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CHAPTER NINETEEN
EMMA ROLLED OVER ANDstared at the clock. 2:23 a.m. Despite her exhaustion she couldn’t sleep. Stumbling out of bed and slipping into her robe, she wearily padded down the hallway to her kitchen and removed the bottle of lemon vodka from her freezer. After taking a swig, she carried it with her to the living room and switched on a lamp. As she stared around the room wondering what to do with herself, the laptop on the coffee table caught her eye.
If she couldn’t sleep she’d do some sleuthing.
Settling on the couch and putting down the bottle, she placed her computer on her lap and entered Zach’s name into the search engine. Opening the images first, she gazed at his sexy, smiling face. But as she continued to study the gallery of photographs, she discovered he’d escorted Anna Lee Pickford to a stream of events around town. Gnashing her teeth, she reached for the vodka.
“I wouldn’t care if she wasn’t so gorgeous,” she mumbled, taking a swallow as she stared at a particularly flattering picture of the petite, blonde starlet. “This is infuriating, and why the hell am I sitting here torturing myself? Fuck.”
Leaving the images and returning to the search results, she scanned the headlines until one in particular caught her attention.
ZACH TAYLOR NAMED HEAD OF MOTION PICTURE DEVELOPMENT: Continental PICTURES.
“We only hire the brightest and the best and that’s exactly what Zach Taylor is,” said Jerry Goldman when he announced the appointment at a press conference today. Zach Taylor, the former V.P. of Motion Picture Development at one of the major studios, has chosen to take the top job at the fast-growing film company. With a slew of hits behind them, Continental has entered the big ticket market, and Jerry Goldman believes Zach is the man to keep them to even greater heights.
Taking another swig, she clicked back into his photographs, ignoring the ones showing him with Anna Lee. He dressed conservatively, yet with flare, but a yawn took her by surprise. Shutting down her computer and returning it to the coffee table, she ambled back into her bedroom, dropped her robe and climbed into bed. The moment she closed her eyes she saw Zach lecturing the class, then at his office sitting behind his desk in this big, black leather chair. Moving her hand between her legs, she began to rub.
“I told you I was going to spank you, Emma Hartman, and I always keep my promises.”
As she imagined the warning, her fingers urgently rubbed her clit, and she pictured him pulling her over his lap and slapping her naked backside, then roughly throwing her on the bed, pinning her down and devouring her breasts.
Suddenly swept away by a shuddering orgasm, she cried out as tingling prickles sparkled through her limbs.
But they were fleeting.
Falling limp, she let out a deep groan.
“Holy crap, Zach Taylor,” she mumbled breathlessly. “What have you done to me?”
* * *
EMMA WASN’T THE ONLYone having a sleepless night. After dinner with Anna Lee, Zach had driven home withMoonbeams and Fairy Dustsafely in his briefcase. Taking a hot shower and pulling on his thick, microfiber robe, he’d loaded his favorite CD—a collection from the French composer Eric Satie—and with a glass of warm brandy, he’d settled into his favorite armchair. Taking his time, he’d allowed himself to fall into the story and feel the characters, making notes as he read.
He knew immediately Angelo Frattiano would be perfect to play Antonio, the charismatic, complex lead. A man with a beguiling, polished facade, he was the menace behind the drugs, charming his wealthy victims and ultimately turning them into addicts. Seductive, dashing and cool, but evil personified.
Though classically handsome with a million dollar smile, when Angelo took on a solemn demeanor and his brow furrowed, he emanated a smoldering darkness. He had a natural broodiness, suggesting danger if crossed. Women found him irresistible, and men wished they had his tough edge and swarthy good looks.
The female lead was a wealthy young heiress who becomes hooked on Antonio and the drugs he supplies. Though initially narcissistic and shallow, she realizes what her life has become and risks everything to save them both. The role was challenging, but Zach believed Anna Lee had the talent to pull it off.
He’d pushed himself to finish the script, and with his eyes half-closed, he walked slowly up the stairs to his bedroom and fell on the bed. But as he drifted off, Emma’s burst of temper crossed his mind.
I wouldn’t go out with you if you were the last man on the planet.
A smile crossed his lips.
She would have seen him at Emile’s. It would probably prod her into calling with her address, and when he picked her up, she’d have an excuse. She was a brat, but an adorable brat, and he couldn’t wait to spank her.
Seconds later he was asleep.
Sitting alone in the screening room he waited for the film to start, then abruptly realized he was in control. Opening the arm of the chair, he pressed the intercom button and gave the order. The screen flickered, and Emma appeared wearing a ridiculously tight red dress. Turning her back to him she wiggled her hips.
“Hey, big boy,” she said, winking at him over her shoulder. “I want to accept your offer, but you have to work for it.”
Swiveling around on her very high heels, she literally stepped from the screen, sashayed up to him and dropped on her knees.
