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“Charlotte, finally. I was beginning to think you’d disappeared.”
“No, I’m just doing my job,” I say, ignoring his dig about my ending up like Jaxon’s last girlfriend. He’s as bad as Jess. A shiver races through me as I think about how close I’ve come to someone who may have been capable of making his ex disappear.
“So, you have something, then?” The interest in his voice picks up a few notes.
“Yes, I’m just not sure what yet, but there is definitely something here. Give me a couple more weeks and I’ll have something solid for you.”
“Great.” He sounds pleased, and I can’t help but feel excited by the praise. “This is going to be huge for your career, Charlotte. If you can crack the uncrackable, there’s no telling what’s next for you. Keep me posted, okay?”
I end the call and stare at the phone for a second, his words sinking in. He’s right. This is make or break for me. Feeling bad or guilty about what I’m doing will get me nowhere. I need to be ruthless and get what I need. If I can’t handle that, then I’m in the wrong career.
I stay outside, walking the grounds for nearly an hour before I realize the time. I hurry back inside, remembering that Jaxon is expecting me to join him for dinner. My private line rings as I’m getting out of the shower. Wrapping a towel around my body, I sprint across the room.
“Hello?” I say, diving across the bed to answer it.
“I don’t like to be kept waiting, Charlotte.” The tone of his voice sends shivers down my spine.
“I’m sorry. I’m on my way down,” I mumble. “I’m just getting dressed.”
He breathes out slowly. “Please hurry.”
The line goes dead. I hang up and grab the dress that’s been left out for me. Foregoing underwear as per his directions, I carefully ease the soft chiffon over my curves. I check my reflection in the mirror, satisfied with the way the fabric hugs my body.
Jaxon is waiting for me in the foyer, dressed in a suit. He wears a cool expression that softens slightly when I near him. His dark eyes glisten in the light as they roam over my body. He nods appreciatively as I reach him.
“You look stunning,” he murmurs, extending his arm. I’m a little shocked, but I accept it, looping mine through his. There seem to be two Jaxons, and I’m glad to be spending the night with this one.
“Where are we going?” I ask, my voice neutral as he leads me outside.
“A function for work.” He sees my alarmed expression and laughs. “Don’t worry, I’m not planning on making you do anything uncomfortable tonight. Well, not at the function, anyway.”
I blush and drop my gaze, not liking how badly my body betrays me. All I can think about is him being inside me later, and I’m pretty sure he knows it. Hell, I’ve had more sex these last two weeks than I’ve had in the last three years.
We arrive at a ritzy hotel, where Jaxon pulls up in front of a waiting valet. He exits the car, throwing his keys at the young man before coming around to my door. I take his hand and slide out, shivering as the cool air hits my bare arms. Why didn’t I bring a jacket?
“Here,” he whispers. I smile as he slips off his jacket, covering my shoulders. I can still feel his warmth, and the soft smell of him makes my heart race. My hand still in his, he leads me inside. Men in suits and women in stunning dresses are everywhere. I feel out of place but I try not to show it.
“What is this function for?” I ask. My voice cracks as his hand runs up the center of my back.
“This is for one of the many charity events we support. Unfortunately, along with the hefty donations we make, we’re expected to attend these events too.”
I take in the looks of surprise on the faces of the other guests as we walk through the crowd and smile.
“I get the feeling you don’t attend as many of these as you should.”
He smiles widely, his dark eyes twinkling. “Is it that obvious? I’m not exactly known for my social skills. I much prefer to sit back and run the company, leave all this to everyone else.”
He stops a waiter and retrieves a flute of champagne, handing it to me. I smile before taking a sip. The smooth, fruity liquid bubbles on my tongue. It’s delicious, nothing like the bitter, cheap, nameless wine I’m used to. I pace myself, making sure there’s no chance of my overindulging. The last thing I want is to get even a little tipsy, because under-the-influence Charlotte loves to chatter. I cringe as I imagine all the things that would spill out of my mouth if that happened.
“Are you hungry?” he asks, leading me over to a buffet full of various dishes. I wasn’t hungry until I saw these. I choose what looks like a mousse-filled tart and lift it to my lips. It smells intoxicating and tastes just as good. Jaxon smiles at my expression, and I’m guessing it’s obvious that I’m enjoying it.
I pick up another one before backing away from the table. Jaxon tenses next to me. I follow his gaze to an older gentleman dressed in an expensive dark suit. He looks vaguely familiar, but with the slight haze of the champagne, I can’t figure out where I know him from.
“I’ll be back in a moment,” he murmurs, dropping my hand. I watch as he walks over to the man, placing his hand on his back like they’re old friends. I’m still trying to figure out who the hell he is when I sense someone next to me. I jump when I realize it’s Ryan.
“We meet again,” he says, grinning, his voice deep. I wince. The last time he saw me I was all over his daughter.
“Hello,” I mumble, not meeting his eye. I feel awkward and embarrassed and I just wish he would go away. Jaxon hates this guy for a reason, and being so close to him makes me feel sick, because I have no idea what he’s capable of. But you trust Jaxon? I ignore the mocking voice in the back of my head.
