Our First Embrace

by Judy Lynn Hubbard

  * * *

  Alex caught Nicole and Victor’s subtle exchange, and his eyes narrowed on his brother’s seemingly innocent face just in time to see him wink at Nicole, who, much to his annoyance, returned his gesture. Why the friendly interaction between the two irritated him to no end he was loath to examine.

  “Do you mind?” Alex frowned at his brother. “I’m trying to run a meeting here.”

  “Be my guest, bro.” Victor leaned back in his seat, crossed his arms and waited for Alex to continue.

  “Thank you,” Alex sarcastically said. “If you’d all turn your attention to your tablets and pull up the memo I sent this morning, I’d like to start with that.”

  As Alex presided over the meeting, he found it next to impossible to keep his eyes from straying toward Nicole more often than not, which annoyed him to no end. She sat there with a frown on her beautiful face, unless she was smiling at Monique—or Victor, which peeved him. He knew she was shooting daggers at him because of his earlier reference to her delayed start with the company, and although he shouldn’t care, he did.

  Alex glanced away from his presentation to answer a question, and his eyes automatically stopped to stare at Nicole—even though she wasn’t the one asking the question. She held his gaze for a second before tilting her head in Monique’s direction, who was whispering something in her ear that made her smile. She was gorgeous when she smiled.

  Oh, hell!

  Somehow he concentrated on answering the question at hand, but he was acutely aware of his newest employee—he noticed everything she did, when she smiled, said something to Monique, crossed her legs, sighed. With her mere presence, she was disrupting his neatly ordered world, and he didn’t like it!

  Thankfully, the rest of the meeting was spent discussing designs, fabrics and the order for the upcoming fashion show. The hour breezed by.

  “Good work, everyone. That’ll be all.” Alexander adjourned the meeting, and the room quickly emptied. “Nicole, could you stay behind please?”

  She glanced at Monique, who patted her reassuringly on the back as she resumed her seat, crossed her legs and folded her hands in her lap. Victor gave her an encouraging thumbs-up sign, to which she smiled. Both she and Alex waited until the room was empty before speaking.

  “Did Monique show you the Bettina line info?”

  “Yes.”

  “Do you have any questions?”

  “Not presently.” She kept her responses brief and crisp.

  He frowned. “Is anything wrong?”

  “No, nothing.” She shrugged and pursed her lips, but the words continued to flow. “I so enjoy being embarrassed in front of my new colleagues.” His lips thinned at her flippant tone.

  “I didn’t mean to embarrass you.”

  “Didn’t you?”

  “No, I was simply stating the facts,” he coolly replied. “If your skin is this thin, you’re never going to make it around here.”

  She stiffened her back at his rebuke. “My skin is plenty thick enough, Mr. James.”

  “We’ll see,” he darkly promised.

  “Yes, you will.” She uncrossed her legs. “Is there anything else?”

  He stared at her long and hard, and she didn’t flinch or look away. “No, that’s all for now.”

  She stood and left without another word. Alone, he smiled slightly. She was a spitfire. He’d soon see what she was made of, and he had a feeling he would enjoy doing it.

  * * *

  The days flew by, and before Nicole knew it, the week was half-over. On Wednesday evening, she absently returned numerous goodbyes from her coworkers, including Monique, and continued happily working. She barely registered that bright sunlight had given way to pale moonlight. When she glanced at the clock, it was after 8:30 p.m.

  She studied her sketch and smiled. Picking up her charcoal pencil, she continued working on the lines of the skirt she was sketching. Just a few more minutes, and she would call it a day.

  “It’s way past quitting time.” Nicole jumped, then glanced up when Alexander’s voice disturbed the comforting silence.

  “Mr. James.” She placed a hand against her thudding heart. “You scared the life out of me.”

  “Sorry.” He pulled up a tall stool and sat beside her.

  “I thought everyone had gone home.” She was acutely aware of his closeness.

  “Everyone has, except us.” He glanced at her sketch, picked it up and then replaced it on the easel. His face was unreadable.

  “What do you think of it?” She asked simply to have something to say.

  “It’s adequate.” He half smiled at her apparent displeasure with his blasé description.

  “Adequate?” She glanced at the drawing she had spent the entire day revising, intent that it would be perfect before she showed it to him. “What’s wrong with it?”

  “Nothing’s wrong with it,” he insisted. “It’s not finished, is it?”

  “No.”

  “Then I think adequate is an appropriate assessment,” he rationalized. “I need to see the finished product before I know whether it fits with the Bettina line.”

  “Of course.”

  He cocked his head to one side. “That displeases you?”

  “No.” She drew out the single syllable. “You’re right, of course.”

  “I know I’m right.”

  They stared at each other silently. She contemplated what to say next. She didn’t want to be constantly at odds with him. She wanted them to get along and have a good working relationship; therefore, she bit back the angry retort that was on the verge of jumping from her mouth. When she spoke next, her voice was calm and measured.

  “I really want this job to go well,” she softly admitted. “I know I was late. I’ve apologized, but I couldn’t miss my brother’s wedding. My love for my family doesn’t mean I’m not dedicated to being the best designer I can be. I know I can learn a lot from you—if you’ll give me a chance. That’s all I’m asking, Mr. James.”

  * * *

  He silently studied her long and hard. He had expected an angry rejoinder to his frankly baiting previous statement; she had surprised him again. Her sincere plea affected him more than anything else she could have said.

  “You’re talented, Nicole. You wouldn’t have gotten the job otherwise.” He paused before admitting, “I’m not sorry I hired you.” Her eyes brightened at his admission, and he was absurdly glad.

  “You’re not?”

  “No.” He smiled slightly. “I think you have great potential, and from what I’ve seen of your work so far, if you apply yourself, you’ll make a name for yourself in this business.”

  “Well...” She seemed at a loss for words at his generous compliment.

  “Nothing to say?” he teased.

  “I... Thank you.”

  “You’re welcome.” He suddenly stood. “Now close up shop and go home.”

  “But I wanted to finish...”

  “No buts.” He switched off her light, took her hands and pulled her to her feet. “Go home.”

  “All right.”

  He released her hands, picked up her jacket and held it out for her. As she slipped it on, he felt her nearness. His hands rested on her upper arms for a second longer than necessary. She slowly turned around and looked at him, and he swore he saw desire in her eyes, but it was gone so quickly, he wasn’t sure—although he definitely felt the heat between them.

  “Can I give you a lift to the hotel?” Why had he said that?

  “No.” She took a few steps away from him. “I’ll take the metro.”

  “You’re in a new city. I don’t like the thought of you taking the metro by yourself at night.”

  “I’ll be fine,” she assured. “I’m a big girl, Mr. James
.”

  “Yes, I’ve noticed.” He couldn’t keep from sweeping his eyes appreciatively over her from head to toe and back again. “Mr. James was my dad. Call me Alex.” He frowned when she smiled and laughed lightly. “What?”

  “Victor said exactly the same thing when I called him Mr. James,” she explained.

  “Oh, I see.” He nodded in understanding but felt a twinge of something he was loath to name at the mention of his brother and her sharing a private moment. “Come on, let’s call it a night.”

  She hesitated for a second and then gave in and preceded him out.

  Chapter 3

  Once the elevator doors closed, for the first time in her life, Nicole experienced claustrophobia—the result of being alone in a confined space with Alexander. This man was too enigmatic for his own good—and, more important, for hers. What in reality was a quick ride down to the lobby seemed to take forever. When finally the doors opened, Nicole breathed a silent sigh of relief, though she expected her relief would be short-lived once she was trapped with Alexander in the close confines of what she instinctively knew would be a tiny sports car.

  They said good-night to the guard and walked out. When they reached the curb, confirming her silent suspicions, a flame-red Ferrari convertible was waiting for them.

  “Thanks for bringing my car around, Jacques.” Alexander patted the guard on the back.

  “No problem, Mr. James.” Jacques smiled. “I enjoy any chance to drive such a fine machine.”

  “She’s something, isn’t she?” Alex proudly glanced at his car.

  “And then some,” Jacques agreed before walking back into the building.

  “Wow.” Nicole’s eyes widened appreciatively as they traveled over the sleek curvaceous lines of the car that reminded her of the man about to drive it—sleek, powerful and gorgeous. Alexander opened the door and helped her inside before walking around and sliding behind the wheel.

  The rich smell of leather assailed her. The black-and-tan dashboard and steering wheel contained a multitude of controls. It looked like a complicated airplane panel. For a car that cost upward of $300,000, she would expect nothing less.

  “How do you like my baby?” He caressed the black leather steering wheel, and his left thumb pressed a button to start the car. The powerful engine roared to life, and he wasn’t even depressing the accelerator. “She’ll go from zero to sixty in three seconds.”

  “She’s stunning.” Nicole sighed gratefully as the contoured tan leather seat conformed to her body as if custom made for her. “Breathtaking.”

  Alex flashed a quick grin. “Fast cars are one of my vices.”

  “One?” She cocked a teasing eyebrow. “How many vices do you have?”

  “A few.” His grin transformed into a devilish smile. “Fasten your seat belt.” Once she did, he sped off. When he noticed her right hand clutching the armrest he asked, “You’re not afraid of a little speed are you?”

  “Not at all,” Nicole said. “It’s just that the engine is so loud and menacing.”

  “Oh, it is. This baby can really eat up the road.”

  “You can say that again.” Nicole tensed as his baby proved his point.

  “Relax.” Alex reassuringly squeezed her left knee. “I promise to get you to the hotel safely.”

  Suddenly her apprehension at being a passenger in such a powerful machine vanished. Alexander’s touch ignited forbidden passions within her. Even through the material of her pants, where his hand rested, her skin burned. Her eyes pivoted from his hand resting comfortably on her knee back to his profile.

  As if realizing what he had unconsciously done, he removed his hand quickly and placed it on the center console. Neither of them made mention of his actions, but each was keenly aware of them.

  For the remainder of the drive, they said little and the tension between them grew as thick as dense fog. The spicy smell of his aftershave was driving her mad until she wanted to bury her nose in the crook of his neck and inhale deeply. What a handsome man. Stop that, Nicole, she silently ordered. He’s your boss.

  * * *

  The drive was short due to the speed at which he drove, His speed thankfully was somewhat constrained by traffic. She occasionally glanced at him, but his eyes remained focused on the road ahead.

  He came to a screeching stop in front of her hotel not a second too soon to save Nicole’s sanity. The doorman opened her door before Alexander could, but Alexander was there to take her hand and help her out of the car.

  “Well, here we are,” he announced.

  “And in one piece.” She placed a hand to her heart, and he chuckled.

  “Come on, my driving’s not that bad, is it?”

  “No. This is an insanely powerful car, but you handle her beautifully.”

  He liked the way she referred to his car as a person the way he did. Most women simply rolled their eyes when men personalized inanimate objects, but not Nicole. That was a mark in her favor—not that he was counting.

  “Thanks.” He followed her into the lobby, still holding her hand easily. “Once you drive one of these babies, you’ll never be satisfied with anything else.”

  “Well, that’s not likely to happen.”

  “Never say never,” he softly chided and then easily offered, “One day I’ll teach you to drive her.”

  “I’d be too terrified to attempt it,” Nicole declined with a smile.

  “She’ll be putty in your hands.”

  “Or I’ll be putty in hers.”

  “Don’t worry. I have a feeling you can handle her just fine.”

  His fingers absently caressed hers, and he heard her soft gasp at his subconscious actions. She pulled her hand from his, and he was keenly aware of the increased tempo in the pulse beating at the base of her neck. He longed to caress the spot with his lips and tongue. What was he thinking? Suddenly, nothing seemed more important than that he stay and spend some time alone with her, getting to know her better. But that overwhelming desire was one he dared not succumb to.

  She’s your employee, Alex. You’re not going down that road again! You know what happened the last time.

  “Good night.” He abruptly turned to leave. “See you in the morning.”

  “Bright and early,” she promised. “Thanks for the ride.”

  “You’re welcome.” He walked away before he succumbed to the overwhelming need to stay.

  * * *

  Nicole slowly walked to the elevator and entered. When she glanced up, Alexander was standing near the doorway, watching her. Her breath arrested at the look in his eyes—a look needing no definition or interpretation with words. Thankfully the doors closed, shutting him out of her view but not out of her mind.

  “He’s your boss, Nicole,” she forcefully reminded herself again. “That’s all he’ll ever be.”

  Yes, that’s what she repeatedly told herself, but she couldn’t beat back the nagging voice and feeling inside of her that challenged that assertion. Why, oh, why did she have to have these inappropriate feelings for Alexander?

  Oh, Lord, she was in big trouble, and she had no earthly idea of how she was going to get out of it.

  * * *

  Bright and early the next morning, after a somewhat restless night spent thinking about her worrisome attraction to Alexander, Nicole arrived at work at 7:00 a.m., and by 8:00, she had already downed five cups of coffee. Her excessive beverage intake necessitated a few trips to the ladies’ room. On her way back to her desk, she passed by Alexander’s slightly ajar door and quickly recognized Alexander and Victor’s voices.

  She had every intention of walking on by, but her feet became glued to the spot when her name was mentioned. She knew she shouldn’t eavesdrop, but curiosity to hear what they were saying about her kept her rooted in place. Unfortun
ately, when she heard Alex question her commitment after he had told her last night he didn’t regret hiring her, any semblance of common sense flew straight out the window.

  Without thinking, Nicole pushed open Alexander’s door the rest of the way and walked inside, glancing from one startled brother to the other. Her defiant eyes immediately landed on Alexander’s displeased ones.

  “When gossiping about someone,” she sweetly began, “it’s prudent to make certain your door is closed to minimize the risk of being overheard.”

  “Yes.” Alex folded his muscular arms over his broad chest. “It’s also wise to account for snoops.”

  “I wasn’t snooping.” At Alexander’s skeptical stare she continued, “I was simply passing by and heard my name. Naturally, I was curious.”

  “Naturally,” Alex sarcastically agreed.

  “Nicole, I apologize...” Victor began.

  “Don’t worry about it, Victor.” Nicole gave him a slight smile before returning angry eyes to his brother.

  “So it’s safe to assume your anger is reserved for me alone.” Alex bristled. It exasperated him to no end that she didn’t seem the least bit miffed at Victor, who had also been discussing her. “Is that right?”

  “You know what they say about assuming, don’t you?” Nicole softly asked, her anger dissipating instantaneously.

  “You know what they say about curiosity and the cat, don’t you?” Alex shot back without answering her question.

  “Yes, I do,” she pleasantly assured him. “But do you know that after curiosity killed the cat, satisfaction brought it back?”

  Victor chuckled, Alex snarled and Nicole smiled triumphantly at getting the last word before leaving them alone and closing the door behind her with a decisive click.

  * * *

  “Damn, she’s something,” Victor approved, and Alex silently agreed. “That’ll teach you to complain about your employees publicly.”

  “Yeah, I was complaining all to myself, wasn’t I?” Alex frowned at Victor.

  “I was merely being a sounding board so you wouldn’t take your foul mood out on your staff,” Victor informed.

  “You’re such a humanitarian,” Alex sarcastically rejoined.