by Emery, Lynn
“Don’t be impatient and make a dumb move,” Lyrissa mumbled.
“I hate to disturb you again.”
Lyrissa started. The mellow male voice close to her ear wrapped around her like a sultry breeze, warm and steamy as only summer in New Orleans can be. She could feel his body heat through the fabric of her blouse. His breath brushed against her neck. “Disturb” was the right word. She felt disoriented and off-balance. What was he doing to her? A tickle of lust went through her pelvis and traveled up to circle both breasts. Lyrissa pictured herself pressed to him. Their bodies would meld together as he gripped her hips with strong hands.
“I don’t understand,” Lyrissa said calmly.
“I keep interrupting your work.” Noel pointed to her notepad.
That voice combined with the smile sent a thrill through her. No wonder women for miles around came running when he appeared. Lyrissa went rigid. He could just fold up his little magic act. She wasn’t going to be duped.
“I thought you’d left for the office,” she blurted out. “Don’t let me delay you.” Lyrissa groaned silently. You might as well wear an “I’m-guilty” sign on your chest.
“I wanted to talk to you. Taking a look at the family jewels, I see.”
“I couldn’t resist. I hope you don’t mind.” Lyrissa re-covered and flashed a charming smile.
“Not at all. Go anywhere you like. In fact, there are even more documents at our offices downtown.”
“Actually, it might be a good idea to give them a quick look. If only to rule out that any of them has to do with the collection.” Lyrissa’s heart sped up at the plum that seemed to just drop in her lap.
“No problem. Let me know when you’re ready. For the documents, I mean,” he added with a smile that could melt the Arctic Circle.
“Right. I’ll just finish up checking off the items on your list.” Lyrissa started past him when he stopped her with a touch on her arm.
“Wait, I wanted to ask if you could give me a report with a complete listing in, say, three weeks. We have a board meeting then.”
Lyrissa worked to clear her head. The weight of his hand on her arm was a powerful distraction. “I, er, should be able to give you at least a list by then.”
“Great. Then I’d better let you finish.” Noel turned to leave, and then faced her again. “In fact, let’s make an appointment right now.”
“What?” Lyrissa stared at him.
“You can come to my office. I’U help you get started with your research. I’ll even bring the papers here to my office. Having them all together will make your job easier.” Lyrissa knew trouble when it was staring her in the face. “Just have your assistant set it up and I’ll—”
“No, I’ll handle it personally. I know what you need.” Noel smiled at her.
She suppressed a shiver at his words. She lifted her chin and assumed a reserved, all business posture. “I’ll call your office to make the arrangements, then.” She made a wide circle around him and went back to the study.
“I look forward to it.” Noel offered his hand to her. Lyrissa steeled herself not to react as she took it. Her body didn’t obey. His velvety skin sent a finger of heat up her arm. She pulled free of his firm grasp.
“Goodbye,” she said.
“Goodbye,” he replied and left.
“Keep your eyes on the prize,” she whispered. “And off his fine body.”
Noel went to the conference room without stopping at his office. His cousin Carlton was on the second agenda item by the time he sat down. As usual, Carlton droned on about insurance rates. The five top managers appeared to pay avid attention to him. One of them was Julie Duval. Julie’s mother and Noel’s mother had been best friends since high school.
“Over here,” Julie whispered and spun the swivel chair next to her out
“Morning,” Noel said and nodded to the others.
Julie leaned close until their shoulders touched. “You haven’t missed much.”
Carlton stopped talking and looked at his watch pointedly. “I decided it was best to start.”
“Good, go on.” Noel nodded to him.
He stared at Noel for several seconds. To avoid a scene, Noel pretended not to notice. Carlton took up where he’d left off. His monotone voice went on with dry details about the industry. After a few seconds Noel’s thoughts wandered back to a vision of beauty in rose.
Lyrissa Rideau looked more tempting each time they met. Not even a business suit could disguise her lush figure. He imagined her slender fingers stroking him. All she had to do was glance his way and he ached to feel her touch. She must have noticed. How could she not? Noel was sure he’d worn the expression of a horny teenager. That wasn’t him at all. He was used to being in the driver’s seat. Aside from the usual fleeting crush, Noel had breezed along love’s highway without even a fender bender. He’d slowed down occasionally for a liaison. But overall, Noel kept right on going... until Lyrissa. Now he found himself applying the brakes and circling the block. Not that she cared, from what he could tell.
Far from being annoyed, Noel was intrigued. She had a depth to her that he wanted to explore. Hell, tell the truth. You want to dive in head first! The lusty image raised his temperature by ten degrees at least. His cousin’s voice was an unwelcome interruption. Noel swam out of a sensual fog.
“What did you say?”
“Maybe I should start over,” Carlton said, an edge to his voice.
“Not at all. And I agree with Paul. We shouldn’t go be-fore the commission for a rate increase.” Noel sat up straighten
“I’m not sure about that, given our current state.” Carl-ton drummed his fingers on the wood surface.
“We decided in the meeting last week,” Noel said, careful to keep his voice level. “The figures don’t add up.”
“My breakdown clearly indicates a rate increase is essential. I sent a copy to you and the board.” Carlton looked at him, resentment stamped on his wide face.
Noel counted to five before he spoke. “The Insurance Commission has turned down every other request this year.” The commission served as the regulatory entity over insurance companies in the state.
“I’ve studied those requests. I think we can succeed where they failed.”
“The commissioners are up for re-election. They’re not going to raise rates,” Noel explained in a measured, calm manner.
“The election is eleven months away. They won’t play politics this early. Look this over. The commission meets again in August.” Carlton passed blue folders around the table.
“Carlton—” Noel began.
“You’ve seen the information on pages one through five. The updated figures begin on page six,” Carlton cut him off.
Noel read the section Carlton had directed them to, and then skimmed ahead to another section. “What’s new in here?”
“Excuse me?” Carlton grimaced at him.
The other men exchanged glances. One by one they eased back in their chairs. Obviously they intended to get out of the line of fire. Julie kept her eyes on Noel as though waiting for her cue.
“From what I see, you’re making the same arguments the other companies made. More house fires because of a cold winter. Legislation that made our costs bump up, etc., etc. I don’t see anything different.”
“The difference is, we’re a minority company providing coverage to a vulnerable population,” Carlton said.
“So what? Most of the commissioners are conservative. They oppose special contracts for minorities and affirmative action.” Noel wanted to shake him for being so dense. “We talked about this before.”
“That’s your theory. Three of the commissioners are more attuned to the needs of the people,” Carlton answered.
“Figure in the cost of our attorney to help plus the staff time, and it’s not worth it” Noel’s reservoir of patience was running low.
“I don’t think so.” Carlton’s small eyes narrowed.
“We can’t afford
to waste resources. We need to in-crease income,” Noel said curtly, hoping his tone would close the subject.
“Which is what a rate increase will do,” Carlton replied sharply.
“Not if we don’t get it.” Noel glared back at him.
“Are you implying that I’m the reason our cash flow is down?” Carlton puffed like an overheated engine.
Noel refused to rise to the bait. “I’m saying we could make better use of our time. I have several strategies in mind.” Noel slapped the folder before him closed.
“I thought we worked as a team, that you considered ideas other than your own.” Carlton wore a stiff mask of suppressed anger.
“I did consider all the information and made a decision. Now, let’s move on.”
“My father and I think—” Carlton began.
“Julie, what about the warehouse on St. Peter?” Noel cut him off short.
Carlton gripped his Mont Blanc pen but said no more. The meeting went on for another hour. They were winding down on the last subject for discussion when Miss Georgina came in with Lyrissa. She introduced her to everyone. She glanced at Noel with no more recognition than she had for the other men. For their part, the managers became animated as they greeted her. Andre Wilkins, his youngest manager, jumped to his feet and held out a chair for Lyrissa.
“Here you go, ma’am. I’ll get you both a cup of coffee,” he said with a smarmy expression. He stood with his hand still on the back of her chair.
“I’ll take herbal tea, if you have it.” Lyrissa beamed at him.
“No problem. I brought my own. It’s in the kitchen.” Andre grinned back. “I’ll have my secretary get us both a cup.” He went to a phone on a side table.
The brazen kid was leering down the front of her blouse the entire time he was talking. Noel felt an overpowering urge to slam him back into his seat Instead, he ground his teeth as Lyrissa laughed at something else Andre said. Noel wondered what the hell was so damned amusing.
“Maybe you can finish business now,” Noel cut in. The young man cleared his throat and took his seat.
Lyrissa sat in a chair lining the wall.
“What are we discussing?” Miss Georgina asked.
“Grandmother, you should be at home, resting,” Carl-ton said with an indulgent expression.
“I’ve been resting for months.” Miss Georgina placed her cane on the chair next to her. “I’m not so feeble I can’t listen.”
Noel stared at Andre. “Tell us about the micro-mall development on the West Bank.”
“Right.” The young man stuck out his chest and gave his report
Finally the meeting ended and the staff filed out. Carl-ton did not move. He wore a sour expression. Julie started to leave, but paused when she glanced at Lyrissa.
“Have we met?” Julie asked her.
“Possibly. I graduated from St. Mary’s,” Lyrissa replied.
“Really? You had a scholarship?”
“No,” Lyrissa said and smiled at her sweetly.
“Lyrissa works for Taylor Gallery. She’s appraising the art collection and compiling an extensive history on it as well.” Noel said.
“I see.” Julie gave Lyrissa her own appraisal with one sweeping head-to-toe gaze.
“Lyrissa will get to work on the family papers today,” Miss Georgina nodded to her. “I want to talk to you and Carlton, Noel.”
“I’ll show Lyrissa to the office I had Eddie set up.” Noel stood.
“You stay here, Noel. I’ll do that for you,” Julie said.
“Thank you, dear.” Miss Georgina smiled at her in appreciation.
Noel thought some message of understanding had passed between them. He started to assert his will, but decided against it. His irritation vanished when Lyrissa looked at him with her smoky topaz eyes. Julie led Lyrissa out of the room and shut the door with a firm thump. Miss Georgina’s voice yanked him out of a budding sensuous reverie.
“We need to talk about the board meeting,” she said.
Noel fought to concentrate as they went over the agenda.
Lyrissa pretended not to notice the way Julie glanced at her sideways from time to time. Julie examined her. They walked through a large office area with six desks arranged around it. Employees talked on phones and tapped computer keyboards.
“So how long have you known Noel?” Julie asked.
“1 met him and Mrs. St. Denis only a couple of weeks ago at Taylor Gallery.”
“I see.” Julie looked straight ahead.
So do I. Lyrissa smiled. Julie saw her as competition for Noel’s attention. They rounded a corner and approached a foyer. A pretty young woman sat at a desk outside a large door leading to another office. Edwina Norcross was etched in black letters on a brass nameplate that sat on her desk.
“Eddie, this is Lyrissa Rideau.” Julie turned to Lyrissa. “Eddie is Noel’s secretary.”
“Administrative assistant,” Eddie corrected. She smiled at Lyrissa and extended her hand as she stood. “Glad to meet you.”
“Hello.” Lyrissa decided she liked Eddie.
“She’s here to do research and—”
“I know,” Eddie broke in. “Mr. St Denis told me.” Julie’s expression tightened. “Fine, then get her a few supplies and take her to Roger’s old office.”
“That office is tiny and way on the other side, near the janitor’s closet,” Eddie said.
“The quiet will be just the thing for Ms. Rideau. I’m sure your work requires great concentration. Our office can get pretty noisy.” Julie’s smile lacked sincerity.
Lyrissa didn’t mind. Distance from Noel would really help her to concentrate. “Thank you for being so considerate.”
“Mr. St. Denis told me to let Ms. Rideau use the office right down the hall,” Eddie said with a lift of one eyebrow.
“She’s satisfied. Get the supplies.” Julie stared at Eddie hard.
Eddie’s nostrils flared, but she didn’t argue. She turned to Lyrissa. “I’ll be right back, Ms. Rideau.”
“Call me Lyrissa, Eddie.” Lyrissa smiled at her. “And the smaller office really is fine.” She didn’t want the young woman to suffer Julie’s wrath because of her.
“Okay.” Eddie smiled back at her. The smile winked off when she glanced at Julie again. She went down the hall and through a door.
“I appreciate your help. Don’t let me keep you from your work,” Lyrissa said.
“No problem. Noel will be tied up most of the day. Call me if you need anything,” Julie replied.
“You’re familiar with the St. Denis family papers?” “Very. Noel and I practically grew up together.” Julie wore a possessive expression when she said his name.
Lyrissa put on an innocent smile. “Like brother and sister. How nice.”
Julie’s eyes narrowed. “I wouldn’t say that.”
Eddie came back with supplies in her arms. “Here we go, Lyrissa. I’ve got a tape dispenser, stapler, paper clips, and three legal pads. This should get you started.”
Noel walked up. “Good job, Eddie.”
“Yeah. I’m just going to take her to Roger’s old office!’ Eddie gave him a look heavy with meaning.
“I thought it would suit her needs better. It gets so busy at this end,” Julie put in quickly, when he frowned.
“I think we can keep it quiet enough for a few days. The office right over here is better. Let me show it to you, Lyrissa.” Noel started toward her.
“Noel, I need to talk to you,” Julie said.
“I’ll call you in a few minutes, when I’m through,” he said, and put a hand under Lyrissa’s elbow. “We put a file cabinet in it for you.”
Lyrissa looked back at Julie. The thin woman’s eyes blazed with hostility. “You really don’t have to disrupt your day. Eddie will show me around.”
“I can spare five minutes. Here we are.” Noel led her down the hall and opened a door.
Lyrissa stared around in appreciation at the large room. A wide window let in br
ight light and gave her a view of Poydras Boulevard. An oak desk sat in one corner. She went to it and ran her hand along its smooth surface.
“I’m going to get you a desk set. Let’s make sure the phone is working.” Noel picked up the receiver. “Yes. Eddie is going to get you a digital clock radio, too. What kind of music do you like, by the way?” He sat on the edge of the desk.
“Jazz while I work. Blues or R & B would make me dance instead of work.” She laughed.
“Nice sound,” Noel murmured.
“You like jazz?”
“I meant your laugh.”
Lyrissa swallowed hard and looked away from those dangerously gorgeous eyes. “Thanks. I’ll just get set up.” He stood straight. “Right. Let me know if you need anything at all.”
“I’m sure Eddie will take good care of me.” Lyrissa had no intention of calling him. She needed distance from him or she’d never get anything done.
Eddie came in with a wide, flat storage box. “Knock, knock. Got this from the vault.”
“Thanks, Eddie.” Noel took the box from her and placed it on the desk.
“Sure. See you later, Lyrissa.” Eddie left again.
“There are about twenty of these, I’m afraid. My ancestors were obsessive record keepers,” Noel said.
Lyrissa smiled with pleasure at the prospect of seeing the most intimate details of the St Denis family history. “Lord bless them for it!”
“Only a historian would be happy about digging through all this.”
“You have no idea.” Lyrissa touched the box lovingly. Her hopes soared. Somewhere in these papers she’d find the information she needed.
“I’m glad you’re pleased. Now I’ll get out of the way.”
Noel started to leave, and then stopped. “Let’s have lunch. You can tell me all about what you’ve found.”
“I have plans. Thanks anyway.” Lyrissa lifted the lid from the box. She removed a large folder with a brown ribbon tied around it.
“Okay. Maybe another time?” Noel said.
“Maybe,” she answered in a soft voice. She put the folder down and took a pair of cotton gloves from her briefcase.
