Chapter 3
His first sight of her slowed his breath, before it speeded up at an alarming rate that it took several deep breaths to settle him. Shoving the door open, before the driver could react, he waited for her to descend the steps and walked towards him.
He had always thought she had the sexiest walk he had ever had the pleasure of watching and wondered if it was the years of intense physical activities that gave her limbs such flawless fluidity. Putting a bland expression on his, he smiled at her and stepped aside for her to enter.
“Hi,” she murmured, dark brown eyes dancing and sending desire flowing through his body.
“The personal service. I feel so privileged.”
“Just thought I would come along for the ride.” Ushering her into the vehicle, he went around the other side and tried not to be affected by her subtle perfume or the sight of her flawless bosom.
“This is nice. Very nice.” She ran a long-fingered hand lovingly over the butter soft seats and sent his breath hitching.
Giving the driver the order to depart, he pressed the button to ensure privacy and asked if she wanted champagne.
“I can’t say I have ever been in a full-service limousine before. It is well stocked, right?”
He nodded. “Coffee or champagne?”
“Oh, champagne, absolutely.” Her smile rivaled that of the midday sun and had his hands clenching. “So, Robert, shall we talk about what you do?”
He handed her the flute and poured his own, setting the bottle back into its icy bed. Pushing the button, he slid it back in place before settling back in the seat.
“You want to talk business?” His dark brown brows lifted slightly in inquiry.
“I am fascinated by business and especially the kind of business you are in. Oh, this is damn good.”
His lips quirked in amusement, and he watched as she took another sip and then another.
“I am happy you like it. It’s from my vineyard in Verona.”
“You have a vineyard?”
“Several.” He watched her with that intense look that was beginning to unnerve her. “You want to know what we do?”
She nodded.
“Faulkner Industries as the name suggests, is diversified. We are into discovering new enterprises and building on the ones that exist. Example, software, electronics, factories all over the world.” He sipped his champagne thoughtfully, relishing the taste of the very fine vintage on his tongue.
“There was a time when I could not tell the difference between fine wine and vinegar.” His mouth twisted slightly. “I had to learn the difference; it was very interesting.”
She tilted her head in that delightful way of hers and made him want to bridge the distance between them and take her mouth that surely tasted like the wine she was sipping. He wanted to sip from her and wondered if being this close to her was advisable.
“You must be very proud of your accomplishments. I read in Business Weekly that you made a deal with the Chinese to lower import and export costs on certain items.”
His brow lifted slightly. “I had no idea you were that interested in the industry.”
She shrugged, one slender shoulder lifting elegantly. “I had to do some reading up on the man I am about to enter into an agreement with.”
“Interesting turn of phrase. Agreement.”
Her tapered eyebrows rose. “Isn’t that what it is? An agreement?”
He did not respond immediately, causing her to wonder what he was thinking. He was exceedingly difficult to read, something she had a feeling that had been perfected over the years. She had also read about his meteoric rise over the years and knew that he was a force to be reckoned with.
“We are here.”
It would be later when she returned home, that it occurred to her that he had not responded.
The gallery was situated in the middle of the busy and popular area of what was termed the ‘up and coming marketplace’ and was where the extremely rich and famous do their browsing and hanging out.
The long strip had a scattering of well-known restaurants, quaint store front shops, museums, antique stores, a health store and a gym owned by a famous action movie star.
Taking her elbow, Robert ushered her through the glass doors that opened into a wide area where people were already gathered, sipping champagne, and admiring the artworks grouped on the various walls.
There was an upstairs section, where still more people were gathered and the press, who had been privileged to attend, snapped pics of the celebrities present.
Ellie, the editor of ‘Celebrities Now!’ made a beeline towards them, her pointed face zeroing on the fact that they were together, and he had his hand on her arm.
“Want to do this now? Or should I get rid of her?” He murmured, bending so that he could be heard.
“She will only speculate.” Turning her head, she gave the woman a charming smile. “Ellie, how nice to see you.”
“Sonya,” her eyes wandered over Robert, a hungry predatory look in her light green eyes. “You are here together?”
“Yes. I know introductions are unnecessary. And I am sure you are going to be printing the fact that we arrived at the same time. So, let’s get it out of the way. Robert and I are seeing each other. Is that clear enough?” Without waiting for the woman’s comment, Sonya tugged at Robert’s hand to move them along.
“Very smooth,” he murmured, amusement dancing in his hazel eyes.
“I have had a lot of practice with people like her. Oh Robert, look!”
He felt a jolt when she dug her fingers in his arm and pressed herself against him. The outline of her breast could be felt through the thinness of his sweater, and it told him clearly that she was not wearing a bra.
Violent desire, such as he never felt before washed through his body and left him as weak as a kitten and it took him a moment to focus on what she was so excited about.
The sculpture was right in front of them, and it was beautifully carved, depicting a mother and child. The female’s head was bent, gazing in rapt wonder and love at the baby suckling at her breast.
“Isn’t it absolutely lovely?”
You are absolutely lovely, he thought achingly.
Shifting slightly and pretending to have an interest in the piece, he tried to gather his composure and ignore the tightness that was making him uncomfortable. Before he could form an appropriate response, a familiar voice sounded behind them.
“I hope you are thinking of making a purRobert.” The deep voice drawled in amusement. “There’s no touching of the merchandise unless you are claiming ownership.”
Robert was so happy for the distraction that he turned towards his friend with a wide smile that took Jackson aback and had him blinking.
“I am betting it’s overpriced as usual.”
“But surely worth every penny,” Sonya enthused. Robert had to tamp down the flare of jealousy as she walked over to hug Jackson. He felt the violent need to tear the man’s arms from around her waist and had to take a breath. Jackson was happily married to a wonderful woman; he argued to himself. There was no need for violence.
He was not aware that he had shown his hands until he saw the amusement flickering on his friend’s face.
“You are looking particularly lovely tonight darling,” he kissed her full on the lips and had Robert’s ire flaring.
“Thanks. I see Jerri and a few others.” Turning to Robert, she offered up a smile, blissfully unaware of the chaos she was leaving in her wake. “I will see you later.”
“Beautiful, isn’t she?” Jackson drawled, watching his friend staring at the departing beauty. “Exquisite bone structure and flawless complexion, not to mention those lips.” His smile deepened when Robert turned to look at him, fire blazing in his hazel eyes. “And I would remind you that I love my wife to pieces.
So, I am not in the least bit interested in what’s yours.” His look became curious. “I am assuming the territorial look means, she’s yours?”
“She belongs to herself,” he murmured gruffly. Shoving his hands into the pockets of his charcoal gray slacks, he turned his attention to the piece.
“Ah, she doesn’t know you have feelings for her.”
He shot his friend a discouraging look which did not stop Jackson in the least.
“It’s complicated.”
“Isn’t love always?” Jackson murmured smoothly. “If you continue to look at her like that, you are going to have to find a private room.”
“Get lost.”
“Now, is that anyway to talk to a friend?” Jackson tutted, fully enjoying the show. He came from a similar background as Robert.
He and his brother had been dumped at a group home when they were children and if it had not been the intervention and love of a childless couple, they might have been swallowed up by the system. Now they were very wealthy men, belonging to a society who would have shunned them if their status had been unchanged.
Jackson also knew that Robert had seen and done things that had hardened him into a brittle shell. But he was surprised and pleased to realize that his friend had found someone to take the brittle off. Jerri had done it for him.
He had found love in the most unusual manner, and he would be forever grateful to the woman who had accomplished the seemingly impossible. Before Jerri, he had his art and his brother, but his life had been empty. Now it was full to overflowing.
“You can purRobert the sculpture for her. It would look damn good in that office of hers.”
Robert turned to look at him. “You have been to her office?”
“You haven’t?” Jackson’s amusement deepened. “It is just over on Lex. Jerri is involved in some of her charities. Your woman is doing commendable things. You should be proud.”
“She is not my woman.”
“You want her to be.”
“Would it matter in the least to ask you to butt out of my business?”
“Not at all,” Jackson told him cheerfully. “Now, there is a painting that could pair well with the sculpture and might be a way to your woman’s heart.”
*****
He watched her throughout the evening and pretended not to. By the time Jackson had talked him into purchasing the painting and the sculpture, they were surrounded by several friends.
Liam Moses was minus his wife and intent on being the life of the party. David Snyder was back from France and staying a few days on business as well as several others were at the showing.
He allowed the light conversation to flow over his head as he sipped the champagne and nibbled on pate and watched her discreetly. She was glowing and she was in her perfect setting. But then again, Sonya Beaumont was accustomed to all of this. She had been brought up in this kind of society.
This was still fairly new to him. He attended the functions as was his due, but he would prefer to be alone at home, having supper around his kitchen counter. It had taken him a hell of a long time to fit in and he was not certain he really did.
He was clever and talented when it came to software and figures and that had brought him a long way. He had studied like crazy while holding down three jobs. He had been through muck and debris – working like a damn slave to achieve his goals. He had spent sleepless nights, grappling over his plans to accomplish the impossible.
He had been hungry and angry enough to do it. Most of the men surrounding him had been born with a silver spoon in their mouths and hadn’t a clue as to what it was to go hungry and cold to freezing. He did, and that made him the man he was today.
But for all his hard work, there was one thing he had never been able to conquer, and it was the love of the woman standing a few feet away from him. He had just given up on ever forgetting her. He was bound to her for life.
The problem was making her see it. The prospect of taking her home after the show and leaving her at her place was unappealing and he did not want to think about it. Somehow, somewhere down the road, he was going to convince her to stay with him.
*****
“Having fun?”
“Loads of it.” She admitted with her infectious smile. She had kicked off her strappy sandals and made herself at home in the back of the limo. She had also discarded the wrap. Her hair was charmingly tousled by the breeze, and she looked sleepy. He had to force himself not to just pull her into his arms and devour her.
“And just a little drunk?”
She laughed. “I think I am. Leesa and Kelly challenged me to a drinking binge.”
“People do not get drunk on champagne. Shall I pour you some coffee?”
“Then I will be too wired to go to sleep, and I have several early morning meetings.” She turned her head to look at him. “We have been trying to acquire the derelict building on Beaver Street to turn it into a community center for the homeless.
It’s a drug haven and there has been a lot of reluctance by city officials to get involved. The red tape is long and tiresome, and we are meeting with the mayor and several people in authority to try and move things along.”
“I might be able to put in a good word for you.”
Her eyes lit up with delight. “Would you? Everything little bit helps.”
Shifting so that his back was to the door, he studied her face. “Why the interest in what happens to the less fortunate? Is it a salve for your conscience?” He regretted his thoughtless comment when she blanched.
“I apologize…”
“No.” She shook her head, her expression sober. “As you probably recalled, I was an uber bitch in high school. I was privileged and entitled.” She paused to look down at her hands which were folded on her lap.
“I was influential, being the most popular girl there and I used that indiscriminately. I did not care who I hurt. I was the queen, and I reigned with impunity. I was like that in college and it took my dad dying for me to grow the hell up and realize that what I was doing was wrong.
Mother wanted me to follow in her footsteps and the way was more or less paved for me to do so. I had the looks and the presence and the acting coach she hired was a former lover who said I was a shoo in. But I didn’t want that. I wanted to make amends for my past.
That’s what was important to me at first and then when I started, I realized that I loved it.” She lifted her head to stare at him. “What I do is of the utmost importance to me, and I would do almost anything to keep it going.”
“Hence the reason for this pretended courtship leading to marriage,” he murmured, very moved by her confession.
“Yes!” She bit her lip and sent desire coursing through his body. “I don’t want to use you…”
“I don’t allow myself to be used.” His voice was unnecessarily harsh, and he had to temper it. “I agreed to be part of it, remember?”
“But why?” She asked softly. “What are you getting out of it?”
He smiled grimly and wished he had poured himself a glass of scotch. He certainly needed the liquid courage to play the game. “Perhaps I am sick and tired of being pursued because of my bank account and just need a rest from all of it.”
She eyed him closely as if weighing the truth. “You could always give in.”
He laughed, the tension loosening around his heart. “I am not known to do that. Let’s just say we are doing this for mutual benefits and leave it at that...”
He gave a silent sigh of relief when she nodded in agreement.
“Thank you.”
“You’re welcome. We’re here.” He was reluctant to let her go, but he had to.
“Thanks for a wonderful evening, Robert.” She placed a hand over his and he felt the jolt and heat gathering in the center of his being.
“No problem.” He made his voice brisk to hide his emotions and decided to allow the driver to do his job by opening her door. “See you on Sunday.”
“Of course.”
He watched her making the journey towards her porch and admired the seductive swing of hips. Waiting until she was inside and had closed her door, he instructed the driver to take off. Giving into the impulse, he pressed the button and poured himself a full glass of scotch, figuring that he needed it.
*****
“Is something wrong?” Catherine asked anxiously as she slid into the seat across from him.
She was still wearing her baby blue scrubs and her hair was tidily tucked at the nape of her neck, making her look years younger. A smile touched his lips as he wondered how many of her patients were in love with her.
“You look like a doctor.”
“I am a doctor.”
“I ordered the burger for you. I figured you would appreciate the red meat.”
“I am just coming off a twelve-hour shift and was going straight home.” She picked up her water and eyed her brother. “And you have not answered my question.
“I am aware. Let’s wait- Ah here comes our meal.”
They waited in silence while the meal was set before them and the waiter withdrew discreetly. “I have met someone.”
Cat had been in the middle of picking up a fry when he made the announcement, and she stopped in the process of popping it into her mouth as she stared at him.
“That was quick.”
“I thought you wanted it to happen.”
“Who is she?” There was a note of distrust in her voice that had him smiling.
“Her name is Sonya Beaumont.”
His sister frowned slightly as she tried to place the name. Catherine was not much into the whole society scene and as much as he was able, he tried to shield her from the happenings.
But every now and then he would prevail on her to be his hostess and she carried out the task with an aplomb that he admired. He saw when her expression cleared as the name registered.
“She is into charity.”
“Big time.”
“She looks like a model and her mother was one as well as an actress. Why her?”
“We went to high school together.” He told her lightly as he busied himself with his salad. He had meetings lined up for the rest of the afternoon but figured that giving his sister a heads up would be prudent.
He had seen the photos on the internet and in the society rags and how they were already being paired with each other. He had had the unpleasant task of informing Merva that they were finished.
Cat frowned at him and then her eyes widened. “It’s her.”
“Yes.” He said simply.
“She was horrible to you.”
“No, she wasn’t. She saved me as a matter of fact.”
“You told me the stories of what you went through at that private high school. Those people made your life a living hell.”
“She wasn’t part of it and that was years ago. I got over it.”
“Well, I haven’t.” She was staunchly protective of her brother and her loyalty was unquestionable. Robert realized that she was going to take a stance when she meet Sonya face to face.
“Look at me.” He ordered and when she did, his expression softened. “I love you and appreciate the fact that you think you have to look out for me. You will be meeting her on Sunday because she has been invited to dinner. And I would like you to keep an open mind. She is not the person she was before.”
“You really like this woman.”
“I do.” He paused and took a sip of his drink. “I am going to ask you a big favor.”
“Anything.”
“Don’t say anything to her about me liking her.”
“I don’t understand.”
“One day, I will explain everything to you, but for now, I am asking you to trust me. I know what I am doing.”
“And what is that?” She demanded.
He smiled slightly. “I am chasing my dream, and the rest of my life depends on it. That is all I am prepared to share right now.”