“Ella.” He holds out a hand while rolling my name off his tongue as if its taste is the only thing he needs to survive. There’s a husky tone to his voice, reminding me of a smoky scotch.
“Carter.” Lifting my mouth into a shy smile, I slip my hand in his and we make our way out to the car.
“You look lovely. Are you sure you’re not going to be cold?” He assesses me with a gaze that screams desire, but I don’t recoil. Instead, I shiver with anticipation.
“I’ll survive,” I quip as his driver opens the door, allowing me into the sleek, black SUV. Once I’m seated comfortably, he joins me shifting close enough to have our thighs touching. The heat of his body warms me instantly. “Thank you for picking me up. I could have taken a cab.” I sneak a glance at him, taking in his masculine profile.
“I wanted to see you again. What better way to spend the morning on my way to work than with a beautiful woman?” he says with a poised elegance. He’s quiet for a moment as if choosing his words carefully, then continues, “Also, I figured it’s a good way to get to know you.” The side of his mouth lifts playfully and he turns his gaze on me.
“What do you want to know?”
“What’s your favorite food?” The question isn’t what I’m expecting, but he looks like he truly wants to know.
“Sushi.” My answer earns me a handsome grin.
“Very interesting,” is all he murmurs before turning to the window, but my shallow breaths can be heard in the silence. How can two words disarm me so much? “Do you enjoy the outdoors, or do you prefer staying in?”
I consider his question for a moment before answering. “Both. It depends on my mood. There are times I love being outdoors, and sometimes, it’s nice to relax on the sofa, with a good book and a glass of wine.”
“Mmm,” he hums, the sound smooth and decadent, as if he’s trying to blanket me in it. “What about your favorite movie?” He smirks the question, sending a flurry of butterflies to my belly.
Once again, the question isn’t something I’d think he’d ask, which makes me smile. “There are so many amazing movies. I don’t think I could choose just one.” I glance at him, and it’s true. I’ve never had a favorite movie, but there are some that tug at my heart that I could watch over and over again.
“And your favorite fairy tale? Don’t tell me it’s Cinderella.” This time he laughs, a full throaty one and I can’t stop my own giggle. He’s infectious in a way I was missing for so long.
“I suppose that would be one that could tell my story, although I never had a stepmother who was evil.” I shrug, realizing I’m once again giving away more than I should.
“So, you have a tendency of running away from handsome men, Princess?” he murmurs.
“Who said you were handsome?” This time I tease him, earning myself a smile that lights up his face. The attraction between us is evident.
“Well”—he shifts on the bench seat to face me—“you seem to be affected by me,” he whispers knowingly, his knuckles feathering over my cheek, “and I’m certainly affected by you.” He leans in and his lips brush the sensitive spot behind my ear, causing a shudder to wrack through me. My heart catapults itself into my throat, choking me with emotion.
He sits back and I miss his warmth. Before he has time to ask another question or I have time to respond, the car pulls up to the offices of Ainsworth International. Carter opens his door and exits the vehicle. Turning, he offers me his hand, which I accept. As soon as mine slips into his, electricity jolts through me, setting my body alight with want.
Once I’m beside him on the sidewalk, he releases me and I immediately miss his touch. What’s wrong with me? We walk, side by side, toward the entrance. Entering together, I find Lizzie’s glance trained on us. “Mr. Hamilton, good morning.” She offers a shy smile, then turns her attention on me. “Ella, you’ve got a meeting with a new client today. Mr. Hernandez. It’s in your diary.”
I nod graciously as we pass. “Thank you, Lizzie.” I know she’ll be asking why I’ve arrived with him this morning and I think my boss will be wondering the same thing. At the elevator, Carter pushes the button, waiting beside me as the numbers light up. The air is alive, swirling, heavy with want.
Silver doors slide open, allowing us to enter the empty car.
“I’m glad you agreed to my offer, Ella. I’d like to see more of you. Besides our dinner, of course. Perhaps I can give you a ride every morning to work?” Carter doesn’t look at me. He talks to the doors, but it feels as if his heated gaze is on me.
Darting my eyes to him, I take in the profile of the man beside me.
Poised, elegant, handsome. Unbelievably so.
His tanned skin seems darker with the dusting of stubble on his jaw. His black hair, dark as night, has me itching to tangle my finger through the thick, silky strands.
“I think I’d like that.” My response is nothing more than a whisper, but he hears. And just like that, I’ve given him a sliver of trust. More than I’ve given any man, ever.
Once we reach the top floor, the elevator spits us out and I head directly to my desk, while Carter follows behind me. He leans in as I drop my bag, his cologne once again engulfing me in its safety.
“I’ll collect you when you’re finished with work this afternoon. Till later, Ella.”
And with that he turns on his heel and strolls confidently to Bennett’s office and disappears behind the thick wooden door, shutting it with a resounding click.
Bennett
The door shuts and I drag my attention away from the email up to my best friend. His smirk is enough to tell me something happened. And if something happened, I know I’m in for the whole sordid story.
Details, he loves details.
“And? You’re not going to tell me you’ve already gotten into those knickers of hers, are you?”
He unties the button on his suit jacket and settles in the champagne-colored suede chair opposite my desk. He rests one ankle over the opposite knee, looking ever the playboy he’s known to be.
“I didn’t fu*k her, but”—he pauses for dramatic effect—“I’m taking her for dinner tomorrow night,” he confesses with pride, confidence shining in his smirk. “We’ll soon have her tangled in our web. I assure you. However, I did learn that our girl is utterly broken. She’s fearful of something.”
“What do you think it is?” Concern drips from my every word.
He glances at the window, concentrating on the city. His eyes give it away. He likes her. I haven’t seen him care for someone before. Not like this.
“I’m not sure. She doesn’t like talking about her family. I have a feeling that might be the reason,” he tells me earnestly.
My heart constricts. I haven’t spent enough time with her, but if he’s this worried about her, then I am too.
“I’ll talk to her today. We are meeting with a client then I’ll take her to lunch. What are you doing here anyway?”