Blackmailed into the Billionaire's Bed(8)

He’d given the impression he’d wanted to take her out on the very same day she’d stayed behind in the boardroom. He hadn’t asked her then, but four days later, on Tuesday of the following week, he’d called her private cell phone number.

Mac Buchanan was the total package. Not only was he extremely good looking, but he also had charisma in abundance, and a bank account that ran into the hundreds of millions or possibly even billions.

Oh, and did she forget to mention he was sexy as hell, too?

As she scrunched her toes, enjoying the comforting feel of the warm water lapping around them, she allowed her mind to wander once more. His call had come as a total surprise, and thinking on her feet, she’d invented a fictitious scenario on the spur of the moment, just to let him know that however dominant he was in the boardroom, he couldn’t have everything his own way. Even though her heart had been beating faster than a hummingbird’s wings, it pleased her that her response had come across as calm and measured.

As Kendall lay luxuriating in the bubbles, she could still recall their telephone conversation in minutest detail. After a few minutes of small talk, he’d broached the subject by saying, “I regularly eat out at Le Bernardin. I’d like you to join me for dinner tonight.”

“I’d love to, sir, but—”

“Call me Mac away from the office.”

“I’d really love to, Mr. Buch—”

“The names still Mac, honey.”

“My mother’s visiting tonight. It’s been arranged for over a week.” Her mother wasn’t coming. Hadn’t even phoned, but it was good for a girl’s reputation not to appear too eager when a handsome man showed an interest in her.

“Uh-huh, I see. Friday then.”

“Friday’s fine…Mac.”

“That’s settled then. I’ll pick you up at eight.” Then the conversation finished so abruptly, she initially wondered if she’d dreamed the whole episode.

Kendall soon realized she hadn’t, and found herself doing the happy dance around the kitchen, banging any pots and pans to hand against the work surfaces, and making one hell of a racket in the process.

She’d punched the air in triumph. Woohoo, dinner with my drop-dead gorgeous boss. Life doesn’t get much better than this.

Reluctantly bringing herself back to the here and now, she felt around with her left hand until she located her watch, which lay at the side of the tub. Goddamn it, the condensation had misted up the face, but when she looked closely, she could just make out the time.

6:40 p.m.

Rouse yourself, woman, or your boss will knock on the door and find you naked.

Kendall couldn’t help smiling at her thoughts as she pulled out the plug with her foot and then reached for the towel.

Mac Buchanan catching me naked might not be such a bad idea after all.

Anyway, she’d been soaking in the bath for more than an hour, and it was time she made a move before her body turned into a wrinkled prune. As she stood, she looked down and admired her freshly shaved pussy.

“Always be prepared, Kendall. Who knows where the night might lead.”

After stepping onto the bathmat and starting to towel herself dry, she heard the annoyingly shrill sound of the telephone ringing in the living area. Her initial thoughts were that of disappointment, immediately jumping to the conclusion that Mac was calling to cancel their dinner together, or was it a date?

Bad news or not, she needed to know for sure, and sliding precariously on the wet tiled floor in her effort to reach the phone before it went dead, she quickly made her way to the lounge.

Luck was on her side, because she got there just before the answer phone kicked in. A little breathily, she said, “Hello? Kendall Van Heusen speaking.”

“Say, bitch, how’s tricks?”

What the fuck? She found herself staring at the receiver just like they do in the movies. Why do people do that? She brought the handset back to her mouth. “Drop dead, creep.” With this cutting remark, she killed the connection.

“Sicko.” She angrily forced the receiver back in its cradle.

Kendall guessed New York had a bigger population of weirdoes and misfits than just about any other city in the world. But as she thought more about the call, realization started to dawn. She was ex directory, and had only given her personal number to selected friends and close family. So how the hell did this guy…?

The telephone began ringing again, and her initial irritation turned to concern. As she lifted the blue glowing receiver from its cradle and tentatively placed it to her ear, she was aware that her hand shook.

“Listen, bitch, don’t ever make the mistake of cutting me off again.”