A Calculated Seduction

Chapter Nine

Ethan stared at the green and white striped paper filled with columns of numbers. Somewhere in his brain, in his heart, he’d hoped she was innocent. With those big gray eyes, and her cute little nose, and those beautiful breasts...

Jesus, he had to start thinking with the bigger brain.

Todd’s voice buzzed from the phone and Ethan picked it up. “Ethan, what the hell—”

“Quit yelling, Denison. I’ve got proof she might be involved.”

Not might, was. Jesus, it was probably the lynchpin right there to corner her. He knew what he was looking at, but his brain just didn’t seem to want to accept it.

“She’s got a printout of all the accounts that have been tampered with. Any luck on finding where the money is going?”

“No, but I’m still working on it. It’s transferred out using the passwords with no indication to where or by whom.”

“Keep at it and give me a call when you find out. I’m not letting this go.”

“Sure thing, boss. You still going on your date with her tomorrow night?”

“Yeah.” And he was going to make sure Miss Dulcinea Menendez learned a few lessons by the end of the night.

* * * *
After sending Richy off with his momma, Dulcy began the task of getting ready. Just after five that afternoon, the doorbell rang just as she’d stepped out of the shower. She grabbed a robe and headed to the door.

Maude stood on her doorstep, another bag of torture in her hand.

“Time to get beautiful,” she said as she bustled past Dulcy. “Good thing you already had your shower.”

“Don’t you have a date to get ready for?” Dulcy asked.

Maude dumped the bag on the kitchen table and turned to face her. She patted her short curls. “I don’t have much to do to get ready. My makeup’s done. Besides, it’s not really a date. We’re only companions.” Dulcy snorted, but didn’t say a word. “And you have a date with Ethan and you need to look great.”

Her enthusiastic mood made Dulcy suspicious. “Is there something you’re not telling me?”

Maude folded her arms in a defensive gesture but said nothing. Immediately, her suspicions escalated.

“You are hiding something! What?”

Maude sighed. “Richy told me...he told me Barbie’s going to be there tonight. ”

“Is that all? Jeez, you’d think it was the end of the world,” she said with false bravado.

“Dulcy, I know how you feel about your stepsisters.”

She shrugged, trying to quell the envy she felt for her sisters. Guilt followed swiftly. They were not to blame for her being ordinary. She was born with run of the mill features, a product of genes. It didn’t make it any easier to bring home a date in high school and have them drool over her gorgeous stepsisters. The only one who hadn’t was Jason. Sweet, caring Jason, who’d faded as soon as the terms of her father’s will became public.

“Honey, you don’t need to worry about Ethan.”

She shook free of her thoughts and smiled at the older woman. “Maude, I’m not worried at all about Ethan. He’s not my type and I’m not his. We are going as working partners. Just like I did with Bill a million times before.”

“I think you’ve shut yourself off because of that ex-fiancé of yours. ”

“I have not shut myself off, Maude. Good night! I’m only twenty-four years old. Besides, I have a rule about dating anyone associated with work. You know that. Now, what did you bring?”

Maude sighed but said nothing else about the subject. “Well, I brought some things to do your hair, but I don’t want to scare you. Why don’t you head on in and get your face done and I’ll get my stuff ready for you?”

* * * *

As the company limo turned into the apartment complex parking lot, Ethan tried to calm his racing heart. Never in his life had he been so nervous when picking up a date. Even when he took Ellen Caldwell to the senior prom his palms didn’t sweat. Here he was, at the age of thirty-two, about to charm secrets out of Dulcy Menendez and he didn’t know if he’d make a fool of himself or not.

“We’re here, Mr. MacMillan,” the driver said.

“Thanks, Ted.”

He didn’t move, but looked up at the door. His stomach tried to revolt, but he knew it had nothing to do with his earlier anger. After thinking about it, he realized Dulcy probably thought she’d been helping a friend. Anderson had used her tender heart. She just didn’t know any better. But it didn’t make deceiving her any easier on Ethan.

“She lives in two oh five, Mr. MacMillan.”

“I know, ” he snapped. Inwardly he sighed. Now he was being an ass to everyone because he was mad at Dulcy. And frustrated. Damn he had never been so frustrated in his life. “I’m sorry, Ted. I’ll only be a moment. ”

Ethan stepped out of the limo and took another deep breath. He could do this. He was Ethan MacMillan, security expert. A man ruthless enough to use an innocent woman to further his investigation.

He knocked on her door.

“Just a minute.” At the sound of her voice, every nerve he’d settled leapt to life. Immediately, his cock hardened. Anticipation skated over his flesh. He was pathetic. All because she had told him to wait for her.

Isn’t that just like a woman? Never ready on time, never a thought he’d be so nervous, he was biting his thumbnail. He stuck his hands in his pockets and turned his back to the door. What was taking the woman so long? It’s not like she had much to do to make herself presentable.

The door opened quietly behind him and he spun around. Any logical thought flew from his mind and all the blood drained from his brain.

She was breathtaking.

The black velvet dress she wore hugged her breasts and hips. It was long sleeved, but bared her smooth shoulders, dipping down between her breasts. The straight skirt was slit and revealed a black stocking-clad thigh. At least, he hoped it was stockings. She cleared her throat and he realized he hadn’t said a word. He looked up at her face, her topaz eyes wary. Then he realized she wasn’t wearing her glasses.

“Where are your glasses?” Smooth, MacMillan. Not, you take my breath away. Can I jump your bones right now? No, you ask about her eyewear.

She chuckled. “Maude confiscated them.”

“Oh.” Yeah, that will sweep her off her feet. Her hair was a riot of curls around her face, her makeup perfect, her full lips painted red. “Are you ready?”

Yeah. There was no blood left in his brain.

“Well, I’m standing outside with my door locked behind me. I’d say that’s a yes.”

He was nonplussed for a second and then laughed. Women usually didn’t get sarcastic with him, but Dulcy did it on a regular basis. He held out his arm and she graciously accepted it. As she walked beside him, her scent, peaches and cream, surrounded him.

He stepped aside when they reached the stairs and allowed her to walk down in front of him. This was an assignment and he had to remember that. The woman was dangerous to his libido. How could he complete his work if his brain had no blood in it?

Ted was standing by the car door, a smile on his face and an appreciative gleam in his eyes.

“Good evening, Miss Menendez,” he said, his eyes dipping down to her cleavage. Ethan fisted his hands, but kept them at his side.

“Hello, Ted. I didn’t know you would be driving us this evening.”

“It’s always a pleasure. And might I say, you look beautiful tonight. ”

“Thank you, Ted.”

She sat in the car and Ethan glared at Ted, who had finally torn his attention away from Dulcy’s breasts. His lecherous expression changed to worry, then fear, as Ethan stared him down and then got into the limo.

“What was all that about?”

He looked at Dulcy, who sat across from him. Because of the position of the seat, the slit in her dress had fallen open and he could see most of her leg. She shifted and he moved his attention back to her face.

“What was...oh, Ted was, well he was staring at your...” and he gestured to her breasts.

She flushed from her chest to her forehead. “Mr. MacMillan.”

The tone she used made him feel like a little schoolboy. And, even that turned him on.

“He didn’t.” He decided not to argue with her because he really couldn’t think. That crooked little smile she gave him warmed his blood.

“You just don’t pay attention to men, Dulcy.” Her eyes widened and her full lips parted.

“I do, too.”

“No, you don’t. Men are always looking at you. They check you out.”

She snorted and he laughed.

“Yeah, what men?” She crossed her arms beneath her breasts, plumping them further. Sweat gathered on his back and he drew in a deep breath, trying to calm the impulse to reach out and run his fingers over her creamy honeyed skin.

“Well, how about Anderson?”

“Pete?” He shook his head. “Believe me, he’s not interested in me and he doesn’t count.”

“Okay, how about that copier guy that came in yesterday? He kept trying to get you to talk to him.”

“Hmm. Of course, you did notice the ring.” No he hadn’t. “Yeah, he was married.”

“Didn’t mean he wasn’t interested.” She rolled her eyes and chuckled. “Why do I get the impression you haven’t dated much since you broke it off with your fiancé?”

“I date,” she said defensively. “I’m just selective.”

“Ah, so you think someone like Anderson is good for you.”

“I’ve told you before, we’re just friends.”

Were they or was she covering up for him? If she thought he was on to her, she might lie about their involvement.

She shifted in her seat, and he heard the creak of leather, the sliding of silk against silk. He repositioned himself so he wouldn’t embarrass himself. His tux pants drew tighter over his erection and he had to do something before they reached the hotel.

Walking in with a massive boner wasn’t something he wanted to do.

* * * *

By the time they reached the hotel, Dulcy’s nerves were worn. If things continued on the same path, she’d be nothing but a puddle of anxiety by the end of the evening.

When Dulcy had opened the door and seen Ethan standing on her balcony, she’d been momentarily stunned. The man filled out a business suit well, but he was devastating in a tux. The cut was expensive, but the color, charcoal gray, was what mesmerized her. It was the exact color of his eyes. Her nipples grew hard and her sex pulsed at the memory.

She glanced in his direction as they walked down the hall. The combination of his spicy cologne and his own personal scent drifted toward her. With every whiff, her head swam. It was either that, or the fact she hadn’t eaten since lunch. She’d been too nervous and being the muncher she was, Dulcy knew she would eat too much tonight.

The function didn’t start for another thirty minutes, but both of them had wanted to get there early to make sure everything was set up properly. They walked through the door and Ethan whistled.

Decorated in red, black and silver, the MacMillan Boots company colors, the large ballroom had been transformed into a cowboy wonderland. Imitation miniature mesquite trees, strewn with sparkling white lights, dotted the room. Giant-sized posters of Gerry Dillon, hung from the ceiling. One was a close-up of him, while the rest were scenes from each of his four bull-riding championships.

A small balding man, his belly almost as wide as his height, rushed forward, his forehead dotted with sweat.

“Miss Menendez, so wonderful to see you again,” he said, glancing pointedly towards Ethan.

“Thank you, Mr. Brown. Mr. MacMillan, I’d like to introduce Mr. Dirk Brown. He’s the catering manager here.”

Ethan smiled and extended his hand. “You did a wonderful job here, Mr. Brown.”

All of his muscles visibly relaxed with Ethan’s approval.

“You don’t have a problem with the trees?”

Ethan wandered away while Dulcy made the final checks with Mr. Brown. After answering some questions, she walked over to Ethan, who was prowling the room. There was no other way to describe it, the man moved with the lethal grace of a leopard.

He stood with his back to her, looking out the oversized windows that led to the patio. His shoulders filled out his coat. Her eyes traveled down his back and she wondered about it. Was it lean and muscular, where she could watch every muscle move?

Before she reached him, Bill’s voice rang out through the room.

“Dulcy, Ethan! This is fantastic!” Dulcy turned and smiled at him. Dressed all in white from his ten-gallon hat to his cowboy boots, Bill strode forward and hugged her.

“You did a fantastic job, Dulcy!” He released her and kept her anchored to his side. “You certainly have outdone yourself with this. Don’t you think so, Ethan?”

She looked at Ethan, who wore almost the same exact smile as Bill. Dulcy was struck by how much uncle and nephew resembled each other.

“Why, don’t you look nice, Ethan,” Maude said when she finally made her way to them. Her red calf-length dress had a fitted bodice, flared at the waist and complimented her ivory skin.

“Thank you, Maude.”

“Have you seen Gerry yet, Dulcy?” Bill asked.

“Ethan and I arrived a few minutes ago, but I haven’t seen him. You know Gerry. He’s not going to be on time for anything but a ride.”

“Now, Miss Menendez, I never knew you were particularly interested in my ability to ride,” Gerry said from behind her.

Her face warmed as she turned to greet their guest of honor. He was an attractive man. Tall, muscled, with blond hair and green eyes, he was the epitome of what people thought of when they talked about cowboys. He had a reputation with women on the circuit and apparently, he couldn’t talk to women without flirting. It was a natural as breathing to him.

He was dressed to the hilt tonight. Red shirt, black jeans and a pair of black, ostrich MacMillan boots. One thing about Gerry, he knew how to dress the part.

“Mr. Dillon, how are you this evening?”

“Just fine, Miss Menendez.” His eyes roamed down her dress all the way to her shoes. Then, they traveled back up, pausing briefly at her breasts. “Really fine.”

“I’m sure you know everyone here except Maude Bellows. Maude, this is Gerry Dillon.”

Gerry stepped forward, took Maude’s hand and brought it to his lips. “It’s a pleasure to meet you.” He immediately turned his attention back to Dulcy. “I’d like a tour of the room, if you don’t mind, Miss Menendez.” He held out his arm and Dulcy slid her hand up his elbow.

“What would you like to see first?”

* * * *

“Ethan quit glaring at their backs, you’ll leave scorch marks,” Bill said.

“I just don’t trust the guy. Dulcy told me he came on to a few employees.” She apparently left out that Gerry had been coming onto her. It was apparent the bull rider had a long-standing relationship with Dulcy. And just that thought had his predatory instincts roaring to life. That feeling of ownership swamped him before he could deal with it. The raw jealousy caught him unawares. He just wasn’t accustomed to dealing with these kinds of emotions.

“I’m sure she can handle herself,” Maude remarked and he glanced at the older woman. “Dulcy’s a lot tougher than people give her credit for.”

Ethan grunted, then turned back to watch Gerry Dillon as he placed his hand on the small of her back. He bit back a growl, knowing it would not be good for the company to tear his arms out and beat him over the head with them.

He’d convinced himself he could put up with Gerry’s attention until the man slid his hand down to pat Dulcy on her rounded ass. He stepped forward, but Bill placed a restraining hand on his arm. He looked down at the hand and then at Bill’s face.

“She can handle herself, Ethan.”

“I know she can, I just don’t like anyone handling my employees. ”

“Go take a breather and I’ll take care of it. You go over there, we could lose our star.”

He nodded and with one last glance at Gerry and Dulcy, he headed to the bathroom.

* * * *

“Gerry, if you don’t take your hand off my ass, I’m going to break it and various other body parts you’re fond of,” Dulcy said.

She couldn’t believe the idiot was actually trying to cop a feel. He chuckled, but moved his hand. “I never knew you were so sassy.” His green eyes sparkled, a sexy grin curving his lips. She knew his type. He was harmless, a man who liked to flirt, and if she were interested he would be fun. But she knew if she said no, Gerry would listen. He would never cross that line without permission.

She crossed her arms beneath her breasts and stepped away from him. “Gerry, I’m not your type.”

“I haven’t met a beautiful woman who wasn’t my type. Besides, it’s not like your dating that stone faced executive.”

“Ethan? No, I’m not.”

“Well, what’s wrong with me?” He took a step closer, backing her up against the wall. Irritation crawled up her spine, stiffening it. She wasn’t afraid of him because she knew exactly what a well-placed knee would do to his ardor.

“You have to ask? First of all, your type is usually a big Texas blonde with even larger attributes. Gerry, you’re a flirt who will never settle down. You don’ t have a serious bone in your body.” She leaned forward, trying hard not to laugh at the mutinous look on his face. He looked like a three-year-old who had been denied a treat. “And office gossip has you lacking in stamina.”

His face flushed red, but a surprised laugh burst out of him. “What is it about you that makes me feel like a little boy who got caught with his hand in the cookie jar?”

She threw her hands in the air and started to walk away. “I give up.”

“Hey.” He grabbed her arm and she turned to find him smiling at her. “I’m just kidding with ya. Can’t blame a guy for trying.”

“No, but I can shoot him.” He laughed and released her.

“I sure do like a woman with a little vinegar in her.”

“Really? Then your soulmate will probably be a woman with a temper the size of Texas.”

A little of his humor faded away. “You are probably right about that one, hun.”

It was the first honest statement she had ever heard pass his lips. She wanted to ask more, but something over her shoulder caught his attention. She turned and found Bill approaching. His eyes were narrowed and his gaze was focused Gerry.

“You having problems him, Dulcy?” he asked.

“No, Bill. Gerry was just being Gerry.” She smiled and he relaxed. She glanced around and noticed the room had started to fill up with guests, but it was one blonde-haired beauty who caught her eye.

Her sister had dressed in a short red dress, a tacky little matching cowboy hat on her head and her arm wrapped around a brown-haired man. They were making their way to her and she squinted, trying to discern who was her sister’s escort. When she realized who he was, they were too close for her to run the other direction. They stopped within a couple of feet of her.

“Dulcy, you look just cute as a bug.”

“Not the words I would have chosen,” her companion said. It had been years since Dulcy had seen him, but he looked almost exactly the same. The same understanding smile curved his lips when he broke off their engagement. “Hey, Dulcinea, how are you doing?”