Читать книгу Need You Now - Yahrah St. John - Страница 11

“Are we attending the Tyler Perry movie premiere this evening?” Courtney asked her big sister Saturday morning as they prepared to square off in a game of tennis on the family estate. The Adams family estate was equipped with a pool, basketball and tennis court as well as a stable for the horses that Kayla used to ride during championships.

The sisters had dressed for battle, Kayla in a pink-and-gray tennis dress that hit her thigh while Courtney wore a purple tank top and tennis skirt. Both wore their hair in unsophisticated ponytails.

“Of course,” Kayla returned, stretching her arms behind her. “We have to present a united front to the world. Just because word is out that Adams Cosmetics is in trouble doesn’t mean we are going to slink off into a corner somewhere.”

“I never thought we were,” Courtney responded. “We’re fighters. So when is the limo picking us up?” As spokes-woman for Adams Cosmetics, Courtney attended every public function.

“Six p.m.” Kayla picked up her racket from the ground and headed to her side of the court.

“Oh, I’ll be ready.”

“Are you ready to lose, little sis?” Kayla yelled over the court. “Because I’m about to give you a spanking.”

“Those are big words for someone who’s five years older than me.” Courtney laughed as she removed her jacket and tossed it on the green.

“Oh, I’m going to make you eat those words.” Kayla chuckled. She gave an overhead serve and sent the tennis ball flying in the air.

They played a hearty game before coming to a deuce.

“You realize once I serve, I have the advantage?” Courtney yelled over the net.

“Enough talk, Courtney. Let’s get on with it,” Kayla responded. Courtney served the ball and Kayla hit it with such force that Courtney had to go flying to reach it. But she still missed the point. “Whatcha gotta say about that?” Kayla teased as she did a victory dance.

“Oh, shut up,” Courtney said. “Can we just agree to disagree?” she asked, walking toward the net.

“Sure.” Kayla smiled back at her sister. “If you’ll agree I’m the better player.”

“Like hell I will.”

“Then we’ll have to have a rematch.” Kayla ruffled Courtney’s hair with her hands. “Now come on, I’m starved and it looks like Victor put out a great spread.” As a longtime employee, Victor was like a member of the Adams family and always took care of them. He’d put out a platter of sandwiches, pasta salad, fruit and a pitcher of ice-cold lemonade in the gazebo next to the tennis court.

“And I’m ready for it,” Courtney said as they strolled toward the gazebo.

Once there, they piled up their crystal plates with sandwiches, salad and fruit and sat down to the table.

“You’re very quiet,” Courtney remarked.

“I’m not happy about having to bring outside investors into Adams Cosmetics,” Kayla said, and then put up her hand. “And before you start enumerating the reasons why this is the right thing to do, don’t. I know what’s at stake, but I’m still disappointed that I couldn’t prevent this from happening.”

“You’ve done everything in your power, Kayla, to preserve Daddy’s vision, but even you aren’t Superwoman.”

Kayla gave a halfhearted smile. “Since when? When you were little you believed I could do anything.” She could easily remember Courtney following her around like a puppy dog and being annoyed that her little sister wanted to hang around her teenage friends.

Courtney laid her hands over her hips. “And I still do. There isn’t anything you can’t do when you put your mind to it, Kayla, and that’s why I know you’re going to make this work.”

“Thanks, doll.” Kayla patted her hand and then proceeded to take a big bite of the chicken salad on croissant that Victor had made for them.

“No matter who the investor is?” Courtney asked, and placed a forkful of pasta salad in her mouth.

Kayla wiped her mouth with the nearby napkin. “What do you mean by that?”

“Ethan Graham?” The name landed like a missile in the air.

“What about him?” Kayla looked down.

“Oh, nothing.” Courtney shrugged. “It just seemed like back in the day, you may have had a thing for the man.”

Kayla laughed nervously. “That’s utterly ridiculous.”

“Is it?” Courtney asked, twisting open the cap on her water bottle and taking a generous sip. “The man is handsome as sin. Are you blind?”

Kayla inhaled sharply just thinking about him. Was it obvious even to her sister that she’d once had feelings for Ethan that had gone unrequited?

“No, I’m not blind…” Kayla responded. She remembered every detail about the man, even if it had been a year or so since she’d seen him. Who could forget those smoldering dark eyes of his or that broad expanse of shoulders? She sure couldn’t. She had fantasies about what it would be like to have his arms wrapped around her.

“But I feel there is a ‘but’ coming in there,” Courtney finished her sentence.

“I don’t feel that Graham International is the right fit for us,” Kayla replied. “They have their hands in so many markets—clothing, perfume, leather goods. Their cosmetics division is small.”

“Which is why Ethan will jump at the chance of being part of Adams Cosmetics. Why are you so against this, Kayla?”

“I’m not, but there are tons of investors out there. Why does it have to be Ethan?”

“Because he’ll have not only a monetary investment but a personal stake, as well. I doubt Ethan wants the company to fail.”

“Are you sure about that?” Kayla asked. “Look at the way Dad treats him. He’s always thought that the apple didn’t fall too far from the tree.”

“That’s because of what happened with Dad and Ethan’s father. It doesn’t mean Ethan is as ruthless as his old man.”

“Courtney, you are so naive. Ethan Graham is exactly his father’s son, how else do you think he grew Graham International? He has to be as cutthroat as Carter Graham ever was, if not worse.”

“Everything is coming along nicely,” Daniel told Ethan later that morning after a late lunch and game of racquetball. They were sitting in Ethan’s study and discussing his strategy.

“So you’ve put the word out to potential investors that Adams Cosmetics is mine?” Ethan asked.

“Yes,” Daniel stated. “I got my hands on their short list. I will make some confidential calls and advise you are prepared to match any offer an investor may make for shares in AC.”

“Good.” Ethan nodded. “And the bank?”

“Still on the fence.”

“Then it’s time I place a call to Perry Lee,” Ethan said, rising from the sofa and walking toward his desk.

“You’re going to call Perry on a Saturday?” Daniel asked.

“Why not?” Ethan asked. “My banker should always be ready for the unexpected.” Once he’d called Perry and asked him to wire a quarter of a million dollars to Monte Carlo for a poker game he was playing. Perry had thought he was out of his mind, but when Ethan had doubled the money and wired back the cash, Perry had learned to never underestimate him.

Daniel shrugged.

Ethan dialed Perry’s personal cell phone number. “Perry, it’s Ethan.”

Daniel listened to snippets of the conversation and knew that Ethan would soon go for the jugular.

“We need to discuss this Adams Cosmetics deal…hmm…yes, I understand I am asking for a large sum…The bank is concerned about the risks…Have you ever known Graham International to default on a loan…Then there should be no problem with you getting this deal approved…Well, if you don’t think you can handle it…Then perhaps I should start looking at other banks…Great, I look forward to hearing from you. Please do tell Annette I said hello and enjoy the rest of your weekend.”

Daniel watched Ethan walk back to the couch with a smug expression. “Now that’s how you get things done.”

“A threat here, a threat there…”

“Perry just needed an incentive to get the job done.”

“If you don’t mind my asking, why is this so important to you?”

“If not for my father, there would never have been an Adams Cosmetics. Carter refused to compromise and so our fathers went their separate ways. We should have all been one great big happy family. The times I spent with the Adams family were some of the best of my life. There was room for everyone at the top, but my father was too pig-headed to see that.”

“And now you’re trying to make things right?” Daniel inquired. “It sounds altruistic, but I think there’s more to it than that, otherwise you wouldn’t be asking for majority interest.”

Ethan rubbed his jaw. “Well, yes, I will get something out of this arrangement.”

“When are you going to make your move?”

“Soon. In the meantime I need to get ready for the Tyler Perry premiere this evening.” He was sure a certain statuesque beauty would be present for the festivities.

Kayla stared back at her reflection in the pedestal mirror in her room. She was Daddy’s girl and looked just like him, while Shane and Courtney were the spitting image of their fair-skinned mother. She looked darn good in a one-shoulder black charmeuse gown that ruched tightly at her waist and had a front slit from floor to thigh. The silky fabric clung to her every curve. No one was going to miss seeing her this evening. Was it a little over the top for her? Yes. Courtney was usually the provocateur, while Kayla dressed more conservatively. So why was she pulling out all the stops tonight? Kayla told herself she was dressing this way for her own benefit, but in the back of her mind, she knew she was dressing this way because a certain someone was sure to attend tonight’s event and she wanted to show him what he could have had.

“You ready, sis?” Shane knocked at her door.

“Come in.”

“Wow!” Shane’s jaw dropped.

Kayla smiled at the bemused expression on Shane’s face. “You like?” She twirled around.

“You look gorgeous, but I might have to beat the men away with a stick.” Shane came to stand behind her and Kayla glanced at the reflection of them in the mirror.

Her brother was a tall drink of water in any woman’s book. He stood several inches taller than her five-foot-nine inches and had the most stunning pair of hazel eyes she’d ever laid eyes on. They never knew where he’d inherited them from, as both their parents had brown eyes. But Kayla was sure that pair had seduced many a women. And looking as dapper as he did in his tuxedo, she was sure Shane would be on the prowl tonight.

“Let’s go.” Kayla tucked her arm in his and headed for the door. When they walked down the winding staircase to the bottom of the foyer, their parents, Byron and Elizabeth, and Courtney were waiting for them.

Kayla knew some people would think it was crazy that she and her siblings hadn’t moved out of their parents’ home, but why should they move? They were a close-knit family that did everything together, and until one of them got hitched there was no need to move out. There were more than enough rooms in the eleven-room mansion that each of them had their own wing and plenty of privacy to come and go as they pleased.

“Mom.” Kayla kissed her mother. “You look beautiful.” Her salt-and-pepper hair was swept up in an elegant chignon and she wore a metallic ruffle belted jacket over a simple sheath with pearls.

“And you, missy—” Kayla glanced at her sister “—will be the belle of the ball as always.” The black animal-print gown clung to Courtney’s size-four figure before sweeping out like a mermaid’s tail to the floor. Trust her sister to show up her attempt to be a little mischievous with her front slit.

“Well, you’re not too bad yourself.” Courtney laughed. “I wholeheartedly approve.”

“Enough with all the compliments,” their father said from the front door. “We have to get going. We’re already late.”

“Hey, you can’t hurry perfection,” Kayla responded. “It takes time, Daddy, to look this good.”

“Amen!” Courtney chorused on their way out of the door.

When they arrived at the hotel where the premiere was being held, it was already in full swing. Actors, directors and the cream of Atlanta society were already milling around the ballroom in grand attire.

“Tonight would be the perfect night to mention your new perfume line,” Kayla whispered to Shane as they exited the vehicle. “You know, generate some buzz.”

“I agree,” Shane responded in her ear.

“So what’s new for Adams Cosmetics?” a reporter for the local newspaper asked once they hit the red carpet.

“It’s funny you should ask,” Kayla said, laughing, “because Adams Cosmetics will be debuting a fragrance in the coming months.”

“Perfume, that’s a new arena for Adams Cosmetics,” the reporter replied.

“True, but Adams Cosmetics has always been about beauty,” Kayla stated. “We’re in the business of making women feel good about themselves. We already have shampoos, conditioners and body products.”

“Perfume is a natural progression for us to expand into,” Shane added.

“I’m sure the public is eager to see what you have in store for us.”

“And we look forward to bringing them quality products,” Kayla replied.

Once they were done with the press bit, the Adams family separated and worked the room. Her parents went in the direction of some old friends while Courtney continued her due diligence with the press.

Kayla watched her younger sister toss her hair around for a photo op. “That went well,” Kayla said to Shane at her side.

“Yes, it did,” Shane said. “Now all I have to do is deliver a knockout fragrance.”

“Which you will.” Kayla squeezed his shoulder. “You know I have absolute faith in you. So let’s talk to Perry Lee. He’s the head of one of the banks I’d like to approach.”

“Kay, can you for once not think about business and let your hair down and have some fun? I sure intend to.” Shane went rushing off toward a group of beautiful women nearby that were ogling his good looks.

The dress was her letting her hair down, Kayla thought to herself. Kayla glanced around the room anxiously, wringing her hands. Why was she so nervous? It wasn’t like she hadn’t been to a hundred of these events before. Deep down, she knew why. Ethan Graham was expected to attend. All the gossip blogs were talking about who the elusive bachelor would attend the gala with. Would he be like his father and wait until later in life to marry? Kayla didn’t know.

She recalled their encounter in France a few years ago, when she’d made polite pleasantries and retreated as fast as she could from his overpowering male presence. But recently, despite all her best efforts, the man seemed to be haunting her daytime thoughts and nighttime dreams. It had to be because he’d suddenly shown interest in Adams Cosmetics, because she refused to believe it could be something more.

Kayla was happy when her eyes fixed on a certain redheaded entertainment reporter working the room with her cameraman. “Piper!” She waved enthusiastically at her oldest and dearest friend. Piper was petite, barely reaching five feet, with shockingly vibrant red hair and freckles spread over her fair skin, but no one could deny that when she was on-screen, you couldn’t take your eyes off her.

“Kay.” Piper stopped short when she crossed the room to her friend. “I’m loving the dress!” She turned to her cameraman. “Let’s take a quick break. I’ll find you in a bit.” He nodded before walking away.

Kayla blushed, but gave a twirl. “You like?’

“Oh, yeah.” Piper nodded. “Do you have your eye on someone tonight?” she asked, glancing around the room.

“Why would you say that?” Kayla chuckled nervously.

“Because you never show all the goods.” Piper motioned to the side slit.

“What’s wrong with being a little sexy?” Kayla inquired. “There’s a time and a place for it.”

“And clearly tonight is the night.” Piper laughed. “Let’s grab some champagne. They have the good stuff.” She tugged at Kayla’s arm.

“Sure, sure.” Kayla glanced over her shoulder uneasily. It felt as if someone was watching her, but when she turned around and found no one she brushed it off and joined Piper at the bar.

“She’s here,” Ethan stated from across the dance floor. Photos had done Kayla little justice. They didn’t capture just how sexy and beautiful the executive truly was. Luscious full lips, a mass of sexy wavy hair and legs that went on for miles. Ethan could feel his body temperature rising just looking at her.

He watched Kayla glide to the bar in a delicious confection of a dress. When she walked, it showed a very nice expanse of leg that was causing blood to rush through his veins. He watched as she sipped her champagne flute. Oh, how he wished he was that glass to receive those full lips of hers.

“She is, as are all the Adamses,” Daniel returned.

“Of course.” Ethan nodded, drinking his scotch. “And I think it’s time I reacquainted myself with Ms. Adams.”

“Good luck,” Daniel said as Ethan strolled toward the women.

Kayla and Piper were discussing Piper’s latest report about an up-and-coming actress who couldn’t seem to get off drugs and alcohol. Suddenly, Kayla felt the hairs on the back of her neck stand at attention.

Kayla swung around and found herself staring up into a pair of dark brown eyes that were intensely focused on her. Although she’d known Ethan Graham might attend, she’d wanted their first meeting to be on her terms, so she could be prepared. Not like this—she wasn’t prepared to have the full magnitude of those sexy brown eyes on her. And the years, well, they had been good to him. She surmised he’d just hit forty, but that didn’t matter, because he was still the most magnificent specimen of a man she’d ever laid her eyes on.

Ethan still had a sinfully sculpted face with a square jaw that would make any woman weak at the knees. He towered over her at six foot three and looked debonair in a black tuxedo minus a tie. What was the saying, the suit made the man? In this case, it was the opposite—the man absolutely made the suit look good.

Piper was the first to speak. She was used to being around gorgeous celebrities as an entertainment reporter. “Ethan Graham.” She extended her hand. “Pleasure to see you again.”

“You, as well, Piper.” Ethan smiled at the redhead. “It’s been a while. I remember you running around in your knickers with Kayla.”

Immediately Kayla flushed at the memory of Ethan catching her and Piper running around in their boy-short pajamas when he and his father stopped by for a visit to their house.

“So very gentlemanly of you to remind us, Ethan.” Kayla finally found her voice.

Ethan smiled broadly, showing a perfect smile and straight white teeth. He’d ruffled her feathers. “Well, I’m no gentleman.” His voice was low and masculine.

“I’ve heard that.” Piper jumped into the action. “The paparazzi do seem fascinated with your dating exploits.”

“And it’s because of my exploits that celebrity reporters such as yourself do so well, yes?” Ethan responded, taking a sip of his scotch.

“Touché.” Piper nodded.

“Can I get you ladies another drink?” Ethan asked cordially as he noticed their flutes were empty.

“I’m fine,” Piper answered, “but Kayla here could use one.” She could feel tension emanating out of Kayla’s every pore. “Matter of fact, why don’t I leave you to catch up? I have to mingle and find my cameraman.”

Kayla glared at Piper. She couldn’t believe she was deserting her and leaving her alone with him, but she was. Piper was already making her way through the crowd while Ethan was fetching the bartender.

When he’d finished ordering, he returned to face Kayla. “Well, that just leaves the two of us.” He smiled down at her.

“Unfortunately.” She tried to calm the shivers that were running through her at his breathtaking grin.

“Now who is being impolite?” Ethan’s brow rose.

“C’mon Ethan, you and I haven’t seen each other in years and have nothing to catch up on.”

“What if I’d like to change that?” Ethan handed her a glass of champagne from the bartender.

Kayla chuckled but accepted the flute. “Oh, really?”

“Yes. I think you could use a man like me right now.”

“A man like you?” Kayla swallowed the lump in her throat. Could Ethan tell she was still attracted to him?

Ethan watched the color drain from Kayla’s face. She thought he meant sexually and he did. But clearly she wasn’t ready for a little flirtation, so he switched gears. “Adams Cosmetics is in need of capital, correct? And since I am the head of Graham International, it might behoove us to talk. You can tell me what’s going on with Adams Cosmetics. I think I caught wind of some new fragrance line Shane is developing?”

Kayla blinked a moment to snap herself out of the daze she was in. Of course he meant business. Ethan Graham hadn’t been interested in her when she was seventeen and tonight was no different. He was used to gorgeous celebrities like his ex-girlfriend Noelle Warner. Noelle was a beautiful, Oscar-winning actress with a killer figure who was rumored to change partners just as easily as she changed roles.

“And why would I do that?” Kayla asked. “I don’t want Graham International to have any part of Adams Cosmetics.”

Ethan didn’t like her tone. “And what’s wrong with my company?”

“It’s what’s wrong with every large international company. It’s a cold, unfeeling, impersonal corporate mammoth. Adams Cosmetics is a family business that puts out quality product.”

“So does Graham International,” Ethan huffed. “We wouldn’t have gotten to where we are without it. How do you think I’ve expanded into clothing, perfume and leather goods in the overseas markets without producing quality product?”

“Precisely,” Kayla said. “You’re doing so much that you’ve lost focus. I care about my employees and consider them part of the family. I bet you don’t even know half the people that work for you.”

“And you do?”

“I know every person who works for me,” Kayla stated emphatically. She was proud that she was an approachable boss. Although Adams Cosmetics was a boutique company with several hundred employees, Kayla had always made a point to get to know everyone who reported directly to her, as well as the secretaries, cafeteria workers and janitors who kept the company running smoothly.

“Well, perhaps that’s the problem,” Ethan responded. “Perhaps you need to focus more on business and less on being liked by your employees.” As soon as he said the words, Ethan wished he could take them back. They were harsh.

“How dare you? You know nothing about me, less than nothing!” Kayla was livid, and forced herself to put the champagne glass down on the bar rather than throw it in his face. She stormed toward the nearest exit, which just happened to be the terrace.

It was a chilly spring night and couldn’t have been more than fifty degrees, but Kayla didn’t care. She needed the cold air as her blood was boiling. Kayla started when she heard footsteps. Ethan was behind her. His large looming presence filled the ballroom doorway and gave her system one hell of a jolt. She hadn’t expected him to follow her.

“Go away!” She turned her back. “I want to be alone.”

Ethan didn’t listen and came toward her. “Listen, I’m sorry, Kayla,” he said. “I crossed the line a moment ago.”

“You sure did.” Kayla didn’t look back at him. She hated that she’d lost her cool. She wanted to show Ethan that she was no longer affected by him, but instead she was acting like a schoolgirl. She was a businesswoman after all, and used to healthy rival talk, just not from him.

“I did, but you must realize that your company needs me now,” he whispered softly in her ear.

When had he come so close? Kayla instantly moved a step away. “My company doesn’t need you. I will find other investors. I don’t need you or your interference.”

Ethan refused to have a conversation with Kayla with her back to him. He laid his hand on her shoulder and gently spun her around to look him. “Are you sure about that?”

Kayla’s skin was tingling from where Ethan was holding her; she didn’t want to look at him. Heat was emanating from his body and stirring sensations deep inside her. She could feel her breasts begin to swell and a warm sensation begin to spread through the lower half of her body. It was the same heat she’d felt inside, which was why she’d had to escape, but a powerful force propelled her to look up at him. And when she did, she wished she hadn’t. His dark brown eyes smoldered with…dare she say passion? And it scared her, so she closed her eyes. Had she gotten it wrong? Was Ethan Graham interested in her?

“Look at me Kayla.” Ethan’s index finger hooked under her jaw, forcing her to raise her head and meet his gaze again.

When she opened her eyes, Ethan was looking at her so intently that it was wreaking havoc on her body.

“I think it’s time I finally found out how you taste.” Ethan was ready to fully savor what those sweet full lips of hers had in store. He lowered his head, intent on having his heart’s desire, when another couple came out onto the deck.

“Sorry, sorry,” the man said when he realized he’d interrupted something. But it was already too late. The moment was broken and Kayla quickly pulled away from Ethan and ran inside.

As she stumbled into the ballroom, Kayla realized she’d almost succumbed to Ethan’s world-famous charm. How had he shattered her defenses so quickly? She’d thought she was immune to him. Clearly, she’d been wrong.

Outside, Ethan’s mouth widened into a grin. Kayla Adams still wanted him? He was glad, because tonight she’d lit a flame inside him that no woman had done. He hadn’t been with a woman in well over six months. That may not seem long for some men, but for him it was. He had a high sex drive that hadn’t been met by any of the women he’d encountered, so he’d stopped trying. Until Kayla. Was it the soft luscious curls that hung down her sleek back or that she had just the right amount of curves: high pert breasts and a round shapely bottom? Whatever it may be, she’d aroused him and now he had to have it all. The woman and her business.