Kitabı oku: «Executive Seduction», sayfa 2

“I planned to end it much earlier, but after Freed got wind of the engagement and decided to incorporate the whole impending marriage scenario into the show, and then my ratings soared, I couldn’t do it. Instead, I chose to keep up the act.”

“Freed’s only producing your show because I handed it to him. You should have come to me.”

“And I still might have lost my dream job. You and I both know the ratings were shaky before I left on the Jamaica trip.”

He fell silent, and when Corri couldn’t take it any longer, she said, “I know you think I’m insane. And believe me, I’ve questioned my sanity over the past few months.”

“That whole scene today. Was that an act?”

She stared at her hands now folded in her lap, too ashamed to look at him. “No, it wasn’t. I was really hurt by what Kevin did. The anger was real.”

“Then you did care about him.”

She had, at least in the beginning. “I wouldn’t have done what I did for someone I hated. Although I have to admit, there were times when he did things to me…” She drew in a deep breath and blew it out on a sigh. “Never mind. It’s no longer an issue.”

A flash of anger crossed Aidan’s face. “Tell me what he did to you.”

“It’s not what you think.” In reality, he hadn’t done anything to her, or with her, in a sexual sense. A fact she wasn’t ready to disclose. “When we originally agreed to the engagement, we also agreed to continue dating. Kevin interpreted that as dating not only me, but several other women throughout the country. I finally decided I wasn’t ever going to be enough for him.”

“Kevin’s never been in a steady relationship with anyone for any length of time,” Aidan said. “He’s not going to change, and that’s no reflection on you.”

Corri had definitely learned that the hard way. “You know, I’ve always been a confident person, comfortable in my own skin. But Kevin made me doubt myself, and that’s what I’ve hated most.”

“You’re a beautiful woman, Corri, even if my brother was too blind to see it.”

“He can be very charming.”

“He’s spoiled,” Aidan said. “When we were growing up, he got away with murder while the rest of us had to toe the line. That’s my mother’s fault. Kevin was the sickly twin, and they almost lost him when he was born, so she’s always gone out of her way to defend him, no matter what he’s done.”

“Oh, my gosh. Your mother.” Corri covered her face with her hands. “She always watches the show. She must think I’m horrible.”

Aidan draped an arm over the back of the sofa and lightly touched her shoulder to gain her attention. “You don’t have to worry about that. My parents are in Wisconsin, visiting with my dad’s sister. They won’t be back until Christmas Eve.”

Corri felt some measure of relief, although having to face the O’Briens was inevitable. At least she had a few days to prepare. After Christmas, she would drop by and have a talk with them. “I hope no one will tell her before I have the chance to explain everything.”

“I doubt any of the siblings are going to make her the wiser. And I’m fairly sure Kevin isn’t going to be the one to drop that bomb, at least for a while.”

Mental exhaustion began to set in, bringing about Corri’s yawn. “I’m just too tired to think about anything right now.”

Aidan patted her thigh and stood. “Then I’ll let you go to bed.”

When he offered his hand to help her up, Corri took it without hesitation and came to her feet. “I wouldn’t blame you if you decide not to be my friend any longer.”

“You don’t have to worry about our friendship, Corri. And even if I’m still having trouble getting a handle on what you’ve told me, on some level I understand it.”

“You do?”

“Yeah. We’re both obsessed with our careers, and we’re willing to go to great lengths to succeed.”

Considering Aidan was only thirty-five, he’d accomplished quite a bit. And that prompted several questions in Corri’s mine. “What lengths have you gone to?”

“It’s another long story. I’ll save it for some other time. Now walk me to the door before you drop where you stand.”

When they made it to the entry, Corri gave him a hug before pulling back. “Thanks so much for listening.”

Surprisingly, Aidan kept his arms around her. “Now I’m going to tell you something I’ve never told you before.”

Corri wasn’t certain she could take anymore shocking news. She wasn’t sure she could think with Aidan so close. “This sounds serious.”

“It is.” Placing his palm on her lower back, he nudged her a little closer. “You know that red apron you wear every now and then on the set?”

“Sure. It’s one of my favorites.”

“Mine, too. I’ve imagined you wearing it…and nothing else.”

Okay, this could be too much for her to handle. “I don’t know what to say, Aidan.”

“You don’t have to say anything. But if you want someone to take your mind off your problems, I’m here. Whatever you need, you only have to ask me, and I’m not talking about only work-related needs.”

She needed him to quit staring at her with those captivating green eyes. She needed to quit looking at that to-die-for cleft in his chin, and above that, those incredible lips. She had personal knowledge of how incredible they were, and exactly how they would feel if he kissed her. She wished he would, even if that wasn’t the greatest idea.

He moved her hair back from her shoulder, but instead of pressing his lips against her lips, he brushed a warm, lingering kiss on her neck, right below her ear. “Remember, if you need anything, Corri, all you have to do is ask.”

Before she could even recover from that simple, albeit sexy gesture, before she could answer his proposition, he was out the door. And she must be out of her mind to be so incredibly attracted to Aidan after what she’d been through. One O’Brien brother in her life had been quite enough, even though Aidan was the polar opposite of Kevin.

He was also extraordinarily sexy. And strong. And tempting. Tonight she had noticed the little things about him, like how his green eyes seemed to change color at times—darker when he was serious. Lighter when he smiled, which he didn’t do often enough. Of course, if he did, she would be melting like a good chocolate fondue on a regular basis.

Corri shook herself out of the daze and forced herself back into reality. Through her parents’ example, she’d learned to avoid overriding chemistry in a relationship at all costs. Once the passion between Bridgette and James Harris had played out, there had been nothing left—except an adolescent girl who’d become caught in the middle of her parents’ ongoing war for years.

For that reason, among others, exploring more than friendship with Aidan was very ill-advised, because if the underlying passion finally exploded, she wasn’t certain she could resist being in Aidan’s line of fire.

When the head-turning man entered the crowded exercise arena, Corri did a double take, and almost hurled herself off the treadmill before she had the presence of mind to turn the thing off. For a split second, she’d thought she was about to confront her past.

She should have known it was Kieran, not Kevin, coming toward her, even though they were mirror twins. Over the months, she’d come to recognize the physical differences. They shared the same dark hair and eyes, but Kieran was left-handed, and much more buff. That stood to reason considering he was a personal trainer and owner of three successful gyms, including the one she was standing in at the moment.

When Kieran reached her, Corri smiled, even if an exact replica of her ex-fiancé was the last thing she wanted to see right now. “Hey, Kieran.”

“Hey, Corri.” He straddled the weight bench next to the treadmill. “I’m probably the last person you want to see right now after Kevin’s stunt.”

She added mind-reader to the list of differences. “Then you’ve heard all about it.”

“I saw it,” he said. “I made sure the show was on in the gyms yesterday afternoon.”

Oh, great. The physically fit population of Houston was probably questioning her mental fitness. “Normally, I might thank you for that, but after my little tantrum, you might want to ban me in order to keep your male customers safe.”

He grinned. “I’m not worried about that. I am worried about you, and I apologize for Kevin being an ass.”

“It’s not your fault, Kieran. I know you’re not your brother’s keeper.”

“Don’t think I haven’t been in the past, Corri. He’s done some pretty unforgivable things to me. So if you want me to beat him up, let me know. I’ve been looking for another good excuse for a while now.”

At least most of the O’Brien brothers had honor, even if Kevin hadn’t retained that from the gene pool. “Aidan’s already had a talk with Kevin. Not that it did any good.”

“I’m surprised Aidan didn’t lay him out, considering how he feels about you.”

“He’s a good friend,” she said.

Kieran gave her an incredulous look. “You think that’s all he wants to be to you, Corri?”

“I have no reason to believe anything else.” Not exactly the truth. Though she’d consciously denied the subtle signs for months, they had always existed: in the heated looks he gave her, in the light touches that to most people would appear innocent. In the way he said her name—and somehow she knew exactly how it would sound coming from his mouth if he made love to her—soft, low and sexy. And she couldn’t discount last night, or that day in the kitchen….

“What about that kiss back on St. Patrick’s Day?” Kieran asked, hurling Corri out of her mental musings.

My gosh, he was psychic. Her mouth dropped open momentarily before she snapped it shut. “You know about that?”

“Almost everyone knows about it.”

Great. Just great. “Define almost.”

“If you’re worried Mom knows, don’t be. But all the boys, including Kevin, know about it. I’m not sure about Mallory or Dad.”

And she thought she’d suffered all the shock humanly possible in the past two days. “Did Aidan tell you?”

“Are you kidding? Aidan never tells anyone anything. Kevin saw the two of you together.”

Corri found the fact that Kevin had never mentioned it unfathomable. “Does Aidan know everyone knows?”

“I doubt it. It’s no one’s business but yours and Aidan’s.”

She flipped a hand in dismissal. “It doesn’t matter anyway. It was just one of those things. Something that happened months ago. I’d forgotten all about it.”

Kieran looked doubtful, and rightfully so, considering Corri was lying. “Whatever you say. But I tell you one thing, if given the chance, Aidan would be with you in a heartbeat. And a word of warning. When Aidan wants something, he always gets it, so be prepared.”

Aidan hadn’t been prepared for Corri storming into his office, wearing a pair of black form-fitting yoga pants and a bright-blue windbreaker. Her hair was piled on top of her head, with a few gold strands framing her flushed face. Every inch of her shouted sex, and Aidan’s libido was definitely listening.

After closing the door, she leaned back against it as if her legs might not hold her up. “I’m glad you’re here.”

He could say the same thing to her. “I thought I told you to stay home for a few days.”

“I went to the gym and ran into Kieran. He told me something I wanted to share with you.”

When she strode to his desk at a fast clip and braced her hands on the edge, he recognized she meant business. “Did you know Kieran knows about the kitchen?” she asked.

He closed the lid on his laptop and kept his gaze trained on her face, even though he wanted to give her a slow once-over. “I take it he saw the show yesterday.”

“Not that kitchen.” She pulled back the chair opposite him and collapsed into it. “I’m talking about that day at your parents’ house back in March. At the party. In your mother’s kitchen. In fact, he told me all your brothers know about it, including Kevin.”

That would probably explain Kevin’s persistence in pursuing Corri. His little brother was nothing if not competitive. “I really don’t give a damn who knows about it, Corri. I didn’t take you up against my mother’s china cabinet.” Aidan tried to push away the images that comment evoked, without success. “It was only a kiss.”

“I know what it was,” she said. “I was there, remember?”

“Yeah, you were there, and I’ve never forgotten one moment of it. In fact, I remember every detail.”

“I remember it was a huge mistake.”

Someday soon, he planned to remind her how good it had been. Right now, he needed to focus on business, not on a memory that he’d relived on more than one occasion. “Have you checked your e-mail today?”

She looked surprised by the sudden change in topic. “I decided to wait a while to do that.”

“I’ve already taken a look.”

Her hand went to the zipper on the jacket, lowering it and raising it compulsively, giving Aidan a glimpse of her breasts encased in tight white knit. “How bad is it?”

If she didn’t halt the peep show, it could get bad. In two minutes, he was going to round the desk and take off her damn jacket, and he might not stop there. “Most of the e-mails were from women, and supportive. A few were from men, offering to console you. One guy sent a one-word message.”

“What was that?”

“‘Ouch.’ And some jerk specifically asked you to dinner, as long as you let him pat you down before you got in his Lotus.”

Finally, she smiled. “A Lotus, huh? That might be worth a pat-down.”

It would be a frigid August in Texas before Aidan allowed that to happen. “Now you have to decide if you want to go ahead with the pre-New Year’s Eve taping next Wednesday, or let me pre-empt with one of your other shows.”

She mulled that over a minute before saying, “I’ll do the taping. It will give me the chance to apologize to the fans.”

Aidan reached behind him and grabbed the next item of business that he definitely didn’t like. “Speaking of New Year’s Eve, you’re still scheduled to participate in the children’s charity fund-raising auction.”

She rubbed her forehead. “I’d totally forgotten about that. Are you sure they still want to auction me off?”

“According to Stella, they called this morning to confirm it. But you can back out.” He hoped she would. He didn’t like the thought of some guy paying for a date with her.

She stared off into space for a minute before saying, “It’s for a good cause, so I’ll do it. Besides, it’s only dinner afterward. What’s the worst that could happen?”

She might encounter someone who wanted to take her mind off her troubles before he had that opportunity. But he still had time, and patience. “I’ll let Stella know. That’s it for now.”

“One more thing.” She leaned forward and folded her hands on the desk in a death grip. “Did you record the show on your TV?”

“I did this time because it’s a live airing.” He recorded her show every time so he could analyze her…in non-business-related ways. “Why?”

“Because I didn’t. I was so nervous, I forgot. If it’s okay, I thought I might watch it at your place this afternoon. I could do that here, but I’d rather witness my downfall in private.”

He wasn’t certain she was emotionally ready to see the tape, especially not alone. “Are you sure you don’t want to give it a couple of days?”

“No. I’d rather get it over with. I’m hoping it’s not as bad as I think it is. If you’ll let me have your key, I’ll have it back to you before you leave this evening.”

Aidan refused to leave her at his house by herself. He depressed the intercom and when Stella answered, said, “Tell Freed something’s come up and I need to reschedule our meeting for after lunch instead of during.” Without waiting for his assistant’s response, he turned his attention back to Corri. “I’ll go with you.”

“That’s not necessary, Aidan. Unless you’re afraid I might pilfer all the valuables before I leave, or leave a trail of mangled vegetables in my wake.”

He stood and came around the desk. “I’m not worried about any of that. Since you’ve never been to my house, you don’t know where it is.”

“Now that you put it that way…” She pulled a set of keys out of her pocket. “I’ll drive us.”

Aidan wasn’t going to argue that point. He’d let her call the shots for now, until he found the right time, and the right way, to convince her to give up some control.

Three

Chagrined, Corri handed over the remote control to Aidan and lowered her head. “I’ve definitely seen enough.” And she had, right down to the maniacal look in her eyes when she went after the cucumber.

“Are you sure? I can play it back in slow motion, so we can get the full effect of the cleaver action.”

She had a good mind to push him off his perch on the arm of his expensive beige suede sofa, right onto his gorgeous butt. “I’m glad you think this is funny, because I don’t. I looked like a raving lunatic.”

“You looked moderately pissed off.”

Moderately was definitely an understatement. “I can’t stand the thought of your mom and dad watching this.”

Aidan pointed the remote, selected Erase and wiped out the recording with the push of the button. “Now you don’t have to worry about them seeing it here. And since they don’t own all the latest technology, I doubt they have it recorded.”

Corri hated deceiving people as wonderful as Dermot and Lucine O’Brien. But then she’d been lying to them about Kevin, and that brought about more shame. “I dread seeing them again, and that’s if they even want to see me again.” Just one more thing Kevin had taken away from her.

“You’re practically one of the family, Corri,” he said. “My mother considers you her second daughter.”

And that in itself presented a huge problem. “Was one of the family, Aidan. But not now.”

Feeling restless, Corri came off the sofa and strolled around the large den, stopping at the floor-to-ceiling window to take in the impressive view. The house was situated in a gated community several miles from downtown. She’d definitely been surprised by the location, and the surroundings in general, including a pristine lake and several fountains. The interior design was patently masculine, with contemporary decor that suited Aidan.

“Anything in particular you want to do now, Corri?”

Startled, she spun around and almost lost her balance, saved only by the fast grab of Aidan’s lapels. He gave her that look again, the one he’d brought out last night when she’d thought he might actually kiss her. The one he’d given her on St. Patrick’s Day.

Since the window was at her back, she had nowhere to run, even if that’s what she wanted to. Funny, she didn’t feel like moving at all. But she needed to move—away from him instead of toward him, otherwise she might be making another foolish mistake. “You could give me the grand tour of the house. Unless you need to get back to the studio.”

“Freed can wait.” He braced his palm above her head. “I’m in no hurry to get back.”

Neither was Corri, although she probably should be. But considering she’d have to return to an empty house and no doubt obsess over the show, spending a little more time with Aidan would provide a welcome diversion. “Lead the way.”

“Follow me.”

Corri trailed behind Aidan through the formal dining area and into a huge kitchen straight from her dreams of what a kitchen should be. The appliances were stainless steel, top of the line, right down to the double oven and state-of-the-art refrigerator. She ran her hand over the black granite countertops and muttered, “Incredible.”

“I take it you approve.”

She turned and leaned back against the counter, discovering Aidan had put the center island between them, probably a good thing. He looked so appetizing, she could very well forget herself in the kitchen again. “It’s amazing. Have you ever used it?”

“Only the microwave. But you’re more than welcome to use it anytime. In fact, maybe we should initiate it soon.”

He rounded the island and walked toward her, all cool, deliberate confidence dressed in a blue designer suit and sporting a heated gleam in his green eyes. This time, Corri could easily move aside, get out of his path. But again, she didn’t care to do that, not even when he planted his palms on either side of the counter and leaned into her. “It’s definitely not my mother’s kitchen, but it will have to do.”

And after months of shutting out the memories, Corri waited anxiously for a repeat of that March day, knowing she shouldn’t. And when Aidan finally kissed her, she realized she hadn’t forgotten one detail, either, although the reality was much, much better than the recollection.

Aidan O’Brien had taken the art of kissing to all-time heights. He started out slowly, softly, almost a tease before he slid his tongue inside her mouth. The heady sensations brought about those inevitable chills, that predictable heat, the sense that she would gladly remain this way for hours. In his arms. Under his spell.

Without warning, he lifted her up onto the cabinet, taking his place between her parted legs. With one hand, he lowered the zipper on her jacket, slowly, slowly, then formed his palms to her sides, his thumbs lightly stroking her ribcage.

Had Corri been able to claim any reticence to that point, it would have disintegrated the minute Aidan palmed her breasts, stroked her nipples through the knit, made her want to know how his hands would feel on her bare skin.

But as quickly as he’d broken down all her resistance, he broke the kiss and dropped his hands to her hips. She saw the desire in his eyes, heard it in his voice when he said, “I could have my fly down in two seconds and make love to you right here, right now.” He lifted her jacket’s zipper back into proper position. “But…”

But? But what? This was no time for buts, not when Corri was so willing to let him have his wicked way with her before her common sense came back around.

He lowered his head and angled his body away. “I have an appointment in less than an hour to discuss your show.”

Corri felt as if she’d been dowsed by a bucket of ice water. Okay, slightly cool water. The heat still hadn’t quite dissipated, even if her job had horned in on the moment. “Shouldn’t I be there at the meeting?”

Aidan held out his hand and helped her down from the counter. “Let me take care of this, Corri.”

He reeled her back into his arms and slid one hand over her hip before subtly brushing his fingertips across her belly. “And someday soon, I plan to take care of your other needs, too.”

“I suppose it could be worse, Aidan.”

Freed Allen’s monotone was starting to grate on Aidan’s nerves. “Corri’s going to survive this. In fact, she’ll probably come out of it more popular than before.”

“You could definitely say that,” Parker Hampton added. “I got a call from a friend at the cable network. It’s rumored they’re going to make Corri an offer after the first of the year.”

Nothing Aidan didn’t already know. Her agent had said as much to him at a cocktail party the week before, even if a firm deal wasn’t in place, and Corri hadn’t been apprised of the possibility. As much as he despised the thought of her leaving the studio, that opportunity rarely came along in the business, and it would be wrong to keep Corri from realizing her potential.

“Did the cable channel see her last show?” Freed asked.

“Yeah, and from what I understand, they don’t care,” Parker said. “But that’s the cable mantra. If it’s controversial, then go for it.”

Aidan’s self-interest kept intruding, in spite of his attempts to halt it. “It’s not a done deal, so let’s move on.”

“But if it does go through, that means we would have to let her out of her contract,” Freed said. “We’ll have to take a look at that.”

Aidan’s mood was quickly deteriorating. “We’re not going to do anything yet. And what’s been said in this room goes no further until we have confirmation.”

Parker raised his hands, palms first. “I’m not going to say a word.”

“Nor will I,” Freed added.

Aidan tossed his pen aside and leaned back in his chair. “Unless anyone has anything else to add, this meeting’s over.”

Freed stood first. “I only have one more thing to say. We’re letting Corinna slide this time, but if she pulls another stunt like the last one, then she’s gone.”

Aidan gave him a hard look. “That’s my decision to make, not yours.” Unfortunately, he couldn’t guarantee Corri wouldn’t have another episode like the last, particularly if someone did something to anger her. Which meant he needed to proceed with caution.

“I’m counting on you to see she behaves herself from now on.” Freed spun around like a member of the color guard and marched out of the room.

Parker hadn’t moved an inch, and that only made Aidan more irritable. “What is it, Hampton?”

“Just a quick question. Is something going on between you and Corri?”

He wanted to tell the production assistant it wasn’t any of his damn business, but that would only fuel Parker’s speculation. The last thing Corri needed was to become the brunt of studio gossip. “She was engaged to my brother. Beyond that, we’re friends.”

“Friends. Right.” He came to his feet. “Then let me make a suggestion. Stop looking at her like she’s Sunday brunch and you haven’t eaten all week.”

With that, Parker was out the door, not giving Aidan an opportunity for denial. He picked up the pen, chucked it at the wall and watched it make a perfect landing in the potted plant. He’d always been good at hiding his personal affairs, even when he’d worked closely with Tamara and they were sleeping together, before everyone knew they were a couple. He didn’t understand why he was having such a tough time keeping his attraction to Corri under cover. Why everyone seemed bent on butting into his business.

From this point forward, he’d make sure no one knew that he wanted Corri, even if it meant avoiding her until things calmed down.

Corri wasn’t sure what she had done to warrant Aidan’s avoidance for the past two days, but she planned to get to the bottom of it, and soon.

Fifteen minutes ago, she’d told Stella to ask Aidan to meet her in the dressing room, the place she always retreated to plan her upcoming menus. For the past five minutes, she’d been staring aimlessly at the laptop, regretting she’d agreed to go forward with the New Year’s show. Normally she wouldn’t dare consider something as traditional as a ham, but simple might work better than trying to cook a duck without making a mess of it. Or cooking her own goose again.

When she heard the door open, Corri kept her attention focused on the half-baked menu. She didn’t want to seem too anxious, even though she wanted to spin on the stool and demand answers.

“What do you need, Corri?”

She glanced at the mirror to see him standing behind her before focusing on the screen again. “I’m trying to decide whether to go with vichyssoise or a spicy green chili corn chowder. Cold versus hot, kind of like the mood around here lately.”

He moved closer and propped his palms on the back of the vanity stool. “Are you angry about something?”

She snapped the laptop closed. “Of course not. Why should I be angry when I have no idea whether I have a job because the boss hasn’t spoken to me in two days?”

He swiveled the stool around. “If you’re wondering why I haven’t called you, I have my reasons.”

“Care to share for a change?”

“First, I didn’t have much to report on the meeting other than that things are looking fairly good as far as audience reaction is concerned. Second, I wanted to give you some time to think about what’s happening between us.”

She managed to wrest the stool back around so she could think without having to look at his incredible face, but unfortunately the mirror offered her a prime view. “I’m not sure there’s anything to think about, Aidan. I’m coming off a really bad relationship, and you’re offering to help me get over it. I’m not sure I need to even consider that right now.”

When he braced his hands on her shoulders, Corri’s mind shouted, Don’t touch me or it will be all over. Her body said differently, gifting her with a slow-burn heat surging through her.

Aidan made eye contact in the mirror. “I don’t want to pressure you, which is exactly why I wanted to give you some time. If you want me to quit pursuing this, then tell me now.”

She closed her eyes and tried to dredge up the stop-word, without success. “If I said I don’t want to be with you, I’d be lying to both of us.”

He bent and rested his lips at her ear. “You don’t know how tough it’s been for me, giving you space when that’s not what I want to give you at all.”

“I’ve had enough space.” And she had. Wise or not, she wanted him.

He answered by streaming his palms down the front of her blouse, lingering for a moment at her breasts before traveling back to her shoulders again. He lined her neck with kisses, while she hoped for a little action on her lips. This time she whirled the stool around, and he immediately took the cue, pulling her up from her perch and straight into his arms. She vaguely recognized the danger in behaving so recklessly at the office, but she didn’t care. She only cared about finally having what she’d longed for, and thought about frequently, for the past two days—another one of Aidan’s deadly kisses.

Somehow they reversed roles and Aidan ended up seated on the stool. Somehow she’d worked her way into his lap, straddling his thighs. And somehow she managed to return to coherency long enough to say, “The door.”

“It’s locked.”

For a moment she thought he’d planned this little bout of insanity, but then she remembered the door automatically locked and required a code for admission. For her protection, of course, although she wondered if she might need a little protection now to keep her from doing something totally brainless. But that thought drifted away when Aidan slipped the buttons on her blouse, and she loosened his tie and went after his buttons between more seriously steamy kisses. He formed his hands to her breasts through her silk bra, and she ran her hands up and down his chest.