He’d enjoyed the experience; she was positive of it. He’d better have gotten his fill, because it was the last time she was allowing Daniel to come near her ever again.
CHAPTER 9
As he stood under the rainfall shower in his penthouse condo later that night, Daniel was ashamed of how far he’d allowed the evening to go. He’d intended one kiss to ease the sexual tension simmering between them. Instead, he’d found nirvana between Angela’s thighs.
He hadn’t planned for it to go that far, but he’d found it irresistible the way she’d moaned and writhed underneath him when they kissed. He’d known she was hot for him, wet for him. And she had been. He’d felt it, tasted her sweet nectar.
Glancing down, Daniel was still hard. Hard for Angela. And thanks to his thoughtless behavior, he’d probably never get near her again. He’d been just as shocked as she’d been by the turn of events, but instead of facing it, he’d tried to sweep it under the rug, which angered Angela.
The shocked look on her face when he’d offered to walk her to her car had said it all. She was over the cat-and-mouse game between them, and it would take a miracle for him to ever get that close to her again.
Damn! He’d screwed that up royally.
Why was it so hard for him to tell her how he truly felt? Which was that he found her not only attractive, but vibrant and intelligent. Instead, he’d acted like a bumbling idiot and a far cry from the player the media made him out to be.
Tonight, they’d initially discussed superficial subjects, but eventually she’d opened up to him, sharing her past with him, and he was starting to see that she could become so much more than the unemotional entanglements he’d had previously. Used to seeing avarice in women’s eyes, he’d become jaded thinking they all wanted only his wealth and material things. But Angela seemed just as content to share sushi with him at the office as she was in a VIP supper club.
* * *
Angela sat curled up on her couch with a glass of red wine. She’d opened a bottle after she showered, eager for the relaxation that a nightcap would bring.
The night had gotten out of control and she had no one to blame but herself. Yet again, she’d allowed the chemistry she shared with Daniel to negate her good sense. She knew better than to engage in an office romance with her mentor, her boss. But when he’d looked at her with eyes full of lust and when those full lips of his had touched her mouth, reason had gone out the window. Instead she’d indulged in the slowest, most sensual kiss from his wet lips and soft tongue.
No man had ever had this kind of effect on her. She’d been with other men, had been intimate with them, but Daniel disarmed her. Every time she was around him she lost her senses. It was disconcerting.
Now she was left with regret.
Where did they go from here? How did she fix this? Denying they had an attraction for each other had ended with her skirt around her waist and Daniel’s head between her legs.
Christ! She ran her fingers through her hair. This was a disaster of epic proportion. She didn’t want to lose her job or leave Cobb Luxury Real Estate. It finally felt like she’d found her place and was on the right path for her career. Only to stumble when faced with Daniel Cobb.
What was she going to do?
* * *
The next morning she got up like she always did and put on a stunning white pantsuit with her four-inch heels. Angela needed to feel confident because she wasn’t sure what she was facing at the office.
“Good morning,” she called as she walked into the office, affecting confidence.
“Wow! Someone is dressed to impress,” Myrna said as Angela swept past her. “Big meeting today? Do you need any help?”
“No, I’ve got it, Myrna. I stayed behind last night working on those comps so I would be ready, but thank you.”
“Sure thing,” Myrna responded. “I think someone else might be interested in seeing you, as well.”
“Pardon me?”
Myrna inclined her head and Angela followed her gaze to find Daniel standing in the doorway of his office with a mug of coffee in his hands.
“Angela, a word?”
Angela sucked in a breath. Did they have to do this now? She hadn’t even had her morning cup of joe. She’d been running late this morning after two glasses of wine last night.
She started on unsteady legs toward Daniel. “Yes?” she asked him, standing in the hallway so they were in public view of everyone in the office.
“I have several showings on the calendar today, so other than your morning meeting, you’ll be spending most of your day with me. We also have dinner with Alejandro Rivera at the Forge tonight.”
Angela didn’t appreciate Daniel’s high-handedness. He was forcing her to be alone with him and confront what happened between them last night when she’d rather hide out in her office. And did he have to do it looking so darn good in a crisp white shirt, skinny tie and gray slim-fit trousers?
She wanted to rail at him to give her some breathing room, but instead she measured her response and said, “You must have quite the pull. I’ve heard it’s hard to get a last-minute reservation there.”
“Not for me.”
Angela nodded. “Very well. What time shall I meet you for the showing and where?”
“I thought we could drive together.”
“I’d rather not.”
She could see the wheels of his mind turning at her insubordination. “All right.” He gave her the location and time to meet and then closed the door of his office behind him, leaving Angela wondering exactly what the hell Daniel was up to.
Annoyed, she rushed to her office so she could fume in private. Didn’t he realize that the more time they spent together, the harder it would be to resist the attraction between them? Or maybe that’s exactly what he wanted, but was too afraid to act on it? Did Daniel expect her to chase him?
Angela was used to the shoe being on the other foot, but maybe she’d misjudged the situation. Maybe Daniel wanted her to take matters in her own hands and show him she had no reservations about taking their relationship to the next level?
But she’d already done that when she’d suggested they spend one night together. What more did he want?
* * *
Daniel used the smart device to turn on the lights, open the motorized blinds of the twelve-foot windows and flood the two-thousand-square-foot condo he was showing that morning with light. His assistant, Mary, had already ensured that Evian water and snacks had been laid out on the granite counter prior to his arrival. And he’d come early. Not just to make sure the listing was ready for showing, but to give himself time to prepare to spend the day with Angela. Last night, he’d resolved that he couldn’t ignore her. If their conference room scene was any indication, that hadn’t worked. He had to face his attraction to Angela head-on.
He’d hoped to talk to her in the car ride over. Perhaps suggest they go out for a meal and talk things over. He knew he was begging for trouble, but he couldn’t help himself. Angela, however, didn’t even want to be in the same car with him and had insisted on driving herself.
This morning, she’d stood outside his office in that sleek white suit looking stiff yet sexy as hell. His hands had ached to palm the shape of her bottom as he’d done last night when he’d hauled her against him, but she looked ready to bolt if he took two steps toward her.
It had been hard keeping his distance, so he’d stayed in the doorway, not forcing the issue. She had nothing to be embarrassed over. He’d been the aggressor. Kissing her like that. Hiking her skirt over her slender hips and having his way with her.
Daniel cursed silently. Why couldn’t he stop thinking about her? He wasn’t used to feeling any sort of emotion where women were concerned, especially after Mia. He was used to having them for one purpose—as a lover. He had no u
se for love or relationships. But Angela had him rethinking his position.
Not on love.
On whether he could sustain a relationship even in the short term. Perhaps if he just got this attraction out of his system, life could go back to normal. Yes, that was it. If they had sex, he could finally stop staying awake at night wondering what it would be like to have her underneath him.
The doorbell rang and he didn’t need to answer it to know who it was. He sensed her.
Daniel strode over to the door and swung it open.
Angela was on the other side, just as he’d known she would be. “I’m sorry I’m late,” she said, sweeping into the penthouse. “The Herreras were quite talkative this morning, and I kept looking at my watch hoping I would not be late.”
“You can relax. You’re still early and no one’s shown up yet.” He closed the door behind her. “I was just setting up.”
“Need any help?” Angela removed the white jacket that matched the pants and hung it over the bar stool, revealing an expanse of bare back to Daniel’s gaze. She spun around to face him and Daniel’s eyes raked boldly over her. He lingered on the thin camisole she wore and the outline of her nipples thanks to the chill in the air.
“No, I’ve got it.”
He watched her visibly shudder and then she reached for the jacket and quickly slid her arms back inside. Was she cold or had she guessed the lascivious thoughts running through his head?
“Great!” She turned her back to him and fiddled with her folio. “How many prospects are we expecting?”
“Four buyers and any number of brokers,” Daniel said. “I’ve been talking this place up quite a bit to the top folks in town. I’m hoping to get an offer.”
She spun around to face him. “That’s pretty ambitious. Do you think that’s possible?”
“I’ve been known to make the impossible happen,” he stated emphatically. “The key is for them to see you as the authority in luxury real estate and the best in town.”
“Good to know.” She smiled at his bravado, and he was about to expand on the thought when the doorbell rang.
The afternoon was an endless parade of brokers stopping by to visit the penthouse. He made sure to introduce Angela to each one, and she followed him around observing how he handled them as well as the buyers, their questions and concerns. By the time the fourth buyer, a couple, came late in the afternoon, Daniel allowed Angela to tour them herself as he observed from a close distance.
She was a natural. She had an ease with the buyer that not only made them feel at home, but told them she was knowledgeable about the marketplace.
As she walked with the buyer and pointed out the features of the master bath and massive closet, their broker, Arthur Andersen, stood back with Daniel in the master bedroom. “You’ve got quite a talent there, Cobb,” Arthur said.
Daniel eyed Angela. “Don’t I know it.”
“If you’re not careful, one of the big boys might come and snatch her up.”
His eyes narrowed as he stared at his colleague. “I wouldn’t let that happen.”
“Whoa! Don’t get your briefs in a twist there, Cobb. I’m just pointing out that you can’t hold good talent back. In time she’ll want to spread her wings.”
Daniel didn’t intend to let that happen. Angela was his find. He’d known from the moment he’d met her at an open house for a competing broker that she had the chops to be successful. She just needed a little honing. And he’d love to hone every inch of that delectable body of hers.
“So what’s up with you Millionaire Moguls?” Arthur inquired, breaking into his errant thoughts. “I heard there was some dissension among the ranks and there was some commotion at your monthly dinner.”
“You shouldn’t listen to gossip.”
“I heard it from a reliable source. Anyway, you guys think you rule this town.”
“That’s because we do,” Daniel responded. Arthur was not his friend. He was cordial to the man because convention required him to be, but he wouldn’t trust the man as far as he could throw him.
“Glad to see you’re just as arrogant as you’ve always been.”
His clients and Angela exited the master bath and walk-in closet. She glanced at Daniel as if sensing friction between the two men. “How about this view?” She gave Daniel a wink and led the couple through to the adjoining balcony that overlooked Brickell Bay.
Several minutes later, after several oohs and aahs, they made their way to the lower level where the couple gushed about how much they loved the place. After Angela had poured them both another glass of champagne, she joined Daniel in the discussion.
“What’s the ask?” Arthur asked.
“Full ask. Five million.” He noticed that Angela didn’t bat an eye even though he’d told her earlier that he was willing to concede by half a mil, but this guy irked Daniel. Always had, so he was in no mood to work with him on price.
“C’mon, Daniel,” Arthur said. “My clients want to know they’re getting a deal here.”
“This is a deal. Every condo in the building has gone for upward of four million. And this is the penthouse. You’ve got to know that it’s a higher price point especially with the vaulted ceilings areas on the lower level.”
“And the balcony off the master suite.” Angela joined. “Have you seen anything like it? You can’t beat the views.”
“You’re reaching, Daniel, but then why am I not surprised.” Arthur snorted. “And now you have your girl Friday here, following after you like a good lapdog.”
Angela opened her mouth to speak, but Daniel touched her arm and shook his head.
“Let me talk it over with my clients,” Arthur said.
Once he’d stepped away, Angela seethed with fury by Daniel’s side. “The gall of that man to call me a lapdog!”
“Ignore him. I do. He isn’t worth your anger.”
“Are all the top brokers in town like him?” she whispered.
“Some,” Daniel answered honestly, “but because of it, his client will pay through the nose.”
Arthur returned several minutes later. “My clients are willing to offer full ask.”
A broad grin spread across Daniel’s lips and he gave Angela a knowing look. They’d done it. They’d sold the penthouse together. They were a good team.
And, Daniel suspected, they’d be even better lovers. But would he have another chance to convince her of that?
CHAPTER 10
Angela couldn’t help but admire Daniel even though he wore a smug smile as he sat in the bar at the Forge, where they were dining with Alejandro Rivera. She’d had just enough time after their showings to go home, shower and change before Daniel’s limo arrived to pick her up.
But this time, its owner was not in it. Had he known that sitting together in close quarters again was a recipe for disaster? She hadn’t minded the bottle of Cristal that had been left chilling for her and helped herself to some on the ride over. She could get very used to this extravagant lifestyle.
Tonight, she’d chosen a simple black midi dress with cutaway armholes. It was feminine yet sleek, and showed off her curves and a fair amount of her back with the crisscross detail. It wasn’t designer but from a fashionable boutique in town. She’d piled her hair in a loose updo with tendrils of curls framing her face.
Daniel was obviously pleased with the outfit. He showed his appreciation by raking her with a searing gaze.
“Is Alejandro not here?” Angela inquired once she’d sat in one of the bar stools beside Daniel. He was nursing a scotch while she’d ordered a martini. “I’d have thought he’d be here by now.” She’d purposely arrived fifteen minutes late, not wanting to be alone with Daniel.
He shook his head, but his eyes never left her face. “He called to say he’d hit some traffic b
ut he’ll be here any minute. Speaking of…here he is now.”
Angela spun around to face the six-foot Colombian with thick dark hair, a chiseled jaw with a goatee, and dark eyes. He wore an expensive Italian suit and loafers. “Daniel, it’s good to see you, my friend, but who is this lovely creature next to you?”
Daniel turned to Angela. “Alejandro, this is Angela Trainor. She’s an associate in my firm whom I’m mentoring. Angela, this is Alejandro Rivera.”
Angela extended her hand. “It’s a pleasure to meet you.”
Alejandro grasped her hand in his. He held it for a minute longer than was conventional before brushing his lips across the top. Angela smiled, but quickly withdrew her hand.
“She is lovely, Daniel,” he said. “I can’t wait to spend more time with you this evening.” He held out his arm.
Angela didn’t want to accept it. The kiss on her hand a moment ago had been a little forward, but she didn’t want to offend one of Daniel’s biggest potential clients, so she accepted his proffered arm. He clasped his hand over hers.
“Are you ready to be seated, Mr. Cobb?” the host inquired.
“Yes, we are.”
“Allow me to show you to your room.”
Alejandro walked with Angela, leaving Daniel to follow behind them. “Daniel must think very highly of you to invite you to join us.”
“Yes, I do. Angela has been a great addition to my team.”
The host showed them to a secluded private dining room in the rear of the restaurant where a table for three was set up and a server was already waiting for them upon their arrival. He greeted them with a tray of flutes.
“Champagne?” he inquired.
“Yes, please.” Angela scooped up a glass, as did Daniel and Alejandro. Daniel hadn’t told her they’d be in a private room, but she should have expected that, since that’s how Daniel rolled.
Harlequin Kimani Romance June 2017 Box Set Page 27
