The Red Eye (The Red Eye Romance Series Book 1) Read online

  “Well, what did Leeson think of our proposal?” He sounded impatient. “Come on, Rebecca. Don’t leave me hanging. Give me all the details as they happened.”

  “I have absolutely no idea what he thought. We didn’t talk about business like I had planned before I got there. Leeson didn't seem too interested in the details.”

  “You’re kidding me. Shit, Rebecca, how could you have blown this? It was a surefire plan. All you had to do was follow instructions.”

  “I haven’t blown anything, Miles. As a matter of fact, I’m having dinner with Doug later on tonight. It’s just that he isn’t the kind of person you can thrust a proposal at and expect him to sign. You sent me here to warm him up and knock him down. Let me do my job… okay?”

  “That’s my girl.” He was smiling. I could hear the subtle change in his tone. “I knew you were the right one for the job. You do whatever it takes to get that contract, do you hear?”

  “Whatever it takes?”

  “Listen, Rebecca, if he wants you to strip naked so he can lick ice cream off your nipples, then that’s what you do.”

  “If you say so.” I rolled my eyes so far up in my head I could see my brain working out this problem. It was one thing to dress seductively and flirt, but I had absolutely no intention of taking things any further. I was a lawyer, not a prostitute. I didn’t trade my body for corporate favors. If Miles wanted a prostitute, he could've hired one easily.

  I considered telling Miles about Devon, my encounter with him and how we met on the red eye, to keep it at full disclosure—no secrets, no surprises—maybe minimize some problems down the road. But I didn’t want to be told how stupid I was. I had confided in Devon, a complete stranger. I had told him my personal business on the plane and, even worse, let him drive me to his penthouse. After having some time to think about it, I didn’t need Miles to tell me it wasn't the smartest move; I already knew that. So I decided it would be best if I kept it to myself. At least for now.

  There was a knock at the door.

  “Listen, Miles, there’s someone at the door. I’ve got to go.” I hung up the phone before he had a chance to respond, got up, and went to answer the door.

  “Miss Bevan?” One of the hotel staff was standing at the door carrying a large white box wrapped with a thick red ribbon.

  “Yes.”

  “This is for you.”

  I gave the man a tip and then hurried the box into my room. I sat on the bed and placed it on my lap, carefully lifting the lid to a box of… pastries! A folded white note was on the top. It read:

  I hope this whets your appetite for tonight.

  More to come if you have the hunger…

  Douglas Leeson.

  I picked up one of the pastries, a bite-sized, golden-brown-looking thing baked to perfection and smelling like heaven, with strawberry goodness on the top. I brought it to my lips and ate it all in two bites; the response in my mouth was just too much for me to take. I closed the box with the rest untouched and exercised my ever-wilting will power.

  However, it did cross my mind that a thoughtful gift like that deserved something just as delicious in return.

  #

  I was surprised by how much I was looking forward to dinner. What was supposed to have been a mundane business trip was turning into an extraordinary adventure, and I had a feeling that whatever happened tonight, my life was on the cusp of something amazing.

  I took one last look in the mirror to check my appearance. I was wearing a figure-hugging sea-green dress that at first glance was demure, sleeveless with a straight neckline that covered my chest and reached down to the floor, but when I moved, it revealed a slit in the skirt that was so high it showed my strategic lack of underwear.

  It was perfect for the night. I was ready.

  I headed downstairs and out to where a limo Douglas had sent for me was waiting. As the doorman opened the door for me, I felt as though I was getting a glimpse of the kind of lifestyle I’d always dreamed of, and the little taste I was experiencing was leaving me hungry for more.

  There was a bottle of champagne in a bucket of ice in the back of the limo, and I poured myself a glass for a bit of liquid courage. I had no idea what to expect from this evening or what Douglas really wanted from me. Still, I was on my way now, so the only thing I could do was go with the flow. And try not to lose my composure on the way.

  When we pulled up outside the marina, the chauffeur came around and opened the door for me. “This way, miss,” he directed. I walked where he’d pointed and saw a large white yacht anchored right at the end, with Douglas Leeson standing there the on deck.

  “Rebecca! How lovely to see you.” He smiled as he saw me coming toward him. “And might I say how wonderful you look.” He held out a hand to help me on board and kissed me on both cheeks. It was wonderful.

  “Thank you, Doug,” I replied. “And thank you for the invitation. You’ve saved me from a boring night stuck in my room.”

  “Always happy to help a lady in distress!”

  I heard the sounds of the engine starting, as the yacht’s captain made ready to take us out onto the open water.

  “Could I get you some champagne?” Doug offered. I nodded as he led me to the back of the boat, where there was a large space with a table set in the middle. The table was prepared for a dinner for two, with a silver ice bucket by the side.

  Doug pulled out my seat for me and made sure I was sat comfortably before he moved round to take his.

  “So, Rebecca, tell me about yourself. What got you into law?”

  I smiled. “This is going to sound stupid.” There was warmth in my cheeks, but I did my best to suppress it before it was obvious. “It was Boston Legal that got me into law. I know it sounds strange and totally out there, the show is nothing like the real world, but there was something about how they fought cases for the underdogs, cases nobody was supposed to win, and yet somehow they always managed to make it work. I wanted to do the same, take on impossible odds and beat them.”

  “So is that why you were sent out to represent your firm, then?” Douglas couldn’t help but smile, but it morphed really quickly into seriousness. “Because it has to be said that, right now, you’re the underdogs. Caesar and Krause are locally based here in New York and their lawyers are real sharks. They know when there’s blood in the water and they know how to go for the throat when it's needed.”

  “And are you telling me that I don’t?” I had to conceal my disappointment, but I wasn’t going to give up, no way. Giving up was not in my genes.

  “You know, Rebecca, I don’t doubt for a second that you wouldn’t do whatever it took to get what you want.” Doug paused to take a sip of his drink, never taking his eyes off me for a moment. “So I’ll ask again. Is that why you were sent out to represent your firm?”

  I was about to go along to get along and nod my head, when something within me said fuck it—just be honest. His earlier comment about not wanting a yes man made me think that he might respect the truth, however it turned out in the end.

  “The reality is that my boss thought that you might be swayed with your decision by my looks. I’m sure you’re aware that you have a reputation with the ladies, so he thought that I would have a better chance of winning the account than he would.” I took a long swig and emptied my glass. The champagne tickled my nose something awful.

  Doug suddenly roared with laughter. He slapped his thigh and bent back in his chair. For a moment I thought he was choking. “Oh, that’s genius!” He wiped the tears from his eyes. “I knew I did the right thing in inviting your firm to pitch. You’re ruthless and maybe a little immoral… but that’s good.”

  “It is?” I didn’t know whether to smile or run. The water looked inviting. Maybe jump overboard?

  “Well…” He took another sip of his drink. “Let’s find out, shall we?” Douglas’ jovial demeanor disappeared, and I was a witness to the look of a powerful man who’d built his business empire from scratch, stoppi
ng at nothing to get what he wanted, and by his look that might even be me. “If you were sent in because your boss thought I’d find you attractive—which it has to be said, I do—then presumably he’s fine with me sleeping with you. And before you answer that, I should point out that this yacht has an extremely comfortable bedroom with an exceptionally large bed. A man like me needs his space, for rolling around and so forth.”

  I swallowed a lump in my throat. All of a sudden, this wasn’t fun and games anymore, and for all Miles’ warnings that I should be willing to go all the way, there were some lines you just didn’t cross—and in that moment, I knew that this was one of them.

  “Well, here’s the thing, Doug. I’m in a relationship right now, and it wouldn’t feel right for me to betray it.”

  “And if you weren’t in a relationship?”

  I sighed, feeling my chances of winning the account rapidly slip through my fingers. “It’s not that I don’t find you attractive, Douglas. You’re a very good-looking man. But although I am willing to do whatever it takes to win a case in a court of law, I’m not going to sleep with someone just to get him as a client, whatever anyone might think of me. That’s not something I’m willing to do.”

  Douglas looked at me, with a long, slow, piercing look. “Is that your final answer?”

  “It is.” I was on the verge of crying.

  “Then it’s the right one, Rebecca. Had you agreed to sleep with me, I would have instructed James to turn this yacht around and dropped you off at the dock. If you had so little faith in your legal prowess that you thought you needed sex to get what you wanted, then you’re not the lawyer for me and your firm is not the firm for me. But you stood up to a powerful man tonight, one whose business could be worth millions to your law firm. Now that takes guts. The kind of guts I’m looking for, actually. I’m not saying that you’re hired, Rebecca, but you’ve certainly just gained yourself a few bonus points. Harry, bring our starters, please. I’m famished.”

  He motioned to the waiter, who’d been standing discreetly at a distance, and soon I found a plate of sea bass with fennel and grapefruit ceviche in front of me. One bite and I was about to change my mind about sleeping with… I’m kidding.

  “This is incredible.” I took another bite. “My compliments to the chef.”

  “Thank you.” He smiled. “He’s worked for me for many years now. I would never let him go to anyone else.”

  “I can see why. I’d feel the same in your position.”

  “I’m going to let you in on a little secret, Rebecca. I understand why your boss thought using someone with your… assets was a great tactic, but the truth is that after my wife died, there hasn’t been anyone who could replace her. We were together for thirty years. I can’t just turn my back on that and find someone else, as if she wasn’t important. Of course, I enjoy the company of attractive women—what hot-blooded man doesn’t?—but that’s all it ever is.” He leaned over the table in my direction. “I do, however, enjoy giving the tabloids something to talk about.”

  I giggled despite myself. “I don’t blame you. I think if I had the paparazzi following me, I’d be tempted to give them something to talk about too. If they’re not talking about you, you’re doing something wrong.”

  “Indeed… so what about you, Rebecca? Who’s this man in your life?”

  “I guess it’s time for more truths, huh? But I’m sure you don’t want to hear all the sad and sorry details about my sordid affair.”

  “Affair?” Doug raised an eyebrow.

  “I know, I know. It makes me a terrible person. The heart wants what the heart wants, and when it saw Mil—I mean, the person I’m seeing, I was smitten. He was charming and charismatic and we got along so well together. We were perfect.”

  “Apart from the fact that he’s married?” Douglas wiped his mouth with a white cloth napkin. One that I should have in my lap to protect my dress. “I’m not mistaken, am I? He is married, isn’t he?”

  I smiled wryly. “Yep. That’s the one little hitch in our relationship. He’s married with children, and although he told me that he was planning on leaving her, I’m beginning to think that he was just saying that to appease me. It’s complicated by the fact that we work together, so if we were to split up, I’d still have to see him every day.”

  “That must be hard. I couldn’t imagine such a complication.”

  “Well, we haven’t split up yet, and he promised me that if we were to win this contra—”

  Shit, Rebecca, you and your mouth.

  “He’ll leave his wife for you?”

  Good, yes, let’s go with that. It’s better than the truth I almost spilled.

  “Let me give you some advice, Rebecca. I know how you feel. Before I met my wife there was someone, and, without going into too many details, it didn’t end well. Affairs rarely do. I understand that it’s hard to pull away from someone you’ve invested time and emotion in, but although we might not have spent much time together, I can promise you that you deserve better than this. You can take these words as the ramblings of a foolish old man if you like, but take it from someone who’s been there. Find someone available, someone who can love you the way that you need, before your heart is broken beyond repair. If this man is happy sending you in to seduce a client, then he really doesn’t care about you, does he?”

  “I didn’t say that he was my boss,” I protested, but Doug just looked at me.

  “Come on. Let’s not have any lies between us. It’s pretty obvious who you’re talking about, and it’s all right. You haven’t done anything to jeopardize your firm’s chances and your secret’s safe with me. But can you promise me that you’ll think about what I’ve said?”

  “I will.” I nodded, relieved that he was being so understanding.

  “Good. Now let’s have that main course. If you think the sea bass was good, just wait until you taste what’s next.”

  Eight

  It was late in the evening by the time I got back to the hotel. I took off my clothes, grabbed my phone, and sent a text message to Ellen.

  Just had dinner with a billionaire on his yacht! It was a-maz-ing.

  Lucky you, she replied. Just goes to show that you can still have fun without Miles around.

  Because the advice seemed to be a reoccurring theme, I considered what Ellen had told me. She wasn’t the only person that had said it; both Douglas and Devon had similar advice, that I deserved and should expect a lot better. Perhaps they were right. When I got home, I would need to have a serious talk with Miles and see where our relationship was headed. If all three of them were right, our future was bleak, and perhaps it was time to call it quits.

  It was funny how I came all this way to further my career. Yet it was my love life that was dominating my thoughts. I needed to go to bed and get some rest, but my phone beeped again. I reached for and picked it up—of course, it was Miles. He had this uncanny timing, always knew when he was on my mind.

  How’s it going?

  I knew what he wanted, to ask me about the meeting, and I also knew I wasn’t in the mood to tell him, not right up front.

  It’s going okay, missing you, though.

  How’s the case going?

  I knew it. He was more concerned with the meeting than with me. I could be floating in the ocean for all he cared. Asshole!

  It went fine. Douglas took me out to dinner. Things are looking positive.

  That’s my girl. Keep it up.

  “As if I’d do anything else.” I switched off my phone and then the lights. I wanted nothing more to do with him tonight.

  #

  The light beamed through the window on my face. I turned left to try and escape it, turned right, which didn’t help, then my phone started ringing—just kill me now. I looked at the phone display and didn’t recognize the number. I came within a hair of switching it off, turning over, and going back to sleep, but then I remembered that Doug had my number, so I hedged my bets and hoped that I was right. I answe
red the call.

  “Hello?”

  “Miss Bevan?” came a voice… I recognized as Hayley, Douglas’ assistant.

  “That’s right, this is Ms. Bevan.” I sat up. My eyes flew open.

  “Mr. Leeson has requested that you join him in his office at ten o’clock this morning, if that’s convenient for you.”

  “Of course it is.” My mind was whirring with thoughts and plans. Had he made a decision already?

  #

  At five to ten, I was standing outside the elevator that led to Doug’s office. A hand reached from behind me to press the call button.

  “I already pressed it,” I said, turning around to see Devon and Grayson looking smug. “Oh, it’s you, Devon. How… unexpected to see you here.”

  “I might say the same thing,” Devon replied. “We were called to a meeting with Doug at ten o’clock.”

  “Well, that’s a coincidence, so was I.” It was the way Grayson looked at me. A cold, black stare, void of any emotion, the best poker face I’d ever seen, except it was scary. I turned around and faced the elevator door just to avoid it. “I guess this isn’t a done deal for either of us.”

  “Maybe, maybe not.” I could feel Devon shuffle. “Dad’s never lost a pitch yet, and we don’t intend to start now.”

  The elevator doors opened and the three of us got in the small box together. Devon pressed the button that would take us up to Doug’s office. Standing as close as I was, I could smell Devon’s cologne on his neck. It wasn’t something I recognized, as I was sure it was something expensive I’d never heard of, but it had a sweet scent, not syrupy and sickening, but sweet, with a slight smell of orange and spice and a mellow, woodsy smell that caused moistness in my panties.

  Maddening though he was, the man was undeniably attractive, and there was something about his smell that made me want him to pull me into his arms, run his hand down my back, cup my ass, and grab as hard as he could.

  I had to shake it off; the image was vivid, but I had to clear my mind. Now was not the time to be thinking about these things. But damn! I bet he looked good with his clothes off.