One-Click Buy: September Harlequin Presents

by Penny Jordan

  What she needed to do now was keep the conversation as businesslike as possible or she’d be totally sunk. Heated looks like the one he’d just flicked down her legs would be ignored at all costs.

  She pulled the report she’d been working on the previous evening out of her carry-on bag. ‘I’ve typed up my notes on the history of the negotiations,’ she said in her most forthright, no-nonsense voice. ‘Monty said it would be useful for you to have it all in writing. All the aspects you’ve already agreed with Westchester and anything that’s still to be decided before the signing.’

  His eyebrow lifted but he took the file. She jerked when his fingers touched hers on the document and prayed he hadn’t noticed her reaction.

  ‘You’ve been busy,’ he said at last, leafing through the pages. ‘This looks very thorough.’

  ‘That’s what you’re paying me for, remember,’ she said tartly, and instantly regretted it.

  His lips curved. ‘So you got my note?’

  ‘Yes, I got your note,’ she replied, flustered. This was the last thing she should be talking about. ‘I thought it was completely inappropriate,’ she said, aiming for outrage and getting breathless instead.

  He dumped her report on the coffee-table and, crossing one leg over the other, tapped his open palm on his ankle. ‘As I recall,’ he said, ‘appropriate behaviour isn’t your strong suit.’

  ‘It is now,’ she said, trying to convince herself.

  ‘There’s no need to change your ways on my account,’ he said, a devilish glint in his eyes. ‘I’m a big fan of your inappropriate behaviour.’

  ‘I don’t have time for that any more,’ she said recklessly, layering as much simpering subservience into her voice as she could muster. ‘I’ll be too busy working.’

  He flashed her a laser-sharp grin. ‘Well, hell, Kate. I thought a good PA knew how to multitask.’

  ‘I’m superb at multitasking,’ she said, determined to ignore the innuendo. ‘My shorthand and typing are exemplary, as are my communication skills.’ Businesslike and abrupt ought to shut him up.

  He gave her a deliberate once-over. ‘As you know, I’m more interested in your other skills.’ A shiver of awareness shot up Kate’s spine.

  The man had no shame. Why wasn’t she outraged?

  ‘Yes, but you’re not paying me for those, remember?’

  ‘I know I’m not.’ He reached across the table and brushed a knuckle across her cheekbone. ‘I was thinking more in the region of a free trade.’

  The soft touch and suggestive comment had images of their one night together blasting into Kate’s mind.

  ‘I don’t think so,’ she said. Could he sense the fireball of need searing her insides? She saw the challenging grin and decided retreat was her only option.

  Fumbling with her seat belt, she leapt up and walked to the aeroplane’s window with as much poise as she could manage. Staring at the candyfloss clouds, she tried to even out her breathing. Well, her attempt at classy and businesslike hadn’t exactly been a roaring success.

  ‘Look at me, Kate.’

  She turned to find him standing close. Too close.

  ‘Why are you sulking?’ he asked, amused and indulgent.

  And so much for her grand plan to put him in his place. ‘I’m not.’

  ‘Sure you are.’ He slid his finger under her chin, lifting her face, then stroked his thumb across her lower lip. ‘The pout’s sexy as hell, you know.’

  ‘I’m not pouting, either,’ she said, pulling away. ‘This is me looking annoyed.’

  ‘Yeah?’ He curled his fingers round her nape. Her sex throbbed hot as he got closer still. ‘Then I guess I better annoy you some more,’ he murmured against her lips.

  The smart thing to do would have been to push him away. Her mind registered the thought, but then his mouth covered hers, his tongue pressing against her lips, demanding entry—and smart crashed and burned. She let him in on a sigh, her fingers clutching at his shirt.

  Why did he have to be such a fantastic kisser?

  He dragged her against him. The blatant evidence of his arousal, hard against her belly, had her sanity returning. She wanted his respect, and she wasn’t going to get it if she melted the instant he crooked his finger. The realisation brought the thought of Jill Hawthorne and all his other conquests to mind. She let go, pushed him back.

  He dropped his arms. ‘Still sulking?’ he asked mildly, his breathing only slightly uneven. Did the man never lose his cool?

  ‘I have no intention of becoming one of the herd.’

  His brow furrowed. ‘What herd?’

  ‘How about we start with Jill Hawthorne?’

  ‘What about Jill Hawthorne?’ He looked genuinely stumped.

  ‘You know, your previous partner in multitasking,’ she announced, getting a good firm grip on her indignation at last.

  ‘My…?’ His eyebrows shot up and then, to her astonishment, he laughed.

  ‘It’s good to know you find it funny,’ she snapped. At least he could have the decency to be ashamed of his track record. ‘I bet Jill didn’t.’

  ‘That’s so cute.’ He took her arms, still chuckling as he rubbed his palms up the thin silk. ‘You’re jealous.’

  ‘I most certainly am not jealous,’ she said, trying to shove the green-eyed monster back down his hole.

  ‘Yeah, you are,’ he said. ‘And I think I like it.’ He paused for one last chuckle. ‘But I’ve got to tell you it’s misplaced. Jill and I never multitasked.’

  ‘You didn’t?’ She would not be glad.

  ‘I told you already. I don’t sleep with my staff.’

  ‘But what about me?’

  ‘You’re the exception to my rule. The one and only exception so far.’

  ‘Really?’ She would not feel special either.

  ‘Yeah, really.’ He took her hand and led her back to her seat. ‘But you’re right about one thing.’

  ‘I am?’

  He waited for her to sit down and then sat in his own seat. ‘We should have talked about this before, but I got distracted.’ He gave her a sheepish grin. ‘I always do with you.’

  And she absolutely, definitely would not be charmed.

  ‘Talk about what?’ Kate asked, trying and failing to stifle the warmth spreading up her torso from the gruff intimacy in his voice.

  ‘Our sexual histories. This is the twenty-first century and it’s the smart thing to do.’

  ‘Oh,’ Kate exclaimed, not sure what to say. This conversation threatened to be even more dangerous than the last one. And look where that had got her.

  ‘To put your mind at rest,’ he carried on, in the same supremely confident tone, ‘I always use condoms and I’m not quite as prolific as you think. The last woman I dated was over three months ago and we only lasted one night.’ He gave her a crooked smile. ‘She was nowhere near as distracting as you.’

  ‘Oh, well, that’s good,’ Kate said, a blush spreading up her neck again. For goodness’ sake, she was not a blusher, but she’d done more blushing in the last few days than the whole rest of her life put together.

  He rested his forearm on his knee. ‘So, what about you and Rocastle? Were you sleeping together?’ The question sounded casual. A bit too casual.

  ‘No, we certainly were not.’

  ‘Good.’ He sat back, looking pleased. ‘Any guy who treats a woman like he did—whether she’s his employee or not—is a jerk.’

  ‘I know,’ she said, grateful for his support, even though it seemed a bit misplaced. ‘But to be fair to Andrew, he didn’t put nearly as much effort into seducing me as you are.’

  ‘His loss,’ he said, apparently not taking the hint. ‘So how long had it been for you?’

  Kate’s blush intensified. She was not about to tell him her last sexual relationship before him had been well over two years ago. He’d gloat. And it would put her at even more of a disadvantage. ‘I don’t want to answer that question,’ she said, delicately.

 
‘That long, huh?’ he said, gloating.

  Drat, was he a mind reader now, too? ‘Could we please stop talking about this?’

  ‘Sure,’ he said, sounding even more self-satisfied. He picked up her report from the coffee-table. ‘Why don’t you call the flight attendant and organise our lunch while I read this?’

  And just like that, they were boss and PA again. Kate should have been overjoyed, but she wasn’t. The abrupt turnaround provided more proof, if proof were needed, that he was the one in charge. He set the agenda for their relationship and she didn’t seem to be able to do a thing about it.

  She opened her mouth to speak, to protest his high-handed attitude, when he reached into his jacket pocket, pulled out a pair of horn-rimmed spectacles and put them on.

  He glanced up at her sharp intake of breath. ‘What is it?’

  ‘You…You wear glasses?’

  She’d never been particularly attracted to guys in spectacles before. But, good grief, those piercing green eyes were even more devastating in the slightly nerdy frames. They made him look vulnerable. Which was an illusion, of course, but a very sexy illusion nonetheless.

  ‘I’m near-sighted,’ he said matter-of-factly. ‘I don’t wear my contacts on the plane because of the dry air.’

  ‘I see.’ She recrossed her legs, tugged her skirt down over her knees.

  Get a grip, woman. Stop picturing yourself ripping his clothes off and ravishing him in nothing but his glasses right this instant.

  She stabbed the intercom button and arranged their refreshments with the flight attendant while Zack bent his head to study her report.

  What had happened to her carefully laid plans for getting this situation back under control? It was more out of control now than ever. Thank goodness he hadn’t spotted her ludicrous reaction to his specs. It would be like a red rag to an already very confident bull.

  As Zack studied Kate’s impressively comprehensive report he couldn’t resist a wry smile. So the glasses got her hot. Good to know. Just as it was good to know she hadn’t slept with Rocastle—or anyone else for quite a while. He wasn’t usually a possessive guy, but with Kate it was different.

  He’d done the right thing offering her the PA’s job. And, as tough as it had been yesterday to stay away from her, it had been a smart move to give her some space too. He didn’t want to scare her off. He wasn’t usually a pushy guy, but Kate’s artless sensuality had got to him. Hell, he’d needed a little space himself.

  He flicked a page over, smiled some more. After that kiss, it was clear she wasn’t nearly as afraid of him as she was of herself and her reaction to him. All he needed to do was stoke that fire every chance he got and she’d come to him.

  Having to wait didn’t bother him one bit. Hell, anticipation was nine-tenths of the fun—and Kate’s quick wit and sassy mouth would make the victory all the sweeter.

  For the first time ever he could appreciate the old saying that it wasn’t the winning that counted, it was playing the game. Then again, he could afford to appreciate it, because no way was he going to lose.

  CHAPTER ELEVEN

  THE WIND WHIPPED at Kate’s cheeks as the rocky splendour of Big Sur rushed past. Unfortunately, the elemental beauty of the California coastline wasn’t the only thing taking her breath away.

  The roar of the convertible’s engine dulled and Kate watched Zack downshift to take another hairpin bend. As the glory and spectacle of America’s legendary Highway One flashed past, the spring sunshine glinted off the Ferrari’s glossy red paintwork and seemed to spotlight the man beside her. Even though he’d finally taken off those sexy specs, all her senses seemed to be heightened, her awareness of him humming through her veins like a potent narcotic.

  She studied his profile, the slight cleft in his chin, the hint of a five o’clock shadow on high slashing cheekbones, the Armani sunglasses that didn’t quite hide the tiny laughter lines around his eyes. She battled back the heady sexual thrill that had paralysed her on the plane and took a deep fortifying breath of the fresh sea breeze.

  As the car rounded another treacherous bend the dense chaparral bushes on their right gave way to a meadow of lupines, poppies and wild lilacs, blanketing the forbidding cliffs in cheerful blue and purple blossoms. Her heart slowed. What a glorious sight.

  Kate closed her eyes, turned her face into the wind and tried to force herself to think sensibly. Okay, this was easily the most romantic place she’d ever been and with the sexiest man she’d ever met. She shoved her hair back, held it behind her head and took another long, calming breath of the salty air. She had to stop herself from being completely and utterly swept off her feet.

  She’d known from the start how skilled Zack was in the art of seduction. What she hadn’t realised was how single-minded he could be and how used he was to getting his own way. It seemed nothing could put a dent in that self-confidence. And if his towering ego wasn’t already a big enough mountain to climb, the fact that she was so overwhelmingly attracted to him meant she was trying to scale Mount Everest with one hand tied behind her back.

  As the coast road wound around the cliffs like an asphalt ribbon Kate peeked over the edge. It was a long drop to the secluded coves softening the ancient rocks below. But the truth was the whisper of nerves thrilled her as much as they terrified her.

  Make that two hands tied behind her back.

  The pressure of Zack’s hand on her thigh made her pulse scramble. He squeezed her leg, shot her a quick grin. ‘Awesome isn’t it?’ he shouted above the powerful hum of the Ferrari’s engine and the rushing wind.

  ‘Absolutely.’ And the view wasn’t the only awesome thing on offer. ‘How far is it to The Grange?’

  ‘About ten miles.’ He rubbed her thigh. ‘Wait till you see it. The location’s to die for.’ He put his hand back on the gear stick. ‘Sit back and relax, not long now.’

  Kate settled into the car’s bucket seat and let the sun warm her cheeks—but she knew she’d need knockout drops before she’d be able to relax.

  ‘Welcome to The Grange.’ Harold Westchester’s sherry-brown eyes glinted with appreciation as he gave Kate’s hand a dignified peck.

  The elderly owner of The Grange straightened and shook Zack’s hand. ‘It’s good to meet you in the flesh at last, Boudreaux. I was starting to think you were going to let Robertson close the deal without ever seeing the place.’

  Kate caught the mild note of censure in Westchester’s tone. The old guy was clearly miffed Zack had never visited before. The news surprised Kate. The files on The Grange deal showed Zack had been angling to buy the place for over two years. Given his reputation for thoroughness, it seemed odd he had never come to inspect the investment in person.

  Maybe that was why he seemed a little agitated. As soon as they’d taken the turn-off leading to the resort, he’d been silent and tense. He’d even stalled the car when they’d parked at the entrance to the hotel lobby.

  Westchester had been waiting for them, directing an army of bellboys to handle their luggage. Kate had instantly warmed to the older man. He reminded her of her Grandad Pete, her mother’s father. A wily old fella who would tell it to you straight and always had a ready hug. The fact Westchester didn’t seem the least bit overawed by Zack’s status endeared him to her even more. Nice to know one other person who wasn’t prepared to drop to their knees and start genuflecting as soon as Zack appeared. She might have found an ally.

  ‘I thought you were coming with Robertson during his visit last week?’ Westchester continued, still sounding starchy.

  Zack stiffened almost imperceptibly. ‘I was tied up.’ The denial sounded defensive to Kate, which wasn’t like Zack at all.

  ‘Well, at least you’re here now, young fella.’

  Kate had to control the giggle at the old guy’s irascible tone. No, he definitely was not in awe of Zack.

  ‘I guess we better get you and your pretty assistant checked in,’ Westchester said, winking at Kate.

  After si
gnalling his bellboys, he led Kate and Zack into the hotel’s wood panelled lobby. A huge central fireplace accented the high vaulted ceilings, making the place look both spacious and homely at the same time. It was neat and clean and the profusion of wild spring blooms spilling out of the wall-hangings gave it a fresh, cozy ambience. It was beautiful in a sweet, uncomplicated way, but so unlike the sleek exclusivity of Zack’s Vegas hotel Kate wondered what had made him so determined to buy the place and relocate here.

  Westchester introduced them to the reception staff using their first names. Kate wondered if the informality was another little dig intended to cut Zack down to size. If it was, Zack didn’t seem to notice.

  ‘Now, then,’ Westchester began. ‘The Ms Hawthorne who made the reservations said you’d need a two-bed cottage because you’d probably be working late together. So I stuck you in Terra Del Mar. It’s got a shared bath, but it is real pretty. Hope that’s okay?’

  The blood surged back into Kate’s cheeks. Mount Everest just got bigger. How on earth was she going to resist Zack’s advances if they were sharing a cottage—and a bathroom?

  ‘That’s great,’ Zack said, stroking a hand across Kate’s back. In a lower voice, he added, ‘I expect we’ll be having a lot of late nights.’

  If Westchester heard the innuendo he didn’t let on. ‘That’s settled, then. How about we get some tall drinks in my quarters while your luggage is taken to your cottage?’

  Kate was about to accept when Zack interrupted her. ‘Kate’s tired from the trip. We’ll take a rain check on the drinks.’

  ‘All right,’ said Westchester evenly.

  ‘Don’t be silly.’ Ignoring Zack, Kate put a hand on Westchester’s arm. ‘I’d love to have drinks. I’m not the least bit tired.’ And she had no intention of being alone with Zack again so soon. She needed more time to marshal her defences.