“I have.” More than ever, Rafe knew. Sterling Worldwide was his. His responsibility. His fucking good fortune.
“I’m glad we’ve had this chat.” Theodore released his hand, a physical representation of his emotional resolve. “I’m living my life. Not the one everyone else wanted. I sacrificed thirty fucking years,” he reiterated. “That’s more than a life sentence.”
“I need six months,” Rafe pressed. “It’s not that long. Give us some time to set up a transition. Avoid a crisis.”
“I’ll be in Morocco by then. Just like Bogey and Bacall.”
Was Theodore even listening? “It was Humphry Bogart and Ingrid Bergman.”
“You’re sure? It wasn’t Lauren Bacall? The two were legend together.”
“Bergman. I warned you it has an unhappy ending. They don’t end up together.”
“Teddy Bear!” Lillibet leaned over the rail, her nipples all but peeking out from the hot-pink bikini top. She waved her empty champagne glass and her diamond blinked in the sun.
“Coming, darling!”
“This is the life you want?”
“My plumbing is working again for the first time in years.”
“Dad.” Rafe shoved his sunglasses back into place. This trip had been as useless as it was frustrating. “There are certain things you’ll need to handle before you leave.”
“If I’m available. Don’t have much time for business.”
“At least answer your phone when I call.”
“It’s rarely convenient.”
“Bye-bye, Rafe.” Lillibet gave her annoying wave once again.
“I’ll show myself out.”
“You don’t mind?” his dad threw over his shoulder as he headed for the stairs.
For a moment, Rafe studied Lillibet. His father had met her at his club. She’d been the front desk hostess, in charge of greeting members, taking them to tables in the dining room, ringing their massage therapist, or wishing them a good workout. Beyond that, Rafe knew nothing about her.
With a squeal, dripping wet from the hot tub, she ran to greet Theodore.
Rafe left the Lunar Sea without looking back. That was what he needed to do. Move forward. Focus on the future. His father’s choices showed Rafe how selfish he’d been in some of his. His refusal to get over Emma and find a suitable woman to marry was now causing succession problems in the business and adding undue stress to his mother and sister’s lives. Funny how easy it was to see his father’s flaw and how difficult to recognize the one inside himself.
In the car that would take Rafe back to the regional airport, he phoned Mercedes to set up a legal meeting for the moment he returned.
Then, once on board the plane, he called Celeste on her direct line.
“I can say with some confidence that Dad’s not coming to the Saturday meeting.”
“You’ll attend in his stead?”
“I’ll be there. What do you know about Lillibet?”
“In what way?” Celeste’s voice sharpened.
“Who is she? I know how they met, but I don’t know her background.”
“I’ll find out.” Without wasting any more time, she hung up.
The plane was taxiing when he called the office to let Jeanine know about his return time and his afternoon plans. “Did Ms. Malloy receive her gift?”
“I checked a few minutes ago. It was out for delivery.”
“Very well.”
He sat back as the pilot took off. The earth beneath Rafe grew smaller in the window, and the altitude gave him perspective. He hadn’t planned to be CEO for years, maybe decades. But now that the company was going to be his, he had a future to secure.
After the attendant had brought him a cup of coffee, he sent a message to Hope.
New Orleans this weekend? We can leave Friday afternoon. There’s a particular restaurant I want to introduce you to.
Several times, he checked his phone to be sure he hadn’t missed a message. It took over an hour for her to respond.
Everything’s set for this afternoon’s mixer.
Since they’d met, he might have won a couple of rounds, but this one definitely went to her.
He’d spent his adult life avoiding relationship drama. And now…? Now, he realized life was more intriguing than ever. He lived for another hit of her.
Indeed, she’d won the latest skirmish. He, however, intended to be the ultimate victor.
Rafe reached for his phone one more time to make reservations for dinner Friday night at Vieille Rivière in Louisiana. He was nothing if not persistent.
CHAPTER NINE
Hope’s knees wobbled as the express elevator she rode with Skyler and Tony whooshed to a stop on the sixty-first floor of 1 International Plaza, a stunning five-sided tower that housed some of Houston’s premier companies. Though the Prestige Group had hosted mixers at many of the Bayou City’s most outstanding venues, they’d never used this facility.
The doors parted to reveal a large lobby area with gleaming marble floors and floor-to-ceiling windows. A woman wearing a black skirt suit and a warm smile stood a few feet away. “Welcome to the International Club, Ms. Malloy.”
When the trio exited, the woman extended her hand. “I’m Barbara Thurston. Mr. Sterling requested I take very good care of you.”
With her purse, Skyler nudged Hope’s ribs. Hope glared at her assistant. That morning, Rafe had sent a bouquet of red roses, with thorns. Not wanting to look at the arrangement all day, Hope had placed the vase in the conference room, in the middle of the table, which bore a smudge that she’d missed cleaning. She hadn’t been able to hide the flowers, but she’d kept the texts private. It had taken resolve she didn’t know she possessed to stop herself from responding.
Last night, Rafe had sent her the names of two submissives he’d scened with in the past and recommended she call them as references. Despite her resolve to avoid him, she’d closed her office door and made the first call to Sara. Sara had said she’d adored playing with Rafe. He had been considerate and fulfilled her desires. Knowing he’d been involved with the sweet-sounding submissive had spiked envy in Hope. But as far as references went, Sara’s words were reassuring. Hope had called the next sub too and received a similar glowing recommendation.
Part of her had hoped she’d learn something bad that would give her a solid reason to bolt.
Skyler cleared her throat, bringing Hope back to the present. She’d been lost in thought while Barbara had been speaking. “Sorry?”
“I was asking if this is your first visit to the International Plaza.”
“It is.”
“We’re delighted to have you here. Our observation deck is renowned for its city views.” Several pieces of modern art adorned the wide-open area, similar in theme to ones on the street, tying the inside of the building with the exterior and providing a visual bridge to the nearby arts complex.
Hope tossed a glance over her shoulder at Skyler and Tony. Skyler’s mouth was parted, and Tony adjusted his yellow tie.
“If you’ll come with me, I’ll get you settled in.”
Refusing to be anything but confident in her decision to retain the account even though that meant she had to face him again, Hope followed the concierge to the Bayou Vista room at the end of a long hallway. The area was enclosed by frosted glass etched with the Houston skyline.
When she stepped inside the intimate space, her breath was taken away once more. She was drawn toward the windows, even though she was trying to focus on the room’s setup.
“It’s a common reaction,” Barbara assured her. “Take your time.”
Over the past few years, Hope had been rocked by some incredible views, including a revolving rooftop restaurant atop a downtown hotel. But this was fifteen floors higher than that, soaring over all the nearby buildings, offering a stunning skyscape, as far away as the ship channel. Closer in was the aquarium with its famous Ferris wheel. Buffalo Bayou with its paths and parks and green space that meandered thro
ugh the city, provided an inviting space in the concrete jungle.
Tony joined her, adjusting his tie. “I wonder what it costs for a corporate membership.”
More than the Prestige Group could afford, no doubt.
“I’m happy to send across some information,” Barbara said. “The fact that Mr. Sterling invited you here will have some sway with the membership committee, I’m sure.”
Since she didn’t want to say it wouldn’t be necessary, Hope smiled. Access to this facility would be amazing, but amazing came with a price tag.
Tony glanced toward Skyler. “You can see that glass-bottomed pool that goes off the edge of that apartment building.” He pointed to a building in the distance.
That feature was remarkable, and a video of a woman appearing to walk off the front of the apartment complex, with the street forty stories below, had gone viral. While Hope considered herself adventurous, she would never swim where she could see cars and people below her.
“Come have a look,” Tony invited.
“Oh, hell no,” Skyler replied, her features blanching.
Hope turned. “Are you afraid of heights?”
“No. Uh, I’m fine. Good. Just making sure everything is okay. You know, the food and beverages.” Skyler glanced at Barbara.
The woman joined her, which left Hope no choice but to follow.
A champagne fountain sat in the center of the room, flowing with amber bubbly. A bottle stood off to the side, bearing a label so expensive that she would only purchase it for a major celebration.
He’d also provided chocolate-covered strawberries, a cheese tray, and an assortment of fresh veggies.
There were a few high bar tables scattered around the room, covered with white tablecloths. Each had a centerpiece consisting of a flickering candle and a sprig of bluebonnets—the Texas state flower—in a small vase. Jazz music, played low, provided a sophisticated background without being so loud that it would disturb intimate conversation.
A staff of two stood in place, ready to serve.
“If there’s anything you require to make your event more successful, please let me know.” Barbara offered a business card with her personal cell phone number on it. “I’ll be here until your event wraps up. And of course, the staff can handle anything you need.”
“Thank you.” Hope slipped the card into her kitty purse, then stowed it beneath a table. Skyler placed her handbag alongside Hope’s.
“I could get used to this kind of mixer,” Tony said. “Think about the type of clientele we’d attract. People would be dying for an invitation to come here.”
Hope stood. “Don’t even.”
“Tell me we can have some of the champagne,” Skyler implored.
“A taste test would be appropriate, I think.” Tony nodded. “Make sure it’s palatable.”
“I’m sure it’s fine,” Hope responded.
“Yeah. Fine.” Skyler smoothed her skirt.
Hope didn’t have any rules against drinking at Prestige events. In fact, it might be more awkward if they didn’t occasionally have one in hand. She just made sure they caught a ride home if they imbibed, and to ensure everyone was on their best behavior, employees were not permitted anything more than two glasses per evening.
“I’ll be the official taste tester. I’m all about being a team player, as you know.” Tony picked up a flute and filled it.
“Selfless,” Skyler said.
Hope and Skyler stood next to each other, watching as he took a sip.
“You were right. It’s fine.” He sighed, as if suffering. “I suppose it will work since we have nothing else.” He stuck the glass back under the waterfall.
“Want one?” Skyler asked Hope.
“No.” She needed every advantage she could gather where Rafe was concerned, which meant she had to keep her mind clear, even if that meant forgoing a glass of one of the best sparkling wines on the planet.
Skyler took her first sip and her eyes rolled back. She bent her knees in a mock swoon. “Oh, there so is a God.”
“It’s that good?” Hope asked.
“Better than that. Orgasmic, even.”
“You make that face when you orgasm?” Tony asked.
“Do not answer him!” Hope snapped.
Skyler made a circle over her head, indicating she had a halo.
“Business. We’re here for work,” Hope reminded them. They’d talked to seventeen candidates and ended up with four who might consider a BDSM relationship with the right millionaire.
Tony was on his second champagne when the first potential date arrived. Destiny Faulks owned a graphic design firm. She was petite, energetic, and had a brush of purple streaked through her blonde hair. Skyler went to say hello while Tony met Charlotte Lewiston, who played with the symphony. He led her to the center table where he offered her a glass of champagne.
Minutes later, Hope welcomed their third guest, Norah Minturn. Though young, the woman worked for a hedge fund management group and had already started to earn a reputation as being savvy and bold. She was from old money but left her trust fund untouched, preferring to make her own mark on the world.
Even though she was deep in conversation, Hope knew the moment Rafe opened the door. Oxygen rushed from the room. Her heart rate turned thready and words died in her throat.
She was caught in his unseen tractor beam. Unable to stop herself, she turned toward him. Their gazes locked, and he tipped his head to acknowledge her. Heat flooded her, as well as her instinct to succumb to his dominance. Realizing she was ignoring Norah, Hope shook herself. She made eye contact with Skyler, signaling she needed assistance. Then she turned back to Norah with a polite and practiced smile. “If you’ll excuse me for a moment?”
“That’s Rafe Sterling.”
His gaze was a livewire, and Hope shivered at the force of his attention. She hid her annoyance at Norah’s non-question. “Do you know him?”
“No.” She stared at him, unblinkingly. “But I want to.”
After unclenching her back teeth, Hope smiled. “You’ll get a chance.”
“When you said you had a successful businessman for me to meet, I had no idea you meant him.” Hunger and interest laced her tone. “He stands to inherit a billion dollars.” Norah took a breath before cupping her hand near her mouth to keep the conversation private. “He wants to tie me up and order me around?”
For a reason she didn’t dare name, Hope’s smile faded. “As I mentioned, that would entail a personal discussion between you and Mr. Sterling.”
Skyler finally arrived with Destiny to include Norah in their discussion.
As if he were royalty, Rafe had remained where he was, just inside the door, waiting for Hope to come to him. As if he were royalty, she went.
The air around him sizzled, supercharged.
She hesitated. In this business setting, it would be inappropriate to hug him, and a handshake would be ludicrous.
Seeming to enjoy her struggle, he waited her out, studying her, not making any move to extract her from the conundrum.
In the end, she opted not to touch him. It was much safer that way.
In a voice loud enough for others to hear, she said, “Excellent choice of venues, Mr. Sterling.” Did her words sound as forced to him as they did to her?
He continued to hold her gaze. “The view is second to none.”
With a broken inhalation, aware of Skyler watching them, Hope continued. “Everything is perfect. All the details. The room…” She was babbling. Damn it. Damn him and the smile toying with the corners of his lips.
“You received my flowers?”
“Thank you. But you need to stop.”
“Why?”
“Why?” She blinked. “Do I need to list the reasons?”
“You don’t like flowers?”
“That’s not the point.”
“So you did enjoy them?”
“Mr. Sterling, please. Let me introduce you to your candidates.”
&n
bsp; “Is this how it’s going to be?” That telltale warning tic in his jaw was back. “Foisting me off on others?”
“I’m here to do a job. You’re here to save your empire.” She had to remind herself of that. Hope flicked a glance toward her assistant. By prior arrangement, she hurried over. “This is Skyler Morrison, the heartbeat of Prestige. We couldn’t function without her.”
“We’ve spoken on the phone,” he said. “Great organizational skills and an effective communicator. I agree, she’s a great asset to your organization. It’s a pleasure to put a face with a name, Ms. Morrison.” He shook Skyler’s hand, quick and perfunctory without holding on.
Skyler stood there, blushing, silent. In all the time they’d worked together, with all the rich, powerful men that Skyler had met, she’d never been at a loss for words.
“We were discussing the venue,” Hope prompted
“Yes. The venue. Right. It’s…beautiful.” Skyler cleared her throat, then smoothed a hand down her slacks. “And the champagne is delightful. Dry but not pretentious.”
“I’m glad you approve.”
“Yes, well. Can I get you a glass? I mean, it is yours, right?”
He cut his glance toward Hope. “I’d rather your boss fetch it for me.” His tone had changed. Now it was firm, an order that promised reward or punishment. “Then I’ll spend a couple of minutes discussing strategy with her before I meet the first of your candidates.”
A moment later, one of the servers circled the room, carrying a tray of filled flutes.
Their final guest arrived, and Skyler smiled, as if she’d won a reprieve. “I’ll greet Hannah.”
“Thank you.” Hope fought to keep her tone even.
Skyler dipped one knee, the move suspiciously like a curtsy. Hope blinked, resisting the temptation to wring her assistant’s neck.
“Ma’am?” The server offered wine.
From across the room, Hannah demanded, “You’re sure he’s not a sadist?”
Hope closed her eyes, praying Rafe’s hearing wasn’t as good as hers. His smile told her it was. Her earlier resolve to abstain from alcohol wobbled. Deciding she needed the fortification, she plucked a glass from the tray.
Billionaire's Matchmaker (Titans) Page 15
