Читать книгу Boardroom Kings - Майя Бэнкс, Catherine Mann - Страница 16

Rosa Lounge wasn’t at all what she anticipated.

She’d known ahead of time it was a martini bar, but she’d expected something along the line of New York high brow. Instead, she’d walked into San Francisco retro funk.

Loud music reverberated.

Pink lighting cast a hazy glow.

Black and white accents added a crisp edge.

The artist in her lapped up the visual contrasts.

And the food was to die for. She dipped an oozing grilled-cheese triangle into a cup of tomato soup. Her nausea a thing of the past, it seemed her appetite was making up for lost time. She nibbled a bite. Ah-mazing. Still, nothing beat Godiva s’mores with Jason.

Nothing about this time in San Francisco was turn-ing out the way she expected. Did she dare risk more surprises by launching into an affair with Jason? The thought felt big and scary, so damn silly, really, when she already carried his baby. But there it was and she didn’t know how to get past the hurdle to take what she wanted.

A light hand on her shoulder pulled her out of her reverie. Lauren turned quickly. “Yes?”

“Hello, we didn’t get to speak earlier.” A slim woman with dark brown hair clamped back unpretentiously thrust out her hand. “I’m Elle Linton, Brock’s assistant.”

“Lauren Presley… uh, Reagert. I’m still getting used to the new name.”

“Of course.” Elle smiled with understanding. “Elopements give you a little less time to get used to the changes coming up.”

An elopement that came about in a very public and embarrassing fashion, thanks to her anger. Lauren looked across the bar and sure enough, Celia still stayed well clear of her on the other side at one of the tall tables.

Lauren turned back to Brock’s assistant. “Jason and I have known each other for over a year.”

“I’m sorry if my comments came out wrong. I didn’t mean to sound nosy or imply anything.” Her blue eyes lit with sincerity—and curiosity. This woman had a knack for getting people to spill their guts. “We’re all just wondering about the lady who managed to land Jason Reagert.”

Anger pulsed anew in time with the thrum of the music. “You mean since Celia Taylor was hitting on him just a few days ago?”

“Wow, Lauren—” Elle’s eyes blinked wide “—you really know how to lay it all out there.”

“Unless I’m mistaken, you all had a front-row seat to the scene in the office. I was a bit histrionic, I know.” She winced at even describing herself that way, but God, she wanted out of this with her pride intact. And while creating a plausible cover story for Jason, damn his handsome ass. “I guess I just go a little catty when it comes to my man.”

Ick. Had she really said that? And even worse, it was true. Her eyes gravitated to Celia again. The too-gorgeous redhead smiled tightly at the guy hitting on her, then eyed the door. She clearly didn’t want to be here but couldn’t seem to figure out how to leave. She had an outward confidence, but her agitation didn’t quite match the way Elle had portrayed her.

“Lauren—” Elle rested her hand on her arm, angling sideways to let a waiter pass with a tray balanced on one hand “—nobody blames you for getting pissed. Celia’s gorgeous and more than one person around here has wondered if she tried to sleep her way to the top.”

Lauren hated the twinge of sympathy she felt for Celia. She knew how tough it was to get ahead in the business world without those sorts of rumors flying around. “That’s pretty harsh.”

Elle sipped her martini, eyeing her over the rim. “Unless it’s true. I’m only saying, this is a very competitive crowd. Be careful.”

Lauren watched Elle and found the woman’s gaze skipped over to her boss, lingering. Could the assistant have some jealousy issues of her own? Regardless, Elle had a point. Lauren needed to step warily, especially around Brock’s right-hand person.

And especially when she had a big fat secret of her own to hide in the form of a fake marriage. “Thank you for the heads-up, Elle. I appreciate your looking out for me and I’m sure Jason will, too.”

“No problem. Just call me the troubleshooter.”

Jason slid up behind her. “Hello, ladies. Can I get you refills?”

Lauren could smell his warm aftershave mixed with something distinctively him before he even announced himself. “I’m good, thank you.”

“Me, too.” Elle lifted her green martini in toast.

His arms slid around her as he stood against her back. “Everyone having fun?”

Lauren glanced up at him. “Just getting the lowdown on everyone at MC from the lady in the know.”

Jason smiled. “That would be Elle.”

Brock’s assistant laughed dismissively, then eyed Lauren’s sandwich. “I’m going to order one of those for myself. Nice talking with you.”

Once the woman left, Lauren turned in Jason’s arms, careful to balance her plate of food. “I think this is going well.”

“Beyond well. You’ve more than done your bit for the evening. How about we relax?” He plucked her plate from her hands and set it on a nearby table. “Want to sit and eat, or dance?”

She almost blurted out a vote for her food, but then the heat of Jason’s hands on her waist stirred a deeper hunger. More than anything, she wanted to be in his arms. What better way to test the waters on whether or not to pursue her sensual longings than to take to the public safety of the dance floor?

After all, what could happen there?

Three gyrating songs later, Jason pulled Lauren into his arms as a slow song came over the loudspeaker. She stiffened almost imperceptibly before sighing against him, a light sheen of perspiration adding an extra glow to her skin. The musky scent reminded him too quickly of sex. Of course, that tended to be a common thought for him whenever he saw Lauren, much less pulled her close.

She was temptation personified.

The dance made for the perfect chance to move forward with his plan to persuade her while holding back a while longer. He wanted her in his bed with no regrets this time.

He rested his forehead against hers. “Thank you for being so great this evening.”

“Just holding up my end of the bargain.” Her legs brushed lightly against his, her breasts pressed to his chest.

Okay, so maybe this hadn’t been the brightest of ideas, after all. But hey, in for a penny—

“You really are amazing, and not just in a work setting. Do you know that?” He angled to skim his mouth against hers. Holding. Not so long as to make a sideshow event of things, but long enough for her to soften against him as he grew hard against her. Her lips tasted like a sweet ripe cheese and the lime from her water. And he didn’t want to stop.

A couple jostled them and he eased his head away with more than a little regret.

Lauren looked up at him through thick eyelashes. “Are you trying to seduce me?”

Her voice came out husky and sexy, her chest rising and falling faster against him.

He slid his hands low along her waist, his finger aching for a more thorough exploration. “I only kissed you.”

“You call that only a kiss?”

Her words revved the adrenaline zinging through him. “I do believe you complimented me.”

She swatted his chest lightly, her cheeks a pretty pink. “You know full well what you were doing, what that was doing to me.”

“You liked the kiss.” He nestled her closer.

“Again, obvious.” She swayed against him. “My body turns traitor when it comes to you. So are you trying to seduce me?”

Too obvious would lose the day here. He needed a more subtle, more romantic approach. “Who said a kiss has to lead to bed?”

She blinked back at him, surprise stunning her quiet.

“What?” He tucked her away from the crowded floor toward the outer edges, away from the speakers. “You disagree?”

Lauren shook her head quickly. “I don’t disagree at all. I just didn’t expect to hear something like that from you. From a man.”

“I can assure you I am most definitely a man.”

“I know.” She rocked her hips lightly against his erection pressed undeniably against her soft stomach.

“Kissing you—” he brushed his mouth against hers lightly with promise “—brings me much pleasure.”

And torment. But he didn’t want to lose precious ground here by mentioning that.

MC’s CFO—Ash—strode past on his way to dance with his longtime girlfriend, a local law student. Did Ash remember that not more than three weeks ago right here at Rosa Lounge, they’d both declared themselves confirmed bachelors? Of course, Ash already had a failed marriage behind him.

Jason thumbed his wedding ring, reminding himself of the importance of patience. Keeping Lauren here in San Francisco required finesse. They’d already gone the route of jumping each other’s bones at warp speed and that had not ended well for him.

He did not repeat mistakes.

The band cranked up the pace and Jason linked fingers with Lauren, leading her away from the increasingly packed space. He ducked closer to her ear. “Want to drive up to Twin Peaks for a romantic view of the city, perfect place to make out? I promise not to take advantage of you on our first date.”

She snorted a laugh. “It may have escaped your notice, but we’ve already had sex.”

“Believe me, I noticed.” And remembered. And wanted more. Which meant sticking to his plan. “I take it that’s a no to making out. Damn shame.”

Her eyebrows pinched together in confusion. “Jason, I don’t understand you tonight. I’m not sure what you expect or want—”

“Shh.” He pressed a finger to her lips. “And by the way, nobody asked you for sex tonight. I’m an ad man, remember?You need to pay close attention to my words.”

He stepped back and kissed her hand before letting go. “Thank you for a most enjoyable dance, Mrs. Reagert. I’ll think about you all night long… while I’m sleeping in my chair.”

Two restless nights later, Lauren mingled at the MC dinner party. As unsettled as she was in her personal life, this business party did remind her of all the things she enjoyed about her job, the wheeling and dealing, the exchange of ideas with the best in the industry. She thrived on it.

Of course, that provided a whole new layer to her frustration.

Because this party also reminded her of all the reasons she wanted and needed to go back to her business in New York City, especially when her body screamed even more loudly for satisfaction with Jason. He was tormenting the hell out of her with his “accidental touches” and surprise kisses at every turn. Her skin felt on fire.

The live band segued from the swing music they’d played during dinner to classic rock. She wasn’t sure she could hold out through another dance with Jason. Except it wasn’t just on the dance floor where they were so in synch. In the upheaval of the past few months, she’d almost forgotten what an awesome team she and Jason made professionally. Tonight’s gathering brought that all back to her.

Swaying to the beat, she nodded her thanks to the congratulations zinging from all sides as she made her way to the bar for a refill on her water. For the first time this evening, she and Jason worked opposite sides of the room, dinner finished, the mingling and dancing just beginning to crank into full swing. She felt his eyes following her, though. Her copper satin dress swished around her legs, each brush teasing her already overloaded senses, the beaded top suddenly itchy and un-comfortable against her breasts. God, she so needed to get her mind in the moment and off the way Jason made her feel with just a look.

The dinner party—catered by Wolfgang Puck’s local Postrio—was being held in an exclusive yacht club that sported a fabulous view of San Francisco Bay. Through the wall of windows, she could see the Golden Gate Bridge through the mist.

It was one hell of an impressive party, from the five-star dinner to the A-list guests, everything running smoothly, thanks to Brock’s ever-efficient assistant zipping to and fro.

Growing up in Connecticut, Lauren had wined and dined with influential families and major players in political circles. Even so, she was impressed. Maddox had pulled out all the stops.

With her nausea totally abated, her appetite had kicked into full gear. She could well enjoy everything from the crusted Alaskan halibut to the sweetheart plum dessert. Too bad she couldn’t pack a doggy bag.

For another picnic in front of the fire? She shook off the memory.

The best of California wines flowed. Not that she’d been able to drink any, but the fragrant bouquets wafted through the room, mingling like the high-end guests. She sipped her sparkling water with lime.

“Mrs. Reagert,” a voice called from behind her, “may I refill your drink?”

Lauren glanced over her shoulder to find the offer came not from a waiter but from Jason’s big-catch client, Walter Prentice. Apparently even the ultrauptight client enjoyed a vintage wine on occasion.

“Thank you, Mr. Prentice. I was just making my way over.”

“Then let me help you with that.” He snapped his fingers impatiently and a waiter magically appeared to take her order, as well as a refill for Prentice’s wife. The poor woman looked as if she could use a shot of something stronger to lift her spirits. Her husband was obviously devoted to her, but the worry lines across the woman’s brow, the sad frown that didn’t appear new hinted that Angela Prentice wasn’t as happy as her husband.

Taking her fresh sparkling water from the waiter, Lauren smiled her thanks.

Prentice rocked back on his heels. “Sharp group of up-and-comers working with Maddox. It was a close competition between them and Golden Gate Promotions, but I’m pleased to be with such a dedicated and savvy group of young people.”

Lauren glanced around the room at the major movers in the business. “I’m still getting to know everyone, but they’ve been wonderfully welcoming.”

CFO Asher Williams placed his empty wineglass on a tray and led his law-student girlfriend onto the dance floor. Gavin Spencer shifted restlessly from foot to foot, the musclebound guy tugging at the neck of his tux absently as he listened intently to a cell-phone-company heiress.

Angela Prentice touched Lauren’s arm lightly. “Tell me your name again, my dear.”

“Lauren Presley, uh, Reagert now, of course.” She smiled. “But the Presley part is no relation to the King.”

Walter laughed full and loud. “I imagine you get asked that often.”

“Often enough.” She thought through what she knew about Prentice and zeroed in on his company mantra. Family Is Everything. “Although my family is from Connecticut, nowhere near Graceland.”

“Lovely country in Connecticut. I have a place on the coast.” The billionaire probably had places on every coast. “You knew Jason in New York?”

“I own a graphic-arts business. We collaborated on a few accounts, and our relationship formed from there.” True enough, even if the details might have sent Prentice into an apoplectic fit.

Angela pressed two fingers to her furrowed brow. “How will you manage your business from clear across country now that you and Jason are married?”

Prentice frowned. “I hope you don’t intend to try one of those bicoastal relationships. They never work, you know. That’s why I have my wife and children travel everywhere with me.”

No wonder the woman had bags under her eyes.

“A lot can be accomplished with a good office manager, a computer and telecoms.” She’d actually been thinking through some possibilities already, since making sure Jason was a part of their baby’s life would require a great deal of travel on both their parts, especially for the next few years.

Which would also necessitate spending time together. A lot of time. Her eyes gravitated to Jason, speaking with Flynn, MC’s vice president. The VP’s broad shoulders and swagger drew more than a few female eyes in the room, but Lauren preferred Jason’s lean swimmer’s build. She could almost smell the salt air and sun on his skin.

Lauren yanked her focus back to Walter Prentice, who was speaking.

“You’re a modern-day businesswoman.”

She stiffened. Was that good or bad in his eyes?

Angela rested a gentle hand on her arm. “Congratulations again, dear, to you and Jason on the marriage and the baby. Walter and I are happy for you and your growing family.”

“Hear, hear.” Walter lifted his glass in a toast. “Now if you’ll excuse us, Mrs. Reagert?”

“Of course. Nice speaking with you both.” Lauren relaxed as the older couple walked away. Jason had read the situation right. All was well. She thumbed her wedding band, watching the Prentices. Forty years married. What would that be like? Staying with one person for more than half your life? While the Prentices seemed to have everything, Angela’s sad eyes made Lauren think about all she had in New York.

Shaking her head, she pivoted and came face-to-face with… the very woman she’d been avoiding most of the evening.

Celia Taylor winced visibly.

Lauren considered making a quick excuse and speedy exit, then changed her mind. Running or evading would only fuel possible rumors. And weren’t there already enough rumors about this woman floating around? While she should hate Celia, instead, she felt kind of sorry for her. The business world could be catty and vicious to beautiful women.

So Lauren plastered a big—hopefully genuine-looking—smile on her face. “Hello, Celia. I was just looking for you. I’m still new in town and was wondering if you could recommend a good hairstylist.”

Sheesh, that sounded lame. So much for ignoring the issue of looks. Why hadn’t she thought to ask about work? Or consult on some other business matter? Or even ask for a freaking art gallery? Hell, she was committed to the conversation, so might as well forge ahead. She really wanted to smooth over any awkwardness with Jason’s coworker.

Celia blinked fast, scrunching her too-darn-perfect nose. “Sure, sure, I’ll e-mail you the name of my salon and spa.”

“I appreciate it.” She also needed to find a new ob/gyn out here, as well, if she was going to visit Jason again. Or maybe stay longer.

“I’m sorry about the other day,” Celia said softly, leaning closer, her cologne expensive and probably delightful, but pregnancy heightened Lauren’s sense of smell in a fickle way. It had to be the pregnancy, right? Not the fact that right now she resented the woman for merely existing.

Now wasn’t that utterly ridiculous? Celia Taylor hadn’t done anything wrong. The jealousy was totally Lauren’s issue, not this woman’s. “Really, there’s no need for things to be awkward.”

“Of course not. I just wanted to make sure you know there’s nothing between Jason and me. I mean, I was asking about after-work plans… if he was going to Rosa Lounge with others from the office.”

Celia wouldn’t have asked in the first place if there’d been an inkling Jason was already in a relationship. Except he hadn’t been. Not really. If their mutual friend hadn’t sent Jason that photo showing Lauren pregnant, would he have accepted Celia’s drink offer?

Jealousy nipped all the harder, after all. Reminding herself it wasn’t Celia’s fault didn’t seem to be helping. “Seriously, it’s okay. I was the one who insisted on keeping our relationship quiet. If there’s anyone to blame for it not being obvious Jason was already taken, the fault is mine.”

Celia exhaled long and hard. “I’m so relieved to hear that. I hate office gossip. God, you’re a really nice person.”

Then why was she obsessing over how Celia didn’t have to wear a tent of a dress to hide her stomach? No water retention on that woman, for sure.

And why was she thinking about impressing the Prentices? And finding an ob/gyn in San Francisco?

Because like it or not, she was drawn to Jason. For four months she’d been trying to work him out of her system—unsuccessfully. Ignoring him hadn’t worked.

Lauren looked across the room again, finding him, wanting him. Jason’s chin tipped as if he sensed her watching him, sensed her. He turned his head almost imperceptibly and his intense eyes locked with hers. A delicious tingle of awareness prickled over her, tightening her nerves with a deep need to wriggle against him skin to skin.

She couldn’t run from the truth any longer. Her passion for Jason hadn’t even begun to be tapped out. Denying it—denying herself—only made the ache grow stronger as pressure built.

She understood all about hormonal rushes from pregnancy, and maybe that added an edge, but still she knew it was something beyond just the raging hormones. She certainly hadn’t tried to jump any of the other men who crossed her path, and heaven knew there were plenty of hot, high-powered men in this room.

But she only wanted Jason.

Starting tonight, she would try a new approach. Indulging every fantasy she’d ever entertained about her brand-new husband.