Authors: Ashley Hunter
The second his lips touched it or when she could feel his warm breath on it, she was gone. There was no question after that what she wanted. He found that spot all on his own, and boy did he get to her.
Then, there were his hands, and the way they explored her body like he worshipped it. His hands were just as skilled as his mouth. They traveled over the planes of her body, leaving little trails of fire wherever they touched.
Unlike many men, he knew how to touch her everywhere and not just the obvious. Yes, he gave attention to her breasts. Yes, he touched them in just the right way. And, yes, he knew how to use his hands further south too, but he didn’t leave an inch of her skin untouched.
She completely forgot she was in a business meeting until a voice jarred her out of her reverie.
“Are you coming? Amelia?” Even his words were…well, she took them another way. And she blushed more furiously than she ever had. For a moment, she really wanted to go hide somewhere, anywhere.
He caught her thinking things that didn’t belong in the office, and the worst part was, there were other people around. She tried to gather up her things quickly and follow him out the door, and she was pretty sure he was smiling the whole time.
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He knew what she had been thinking about it. He could see it in her eyes and the way she blushed and looked down when she caught him looking at her. She was thinking about him, or rather the two of them together. And, it was getting to her even in a formal business meeting.
He liked that.
The funny thing is, he was thinking the same things. Even as he discussed the minutiae of acquiring another company, his mind was thinking about her body, her curves, the way she felt in his arms, the way she kissed, the way she called his name making love. Yes, he enjoyed thinking about it. He could just hide it better than she could. While she blushed and fiddled with her pen, he continued with the meeting like nothing else was on his mind.
When everything got wrapped up and people began to leave, she didn’t move. Instead, she stayed in her seat, lost in some very naughty thoughts, he imagined. Finally, after watching her for a few moments, he stood in front of her.
“Are you coming? Amelia?” The way she blushed furiously, he could only imagine what she was thinking. The way she fumbled with her things, she was flustered that she had even been caught in those thoughts.
He followed her out the door with a smile on his face. He didn’t say a word to her on the elevator. He could see her squirming next to him, and he found it amusing. And, when they stepped off the elevator, he escorted her right into his office, closing the door behind him. She immediately turned around and started talking.
“Oh god, I’m so sorry. I’ve never been so unprofessional in my life. I was distracted and I didn’t keep up with what was going on. You can fire me. I understand. I’m so stupid.”
“Amelia.”
“You told me to go to that meeting and pay attention. I probably embarrassed you. I don’t know what I was thinking letting myself daydream like that.”
“Amelia.”
“I am a horrible employee and so unprofessional. I don’t even know what I am doing here. I can’t keep my mind straight.”
He realized nothing he was saying would break her…rant. So, he took a different tactic, lunging forward, and started kissing her. The kiss was so hard that he pushed her backward into the wall. At first, she didn’t react, but it only took a moment before her body responded and she started kissing him too.
When he pulled away, he put the palm of his hand on her cheek, gently running his thumb over her lower lip.
“You were so sexy in there.”
“I was distracted and unprofessional.”
“No, you were beautiful and hot. It was such a turn on knowing what you were thinking.”
“How do you know what I was thinking?” She smiled.
“It was about us, was it not?”
“Maybe.”
“Oh just maybe? I should remind you. You meant you weren’t thinking about this?” And he brushed her hair to the side and nibbled at the crook of her neck.”
“Oh I definitely wasn’t thinking about that.” She tried not to gasp.
“Maybe it was this.” He smiled and slid his hand up her blouse, cupping her breast through the lace of her bra.
She did gasp this time. “Ok, ok I was thinking about you. And us.” You win.
“That’s what I thought.” He smiled and kissed her again. “Don’t worry. I was thinking the same thing.”
“You looked so focused on the meeting.”
“My dear, a good professional can be busy focusing on mergers while his mind is thinking about fucking you.”
“Oh.” It was not a sound of disappointment. Instead, it was the sound she made when something was both sexy and embarrassing at the same time. Even though she had experience with men, he always had a way of making her feel shy like it was her first time.
“If I didn’t have so many things to do, I would have you over that desk right now. But, unfortunately, that can’t happen. Not today at least.” He faked pouting even going so far as to poke his bottom lip out.
“Umm, yes I need to go take care of some things too.” She tried to wiggle out from between him and the wall, and instead, he pressed against her harder.
“Not before one more kiss.” He whispered and pressed his lips to hers.
After Amelia went back to her desk, Barend sat back in his chair and pondered things. Was he actually falling in love with this woman? Is this what love felt like? Of course he wanted her body. There was plenty of lust to go around. But, he wanted more. He wanted to romance her, take her to fine dinners, spend evening with her cuddled on the couch. He wanted her. All of her.
He was falling in love.
But, he still had the secret. He still had to introduce her to the beast. And, he was so terrified she would run away. Who could blame her really? Any sane person would run in the opposite direction. That’s why he had never really gotten close to anyone.
He knew what would happen. He had even tried to keep away from Amelia, acting brusque and cold when she first started working for him, but it was a façade he couldn’t continue. Not with her beautiful curves, sarcastic wit, sweet smile, intelligence and everything else that was wrapped up in the blond hurricane.
So, he would have to tell her. Or maybe show her. He had no idea the best way to handle it, but it had to happen because eventually she would wonder what was going on if he continued keeping her at arm’s length.
It was that time, he decided. He would take her to his mansion this weekend and see what would happen. Maybe she would run away. But, maybe, just maybe, she would stay and listen. Either way, it was best to find out before he got in any deeper. He didn’t particularly care to have his heart broken.
Chapter Seven
It was Friday, and Barend found himself nervous. He was so nervous that his palms were sweating and this was an unusual situation for him. He was used to commanding a room, being the one in charge, and always feeling confident. B
ut, he was about to walk into the reception area and ask Amelia to come to his house that evening. It was time to tell her everything, and he was actually scared about how she would react. After pacing his office for a few more minutes, he steeled himself and walked through the door.
“Amelia…”
She jumped. She had been engrossed in something she was looking at on the computer screen and didn’t see him walk up to her desk. “Oh, hey!” She smiled and he was pretty sure part of his heart melted. She had a beautiful smile.
“What are you doing this evening?”
“Umm, nothing that I know of.”
He walked around and sat on the corner of her desk, facing her. Then, he reached out and took her hand in both if his. She looked a little puzzled, probably because he was acting really serious after the last few weeks of fun, sweet, flirting.
“I was wondering if you would come to my house this evening. It’s starting to get chilly and I thought we could enjoy wine in front of the fireplace.”
She visibly relaxed. “Oh, I would love to!”
“Perfect. Why don’t you just ride in my car? I can bring you back here to get yours later.”
“That would be great! I hate trying to follow directions and with the full moon and all, the crazies will be out tonight!” She smiled at her own little joke, and he tried to smile. It wasn’t quite so funny to him.
“Right. Wouldn’t want you getting in a wreck.”
“Just out of curiosity, where do you live?” She tilted her head questioningly. It was another one of her adorable habits.
“In Shay’s Heights.”
“Oh wow. Well, of course you do, you are a billionaire. I bet your house is huge.”
“It’s ok. Well, I won’t lie”, he chuckled, “it’s rather large. I’ve gotten lost before.”
She laughed too, a sweet, sweet sound. “Maybe we will play an epic game of hide and seek.”
“Maybe. Or maybe I can think of something else we could do.”
She bit her bottom lip. “I am sure I would be ok with that.”
It was everything he could do to control himself right then and there. He wanted her again. It’s all he thought about for the past week since they slept together at her house. But, he didn’t want to do that until he had told her the truth. It wouldn’t be fair to her, or him for that matter.
So, later in the day, when he just couldn’t stand it anymore, Barend told Amelia they could leave. It was only four, but he was anxious, and it was his company after all.
“Ok,” she smiled, “Is my boss going to get angry at me for leaving early?”
“I just talked to him and he said it would be ok.”
“Alright, well, I don’t want to come back Monday and find out he’s mad at me.”
“He could never be mad at you.”
This time, she smiled, put her hand in his and then they walked toward the elevator together. He had never been this nervous. For the first time in his life, he was going to tell a woman his secret. And, also, for the first time in his life, he was in love with a woman.
And, he was terrified of losing her. She was so special, he just couldn’t imagine his future without her. She was different from every other woman he had met. She challenged him, and she kept up with him mentally. To top it all off too, she was beautiful. No, he wanted to keep her, and he wanted her to be part of his life from now on.
And, whether or not she would be a part of his life depended on tonight. It all hinged on this one thing. She could either embrace who he was or leave and never speak to him again. Finally, she broke the silence between them on the elevator.
“Barend, is there something wrong?”
“What? No, not at all.”
“You are just really quiet.”
“Sorry. It’s just…”
She looked at him questioningly, giving him time to finish the sentence
“I have never taken a woman home before.”
“Really?”
“Like I said, I have rarely gone on a second date with a woman.”
“Oh, yeah…”
“Amelia, I’m not going to be dishonest with you. I’m sorry my past is less than spectacular. But, that’s the truth. And, I have never had a woman at my home.”
“Well, I feel honored.”
He was slightly shocked at her reaction. Some women would completely freak out if their guys had that kind of a past. Some women won’t even sleep with a man if he had more than 10 or 12 partners. But, it was clear Amelia valued honesty over almost anything else. And, since he had been careful to be honest … mostly… she seemed to be ok with his past.
“Honored?” He asked.
“Yeah, I mean you have had lots of opportunities to take a woman home and you haven’t. Now, you are taking me. That’s impressive.”
“Well, you are impressive.”
“Stop!”
“You are Amelia. You are so special and…” He didn’t get to finish. The elevator binged to signify they had reached the bottom floor of the high rise. He briskly walked her to his car and opened the passenger door.
“Thank you sir.” She smiled. Then, when he slid into the driver’s side, she turned to look at him.
“And?”
“What?”
“You didn’t finish what you were saying in the elevator.”
“I know.”
“Are you going to?”
“I’ll finish it at my house, ok?”
“Ok.”
“Now buckle up. It’s all about safety.” He turned stern. He didn’t want anything happening to her.
As they drove, she reached forward and ran her hand over the dashboard.
“Nice car.”
“Thanks. It’s nothing special.”
“Well, I have never ridden in a Jag before, so it’s pretty neat to me. What kind is it?”
“F-Type.”
“Sweet.”
“Do you want one?”
“What? No. I couldn’t afford it in my dreams!” She laughed.
“Christmas is coming up.”
“And?”
“Maybe I will get you one as your Christmas gift.”
“Barend! A boyfriend gets his girl a pair of earrings, not a car for Christmas.” She laughed.
“Well, I’ve never been a boyfriend before, so maybe I will mess up. What’s your favorite color?”
“Not funny, Barend, but I like red cars. Goes with the blond,” she tossed her hair over her shoulder seductively.
“I’ll keep that in mind.”
“Yeah, you do that.” Clearly, she didn’t believe he was serious. Mentally, he was already ordering the car for her. She would look sexy in a fire engine red Jag. And, she deserved the best. He couldn’t wait for Christmas…if they were still together then.
As he pulled through the massive, gated entrance to Shay’s Heights, he started getting nervous again. In just a few minutes, they would be at his house. And soon, he would be telling her. He heard her catch her breath as they passed one of the area mansions.
“That’s Dr. Paulson. He created a new way of treating lung cancer.”
“His home is beautiful. But, I can’t even imagine trying to keep a place that big clean!” She exclaimed and he laughed.
“Amelia, I am pretty sure the good doctor has never picked up a dish rag.”
“Oh…staff. I’ve never had anyone do stuff for me. Must be nice.”
Well, if things go my way, you will never have to do anything ever again either, Amelia. He thought it, but he didn’t say it. He wasn’t sure exactly how committed she might be yet, and he didn’t want to come across as clingy. Wow…he was worried about being clingy. Again, something he had never thought he’d experienced. So much changed just in a few weeks because of one woman.
Finally, they arrived at the gated drive to his own home, and he quickly punched a code into the security system before the large iron gates swung open. As he rolled down the driveway, he heard her gasp again. The house had come into sight.
“Oh my god.”
“What’s wrong Amelia?”
“Your house…no that’s not a house. It’s a mansion or maybe a castle.”
“I told you it was large.”
“Well, I know. And I was ready for a big house. But, oh my god.”
“You aren’t judging me are you? You probably think I’m shallow.”
“No, not at all. I’ve never known anyone who could afford something like this.”
“Let’s go inside. I will give you a tour.”
“Ok,” she smiled and then hopped out of the car before he could get the door for her. He couldn’t help but smile too. Often, she looked at things with a childlike innocence.
She reminded him of a young kid looking at the tree on Christmas morning. And, he loved that about her. This beautiful, sexy woman could still look at the world that way. It made her simply amazing. And, it was one of the many reasons he was falling in love with her.
First, he took her on a tour of the mansion, showing her each room and smiling as she bounded around the spaces, taking it all in and gaping at the opulent luxury. It wasn’t that he enjoyed looking rich. He knew that the money part wasn’t specifically that big of a deal to her. Instead, he just enjoyed seeing her smile and laugh. He could watch her all day, but it was time to tell her about a few things.
They were standing in the foyer when he took both of her hands to face her, and took a deep breath. She looked at him quizzically.
“Amelia, there are a couple of things I want to tell you.”
“If you were going to break up with me, why’d you bring me here?”
“What? No. I’m not breaking up with you.”
“Oh, so what’s up?”
“Well, I have told you that you aren’t like anyone I have met before. You are smart, intelligent, beautiful. You are special.”
“You are pretty special yourself.” She smiled.
“Let me finish before I lose my nerve.”
“Ok, ok go on.”
“I know we have only known each other for a few weeks, but you have changed something about me. I never thought someone could get in like you do. I have always kept everyone at arm’s length.” He took a deep breath and she squeezed his hands in encouragement. He was pretty sure she knew what he was going to say. “I’m falling in love with you Amelia. And, that’s a big deal for me. I’ve never loved a woman before.”
“Oh Barend.”
“You don’t have to say it back…” She stopped him with a kiss and then leaned up and whispered in his ear “I love you too.” That was what he needed to hear. He wrapped his arms around her and pulled her against him. She loved him too. She felt the same way. It was the perfect moment. But…
It was still shrouded with the knowledge he had something else to tell her. And, he was so scared. He led her into a large den area and sat her down on the sofa in front of a roaring fire he had already asked his housekeeper to set up. Then, he sat down next to her and turned to look in her eyes.
“This is beautiful. And super romantic just so you know. Ok, so I don’t want to play hide and sneak.” She smiled and leaned forward to kiss him. He obliged, but then put his hands on her shoulders and pushed her gently back.
“What’s wrong?” She whispered in shock. “We just said the L-word. Don’t you want me?”
“Yes. You have no idea how much I do. I’ve thought about it all week.”
“Ok, then!”
“But.”
“But? I hate buts, Barend. Tell me what’s up.”
“There’s something else I have to tell you. And I don’t know how you are going to respond.”
“Ok…” She was looking a little worried, and in all honesty, she very well should be.
“So, there’s something about me you don’t know. And, I am afraid you will run away when I tell you.”
“Run away? Why on earth would I do that? Have you been cheating on me?”
“No! Never! I don’t cheat. I never would. You are the only woman in my life.”
“Then I can’t imagine why I would run away!” She smiled brightly.
“Well, just wait until you hear it, ok?”
“O—k…”
“Do you believe in supernatural things, Amelia?”
“Like ghosts?”
“Well, like ghosts and other things.”
“What other things?”
“Shape shifters.”
“Like werewolves?” She looked like she was trying not to laugh.
“Werewolves…werefoxes…werebears.”
“Barend. That’s kind of silly. People turning into animals at the full moon? I mean c’mon.”
“I’m serious Amelia. And no it’s not just at the full moon. That’s a misconception.”
“What are you talking about?”
“I’m a shape shifter. It runs in my family.”
“You’re being silly.”