Chapter 3
Before leaving me in the capable hands at the spa, Ethan had programed his cell number into my phone so I could get a hold of him when I needed something.
After my hot stone massage I was sitting in a relaxing chair getting a pedicure when my phone rang.
“Hey baby girl,” Rex says after I answer. “How’s Vegas? Do I need to come and kick any board member ass yet?”
“No, haven’t even met any of them yet, but I will let you know.” I laugh in the phone. He was in training camp right now. Otherwise he would have probably attended the meeting with me just for intimidation. He was a big guy, very built and muscular from all his years in football and training.
“Well, take names baby girl, because if any of them give you any trouble I will be paying them a visit.” And though he says it teasingly I have no doubt that he would hurt someone that tried to hurt me.
“How’s Lauren?” I ask. His girlfriend for last month did not like him talking to me.
“Uhgg, she’s gone. That bitch be crazy.” He growls into the phone.
“You say that about all of them.” I laugh. Rex has a different girlfriend every month.
“That’s because all woman are crazy.”
“Hey now!”
“Not you baby girl, you’re the only woman in my life that doesn’t drive me bat shit insane. Remind me again why we are not together?” He teases.
“Because you are not a one woman kind of guy and I am immune to your charms.” I tease back, and he groans on the other end of the phone. “You know you only want me because you can’t have me.”
“Oh, I’ve already had you baby girl. Let me tell you, to this day you are still the best.” He uses his deep sex voice and I can see the smirk on his face as he says it.
“Now you’ve made me blush.” I’m not blushing; I am used to Rex’s constant flirting with me.
“Damn, I wish I was there to see it.” He’s growling again.
“Why’s that?”
“Because baby girl, you're even more gorgeous when you’re blushing.”
“OK, that’s my cue. I’ve got to go. I’m ready for my manicure and she needs both hands.” Even though she is not saying anything the lady working on my toes is finished and all set up for my hands. I lay my non phone hand on the table and she gets busy on it.
“Pampering that beautiful body of yours. Good for you.”
“Yeah. It’s a hard life, but I am soldiering on.” I laugh and he lets out one of his loud deep laughs. I can see him with his head back and shaking his head.
“Aubrey?” Oh shit, he’s getting serious. He only says my name when he’s serious.
“Yes?”
“Please don’t go out of the hotel alone. It’s a dangerous city for a sexy woman like you.”
“I’m not leaving this hotel until it is time to get on the plane, I swear.” I had already told him this when we spoke before I left New York. He worries about me way too much.
“I miss you, Aubs.”
“Why don’t we go somewhere when the season’s over?” The truth is, I have missed him too. Even though we talk on the phone once a week, if not more, I haven’t seen him in months.
“Yeah, as long as it’s just you and me. NO Maggie, please.” Poor Mags, like every other woman in the world, was insanely hot for Rex. She was a blubbering idiot whenever he was around.
“No Mags.” I agree.
“Love you, baby girl. Call me tomorrow after your meeting, OK?” I agree before we hang up.
Chapter 4
Standing in my master suite, I gaze at myself in the full length mirror and call Mags. After all, she is the one who made me buy this dress. It’s a very tight, one shoulder black dress that shows off every curve. Paired with black high heel Jimmy Choo’s my legs seem to go forever.
“Please tell me you’re having some fun?” Mags says, answering my call.
“I look like a hooker.”
“No, in that dress you would be a high priced call girl.” She teases knowing exactly what dress I have on.
“Thanks.”
“I bet you’re not wearing knickers either.” She laughs and she’s right. I had on a thong, but the tight material allowed you to see it very clearly. “You’re only going to the hotel bar right?”
“Yeah, but I don’t think I can go in this.”
“Love, I’ve seen you in that dress and it makes your arse look amazing. So get it down there, pick up a hot guy, and do some much needed shagging already.”
“It would be a shame to not go out with my hair and make-up done from the spa.” I do feel very sexy in this dress. It could be fun going to the hotel bar to get a glass of wine and people watch. “It would be a waste wouldn’t it?”
“That’s the spirit! Now go, and then call me with all the dirty details.”
I step out into the main room of my suite. Ethan is behind the bar opening a bottle of white wine for me per my request. When he sees me he almost drops the bottle that he just popped the cork out of.
“That bad, huh? I knew it. I look like a hooker, don’t I?” I am blushing now at the way he is looking at me.
“I hope I don’t get fired for this, but I don’t care because it needs to be said. I think you are the most gorgeous woman I have ever seen.” Ethan steps around the bar as he says it, his charm at its highest.
“Ethan, you’re already getting a very big tip from me…”
“No. I’m not saying it because you’re paying me. I am saying it because it’s the truth.” He seems so sincere I almost believe he really means it. He brings me my glass of wine and I ask him to join me. He’s hesitant at first, but then I remind him I’m his boss.
“So if I get fired when you leave I can call you for a job?” He says sipping the wine.
“You’re not getting fired, trust me.” I wink at him and he gives me a drop dead sexy smile.
“Marry me,” he says, catching me so off guard that I snort when I laugh. That only makes me laugh harder and then he joins me.
“Pretty damn sexy, aren’t I?” I say through giggles. I’m sitting on the barstool with my legs crossed and Ethan looks me up and down. “Now enough of that mister, I don’t need a sexual harassment charge on me. Remember, I’m your boss.” I am suddenly very uncomfortable which he senses immediately.
“I’m so sorry, I couldn’t help it. Please forgive me.” Ethan goes around the bar to clean up, not looking me in the eye.
“Well, don’t get all weird on me now. I’ve checked you out too. We’re not dead after all,” I tell him. He relaxes instantly and returns my smile.
“I’ve just never met a girl like you before. I would hate it if I did anything to make you feel uncomfortable.”
“We’re fine, Ethan, I swear. Now what floor is the hotel bar on? I better go before I lose all courage.”
Taking me down to the bar, Ethan escorts me in and tells me he will be nearby if I need him. I assure him I won’t and tell him to go have some fun, boss’s orders. Not sure if he will do it or not but I feel better knowing that he is not waiting in the wings for me to call. Hopefully.
The bar is amazing. It is designed in levels. The large square bar is the center of the room and is on the top level. Down one level are some tables that surround the perimeter of the square bar. Then down one more level are more tables, but they're high tops so they're the same height as the tables on the second level. It goes back up two levels and there are booths lining three sides of the bar. The booths are the same level as the bar and it’s one of the most unique designs I have seen. The bar isn't crowded but about half the tables are full. There are lots of suits and well dressed men. A few women, but the guys are out numbering the girls two to one.
I take a seat at the bar crossing my legs, very carefully not wanting to give anyone a view of my naughty bits, as Mags calls them. I turn to the bartender.
"Ms. Jackson, what can I get you?" The very Ethan like bartender asks me. What the hell, did they circula
te my picture so that everyone knows who I am?
"White wine, thank you."
"We have lots of white wine, what would you like?" Hell I don't know, I have yet to try wine I haven't like.
"Whatever you recommend is fine." I tell the bartender who nods and flashes a panty dropping smile. They must have to take a class on how to do that to work here.
He places a glass in front of me and waits while I try it. I do and I nod that it’s to my liking before he moves on to the next customer.
An older woman sits next to me and starts chatting me up. She is waiting for her husband who is in a very high stakes poker game right now.
She talks and I listen. I am fine with that because she doesn’t ask me any questions. She tells me she usually doesn't accompany her husband on his trips unless he coming to The W.S. Jackson Grand. "This hotel has the best spa in the country you know." I feel a little proud since I do own this hotel. She doesn't know that of course but I tell her that I enjoyed the spa this afternoon also.
A thirty something brown hair, brown eyed man sits next to me. He's good-looking, but the kind that knows he is. The kind that thinks he's God's gift to women. The kind of man I loathe and get great pleasure in turning down. I turn to him and nod politely.
"Why in the world is a beautiful girl like you in a bar by herself?" He is pouring on a sickening charm.
"Just needed a drink." I am not interested in this game right now. I like the flirting game sometimes, but tonight I am not in the mood.
"I'm Brad," he tells me like I care. He is leaning up against the bar staring at the side of my face waiting for my response.
"Aubrey," I answer to be polite. I'm not giving him any signals to proceed with is flirting, but he doesn't seem to get the hint.
"A beautiful name for a beautiful girl." He delivers his stupid pick up line.
I'm just about to excuse myself from the bar to get away from Brad when the bartender sets another drink in front of me.
"From the gentlemen in the booth," he states answering my unasked question, pointing to the buyer of my drink. I turn to follow the direction of his finger and I'm met with OH. MY. GOD. Drop dead sexy, tall, dark, and handsome sitting in the booth at the top level. He is with two other men, but I hardly notice them when the buyer of my drink meets my eyes.
The most deep blue eyes I have ever seen. He's a GOD in an expensive gray suit with a blue tie that matches his eyes. My mouth goes dry and my breath hitches as I look away. What is happening? I have never had this kind of reaction to a man before. Surely it has to be the wine affecting me. My heart is racing and I don't look back.
I motion to the bartender. "A drink for the man and his friends please," I tell him. I am more than ready to get out of here.
"Right away, Ms. Jackson." He sets off making the drinks and then sends the sexy waitress over to them to deliver them. Of course it’s the sexy waitress. I don't want to even see how he interacts with her. I chance a glance after a few minutes. He's gone but his two friends are still sitting there. I search the room nervously when I see him coming around the bar toward me. Oh shit, get it together, Aubrey. You've done this a hundred times, you know how to flirt with men and leave them drooling for more.
"So, I buy you a drink and you call and raise two drinks for my friends." Damn his voice is sexy just like the rest of him. He wiggles between me and Brad. I'm too busy staring into the deep blues of the most gorgeous man on the planet.
"It is Vegas." I finally answer gazing at him. He lets out a low, deep chuckle that makes my insides turn to mush. How is he doing this to me?
"I'm sorry, but we were having a conversation," Brad says putting his hand on deep blues shoulder. Gorgeous man's jaw twitches and I have the sudden urge to reach up and touch him.
"I don't think the lady is interested," Deep blues says, not taking his eyes off me.
"Sorry, Brad, but it's not happening." My eyes still haven't left his. It's like they are hypnotic.
"Beat it, BRAD," Deep blues grates out still watching me. Brad turns in a huff and goes to the other side of the bar where he sits and glower's at us.
"I have to know your name," Deep blues says.
"Aubrey,” I answer with a hard swallow. Fuck me I want to see what is under that suit. I'm sure it is a rock hard body.
"Aubrey, a beautiful name for a very beautiful woman." Thank God, something that doesn't turn me on. OK buddy, keep up the cheesy lines because I can work with those.
"Ah yes, original." Take that you sexy ass god. He lets out low sexy chuckle. Damn!
"Of course you have heard that one before. So, how about this one? You come here often?" OK, now that was funny. Of course, like the idiot I am, I am caught off guard and snort when I laugh. Kill me now.
"That's much better." He is probably running away right now from my snorting, which only happens when I am caught off guard, but he's not. He is leaning against the bar with the sexiest of smiles that shows off his perfect white teeth and his...oh my God he has freaking dimples. REALLY?
"Good, then I don't have to use the ‘What’s your sign?’ line." Snort laugh again. Jesus Christ! Aubrey Jackson, you’re acting like a teenager.
"You may run now from the stupid snorting girl," I tell him as he still stands there in all is glorious might. I can smell him now. His cologne fills my nostrils, and even his smell is doing things to me.
"Actually, it's refreshing to see that even total perfection can have some cute attributes," he says in the sexiest voice I ever heard. Holy fuck I am in trouble. I really need to get out of here fast.
"So, Aubrey," Jesus even the way he says my name is going to give me a damn orgasm. This can't happen in this tight black dress with no damn underwear on, "I have to ask why you are in this bar alone. Waiting for your boyfriend or husband, perhaps, while he plays poker?" He's phishing. He's phishing to see if he can get me back to his room. If I don't leave, and soon, I'm going to let him. No, Aubrey, no one night stands.
"No to either. I am in town on business and thought I could use a drink before bed." Why am I talking about bed? Because I want him in my bed, and I want to see what is under that suit. I want him on top of me, his hard body crushing mine. Stop it. I need out now.
"Umm, thanks for the drink Mr......."
"Ian Brady. Why do I get the feeling you are about to blow me off?" Because if I stay here next to you, smelling you, and listening to your animal sexy voice, I am going to have a wet spot on the back of my dress seeing I have no fucking knickers on!
"Mr. Brady, I’m not blowing you off. I need to get back to my room to prepare for my meeting tomorrow." Lie. I need to get away from you before I invite you to shag me up against a wall. Thank you so much Mags.
I make to get off the bar stool and I trip. My hands land on Ian's hard ass chest. I knew he was ripped under that suit. My face is inches from his. I can smell the alcohol on his breath mixed with his scent and I gasp. Oh yeah, I'm screwed.
He grabs my elbows and I think he shocks me, white hot lighting shoots up my arms. I steady myself on my feet as he rubs his hands up my forearms to where my hands still rest on his amazing rigid chest. He holds my hands there with his, not letting me move away from him. Staring into my eyes, his lips are seconds from touching mine when I hear my name.
"Aubrey, are you ready?" Thank you, Ethan, thank you, thank you. If those soft amazing lips had touched me I am pretty sure I'd be gone. Even though Mags keeps telling me that I need a good shagging to loosen myself up, a one night stand in Vegas by the god that is Ian Brady is not the way to go. Pretty sure that would wind me up even tighter.
"Ethan." I turn my head to him and wiggle from Ian's grasp. He hesitantly lets me go before he turns is eyes on our intruder. They are not happy eyes as he takes in Ethan.
"This is Ian Brady. I slipped and he was kind enough not to let me face plant." I adjust my dress while turning, grab my clutch off the bar top, and then take a couple of steps away from the now very brooding Ian.
"Yes I saw that. Are you alright?" Ethan says rubbing my arm. Nothing, I feel nothing from Ethan's touch. Why do I feel so much from this man staring us down right now, not looking very friendly at Ethan's hand on my arm?
"I'm sorry. I thought you said no boyfriend." He seems mad, like Ethan is stealing his possession, which is exactly why I am so very grateful for Ethan right now. I am nobody's possession Mr. Brady.
"Oh no, I'm Aubrey's personal concierge. It’s my job to keep her on schedule," Ethan says. I could kill him for that. Would it have killed him to act like my boyfriend for two seconds? He obviously had enough sense to come rescue me.......but let's not give the very brooding Ian the wrong idea now.
"Yes, like I said prep work. I must get busy." God I'm a flustered mess and so horny right now I can hardly think straight. Ian looking at me like that is not helping. He takes in my whole body and then his eyes meet mine again. Yep getting very, very wet.
"Are you in town for a few days?" he asks. His voice is like sex on a spoon and I want to lick it off. Shut up.
"Yes, but I’m very busy." Very busy with my vibrator tonight thanks to you.
"Maybe we can meet for a drink tomorrow night? That is if you can squeeze me into your very tight schedule." Oh for crying out loud, squeeze you in to my very tight...... There's that damn sexy smile again.
"Yes, maybe. I will be here at 9:00 if I have time." We need to leave now. I turn to Ethan, but not before Ian grabs my hand bringing it up to his lips. Those sexy, sexy lips.
"It was so nice to meet you, Aubrey." He stares in my eyes as he brushes his lips across my knuckles. My knees buckle, they actually buckle.
He steadies me with his hands on my elbows again causing an electrical shock that rockets straight to my core. Seriously how is he doing this?
"I must've had too much wine." I try to explain away the clumsy behavior, but Ian's eyes tell me he knows it has nothing to do with the wine. Get me out of here.
Deep Blue Impact (Deep Blue Series) Page 2
