Business and Pleasure Read online

  “As much as I want to take you right here in this limo, I will resist the urge. I have too much respect for you to sleep with you on the first night.”

  Holy crap! I’ve never encountered a man who has such old-fashioned, chivalrous morals, and it takes me a full minute before I can respond.

  “Okay,” I finally say. “I agree. Thank you.”

  “Did you have a nice evening?”

  He smiles, and my stomach does a flip-flop. He makes my body do crazy things, and I feel like a young girl again, out on a first date.

  “Yes,” I tell him. “I had an exquisite evening. I can’t thank you enough.”

  He smiles and gets this wicked look in his eyes.

  “No business talk, huh? I did good.” He gives me a wink. “You did good. I’m very proud of us.”

  He kisses me again as we pull up in front of my apartment. “A lovely building for a lovely woman.”

  “I still have a few secrets, and if you play your cards right, I might just let you in on one or two.” I sound a little like my normal self, finally, confident and sassy. Maybe even a bit cocky. But that’s okay. I am who I am; better he gets to know the real me, right from the get-go.

  “It’s easy to play the right cards when you own them.” He teases me.

  I giggle, feeling lighthearted and happy. Very, very happy. “Thank you for a wonderful evening, Alex.”

  “You’re welcome. May I see you again?”

  Was he kidding? “Yes. Of course.”

  He smiles. “Excellent. I’ll be in touch.”

  He kisses my hand again, and then helps me out of the limo. After placing a quick peck on his cheek, I turn and walk inside.

  Butterflies still fly around inside my stomach as I ride the elevator up to my floor. I’m exhausted, but I have no doubt I’ll have trouble falling asleep. There’s too much to think about, now, beginning with wondering how soon it’ll be before I hear from him again. As far as I’m concerned, that moment can’t come soon enough.

  Chapter Four

  I wake up to a gorgeous, bright, Sunday morning. The smile I had on my face last night is still here this morning. I have never experienced a date like the one I had with Alexander Preston. I still can hardly believe he took me out. It’s like a dream come true. Reluctantly, I roll out of bed and take a quick shower. I throw on a pair of yoga pants, along with an old college t-shirt, fix a cup of coffee, and then make my way to my office. Where the décor in the rest of the house consists of light or neutral colors, my office is dark. Here, I’ve used dark brown on the walls. A dark mahogany desk stands in the middle of the room, facing the floor-to-ceiling windows. Built-in bookshelves run the length of two walls. In one corner of the large room sits a brown sofa and two red, wingback chairs, situated so I can sit there and see out the windows. For some reason, a dark office helps me focus and think more clearly.

  I sit at my desk and do my usual Sunday morning routine. As I sip my coffee, I check my email, Facebook, and scan the local news to see if there’s anything important going on. These days, with the internet, you barely need to watch TV or buy a newspaper to get updates on anything. I start scrolling through my email and see one from Nicki. Just a “how was last night” note. I start to write her back when I realize I have a new message. I click on the New Messages folder, and sitting right there in my inbox is an email from Alexander Preston. Immediately, memories of last night flood my mind, and before I know it, the butterflies are back. I don’t know why I’m so surprised to hear from him; he told me he’d be in touch. I guess I just didn’t think it would be this quickly.

  Barely able to contain my excitement, I click on his message.

  Good morning, Ms. Hamilton.

  I do hope you slept well after our date last night. I know I did. It was an incredible evening, and I want to thank you for spending it with me. However, I do not think I can wait to see you again. Are you available for lunch today?

  Sincerely,

  Alex

  He can’t wait to see me again? He wants to see me today? Oh, my God! Funny how I was thinking the exact same thing. I definitely want to meet him today. I decide to write him back…as soon as I regain my composure enough to type, that is. I draw in a few deep breaths, and then place my fingers on the keyboard.

  Why, good morning to you, too, Mr. Preston.

  I would love nothing more than to have lunch with you today. Just let me know what time and I will be ready.

  Looking forward to it.

  Elizabeth

  I hit the send key, and Alex sent a response back almost immediately.

  A quick response! I love that! I will pick you up around noon.

  Can’t wait to see you again!

  Alex

  Holy crap. I think my heart’s going to explode. I have another date with Alexander Preston! I quickly send Nicki an email, letting her know about last night and today, and then I jump up and head to my room to get ready. It’s already eleven o’clock—I slept in way too late this morning. I throw on a pair of tan pants, with a red, tunic-type shirt and a pair of red Dior heels to match. I put on some makeup, and then head toward the living room, but by the time I reach the end of the hallway, the intercom buzzer goes off.

  I hit the button to activate the speaker. “Hello? Alex?”

  “Yes. Hello. Are you ready?”

  “I’ll be right down.”

  I scramble to put my keys and phone in my purse, and when I look up, I find Becca standing there, smiling ear to ear. Startled by her sudden presence, I

  “Going out again?”

  “Geez, Becca; you scared me! Yes, I’m going out again. Alex sent me an email this morning asking me to lunch. I said yes.”

  “Go, Lizzy! I love this!” She nudges me toward the door. “Don’t keep Mr. Perfect waiting. Have fun!”

  “Thanks, Becca.”

  I head down in the elevator, and, as usual when it comes to thinking about Alex, my heart is pounding. The anticipation of seeing him is almost too much to bear. The doors open, and there he is, standing there waiting for me, in all of his beautiful, Ralph Lauren-wearing glory. He looks stunning, and I decide then and there that brown is definitely his color. This is my first time seeing him wearing something somewhat casual; at least he’s not in a suit and tie, and he looks great.

  “So nice to see you again, Elizabeth.”

  “Nice to see you, too”

  There’s that breath-stealing smile again.

  “I hope you’re hungry,” he says. “I know this great little spot.”

  “I’m starving.”

  Not necessarily for food, though, but I wasn’t going to tell him that.

  He takes me to Pearl Oyster Bar, an excellent choice, as I just so happen to love oysters. Becca and I used to come here all the time. The food is fantastic. A shrimp cocktail and two orders of fried oysters later, we’re both full to the gills, so to speak. During our meal, we’d talked about his family, his school and business background, and I told him about my sister, my friends, and my lack of a social life lately. Turns out, he comes from a wealthy family—all members of which currently live in Colorado Springs—and he is an only child. I can’t help but think of how lonely I would feel if it was not for Becca.

  “So, shall we go for a walk?” he asks. “I’m not quite ready to give you up yet.”

  My cheeks grow warm at his compliment.

  “Of course,” I tell him. “That would be lovely.”

  “You’re blushing.”

  “You tend to have that effect on me.”

  Once outside the restaurant, he takes my hand and leads me to an alleyway between some stores downtown. He presses me against the wall and kisses his way up my jawline to my ear.

  “And you have this effect on me, Elizabeth.”

  Before I can respond, his lips are on mine. The passion in this kiss is different from the one last night. This is hotter, and a liquid fire flows between us. He moves his hands, starting at my hips and then running them up
my sides to my neck and into my hair. His touch makes me feel as if I might come undone. I wish I had worn a skirt. A crazy thought, I know, but one I can’t help thinking. And then, as if we’re of the same mind and realize where we are, we both pull away at the same time, breathing hard. Alex grins and then dips his head to kiss me one last time before he steps back, releasing me completely.

  Holy shit. If not for the wall at my back, I’d most likely be on my knees right now.

  “God, I want you, Elizabeth. I don’t understand what you do to me.”

  “Same here.” I manage to speak between harsh breaths. “Come on; let’s walk.”

  I take his hand as he leads me back to the street, and we head toward Central Park. We walk and talk—about nothing and everything—for about an hour. The only blemish on an otherwise perfect time is the constant interruption of Alex’s cell phone ringing. As we’re heading back toward the car, the stupid thing goes off for what seems like the hundredth time.

  “Preston. No, Christina. I’m out with Ms. Hamilton. No. Not right now.”

  He looks frustrated, but by the time he places the phone back into his pocket, he’s smiling again, and I’m the center of his attention.

  “Sorry about that.”

  “No problem. Are you sure you have time to date? Sounds to me like you have business to attend to, twenty-four seven.”

  He looks down, then stops and turns toward me.

  “Yes, I’m sure. I want to be out with you. You are my focus today, Ms. Hamilton. Christina is pestering me about things that can wait.”

  I just bet. Although I only met her once, I developed the distinct impression she can be a real bitch sometimes.

  “Christina didn’t care for me much, did she?” I ask.

  Alex lets out a small laugh. “You are a very good-looking woman. Christina feels threatened by attractive women, especially attractive women who own their own company.”

  “Oh. She’s your partner, isn’t she?”

  “Partner? No. She’s my CFO and hates being left out of the decision-making process. She did not agree with my decision not to try harder to convince you to sell, but as I told her, that’s something she’ll just, have to get over.”

  “Oh.” My mind starts racing. So, witchy woman doesn’t like me, and apparently, she wants my company even more than Alex does, or did, so what does that mean, exactly?

  “Alex, if I ask you a question, will you promise to give me an honest answer?”

  He looks into my eyes and holds my gaze. “Of course.”

  “Are you no longer interested in my company?”

  “I am interested in you, Elizabeth, and only you.” He answers me quickly, almost as if he’d expected the question and already had his answer prepared.

  Planned or not, his answer makes me melt. We make our way back to his limo, and I realize how much I don’t want to go home. I want to spend as much time as I can with him. Just the thought of going home without him makes me sad.

  “What is it?” he asks. As usual, he senses my mood.

  But what am I supposed to say? I’m going to miss you?

  “Elizabeth?”

  “Oh, it’s nothing, really…just...” I take a deep breath, and then I jump in with both feet. “Would you like to stay at my place tonight?”

  Holy crap… I can’t believe I worked up enough nerve to just ask him that, and I rush to explain.

  “I would understand if you said no. I mean, I know we both work tomorrow, but I just thought maybe you would like to, well, you know…spend the night with me.”

  When I finally paused to draw a breath and check out his expression, I found him smiling. Grinning, actually, and no doubt getting a kick out of my rambling statement, I’m sure of it. I open my mouth to tell him to forget it, to apologize for being such a clod, when he puts a finger to my lips and silences me.

  “Elizabeth, my dear,” he says softly, “I would love nothing more.”

  *****

  We make it back to my place around six. Once upstairs, we order in some Chinese food and share a bottle of my favorite Cabernet Sauvignon to wash it down. As we eat, I look out the window, and it begins to rain. How perfect is that? Once we finish dinner, we walk over to the living room, where we can relax and watch the rain fall through my huge windows. We sit on my comfy, oversized sofa with our glasses of wine, kick off our shoes, and enjoy each other’s company. The silence is comfortable, and it’s like he belongs here.

  “So, are you going to tell me how you have this beautiful apartment? I mean, I know your publishing house is very successful, but there’s no way it’s that successful. I don’t mean to be rude; I’m honestly just curious.”

  I pull my feet up on the couch and tuck them under my legs and ask myself how much I really want to tell this man. Oh, why not…? I take a deep breath and begin.

  “Okay. Well, my parents owned a company called Neo Corp. I’m sure you’ve heard of it. When they passed away seven years ago, I inherited their controlling shares of the company…fifty-one percent, to be exact. The money I make from Neo Corp is what allows me to afford such luxuries as this apartment, the suits I wear, the car I drive, and my publishing house.”

  He looks shocked for a moment before speaking again.

  “It’s my baby.”

  “I completely understand. If I may ask, why do you still play an active role at Neo Corp? Why not just sell your shares and be done?”

  “Neo Corp was very important to my parents. I feel like I’m honoring them by continuing what they started.”

  He looks at me for what feels like hours. “You amaze me, Elizabeth.”

  All I can do is smile. I have no idea what to say. That I’ve managed to impress a man such as Alex floors me and my self-confidence soars. He’s truly amazing, so incredibly charming.

  The sun is almost set, bathing the apartment in a nice, warm, romantic glow. I glance at Alex out of the corner of my eye, wishing we were kissing right now, but I’m not making the first move. Why do I have butterflies in my stomach? I mean, I’m not exactly a virgin. The mere idea makes me snort softly. So then why do I feel nervous now? Alex sets his wine glass down on the coffee table and moves closer to me. My heart rate accelerates, I can barely breathe, and he has his hand on my thigh, which isn’t helping me maintain my composure. Not in the least…

  “I get to you, huh?”

  “Yes.” I manage to breathe out.

  “You do the same to me, Elizabeth.”

  Just the sound of my name on his lips is like an aphrodisiac, making those butterflies in my belly move a little faster, a little crazier. Alex slowly moves a strand of hair away from my face and tucks it behind my ear.

  “Your move, beautiful.”

  What! Why do I have to make the first move? He nuzzles my neck, then whispers in my ear. “Your house, your move. I understand if you don’t want to go there just yet, but I highly believe you do. And honey? So do I.”

  Holy crap. I can’t move. I can barely breathe. I want him. I want him more than anything in the world right this moment. Oh, what the hell? It’s now or never. Grow a spine, Elizabeth. I press my lips softly against his, before standing up. Holding his gaze, I remove my shirt and then step out of my pants. A few seconds later, I’m standing before him, wearing only my red bra and matching panties.

  “My move, sir. Follow me, if you wish.”

  I begin walking toward the bedroom, and not once do I look back. I can hear the rustling of clothes coming off, and instinctively I know he’s only a couple steps behind me. I want to turn and look at him so badly, but I force myself to keep walking up the stairs to my bedroom. Once I make it into my bedroom, I turn on my light but keep the dimmer turned way down low. The rain is still falling outside, adding to the romantic ambience. I walk toward my bed, and I swear I can feel his breath on my neck. Suddenly, his hands are on my hips, turning me around to face him.

  “Well played, Elizabeth. Now that I I’ve had an eye full of you, it’s your turn. Look
at me. I know you want to.”

  He steps back so I can get a better look at him, and I suck in a breath at his beauty. He’s truly magnificent. His suits do him no justice whatsoever. He’s not skinny; he’s built like no man I’ve ever seen. His six-pack abs, solid chest, and muscular legs and arms proclaim the amount of time he must spend at the gym. His arms draw my attention the most; they’re a lot bigger than I thought. Those suits hide a ton! My gaze finally drifts in the direction about which I have the most curiosity…downward, over his chest, his abs, and coming to rest on his rock hard erection.

  “Oh, my God.” I know this sounds like a cliché, but he’s huge! Not unnaturally so, but definitely bigger than what I’m used to. A good nine inches, easy! Suddenly, I know this is going to hurt a little, but I don’t care. All I can think about is taking him inside me.

  “You like?”

  Like? Shit…my mouth’s watering. Hell yes, I like.

  “Yes.” The answer comes out as a whisper. “I want to touch you.”

  He nods, but says, “Ask.”

  “Alex, may I touch you?” I ask without any hesitation.

  He closes his eyes, and when he opens them, they’re filled with desire. He wants me to touch him.

  “Please,” he says simply.

  I reach out tentatively and wrap my hand around him, grasping his thick shaft. He’s rock hard, but his skin is soft. I lick my lips, my mouth once again watering for a taste…just a tiny, little lick. I have the sudden urge to fall to my knees. I want him in my mouth more than I want him inside my pussy. At least for the moment.

  “You have a dirty look on your face, Elizabeth. What are you thinking?”

  Instead of telling him, I decide to show him. I go down on my knees and quickly take him into my mouth. I can feel every muscle in him grow tense as he realizes what I’m doing. I take him deep, savoring every moment.

  “Oh, God… Jesus, Elizabeth.”