Effortless (23 page)

“We’re done here, then,” Alastair said, slapping the folder against Gerard’s chest. “Thanks for stopping by.”

“The pleasure was all mine.” He turned to me and shook my hand. “Absolutely stunning. If you ever get sick of him, I know a great divorce attorney.”

“I’ll keep that in mind,” I said, laughing at his parting shot to my somewhat amused and more than likely annoyed fiancé.

“Let me escort you out,” Alastair muttered. “And you,” he looked at me with a hint of danger, “stay here.”

I mock saluted him and perched on the edge of his desk. Several more files were spread out on the surface. Nosey thing that I am, I propped my feet up on his chair and peeked at one. Nothing exciting from what I could see. A lot of legal mumbo jumbo with ‘Holden World Media’ and ‘The Company’ interspersed.

I felt his presence before I saw him. Boy, did the sight of him rev up my engine. He’d shoved his hands in his pockets, making the jeans hang a little lower, exposing his bare hips. Barefoot, shirtless, disheveled hair and unshaven.
Yum
. I’d never seen anything more sexy. And that look in his eyes. So help me…

“Should I expect any more work interruptions today?” I asked as he approached.

“No. Should I expect any more flirting with other men?”

“Aw. Are you jealous?”

He leaned into me, hooking my legs around his hips. “Very.”

I smiled. “Perfect.”

“You’re too bloody sexy for your own good, you know. Next time wear something less flattering.”

I knotted my fingers in his hair. “I thought your boxers and my tank top were a pretty unsexy pairing.”

“There is nothing unsexy about your wearing my clothes.” He closed his eyes briefly and wet his lips. “I don’t know whether to throw you against the wall and fuck you senseless or do it right here on my desk.”

The wall won. So did the desk.

I slumped on the couch, pretending to watch TV while Alastair prepared some dinner for us. I had some mindless movie on because my brain no longer existed. It had been screwed out of me somewhere between his desk and an extra-long shower. My thighs were so tingly and sore I made the executive decision never to walk again for the rest of my life. I don’t know what had gotten into him but he’d been a beast all afternoon. Not that I’m complaining.

He sauntered into the living room carrying two plates of shepherd’s pie, looking so unbelievably gorgeous I wanted to climb him like a tree. If I could move.

“Looks delicious,” I said as he placed the food on the table.

“Yes, you do.”

“Stop it. You destroyed me. I’m on a sex hiatus and won’t be able to do anything for at least a week, maybe two.”

“I doubt that.”

“I can’t even move to eat.”

“I’ll feed you,” he said with a wicked grin. “Come here.”

It was a struggle to sit up. My bones were liquid and my muscles rioted against having to work. Only my sheer force of hunger enabled me to grab a fork and dig in.

“Atta girl. You need the energy.”

“Jackass.”

He laughed. “Not quite what you were calling me earlier. I like ‘sex god’ better. ‘Sensational lover’ is also high on the list.”

“I was under the influence.”

“You were under me.”

“Case in point.”

“Of all the little pet names you call me,” he said, leaning close, “‘mine’ is my favorite.”

“Well, you are.”

“Without question.”

“Right answer.”

His cell phone rang, interrupting our refueling session. He gave my knee a quick squeeze before answering with a gruff, “Holden.”

For someone who was supposedly on a day off, his phone never stopped. Lucky for me, he ignored it most of the day, only interrupting our sex marathon once for a call. I wondered why he didn’t take tomorrow off as well. I had no idea what I was supposed to do here all by myself. Recuperate probably. My body ached with great pleasure, no doubt, but man his stamina was inhuman.

“Why the fuck is that in here.” Alastair’s agitated shout echoed through the house. I put down my fork and stood up gingerly, tiptoeing toward his office. That tone of voice was never a good sign. I was almost to the door when another angry outburst sounded. “I’ll destroy that deal so fast you won’t know what hit you. I can. I own fifty-one percent. It’s mine unless you have the means to buy me out and we both know that’s not the case.”

I had no idea who he was yelling at. Emma? She did mention he supported her business financially to get it up and running. I don’t think he owned it though. Then again, maybe he did. Who knows.

“Nobody is signing it. I didn’t even know Gerard brought it with him. I’ll be in the office tomorrow to deal with this.”

This had something to do with his company. Was it Jason on the receiving end of his tirade? Probably. I went back to the living room before he ended the call. Alastair stalked in a few minutes later, heated from the conversation.

“You okay, chief?”

His fiery gaze halted my efforts to eat. “I’m fine. Don’t worry about it.”

I didn’t believe a word coming out of his mouth but chose not to press him on the matter. We’d had a shitty enough week as it was. Exhaling slowly, he sat on the couch.

“You’re too far away,” I said, spreading my arms. To my immense pleasure, he curled up with me. I could tell he was restless though. I turned his head so he looked at me. “What can I do to help?”

“Exactly what you’re doing right now.”

* * *

Alastair’s nightmare woke me up with a start. He clutched the sheets, twisting and pulling. Letting out a sharp cry, he rolled toward me, clamping his arms around my waist and yanking me into his chest.

“Don’t leave me,” he whined.

Even though his grip was suffocating, I didn’t try to free myself. I whispered to him, letting him know I was close. Waking up, his eyes popped open as he drew in a sharp breath. I brushed my knuckles down his cheek.

“Hello, love,” I said.

“Did I hurt you?” he asked, shaking off the remnants of his dream.

“No.”

“You would tell me if I did?”

“You didn’t hurt me, Alastair. You just hugged me, like you always do.”

He blew out a sigh, nodding. “Okay.”

“Want to tell me about it?”

Grimacing, he remained silent. I kissed his forehead and stroked his hair until his breathing became heavy and even and deep with sleep.

* * *

The bed was empty when the first rays of daylight streamed through the windows. I rubbed my eyes, yawning. I hated waking up without him. Dragging myself out of bed I went to his office. Much to my surprise, he wasn’t in there. I shuffled toward the living room and found him sprawled out on the couch, fast asleep.
My tragic angel
.

He stirred and moaned softly as I knelt on the floor in front of him, brushing pieces of messy red hair off his forehead.

“Amelia,” he mumbled. I loved how his voice sounded when he first woke. So deep and rough and sexy.

“Good morning, handsome. Felt like camping out on the couch?”

“Mmm.” He stretched. “I didn’t want to wake you up again. Come here.”

I obliged, snuggling against his warm body. He rested his cheek to mine, sighing.

“I don’t mind being woken up by your bad dreams. I’d rather have you next to me then have to search for you in the morning.”

He held me tighter. “Fair enough.”

“Do you have to go to work today?”

His drowsy smile turned me on in a way I didn’t expect. “Yes. Come for lunch after your morning at the spa.”

“The spa? I’m not going to the spa.”

“Yes you are. I made an appointment for you. You deserve to be pampered on your day off.”

“When were you planning to tell me about this?”

“Right now.” He kissed me. “I get less back talk when you’re still half asleep.”

“Ass.” I knew he was right though. “I thought you liked my smart mouth.”

“I like the things you do with that mouth more.”

I nuzzled his neck, kissing just under his ear. I got the reaction I wanted when a low groan vibrated in his throat. “What time is my appointment?” I asked before sucking gently on his earlobe.

“Ten. Paxton will take you and pick you up.” He exhaled in a rush. “Christ, Lia, that feels good.”

I’d slid my hand between his legs and started running my fingernails along his inner thigh. He couldn’t control how his body reacted to my touch. Such a turn on.

“Glad you like it.”

“I thought you said I destroyed you yesterday.”

I laughed. “You did. I’m still on the sex hiatus so rein in your insatiable advances. I need some recovery time.”

His pout was so seductive. “How long?”

“I’ll let you know.” I grinned, sitting back on my heels. He covered his face with his hands briefly before sitting up and sighing. Something was bothering him. He seemed distracted and distant. Looking at me with tired eyes, he cupped my jaw. The feeling of dread that had been hanging around returned with a vengeance, making me antsy.

Alastair kissed me softly before getting up to shower. I watched him dress for work in the bedroom, admiring his athletic physique as I always did. Clean shaven and freshly washed, the last remnants of my scruffy, unbridled lover morphed into a controlled, powerful businessman. The tailor made three piece suit molded to his body perfectly. I’d take him either way, just so long as I could have him.

“So I’ll see you after your spa appointment?” he asked, adjusting the cufflinks I’d given to him over the summer.

“If you’re not too busy.”

He leveled me with those intense emerald eyes. “I’m never too busy for you, kitten. You know that.”

I smiled as a rare bout of shyness swept through me. He made me feel so special, like I truly was the most important thing in his life. Tilting my chin up, he gazed at me with such gentleness and affection it brought me back to our night in Paris. My heart ached with love.

* * *

For the second time in as many days I couldn’t move. I’d been wrapped, scrubbed, massaged and pampered all morning. The luxurious scents of jasmine, sandalwood and rose lingered on my skin, adding an extra layer of serenity. Stephanie and I would go to spas at the fancy hotels in Orlando on occasion but we’d never treated ourselves to this level of indulgence. This was decadent and borderline excessive. I smiled, sipping on some cucumber water in the lounge. My future husband knew how to score brownie points.

A couple of other women were in here too and they had the same dreamy, peaceful expressions on their faces as I did. It was a struggle to leave this oasis but the promise of seeing Alastair for lunch spurred me on. I grabbed my black leggings, t-shirt and hoodie and redressed, remaining make-up free and throwing my hair up in a ponytail. Not the most glamorous look but it totally fit the vibe of this day so far. Besides, Alastair thought it was cute when I dressed super casual.

As I was walking toward the reception area, a tall brunette stared at me hard and frowned.

“It is you,” she muttered. “I see you’ve made yourself quite comfortable with the Holden lifestyle.”

Her salty tone got my hackles up. I had no intention of spoiling my day so I just looked at her coolly, smiled and went to the waiting Mercedes. A sizable group of photographers and reporters waited with cameras at the ready. Somebody from inside the spa must have tipped off the press. They descended on me, taking pictures and shouting questions.

“Have you recovered from the accident?”

“When is the wedding?”

“Are you pregnant?”

“Is it true Holden World Media is dissolving its music division due to bad finances and rumors of embezzlement?”

I stopped short, staring at the bearded guy who asked that question. The look on my face must have answered it for him. I had no idea what he was talking about.

“Miss Meyers. Come with me.” Paxton muscled through the crush of media, placing a secure grip on my arm. The reporters shouted after me while the photographers stuck their lenses as close as they could, snapping away with every move I made.

Once inside the safety of the SUV, I watched them grow smaller and smaller when Paxton drove off. I twisted the engagement ring around my finger. Embezzlement? Dissolving part of the company? Maybe that was the reason for Alastair’s angry phone call last night. I always tried to respect his wishes and not bring up work matters when we were home but this was huge. He must have known I’d catch wind of it sooner or later. After all, I was the executive producer for a news magazine show.
Which I’m not at today, for what it’s worth
.

I stared out the window at the city as it flew by. Was this why he didn’t want me at work yesterday or today? Julian had mentioned a big announcement regarding the future of the company was coming.

When we arrived at the HWM building I hopped out of the car and breezed through the lobby. The security guard nodded a greeting to me as I went to the elevators. For the most part, my body and mind were still drunk with relaxation so I wasn’t anxious about seeing him. If anything, I just wanted to be in his arms.

Simone wasn’t at her desk when I arrived at the top floor. I did a little happy dance on the inside. Not seeing her oh so unpleasant face was a gift.

I turned the knob and opened the door to Alastair’s office. My heart dropped right out of my body. Olivia stood in front of him with her hands on his chest. Her lips were parted and she was gazing up at him like a lovesick puppy. I clutched my stomach.

“What the fuck?”

“Amelia.” He turned to me, sounding so calm and unflustered.

I glared at him. “Why is she here?” I asked, failing to keep a civil tone. Any remnants of my glorious morning at the spa dissipated. He was now standing in front of me but I turned my attention to the blonde leaning against his desk. She appeared flushed and out of breath.

“Stop,” he ordered softly. “Look at me.”

I did, against my better judgment. “Start talking, Holden.”

“It’s not what you think.” He gripped my ponytail, pulling on it slowly. If these were normal circumstance I’d be turned on by the tugging. But they weren’t and I wasn’t.

“Not the best way to start this conversation.”

His next tug was harder and more intense, wreaking havoc on my determination stay angry. “Don’t,” he growled. “I told you I was going to put a stop to everything. Let me take care of this.”

I wanted to tear that suit off him, sprawl him out on the floor and have my way with him to show her just who he belonged to and how nobody would ever come between us. This surging jealousy filled every inch of my being. I never pegged myself to be the jealous type but this girl brought out the absolute worst in me.

Leaning close, Alastair brushed his cheek to mine. “Careful with that look, Lia,” he whispered. “Go wait out in reception. I promise this won’t take long.”

“I’m not leaving you in here with her.”

“You don’t trust me?” he asked, his eyes widening.

“I trust you with my life, chief. It’s her I don’t trust.”

“You have nothing to worry about.” The second his lips touched mine I wrapped my arms around him, kissing him with more desperation than I wanted. “My Lia,” he smiled. “Your enthusiasm is appreciated.”

I grabbed his tie, keeping his body close to me.

“You’re mine.”

“Ditto, love.” He kissed me again. “Now go do as I say.”

It took all of my strength not to latch myself onto him when he walked back to her. I could see how much she wanted him. I could feel it emanating from her body. Simone stared at me in horror when I walked out and closed the door.

“When did you get here?” she asked, sounding like she had a serious head cold.

“In time to see what was behind door number one.”

She paled. “I’m sorry.”

Surprised, I folded my arms. “You are?”

“He’ll probably fire me.”

“Why?”

“I was supposed to call Paxton and tell him to stall you. But I have this damn flu thing and I needed more tissues so I went to the loo to grab some. I didn’t do what he wanted and now he’s going to fire me.”