Chapter 3 #2
"I did not think." Shrugging out of his jacket, he draped it around her shoulders.
"Thanks." Melanie felt her palm moistening. She had prepared herself for this moment and had her story down pat in case it was required.
Leaning on the rail with his back to the spectacular view of the east side of the club, he trained intense tawny eyes on the exquisite woman in front of him.
"Where have you been?"
"Pardon?" Her brow creased in puzzlement as she returned his gaze. His jacket was soft and carried the subtle scent of his cologne.
"Why haven't I seen you before?"
"We don't run in the same circle." She was determined to keep things light, even though every cell in her body was acutely aware of him. The idea of a light flirtation and a harmless affair were dissolving.
"What circle do you run in?"
"Middle class, one that's out of your league. Daddy a banker and mommy a doctor." She had come up with that story on her way here.
"Is this your first time here?"
His voice was deep and cultured, sending warmth flooding through her body.
"It is, yes." Lifting her head, she inhaled the scent of honeysuckle and iris. "The view is stunning."
"I suppose." He was feeling suddenly tongue tied. "If you tell me you're involved with someone, I'm going to have to go somewhere and slit my wrist."
Her laugh was low and throaty and had her feeling amazed that she could be flirting with a man like him.
"And we wouldn't want that, would we." Her lashes flickered up to settle on his lips before moving to his eyes. The expression in the tawny depths had her jolting. "I--er--" She stumbled over the words and felt the panic starting.
She did not belong here with these people. This was a mistake and something warned her that she should leave now before it's too late.
She started to slide the jacket off when he reached out a hand to stop her.
"Why don't we go for a drive?" He suggested. He had to get her alone. The need to taste her was so strong, he was surprised he was not coming apart at the seams.
"I don't think that's a good idea. Look--"
He drew her closer, hands running over the jacket draped over her arms.
"There's nothing to be afraid of." His tone was soothing, lulling her into complacency. "I want to get to know you better."
"I'm not having sex with you." It was blurted out, sophistication forgotten.
Tawny eyes lit with amusement as he continued to stare at her.
"How disappointing. And here I was hoping you would let me drag you to the floor and have my way with you." His expression sobered. "It's just a drive, Melanie, one where I get to know more about you."
"I--"
"Please." His hand tightened on her arms. "From the moment you stepped into the room, I felt something. We'll just talk, nothing more. You have my word."
Her conscience warred with her desire and desire won. Dismissing the idea that she was about to embark on a pretentious journey that could have severe repercussions, she found herself nodding.
"Thank you."
"I have to tell my friend that I'm leaving for a while."
"You do that, while I inform my mother that she's on her own." His smile flashed and charmed her completely. "I'm sure she won't mind."
He kept his eyes on her. Something told him that she was on the verge of disappearing. He had seen the uncertainty on her face when he suggested going for a ride. If necessary, he would hunt her down.
"Darling, who is she?"
"Her name is Melanie." He was trying not to sound impatient, but at least she was right in his line of vision. "Mother--"
"Go." She cast a speculative look at the woman who had caught the attention of her son and could not blame him for being so dazzled. She was a beautiful creature and in a room filled with a bevy of beautiful women, she somehow seemed to stand out.
"Thanks." Bending, he kissed her cheek, before striding off.
"Who's that woman?" The demand had her turning to the source. Catherine Delacroix was from one of the oldest families in New England and was therefore one of the most respected matrons in their society.
She had been married six times already and was looking for husband number seven.
Her gown of heavy damask silk glittered with diamonds and rubies, with the same stones draped around her sagging neck and at her lobes.
The woman was impossibly rude and had a tongue like a viper, but Gloria adored her.
"I have no idea."
Lifting her quizzing glass, Catherine watched the scene playing out before her.
"That boy of yours is definitely smitten." She sniffed. "I've never seen her before. You make sure she's not out to get her hooks into that boy of yours, the way that hussy did before."
"Rodney is an adult and can take care of himself." Gloria commented, but took one more look at the woman, a slightly anxious look on her face.
*****
She had time to think about his influence. The whole place was a dazzling and dizzying array of ultra-luxury and enormous wealth. She had been awed since the long drive through the extensive driveway.
He took charge. The attendants rushed forward to hand them their coats and as soon as they stepped outside, his vehicle appeared as if by magic. She had often read about things like this in magazines, but to experience it firsthand was something else altogether.
His black Mercedes had that new car feel to it. The seats were as soft as clouds and warmed her butt as soon as she stepped in.
"Warm enough? I can adjust the heat." He started to touch a button when she shook her head.
"This is fine. Where're we going?"
"Somewhere I can be alone with you." He slid her a glance and felt the heat invading his system. Something about her puzzled him. She seemed mysterious and somewhat innocent.
He noticed how wide-eyed she appeared at the décor of the club as if this was her first time experiencing such enormous show of wealth.
"What do you do for a living?"
She had expected the question and was prepared for it, but she prevaricated.
"Is that important?"
"No." He accelerated and left the club behind them, turning towards the winding road that leads to a parcel of land that was now unoccupied.
Pulling to a stop beneath a towering redwood tree, he parked and unhooked his seatbelt.
"We could get out and walk."
She pointed to her shoes.
"I don't think that's such a good idea. Why did you bring me here?"
He started to reach over, pausing when she shrank back.
"I'm not in the habit of forcing myself on women. I'm just unhooking your seatbelt." He moved forward and did just that. But instead of easing back, he stayed where he was, hovering near her and swamping her with his scent and acute masculinity.
"You have the most beautiful eyes, I've ever seen. Very expressive." Lifting a hand, he tilted her face up, hungrily studying her lips before dragging his eyes back to hers. "You're now thinking that I'm going to kiss you."
She swallowed the lump that had lodged itself inside her throat.
"I'm thinking that this is going too fast. I don't know you and you certainly don't know me."
"Then let's remedy that, shall we?" She'd like to think that it was relief she felt when he let her go and settled back in his seat.
"I already told you my name." He turned to look at her, a trace of amusement on his face. "I'm into real estate. Our company has been in existence for more than two hundred years and have been passed down from one generation to the next. I'm an only child and grew up with both parents."
"My dad died several years ago, forcing me to take over the reins much too soon."
She had her hands clasped in her lap, indicating to him that she was nervous. Thinking of putting her at her ease, he closed a hand over hers and squeezed.
"I'm a heterosexual male who hasn't been in a relationship for a while."
"Why is that?" The warmth from his hand was seeping through her skin.
"Why am I a heterosexual male?" He grinned when she lifted her tapered brows.
"I was involved with someone who wasn't completely honest." His expression turned flinty, causing her heart to do a slow dive. "What else do you want to know?"
"You're building what is called Lancashire Palace. Rumor or the press is hinting that it is a hotel that will be rivaling the Hylton as well as the Wyndham. Is that true?"
He gave her a quizzical look.
"Are you by any chance a reporter?"
"What? No." She shook her head, sending her thick hair dancing. "Of course not. I'm just curious."
Shifting, he pried her hands apart and lifted one to his lips. His eyes met hers as he grazed her knuckles lightly. The tremor was unexpected, so was the heat that shot straight through her system.
His eyes darkened when he felt her reaction.
"It's a hotel that's going to be extravagant and highly expensive. You get what you pay for." His voice had dropped significantly. Outside, the breeze had kicked up a notch, sending the leaves on the trees waving madly. But inside the warmth of the vehicle, it did not matter.
"Mostly suites, complete with spas and fully equipped workout areas. Indoor swimming pools, shopping experiences, concerts, plays and such." He turned her hand over and trailed a finger over the palm. "So soft."
Her breath hitched when he bent his head and pressed his lips dead center. She had to bite her lip to keep the moan contained.
"I want to see you again."
"That's not--"
"I was thinking dinner. Tomorrow."
It was spiraling out of control. She had to stop it now.
"Please." His voice had thickened, his eyes growing dark with need. Something inside her melted and she felt her heart twisting.
"I'll--I'll think about it." She whispered.
"In the meantime--" Letting go of her hand, he moved close and framed her face between his palms. "Think about this."
When his mouth closed over hers, she could think of nothing at all.