Most Eligible Billionaire CEO, page 62
“Were you trapped alone?”
“No, there was another guy in there with me.” A very cocky, tall hunk with mesmerizing ocean-blue eyes and a dazzling smile I barely noticed. As much as I hate to admit it, I haven’t been able to stop thinking about him. My roomie was the kind of man who makes a lasting impression.
“Thank God for small favors,” Easton says.
“Yeah.”
“If this is your second meeting, why didn’t your prospects hear your presentation?”
“I booked a seven-thirty meeting instead of a nine-thirty meeting to bypass the heavy morning rush,” I tell him. “Just like last time, I triple checked the appointment. Just like last time, they confirmed. Their executive assistant also confirmed. Just like last time, there was confusion on their part, aka, another early morning golf game.”
“That’s highly unprofessional,” Easton says. “Do you have any other prospects on the list?”
“Not really. There are a lot of tire kickers. The landscape in LA is different from Europe, New York or Silicon Valley. Maybe I made the wrong decision by coming here.” I let out a defeated sigh.
“Maybe not,” Easton says.
My ears perk. “You have a project for me?”
“A friend of mine does.”
“Tell me more.” I’m practically salivating at the idea of working again.
“This isn’t high-tech—”
“I’m okay with that!”
“Down, girl,” Easton says.
“Sorry. I’m just not good at being idle.”
“Then the timing couldn’t be more perfect. This project was made for you, Arianne. It’s the kind of opportunity you can really sink your teeth into and make your mark.”
Interesting.
“Here in LA?”
“Yes. My friend isn’t a tire kicker.”
“I like the sound of that.”
“He already has a hugely successful company worth multibillions of dollars.”
I frown my confusion into the phone. “Why would he need me?”
“He’s seeking an expert willing to take a look under the hood of his well-oiled top-of-the-line ride and turn it into a speeding bullet. In other words, he needs you to take his company to the next level. This is more about ballooning his profits than a potential buyout.”
Right up my alley.
“I’d love to meet with your friend.”
“Good. I was hoping you’d say that. He flew overnight from New York to LA. He just called me to find out if I got in touch with you. He’s eager to meet with you. Are you available today?”
I hesitate. “Err… I like to have a complete picture of a prospect’s company before meeting with them.” I sigh. “I don’t want to give off the wrong first impression by being unprepared.”
“Arianne, your mind works faster than a processor.”
I laugh. “You’ve always been such a great supporter.”
Easton was my ticket out of Silicon Valley when I needed to run away.
“From my understanding, you already have the job.”
What? “How can that be?”
I’m dumbfounded.
“I relayed my experience. You’ve never disappointed me.”
Incredible. “Wow.”
“This is a relaxed face-to-face. You’ll have plenty of time to crunch numbers and prepare complicated, colorful Excel spreadsheets.”
“Are you making fun of me, Easton Winchester?”
He laughs. “I wouldn’t dream of it.”
“I should hire you as my publicist,” I tell him. “Here I thought I could do it on my own, but I keep stumbling on losers. One call from you and you hand me a winning lottery ticket.”
“I didn’t do a thing.” That’s a lie, but I won’t argue.
“Thanks for vouching for me, but I still feel uncomfortable walking into a meeting with nothing more to offer than a smile.”
Nervous trepidation grips at my core.
“Arianne, stop overthinking. You could nail this contract with your eyes closed.”
I think of how much time I’ve sunk into proposals that no one really cares about since I landed in LA.
New city. New attitude.
Throw caution to the wind, Ari.
“Let’s do it!”
My butt barely hit the backseat of the cab when we’re already in Culver City. Normally, I’d leaf through the pages of my presentation during the ride to a meeting. I considered Googling as much as I could, but decided against it. I’m not a half-full kind of girl. I dive deep or not at all. Bits and pieces of information would only end up giving me a panic attack. Easton assured me I had this one in the bag. Why stress when I don’t have to?
After a thorough screening when the cab rolled in front of a security booth, we inch to the front of a modern building where a row of security guards awaits. Another round of checks later and I enter the building.
They don’t skimp on security here.
As my Cedrics heels click against the polished concrete floor, I take in the impeccable décor. This place is dripping with luxury. It’s understated, but impossible to ignore. I gasp in admiration when my eyes catch an edgy ceiling lamp, consisting of eight large black globes, that looks more like a work of art than a utilitarian item. It’s a great complement to the modern water wall.
Wow.
Whoever is behind this has flawless taste.
From the opulence, it’s apparent I’m not dealing with wannabe bubble gum CEOs who are nothing more than time-wasting teenage boys dressed in suits.
Amen to that.
The thought of a certain man in a suit brings me back to my extremely attractive elevator roommate. Considering the solemn promise I made to myself, that guy has no business occupying my thoughts like he has.
Focus.
“Hello and good morning! Welcome to SCORE MAX Audio Bass! I’m Paula. How can I help you today?” a thin jovial redhead with a slick bob, wearing a white blazer, says in one breath as I approach her desk.
“Good morning. My name is Arianne Buchanan. Valerie is expecting me.”
“She told me to be on the lookout for you.” Paula gives me a onceover, her smile widening. “I love your suit. I’ve never seen a woman wear a vest under a jacket before,” she says when her green eyes meet mine.
“It’s a little conservative, I know.”
“It’s good, honey,” she says. “So many young women these days walk around with dresses that are as short as t-shirts. It’s slutty.”
“It’s not my style,” I tell her.
“Your beauty should speak for itself,” she says. “And God was good to you, honey.”
“Thank you,” I say, blushing. “Valerie mentioned the meeting was on the fifth floor. I should go upstairs. I don’t want to be late.”
“You’re right. You better go before I talk your ear off,” Paula says. “I’m from Minnesota. We’ve been accused of being too friendly.” She laughs.
“Friendly is good.”
“Aww… I like you already,” she says, placing her hand against her heart. “If you head right up to those elevators,” she points to her right, “I’ll tell Valerie you’re on your way up.”
“Thank you.”
“Knock ’em dead, honey! You’re surely dressed for the part!”
Chapter 7
Beckett
“Arianne is here,” Valerie announces when I pick up my landline. “She’s in the 1916 Traub conference room. I’ll let Rhys know.”
Given our mutual penchant for bikes, all of our conference rooms are named after rare motorcycles.
“Perfect!” I say. “Did you order breakfast?”
“I got a breakfast board from Blond Pistachio. Your favorite.”
“You’re the best. Coffee?”
“It goes without saying. Lattes from Thoroughly Hot should be arriving any minute now, the fridge is already stocked full with Perrier water, catered lunch will be delivered at one, I have a dessert board and more lattes scheduled for four, and finally, dinner reservations are set at Le Specialità for seven o’clock.”
“You’re the picture of efficiency,” I tell her.
“Of course I am.”
I chuckle.
When Easton told me he’d gotten hold of Arianne, I cleared my schedule. Rhys did the same. We’re eager to get the ball rolling.
“If we’re going to hold Arianne hostage for the day, we might as well make it as pleasant as possible,” I say.
“Although, I’m happily married and you’re my boss and we have a non-fraternization clause in our contract, may I take some liberties?” She continues before I can answer. “I doubt any woman in her right mind would be opposed to having you and Rhys as her captors.”
I laugh.
“Do I have to call Emmett and tell him about your secret fantasy?” I ask.
“He already knows.”
“Moving right along.”
She laughs.
“Let me gather my things and I’ll head to the conference room.”
“Excellent!”
I get up, but my phone rings.
I debate whether to let it go to voicemail.
Let me get this.
“Mom!” I say when I pick up.
“How’s my baby boy?”
My success has no bearing on the way she sees me.
“I’m fine, Mom.”
“Just fine?” Concern colors her voice.
“I’m unstoppable!”
“Now you’re talking!” We both laugh. “New York was good?”
“It was a worthwhile trip.”
“Did you get back yesterday?”
“No. I just got back a few hours ago. I extended my stay by a day to meet with Russian distributors who happened to be in the Big Apple. I flew overnight so I could be back at the office first thing.”
“Beckett, I don’t care if your fancy jet is equipped with those lounging beds, that’s not proper sleep,” she says. That’s the topnotch doctor in her talking. “At this rate, you’re going to burn out—”
“Mom, is there anything urgent?”
“I was at a medical conference in Baltimore before you left for New York, so we haven’t talked in a while and you know how I feel about text messages, Beckett,” she says. “I miss my baby boy.”
I chuckle. “I miss you too, Mom, but I have to go. I have someone waiting for me for a meeting.”
“When will Dad and I see you?”
“Mom!”
“All right. All right. I get it,” she says. “Go do your CEO thing.” There’s laughter in her words.
“I’ll talk to you later,” I say.
“I can only hope,” she says with a sigh.
“A little dramatic, much?”
She laughs.
“Big kiss, baby.”
“Right back at ya, Mom.”
I hang up and rush to the conference room. As I approach, the sound of laughter erupts.
I’m glad Rhys is entertaining our new consultant.
“Oh God, that’s so funny, Rhys,” I hear Arianne say. “I can’t believe that actually happened.”
There’s a melodic timbre to her voice—
I’m hit with my tragic reality.
I have to keep it to my fist for another eighteen days.
I won’t hear the soft, helpless whispers of a woman’s voice in my ear as I take ownership of her pussy, pounding into her forcefully. For another excruciating two-and-a-half weeks, I’ll have to live without hearing a woman scream out my name at the top of her lungs as I push her over the edge.
Fuck.
I haven’t been able to forget the smart mouth I was trapped inside the elevator with. These past twelve days have been torturous. The memory of her only heightened my misery.
And of course, Rhys is enjoying every minute of my suffering. He took cruel pleasure in texting me daily reminders of my vow of chastity, each time carefully including photos of the coveted bike from different angles.
Asshole.
I ignored his taunting subterfuge, preferring to lose myself in work in the hopes of ignoring my hungry cock. I can’t count the number of times I’ve jerked off since agreeing to this ridiculous challenge. It’s so obscene, I should be arrested. By the time he hands me the keys to his Legendary British Vintage Black, I’ll be a wild beast.
I sigh.
I’m just about to enter, but freeze.
Shit.
I forgot my iPad.
I race back to my office.
“Is everything okay?” Valerie asks when she sees me zooming by her.
“I’m not as organized as I’d like this morning,” I say over my shoulder.
With my device in hand, I make my way to the conference room.
Arianne is still laughing her head off.
Sounds like Rhys and her are hitting it off. Good.
I enter without knocking.
Rhys stands up, a huge grin stretched across his face, malice twinkling bright in his eyes.
What is he up to?
Then, it all seems to happen in slow motion.
Arianne pivots on her chair, ready to get up, but freezes.
The warm smile on her gorgeous face dissipates, replaced by sheer confusion.
I’m dumbfounded.
I squint, certain I’m seeing things.
She mirrors my bewildered expression.
Ari is Arianne?
Whoa!
I didn’t put two and two together.
“Well, well, well,” I say, when I recover.
She stands up.
She’s wearing another suit of armor. This three-piece suit is navy-blue with white pinstripes. I catch a glimpse of her pencil skirt that hits her below the knee.
I swear I’m going to develop a fetish.
Just like last time, the look is strait-laced.
What are you hiding underneath that armor?
She’s staring at me.
I lift an expectant eyebrow.
She tilts her head back as if to take a better look at me.
“You?!” she says.
“Yes, me.”
“Nooooo…”
My grin widens in amusement. “Yeeees…” I mimic her.
She shakes her head. “How can this be?”
Talk about coincidence.
“Small world,” I say.
“Small world.”
“You two know each other?” Rhys asks.
“She’s my roomie from the elevator incident,” I tell him.
He stares at us with astonishment. “Her?!”
I nod before turning my attention to the stunned woman in the room.
“Wasn’t it you who said we were never going to see each other again?”
“You can’t be the man Easton referred me to,” she says.
“I am. Beckett Christensen, please to meet you.” I extend a hand.
Wide eyes bounce from my hand to my gaze.
“You’re my new client?!” Basically, your boss.
My lonely hand is still stuck in the air.
She hesitates, but she shakes my hand.
Her touch is as soft as silk.
“I am. And you’re Arianne Buchanan.”
“I—I am.”
“You’re sure about that?” I ask.
She flashes me an unimpressed stare and pulls her hand from mine.
I take a step closer and lean in, forcing her to look up.
Pleading brown eyes flutter at me.
She comes across as a woman unaware of her beauty.
I take my sweet time milking the moment before speaking.
“Looks like we’ll be working really closely together. Like I said, never say never.”
She swallows hard.
Chapter 8
Arianne
I do not appreciate your sense of humor this morning, God.
I exchange a few words with the big guy up above as I stare bewildered at my new boss-slash-client—the incredibly handsome man I haven’t been able to forget. Of all the companies in a massive city like LA, I had to land here.
What are the odds?
And this is why I never walk into a meeting unprepared.
Easton said I have nothing to worry about. Judging from the outrageous baby blue eyes looking down at me, I’d venture to say he’s dead wrong. Forget about being caught off guard. I was caught with my panties around my knees. Not good.
You’re a professional.
No way am I allowing long, dark lashes framing dreamy blue eyes to set me off course. I have a reputation to maintain, regardless if my boss-slash-client tips the hotness meter on the Richter scale.
You’re immune.
“It appears I stand corrected,” I say. I take the high road.
“I forgive you,” Beckett says.
“Excuse me?”
“You were wrong. I forgive you,” he says.
“I wasn’t asking for forgiveness,” I tell him.
“I forgive you for causing us to get stuck in an elevator for an hour and I can forgive you for misspeaking just now.”
“You know as well as I do, I had nothing to do with the power outage.”
“I’m playing with you,” he says in a low voice.
My cheeks flame.
I take a step back, but my ass hits the conference table.
“Are you two going to be at it all day or can we get started with the meeting?” Rhys reminds us of his presence.
I straighten my jacket and my vest. “That’s a great idea.”
“What she said,” Beckett says.
Cocky bastard.
I ready myself to sit down, but Beckett pulls my chair out. I didn’t expect the gallantry.
“Thank you.”
When I look up, Rhys is observing us with the same curiosity he would two rare pink dolphins.
I gather Beckett picks up on that because he rushes to a seat next to his business partner. Both men stare at me with different shades of piercing blue eyes for a long beat. I blush under the observation.
Is it warm in here?
Worried I might suffocate, I undo the first button of my blouse and fan myself as discreetly as possible.
Breathe.
Beckett’s head tilted to the side is making me feel very self-conscious. I fumble with the buttons, but he stops me with a few words.
