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She nipped his bottom lip and tugged him closer. That seemed to drive him wild, because he gripped her jaw and redoubled his efforts. This was more than a kiss. It blasted Amelia into the stratosphere. Lust burned her from the inside out.
The hand he’d kept on her thigh moved to her breast. He shaped and fondled her curves, making noises that stoked Amelia’s flames ever higher. A gentle tweak of her nipple over her clothes had her gasping, and Leo’s lips shaped into a smile against hers.
She’d never been kissed like this before. This was a full-body experience. She’d never felt as attractive, as free. Leo touched her like she was beautiful. He made her feel like he appreciatedher—the real her—like she was special and desirable and sexy. Her hips began to make small circles, moving of their own accord—
Amelia pulled away, suddenly stiff. What was shedoing? She couldn’t do this with Leo! He was supposed to help her get a boyfriend—someone who wasn’t him! This was a simple business exchange.
It was all well and good for the player of the century to kiss her; he wouldn’t get attached. But Amelia had never been kissed like that. She’d misinterpret everything—hell, she was already feeling like Leo cared about her. He didn’t care! He was just here to get her to play along with his stupid fake fiancée scheme. And after one kiss, Amelia felt like she’d found The One.
Pathetic.
“Hey.” His hand cupped her chin and tilted her face so he could study her. “You okay?”
She nodded and forced herself to smile. “Yes. That was great, thanks. I see what you mean about practice.”
Amelia made to move off his lap, but Leo circled his arms around her waist. He held her in place. “Wait. What just happened?”
“Nothing. That was great. Thank you for the demonstration. I see that I’m not as bad as I thought.” She peeled his hands off her waist and stood, brushing the front of her shirt down with a few rough movements. “Cool. Well, I should get to bed, and you should go home. We have a big day tomorrow.”
She could feel his eyes on her, but Amelia forced herself to walk to the front door. Her legs were unsteady, and she bumped into an armchair on the way. When she got to the door, she held it open and finally met his gaze.
Leo’s face was utterly blank as he watched her for a beat, then dipped his chin. In a toneless voice he said, “I’ll pick you up at three p.m.”
The door closed behind him, and Amelia made sure to throw the deadbolt. It slammed home with a loudthunkin the empty apartment, and Amelia let out a shaky breath. The ring felt heavy on her finger, and she pulled it off with shaking hands. She studied the glittering stone and regretted every decision that had brought her to this moment.
Then she took a long, cold shower.
NINE
Fred Goodhew’smansion stood on the outskirts of Stirling, nestled in a leafy, forested estate only accessible via a wrought-iron gate at the end of a long drive. Leo slowed as he drove the car onto his boss’s property, his mind still spinning from what had happened the night before.
Amelia hadn’t said much to him today. What was there to say? He’d acted like a horny asshole, and she obviously regretted kissing him. If he were a better man, he’d regret it too.
But he couldn’t.
In fact, he couldn’t stop thinking about it. He’d barely slept last night because his body had burned up for hours. He could still taste her on his tongue, could feel the way she softened and writhed atop him.
His hands tightened on the steering wheel as they made their way down the arrow-straight road, tree branches arching overhead, barrels of annual flowers dotting the drive at even intervals. It was his first year as an event director and the first time he’d been invited to the company party. He should’ve been happy about it.
Instead, he was ashamed.
“Whoa,” Amelia breathed, shifting in her seat. She pushed a strand of hair behind her ear, and the ring on her third finger sent off multicolored sparks. The mansion came into view before them, a sprawling building with gray siding and a dark roof, its front door framed with four white columns. A round turret stood sentinel at the left side of the property, giving the building a strange, disjointed look, like multiple houses had been mashed together to create this gargantuan monster.
The circular drive led them around a spraying fountain shaped like two jumping fish, and they came to a stop in front of the grand front entrance. A valet in a crisp black suit stepped up and opened Amelia’s door to let her out before circling to collect the keys from Leo. They were led up the steps to another staff member, who gave them both a shallow half-bow.
The man was in his fifties, with perfectly slicked-back silver hair. He wore an honest-to-goodness tailcoat with a starched white shirt and shiny, black, patent leather shoes. The only bit of color on his outfit was a pin with the Goodhew Inc. logo on his breast.
“Mr. St. James. Ms. Darcy,” the man said, even though they’d never met. “Welcome to the Goodhew Estate. We hope you’ll have a pleasant stay. My name is Percival. If you have need of anything at all during your time with us, please let me know.” He led them inside the huge double doors, into an ornate foyer. “Your bags will be taken directly to your room. We have refreshments set up in the Blue Room. If you’ll follow me.”
Amelia’s eyes were wide as she glanced at Leo. “A freaking butler,” she whispered, wiggling her eyebrows.
It was the first hint of her personality he’d seen all afternoon, and Leo felt himself finally relax. Maybe she’d forgive him for acting like an ogre last night. Not that he deserved her forgiveness.
Percival the butler led them down a wide, marble-tiled hallway dotted with sculptural pieces and gilded paintings. Chandeliers glittered above them, sending twinkling lights flashing over all the luxurious furnishings. They turned a corner and the sound of conversation floated toward them. Halfway down the next hall, Percival stood aside and gestured to an open doorway.
The Blue Room was, indeed, blue. The walls were a soft periwinkle, and the two large couches that dominated the space were a rich, royal-blue velvet. Drapes of the same fabric and hue framed the gorgeous forest view, and tasteful vases burst with fresh flowers all around the room.
In contrast, the people milling around the space and lounging on the blue furniture stood out, wearing yellows and blacks and pinks, as if the designer had planned for people to pop against the monochromatic decor. It worked. The room was as striking as it was unique.
