Читать книгу: «The Jarrods: Inheritance: Taming Her Billionaire Boss», страница 3
She hesitated, feeling a little bad in using him. She didn’t want to go out with him again, yet if she didn’t continue with her plan to try and make Blake jealous, then Blake would think he’d won. She wouldn’t give him the satisfaction now.
She got out of the car, with Joel doing the gentlemanly thing and assisting her. “I’d like that, but let me get back to you tomorrow, if that’s okay.”
“That’s fine.”
All at once she felt his hand move from her elbow to her chin. It was a smooth move and said this guy knew what he was doing, so perhaps using him shouldn’t really cause her concern after all.
“But first …” he murmured.
She didn’t resist even though his kiss wasn’t something she wanted, and not because he wasn’t an attractive man. Despite still being angry with Blake for trying to manipulate the situation earlier this evening, she wanted it to be Blake’s lips—and only Blake’s lips—on hers.
Suddenly scared that she might never want another man to kiss her, she raised her mouth to Joel. Perhaps Blake’s attraction for her was merely in her mind? Perhaps she needed to be kissed by another man just to remind her—
“Don’t let me interrupt,” a male voice muttered.
Blake.
Samantha jerked back guiltily and Joel stopped, and they watched their employer stride past them and go inside Pine Lodge. He’d been walking from the direction of Jarrod Manor, where he must have gone after dinner.
“That was good timing,” Joel said, over her thudding heart. Unfortunately her heart’s thud wasn’t for her date. It was for another man.
“Now, where were we?” Joel murmured, lowering his head and placing his lips on hers, making her conscious of one thing. She’d have to stretch her neck higher if it was Blake kissing her.
Blake sat on the couch and tried to get the image of Samantha about to kiss another man out of his head. She’d been swaying toward the doctor like she’d needed a shot in the arm. If she didn’t get inside here pretty damn quick he was going looking for her. On the pretext of her safety, of course.
And he was concerned for her safety. That and other things. She was clearly ready to jump into bed with the first man who looked twice at her, and all to get back at him for not letting her walk away from her job. Hell, if he’d agreed to that she would have already gone from his life. His gut twisted at the thought.
The front door opened right then and in she walked. His pulse began to race when he saw she was alone.
Good girl.
She seemed distracted as she headed for the stairs, undoing the buttons of her coat as she walked. Then she saw him sitting on the couch and her eyes flared with pleasure before she seemed to catch herself.
For a moment his breath stalled. She’d never shown any sort of emotion toward him before. They got on well together but it had always been business between them. He should be perturbed, yet he knew he could use it to his advantage.
Then her mouth tightened as she came toward him. “Are you waiting up for me?” she said, her tone less than friendly, making him question if it had been a trick of the light before. He mentally shook his head. No, he knew what he’d seen.
“Can’t a man have a drink before bed?” he drawled, relaxing. She was home now … with him … and that’s all that mattered.
Her top lip curled. “You certainly didn’t have to worry about drinking and driving, did you?”
He pretended ignorance. “No, I didn’t.” He indicated another glass of brandy on the coffee table in front of him. “I poured a nightcap for you. Sit with me.”
An odd look skimmed across her face. “Perhaps I’d prefer to go straight to bed.”
If one of his dates had said that he would have taken it as a come-on. But Samantha was a challenge in a different way. Did she know what she was inviting in that dress? Did she have any idea what she actually did to a man’s libido? All at once he was enjoying what he now suspected to be her sexual naïveté.
“One drink,” he coaxed. “And you can tell me all about your evening.”
She paused, then put down her evening purse and began undoing the rest of her coat buttons. Slowly she began taking it off in an unintentional striptease, exposing the sexy pink material beneath. How had he never before noticed what a stunner she was?
She sank down on the opposite chair and gracefully picked up the glass, indicating the already poured brandy. “You were so sure I wouldn’t take Joel up to my room, were you?”
He hadn’t been, no. “Yes.”
She took a sip then considered him. “You certainly tried hard enough to make it not happen.”
“Did I?” He was feeling rather proud of himself for putting obstacles in her way tonight. It must have worked or she wouldn’t be here now. With him.
“You know you did, and I don’t appreciate it. You’re trying to make sure you get every last bit of work out of me before I leave.”
Is that what she thought? “Maybe I was protecting you?”
She gave a short laugh. “From what? Having a good time?”
He looked over at her kissable lips that had recently been beneath another man’s … and something became even more determined inside him. If she was going to have fun, she was going to have it with him.
He forced a shrug. “I just think you need to look at who you go out with in future.”
Her lips twisted. “Thanks for the tip.”
He’d never known her to be sarcastic, not like she was lately. It was … energizing, he admitted, watching as she eased back in her chair, the soft silk stockings making a swishing sound as she crossed her legs. He’d give anything to reach out and smooth those long legs with his hands. Or perhaps his lips …
Before he could put words to action, he told himself he had to slow it down. He didn’t want to frighten the lady by going too quickly. Time was running out but he had to let her lead. Tonight, anyway. Tomorrow—when she was in a friendlier mood—was another day.
He took a sip of his brandy and let it soothe his throat. “So. Did you have a good time tonight?”
Her eyes darted away briefly. “Yes, I did. Very much.”
She was lying. “I bet.”
She arched one of her elegant eyebrows. “I hope you didn’t put much money on that bet, Blake.”
“I didn’t have to.” He knew women, both in the business world and out of it. She was lying. And he was intensely relieved.
A soft smile curved her lips. “Joel really knows how to treat a woman.”
She was still lying. And he found that fascinating. “Sure he knows how to treat a woman. The guy’s a womanizer.”
“I suppose it’s easy enough to recognize one’s own sort.”
He had to chuckle. She made him laugh. Then he saw a touch of real amusement in her eyes and something connected between them. She quickly looked down at her glass, hiding her eyes for a second.
He started to lean forward. “Samantha …”
Her head snapped up. “For your information, Joel’s a very nice man,” she said, making it clear she was trying to ignore the sudden sexual tension in the room.
It was a wasted effort. “I’m sure he is. Ask any woman in Aspen.”
She sent him a defiant look. “Don’t think I wouldn’t go to bed with him if I wanted to, Blake.”
She was all talk, but his gut still knotted at her words. “Obviously you didn’t want to, or you would be in bed with him this very minute. Am I right?”
“No, you’re wrong. I mean, yes … I mean, mind your own business.” Her lips pressed together. “I’ll sleep with whoever I want when I want.”
“You’re being very contradictory tonight, Samantha. They’d eat you alive in the boardroom with that attitude,” he mocked.
She stiffened. “Listen, Blake, I’ll sleep with any man I want when I’m good and ready. Tonight I just wasn’t ready. And in case you didn’t notice, this isn’t the boardroom.”
No, but he did want to eat her alive right now. He wanted to kiss her and take away the imprint of another man’s lips, his hands itching to slide up over her hot dress and lift that hair off her nape himself, exposing the soft skin beneath to his lips.
Adrenaline pumping through him, he knew it was time to take action. He’d had enough playing games tonight. He wasn’t one to sit on the sidelines for long. He needed to know if her lips were as good as they looked, if her body would curve to his touch, if the skin at her nape was soft and sensitive.
Surging to his feet, he removed the brandy glass from her hand and put it on the table. He heard her intake of breath as he pulled her to her feet, but nothing would stop him now. Already he could feel a mutual shudder pass between them.
“Blake?” she said huskily as he brought her into the circle of his arms, leaving mere inches between them. He’d never been this close to her before. Not close enough to see the rush of desire in her blue eyes. It knocked the breath from his body.
And then a sudden flash of panic swept her face and before he knew it, she had pushed against him and spun away. Scurrying toward the stairs, she left him standing there, his arms never feeling as empty as they did right now.
As hard as it was, he let her go. He could follow her and she would take him as her lover, but he knew all he needed to know for the moment. She wanted him. And he wasn’t giving up. His plans for seduction were still very much alive.
Samantha closed the door behind her and pressed herself back against it, willing her racing heart to slow down so that she could let herself think. She’d gone and panicked just now. Blake had finally reached for her and she’d blown it.
What was wrong with her! Being in Blake’s arms and in his bed was what she wanted most, wasn’t it? So why had she run away like a frightened deer? He must think her green when it came to relationships, which of course she was. One lover in high school, then falling in love in her mid-twenties, did not constitute experience. Not unless that included the pain of rejection, she decided, quickly pushing that thought away.
Then she knew.
Despite the spark of electricity when he’d grabbed her arm last night, this evening she’d managed to convince herself that his meddling was actually about the job and nothing more. But just now the desire in his eyes had thrown her for a loop again. He really did feel passion for her, and when he’d touched her they’d both felt that zip of attraction. It had overwhelmed her, that’s all.
Oh, Lord, what did she do now? Go back downstairs and beg him to make love to her? She couldn’t. She’d reached the limit to her little seductress act tonight. She didn’t have it in her to face him again so soon.
She took a steadying breath. Right, she’d messed this one up tonight, but something positive had come out of this. She now knew that Blake really did want to have sex with her. So if she wanted Blake, and he wanted her, then next time there should be no further problems.
She hoped.
Four
“Blake, did you get a chance to read those documents I gave you?”
Blake was in a good mood as he leaned back against the marble countertop. It was eight on Sunday morning and one of his younger brothers had come by Pine Lodge to discuss an upcoming project, but it was Samantha who was on his mind. Anticipation coursed through him as he remembered how sexy she had looked last night. Soon she would be his.
“Blake?”
Reluctantly he dragged his thoughts away from his assistant who was still upstairs sleeping in her room, to look at the man propped against the kitchen doorjamb. He hid a smile as he raised the coffee mug to his mouth. Gavin may look laidback but he knew it was all a facade. Taking on the job of building a new and exclusive high-security bungalow for Jarrod Ridge meant a lot to his brother.
“Yes. I’ve put them in the safe up at the Manor,” he said, deliberately misunderstanding him.
“And?”
Blake chuckled and put him out of his misery. “And I think you’ve done an admirable job of running with this project.”
Gavin began to smile with relief. “You do?”
“The intensive feasibility studies, as well as the building site and sustainability analysis reports you’ve put together, are impressive. But then, so were the ones you did for my Vegas hotels.”
Gavin’s grin widened. “It means a lot to hear you say that.”
Blake indicated the coffeepot on the bench. “Grab yourself a coffee.”
Gavin straightened away from the door and went to get a mug. “You know,” he said, pouring himself a drink. “I’ve really welcomed this challenge.”
“I can see that.”
Gavin shrugged shoulders made impressive by many hours working with his crew on various construction sites. “It’s nice to be home and together again as a family after so long, but I’m glad I don’t have to pamper people on a daily basis. It really isn’t my style.”
Blake nodded. “You’re a first-rate construction engineer, Gav, but I agree. There’s nothing like doing something you love.”
Gavin smiled, looking pleased. “You said it, brother.”
“Seriously. I’m proud of you.”
“You getting soft in your old age, Blake?” he teased.
“Probably.” Blake was proud of all his brothers and sisters. Well, his half sister, Erica, was another matter.
All at once, Gavin’s smile left him. “You realize Dad would never have said such a thing.”
Blake grimaced. “I like to think I’m not quite as cold as the old man.”
There was a moment’s silence as they both remembered their father. Blake refused to feel anything for the passing of a man who had shunned his children’s emotional well-being and so badly let them down. Donald Jarrod’s legacy had been more than the Jarrod Ridge Resort. It had been a legacy that his children keep their emotions on ice, avoiding personal commitment. And while both Guy and Melissa had found true happiness with Avery and Shane, Blake couldn’t see it happening for himself. Not at all. Nor for Gavin or Trevor either. That was just the way it was.
“That reminds me,” Gavin said. “You’re working out of Dad’s old office now you’re CEO, so wouldn’t it be more convenient to be living at the Manor, as well? Why are you staying here at Pine Lodge instead?”
Blake shrugged. “Actually it’s more convenient to be staying here. That way I can keep my hotel operations separate from the resort stuff.” His hand tightened around the coffee mug. “Besides, even though Erica’s moved into Christian’s place, they both spend most of their time at the Manor during the day. I don’t want to encroach on their territory. You know what newly engaged couples are like.”
Gavin shot him a mocking smile. “Since when have you ever taken a backseat to anyone, big brother? Or are you still scared of our new half sister?”
Blake knew Gavin was riling him, getting him back for stringing it out a few minutes ago. “I was never scared of Erica, as you well know.”
“You’re going to have to get over your dislike of her one day, buddy.”
Blake felt an odd jolt. “I don’t dislike her. I just don’t totally trust her.”
Gavin’s eyes narrowed. “She really doesn’t have to prove anything more to us, Blake.” He paused. “But I guess it’s all for the best that you stay here anyway. Your new assistant might not get on with the rest of the family as well as Samantha does.” A speculative look entered his eyes. “Yeah, whoever is coming in as your new PA, it’ll be much easier for them to keep the two businesses separate if you both stay here.”
Blake’s jaw clenched. He refused to even think about Samantha leaving, or someone coming in to replace her. And why was he surprised that word had gotten around the family? Samantha had said she didn’t want anyone to know, but obviously she’d told one person at least. It had to have been Erica. No doubt the two had shared some girl talk yesterday while they’d been shopping together.
“Samantha is not leaving,” he said tightly.
“That’s not what I’m hearing.”
“Shut up, Gav.” He slammed down his half-empty coffee mug. “Now, if you’ll excuse me, I have some work to do.” He strode past his brother and out of the kitchen.
As he entered the living room, he heard a noise outside. He glanced through the picture window. Samantha wasn’t in bed asleep like he’d thought. She was standing on the bottom step of the lodge, dressed in warm clothes and a woolen hat, talking to a man who no doubt was one of the guests at the hotel. She must have gone up to the Manor to eat breakfast, probably with her doctor friend, and this guy must have followed her back like a lost puppy. No, make that a raccoon.
He heard her give a lilting laugh and his mouth flattened. The guy was in his forties and looked sleazy to Blake. And hell, Samantha looked like she was flirting with him. Didn’t she have any sense when it came to men? The sooner he showed her what it was like to make love to him, the better.
“Look at that,” Gavin murmured in his ear. “I think someone else may be working today … on Samantha.”
Blake glared at him, then strode over and pulled open the front door in a rush. If she was going to flirt it would be with him.
“How about us going for a scenic drive?” the man was saying. “Maybe even do lunch in town? I know it’s pretty quiet at this time of year, but we should be able to find somewhere to eat. What do you think?”
“I—”
“I think I need to speak to my assistant,” Blake cut across her as he stepped out on the porch. They spun to look up at him. “Samantha, I need you to make some calls to Vegas for me.”
She sent him an annoyed look, making it clear she didn’t like the interruption. “Blake, it’s Sunday and most of the offices are closed. It’ll have to wait until tomorrow.”
He had the urge to remind her that last night he could easily have taken her to his bed. She wouldn’t have minded that interruption, he was sure. “Then I need you to help me with something else.”
Her lips tightened. “So I’m not going to get any time off now until I leave?”
“No.” He turned to go inside and waited but realized she wasn’t behind him. “Coming, Samantha?”
Her chin tilted stubbornly. “I’ll be there in a minute.”
Blake saw Gavin’s look of amusement as his brother pushed through the doorway then descended the stairs two at a time, calling out a greeting to the pair as he left.
Blake went back inside. He didn’t hear her following. Counting to ten, he waited but he could see her still standing there chatting. At that moment something occurred to him. Wasn’t it strange that she’d been jumpy with him last night, yet she seemed perfectly at ease with Mr. Sleazy down there? And what about last night with the doc? She hadn’t seemed nervous around the guy.
So what did that tell him? That she was flirting with men she considered safe? Which meant she must feel nothing for them, he mused. Nothing at all. The thought filled him with relief.
As for what she was feeling for him … there was definitely something between them. Yeah, she knew they’d be explosive together in bed.
And that begged the question. Just how far was she prepared to go to fight her desire for him? More importantly right now, did she have any idea what she was inviting by leading those other two men on?
Making a decision, Blake pulled on his jacket and boots, grabbed his car keys and strode back out into the chilly air. “I need to go check on something,” he said, going down the stairs, “and I want you to come with me, Samantha.” He bared his teeth at the other man in the semblance of a smile. “Sorry, buddy, but I need my assistant.”
“Blake—” she began.
“This is important.” He cupped her elbow and began leading her toward the side of the lodge to the garage where he kept his black Cadillac SUV.
She glanced over her shoulder and called out to the other man. “I’ll talk to you when I get back, Ralph.”
Blake gave a snort as he clicked the remote to open the garage door.
“What was that for?” Samantha hissed, hurrying to keep up.
“I hope you’re not thinking of dating Ralph. The guy’s old enough to be your father. Hell, he’s even got a name to match.”
She hid her satisfaction. “Perhaps I’m attracted to older men?”
He sent her a knowing look. “Then you’d better not dress like you did last night. He doesn’t look like his old ticker could handle a woman, let alone a sexy one like yourself.”
Her own “ticker” jumped around inside her chest and she tried not to blush. She loved hearing that Blake thought her sexy, though she wasn’t sure why he was looking so confident all of a sudden. Still, this time she wasn’t going to run away from him if he made a move on her. No repeat of last night, she told herself firmly.
They entered the garage, but it was only after she slid onto the passenger seat of the SUV and was putting on her seat belt did she remember something. “Didn’t you say this vehicle had an oil leak?”
Blake smirked at her. “Here’s the thing. I took another look earlier and it wasn’t leaking after all. The problem must have been with someone else’s car.”
“Now there’s a surprise.”
“It was to me, too,” he drawled, starting the engine.
No wonder he looked pleased with himself, she decided. He’d orchestrated the “poor me” routine last night over the oil leak, and now he’d put a stop to her going out with Ralph. Not that Ralph was her type, though he seemed very nice, but he was a man and one she could flirt with for Blake’s benefit.
Once the vehicle had warmed up, she took off her gloves as he reversed out of the garage.
“Where are we going?” she asked, when he started along the narrow road lined with thick trees, and it became clear they were heading for the main entrance to the resort.
“You’ll see.”
For a second she dared hope this might be about spending some time alone together away from everyone else. “Is this really about work?”
“What else?”
Disappointment wound its way through her. They were clearly still employer and employee. Had last night merely been an aberration on his part because of the late night and close proximity? Was this once again about Blake trying to stop her from leaving her job, rather than him actually wanting her?
Back to square one.
Soon Blake was driving past the two stone pillars with the brass Jarrod Ridge Resort sign, and turning the SUV onto the main road but in the other direction of town. At this time on a Sunday morning there wasn’t much traffic and further along he took another turn onto a side road. She wondered where they were going as they drove through stunning natural scenery filled with golden fall colors that would soon disappear under winter-white, but it was no use asking him again. Blake only did what he wanted to do and he would tell her only what he wanted her to know.
Remembering Gavin had visited Pine Lodge this morning, she suspected then where they were going. Farther along, Blake pulled over onto a slot of land that looked out over the Roaring Fork River weaving its way through a lush green picturesque valley between towering snow-dabbled peaks. The Jarrod Ridge resort was nestled like a crown jewel amongst it all.
He stopped the vehicle and cut the engine.
He didn’t speak at first, just stared straight ahead, so she had to ask the obvious. “Why did you bring me here?”
He nodded his dark head at the majestic mountain panorama before them. “I wanted to show you where the new private bungalow will be built.”
“I see.” Her suspicions were correct, but the way he spoke made her heart sink. It was as if he had acknowledged she was leaving now. Like he was showing it to her—while he still could.
“Let’s take a closer look.” He started to get out of the car then glanced back at her, his gaze going to the woolen hat on her head. “Put your gloves on first. There’s no wind but it’s chilly.”
A couple of seconds later they were standing in front of the black SUV, looking at the breathtaking alpine backdrop in front of them.
He pointed to a wooded area near the bottom of the mountain to the right of the resort. “See that over there? That’s our silver mine where we used to play as kids. One of my ancestors started up the mine but it’s been out of use for over a hundred years.”
“How interesting,” she said, meaning it.
“The bungalow will be farther up the mountain but not too close. We don’t want to destroy the historical significance of the mine.”
She’d briefly seen the documents Gavin had given Blake, and heard them discussing it at times, but Gavin was the one running with this project. He was keeping it very much between himself and Blake at this stage, though she knew they were keeping the rest of the Jarrods up to date.
“See that rocky outcropping?” Blake continued. “That’s close to where we’ll build the bungalow. It’s going to be super luxurious with top-of-the-line security. There’ll be iris-recognition scanners plus the usual cameras and motion detectors. Personal safety will be a must, as will our guests’ privacy.”
She could picture it in her mind. “I’m really impressed. It’ll be great.”
He nodded. “It’s just what Jarrod Ridge needs to stand out above the rest,” he said, a proud look about him as he appraised his family’s empire.
An odd tenderness filled her as she glanced up at his familiar profile. There was something so attractive about a man confident with himself. An aura that pulled a woman close and made her want to get under it, to become a part of the man no one else knew.
All at once he turned toward her, his gaze fixing in on her. “Why are you looking at me like that?” he asked quietly.
Caught!
She cleared her throat. “I was thinking how much you enjoy a challenge. You’re suited to these mountains.”
He looked pleased. Then, “You could be a part of all this, too, you know.”
Her heart stumbled. Had he brought her here for another reason? “Wh-what do you mean?”
“You love it here. You won’t be happy anywhere else.” He paused. “Think carefully before you walk away from your job, Samantha.”
The job.
She groaned inwardly at her stupidity. Had she really thought this confirmed bachelor had been about to pop the marriage question to his personal assistant? What on earth was the matter with her? Hadn’t she learned her lesson with Carl? The thin air must be making her imagine things that weren’t and could never be. Not that she’d ever consider it anyway.
She took a shuddering breath before speaking. “I have thought about it, Blake.” Very much so. She hadn’t stopped.
He turned to face her. “Stay, Samantha.”
“I … I can’t.” If it had been a plea, she might have considered it. As it was, she knew this was basically still about him being inconvenienced.
She went to turn away. She couldn’t face him fully. The last thing she wanted was him seeing she’d mistakenly assumed he was talking marriage a minute ago. What a fool she was for even thinking it, let alone believing he might be thinking it, too. This wasn’t about anything more than desire, she reminded herself.
His fingers slid around her arm and tugged her back. “Why are you being so obstructive?”
She couldn’t feel the pressure of his fingers through her thick jacket but she knew they were there. “Obstructive to what?”
“To me being concerned for your well-being.”
She ignored the thud of her heart. “Oh, so that’s why you won’t let me finish up my job early?” she scoffed, knowing this was the only way she could handle him. “You’re concerned for me?”
He froze.
Silence surrounded them.
Then, he said quietly, “I am, actually.”
She gasped midbreath. “Why, Blake? Why are you concerned for me?”
“Why wouldn’t I be?” As he spoke she could feel his eyes almost pulling her toward him.
“Um … Blake …”
He drew her toward him and bent his head. He was kissing her before she knew what was happening, instantly destroying any defenses she may have drawn on, regardless that she wanted him so very much. Like an avalanche rolling down a mountain, she fell—and it was just as devastating.
Then he slid his tongue between her lips and she opened her mouth to him fully. Hearing his husky groan, she wound her arms around his neck and held on to him, trusting him, knowing where he took her she would follow.
Time blurred.
And then, amazingly, he was slowing things down, giving her back herself, letting her regain focus. Finally, he eased back and they stared at each other.
“Oh, my God!” she whispered, awed by the sheer complexity of the kiss that should have been simple and wasn’t. It left her trembling.
He was feeling something equally as powerful. She could see it deep in his eyes. He truly desired her. Her dream of being in his arms was finally becoming a reality.
His cell phone began to ring.
He remained still, not moving, and she knew why. Nothing could take away from the strength of this moment between them. Here in the mountains it was like they were the only two people alive.
Then as quickly as she thought that, he blinked and turned away, breaking the moment. She heard him answer it, but she couldn’t seem to move. She understood why he had turned away. Why he had broken the moment. It had been too much for him. For her. For them both. Without him looking at her, she could take a breath again.
She did.
And then she found she could move. She swiveled to go get into the SUV, needing to sit down for a minute and feel something solid beneath her.
She took a few steps but as she went to reach for the door handle, her feet slipped from under her on a patch of ice and, with a small cry, she felt herself falling backward … backward ….
She frantically made a grab for anything within reach, but there was only the air and she felt her legs going up and her body going down, her back hitting the grass, then her head on something harder. She literally saw stars ….
The next thing she knew Blake was dropping to his knees beside her. “Thank God!” he muttered, when he saw her eyes were open.
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