Damn you, you sexy bastard.
After taking his place at the head of the boardroom table, his presence became even more dominating, and to complete the picture, he pulled his already loosened silk tie through its loop and then hung it over the back of the chair along with his jacket.
Assessing everyone at the boardroom table with a steely gaze that suggested he knew everything about them, both good and bad, he steepled his fingers together and tapped them nonchalantly against his chin. “Right then, down to business.”
Kendall furtively watched the other men in the room tentatively allow their hands to float to their necks before touching their own ties. However, not one of them dared to loosen the knot and remove it like their boss had done. Even weasel-faced Mark now took on a submissive demeanor as though he’d been neutered by the mere presence of Mac Buchanan.
Although the men in the boardroom with her were obviously important people in their own right, her new employer clearly operated on a completely different level. A level that meant he didn’t have to bow to convention. A level of unapproachable authority that meant that he could do as he damned well pleased, whereas lesser men had to follow the rules.
Absolute power seemed to be his to command, and as far as she was concerned, an aphrodisiac if ever there was one. Such was his overwhelming presence, the messages her brain sent to her clit impacted in a way that made it difficult for her to sit still.
Marcy made another entrance into the boardroom, her high heels clattering noisily on the hardwood floor. This time she came armed with more coffee, and Kendall noticed that she personally served a cup to her boss well aware of exactly how much sugar and cream he took. She then placed the tray in the middle of the boardroom table and glibly added, “I’m sure the rest of you would prefer to help yourselves.”
Kendall saw this deliberate ploy as yet another power play by her new boss. Giving him personal service and attention, yet allowing the rest of his underlings, herself included, to compete for what was left.
Marcy then sat down in a spare seat, carefully smoothing her skirt into place before flipping open her electronic notepad and seductively purring, “I’m ready when you are, Mr. Buchanan, sir.”
By the overtly flirtatious tone she used, Kendall guessed the rumors about Marcy and Mac Buchanan were probably true.
Chapter Two
Mac Buchanan cleared his throat and scanned the scene before him. The new girl, Kendall Van Heusen, sat two places away from him, near enough to give him an intoxicating whiff of the expensive scent she wore.
Hmm, he’d recognize that perfume anywhere. It was Hermès 24 Faubourg, and very expensive. A fragrance he was particularly fond of, and one he’d bought for the ladies in his life on many occasions.
It wasn’t strictly necessary for her to attend this monthly meeting, but as his new financial controller, he wanted to demonstrate how things worked at the sharp end. After the conference was over, she’d leave with a better understanding of Buchanan Enterprises.
Glancing in Kendall’s direction once more, he was glad he’d done so, because less than six feet from him sat the most stunningly beautiful woman he’d seen in a long, long time. He hadn’t interviewed her for the position himself as was usually the case. Pressure of work dictated that he hand the task to Louise Brody, a senior employee with more than a decade of exemplary service behind her. His initial impression was that Louise had done a fine job.
A damn fine job.
Of course, as her boss, he’d made it a priority to read her résumé, and it was impressive to say the least. Aged just twenty-seven, she’d attended Princeton University and graduated with honors. Mac considered her young to be the financial controller in sole charge of a team of almost twenty personnel, but her background was excellent, with both her parents being high flyers in their own fields of expertise. At this point in time, he had no reason to doubt Louise’s judgment.
A natural blonde, her beautiful golden locks fell in coils of silk, framing her heart-shaped face to perfection, before trailing seductively over her shoulders. Her complexion was flawless, and he figured she enjoyed a healthy lifestyle. Because she was sitting down, it was difficult to tell how tall she was, but he guessed she weighed no more than one twenty at most. Reading between the lines, he thought her craving for fast food was rare, probably enjoying fresh fruit and a Caesar salad far more than a burger and fries.
Her dark-gray business suit was, well, functional, and exactly what was needed for the responsible position she now held within his empire, but even this dullness couldn’t hide the curvaceous figure that lay beneath. He could just make out her tiny waist as she sat confidently behind the mahogany boardroom table. When he raised his eyes slightly, he noted with a certain satisfaction that her breasts were full, and he guessed deliciously firm.