Billionaire Bad Boys of Romance 2(16)

I felt my cheeks flare. In fact, my whole body was heating up. Come on, elevator. Get here already. His words got in the way.

“Your breasts should be among the wonders of the world, and your perfectly preened pussy was a sight to behold. I wouldn’t mind getting a taste of it some time. When was the last time you got laid?”

“None of your damn business!”

“That’s what I thought.”

He was infuriating me. What’s more, he was setting every fiber of my being on fire, especially the area between my thighs. Where the hell was the elevator? I had to get away from him. Finally, a car arrived. As soon as the doors slid opened, I stomped into it. I slammed my palm against the “L” button, but the doors wouldn’t close. That’s because the asshole was leaning against one, his arms and legs seductively crossed.

For the first time this morning, he was in full view. All six foot three of his manly gorgeousness. Today, he was wearing a fringed tan suede jacket with tight faded blue jeans that hung low on his narrow hips, a plaid flannel shirt that exposed his chiseled pecs…and cowboy boots! Mr. Urban Cowboy! God, he looked sexy! Right out of GQ! And on top of all that, his hair had that perfectly tousled, just-fucked look going on.

An unnerving thought shot into my head. Did he fuck someone else after he left me? A beautiful supermodel? Vivien? Maybe he kept a room at this hotel as a fuck pad. Lots of successful men did that kind of thing.

My eyes narrowed. “Can you please either leave or get in?”

That cocky half-smile curled on his lips. “I just want to get a good look at you.” His sexy denim blues gave me the once-over. “You look lovely, Gloria.”

I grimaced. “It’s Ms. Long.”

“You’re not very polite, Ms. Long.”

“Thank you,” I grumbled. Screw you!

“That’s better.” With a thrust of his hips, he strode into the elevator and stood right next to me. The doors closed instantly, and we began our high-speed descent. I inhaled his intoxicating scent but kept my eyes focused straight ahead.

He broke the silence. “Oh, by the way, did you like the negligee I picked out for you?”

My face flushed crimson and my stomach muscles scrunched. In my mind’s eye, I could just see the wicked grin on his face.

“It sufficed,” I murmured through gritted teeth. Actually, the lacy lavender peek-a-boo set from our “Sweet Temptations” baby doll collection was one of my favorites.

“I hope you’ll be a little more enthusiastic about my pitch.” His voice dripped with sarcasm.

I pressed my lips together and said nothing. To my relief, he remained silent for the rest of the ride. We reached the lobby in no time, and the elevator doors re-opened. As I moved to dash out, he fisted my braid, holding me back. The nerve of him! Fuming, I turned on my heels to face him. My eyes met his equally intense gaze.

“Are you visiting another ad agency today?” he asked. “There’s really no need to.”

His presumptuousness got under my skin. Should I tell him that I was visiting a dozen more, just to make him think that he had a lot of competition?

“No,” I finally said.

“Good.” With a satisfied smile, he let go of my hair and accompanied me to the hotel entrance, keeping up with my slower than normal pace. There was no physical contact between us. Whatsoever.

It was another beautiful New York City winter day. Sunny and not too cold. The usual array of cabs and limos crowded the driveway.

“Do you want to grab breakfast with me?” he asked.

God, a coffee would be so good. Even if I had to put up with the pompous asshole. I glanced down at my watch. Ten a.m. “I can’t. My driver will be here momentarily.”

“What about lunch?”

“I’m visiting someone out of town.”

“Oh, a boyfriend?”

“Yes!” I shouted the word and didn’t know why I lied.

“Happy Valentine’s Day!” He winked.

My jaw clenched. “Same to you.”

Thankfully, before Mr. Nosy and Infuriating could probe further, Nigel pulled up to the curb.

Wearing a warm smile, he jumped out of the town car and opened the back passenger door. As I slid into the car, Jaime Zander never took his contemplative eyes off me. His lips twisted again into that maddening grin as the car rolled away. Fuck! I bet saw right though my white lie…the tinted windows…and my coat.





Chapter 6

The drive along the scenic Merritt Parkway to Connecticut was relaxing. I alternated between catching up on e-mails and gazing out the window. A fine layer of snow dusted the lawns of residences we passed by. Snow was something I rarely saw living in Los Angeles.