I smile and nod.
“Duly noted.”
After I leave the room, I scurry to my office to catch my breath, or at least until my heartbeat slows down. I need a minute or two just to collect my thoughts. The Sapphire men are scheduled to be here for most of the afternoon, but luckily for me, I can hide in here while my staff takes over. That massage was intense, and I cannot believe I agreed to go out with him. Trying to focus on work for a while, I get some done, but thoughts of Ben, his very naked body, and a date with him tomorrow keep distracting me.
I need some girl time to help me collect my thoughts. I pull my cellphone out and go to the group text between myself, Rae, and Mik and tell them that I need an emergency cocktail meeting tonight. I press send and impatiently await their responses when a knock on my door distracts me.
“Yes?” I call out to my closed door.
The door opens, and Sage, the front desk girl, sticks her head in. “Hey Jill?”
“Yes?”
“There is a delivery for you.”
“Okay. Do I need to sign for it or something?”
“Um, no, but I think you might want to come and see this.”
I rise to my feet and walk toward the door but step back when it opens wider and several delivery people enter, and begin filling up my office with white freaking lilies. A girlish giggle escapes my lips as my cheeks heat up and flush a light pink. The last person to walk in is holding a bouquet so large that I don’t notice it’s Ben until he places the flowers on top of my desk.
“I see that you don’t half-ass things then,” I say with a small chuckle.
He smirks and waves a hand across my flower-filled room. “Go big or go home?”
“That is a dangerous precedent you are setting for yourself, Mr. Sapphire,” I tell him playfully.
“I’m okay with that,” he tells me as he leans closer. “I think you’re worth it.”
I’m smiling so big, my face hurts. I’ve got to hand it to the man. He is good.
“I’d like to properly ask you out.” He looks at me, brow raised, an expectant look on his handsome face.
“By all means,” I retort playfully.
He flashes me those dimples of his, and I already know I am a goner. “Ms. Baldwin, I’d love to take you out for dinner tomorrow night if you are free?”
“It’s kind of last minute. I will have to check my schedule,” I deadpan, glancing around the large bouquet of flowers to glance at my calendar.
“Of course,” he says thoughtfully.
“Hmmm,” I tell him. “I think I might be able to squeeze you in.”
We both smirk at one another, and he takes a step forward.
“Does seven work for you?” he asks.
“It does.” I walk to my desk, jot my address and cell number down on my business card, and then stroll back to hand it to him.
Ben leans in and places a gentle kiss on my cheek as he slides the card from my fingers. I close my eyes and let out a sigh as his lips make contact with my cheek. “See you tomorrow night, Jill.”
“Looking forward to it, Ben.”
He turns to leave my office.
“Oh, and Ben?”
He stops walking and turns to face me.
“Thank you for the flowers. Nice touch,” I say with a wink.
He just flashes that sexy grin and nods his head once before striding out. And I am in no way ashamed to admit that I watch his glorious backside until he has sauntered out of sight.
Chapter 4
The town car pulls up in front of her building precisely five minutes ‘til seven, and I realize I’m nervous. I can’t remember the last time I felt nervous; well, at least, about picking a woman up for a date. There were plenty of times overseas that I was more than nervous, but those were life and death situations. This is definitely not that. I take a deep breath and tell the driver I’ll be just a minute.
I step out of the car and approach her building but stop in my tracks, my heart skipping two beats in my chest as I see her exit the building. Did I just say this isn’t a life or death situation? Because what she’s wearing literally takes my breath away. She sashays up to me, hips swaying lightly back and forth as her heels click on the pavement, her smile brightening the dusky night sky.
I sweep my gaze up her body, clad in a little black dress, but not your typical LBD. Oh, no, not my Jill. This one hugs every curve of her body, starting with the high neckline that is followed by two, black sheer strips; the second strip revealing just a peek of her cleavage. The dress falls a few inches above her knees, but there’s a slit in one side of the skirt that exposes almost her entire thigh with each step. She’s teasing me, and the smile she’s giving me says she knows it.
She comes to a stop in front of me, and I reach out and gently clasp her hand in mine, raise it to my lips, and brush a soft kiss against her knuckles. “You look exquisite.”
Her cheeks flush just the lightest color of pink as she casts her eyes down to my feet and then leisurely up my body until she meets my gaze. “You look pretty fine yourself, Mr. Sapphire.”
I grimace at being called Mr. Anything but don’t want to start the evening off on the wrong foot, so I smile and nod my head in thanks. “I would have come up.”
“I was ready. No need.” She fidgets with her small clutch and smiles. “Am I dressed appropriately? You didn’t say where we were going?”
“You’re perfect.” I move my hand to her elbow and guide her to the town car where the driver is already waiting with an open door. I help her in and then move around to the other side of the car, settling myself in beside her. As soon as I sit in the enclosed space with her, I’m assaulted by her smell and have to close my eyes for a minute to try to identify the scent. It’s unique and not the overly sweet perfume other women often wear. This is light and fresh and reminds me of how the air smells in the forest after a summer storm.
“Are you okay?” Her voice is a bit timid.
My eyes fly open, and I turn my head so I can meet her gaze. “I was smelling you.”
“Smelling me?” Her brows furrow in confusion.
“Yes.” I lean my head forward so that my nose is almost touching her neck, and I inhale deeply. I lift my gaze back to her, not pulling away. “You smell like the rain, clean and crisp and pure.”
Her hand moves to her neck as she pulls back from me just a bit, and I realize I might be invading her space a little too closely so I pull myself back up straight. “Sorry. I didn’t mean to make you uncomfortable.”
Her hand moves from her neck and drops down onto mine as she provides me with a warm smile. “You aren’t making me uncomfortable. It’s a nice compliment. Thank you.”
I turn my hand so I can grasp her fingers in mine, pulling it into my lap, my thumb sweeping back and forth across her palm. Her skin is soft and warm against mine. “You’re welcome.”
“So, are you going to tell me where we’re going?” She tilts her head to one side as she asks.
“You don’t like surprises?” I raise an eyebrow in response.
“Only good surprises.”
“This is a good one. I promise.”
She chuckles. “Already making promises?”
I frown. “Is that a bad thing?”
“Only when you don’t deliver, and in my experience, I’ve learned most men don’t.”
Immediately feeling challenged by her statement, I raise my brows. I grasp her hand a little tighter and yank her flush to me, a yelp of surprise escaping her painted red lips which are now a breath away from mine. I take her face gently in my other hand and meet her hard stare.
“Let me assure you, Jill, I’ll deliver on any promise I make to you. And I also guarantee you won’t be disappointed because I’m not like most men, and I don’t like being compared to them. Understand?”
My voice is just short of a growl, but she doesn’t look scared. She looks aroused. Her breath is falling in short little pants, and her gaze keeps moving from my ey
es to my mouth, her pink tongue darting out to run across her lips as she nods. “Got it.”
I move my hand slightly and run my thumb over the same trail her tongue just took, her breath inhaling sharply as I do, her eyes fluttering shut. I lean in, but instead of kissing her and doing the expected, I brush my nose across her cheek, down her neck, and then up to her ear, brushing against her soft locks and finally whispering, “I could kiss you right now. I want to. So badly. But in my experience, really good things are worth the wait.”
She pulls back sharply from my grasp and purses her lips, fire burning in her eyes. “You, Benjamin Sapphire, are a tease.”
I give her my most devilish grin. “And you, Jill Baldwin, are fun to tease.” Her mouth falls open to respond, but I point out the window and speak. “We’ve arrived, and just in the nick of time, I think.”
“Just in the nick of time for you, I think,” she retorts.
I step out of the car and motion for the driver to stay as I move to the other side to open Jill’s door. “Is there a restaurant in this marina?” I watch as she swivels her head back and forth in search of one.
“Sort of.” I take her hand and start toward one of the docks where a large yacht is moored. “Come on, it’s this way.”
“Are we going on that?” She points to the boat, eyes wide.
I’m thrilled to have surprised her and maybe even a little proud that I can share such a luxurious experience with her. The yacht is actually my parents’, but they rarely use it these days and were more than happy to lend it to me, as well as the staff, for the evening. Especially after they found out that I’d be taking a date on board. I think, they’re afraid I’m never going to settle down. “We sure are. Do you like boats?”
“Um, sure. I mean, this is more than a boat. But are you sure I’m really dressed for this?” She pulls back on my hand, stalling our forward progress.
I chuckle at her dress concerns. “Jill, this is a luxury yacht. You won’t have to do any mooring or sailing on this. You’re absolutely perfect.”
“So, we’re actually going to leave the dock and go out on the water?” Her voice rises an octave.
“Yep.” I start moving forward again. “The staff have a wonderful dinner they’re preparing for us, and we can relax and watch the stars as we eat and take in the New York City skyline.”
“That sounds wonderful. I’ve never been on a luxury yacht before.”
I help her onto the yacht and lead her to the main salon where the staff are waiting. Introductions are made before the captain excuses himself to get our trip underway. Heather, one of the attendants, pours us each a glass of champagne, and I usher Jill toward the deck.
“Isn’t it beautiful?” I want to make sure she’s comfortable, but I also am doing my damndest to try to impress this woman.
“It really is gorgeous. It feels so decadent.” She wraps her arms around herself and shivers as we approach the railing. I shrug my jacket off and drop it over her shoulders as I move to stand behind her and shield the wind.
“Is it too cold for you? We can go back inside.” I run my hand lightly down her arm to warm her.
“No, it’s fine. I like the fresh air.” She turns her head and gives me a smile. “Thank you for your jacket.”
“Let me know if you get too cold. I can get you a blanket.” I step closer to her so the heat of my body is against hers. She leans back against me and lets out a long sigh, which in turn makes my heart race. I want her to feel relaxed with me, comfortable. I want this to be one of the best nights of her life and feel like we’re off to a perfect start.
“Is it too cold for you? We can go back inside,” Ben asks with concern in his voice as he gently rubs my arms on either side, trying to warm me.
Oh, God, please no.
I tell him I am fine and that I am enjoying the fresh air; at least, it’s not entirely a lie. I turn my head to face him and smile. When I thank him for his jacket, he offers to get me a blanket if I get too cold. He’s very sweet, and I hate that this date is probably going to be ruined by my seasickness. I am inwardly kicking myself, knowing I should have spoken up when I had the chance. Now, I have to put on my big girl panties and power through. He steps closer, pressing his body against mine. I am a little taken aback by how natural this feels, but I don’t dwell and let myself enjoy the moment. I lean back against him, and a soft contented sigh falls from my lips. With my head resting against his chest, I listen to his heart beating. It’s accelerated, like mine. Ben leans in and kisses the top of my head. I lift my gaze, and his eyes fix on mine. We stare at each other for a moment. Suddenly, he spins me around and pushes my back against the railing, caging me with one arm and holding my face with the other.
“Fuck waiting,” he breathes out.
His lips crash down on mine, gentle little pecks at first but that just won’t do for me. I throw my arms around his neck, the jacket slipping from my shoulders. But, right now, I don’t even care. I deepen the kiss, and while it starts off sweetly, our tongues dancing around each other, exploring, tasting each other, it soon turns more frantic, almost desperate. Any feeling of nausea or cold is forgotten as this man gloriously invades my mouth. My entire body feels like it is on fire, and the heat between my thighs is almost unbearable. There is no denying that I want him. Right now. We are interrupted by the clearing of a throat and both turn to face a very obviously embarrassed member of staff, whose name currently escapes me.
“I am so sorry, Mr. Sapphire. I wanted to let you know that dinner is being served.”
Ben apparently recovers way faster than I do, because he flashes her a smile and thanks her. He holds out his hand to me, and I take it without a shred of hesitation. I’ll follow him anywhere right now. We head inside, and I nearly gasp when I see the fabulous spread before us. The table is beautifully set, and the food smells delicious. I can’t disguise the smile beaming from my face when I notice the vase of white lilies on the center of the table. Ben pulls out my chair and I lower myself in to it. He makes his way across from me and gracefully drops into his seat, flashing that smile that makes me weak in the knees, and I am happy that I am sitting down. The girl that caught us making out on the deck walks back in with our plates of appetizers, and I feel my cheeks heating when her gaze meets mine. She smiles at me sweetly and gives me a wink, causing me to chuckle. Ben raises his brow in question, but I just shake my head.
“This looks beautiful,” I tell him.
“That it does,” he replies, eyes fixed on me.
That earns him a smile. I place my napkin on my lap, and just as I am about to take a bite, the boat rocks and a wave of nausea overtakes me. I can feel my stomach contents coming up, and my eyes widen and flash over to meet his. Panicked, I scan the room, trying to search for a bathroom. I can’t see myself right now, but I am convinced that I must be positively green at this moment.
“Bathroom,” I gasp.
Ben jumps out of his chair and is over to me in a heartbeat. He lifts me into his arms and carries me swiftly into the bathroom. I can’t even worry about him being here as I drop to my knees in front of the toilet. Ben kneels beside me and holds my hair as the first wave from my stomach makes its appearance. I am absolutely mortified, but I am unable to stop the tsunami that is washing over me. Ben is holding my hair with one hand and stroking my back with the other. When it finally feels as if the sickness is letting up some, embarrassment rears its ugly head. I cover my mouth with my hand and stand, stumbling toward the sink. After I turn on the faucet and rinse out my mouth, I look up and grimace when I see my reflection in the mirror.
“Did you know you get seasick?” he asks me.
I bite my lip as our eyes meet in the mirror and I nod.
“Then why would you let me take you out on a yacht?”
I feel contrite.
“I’m so sorry to have ruined our date. I didn’t want to ruin our evening by complaining about where you chose to take me. When I saw how much effort you had put into t
onight, I didn’t have the heart to, but I went and ruined it any way.”
Ben makes his way over to me, positions himself behind me, and wraps his arms around my waist.
“I am so sorry that you feel sick, Jill. I am truly sorry.” He leans in and kisses the top of my head. “I should have asked you specifically if you enjoyed being on the water.”
I nod once more and he smiles.
“Give me a second to get this vessel turned around,” he tells me.
“Okay,” I mutter.
He smiles and asks me if I will be okay for a moment, and I tell him I’ll be fine. He comes back only a short moment later and wraps a blanket around me before he leads me back onto the deck. We sit in complete silence with his arm draped around me. I am grateful when we make it back to the dock so quickly. We thank the staff, and Ben wastes no time ushering me off the boat and onto the dock. My legs are still a little wobbly, and he must notice, because he lifts me into his arms and carries me to the waiting town car. The driver sees us coming and opens the door for us. Ben gently deposits me into the car and straps me in before walking around and sliding into the seat next to me.
“Will you give me a chance to redeem myself?” he asks me sweetly.
I look at the man that just held my hair as I lost every last bit of what was in my stomach, and am overcome with an unfamiliar feeling. Not able to put any words together at this moment in time, I just nod.
Chapter 5
Frustration reigns supreme as I walk around the car to climb in beside Jill. Have I made her feel so uncomfortable that she couldn’t share the truth with me about her aversion to being on the water? Reasonably, I know she was only trying to make the best out of what ended up being a bad predicament for her, but I want her to feel she can be completely open with me and know I won’t be upset.
I open the door and lower myself into the seat next to her. One look in her direction has me doing a complete one-eighty. She’s practically curled herself up like a kitten, the blanket from the yacht wrapped around her, making her tiny form somehow look even smaller. Her eyes are downcast, her skin still so pale from the turbulence her body felt on the boat. She musters a small smile and peeks up at me from under her dark lashes. “I’m so sorry, Ben. I should have said something.”
Breaking Benjamin Page 4
