by Dani René
“Sasha, how are you?” His voice is cold and serious, but he returns the hug. He leans in and pecks her on the cheek. His eyes flit to me for a second. Then he turns his gaze on her.
“Magnificent! Thanks for offering me the cover. I am looking forward to it. Thought I would drop in and check out the location,” she steps past the tents onto the beach. I watch as Lucien goes with her with a smile on his face. She clutched his arm, practically draping herself over him. Dismay and a bite of sadness tugs at me, he seemed so relaxed with her. Though with me he seemed on edge all the time. That was my cue to take a step back. I couldn’t have my heart broken, my fascination with him needs to stop.
“Luke’s ex, Sasha,” I started at Jayce’s voice behind me. When I turn around to look at him, I am not sure what the appropriate response should be. As far as he is concerned I am just an employee. “She’s doing the cover for us. They broke up four months ago.” This extra bit of information doesn’t help the jealousy raging in my stomach.
“Oh, right…” I tear my eyes away from them.
“Hey, he’s not with her anymore, thank God.” When Jayce shakes his head, it looks like he’s in agony.
“Why? What happened?” I turn to Jayce. My curiosity piqued, wanting to learn more about this man that seems to affect me so much more than I ever expected. Jayce could see my interest was more than that of a staff member.
“They have a sordid history, it's in the past, but they just don't fit together. When the time is right he should tell you.” His voice trailed off for a second. When his eyes found mine again I could see there was something he didn’t want to tell me. “So, if ever you and Mr. Grumpy get together, the story will have to come from him.” I stared at him and nodded. He dropped the subject suddenly and moved on, chatting about the photographs from the day, but I was preoccupied by the two people on the beach.
An hour later, the sun was setting when Lucien joined Jayce and I at the workstations that had been set up. “Ready to go, Cassandra?” I turn to him, noting the blonde had disappeared.
“Yea, we were finishing up here. See you tomorrow Jayce?” I placed my hand on his shoulder and he winked. I realized he did it to rile Lucien up and that caused me to snicker.
“Of course gorgeous! When can I get you in a swimsuit?” A cheeky grin grew on his handsome face. I laughed and shook my head in disbelief at how often he worked to upset Lucien.
“Jayce, you realize that I can end your contract?” Lucien’s tone a warning, a sensual one at that. The commanding manner in which he spoke had me trembling. It’s so Goddamn sexy!
“Luke, you know me! I am just joking around.” He chuckled, and I noticed there was more between the two men than they let on.
“Yes, I do, Jayce, that’s the problem.” There was wariness in his eyes and I realized something had taken place in their past. His focus shifted to me. “Cassandra,” holding out his hand. I slipped mine in his and rose as he drew me to him. “Tomorrow, Jayce,” he gave a slight nod and turned.
Once we were in the jeep, he visibly relaxed. I glanced over at him as he pulled out of the parking lot and onto the peaceful road back to the house. “How long have you known Jayce?” As quickly as the words were out of my mouth, I noted his shoulders tense.
“All my life,” he responded in a clipped tone. I waited for more, but he didn’t continue, so left it alone. I could always ask Jayce tomorrow. “Dinner isn’t formal, so you can dress comfortably. It’s a quaint Mediterranean place I like down on the other side of the island.” His smile returning with earnest and I was relieved.
“Sounds great, thank you.” His smile continued to floor me. What can I say? I am a sucker for dimples.
He pulled into the driveway and we retreated to our respective rooms to get ready for dinner. I opened my balcony doors to cool down. The view was impressive. The sun had set, and the moon was glowing brilliantly. I drew my phone out of my pocket. Swiped the screen, and scrolled to the message from Kenna, hitting reply.
*Going to dinner with my boss. I haven’t kissed him, yet! LOL*
I didn’t wait long for a response and I could imagine her sitting with the phone attached to her hand just to get all the juicy gossip. I realized she would be thrilled about this. To be honest, I was excited about having dinner with him.
*I knew it! You like him! Well, you would be blind if you didn’t! I want every detail! *
I grinned, yes I liked Lucien. There was no longer a point in denying it. A weight lifted from my shoulders when I finally admitted it to myself. Was it so awful to move on?
*Okay! Will chat later xo*
Chapter 5
Cassandra
I step into the shower and let the spray calm my nerves. For two years I was a hermit, not dating, being outside only when I needed to get to work. Now, here I am getting ready for my first date and suddenly it’s like I am thirteen again. Lucien is different, there’s something in his demeanor that calms me, but also unnerves me. My feelings for him are strong, and I fear that every day I spend with him, they will only grow.
I didn’t want love. That’s not why I moved across the country. Also, the thought of falling in love with my boss is ridiculous. What if we didn’t work? I mean, wouldn’t that be uncomfortable? As I step out of the shower, I shake my head. My thoughts are all over the place tonight. I need to concentrate on dinner. Just relax and enjoy it. There aren’t any strings attached. So why am I nervous?
In the bedroom, I moisturize my skin with my lavender lotion, slip on the black bra and panty set. I chose a simple topaz skater dress with delicate straps. It had a narrow silver belt at the waist and ended mid-thigh. As I slip on my black sandals, I take one last glimpse in the mirror. I clipped my hair up leaving stray curls to settle around my neck and face.
My make-up was basic. I hated wearing any, especially in this hot weather. The clear lip-gloss I dab on my lips accentuates them and my thoughts are filled with his lips on mine. The heat of his body against mine. I hoped that he wasn’t expecting a supermodel because I could never pass for any of those girls from today’s shoot.
I walk out of my bedroom and leave the door ajar. Since I don’t need my phone, I leave it laying on my bed. The only person who would call is Kenna, and I told her I was going out tonight. As I make my way into the living room, I hear Lucien’s deep voice. He was on a call again. As I round the corner, my breath hitches. Dumbstruck would be putting it lightly. He looked incredible. Dressed in a pair of deep blue jeans and a black dress shirt. The first three buttons are undone, his smooth tanned skin peeking through, teasing me. When Lucien turns, his heated stare burns into me. Those olive eyes dim to their mossy hue as they drink in every detail of my appearance with a dark hunger. From my strappy sandals to my dark brown eyes.
He gives me a small smile, mouthing, ‘be a minute’ and I nod. Still unable to pull my gaze away from him. His jeans tight on his muscled thighs and hugging his taut ass. I lick my lips as my eyes drift back up to his messy spikey hair. Kenna’s voice echoes in my mind, convincing me to forget everything that happened and move on. With him… And how I crave to right now!
Lucien
I stare at my closet with the realization that tonight is more than just a dinner; Cassie is someone I want, with a fire that I never felt before. Yes, I want to be inside her, but there’s something else there. To have her as mine is the only thing on my mind. As I pull my jeans on, fastening the button, I grab my black shirt. My phone buzzes and I see it’s Jayce, I knew he would give me shit for today.
* What the fuck was that man? *
I smile at the screen, hitting reply.
* Nothing, it was absolutely nothing. Why? *
His reply is immediate.
* That was not nothing. Does she have a magic pussy or something? *
My blood boils when I read his message, he’s joking, but they anger me more than they should. We’ve spoken about girls before, but the mention of Cassie in that way makes me angry. She’s not just
a random fuck that I found while on a night out. She’s different. There’s something about her. No, I can’t explain it. All I want to do is be inside her. Make her smile, to see those mocha eyes sparkle. She’s something special and I need to treat her like an angel. There is something inside her that’s pulling me in deeper every day.
* Drop it Jayce, I mean it. There’s nothing to know*
I button my shirt and pull on my boots. A last glance at my reflection, and I am ready to sweep her off her feet.
* Yea, sure, you keep telling yourself that. Save some for me*
He’s really starting to piss me off. I need to end this conversation.
* Jayce, I am serious lay off. Talk to you tomorrow *
When I pass her room the door is still closed, so I make my way to the living room. My phone rings, thinking it’s Jayce, but when I glance at the screen, I realize I have to answer this. I am so fucking sick of my accountants not doing what I say. “Verán,” I listen to him complaining about the same figures we went over before I left. “Why don’t you sort it out the way I told you to?” My skin prickles, and I realize she’s near. Her perfume wafts over to me and I am drunk on the sweetness. I glance up at her and I have an instant fucking hard on. I mouth “be a minute”, she offers me a small smile and a nod. My gaze is hungry when I take in her appearance, too aware of how short that dress is, how it hugs every sensuous curve of her.
Her stare matches mine, and a fire flares inside me. Yes, gorgeous, you will get me tonight. I will make sure of that because I need to fucking bury myself inside you. When I finally end the call my thoughts are far from what I just discussed, instead they’re with Ms. Winters. I step towards her and her pulse riots in her neck.
“Sorry about that, I hate when people don’t do what I instruct them to. It’s frustrating.” I take in her appearance again and the blush spreads across her cheeks.
“Are you used to getting people to do what you order them to?” There is so much I want to say to her, but I don’t. Oh, darling if only you knew how I want to command you, and having you doing what I tell you to. Tonight though, you will be begging me to take you, that I promise.
I stand flush with her; the electric current between us is fucking insane. My voice is rough with desire. Can she hear it? I flash her a smile and her cheeks pink. “Yes, Cassandra, I am.” I acknowledge that I love getting my own way. She needs to know that I will fuck her, and when I do, it will because she is begging me to. My gaze falls to her soft pink lips. I can just about taste them. They’re glossy and I want to lick them, bite them and suck them into my mouth, until I hear her whimper.
“I can be…” Reaching for the stray strap of her dress, I replace it and goose bumps rise on her skin in the wake of my touch. “… demanding.” I leave my fingers on her for a moment and she licks her lips, chewing on her lower lip and I can only imagine how wet she is right now. My eyes are locked on hers and her pupils dilate. “I guess we better leave. I am…” I step back and walk past her towards the kitchen, making sure we have the briefest contact as I do. “… hungry.” Now that there is some distance between us, I take a deep breath. My phone and wallet are on the table, I grab both. At the door, I hold it open for her, flashing her another smile. What do girls call it these days? A panty-dropping smile, because I need her to drop those little panties. “Ready for dinner?”
“Yes, I am looking forward to it.”
“Perfect. I think you will love the food. The company won’t be too bad either,” I chuckle.
“I suppose the company will be pretty enlightening,” she glances at me. Her cheeky mouth makes me smile and I can’t help flashing her my dimples. Robert has the car ready as we make our way outside. This is a date, and I am smiling from ear to ear. I haven’t been on one in a long time, I can’t wait to see what delights are in store for me and the lovely Ms. Winters.
Cassandra
We pulled up to the restaurant only a few minutes later. The sea view was breathtaking, and I spotted a narrow lane to the shore. Fire lit lamps dotted the garden which added to the island ambience of the diner. “Wow, this place is beautiful,” I smiled. The sound of the waves crashing created a soothing atmosphere. Contemporary music played in the background creating a lovely, yet romantic location. The smell of food made my mouth water, and I realized I was starving.
“Let’s go.” Lucien’s hand found the spot on my lower back as we strolled to the entrance. He stepped aside and let me enter first, as a waitress showed us to our table in the garden. Since it was still quiet, we got one of the best tables. The waitress brought our menus and retreated into the restaurant. “What would you prefer to drink?” Lucien’s gaze fell on me, his eyes twinkled under the dim light of the lamps. His tanned skin was aglow and added to the allure of his handsome face. How is this man so good looking? He could have easily passed for a model with those chiseled features.
“I enjoy wine.” He nodded. I peered down at the options for dinner, a mix of Lebanese, Greek, French, Italian, and even Spanish cuisine. The waitress returned with a candle putting it in the center of the table. The flame lit up my view of Lucien and I was ravenous. For him. Cassie! Concentrate on your menu! I reprimanded myself and stifled a giggle of girlish excitement. The heat from the night air or the way I felt when I looked at him. I was unsure which made me tingle more.
“I think a bottle of Sauvignon Blanc will pair perfectly with the meal.” He set down the wine list and picked up his menu. I stole a glance at him, watching his glittering green eyes read the dinner options. I stared at him, drinking in every detail I could. “Ms. Winters, do you enjoy the view from your chair?” He asked in amusement. His gaze never moved, but I am sure he felt my heated stare. I flushed with embarrassment. How did he even see me staring at him?
“Yes, the ocean is incredible.” He glanced up suddenly and a devilish smirk curved his full lips. With narrowed eyes, he stared at me as if weighing my answer to be true or not.
“I am confident it is,” dropping his gaze as he folded his menu and set it on the table. He continued. “Since you’ve been gawking at your… menu, in such detail, do you have a thought of what you’d like to order?” My mouth parched, I wasn’t even sure I saw what my options were. Nervously licking my lips. I skimmed the choices quickly hoping he didn’t realize my stalling.
“Um…”
“Do you always do that when you’re nervous?” His eyes darkening in the faint light and I could tell the mossy green was back.
“Do what?” My eyes locked with his gaze. I realized my hands were trembling, and I hope he didn’t notice my menu shaking.
“With your mouth,” he nodded towards me.
“I um… I suppose so,” My belly was in knots as his molten stare fell to my mouth, in only what I could describe as a hungry lustful gaze.
Thankfully, the waitress came back, taking our order. I chose the Poke Du Jour. The menu described the dish as ‘fresh fish of the day with soy sauce, red onions, sea salt & sesame seeds. Served with steamed rice.’ Lucien got the lamb with pita bread, Tzatziki and quinoa. He also ordered a bottle of wine and sparkling water. Once the waitress walked off, I sensed the tension between us come back. It was magnetic and the knot in my stomach tightened.
“So, tell me about yourself Ms. Winters? I love to get to know my staff, specifically those that will be an essential part of my team.” His gaze seared into me and I prayed the waitress would hurry with the water. Lucien played with the flame as he awaited my response. His index finger danced over it and through it. It was distracting as he slowly dipped his finger in the hot wax. He didn’t even flinch at the heat. My mind once again drifting in another direction. Images of hot wax drizzling over his chest, those abs dipping into a prominent v. Cassie, answer him! Shit! What did he ask? Oh yea, about me?
“I um, well; I was raised just outside New York with my parents. I studied writing at Columbia and graduated 3 years ago.” I glanced up at him again. I wasn’t sure what else he needed to know.
>
“And why did you choose to come to LA? I mean there are publishing companies in New York?” The waitress came back with our drinks and I sat backward, Lucien gives the nod for her to pour the wine. She filled both glasses and set it down inside the ice bucket. When we were alone again, he picked up his glass. He didn’t wait for my reply, instead he toasted. “I am delighted you’ve joined Verán Publishers.” He clinked his glass on mine. “I need to trust the people I have on my team.” His gaze intense. “Welcome to the company Ms. Winters.”
“Thank you, Mr. Verán,” realizing my mistake when his eyes darkened. It wasn’t anger, this was darker, pure unadulterated lust. I squirmed in my seat. Lucien emanated sex from every pore of his magnificent body. The way his dress shirt clung to the planes of his chest. His shoulders looked good enough to hold onto while he pinned me against a wall. Jesus Cassie, it’s been way too long! A shiver ran down my spine and I squeezed my thighs together. The desire inside me ignited to an unbelievable level.
“Lucien, please, Ms. Winters,” his voice raspy. My body shuddered at his request. I nodded, taking a sip of my chilled wine. It didn't relieve the fire raging over my skin. Cassie, keep it together! Deep breaths remember. My inner dialogue was frenzied. “So, tell me, what made you move?”
“Lucien. Of course.” My teeth chew on my bottom lip as my nerves took over. His gaze settled on my mouth. He raised his wine glass, his stare not wavering. His fingers gripped the stem so hard I expected it to shatter. My gaze fell on his perfect mouth on the rim of the glass as he sipped his drink. His calm, relaxed demeanor hid something darker that he seemed to struggle with. “I um…” Gulping as my heart raced, the tension just got heavier. “Decided to move to LA...” I licked my lips again. It felt like I was in a desert. “… because, I needed a change. A fresh start.” He set his glass down. I hoped the change of topic would ease the hypnotic attraction between us, but it merely intensified.
