She shot back into the dressing room and gathered her things off the hangers and out of the drawers, shoving them all haphazardly into her case, and then moved as quickly as she could from the room.
Further down the hall she flung open the door to what she knew was one of the other bedrooms. She quickly scanned the room, but there was no sign of anyone’s personal effects in here, nor in the next two rooms she checked. She was alone in the luxury villa with Adam? She wracked her memory to try and recall exactly what it was he’d said about their guests.
He’d said they’d gone for a walk to stretch their legs and that they’d be meeting for pre-dinner drinks. At no time had he said they would be staying at this villa with them. She’d assumed he’d booked the one house for all of them to stay in, without considering for a moment that he might have booked individual villas for each couple.
Couple. The word echoed in her ears. He expected them to be a couple for the weekend. Was that what the others thought, too? Did they assume she and Adam were lovers?
Lainey stood quietly in the last bedroom she’d checked—one that was as far as it possibly could be from the room she’d thought was hers. The room that Adam would be enjoying in splendid solitude. She quickly locked the door then, with shaking hands, put her clothes on hangers in the wardrobe, with the exception of what she was wearing for tonight, and pushed her underwear into one of the drawers.
Feeling a little more in control she went through to the bathroom, thankful that she wouldn’t need to go back to Adam’s room to gather together her toiletries as everything, bar personal makeup, was already provided.
She felt fresher after a quick shower, more in control. As she slid on her briefs and bra and the pale green wide-legged trousers and tunic style top she’d chosen to wear she felt her blood pressure resume something like normal. The fabric settled against her skin with a gentle softness that spoke volumes to the quality of the garments she wore. Yes, she’d definitely given Adam’s card a workout. It was no less than he’d expected, she told herself as a frisson of guilt shivered up her spine.
But in accepting these clothes, and the money he’d agreed to pay her for this weekend, what else had she accepted? She pushed the question to the back of her mind and tugged a comb through her hair. She’d feel better with a slick of makeup and lipstick, she mused as she studied her reflection in the mirror. Would Adam be out of the bedroom yet?
A quick glance at the bedside clock confirmed it was getting close to time to meet their guests. From the different vantage point this bedroom offered she had a clear view of the infinity pool and the surrounding deck. Yes, she could see Adam there already with Mr. and Mrs. Pesek, standing by the bar.
She quickly dashed through to Adam’s room and gathered the last of her things, feeling as if she’d achieved something quite momentous as she arranged her personal effects on the bathroom vanity back in her room. Sure, this bedroom wasn’t as luxuriously appointed as the other one had been but at least it was hers and hers alone.
After a final check in the mirror Lainey made her way through the house to the large open plan entertainment area which opened out onto the expansive deck. She was pleased to see Mr. and Mrs. Schuster had also arrived. Safety in numbers, that was good, she told herself as she glided across the deck to join them.
Despite a piercing look from Adam as she joined the conversation, the evening went pleasantly. In fact it was more relaxed than the journey north had been. There was a new atmosphere between the men, as if by reaching agreement on the final terms of their contract they could now relax and simply enjoy the exquisite surroundings.
Large floating candles had been lit in the infinity pool and other candles illuminated the deck in a profusion of golden light as the sun slid over the horizon. The setting was truly beautiful, and truly romantic, Lainey noted nervously as she watched Adam in animated conversation across the table as they dined on succulent crayfish and colorful salads and sipped on New Zealand’s best sparkling wine.
She could almost fool herself into thinking she belonged here, Lainey realized as their dishes were cleared away and a dessert was brought on a trolley to the deck.
By the time the last liquor was drank and the last crumb of the white chocolate liqueur mousse eaten, a delicious lethargy had spread through Lainey’s body. As their guests rose to leave, though, every nerve in her body went back on full alert.
As Adam closed the front door of the villa Lainey started off down the hall.
“In a hurry, Lainey?” His voice followed her down the hall.
She hesitated before turning to face him. He’d closed the distance between them on a silent tread and the breath flew from her lungs as he stopped right in front of her.
“It’s late and we have a full day tomorrow.”
“That we do. So tell me, why did you move out of our room?”
She bristled. “You know darn well why I moved out of your room, Adam. I agreed to spend the weekend here as your companion and as a hostess, on behalf of Palmer Enterprises, to our clients. I never, at any time, agreed to more than that.”
His blue eyes grew cool.
“Yet you spend most of your nights with Ling. So what is it? Did I not offer you enough? Did you not like what you saw?”
Lainey forced her hands into fists to prevent doing what she really wanted to do in response to his insinuation.
He lifted one finger to trace the line of her cheek, tracing the prominent cheekbone and drawing his finger downward, across her jaw and lower still, until it caressed the side of her neck where her pulse raced beneath his fingertip.
“Well?” he prompted, his voice pitched so low she barely heard him.
She stepped back, breaking the tenuous contact before she could succumb to his enticement.
“This is ridiculous.”
Adam’s lips quirked into a smile. “You think so?”
He took a step closer and hooked his arm around her waist, pulling her lower body against his.
“Can you feel what you do to me, Lainey? Does this feel ridiculous to you?”
Oh, God. The hardness of his arousal pressed against her and, for her sins, she wanted him, too. Familiar heat seeped through her veins, making her limbs feel heavy. She sagged against him, just ever so slightly, but she saw the triumphant flash in his eyes before he suddenly let her go.
“Good night, Lainey. I hope you can sleep well, because I sure won’t.”
As he stalked away from her she slumped against the wall, willing her legs to continue to hold her upright. Fine tremors ran through her body. She’d been on the point of capitulation and he’d known it. Known it, and then walked away.
Lainey felt very much like a mouse that had been tormented by a cat until it had decided it didn’t want to play anymore. What on earth was she going to do when this particular cat got hungry?
Saturday morning arrived with clear blue skies and only the lightest of breezes stirring the still warm, early autumn April air. It was days like this that gave the region its moniker as “the winterless north.” Lainey smiled ruefully at the thought. After last winter’s massive rains and floods in the region she imagined that most locals would struggle to find humor in the signature for the region anymore. But all the bad weather of the past aside, today was perfect.
She stifled a yawn as she made her way to the kitchen to find some breakfast.
“Didn’t sleep?”
Adam was seated at the breakfast bar, laptop open in front of him and a steaming cup of coffee in one hand. Her eyes drank in the sight of him, from the base of his throat bared by the open neck of his cream colored polo shirt to the tight fit of his tan colored pants as they stretched across his thighs.
“I slept fine, thank you,” she blatantly lied, helping herself to a cup of the deliciously aromatic brew.
She took a sip, wishing she’d gone for something cooler, like orange juice or iced water. Something she could hold in a frosted glass against her cheek and dull the flare of heat
Adam ignited in her.
“The others will be here in half an hour then we head down to the wharf.”
“Good, I’m looking forward to it.”
Adam watched her carefully. There were pale violet shadows under her eyes. A grim sense of satisfaction plucked at his chest that she’d slept no better than he. He could have kissed her last night and she’d have kissed him back, he was certain of it. Kissed him back and more. But it had been better to let her go. He knew he would win eventually and when he did, her capitulation would be total.
He flicked his eyes over her hungrily. She wore a form-fitting coral-colored top that hugged her generous breasts before flaring over the curves of her hips and her white stretch denim jeans looked as if they’d been painted on. Today would be both a trial and a pleasure, he silently accepted, already feeling the unmistakable pull of attraction.
She affected him in ways he didn’t want to admit. Ways he never wanted to allow because in some peculiar way it made him feel vulnerable. But he was happy to let her go, for now, because he knew he’d get exactly what he wanted in the end—and by then, the wait would have been well worth it.
By the time they were all settled on the luxury launch and headed away from the Russell wharf, Adam was as tightly wound as a spring. Business-wise, things couldn’t be going better. Schuster had insisted on the contract being signed and squared away before they headed out for the day so the rest of the weekend could pass in total relaxation. As Adam had faxed the signed contract to his legal department he couldn’t help but feel a strong sense of triumph at having pipped Tremont Corporation to the post. Josh Tremont had recently become a complete thorn in Palmer Enterprises side and every win against him was a major satisfaction.
The boat crew served morning tea as they headed out toward the furthest point on their trip, the Hole in the Rock—a stunning formation carved by wind and tide near Cape Brett—and Adam was pleased to see that Lainey was taking her role as hostess seriously in seeing to everyone’s comfort on the boat. If only she could see to his comfort, he thought ruefully. Since he’d seen her at the casino being around her had been a subtle torment.
They’d been heading out for about an hour when Adam heard a startled gasp from one of the women. Lainey was pointing forward, a huge grin on her face as she turned and attracted their guests’ attention to the dolphins swimming playfully along the bow waves of the boat.
Adam stood behind Lainey at the railing. The curve of her buttocks brushed against him. He almost groaned out loud. In a move of self-preservation, he angled his hips slightly away. The last thing he needed was for the constant state of semi-arousal she provoked in him to be full-blown and visible to everyone.
“The skipper said you can swim with the dolphins if you want to.”
She spun around. “Could we?”
The excitement in her voice was infectious and after checking with the Schusters and the Peseks it was agreed that they’d don wet suits and slip into the water. Adam could barely tear his eyes off Lainey as she came on deck in her sapphire blue bikini. While it wasn’t risqué in itself, what it concealed was enough to drive him to drink. Or at least the nearest expanse of cold water. He fought back his irritation as one of the boat stewards helped her struggle into the snug-fitting wet suit.
“Here, let me,” he said, brushing the other man aside and taking hold of the zipper and easing it up over her creamy skin.
The laughter, which had sparkled in her eyes only seconds ago stopped. Changed. Deepened into something else. Her pupils dilated, the color of her eyes flared like green fire. A fire that answered immediately in his blood.
He forced himself to release the tab of her zipper, to step away.
“Do you need a hand with your fins?” he asked, his voice unexpectedly gruff.
“No, thanks. I’ll be fine.”
She wouldn’t meet his gaze again. Maybe, with that look, she felt she’d told him too much. Well, he’d take it. Take it and more.
In the water, the Peseks and the Schusters spoke volubly to one another in their own tongue as the dolphins frolicked in the water around them. Lainey hung on the outskirts of the activity, apparently happy to float around and just watch. Adam, well, he was happy watching her. Lainey’s hair streamed out behind her in the clear water and she moved with a grace in the sea that he wondered if she would bring to the bedroom. And he would find out before this weekend was over. He was adamant about that.
After about fifteen minutes with the dolphins, everyone climbed back on board, the overseas visitors retiring below deck first to use the showers off the staterooms. Adam unzipped his wet suit and shrugged it down off his shoulders, leaving it hanging from his hips. He felt Lainey’s eyes on him before he caught her glance. It was as if tiny licks of fire caressed his skin and in the confines of the neoprene he grew uncomfortable.
She’d had no trouble peeling out of her wet suit herself, he noted. The damp fabric of her bikini clung to her like a second skin, showing every contour of her body. His eyes dragged over the full roundness of her breasts, of the sharply peaked nipples that imprinted against the blue triangles.
A pang of longing speared through him as he imagined sliding the material to one side, of exposing the hard tips to his gaze, to his caress, to his tongue. God, he was driving himself crazy. It had to stop right now or he’d never gather his wits back around him for the rest of the day.
He spun away from her and scaled the curving staircase that led to the flying bridge. It wasn’t retreat, he consoled himself as the strong breeze whipped at his sensitized skin. It was tactical withdrawal. Rallying forces until a time when he was assured of a victory. And that victory would be sweet.
The rest of the trip to the Hole in the Rock passed comfortably. The sea was flat and calm and the boat cut through the water with smooth steady power. Adam was well pleased with his decision to spend the day out on the water today. He was less pleased, however, with the attention Lainey was getting from one particular steward.
There was only one thing for it, he decided, and that was to stake a very public claim to her attention. He gave the fellow a very pointed look and was pleased to see instant understanding in the younger man’s eyes. Adam sauntered across the deck and joined Lainey on the curved banquette at the stern of the boat where she leaned back, the sun gilding her face and the breeze tangling her hair behind her.
“Enjoying yourself?” He fought to keep an undertone of sarcasm from his voice.
“Surprisingly, yes.”
“Surprisingly?” he prompted.
“Well, you know. It’s not like it’s work, is it? I expected it to feel more business-oriented, but it’s like we’re just out with friends.”
Her guileless response pulled a smile across his lips.
“What do you usually do in the weekends?” he asked.
“Oh, this and that.”
Her evasive response sent a spike of irritation up his spine. Did she usually spend her time with Ling? No, the man was strictly nocturnal. Something, or someone, else filled her weekends, of that he was sure.
“Tell me.”
She turned to face him, her face a blank mask. “I don’t see why that’s necessary.”
“Maybe I just want to get to know you a little better.”
Her brow furrowed slightly as she considered his words. “I don’t think so. Despite what I said before, I have to remember, this really is business, no matter how relaxing it feels. I’m here to do a job and I’m doing it.”
“And the parameters of that job require that you keep me happy with your performance.” Adam hesitated, letting the significance of his words sink in. “So, I’ll ask you again. What do you usually do in the weekends?”
He felt her irritation in the vibration of annoyance that came off her now in waves. She tried to move her body farther away from him but the shape of the bench seat had the converse effect. Even as she scooted her shapely backside a little further away her knees came around to brush against his
.
“I garden. There, happy?”
“Oh, very.” Adam smiled and hooked his hands behind his head and stretched out his legs, effectively blocking her from any attempt at escape. “And do you enjoy gardening?”
A pang of something crossed her face. Sorrow? Regret? He couldn’t be sure, but her demeanor changed almost instantly and all the fight sagged out of her in a heavily exhaled breath.
“Yes, I do. It’s about the only time, these days, where you can lose yourself in what you’re doing and have nothing else to worry about.”
“Do you have much that you worry about?”
Worry. The word hung in the air between them, a testament to the hold that Ling undoubtedly had over her.
“Really, I’d rather not talk about it now,” she hedged. “If you’ll excuse me, I’d like to check on preparations for lunch.”
Adam moved his legs to one side and let her past. She was running. Running and hiding from both her reciprocal attraction to him and the truth. Well, there was little he liked better than a challenge and he’d yet to meet the challenge he couldn’t win.
Five
They stopped for lunch at Urupukapuka Island. The golden sand beach was bathed in sunlight and the boat crew ferried over canvas gazebos, tables and chairs before settling everyone at the beach with a preluncheon apéritif.
Over the edge of his glass Adam watched as Lainey charmed their Czech visitors by asking about their families and by making the appropriate noises of admiration as pictures of their children, and in the Schuster’s case, grandchildren, came out.
She was a conundrum, that was for sure. By day one person. The consummate hostess, the perfect assistant, calm, understated, capable. But at night she changed. Became the kind of woman who’d be by the side of a man like Lee Ling. Be the kind of woman who’d incur such debt that a man like Ling would even be in her orbit. At night she became a siren. Sexy, alluring, enticing. And he wanted that side of Lainey with a gut-deep need.
Pretend Mistress, Bona Fide Boss Page 4
