Seduction on the CEO's Terms (5 page)

She could easily live a superficial life, the kind her mother lived, bouncing in and out of relationships, grasping
for the brass ring that would make her happy momentarily, but never fully content. Ali had vowed to never be like her mother. She wanted something real. Money didn't matter to her. Oddly, she'd fallen for Joe, a man worth millions, but he could just as well have been broke and she still would've loved him. That was the difference between her and her mother.

“Ali, are you okay?” Joe came up behind her, his voice soft and tender. She felt his solid presence at her back. Maybe that's why she loved him. Joe was a rock of stability. “You're different tonight.”

Tears entered her eyes, and she fought them. She couldn't break down in front of him. She didn't want his pity. She didn't want to tell him about her mother, her past and the love she'd never received as a child.

Taking a deep breath, she turned to him and gave a little shrug. “Weddings do that to me. I'm fine.”

“You're quiet. I thought you loved a good party.” Joe searched her eyes. He looked puzzled and sweetly concerned.

Oh, how she hated all this deception. She just wanted to blurt out that she loved him. She loved him, and her heart was breaking. But it was the last thing Joe would want to hear. She'd destroy their relationship. She had to follow through with “the plan.”

“I'm enjoying myself.”

Joe cast her a dubious look. “Have I done anything to upset you?”

She shook her head. “No.”

To her surprise, Joe reached for both of her hands, clasping them tight. An unexpected jolt shot clear through her. She held her breath, her heart hammering.

Joe slanted his head, staring deep into her eyes and
leaned toward her. “Maybe I'm about to,” he whispered into her mouth.

Then he pressed his lips to hers.

The kiss was gentle and giving, but that didn't stop fireworks from exploding in her head. She could hardly believe this. Joy entered her heart, and she wanted to wrap her arms around his neck and press her body against him.

Please let this moment never end.

Joe must have heard her silent plea. He slid his hands up her arms and gently squeezed, tugging her closer, his hips crinkling her satin gown as he deepened the kiss.

The rich taste of liquor made her head swim, and images of bedrooms and silken sheets flashed in her mind. Joe parted her lips and their tongues mated, then a deep groan of pleasure rumbled from his throat and Ali's joy doubled.

It was finally happening.

“Hey, Joe? You down there?” Nick called from above. “It's time to toast the bride and groom.”

Ali gasped when she heard Nick's voice and backed away.

“I'll be right there,” Joe called toward the stairs. She couldn't see Nick, which meant he couldn't have seen what Joe and Ali had been doing.

Joe turned to her. “Sorry. We'd better get back. You okay?” he asked, blinking behind his glasses.

She couldn't utter a word, so she bobbed her head up and down.

“I, uh, should explain,” Joe began, his voice a rasp in the breeze. “You looked like you needed…comforting.” Joe's brows furrowed as if he was as confused by his confession as she was.

“Comforting?” Ali questioned on a low breath.

“Yeah.” Then Joe turned his attention toward the stairs. “C'mon.” He took her hand, and they climbed up the steps, Ali following behind him. Before they reached the top of the stairs, he turned to her, his gaze fastened to her mouth. “When I said I was sorry, I didn't mean about kissing you. I meant sorry we were interrupted.”

“I think I knew that,” Ali replied, just catching her breath.

Joe's lips curled up slightly. “You're astute, Ali, but if I was out of line, you'd tell me, right?”

Heavens, he was so
in
line, it wasn't even funny. “Yes, I'd be sure to tell you.”

Joe looked at her mouth one last time with regret in his eyes, and Ali wanted to skip right over the moon.

 

After the toasts were made by Joe and Nick, everyone sipped champagne and wished the newlyweds the best. Rena sidled up next to Ali by the dance floor. “How's it going, my friend?”

Ali beamed her a smile. “I'm no longer in the potted plant category.”

Rena's brows rose, and she looked on with interest. “Really?”

“Joe kissed me down in the vineyards,” she gushed out. She'd wanted to scream it from the rooftops that Joe Carlino finally showed some interest in her. “It was
the best.
”

“What did he say?”

“Not much. He was worried about me. I think this change really threw him off. He's looking a little bit puzzled.”

“He noticed you. That's all that matters.”

Ali drew in a deep breath and sighed. “Oh, I know, but I'm not patient enough to wait. I want more.”

Rena's chuckle turned a few heads in her direction.

“Calm down, Ali. You're doing fine. And you look stunning in that dress.”

“Who knew that I could wear something so…not me and pull it off?”

“I did.”

“Well, I'm not counting my chickens yet.”

“It takes time, Ali. If it's meant to be, it'll happen.” she said. “And look who's coming straight toward us, with you in his sights.”

Ali glanced across the decking and spotted Joe, heading her way. Every time she looked at him dressed in that striking black suit, his dark hair groomed just so, his handsome face marred by just a hint of a beard and wearing those glasses that made him look sexier than a man had a right to look, her heart rate sped up like crazy.

Rena leaned over to whisper. “Remember, weddings have a way of bringing out the best in people.”

Ali swallowed hard.

Joe focused his attention on her as he approached. “Is it time to cut the cake?”

Joe was always spot on when it came to schedules. “Yes, I think it's time.” She turned to Rena. “Ready?”

“I'm ready. I'll find Tony and meet you over by the cake table.”

Both watched as Rena walked away. “I think everyone had a great time tonight,” Joe said.

“I know I did.”

Joe gazed into her eyes. “I'm feeling a little bit guilty,” he began, and Ali prayed he didn't regret their kiss from a few minutes ago. She waited for him to explain. “A few people asked me if you were a party planner. You could have a very lucrative business here, if you wanted it.”

“So why are you guilty?”

“Because I told them you're not interested in outside work. You did this as a favor to the family.”

“That's not a lie.”

“Well no, not technically. But I shouldn't have answered for you. The fact is, I don't want to lose you,” then Joe hesitated before adding, “as my personal assistant.”

Ali smiled inwardly. Joe was slowly coming around. “You won't.”

Joe stared at her, unblinking then glanced at her lips. She returned his stare, wishing he'd kiss her again. But she knew that he wouldn't in full view of the guests at the reception. Too many people knew Ali worked for Joe, and his reputation was at stake, along with hers.

The irony struck her anew. Ali never wanted an office romance. She'd shied away from them all of her adult life, wanting to be treated as an equal in business and respected for her intellect. And as soon as she found a man who'd done that, she'd fallen hard for him.

“I'm in the mood for something sweet,” Joe said, still glancing at her mouth.

“Hmm?” She cast him a curious look. It wasn't like Joe to make innuendo. Could he have been teasing?

He gestured with a slight nod toward the fondant cake decorated with white roses and greenery. “Cake. Let's go and see how good your pastry chef is.” He's not
her
pastry chef. She'd simply hired him, but Ali stifled her comment. “I'd like that. Royce recommended him highly.”

Joe's lips twisted but he didn't reply.

And ten minutes later, Ali sat at their table in sugar heaven. The mango-filled white cake was too delicious for words. “Mmm.”

“It's pretty damn good.” Joe had his piece of cake polished off in seconds.

Ali scooped up the last bit of frosting with her fork, relishing every bite, aware that Joe watched her every move. When the owner of a neighboring winery stopped by the table asking to speak to Joe for a second, he agreed and rose from his seat, bending to whisper in her ear. “Excuse me, I'll be right back.”

Goose bumps erupted on her arms, and Ali's body sizzled. She cast him a quick acknowledgment and watched him leave. This was new for her. She'd never received so much attention from Joe, and she wanted it to continue. The handsome prince had kissed her and stolen her heart. But she feared her reverse Cinderella night was quickly coming to an end. Now what?

The final dance of the evening was announced. Everyone stopped their conversations and mingled around the dance floor. The band played an old classic tune “I Want to Walk You Home,” and Rena, dressed in an ivory-colored satin maternity dress, swirled around on Tony's arm, glowing with joy.

Their happiness was contagious, and as Ali glanced around, she found smiles on all the guests' faces. Out of the blue, Royce appeared next to her.

“Give me a rain check on a dance,” he said. “I couldn't get away long enough to show you my dance skills.”

He'd changed from his chef's uniform into dark slacks and a black shirt. She couldn't deny her neighbor his good looks. She'd noticed more than one female's head turn in his direction during the night.

“That's okay, Royce. You showed me your culinary skills.”

“Well?”

“Absolutely perfect. Every dish was delicious.”

Royce closed his eyes, savoring the compliment. “Thank
you, Ali. You recommended me for this event, and I didn't want to let you down.”

“You didn't,” she said. Then she tilted her head. “In fact, you exceeded my expectations.”

“The same can be said about you. You put this party together in record time, and it looked as if you'd worked on it for months instead of weeks.”

They shared a moment of mutual admiration.

“Let me finish up in the kitchen, and I'll drive you home,” Royce said.

“I'm taking Ali home.”

Ali turned to find Joe beside her, his jaw tight as he faced Royce. Where had he come from? Ali hadn't seen him since he'd taken off to speak with that elderly winemaker.

“It's not a problem,” Royce said. “We live in the same building.”

Joe removed his glasses slowly, squaring off with Royce. Neither one of the men looked like they'd back down. Ali felt like a pawn in some macho game. “Actually, I have my own car. But thank you both for the offer.”

There, she'd settled it.

Joe hesitated, eyeing Royce, then slipped his glasses back on. “The food was exceptional tonight.”

Royce seemed surprised at the compliment. His rigid stance relaxed some. “Thank you.”

That's what she loved about Joe. He was fair-minded. “Ali recommended you, and I trust her judgment.”

“I'm happy to have the honor.” Royce glanced at Ali. “I've got to see to the cleanup in the kitchen. Catch you later, Ali.”

“See you, Royce.”

Ali turned to face Joe, his expression noncommittal. “I'll be leaving shortly, unless there's anything else you need me to do?”

“No, you've outdone yourself with this party. Tony and Rena are thrilled with how it all turned out. I am, too.”

“It was a pleasure,” she said. “Well, then I'd better say good-night to them.” She turned to leave.

“Wait,” Joe said firmly. “It's a difficult drive down the hill at night. You don't know the roads. I'll follow you.”

“But you don't have—”

“No arguments, Ali. I'm following you home.”

J
oe followed behind Ali's car until she parked in her garage. He watched her get out. He debated for a half second whether to get out of the car and walk her to the door, a little war waging in his head.

The kiss they shared earlier was still on his mind. He'd been foolish to do it, yet he hadn't been able to stop himself. Ali had looked vulnerable and a little sad, something he'd not recognized in her before. The change in her made him want to comfort and console her. He'd meant to plant a little peck on her lips, but the minute he'd taken her into his arms, something snapped inside him. He wanted to hold her and go on holding her. To kiss her and go on kissing her.

He wanted to do more.

Warning bells rang out in his head. His mind screamed that she was off-limits. He wasn't ready for any relationship,
much less one with his employee. How many times had he reminded himself of that?

Joe stepped out of his car and leaned against it. “Thank you for following me home, Joe. It wasn't necessary, but I do appreciate it.”

“Just wanted to make sure you got home safely, Ali.”

She faced him and leaned over to give him a little kiss on his cheek. “That's sweet.”

Sweet?
Joe's hackles went up. He spread his legs and braced Ali's waist with his hands, pulling her closer. Her exotic scent scurried up his nose and went straight to his brain. “Can you forget that I'm your boss for one night?”

His gaze dropped down to the ripe fullness of her mouth.

Ali blinked. Then a beautiful smile emerged. “I think so. Why?”

Joe answered her by wrapping a hand around her neck and bringing her mouth to his. “To show you I'm not that sweet,” he whispered before he crushed his mouth to hers.

A tiny whimper of pleasure arose from Ali's throat, her lips inviting and lush. Joe deepened the kiss and brought Ali even closer, meshing their hips together.

Pressure built in his groin, his breathing sped up and the urge to take Ali inside her apartment and finish this overwhelmed him. He mated their tongues, all the while stroking his knuckles along her smooth cheekbones and then capturing her face in his outspread hand.

“Still think I'm sweet?” he asked, nipping at her lower lip.

“Not at the moment,” she answered without hesitation.

“Am I out of line?” he whispered.

She sighed into his mouth. “Very.”

But she wasn't complaining, and that's all the fuel Joe
needed to continue. His mind went on autopilot, and he kissed her again and again, each time bringing her closer, crushing her beautiful breasts to his chest, his arousal hard to restrain.

He stroked her lower back, gliding his hands up and down, damning the satin material and wishing he could put his palms to her creamy skin.

Ali pulled away slightly, her breathing labored, a soft sheen on her face. She searched his eyes and shook her head. “I don't do one-night stands, Joe.”

Joe loosened his hold on her. It was hard to let her go. Al ready, he missed the sweetness of her mouth on his and her erotic scent filling his head. He pursed his lips and nodded. He'd let his lust get in the way of what he knew to be right. “When I asked if you could forget that I was your boss for one night, that's really not what I had in mind. I, uh, things got a little carried away.”

“They seem to, whenever you kiss me,” Ali stated quietly.

Joe knew better than to mess with Ali's emotions. Nothing could come of their relationship. He was her boss, and she was his most trusted employee. “Listen, uh, I, don't believe in workplace relationships. I did that once, and let's just say that it was painful and destructive.”

Ali listened patiently, her gaze intent on him. She looked so lovely tonight, and any other man would have found it easy to seduce her into bed. Joe still wanted to. He wanted to make love to Ali tonight.

But it wasn't fair to her, and he'd vowed that he'd never put himself in that situation again.

He reached into his pocket and pulled out a jewelry box made of gold velvet. “This is what I'd meant.” He handed Ali the box, laying it on her palm. “It's a thank-you for all you've done to help me.”

Ali gazed at the box she held. “I don't understand.”

“A pay bonus didn't seem quite right in thanking you for what you've done tonight. You helped my family, and that called for something more personal. I can't tell you how much I appreciate, well…you. Open it.”

With trembling hands, Ali opened the box. The look on her face made it all worthwhile. “It's beautiful.”

“I picked it out, but I wasn't sure you'd like it.”

Joe had gone to the best jeweler in the county to find just the right gold and diamond bracelet. He was used to seeing Ali wearing bangles and jewelry that made a big statement. But that wasn't what he'd wanted for her. When he'd spotted this bracelet, he knew it was right for her. It wasn't gaudy—the small, but perfect diamonds were set within the gold framework of the delicate piece.

“I love it,” she said softly. Then her eyes filled with moisture. “This is a thank-you?”

He nodded. “For everything, Ali. But mostly for making my brother's wedding so memorable. Do you want to try it on?”

She nodded and Joe lifted the bracelet from the box and took her wrist in his hand. He secured the clasp, his head bumping hers as they looked on. Her subtle exotic scent dazzled him. Their heads came up at the same time, and they stared into each other's eyes.

Joe's heart thumped, a spark of something more than lust making its way in. He kept thinking of the torturous night ahead while he slept alone in his bed, yet knowing he'd made the right decision.

I don't do one-night stands.

And that's all Joe could offer her. He released her hand.

“It fits perfectly.” Ali's voice lowered until it was barely audible. “You
are
sweet.”

Joe cringed inwardly.

Ali smiled, and he wasn't sure what to make of it. She blinked and took a deep breath that was almost a sigh of disappointment. “Well, I'd better get inside. I'll probably fall asleep the minute my head hits the pillow.”

Joe wished he'd be that lucky. He already knew what his night would be like. “Good night, Ali.”

“Good night, Joe.”

He waited for her to get inside and close her garage door before he got into his car and drove away.

 

Ali leaned against the garage door of her condo, listening as Joe drove off. She fingered the bracelet on her wrist, with love bursting from her heart. She'd never been given such a beautiful, thoughtful gift and yet, she'd let Joe leave tonight, making it clear that she wasn't a woman who slept with men unless there was a commitment.

It was the vow she'd made to herself after watching her mother's social-climbing ways. If Joe wasn't ready to give her more, then Ali would have to wait.

But the waiting was killing her! She could be in bed with Joe, making love with him at this very moment if she hadn't stopped him, yet she'd had to express her feelings. He hadn't offered her more than a night of passion, and Ali wouldn't settle for that. She wanted Joe—but not just for one night. She wanted his love and respect, too.

She learned a hard lesson allowing a man to call all the shots. Ali knew better now. Judging by the press of Joe's arousal while kissing her, Joe would have definitely made her night memorable. Sadness filled her heart for a moment, but then she remembered what Rena said.

Be patient.

She realized Rena was right. After all, she'd made progress, and turning Joe away tonight might not have
been a bad thing. All things considered, the night had been magical, and Joe had certainly noticed her.

Ali took a quick hot shower and dressed for bed. She climbed in, tucking herself in cozily, and laid her head back, relishing the softness of her pillow. When the phone rang, she groaned and let it ring again, pretending she hadn't heard it. On the fifth insistent ring, she grabbed for it grudgingly, glancing at the clock. It was after midnight, and she couldn't imagine who'd be calling this late. “Hello.”

“Ali, it's me.”

Those three words instilled fear in her heart when she recognized the voice. She bolted up from bed. “Mom, what's wrong?” Her mother lived on the East Coast, and it was three in the morning there. Concern rippled through her. Guiltily she realized she hadn't talked to her mother in over a month. “Are you okay?”

“No, I'm not okay. I'm terrible.” Her mother sobbed into the phone, alarming Ali all the more. Visions of her contracting a rare disease or having a car accident flashed through Ali's mind.

“What is it?”

“It's Harold. He's being impossible. I don't think I can live with him anymore.”

Ali's rigid shoulders slumped.

Not this again.

She recognized her mother's tone and the sobs that were more complaint than anguish. What was it this time? Was his work interfering with their playtime? Or was Harold smoking too much? Maybe he liked his dog more than her. Ali had heard it all before. Her mother's need for attention and adoration was monumental, and whenever she didn't get it from one husband, she'd move on.

At forty-nine, her mother was still a beauty, and she had no trouble attracting men. Her problem was keeping them.
She expected perfection from her mate, when she was far from it herself. She wanted to be placed on a pedestal and admired by her man. It had become increasingly clear to Ali that the main trouble with her mother's relationships with men was that
life
got in her way.

There were times when her mother couldn't be the main focus in her husband's life. Times when their work took precedence and times when outside influences that couldn't be helped, interfered. Ali had always believed that the men Justine had married truly loved her, but they couldn't keep up with Justine's need for attention.

“Mom, what's wrong with Harold?” Ali had actually
liked
Harold Holcomb. He was a man of honor and integrity and had always treated her mother well in their three years of marriage.

“He's being so…so, stubborn.”

“Mom, please stop crying.”

“Okay,” she said immediately, catching a sob. “I know you hate when I cry.”

“I do. You know I've always liked Harold. I think you should calm down and think about what's important in life.
Really
important.”

“I know you think I'm flighty, but this time I'm really worried. We're always fighting and… Ali,
I really love Harold.
”

Her mother seemed a little stunned by her own revelation. Maybe she'd finally figured out what love was all about. “He loves you, too, Mom.”

“I know.”

“Then whatever it is, you two can work it out.”

“I know, I know. You've already said you won't come to any more weddings so I'd better make this one stick.”

“Mom,” Ali said, sighing into the phone, “can we discuss this in the morning? I'm really tired.”

“It's only midnight there, sweetie.”

“That's late for us working girls.”

“But surely you're not working tomorrow—on Sunday?”

“No, I'm not.” Yes, she actually was. She'd brought home a stack of work to look over. She'd been so busy with the wedding reception this week that she'd put a few projects on hold, knowing she'd get to them on Sunday.

Not that her mother had asked her how she liked her new job or her new home. When Ali had moved here from the East Coast, her mother had called her once to make sure she was settled and safe. Once she was assured of that, she hadn't called again, leaving it up to Ali to make the calls from then on.

Her mother really did love her, but she showed it in odd ways sometimes. This call tonight was a perfect example of her love. Justine confided in Ali when she wouldn't confide in anyone else. Ali had always shared that bond with her mom. She'd listen to her and give advice and encouragement, and her mother always made it clear that Ali was the only one she trusted to vent her frustrations.

Maybe Ali had been far too understanding with her mom over the years. Justine needed a hefty dose of reality. “I had a big day today, Mom. I helped my boss plan a wedding reception all week, and tonight was the big event. I just got in a few minutes ago, and I'm really pooped.”

“Your boss? You mean, Joe Carlino?”

“Yes, I mean, Joe.”

“How was the affair?”

“Spectacular, even if I do say so myself.”

“If you had anything to do with it, I'm sure it was stylish and fun.”

“Thanks, Mom.” Justine was loyal and thought Ali could
conquer the world. Another example of how she showed her love.

Ali wondered what her mother would think of the “new-and-improved” Ali Pendrake, the one with the conservative clothes and reserved demeanor. The one who'd sink to fraudulent behavior to ensnare the man of her dreams.

Justine never had to resort to such measures. She'd simply flirt and tease a man to garner his interest, but Ali was sure her mother had never come up against anyone like Joe before. A man like Joe wouldn't interest her enough to make overtures.

Yet, Joe held Ali's heart in the palm of his hand.

“Okay, sweetie,” her mother said. “I'll call you in the morning.” She sniffled. “It was good to hear your voice. I miss you, Ali.”

Ali closed her eyes and savored the sentiment. “I miss you, too, Mom.”

She really did.

“Good night. Sleep tight. You're my beautiful princess.”

Ali smiled into the phone. “I know. Good night, Mom.”

 

On Monday morning, Joe walked into the Carlino Wines office, amazed at how this century-old building had survived to modern times. The building on Main Street was well known as one of the “ghost wineries” of the past that had been nearly crippled by age and ruin. The exterior built of mortar and stone, refurbished to its original vintage architecture, spoke of winemaking in its earliest form in the Napa region.