. Your usual table is available.”
Sean nodded. “That would be fine, Christophe.”
Christophe led them up a discrete set of stairs on the side of the restaurant that led to a private dining room. As they stepped inside, Dani saw a single table set with candles and two place settings. She smirked at Sean after the door closed. “This is your usual table? A private dining room?”
He shrugged. “It’s difficult to enjoy your food when people are gawking and stopping by your table all the time. They never seem to understand that I’m here to eat just like they are.”
“I can understand that. Never had it happen,” she laughed. “But I can understand.”
Sean grinned and helped her into her chair. “If you keep creating sculptures like the one I purchased tonight, you will. Trust me.”
“Maybe, but it’s not about the money. The money’s never been that important to me.”
“Really?” Sean leaned forward. “Why not? You have to admit, money is rather handy for solving problems.”
“True,” Dani agreed. “But sometimes it creates others.”
Sean studied her closely, seeing the sincerity in her comment. It took him a minute to gather his thoughts, but before he could open his mouth to speak, the waiter approached.
“Would you like your usual wine selection, sir?”
He turned to Dani. “Do you have any wine preferences?”
“No.” Dani shook her head. “I’m not much of a drinker.”
“Ahh. Well, you have to have a drink tonight. To celebrate.” He turned back to the waiter. “Bring my usual selection and the menu, then give us fifteen minutes before returning.”
“Yes, Mr. Davenport.” The waiter hurried away, only to return two minutes later with an open bottle of Chardonnay, two glasses, and the menus before scurrying away once again.
“You have them well trained I see.” Dani tried to hold in her laughter at the sight of the waiter almost tripping over his feet to serve Sean.
Sean felt something in him shift as he watched t
he hint of laughter in Dani’s eyes. She was so refreshing and so different from the women in his past. He leaned back and smiled - his first real smile of the evening. “It helps when you own the restaurant.”
Her eyes widened in shock, her laughter bubbling over. “I guess it would.”
“So tell me,” Dani asked. “Do you always travel alone? I thought people of a certain – um – salary range usually had some kind of security with them at all times?”
“I value my privacy. There are trackers on my cars and the GPS on my phone is monitored. I’m followed, but they stay out of sight. Do you know how uncomfortable it is to have an intimate conversation when there are big, burly, gun toting men hanging on to your every word?” Dani began laughing uncontrollably.
Sean kept her laughing with funny anecdotes and stories, keeping her wineglass filled throughout the meal until she had to put her hand over the glass to stop him.
“Enough,” she said, holding up her other hand. “My head is swimming. I don’t even know how I’m going to make it through the restaurant without embarrassing myself.”
“Don’t worry about that. The restaurant closed thirty minutes ago.”
CHAPTER 7
“What! So you mean we’re holding people up from going home?” Dani eased up from the table by holding onto the back of the chair. Although a little woozy, she managed to stay upright without any assistance.
“It’s okay,” Sean said holding up his hand. “It takes them at least this long to shut down for the night.” Dani felt a little better about the situation, but not by much.
It helped that she was relaxed. Dani very seldom drank and tonight she had gone past her one drink limit.
Trying his best to hide his smile, Sean stood up and walked over to the tipsy, yet charming sculptor, and wrapped his arms around her, pulling her close to his body. He enjoyed having her in his arms. He loved the way her body felt next to his.
Dani stiffened. Even though she found Sean attractive, she was not used to having men she just met treat her with such familiarity. Taking a deep breath, she chided herself for being such a prude. Instead, she tried to concentrate on the feeling of being in Sean’s embrace. He was, after all, very rich, and quite good-looking. It was not every day that a girl could have a fling with a rich playboy. After a few minutes, she began to relax as his cologne wafted around her, masculine but not overpowering.
“Come on, it’s okay. Relax against me,” Sean crooned. He held Dani close and led her towards the end of the hall to an elevator. “This will take us downstairs to my car.”
Dani continued to lean against him once they stepped into the elevator.
“Are you okay to drive?” she asked on the elevator ride down, frowning.
“Trust me, I’m fine.” The doors opened to reveal a well-lit garage, with Sean’s car parked a few steps away.
While they were having dinner, the temperature outside had dropped a few degrees. The chill in the air helped to sober Dani, helping to clear her thoughts. Glancing over her shoulder, Dani admired the masculine image Sean presented standing behind her. “Maybe I could stay at a room down here somewhere so you wouldn’t have to drive me all the way back to the other side of town. I could catch a cab back in the morning.” The expression on Sean’s face told her he was not in agreement with her suggestion.
“Would that be any kind of way to treat a date?” Sean responded by leading Dani over to his car. “If you really wanted to be helpful, you could stay with me tonight. My house is only a few blocks away.”
Dani heard a chirp of the alarm on Sean’s car as it disengaged and the doors unlocked. She leaned against the side of the car while he opened the door for her and helped her inside.
Easing into the car and relaxing against the buttery leather Dani smiled. “Tina would just love this,” she mumbled as Sean closed her door and walked around to the other side of the car.
“Who’s Tina?” he asked, sliding behind the steering wheel.
“My best friend,” Dani answered. Her lips curved into a smile as her eyes traveled the length of his body. “She said I should sleep with you tonight and not worry about the consequences.”
Sean fought to hold back his grin. “So why don’t you take her advice?” He reached for Dani’s left hand, his thumbs stroking circles over her palm. Just that small touch made her think of decadent things, like his fingers rubbing circles all over her body.
The remaining wine coursing through Dani’s body loosened her tongue and gave her the courage to say what was on her mind.
“Sleep with you?” she giggled. “It’s tempting.” Dani rolled her head on the headrest to face Sean. “You are a sexy little green-eyed devil. However, I don’t think that’s a good idea. If I knew you better…”
Sean cut her off. “I understand. At least let me treat you to a special surprise.”
Dani lifted her head from its comfortable position. “What kind of surprise?”
Sean smiled at her. “It wouldn’t be a surprise if I told you, now would it?”
Pouting, Dani debated about what the surprise could be. They had talked a lot during dinner, but he gave no sign that there was anything else in store for the evening.
“Dani?” Sean whispered and leaned over, his face just inches from hers.
“Hmm?” She blinked her eyes to see his face so close to hers. “What are you doing?” she whispered.
“Convincing you.” Pressing his lips against hers, Sean captured Dani’s mouth until she responded. Sean’s hands slid through Dani’s hair and cupped the back of her head as he took the kiss to another level, sliding his tongue inside her mouth. After what seemed like forever, he reluctantly pulled away.
That one kiss made Dani want to give Sean anything he wanted. “You are so bad,” she groaned.
“I try to be.” He whispered, smiling. Sean could not remember the last time he had enjoyed himself this much with any woman, much less one he purposely set out to seduce. “Come with me,” he whispered. “I have the perfect ending to the evening.”
“I must be crazy.” Dani closed her eyes again and was silent for a moment. A debate waged inside her. For years, she had saved herself for the man she would marry, and for what? Here she was on the edge of thirty with no husband in sight. No man had ever made her want to be completely unrestrained and give everything.
Not until now. What did she have to lose?
After giving Dani another sexy smile, he quickly kissed her, then sat back and started the car. So far, everything was going according to his plan. It did not hurt that she was beautiful, funny, and sexy. All of that was just a bonus. His physical attraction to her was very real.
They drove the next few blocks in silence, each lost in the own thoughts.
Dani watched closely as Sean drove turned onto a private road off the main road. Every so often, she glimpsed parts of houses set back from the road deep in the woods surrounding them. At the end of the road, they reached a set of wrought iron gates.
Sean reached forward and pushed a button on the dashboard. The gates opened, revealing a long driveway that led to a red-bricked colonial style house in the distance. As they drew closer, she could just make out the flowers and trees that surrounded the front of the house.
Dani barely felt the car roll to a stop before Sean jumped out to help her exit. Still holding her hand, he led her towards the front door. She barely had a chance to glance around before Sean pulled her inside.
Sean smiled as he led Dani into the house and directed her through several rooms. He stopped once he reached a set of double doors near the rear of the house.
He slowly opened them and stepped inside. The room flooded with a soft light.
Dani stepped into the room and stared, amazed.
The room contained several statues that looked like originals.
Each statue glowed, displayed perfectly under a soft light. There were seven statues in all. The walls to the room were a deep red, serving as the perfect backdrop. In
amazement, Dani stepped forward, realizing that she knew the artists. A stone sculpture by Chidi Okoye fought for attention near a bronze by Leone Leoni.
Dani had always felt at home among all forms of Art. She circled each piece, amazed to be so close to such famous pieces. For the first time in her life, she could appreciate the power that came with money. Turning to glance over her shoulder, she saw Sean still standing by the door. For a moment, she had forgotten he was there.
“This is incredible,” she said, smiling.
Sean had never let anyone see his private collection. Somehow, with Dani, it seemed right. Rather than buying these pieces because of their value, his home gallery consisted of statues that spoke to him. Like Dani’s The Madonna had.
Sean shook his head at Dani’s comment. “No, you are incredible.”
Dani threw Sean an incredulous look. She looked down, blushing. “There’s nothing special about me,” she said.
Sean’s intense stare mirrored his disagreement. The look made Dani nervous. To distract him, she grabbed his hand and led him over to the statues. “Tell me about the statues,” she said. “I once had a teacher tell me that there are collectors and then there are people who buy art because it triggers an emotion deep inside of them.” She stopped in front of an Ancient Bronze soldier. “What’s the story behind this one?”
Sean regarded the statue through lidded eyes. He remembered vividly buying the soldier. Taking a deep breath, he began speaking.
“This reminded me of my father. When I was younger, he seemed larger than life.” Sean reached out and gently brushed his fingers against the bronze face. “He built Davenport Corporation from the ground up, never letting anything or anyone stand in his way. It was nothing for him to work fifty to sixty hour weeks.”
The melancholy expression on Sean’s face touched Dani’s heart as his hand dropped back down to his side. He seemed so lost. “What happened to him?” she asked.
