His Rules

Chapter 22

CHAPTER 22

K acey

“This feels like we’re having a sordid, illicit affair,” I said as I leaned over the candlelit table. The restaurant was dark with a gothic feel, the walls stained in a shade of crimson while the black and white tiles added to the intimate appearance. Candles were lit everywhere, the music soft yet with dark vibes like something straight out of The Godfather .

I’d been expecting to see men in suits staring at us from the corner of the room.

Instead, the entire place was empty. I was beginning to grow suspicious. What was this powerful man up to?

“Why do you think that?”

Sebastian was completely relaxed and to my shock, he was wearing jeans, his shirt halfway unbuttoned. While he’d worn a casual suit jacket, as soon as we’d entered the restaurant, he’d removed it and rolled up his sleeves. I did so adore a man’s strong forearms. They were a foundation to the man. I’d been right that the denim material accentuated his sculpted ass perfectly. The moment I got a full look, I knew I’d become an ass woman. I bit back a laugh from just thinking about it.

In the dim glow of light, his face appeared even more chiseled. I was taken by just how comfortable he seemed in his own skin.

“We’re in a tiny restaurant on the far side of town. Certainly, a place I’ve never heard of and given there is no one else here, I don’t think it’s very popular. But you planned it that way. You had me meet you far away from the office or my father’s house while not allowing me to meet you at yours. You ensured at least three times by glancing in the rearview mirror that no one was following us. I’d say you’re doing your absolute best to keep our tryst a deep, dark secret.”

He leaned forward like I was doing. With the intimately sized table, our elbows met in the center and I was able to gather a delicious whiff of his aftershave. “I’ll have you know the restaurant is considered trendy, and noted as employing one of the top five chefs in the Midwest.”

“Then why it is empty?” I asked as I lifted my glass of wine.

He offered me a heated look in return.

I pulled back slightly before I’d taken a sip. “Wait a minute. You bought out the restaurant for a night. Didn’t you?”

He chuckled and lifted his glass of whiskey, swirling the liquid contents. “What if I did? Would that impress you?”

“Never.” I was shocked. Was he kidding me? I was completely impressed, more so than I’d been before. With him. With anyone.

“You’re a terrible liar.”

I shrugged in return, unable to keep a smile from my face. No one had ever done anything like this for me. “At least I was a good liar these last two days.”

“Meaning?”

“Meaning Drake doesn’t seem to suspect anything.”

I’d offered my help and was watching Drake very carefully, constantly interrupting him and asking for files. I’d yet to see him attempt to use a jump drive and I wanted some time spent with his computer to see what private files he had. I hadn’t mentioned it to Sebastian because I knew he wouldn’t approve.

Or allow me to do so.

“I assure you Drake will make a mistake. But we’re not here to talk business.”

“We’re not?”

“No,” he growled just as the waiter placed our pasta in front of us.

“Would the lady like some Reggiano?” the waiter asked.

“I believe I would.” I nodded after a few seconds that I’d had enough, waiting patiently until the young guy asked if we needed anything else and left.

Sebastian lifted his eyebrows. “As far as everything else you said. Yes, I wanted to ensure we weren’t followed. I have my reasons why.”

“And they are?” I picked up the pasta spoon, eager to hear what he had to say.

“Have you told your father about your recent interest in me?”

He had me there. My face suddenly felt very warm. “He hasn’t been home much and in truth, it’s none of his business. Plus, I thought it was your recent interest in me.”

“Yes, well, you know I take what I want. I’ll leave speaking to him up to you, but he has a right to know.”

“I know. With everything going on at the office, I haven’t figured out how to tell him.” I spun the pasta with my fork and he was watching me intently.

“Does that mean you’re ashamed or worried about his reaction?”

“Of course I’m not ashamed. I’m a big girl and I’ve been living my life the way I wanted for years. My father knows that. I don’t want to screw up your friendship. That’s not fair to either one of you.”

He took a bite of his food, wiping his mouth afterward before lifting his heated gaze. There was such amusement in his eyes I found myself smiling all over again. He had a way about him that could disarm anyone. He certainly had with me. I laughed nervously.

“What’s so funny?” he asked.

“You. You’re nothing like I thought when I stepped into your office. It’s like you’re a different person. Someone I could actually end up liking.”

“You didn’t like me before this?”

“I found you rather reprehensible.”

I always loved to hear his laugh, so deep and enthralling, but on such a star-filled night, the sound was genuine. “I guess I deserved that.”

“You did. My mother would call you a poor excuse of a male specimen.”

“And what do you think?”

“I think as a male specimen you’re damn hot. As a human being, you could learn a few things about dealing with people.”

“That’s why you’re going to be in charge of all operations of Winfield Partners, including the employees.”

The aroma of the food was almost as enticing as the scent of the forest mixed with a dash of cinnamon and a hint of cardamon. “Then we need to renegotiate my salary.”

“How did I know you’d say that?”

“You just think you know me so well. You don’t.”

“I’ll take that as a challenge, Ms. Taylor.”

I enjoyed watching him eat. He had a command of everything, easily creating an aura that no one could mistake. He was in charge of the world around him and everyone involved. I almost envied him. I also felt saddened by his inability to trust. It must be tough being on top.

“I’m certain I’m due for many more surprises, Kacey. I look forward to them just as I do seeing your methods of handling our future business. Let’s be very clear about your father. I never want to interfere in your relationship with him. He is important to you as he should be. However, you’re important to me and I can weather whatever he doles out when he learns about us. You do so when and if you want.”

“But…”

“But I think it’s weighing heavily on you.”

I nodded and took another bite. There is no way my father would ever understand. But Sebastian was right. “Yes, I know.”

“But as I said, the decision is yours. Now, let’s enjoy the evening.”

“Thank you for making this evening special.”

“You’re very welcome. Consider this the first of many good things to come.”

As I continued eating, several thoughts drifted through my mind, including whether our relationship could last. It was ridiculous to go down that road. I still didn’t have a handle on what we were doing in the first place. Whatever it was, being with him felt incredible.

“Favorite color?” I threw out.

“Isn’t that obvious? Red.”

“Mine too.”

“Somehow I guessed that.” He allowed his explosive gaze to fall from my face to the dress I was wearing. I’d purposely selected red. “My turn. Favorite food?”

“Pasta. Can’t you tell?” I twirled more on my fork and instead of taking a bite, I eased the fork across the table, giving him a demanding look.

“I’m a meat and potatoes man.”

“So it seems. It won’t hurt you to venture out, try new things. Open your mouth.”

“Yes, ma’am.” When he did, he half closed his eyes, his long dark eyelashes skimming across his cheeks. “Delicious.”

“Of course it is. You just need to open your eyes and see what’s right in front of you.”

He did almost as if I’d commanded him, first licking the fork provocatively before reaching across the table and lifting my chin with a single finger. “I have no doubt what’s right in front of me. The perfect gem.”

“I don’t know about that.”

“I do.”

He had a tiny drip of marinara on his chin. The draw was too irresistible. Reaching over, I swiped my finger through it, but before I could bring my finger to my lips, he pulled it into his mouth. The way he sucked on the entire length brought an intense wave of heat.

When he finally pulled his head back, his eyes were hooded. “Delicious, but not as sweet as what I prefer.”

Warmth washed across my face. “Bad boy.”

We enjoyed the rest of our dinner and by the time a single piece of fudge pie was brought, we were laughing at stupid jokes and innuendoes regarding how he’d acted in his life.

“This is delicious,” I told him. “Chocolate is a passion of mine.”

“I’ll keep that in mind.”

It was easy to be playful around him and I scooped up a fingerful of the chocolate delight, wiping it across his lips. I burst into laughter from the look on his face. “You’re adorable when your nose crinkles.”

He licked his lips, the move highly exaggerated, and wiped his mouth, tossing his napkin as a statement that he was done with dinner. When he abruptly rose from his chair, I thought I’d pissed him off.

With one arm extended, he beckoned me with a single finger.

“What did I do?”

He grabbed my hand, yanking me from the table and into his arms. “You’re always teasing me. You do know what happens when you do that.” He whisked me away from the table, wrapping his hand around mine and lifting our two arms while he spun me around in a circle.

“You’re dancing?” I teased just like he knew I would do.

“I’m not that bad.” He spun me again, even pushing me away and twirling me before he caught me around the waist, dipping me down low. “Am I?”

“I don’t think there’s anything you can’t do.”

He yanked me back to a standing position, our lips now centimeters away. “No, there isn’t.”

We remained in the same position as he danced slow and easy, dipping me several times and always whisking me back into position.

My pulse was racing, my heart rate increased from a rush of adrenaline. The moment was sensual, the connection we shared unlike anything written in the dozens of romance novels I’d read.

It was so much better.

The dance continued, one song leading into a second. Then a third. The moment shared was a memory I’d keep for months to come. When the chords slowly faded, he finally brought our lips together in a silent but passionate kiss.

He was gentle with his actions, more so than I was used to with him. I was struck how amazing it felt being in his arms. This was more natural, as if we’d been together for years. When he released me, he didn’t let go of my hand. I finally noticed the staff in the restaurant were watching, enjoying the beautiful moment between us.

“Thank you, Giovanni. Everything was amazing.”

“Mr. Winfield. It was a pleasure.” The older gentleman nodded to me and Sebastian waited while I grabbed my purse and the jacket I’d brought before escorting me to the parking lot.

“I’ve had an incredible evening.”

“We’re not finished yet.”

“What do you have in mind?”

He laughed as he unlocked his Maserati, ushering me into the passenger seat. “You’ll learn soon enough.”

As he drove, I leaned over the console, able to put my head on his arm.

He pulled through an open set of gates. There was a beautiful and very large fountain directly ahead, lights from underneath the water creating a shimmering effect. There were four buildings around the circle, all ornate in design.

I don’t know what I was expecting, but when he pulled up to what looked like a quaint motel, it was another surprise. However, this motel was different than a dive on a dangerous street or a nearly abandoned facility from days gone by. While there was a sign that indicated I was right, the buildings themselves certainly weren’t from decades before.

Or if they were, they’d been carefully restored, all reminding me of a Spanish villa. “What is this place?”

“Well, this is a piece of property I was gifted by my grandfather when I turned twenty-one. He thought I should have a portion of our family’s legacy for my own.”

“Part of the Winfield collection?”

“It wasn’t, but soon will be. My brother had another one closer to the office.” He stole a glance as he headed into a parking space that fronted one of the units. The door leading into the location was rounded at the top, the small window in the upper middle like something out of a Spanish castle. With flowers hanging from pots and decorative lights in the trees, the setting was incredible.

“This is just gorgeous. How many rooms?”

“There are only eight in each building. It’s meant as a getaway for either company functions or family gatherings. Inside the main building is a ballroom, a smaller room that can be used as a conference area and of course a massive commercial kitchen. There’s also a bistro that is open to the public, but designed to serve the guests. And wait until you see the gardens.”

“These are the kinds of properties you want to build or have commissioned.”

He stopped the engine. “Yes, but if the plans work out, we’ll have larger hotels within the major resort areas. These were a brainchild of my grandfather, a desire to bring opulence to any city.”

“They would work well in the islands.”

He laughed and opened his door. “You’re already ahead of me.”

I waited as he walked around, opening the door for me. “You brought me here for business?”

“Oh, hell, no. However, I thought it was an excellent opportunity to show you what my grandfather envisioned. If he’d had his way, he would have created small cities based on the various designs he created.”

“All different?”

“Spanish. French chalet. Swiss villas. Some very modern. Some old world. He was very thorough in his designs.”

“I bet I would have loved your grandfather.”

“And he would have adored you.” He moved toward the door, pulling a keycard from his wallet.

“A master key.”

“It is.” He opened the door and waited as I walked inside.

There were no adequate words to describe the beautiful setting. The floors were polished marble, the small foyer something out of an art museum with the most incredible paintings on the walls. A spiral staircase led to a second floor, the ornate iron railing adding a subtle yet beautiful adornment to the polished wooden stairs.

I walked through an arched doorway into another incredible space, the living room complete with a gorgeous Mediterranean-style fireplace surrounded by colorful tiles. The furniture was period perfect, the lighting the same. There was an island on one side, a smaller but stunning kitchen just past that. As I moved through the space, I was struck by how relaxing yet luxurious everything was.

Someone had created the perfect atmosphere for a romantic getaway. As I passed the kitchen heading to an arched set of French doors, I noticed a bottle of champagne waiting in a bucket, two gleaming flutes prepared to be filled.

“You called ahead,” I said as I unlocked the doors.

“Of course I did. You’re not a cheap date.” I heard the rustling of ice and knew he was grabbing the bubbly.

His words made me laugh. When I swung open both doors, I thought for certain I’d just stepped out into paradise. The small pool was glistening much like the fountain out front, a hot tub off to the side steaming in wait. But it was the tropical atmosphere that added so much to the glorious setting.

There were huge tropical plants overhanging both water sources, the thick stone walls surrounding the oversized patio covered with rich-looking vines and fuchsia flowers. The patio setting was also gorgeous, so much so I had to touch the lush material. With a patio heater as well as a rounded firepit, everything was intimate and it was easily the most romantic location I’d ever seen.

He placed the glasses on the coffee table and I watched in fascination as he expertly twisted the bottle, the cork popping silently. Everything he did, he had a way of making it look easy. He was born to live an opulent life. He was born to lead a team of go-getters into the stratosphere.

His eyes were on me as he poured two glasses, leaving them both there. He sauntered closer, shoving his hands into the pockets of his trousers. Nice and easy. As if we had weeks to be alone instead of a stolen few hours. They were precious to me, our relationship never to be shoved into the spotlight. That made what we were doing more exciting, yet more dangerous.

I quivered from the look he was giving me.

“What happens when it rains?”

He laughed softly. “I didn’t think of you as a pessimist.” As if to prove me wrong, he pressed a button and an awning appeared. “A specially designed waterproof fabric.”

“You’ve thought of everything. How many times have you stayed here?” There were even two plush-looking robes hanging on a rack, towels positioned in a wooden cart.

“Never. I didn’t have anyone special to bring here.”

“Not your ex?”

“Ashley couldn’t care less about the property. Although she did attempt to get the hotel in the divorce. My attorneys took care of that. She was not a happy girl.”

“I’m glad she didn’t grab something so important. She doesn’t deserve it.” Sebastian might be difficult at times to deal with, but she didn’t deserve him. “You should never allow this out of your family. It’s amazing. Profitable?” I walked toward the pool, feeling even more relaxed than before.

He was right behind me, rolling his fingers over my shoulders and lightly brushing them down my arms. “No more shop talk. This is ours for as long as we’d like to be here together.”

I turned to face him, throwing my arms over his shoulders. “Like playing house?”

“Something like that, although I wouldn’t allow you to leave the bed very often.”

“Does that mean you’d chain me to it?”

“If necessary? Yes.” Every move methodical, he returned me back to face the water, very slowly unzipping my dress.

“You’re horrible.”

“And you love it.”

“What are you doing?” I asked as I looked over my shoulder.

He leaned down, the swath of hot air he blew against my neck just as electrifying as the man. I shuddered audibly and he darted his tongue just inside my ear. My legs were shaking.

“Cooling you off.”