Page 38 of Sex, Lust & Lingerie

CHAPTER 23

Gloria

Ispent lunch at my desk, and over a Chinese chicken salad, which I barely touched, I started to respond to the myriad emails I’d receive since giving my speech. Over six hundred new messages were sitting in my inbox, One by one, I painstakingly went though them. Virtually all of them were supportive, making me feel humbled and more determined than ever to save my company. I typed away feverishly, intermittently checking the price of Gloria’s Secret stock. Damn it! It had tumbled another ten points. Maybe my speech had cheered up employees, but it did nothing to shake off investor anxiety. I took a break from the emails and slumped in my chair. I was in no mood to meet with Jaime Zander—nor did I have the time. I had no choice; though it was already 1:45, I needed to cancel our meeting. I whipped out my cell phone and texted him.

ME: Must cancel meeting.

JZ: Don’t. That’s rude.

ME: I have a crisis.

JZ: I know. Hang in there.

ME: It’s intense.

JZ: You’ll get thru it.

ME: You have no clue.

JZ: I do. Trust me.

Again, those unnerving two words “trust me.” I steeled myself as I responded.

ME: PLZ don’t come.

JZ: Too late.

ME: Huh?

JZ: I’m here.

My breath caught in my throat. My intercom buzzed. Sure enough, it was Claudia announcing Jaime Zander’s arrival. My heartbeat sped up at the mention of his name. I mentally kicked myself for letting him have this effect on me, but there was nothing I could do about it. I told Claudia that I would meet him in reception myself. Composing myself, I rose from my desk and, in slow motion, trod over to the standing mirror in the corner of my office. I studied myself. My reflection frightened me. I looked dissipated. My complexion was wan, and dark shadows circled my eyes. I adjusted my chaste suit and quickly re-braided my hair, letting it fall around my shoulder. I had to confess: I wanted to look my best for Jaime Zander. Before heading out the door, I reapplied some red lipstick. I frowned. No matter how hard I tried, Gloria Long, the powerful leader, looked more like a wounded soldier.

Dragging myself to reception, I found Jaime seated on one of the white leather couches, making small talk with Claudia. He was wearing low-waisted drawstring pants that exposed his toned thighs beneath the linen fabric, and a white V-neck T-shirt that flaunted his tanned biceps and taut chest. On his feet were casual topsiders that he wore sockless. His chestnut hair looked windblown and though he’d shaved, there was still a fine layer of stubble outlining his strong, dimpled jaw and circling his kissable lips. My heart fluttered. Mr. Laidback and Sexy looked swoon-worthy, something that was not lost on Claudia. Or on me. I so wanted to run my hand over his face and then through his tousled hair. Bantering with him, goo-goo eyed Claudia twirled her flaming red curls around her fingers. Her flirtatious behavior elicited a bolt of jealousy that made my skin prickle. Confession: I’d never been jealous of other women until I met this magnetic man.

“Hello, Mr. Zander.” I forced my voice to sound very businesslike.

Jaime’s denim blues twinkled when he saw me. He jumped up from the couch and met me halfway. I had the burning urge to fall into arms, but remained steadfast as he tipped up my chin. From the corner of my eye, I could see Claudia gawk.

“You look stressed, Ms. Long.”

“I am. I’m under a lot of pressure.”

“I know. The stock sell off has been all over the Internet and news.”

“I don’t know how to stop it.”

A tear leaked out of one eye. Jaime gently brushed it away. The mere touch of him was making me weak with desire.

“I hope you understand I don’t have a lot of time right now or energy. I can give you a quick tour.” I immediately regretted my offer, as the size of the Gloria’s Secret complex with its manufacturing plant and design showroom was daunting.

He affectionately tugged at my braid. “Why don’t we start in your office?”

Suddenly, I felt lightheaded. I don’t know if it was the stress, the scent of him, or the very sight of him. Or his touch. My knees buckled.

“Angel!” he cried out as he caught me and scooped me up in his strong arms. I swear Claudia practically swooned herself when I looped my limp arms around his neck. The edges of his silky hair brought me back to the moment.

“Thanks,” I murmured.

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