Robert. As well as a life saver you're a star for thinking of me in that way. She reached from the back seat and patted him on the shoulder. But I want to tell you there is no way I'm entering into any kind of relationship with Colten. I'm his PA and not his mistress, despite what he may think.
Good for you miss.
Avaline took her handbag from the seat and put her hand on the door handle. No man has ever played around with me, and I don't intend to let him do so.
But he's got you to come to his house already, Robert though. He wasn't convinced Avaline could hold out against the firepower Colten could muster. Power and wealth were very strong persuaders as far as women were concerned.
So here you are, Colten said as he walked down the stone steps that led from the front door.
It's some house. I love the peacocks, Avaline gestured to the two birds walking across the lawn.
They are great aren't they. Come on, let me take your bags. Colten and Robert carried her bags up the steps and into the house. Inside it was cool and roomy. Avaline had thought it would be tacky. She'd had images of gold and marble, but it wasn't like that at all. It was exactly as she would have furnished it. It was colonial just like the restaurant in the Hopeless Sinner.
Robert left, and Colten showed Avaline to her room. It was the biggest bedroom she'd ever seen. The bed alone was large enough for four people.
This is yours for as long as you want it. It's south facing so you'll get lots of sunlight.
Colten, she began. He looked at her. She was more beautiful than any woman he'd ever had at the house. So beautiful he felt the beginnings of an erection when he looked at her. She was dressed in a floral dress that showed off a good amount of cleavage. All he wanted to do was rip the dress off, throw her on the bed and take her. I'm grateful to you. This is a very relaxing place to rest. But I don't want you to get the wrong idea. I'm not here to share your bed. I hope you understand.
He smiled at her. He loved her resistance. So many of the others had just laid down and spread their legs in the belief that that's what would keep Colten interested. But it wasn't.He needed sport. He needed a chase, someone to say no to him. He knew he'd get what he wanted from her in the end. The only question was when.
Sure. Of course, I understand, he replied. Anything else would be unprofessional. Freshen up and I'll show you around. Come downstairs when you're ready.
Avaline took a shower in the en-suite and dressed in a pair of shorts and a yellow blouse. She tied her hair in a ponytail and decided not to bother with makeup. Colten heard her coming down the stairs and shouted to her. I'm here.
Avaline followed the sound of his voice. It took her down a corridor and into a small room that was breathtakingly beautiful. It was a sort of conservatory but used as an office. There were pictures of buildings she assumed Colten owned on the walls, and a superb view of the yard. The water in the pool, which was just outside the doors, reflected the evening sunshine onto the ceiling, making a wonderful shimmering effect.
Oh it's lovely here, Avaline said.
It's even better with a glass of wine. He rang a bell and a tall man appeared. A bottle of Rojo please Edwin.
Jesus. Is he a butler? she asked open mouthed when Edwin had gone.
I suppose so. He's Dutch and as gay as they come. I've got a cook as well.
Colten opened the doors and stepped outside. It's been damn hot today, but it's great now, he said. Come and sit here by the pool.
Avaline sat down on a rattan garden sofa and looked across the yard. It was simply the most beautiful place she'd ever been to. Not that she'd made a habit of visiting expensive houses before. Edwin arrived with the wine and poured them a large glass.
I think I'll cool off a bit, Colten said. Without a care in the world, he began to undress in front of her. She took a sip of wine and sighed as she felt its relaxing effect. When Colten took off his shirt, she stared at him. Gorgeous muscles, dark skin and a smooth chest with a hint of hair around his navel. She couldn't bear to watch as he slipped his pants off. When he stepped from the dark material, all that was left was a pair of tight fitting shorts and the most impressive male behind she'd ever seen. He walked around the pool and stood on the diving board. No Olympian had a better body; she thought as he raised his arms and dived into the pool. When he reached her end of the pool, he stopped and grinned. Coming in?
No. I'm fine here with my wine. Until that moment, she'd been amused by his flirty behavior. But now it was more. He'd undressed in front of her, knowing full well that it was bound to turn her on. Add the wine and it was a very dangerous cocktail indeed. Be strong, don't give him what he wants. Christ, you've only been working for him for a day. Who does he think he is?
Colten swam a few lengths and pulled himself out of the pool. As he did so, she saw the large muscles in his back flex. When he walked toward her, she saw a faint hint of a six pack. She didn't like body builder types but men with well-defined muscles, just like he had. He was dripping when he stood next to her to take a gulp of wine. Water was running down his chest and dripping onto the floor via the considerable bulge in his shorts. She'd tried not to look at it, but he was standing so close it was unavoidable. He lay down on a sun bed next to her sofa and closed his eyes.