by Loraine Mer
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StarDust Press
www.stardustpress.com
Copyright ©2006 by StarDust Press
First published in StarDust Press, 2006
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NOTICE: This work is copyrighted. It is licensed only for use by the original purchaser. Making copies of this work or distributing it to any unauthorized person by any means, including without limit email, floppy disk, file transfer, paper print out, or any other method constitutes a violation of International copyright law and subjects the violator to severe fines or imprisonment.
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Reviews for Christmas Proposal
"A heartwarming story that'll warm your bones and heart with the true spirit of Christmas—that of giving and sacrifice. Still, this book also packs a lot of passionate scenes that would pleasure the romantic reader. A delightful read!"
~ Kai Andersen,
Dreamscape 1: Perchance to Dream
(coming soon from StarDust Press)
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Christmas Proposal is a StarDust Press Sizzling Romances e-book, and is FOR SALE TO ADULTS ONLY. This e-book contains substantial sexually explicit scenes and graphic language, which may be considered offensive to some readers. Please store your files where they cannot be accessed by minors.
This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places and incidents are solely the products of the author's imagination and/or are used fictitiously, though reference may be made to actual historical events or existing locations. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, business establishments, events, or locales is entirely coincidental.
Christmas Proposal © December 2006 by Loraine Mer
Excerpt of Dreamscape 1: Perchance to Dream © December 2006 by Kai Andersen
Excerpt of SENTI © March 2007 by G.W. Pickle
Excerpt of Sweet Assassins © April 2007 by Lynette Springs
Excerpt of The Magic Scales © May 2007 by P.J. Murdoch
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ISBN 978-981-05-7435-2
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Printed in Singapore
Edited by Megan Wylde
Cover by Tracy Lee
Christmas Proposal
Loraine Mer
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www.stardustpress.com
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Chapter One
Briefcase in hand, Armand Schmitt prepared to leave the company for the day. He'd received a call just moments before from security, notifying him about a persistent woman in the lobby. Such calls aggravated him. He didn't know who she was, or what she wanted with him. She even dared to threaten him, that he should either listen to her or be prepared to be trapped in the building until he did so.
Yeah, sure, as if she could.
After picking up his coat, he couldn't help but glanced around his office to check if anything was out of place. He liked to be organized, and he made sure not to leave the office without verifying everything rested in its proper place. His laptop lay closed on the center of his desk, with a notepad and pen beside it and an in-out tray in the upper right corner. The black, comfortable swivel chair waited to be occupied again the next day. No plant or picture adorned the empty walls or furniture tops. Through the window at the back of the room, he noticed the dark sky and wondered about the last time he'd left the building when it was still light enough to see outside. He couldn't remember when it was. He closed the door behind him, intending to head out of the complex.
Lately, his days had been full of mundane routine. His nights would be spent at meetings or finishing work in the office or at home. He never imagined his life would turn upside down so suddenly. He knew his employees didn't think much of him as a boss, but he thought he'd been most generous this year. For one, he'd ordered the Christmas bonuses to be disbursed this early—more than one month before Christmas. For another, he'd also announced a company holiday on the day after Thanksgiving, so that they'd have a long weekend to spend with their families. What kind of boss would do that?
The ping of the elevator as it arrived on his level broke into his musings. When the doors opened, he went in, still absorbed in his thoughts.
"Hello,” a feminine voice to his left called softly.
Startled, he turned and, for the first time, noticed the woman in the elevator with him. The first thing he noted was her light auburn hair. It cascaded loosely down her back. His gaze roved over her face. Delightful honeyed eyes bore into him, her fierce stare causing his body to tense in response. His gaze rested upon her lips, which were accentuated with a pinkish gloss, making them look soft and full. His breath quickened at the idea of his lips brushing hers softly until the passion burned them both. Her white skin, touched by a natural blush on the cheeks, gave her an angelic appearance, while her long and delicate neck emphasized her regal bearing.
"Good afternoon,” he replied casually, trying to avoid staring at her. The soft movement of her chest caused a shiver to run through his body as he imagined what her rounded breasts would look like, confined as they were in the too-conservative blouse. Through the white, almost transparent cloth, he could see her sheer bra and the suggestion of pinkish nipples. I must have been too long without a woman when I'm thinking I'm seeing such things. He forced his mind to focus on the lighted numbers of the elevator panel. Suddenly, the elevator ground to a stop between the ninth and tenth floors.
"Shit.” The woman tensed at his expletive. “I'm sorry, I'm not usually this volatile, but I'm in a hurry."
"Why?” Her melodious voice soothed his bad temper. He smiled, for her voice matched her angelic appearance.
"There's someone I don't want to see in the building.” He loosened his tie so that he could breathe easier, after which, he pushed the emergency call button. He waited for some time and pushed the button again. Still, no alarm sounded. “How weird.” He aimed a perplexed frown at his companion.
He stilled.
Without his noticing, she'd slipped the buttons free from the top of her blouse, and she was massaging the bit of skin that was exposed. Maybe he wasn't the only one feeling the heavy air around him, he tried to rationalize, as he found it even harder to take in much air. She didn't touch herself in a sexual way, but the smooth movement of her hands drew his gaze and stirred his desire. Her scent intoxicated him, a mix of talc and flowers.
She wore a white blouse, tight jeans, and boots. Nothing sexy, nothing fancy, yet she heated his blood. Her five feet six inches tall body possessed the right curves and enticing proportions. Her rounded backside and breasts provided balance for her thin body.
The generous curve of her hips and thighs promised heaven should he want to lose himself in them the whole night. He wondered how her skin would feel under his palm and how firm her buttocks would be. He snapped to himself and reined in his male urgencies, knowing this wasn't the time for such things. He stared at her, noticing her smile for the first time.
Her full lips were parted, showing her dimples and her white teeth. Her expression prodded his mind. Something was wrong. She showed a pleased smile after his answer? What kind of response was that? Understanding came to him like a bucket of iced water being poured over him.
"You're that woman.” He couldn't help the distaste that lined his tone.
Her smile deepened, confirming his suspicion.
"What do you want with me?” He was glad to hear his voice coming out cold and frosty. “What's so important that you had to call me everyday? Why can't you make an appointment?"
"First of all, I asked for an appointment, not once or twice, but five times. And every time, your secretary said you couldn't make it because you have another meeting more important than mine.” She moved toward him and brushed his arms with her hand. He felt a spark but chose to ignore it. “Aren't you curious to know what it's about? About what makes me so desperate?” Her voice thickened with a silent promise he thought he understood. He knew her kind. He knew she'd be selfish. Everything she did was only a means to obtain what she wanted, whatever it was. Once she got it, she'd show her true colors. Interested to see how far she'd go, he decided to go along with her for the moment.
"I don't know, and I don't care. My secretary schedules all my appointments. Call her on Monday.” He noticed the hidden flame behind her stare and didn't confuse it with passion.
"This issue affects so many people you selfish son of a—"
He raised a hand and placed two fingers over her lips. He ignored the warm skin under his. “No swearing. Now, tell your accomplice to let the elevator resume operations, and I mean now!” He raised his voice enough for his words to go across as a firm command.
"I won't, not until you agree to hear me out.” He raised his brows, questioning her attitude and tone of voice. “This concerns your company too, and ... let's say, finances. You can lose those contracts you were planning to obtain.” She smiled briefly. “I know you're about to close a new deal, and you can lose that client so easily."
"What are you talking about? Is that a threat?” He controlled his rage at such blatant words from her, but admitted she had a clever way to make him listen. He wanted to bet she didn't have so much information, yet he couldn't risk it. “And what is it you want to talk about?” He planned to make things as difficult as possible for her.
"Kids are about to lose the only home they've known since they were born. About ten children are about to be left on the street or placed in foster homes because you decided you wanted a big project where their home is located. Do you think it's fair to do this to them at Christmas time? I don't think so. Let me tell you one thing, mister, I will take this to the media and make you lose your good name and social standing. I can do it, so it would be a mistake for you to doubt me."
"What does it matter to me? Those aren't my children, why should I care about them?” He noticed her reddened face and wondered how far he could take this. His mind was busy, trying to recall what project it was she was talking about.
He remembered signing a release to his brother about a month ago. In that release, he gave his brother the authority to manage one of their buildings, the one that was generating the least income, according to the reports presented to him. Frank talked about a project that would benefit their company greatly, though he gave no details at that time.
Her voice intruded into his thoughts. “I'm sure you know very well what I'm talking about. I won't leave here until we make an arrangement. I won't let you get the better of me or the cause I'm fighting for!” Firm determination was stamped on her face. He wondered how far she'd be willing to go for this cause she was fighting. As it turned out, he didn't have to wonder long. She swallowed hard, as if gearing herself up to say something she didn't want. “If you're willing to postpone taking over the building until after Christmas day, I'm prepared to grant any service you may need."
The way she said “service” definitely had a sexual connotation. That surprised him, because he never expected it to come from her. At the same time, he'd never heard a better offer. Raising his eyebrow, he wondered if it was real. She didn't seem to be one of those women after all. No matter her seductress tactics, she didn't fit in the role.
"Any service?” He asked, just to be sure.
She swallowed. Nodded.
He considered her offer. He'd spent the last few years ignoring his urges to the point that the few people he considered friends encouraged him to find a woman before his frustrations turned him into a sour old man. What a wonderful opportunity and coincidence this was. “How far are you willing to go?"
"All the way, sir.” She suited words to action, moving her hand toward his crotch. She massaged him softly over his pants. He was becoming hard. “You just tell me when to start,” she added in a passionate whisper at his ear.
Her breasts brushed against his chest, and not even the amount of clothes dividing them stopped the heat of her body from reaching him. She must've noticed his confined erection, for she smiled. Still, he wanted to be sure she'd do what she just promised. He smiled, pleased at the idea of losing himself inside this beautiful woman. “What about now?” He expected her to flinch in surprise and retreat. She didn't. Instead, she met his gaze and nodded, glancing upwards meaningfully as the elevator started moving once more.
Armand knew what she was saying with her actions. All their elevators were hooked with hidden cameras, and she was telling him that should they be locked in a passionate embrace, other people would know about it. He grinned. What the heck! So much the better, there'd be witnesses and she couldn't back out of the bargain.
He grasped her tight by the waist, and his head descended.
She stiffened in response.
His lips met hers, softer than he'd expected, sweeter than he'd imagined. Nothing would be as sweet again after tasting her. After a moment, she relaxed against his chest and responded, her lips moving infinitesimally beneath his.
He raised his head. “Our bargain's sealed,” he said huskily. “You can't go back on it now."
"I always keep my word."
Once they reached the parking lot, he found his car waiting for him at the entrance. He stopped in his tracks and glanced her way, noticing her breasts bouncing with each step she took. She reached the passenger door and slid into his car. Astonished, he took his place on the driver's side. She certainly thought of everything.
On the way to his house, Armand kept glancing at her, expecting her to disappear as fast as she arrived in his life. He'd expected her to call his bluff, but she was the one who surprised him with her ready acceptance. He couldn't afford a complication such as she in his life, but his mind—and his body—refused to get rid of her.
"By the way, my name is Josephine Lewis. I'm the director of Children's Heaven, and we rent a unit on the first floor in your building at Winston Churchill Avenue."
A great relief coursed through her, but Josephine didn't want to let him know that. She took the opportunity to look inside her purse, checking to make sure she didn't lose anything. She was glad her strategy worked, but she was scared of the price she'd just offered. She'd spent a month learning everything about him and his business dealings as well as the gossips surrounding him. She never expected to have to offer herself as bait and less for him to accept it. She expected him to humiliate her, or if he were compassionate, to provide her with a meeting. Offering herself like that to him was a last resort. Her hands trembled. She felt a coldness she couldn't explain course through her body.
Peeping at him from beneath her lashes, she decided he really was a handsome man with his dark blue eyes, although his features showed the
years of harshness he had gone through. His hair was stroked with grayish strands, instead of a full head of coal-black hair. The frown lines on his forehead could be those of a man twenty years his senior, though she knew he was only thirty-five. Earlier in the elevator, she'd wanted to raise her hand, smooth his forehead and caress the day-old beard on his chin. She'd found it hard to restrain herself, but she managed. At six feet four inches and possessing a bulky figure, he intimidated most of the people around him. Funny, but she'd felt protected and comfortable.
She scolded herself. It wouldn't do to get attached to a man who was her enemy.
Chapter Two
Soon, they arrived at his house. They entered through a side door leading to the garage. She continued walking toward the main entrance. She prayed Margaret had the sense to bring her suitcase over as soon as she'd known Armand had accepted Josephine's proposal. Otherwise, Josephine would only have the clothes on her back. Finding the suitcase there, a sigh of relief escaped her lips. However, that sigh was short-lived. She squared her shoulders. From now on, she'd be working alone.
"Where's my room?” she asked with a grin. She might as well make the best of it.
"Come.” He looked like he was thinking hard about what he was going to do with her. Maybe in what position he was going to take her? She shivered, unable to believe she was anticipating having sex with this odious, attractive man. He opened the door to what was obviously his room, given the masculine decor. “You'll sleep here, with me.” He emphasized the last two words. As if she'd misunderstand what they'd been talking about so far the whole evening. “Feel free to familiarize yourself with the room, however, I expect you to be ready in about five minutes. I'm hungry and want some dinner."
She turned around at his words, but he'd already closed the door. She didn't know if he meant they'd be going out or if she must cook. She didn't care at the moment. His aroma lingered in the air, and she inhaled deeply to memorize the masculine odor. Her body tightened in response. She shook the feeling away as an alarm sounded in her head, prompting her to check her surroundings.
