Page 11 of Forbidden Virgin

“Show me what you’ve got,” she said, her gaze sliding down his waist. “Or should I say what else you’ve got? Are you sure you don’t need any help?” She licked the corner of her lips.

“I’m trying to be the good guy. Trust me, doesn’t happen often,” he said, remembering how upset Amanda became when he broke up with her. He should have cared more for her. He hadn’t wanted to hurt her, yet he didn’t like her enough—certainly didn’t love her—to make the right decision for them instead of for him.

He carried his board and she did hers; he offered to carry hers but she refused his help. For the next few hours, he taught her how to surf and she showed potential. They enjoyed lunch at a nearby bistro, and then he took her to his house.

“Are you changing your mind about keeping hands off?” She winked at him when he parked at the driveway.

“No. I have a little gift for you at my place.” Because I don’t want you to wear a dress your father bought you on the same night I’m about to screw you.

Her smile broadened. “Can’t wait to see.”

He flicked off the security alarm at the entrance and opened the door for her. Her presence in his place made his chest tighten. She glanced around his open-floor, airy living room filled with floor-to-ceiling windows. He’d opted not to install any drapes to keep the view of the beach. She glided her fingers on his white sofa.

“I’ve always wondered about your home,” she said. “It’s very you.”

“Very me?”

She caressed the standing lamp, and he had to yank his gaze from her fingers to keep from jumping her. “Modern, straight-forward, elegant. A little bit kinky with all the glass. A voyeur’s paradise, I bet.”

Voyeur’s paradise. Maybe she had a point. The image of him fucking her from behind as she plastered her hands on the glass inundated his mind. He never got off thinking of people seeing him, but when it came to Kate his blood boiled and he needed to claim her as his. Which was crazy—their affair would be short-lived and secretive. Otherwise the consequences could be disastrous. “Not a concern of mine. No voyeurs here.”

“Really? You never dated any psychos?”

“That’s not what I said,” he said coyly, not wanting to get into his share of bad relationships. There hadn’t been many though—he’d always been very selective toward whom he dated. After he made it financially it seemed like women always saw him as a total package for marriage and family. He, however, had never met someone who made him want to go all the way. And how could he agree to put his life on the line for someone for whom he didn’t feel completely invested in? He couldn’t—he wouldn’t. Maybe Amanda had a point. I am a selfish bastard.

“Where’s my gift?”

“I’ll bring it to you.” He had kept it in his bedroom, but in hindsight that had been a bad idea. If she entered his room he wasn’t sure he would be able to keep his promise and not take her before the right time. But damn it, he’d enjoyed talking to her, and focusing on things other than their attraction—even if their pull sure gave him an annoying erection he kept having to undermine. He grabbed the big white box with the red bow and gave it to her.

She opened it, and lifted the red Valentino cocktail dress from the box. He imagined the V neckline and the soft fabric would outline her gorgeous curves. “It’s beautiful. You picked it?”

He nodded, quite pleased he’d been right about her size.

“Who knew you’d be such a good shopper?” she said when she found the black stilettos and silver clutch in between the sheets of tissue paper.

“I have a hidden agenda, baby. I’m no saint.”

She chuckled. “No. I don’t think a saint would want anyone to dress this sexy.”

* * *

A couple of hours later, he walked into the Four Seasons ballroom with her by his side. She’d chosen a cherry red lipstick to match the dress and pulled her hair up in a knot with a few strands falling rebelliously.

Thankfully, this event wouldn’t have any of his employees from his hotel. They were in Hawaii, far away from her family and for all accounts she worked as his trainee. He’d introduce her as Kate without a last name or a title.

“So, you’re representing the hotel in this event?” she asked when she saw the logo of the hotel monogrammed in the menu.

“Yes. Well, I’m one of the sponsors,” he said, hoping that would be enough to secure a Preston deal. At least it would be a start—his hotels were known for being a tourist and couples’ haven, but he wanted to acquire more corporate accounts for big events.

“Why didn’t they hold it at your hotel?”

“Because they have a contract with this one, which will expire this year.”

She nodded. “And by you coming here you give an extra boost to the idea of you maybe hosting next year?”

“Yes.”

“Nice,” she said when the hostess took them to their table. A couple of guests greeted him, and he motioned to introduce her when someone nudged his elbow.

---