Business and Pleasure Read online

  “Sorry things didn’t work out, Alex.”

  “That’s all part of business, but again, thank you for arranging this meeting.” Alexander releases Bob’s hand and turns to me. “Elizabeth, would you be so kind as to walk me out?”

  What? I hesitate, but quickly realize I have no choice, unless I want to appear completely unprofessional. “Why, of course, Alexander. I’ll be happy to see you out.”

  “Alex.”

  I nod in agreement. Alexander. Alex. Whatever. Who cares, as long as I never see the man again? I smile and say, “Alex.”

  Christina doesn’t look happy about any of this. I wonder if she has a problem with my walking them out, or if she’s upset because her boss keeps telling me to call him Alex. Or maybe she just doesn’t like me…for whatever reason. Oh well. I shrug inwardly. I’ll never see her again, either. God willing. They follow me down the hallway, and we step into the elevator. As the door slides closed, I press the button for the ground floor.

  “It was very nice to meet you, Elizabeth.”

  “Likewise.” I hate lying, but what can I do?

  “Really?” He’s smiling, as if he’s able to read my mind.

  “Really was it nice to meet you? Yes. Of course.” I sigh and add, for the sake of my eternal soul, “Do I wish it was under different circumstances? Yes. I must admit I do.”

  As the doors open on the first floor, Christina practically runs out of the elevator, while Alex lags behind and turns to me.

  “We may have to come up with different circumstances then. Have a nice day, Elizabeth.”

  Before I can say another word, the doors slide closed in my face. I stand there blinking, speechless. What the heck did he mean by that?

  *****

  The rest of the day passes by somewhat smoothly. After getting that meeting over with, I can relax more and actually get some work done. Bob pouts, and every time I see him, he sighs and shakes his head, but I easily ignore his histrionics. If he wants more money and a bigger office, he can leave. Natalie, on the other hands, seems thrilled with my decision. She sits in my office with me for part of the day, helping me sort through papers and read manuscripts, and as we wrap things up late that afternoon, she suggests we go out and celebrate.

  “You don’t have to twist my arm,” I laughingly agree with her as I gather up my things and prepare to go home.

  We decide to meet at The Double Seven, and all the way home, my anticipation grows. I feel as if a weight has been lifted from my shoulders.

  While getting ready, I sent a quick text to Nicki and Becca, asking if either of them want to come out with us. Surprisingly, they both text back, saying they will be there. I am feeling rather good this evening—accomplished and confident—and I’m so excited about going out and celebrating with my friends. No more worrying about work, no more stress, just my friends and I, having a good time.

  We arrive at The Double Seven around a quarter after nine and waste no time getting some drinks in our system. We settle into the dark leather booth with our cocktails and chat like a bunch of teenagers at a slumber party. Strange, I can’t remember ever feeling this carefree. We all look amazing, too. I’m wearing my tight, red dress that leaves very little to the imagination, while Natalie is wearing one that’s similar but in black, and with her red hair, she looks fabulous. Becca has left her blond hair down over her shoulders in waves, and she chose a beautiful pink dress, of course (pink is her favorite color), and Nicki is beautiful, as usual, in her black miniskirt, with her black hair up in a high ponytail.

  The atmosphere at The Double Seven is intoxicating, with dim lighting—some of which, like near the bar, is red—providing a dark, seductive mood, just the way I like it. It’s a typical Friday night, but we have the added excitement of something to celebrate. As we’re finishing up our third drink each, a waiter approaches are table. He’s grinning ear-to-ear, and he’s carrying a bottle.

  “Dom Perignon for the four lovely ladies compliments of a fellow customer and admirer.”

  “What the hell?” Nicki is the first to speak in these situations, and tonight’s no exception.

  I’m sure I look dumbfounded. Who on Earth would send over a four hundred dollar bottle of champagne? We all glance around the room, trying to appear nonchalant, while the very handsome waiter pours us each a glass of champagne, and then heads back to the bar. We probably look like four crazy women, craning our necks and staring at various men, but hey, it’s a pretty unusual situation, and we’re all very curious.

  Finally, the crowd parts, and I hear Natalie gasp. “Oh shit.”

  “What? What is it?” I try to see who she’s spotted.

  Natalie nods toward the back of the room, where there are more half-round, dark leather sofas like ours, and I see him.

  Alexander Preston.

  “Elizabeth, do you think he’s the one who sent the bottle?” Natalie asks.

  “I don’t know. I don’t know if I want to know, either.” If he did, I’ll have to say thanks, won’t I? Maybe even go over there and talk to him? The thought makes my heart race.

  “What the hell is going on, Lizzy?”

  I forgot I haven’t told Nicki anything about Mr. Preston.

  “That man sitting over there in the back, that’s the man who was trying to buy out my company. Natalie and I think he may have been the one to send over the bottle of champagne.”

  “Oh my God; are you serious?”

  “Yes, now stop staring, please.” If we stop looking over there, maybe I won’t have to say anything to him.

  We turn and go back to our drinks. Becca has already found a handsome man to talk to, so I assume she won’t need a ride home. Gotta love college students; although, she won’t be a college student much longer… Assuming she passes her finals. We are getting a kick out of watching Becca flirt, and I forget about Alexander’s presence, until I hear his familiar voice.

  “So, Ms. Hamilton, are these better circumstances?”

  Oh, shit. What the hell do I say to him? Although the man tried to take over my company, there’s no reason I can’t speak to him. I’m not so rude that I can ignore him when he’s standing right there…even if I want to do so.

  “Elizabeth?”

  Ah, we’ve gone from Ms. Hamilton to Elizabeth in the space of a few seconds. I realize I can’t pretend he’s not there and turn.

  “Alexander. Hello.”

  I notice a smile tugging at his lips.

  “Ah, she speaks. I hope you are enjoying the champagne?”

  “Yes, we are. Thank you. That was very generous of you.” I tried to keep it short and sweet, but I had a feeling he wasn’t going to let me off the hook that easily.

  “Elizabeth, may we have a few minutes alone?”

  I look at my friends, not sure what to say. I can’t just ask them to leave, which means I’ll have to go somewhere with him, and I really don’t want to do that. I turn to tell him so, knowing he’ll think me rude, but Nicki places a hand on my arm.

  “Why don’t you two sit here? Natalie and I will go over and see what Becca is up to.” Nicki speaks up, saving me from certain embarrassment.

  I sigh and give her a smile of thanks. Nicki and Natalie excuse themselves, and Alexander sits down next to me. The minute he is settled, my heart starts racing. What is it about this man that makes my body go crazy?

  “So, are you celebrating tonight?”

  “Why, yes, I am.” I don’t look at him, but I can feel him moving closer to me.

  “You know, it would have been great for your company had you agreed to my proposal.”

  “Mr. Preston, with all due respect, I don’t care. Hamilton Publishing is my company. I have built it from the ground up. I am not just going to sign it over to some big shot CEO to do with what he wishes. I am also very happy with my company the way it is now. I don’t need your help.”

  I expect my vehement words to make him back away, but instead, he moves even closer.

  “Alex.”


  “You were talking business. I usually don’t use first names when talking business, and frankly, I would like to stop talking business, seeing as how I am out with my friends, trying to relax.”

  “You cannot relax around me, Elizabeth?”

  Oh my goodness… Just the sound of my name coming from this man sets me on edge. I am sure I am visibly tense. “Not really, no.”

  “I could help you relax.”

  I know he is not coming on to me. There is no way. But He scoots a little closer. Our legs touch, he reaches up and places his hand on my neck and starts squeezing, and I begin to question his motives.

  “There,” he says. “Better?”

  My breathing suddenly becomes erratic. Yes, his touch helps very much…but not with tension. All I can think about is how much I would love for his hands to be elsewhere…or should I say everywhere? All over me. He is intoxicating. From his gorgeous, green eyes, to his full lips, to his Armani suit, to his scent—oh, yeah…his scent is enough to make me have an orgasm right here. I have to find out what kind of cologne he’s wearing. He pulls his hand away all too soon.

  “There. Are you relaxed now?”

  What do I say to that? Hell no…let’s go back to my place? I clear my throat, push away such irrational thoughts, and say, “Yes.”

  “Good. Now, would you like to have dinner with me tomorrow night? I promise to not talk business.”

  Wow! He’s asking me out! What in the world do I do? My head is telling me to turn him down with quickness, but the rest of my body is begging me to say yes.

  “Elizabeth? Say yes.”

  It’s like he’s reading my mind. I finally manage to choke out a response. “Yes.”

  He smiles, showing all his perfect, white teeth. I kind of get the feeling most people don’t see him do that very often. He places his hand on my thigh, making me tense up again.

  “I look forward to it. I’ll text you before I pick you up tomorrow. Okay?”

  “Okay.”

  He smiles again. “Alex.”

  “Okay, Alex.”

  He leans in, and his lips are right at my ear. “I love hearing you say my name. See you tomorrow, Elizabeth.”

  Chills cover my body, and I don’t respond. He grins, squeezes my leg one last time, then gets to his feet. A moment later, he’s gone…back to his table…and I could almost imagine the entire encounter had been a dream. That is, until the girls come running back to the table, giggling and squealing like teens, and asking questions, speaking overtop of one another.

  “Wow, Lizzy! He is hot!” This from Nicki, always the one who focuses on how a man looks before anything else.

  Natalie and Becca’s excitement doesn’t last long, and after a moment, they look more worried than anything. Obviously, they were both tuned in to my mood…probably after noticing my expression.

  “Are you okay?” Becca asks.

  “Yes, I am fine, you guys. He just wanted to talk for a minute and, um, ask me out.”

  “Oh, my God! Please tell me you said yes!” Nicki again, still clueless I don’t share her excitement.

  “Yes, I did…. I have no idea what I was thinking, but I said yes.”

  Becca hugs me. “Well, if you’re okay with it, then that’s great.”

  She pauses, and then gives me a sort of embarrassed look. “I…. Do you mind if I ditch you guys? I want to go back over there and hang out with Doug.”

  Of course. I knew she was going to ask me something like that, sooner or later. I smile and squeeze her hand. “No, I don’t mind. Have fun.”

  “I will. Don’t wait up…. I won’t be home until late.”

  As if I’d get a wink of sleep before I heard her come through the front door, but I don’t say this. “I won’t. Be safe.”

  “Always.” Becca spins on her heels and she’s off on her latest adventure.

  I sometimes wish I had her carefree spirit. But then again, one of us has to keep their head on straight.

  Natalie stands up, interrupting my thoughts. “I hope it works out well for you, Elizabeth. I’ve had a great time, but its way past my bedtime. I’m going to head home now.”

  “Okay, hon. I’m glad you came out with us. See you Monday.”

  Now it’s just Nicki and I, which means I’m about to get the third degree.

  “So…,” she begins, leaning in, “Are you excited?”

  “Yes. No. Oh, hell, I don’t know…. I didn’t mean to say yes. When he asked me, the answer just kind of slipped out. I don’t know how I feel, really. I mean, he’s nice enough, and he’s really good-looking, but this is the guy who wanted to buy me out!”

  “Which happens all the time, in business. And you do like him, right?” She has a full-blown smile on her lips.

  “Yes, I like him. Probably too much.”

  “Wow! Our Lizzy, hot for a guy! How awesome is that!”

  “Oh, c’mon, you act like I’ve never gone on a date. But I’m glad you approve,” I say dryly. Suddenly, the night’s events catch up with me, and I’m yawning behind my hand. “You know what? I think I’m going to head home, too. I’m exhausted.”

  “Okay. I’m going to hang around here for another half hour or so. The bartender is hot.”

  I couldn’t help but laugh. “Okay. Have fun.”

  “Always do.”

  She gives me a wink, and I get to my feet and head for the door. Honestly, I’m not that tired. I’m actually horny. After talking with Alex, I feel like I’m going a bit…insane. I really need to get laid…before I go out with him tomorrow. Otherwise, I’m not sure I can rely on myself to maintain control. Once in the car, I pick up my cell and start texting. It’s a game of first response wins, and at this point, I honestly don’t care who that is.

  Chapter Three

  Even though I don’t care who I end up with tonight, there’s one person I know I don’t want…and that’s Mark, so I decide not to text him. Tonight, I need raw, no-strings-attached sex with someone for whom I have no feelings…someone for whom I have no real fondness or attachment. As luck will have it, Steve is the first to respond. Thank goodness. He’s the most attractive of the three guys I contacted, a body builder—lean and very muscular. His black hair and brown eyes make my heart race, and above all—and most importantly—he’s unattached. In the two years I’ve known Steve, he has never had a relationship with anyone. He keeps saying he just hasn’t found the right woman, but from my perspective, I think it’s more likely he’s just enjoying all the time he’s spending with the wrong ones. Oh, well…I’m happy to be a wrong one, and I’m even happier that he’s usually free to come see me. He texts me back almost immediately.

  Wanna see me? When?

  I decide short, sweet, and to the point is best. Yes. Now.

  I think that’s the end of it, until I hear my phone go off again, indicating another incoming text message.

  Is this a 911 situation, Ms. Elizabeth?

  He knows me well, I suppose. I grin as I type in a reply.

  Yes. Now get over here.

  On my way.

  I have a feeling Becca will not crawl in until the early hours of the morning, so I throw on a black, button-down shirt but leave it completely open, pour myself a glass of wine, and wait in the living room, where I stand at a window, looking out over the city. Manhattan is so beautiful, a city you can’t fully appreciate unless you experience it firsthand. What other city is still jumping at two in the morning? Suddenly, I hear the buzz from the intercom. Ah, my knight in shining armor has arrived. I smile at the silly thought and go to buzz him in. I then position myself in the foyer, striking a sexy pose. He barely has a chance to knock before I throw open the door and greet him in all my open-shirt-naked-glory.

  “Why, Elizabeth. I’ve never come in to see you like this. What’s the occasion?”

  He’s looking good tonight, in his ripped jeans and black t-shirt. Perfect, actually. My mouth starts watering, and I grab his hand.

  “Don’t talk. Come o
n.”

  Thankfully, he does as I ask. He follows me to my bedroom, no doubt watching my ass the entire time.

  Even in the midst of my seduction, I realize this is totally out of character and wonder what’s come over me. What has Alexander Preston done to me? We walk into my white bedroom, where a single candle glows, adding a softness to the lights from the city, which filter in through the floor-to-ceiling windows. Before I can make it to the bed, Steve wraps his arms around my waist and then slides his hands up and down my sides and hips. He puts his lips right to my ear and whispers, “I have missed you, Elizabeth.”

  For some reason, I still don’t want to talk. “Shh. Just fuck me, Steve.”

  “As you wish.”

  Without another word, he slips his hands up to my shoulders and slowly pulls my shirt down. A moment later, it puddles around my ankles. He runs his hands down my spine, then cups my ass, which is, as he so often tells me, his favorite part of my anatomy. As he kneads my buttocks from behind, he leans in and begins pressing kisses along my shoulders. His lips feel so good, and before I know it, the day’s cares begin melting away. Sex is my very favorite stress reliever. Maybe I am addicted; I don’t know, but all things considered, I don’t really care, either. Steve’s running his hands all over my body, from my ass to my breasts, and as he squeezes each nipple between his fingers, I let out a moan. His long, hard response presses against my backside. Yes, he is ready for me, and I am more than ready for him. I press my ass against him, hoping he’ll get the signal. My not-so-subtle hint must work, because he straightens, and I hear the zipper of his jeans as he slides it down. Before I know it, I he removes his shirt, and, nearly naked, he guides me to lie on the bed. I lie there flat on my stomach, waiting for him to come into me. This is the fun part. I never know when it’s coming. He lies on top of me and begins pressing kisses from my nape, down along my spine. He spreads my legs, and without warning, he’s inside me. As he thrusts into me, over and over, my insides relax, and I begin to enjoy every movement. I moan, and my eyes drift closed. An image appears in my mind. Oh, Alex. My eyes fly open. Alex! What the…? But I know why I pictured him just now. I want him…it’s that simple. Oh, how I want to feel him like this. Just thinking about him takes me to the edge. My entire body begins to tense; I’m getting close. Every muscle in my body screams for release. Steve thrusts into me two more times, and we both cry out, finding our release. I collapse onto the bed, breathing so hard you would think my lungs would explode. Steve lies next to me with his hand against his forehead.