Men For Hire (10 page)

“That van’s like Mr. Benn’s changing room,” James told her with a chuckle.

“So you’re staying?” She smiled as relief washed through her.

“Only if you want us to? We don’t want to intrude…” Aaron was studying her face.

“Of course I want you to. I don’t ever want you to leave.”

Both guys gave her a big hug before toweling themselves off and getting ready.

Naomi felt like a million dollars as she walked down the stairs to greet her guests. James and Aaron had already gone down as soon as they were ready and were mingling easily with her friends. She smiled when she saw them. They certainly had everything under control, and she was grateful for it.

“You look … beautiful. Are you feeling better?” Richard looked stunned as he turned to face her at the foot of the stairs.

“Yes, thank you. Sorry to have kept you waiting.” She smiled. Naomi
felt
beautiful. More beautiful than she had ever felt when she was with him.

“I need to have a quiet word later,” he whispered to her.

She frowned. He looked unhappy. She looked to Paula, who was standing on the other side of the room. She didn’t look as excited and pleased as she usually did. She didn’t even look as pretty as usual—or maybe it was just that Naomi felt even prettier herself tonight.

“Okay.” She smiled at her ex, curious about what he wanted.

“Naomi, you look gorgeous!” Aaron swooped in and took her hand. “Come and meet the Frobishers.”

Both her men looked dashing in their suits, their muscles bulging through their jackets. Although they had looked quite at home in their casual clothes earlier, they slipped into their roles here just as easily. Naomi wondered if it was all part of their job at the agency—they must be able to slip into whatever guise they were called for. The thought sobered her a little. Were they just playing a role with her? Was this all part of the job, seducing the clients? She hoped not.

“Daphne and Sam, this is Naomi Preston.” Aaron introduced them politely and they shook hands.

Daphne Frobisher must have been in her sixties and reminded Naomi a little of Barbara Cartland. She was dressed all in pink, fluffy frills and wore the most uncomfortable-looking cerise stilettos. Not surprisingly she was holding onto her husband, presumably more for her support than his. “How lovely to meet you, dear.”

Naomi smiled sweetly; she seemed a pretty odd character but very likable.

“Ah, I’ve heard a lot about you, Naomi,” Sam told her conspiratorially.

Naomi felt a jolt in her stomach and wondered just what he had heard. She looked questioningly at Aaron and James, who were just smiling politely.

“We must talk about your books,” Sam Frobisher went on.

“Yes, of course.” Naomi felt a little unnerved.

Paula came over and gave her a friendly hug. She looked apologetic which surprised Naomi. Paula never apologized for anything.

“Well, now that we all know each other, perhaps we should eat?” James smiled as he ushered everyone to the dining room and they went to take their seats.

Naomi felt Richard’s eyes on her as she took her place at the head of the table, with James and Aaron sitting to either side. Daphne sat beside James with her husband next to her, while Paula wasted no time in sidling in next to Aaron. Richard sat beside Paula, though he didn’t seem at all happy about it.

The first course was served and they all tucked in. Naomi was surprised at how hungry she was. As polite murmurs filled the room, she gazed at the two gorgeous hunks sitting by her. They seemed very relaxed and content, chatting to her guests. It occurred to her that it was odd that Aaron had introduced the Frobishers, and not Paula, their employee. Both guys were perfect at co-hosting her party and she felt proud that she was with them, and relieved that she didn’t have to do it alone. She wondered what Richard made of it all. He certainly didn’t look happy.

“So, Daphne, what did you think of Naomi’s last book?” James asked, turning to the lady next to him.

“Darling, I thought it was wonderful!” Daphne gushed loudly. “Just the sort of thing we’re looking for, isn’t it, Sam?”

Sam smiled. “Oh yes, definitely. Exactly up our street,” Sam replied, finishing his starter.

“But I thought you were looking for sweet romance?” Richard looked horrified. “She was going to write more mainstream novels in future.”

Naomi felt irked. She knew Richard hadn’t approved of her foray into Erotic Romance, but she had loved writing it. If the Frobishers wanted it instead of the hearts and flowers stuff she usually churned out she was more than willing to write more of it.

“Frobishers are starting up an erotic line,” Paula explained.

Richard seethed. “I didn’t know that.” He sounded infuriated, which took Naomi by surprise.

“Is that a problem?” Aaron asked, his voice a little tight as he turned to Richard.

“Well, it’s just not Naomi’s
thing
,” Richard protested. “I don’t think she should have to write a different genre if it’s not what she wants.”

“I agree.” Aaron’s voice was deep as were his dark eyes as he turned to face Naomi. “And what
do
you want, Naomi?”

She felt her pussy clench at his question, and she knew he wasn’t really talking about books. The glint in his eye told her that much. She swallowed hard, trying to think of an answer.

James must have sensed her discomfort as he came to her rescue. “Would you prefer to write Erotic Romance or Sweet Romance, baby?” he asked softly.

She looked over to him and her heart melted. He was so gorgeous—they both were.

“Perhaps you could write both?” Daphne offered as the main course was served.

“She can’t do both. It’s one or the other. You have to choose.” Richard was adamant.

“Hmm, like
you
have to choose,” Paula spat venom as she hissed at him and everyone stared.

“I know what I want and I go all out to get it,” Richard replied through clenched teeth.

Naomi felt herself go hot as the tension mounted. She had sensed a problem between them as soon as she’d seen them, but she hadn’t expected this.

“Yeah, that’s the problem.” Paula snarled. “Trouble is, then you change your mind and go all out to get it back!”

“Is there a problem, dear?” Daphne interjected and Naomi felt a thud in her heart.

. Although she had been shocked that Paula and Richard had ditched both herself and Paula's partner Rob, she still felt some loyalty to them.

After all, Paula had been a good friend and Richard and she must have been in love at one time, surely? The thought roiled in her mind as she tried to remember when exactly Paula
had
been a good friend—some time long before she’d run off with her partner, obviously. And Richard and she had surely been in love at one time,
hadn’t
they? Really? The more she thought about it, the angrier she became. James’s hand on her knee brought her back into the room and she smiled at him reassuringly.

James and Aaron had been nothing but good to her and they hadn’t known her more than a few hours. Paula and Richard had known her for years and this was how they treated her? Not only having an affair behind her back, but now embarrassing her at her dinner party in front of her potential new employers!

An uneasy silence had descended on the room while everyone waited for Richard and Paula to explain themselves.

“So, what else are you planning to publish? Any non-fiction?” James smiled as he spoke to Daphne, tactfully changing the subject.

“We’re thinking of it, dear.” Daphne seemed more than happy for the reprieve. “Until now Frobishers have only published sweet romance and children’s books. Now that we’ve had this windfall we’re thinking of trying lots more avenues.”

“You should stick to what you know.” Richard’s words cut through the atmosphere, chilling the air.

“Why do you say that? Have you any experience of the publishing business, Richard?” Sam asked politely.

Richard’s lips tightened. “No,” he admitted, “but I know about people. People get comfortable with certain things and that’s what they need to stick with. When they find what they want they should stay with it. It’s human nature.” He looked pointedly at Naomi and she felt a thud in her gut as she realized exactly what he was talking about—he wanted her back!

“You don’t think people might want to try out new things? Experience stuff they’ve never even dreamed about?” James was looking over at Richard, but his hand was firmly holding Naomi’s.

Richard looked outraged as he stared at their hands. “No,” he said firmly. “That’s how people get hurt.”

“By reading different books?” Daphne looked incredulous.

Richard turned to the old lady. “Yes, among other things. They get ideas in their heads and it changes their way of thinking.”

“But surely that’s a good thing? Expanding the mind? Stretching the brain? Isn’t that what life is all about?” Sam frowned.

“It’s not good to try to think too much about stuff you’re not accustomed to,” Richard told him with a pout. “As I said before, people should stick to what they know.”

“And what if they’re not happy with what they know?” Aaron asked, taking Naomi’s other hand in his. “What if they need more?” His voice was low and sultry, making her clench her thighs together.

Richard’s eyes grew wider as he stared at Naomi holding hands with the two men. She had seen that look before. In the past, it had filled her with dread and horror. Now she felt empowered and defiant. She was with two gorgeous men who cherished her. They may not have known each other long, but she was sure they were genuine about their feelings. And she was certain about hers, too.

“I think people deserve to get what they want,” Daphne spoke into the silence. “If what they’re being offered isn’t enough for them why shouldn’t they seek out what they need? Surely it’s every human being’s right to pursue better things?”

Richard seethed even more, his face turning bright red. “Not if it’s not right for them. They could be doing themselves more harm than good. Getting their hopes up about something they can’t really have—something that’s not genuine.”

“And who’s to decide what’s good for another person? Surely no one knows what you want but yourself? And who’s to say what someone else can have? And surely whether or not it’s genuine is a matter of opinion? I’m sorry, son, I don’t see your argument at all.” Sam was cool but polite in his manner.
And very astute
, Naomi thought.

Richard looked furious. His lips thinned to a narrow line and his chest puffed up angrily.

“That’s because he doesn’t really have an argument, Sam,” Daphne interjected. “We can publish what we like and Naomi can write what she likes. If we both decide on Erotic Fiction that’s perfect, a marriage made in heaven, so to speak. If we choose at a later date to do something different then, that is our prerogative.” She put the last mouthful of beef Wellington into her mouth with such aplomb it made Naomi giggle.

“That’s just what I’m talking about! You can’t just do something and then change your mind later—you have to make a choice once and for all!” Richard shot to his feet, gouging his chair through the carpet and throwing his napkin on the table.

“
You
did!” Paula snarled at him.

“I know I did and it was wrong—I realize that now! That’s what I’m trying to say.” He turned to Naomi and she suddenly felt sick.

“What, Richard? Exactly what
are
you trying to say?” Sam sounded irritated as he slammed his cutlery onto his plate.

James and Aaron held Naomi’s hands a little tighter and she took a deep breath. Their reassurance was her armor.

“Naomi. I was happier with you. I made a mistake going off with Paula. I thought it would be different.” He sighed.

“It was certainly that all right,” Paula interjected.

He pouted again. “I should have stuck with what I knew—you. I’m sorry. I want to come back to you.”

Her gut roiled. He looked pathetic and she knew she should feel sorry for him, but she didn’t. She felt angry. How dare he do this to her? How dare he even think that she would take him back after this? She felt the men’s hands tighten even more on hers and they turned to look at her.

James looked like he was about to burst into tears! His eyes were pleading with her not to take Richard back. Even after such a short time together she could sense that he really wanted her, he cared about her.

Aaron looked angry. She knew he was desperate to deck the idiot there and then, but he wouldn’t, out of respect for her. A respect which Richard had certainly never shown her. He seemed to be pleading with her too, willing her to stay strong, to not take the bastard back.

Their reactions were proof positive that they weren’t playing any damn role. They were truly concerned about her, worried that she might take that shithead back. Slowly she stood up and waited for the staff to clear the table. When they had left the room, she turned back to Richard.

“You had a choice, Richard. Stay with me or go with Paula. You had the right to choose and you chose her. Now you’ve decided you made the wrong choice you think the whole world doesn’t deserve the right to choose what they want. Well, I’ve got news for you.” She loosened her grip on her two men and stood up even taller. “You don’t rule the world. People are free to make their own decisions, pick what they want to do. It’s not up to you or anyone else. So now I’m making some choices. I’ll write Erotic Fiction because I enjoy it. I’ll publish with Frobishers because I like them. And I won’t be taking you back because I don’t want you—I don’t want to be ‘stuck’ with you!”