Effortless: HarperImpulse Contemporary Romance

  He stirred and moaned softly as I knelt on the floor in front of him, brushing pieces of messy red hair off his forehead.

  “Amelia,” he mumbled. I loved how his voice sounded when he first woke. So deep and rough and sexy.

  “Good morning, handsome. Felt like camping out on the couch?”

  “Mmm.” He stretched. “I didn’t want to wake you up again. Come here.”

  I obliged, snuggling against his warm body. He rested his cheek to mine, sighing.

  “I don’t mind being woken up by your bad dreams. I’d rather have you next to me then have to search for you in the morning.”

  He held me tighter. “Fair enough.”

  “Do you have to go to work today?”

  His drowsy smile turned me on in a way I didn’t expect. “Yes. Come for lunch after your morning at the spa.”

  “The spa? I’m not going to the spa.”

  “Yes you are. I made an appointment for you. You deserve to be pampered on your day off.”

  “When were you planning to tell me about this?”

  “Right now.” He kissed me. “I get less back talk when you’re still half asleep.”

  “Ass.” I knew he was right though. “I thought you liked my smart mouth.”

  “I like the things you do with that mouth more.”

  I nuzzled his neck, kissing just under his ear. I got the reaction I wanted when a low groan vibrated in his throat. “What time is my appointment?” I asked before sucking gently on his earlobe.

  “Ten. Paxton will take you and pick you up.” He exhaled in a rush. “Christ, Lia, that feels good.”

  I’d slid my hand between his legs and started running my fingernails along his inner thigh. He couldn’t control how his body reacted to my touch. Such a turn on.

  “Glad you like it.”

  “I thought you said I destroyed you yesterday.”

  I laughed. “You did. I’m still on the sex hiatus so rein in your insatiable advances. I need some recovery time.”

  His pout was so seductive. “How long?”

  “I’ll let you know.” I grinned, sitting back on my heels. He covered his face with his hands briefly before sitting up and sighing. Something was bothering him. He seemed distracted and distant. Looking at me with tired eyes, he cupped my jaw. The feeling of dread that had been hanging around returned with a vengeance, making me antsy.

  Alastair kissed me softly before getting up to shower. I watched him dress for work in the bedroom, admiring his athletic physique as I always did. Clean shaven and freshly washed, the last remnants of my scruffy, unbridled lover morphed into a controlled, powerful businessman. The tailor made three piece suit molded to his body perfectly. I’d take him either way, just so long as I could have him.

  “So I’ll see you after your spa appointment?” he asked, adjusting the cufflinks I’d given to him over the summer.

  “If you’re not too busy.”

  He leveled me with those intense emerald eyes. “I’m never too busy for you, kitten. You know that.”

  I smiled as a rare bout of shyness swept through me. He made me feel so special, like I truly was the most important thing in his life. Tilting my chin up, he gazed at me with such gentleness and affection it brought me back to our night in Paris. My heart ached with love.

  * * *

  For the second time in as many days I couldn’t move. I’d been wrapped, scrubbed, massaged and pampered all morning. The luxurious scents of jasmine, sandalwood and rose lingered on my skin, adding an extra layer of serenity. Stephanie and I would go to spas at the fancy hotels in Orlando on occasion but we’d never treated ourselves to this level of indulgence. This was decadent and borderline excessive. I smiled, sipping on some cucumber water in the lounge. My future husband knew how to score brownie points.

  A couple of other women were in here too and they had the same dreamy, peaceful expressions on their faces as I did. It was a struggle to leave this oasis but the promise of seeing Alastair for lunch spurred me on. I grabbed my black leggings, t-shirt and hoodie and redressed, remaining make-up free and throwing my hair up in a ponytail. Not the most glamorous look but it totally fit the vibe of this day so far. Besides, Alastair thought it was cute when I dressed super casual.

  As I was walking toward the reception area, a tall brunette stared at me hard and frowned.

  “It is you,” she muttered. “I see you’ve made yourself quite comfortable with the Holden lifestyle.”

  Her salty tone got my hackles up. I had no intention of spoiling my day so I just looked at her coolly, smiled and went to the waiting Mercedes. A sizable group of photographers and reporters waited with cameras at the ready. Somebody from inside the spa must have tipped off the press. They descended on me, taking pictures and shouting questions.

  “Have you recovered from the accident?”

  “When is the wedding?”

  “Are you pregnant?”

  “Is it true Holden World Media is dissolving its music division due to bad finances and rumors of embezzlement?”

  I stopped short, staring at the bearded guy who asked that question. The look on my face must have answered it for him. I had no idea what he was talking about.

  “Miss Meyers. Come with me.” Paxton muscled through the crush of media, placing a secure grip on my arm. The reporters shouted after me while the photographers stuck their lenses as close as they could, snapping away with every move I made.

  Once inside the safety of the SUV, I watched them grow smaller and smaller when Paxton drove off. I twisted the engagement ring around my finger. Embezzlement? Dissolving part of the company? Maybe that was the reason for Alastair’s angry phone call last night. I always tried to respect his wishes and not bring up work matters when we were home but this was huge. He must have known I’d catch wind of it sooner or later. After all, I was the executive producer for a news magazine show. Which I’m not at today, for what it’s worth.

  I stared out the window at the city as it flew by. Was this why he didn’t want me at work yesterday or today? Julian had mentioned a big announcement regarding the future of the company was coming.

  When we arrived at the HWM building I hopped out of the car and breezed through the lobby. The security guard nodded a greeting to me as I went to the elevators. For the most part, my body and mind were still drunk with relaxation so I wasn’t anxious about seeing him. If anything, I just wanted to be in his arms.

  Simone wasn’t at her desk when I arrived at the top floor. I did a little happy dance on the inside. Not seeing her oh so unpleasant face was a gift.

  I turned the knob and opened the door to Alastair’s office. My heart dropped right out of my body. Olivia stood in front of him with her hands on his chest. Her lips were parted and she was gazing up at him like a lovesick puppy. I clutched my stomach.

  “What the fuck?”

  “Amelia.” He turned to me, sounding so calm and unflustered.

  I glared at him. “Why is she here?” I asked, failing to keep a civil tone. Any remnants of my glorious morning at the spa dissipated. He was now standing in front of me but I turned my attention to the blonde leaning against his desk. She appeared flushed and out of breath.

  “Stop,” he ordered softly. “Look at me.”

  I did, against my better judgment. “Start talking, Holden.”

  “It’s not what you think.” He gripped my ponytail, pulling on it slowly. If these were normal circumstance I’d be turned on by the tugging. But they weren’t and I wasn’t.

  “Not the best way to start this conversation.”

  His next tug was harder and more intense, wreaking havoc on my determination stay angry. “Don’t,” he growled. “I told you I was going to put a stop to everything. Let me take care of this.”

  I wanted to tear that suit off him, sprawl him out on the floor and have my way with him to show her just who he belonged to and how nobody would ever come between us. This surging jealousy filled every inch of my being. I never pe
gged myself to be the jealous type but this girl brought out the absolute worst in me.

  Leaning close, Alastair brushed his cheek to mine. “Careful with that look, Lia,” he whispered. “Go wait out in reception. I promise this won’t take long.”

  “I’m not leaving you in here with her.”

  “You don’t trust me?” he asked, his eyes widening.

  “I trust you with my life, chief. It’s her I don’t trust.”

  “You have nothing to worry about.” The second his lips touched mine I wrapped my arms around him, kissing him with more desperation than I wanted. “My Lia,” he smiled. “Your enthusiasm is appreciated.”

  I grabbed his tie, keeping his body close to me.

  “You’re mine.”

  “Ditto, love.” He kissed me again. “Now go do as I say.”

  It took all of my strength not to latch myself onto him when he walked back to her. I could see how much she wanted him. I could feel it emanating from her body. Simone stared at me in horror when I walked out and closed the door.

  “When did you get here?” she asked, sounding like she had a serious head cold.

  “In time to see what was behind door number one.”

  She paled. “I’m sorry.”

  Surprised, I folded my arms. “You are?”

  “He’ll probably fire me.”

  “Why?”

  “I was supposed to call Paxton and tell him to stall you. But I have this damn flu thing and I needed more tissues so I went to the loo to grab some. I didn’t do what he wanted and now he’s going to fire me.”

  In all of my interactions with her, this was the most she’d ever said to me. And to top it all off, she no longer had that disinterested look on her face. Now she was just worried about her employment status.

  “I doubt he’ll fire you,” I muttered. “You’ve been his assistant for ages. Nobody else probably has the patience to put up with him.”

  She laughed. She actually laughed. “My girlfriend says the same thing.”

  The desk phone started ringing so I let Simone get back to work. I paced around the luxurious waiting area, running my hand along the leather sofa. The feeling I’d had when I left the spa seemed to be a million miles away now. Nothing ever came easy for us, did it? If it wasn’t Nathan, it was Olivia or Emma or the press or something. I sighed, staring blankly out the window at downtown Glasgow. I don’t even know how long I stood like this. Half an hour maybe? My anxiety grew with each minute that ticked away. The sound of a door opening broke through my reverie.

  Olivia came out, looking just as flushed as she had been when I was in there. A sickening, crushing sensation seized my chest. She caught my eye and lifted her chin; a defiant move signaling she wasn’t going away without a fight. We stared at one another; one man’s past and future locked in an age old battle. She was about to say something when Alastair appeared.

  “Paxton is waiting downstairs, Olivia,” he said. “He’ll take you home.”

  “Thank you.” She turned to him, a demure smile curving her mouth. “For everything.”

  My one saving grace was that he didn’t escort her all the way to the elevators, just to the end of the hall. I couldn’t stomach seeing them together. I didn’t like the familiarity between them as they walked side by side. It felt like I was watching them as they used to be when they dated.

  I inhaled, allowing the cleansing breath to calm me. Alastair waited a beat after the elevator doors closed before coming back to me. The hesitation toyed with my emotions. Extending his hand, he asked, “Are you coming?”

  I nodded, letting his fingers entwine with mine as I followed him back inside his office. The atmosphere felt heavy, like something monumental had just occurred and I wasn’t privy to the results.

  “You,” he said cupping my jaw, “are glowing. I take it they treated you well at the spa?”

  “It was amazing, thank you.”

  “You deserve to be treated to the best this world has to offer. I’ll send you anytime you’d like. Just say the word.”

  I searched his guarded expression, disheartened by his distance. “What di—”

  Cut off by his kiss, I snaked my fingers through his hair, holding on as tight as I could. I had that sinking feeling again that if I let him go he’d disappear.

  “Hey.” The smile that I loved crossed his lips. “How about we go off the grid for the weekend? I’ll fly you somewhere beautiful and spend every minute of every hour focused on nothing but you.”

  I couldn’t help myself and grinned. “Where?”

  “That’s for me to know. Meet me at the airport tonight at eight?”

  “You’re serious.”

  “I’ve never been more serious about anything. Will you come with me?”

  I hesitated, not knowing how to answer. “You’re trying to deflect what just happened in here.”

  He shrugged, playing with my ponytail. “I’m trying to spend a weekend alone with my future wife.”

  “But what about Olivia? I’m…she’s still in love with you and I—”

  “We have an understanding, Lia,” he interrupted. “She knows the consequences if she pushes too hard.”

  “I don’t trust her.”

  “I know.”

  “Brian Kenner is on line one for you, Mr. Holden.” Simone’s voice floated from his desk phone. “He’s in New York.”

  Alastair scowled before going to his desk. “Tell him I’ll be with him in a minute.” Flicking his eyes up at me he sighed. “I have to take this. I’m sorry.”

  “Don’t apologize. You’re at work. I’ll go home.”

  His expression altered. “Come here.”

  Driven by his gentle command I circled around the desk. He sat on the edge and wedged me between his thighs like he’d done the last time I was here. Being so close to him accelerated my pulse. I played with his tie, gazing up at his perfect face. Lowering his head, he sealed our mouths together in a lush, passionate kiss.

  “Stay with me,” he murmured, fitting a wireless earpiece onto his right ear. Reaching back, he pushed the talk button. “Holden.”

  Placing his finger to my lips, he slid his other hand between my legs. I inhaled on a sharp intake. While he was on a business call?

  “I’ve read the entire proposal and while I appreciate your ideas, this isn’t quite what we’re looking for. Jason has been rather specific with what he wants.”

  Down went my leggings.

  “No. We want a complete user experience. Streaming the media online will stay the main focus.”

  The sound of tearing cotton signaled the demise of my underwear.

  “Because it’s what works, Brian. We’re not going to screw around with what we know is successful.”

  My nails sank into his shoulders when he outlined the sensitive flesh near my clit before sliding his fingers inside me. I closed my eyes and gasped. He’s really doing this.

  “We’ll start in the U.S. market first, then roll out in Canada and the United Kingdom within a year. Yes. Ask him if you want but that’s the timetable.”

  Not much else from the conversation registered when his other hand grasped my backside. I was at his mercy. I buried my face in his neck to muffle my moans when he stroked along my tailbone. The more I made noise, the deeper he pushed his fingers inside. Oh God, he curled them. My legs shook. Lifting my head to see him, I was amazed at how his eyes shimmered with desire but his expression remained all business.

  Cool as ice.

  I was hot as the sun.

  “It’s a brilliant concept,” he said, his voice sounding a little strained. “We’re not changing it.”

  Unable to control myself thanks to the intensity of how his fingers slid in and out, I lunged forward, kissing and sucking on his neck. I felt his pulse speed up when I grabbed a handful of his hair. His body went taut. I knew he was having a hard time keeping a handle on his urges.

  “You’re a bad boy, Alastair Reid Holden,” I whispered in his ear. “I
like it.”

  He shoved a third finger in me, making my body quake. I bit down on his shoulder in an effort to stay quiet.

  “Revise the proposal and send it to me Monday. Talk to you then.” He yanked the earpiece out and tossed it on the desk. Eyeing me with a hunger so palpable I could feel it, he picked me up and nearly threw me down in his chair. In seconds he was on his knees with my legs tossed over his shoulders. My God. Seeing him in this position, dressed in his urbane suit and tie, and being so carnal and raw was too much. I shoved both hands in his hair, pulling hard. He sealed his mouth against my now throbbing clit and finished me off, leaving me shaky and spent.

  “I’m supposed to be on hiatus,” I panted, sliding down in the chair.

  Alastair smiled in his crazy-sexy way and leaned close. “I told you I wanted you to come for lunch.”

  Lethal.

  CHAPTER TWENTY-FOUR

  “I’m not keeping you from anything monumentally important, am I?” I asked, watching Alastair read through a file. I was still sitting in his desk chair and he was on one of the couches in the middle of his office.

  He looked up and grinned. “No. I don’t have anything scheduled for another half hour.”

  I leaned forward, resting my chin in my hands. The picture of me in that ridiculously large sunhat sat on his desk next to the computer monitor. Hard to believe it was taken only one year ago. My life had changed so much in that time. I gazed at my future husband as he studied a document. He appeared relaxed with an arm draped along the back of the couch. Intelligence and professionalism reflected in his eyes and serious expression.

  “Are you working late tonight?”

  “Not planning on it.”

  “Really?”

  “You sound surprised.”

  “I don’t know, Mr. CEO. You’re a big, important guy and you’ve already played hooky once this week. The boss won’t like you slacking off again.”

  “I thought you were the boss.”

  I leaned back in the chair and laughed. “Finally. It took you long enough.”

  “Don’t tell anyone,” he said, marking up the page with his pen. I still wanted to ask about what that reporter said to me earlier but didn’t quite know how to bring it up. I’m sure I’d be covering whatever the story was at work next week. I’d rather walk into the storm somewhat prepared.