Then Belle stood, took two short steps to his desk and leaned forward. One leg bent, she rested her knee and hip on the desk. Right there on the redwood surface where hed just fantasized about stripping her bare.
Her scent, something that reminded him of a moonlit garden on a hot summer night, wrapped around him with long, delicate fingers. When she leaned closer, it was all he could do to keep from grabbing her. Better to let her make the move, he told himself. Less liability for going along than for doing the grabbing. He swallowed, his mouth ready to taste her, his tongue craving the feel of hers.
Inches away, she stopped. Mitch frowned. No kiss?
She arched one brow, then tilted her head to indicate the file lying on the desk between them. Of course. He snickered at himself, a mocking reminder that this woman was trouble.
A sardonic smile curving his lips, he took the hint and flipped open the file. Might as well give it a cursory glance so he could refuse her services before they got horizontal.
It didnt take long for Mitch to take in the file contents. Event outlines, yes. But more than just party ideas, the proposal included a general marketing plan and focus strategy.
A chill ran up his back when Mitch skimmed the vision statement. Either she was a hell of a lot savvier than he gave her credit for or she had an inside track to his companys information. Because this statement was the twin of his own, with a few tiny exceptions.
Vital exceptions in terms of marketing direction, focus. And, he had to admit, probable success.
Why couldnt she be just a pretty face and hot body? Her proposal was outstanding. The risk was minimal, the possible benefits innumerable. Damn. Mitch ground his teeth in frustration as the businessman in him overrode the horndog.
This is a great plan, he reluctantly admitted. By focusing on the paparazzi-hounded stars, we can provide the perfect getaway for the rich and famous. Wed amp up the security, spread the word that this is a photo-free zone. As ideas started to flow, Mitch grabbed a pen. Special training for the staff, non-disclosure agreements, legal repercussions.
Privacy is vital, but its just one benefit, she cautioned. Dont lose sight of the bigger picture. Yes, you want to bring in the Hollywood crowd. Once word gets out that youre offering a safe haven from the voracious press, combined with the buzz about how fab your resort is, I guarantee theyll be interested. But thats not going to be enough.
Mitch barely heard her, he was so focused on getting his flying thoughts on paper. Then Belle slid another folder on top of his notes.
He should have known. She was an event planner, and her initial plan hadnt mentioned a single party or gala. His eyes narrowed as he read the event outline.
You do want to turn my resort into a sex club, he exclaimed in shock.
Not exactly, she denied, with a shrug that reminded him that her breasts were less than a foot from his mouth. Luckily her words were enough distraction. Almost.
Im suggesting you focus on indulgence of the most decadent kind. Couples massages, chocolate baths, midnight champagne dinners by the lake. All romantic enough on their own, but youll offer a few extras. Ive got tons of ideas, and Ill share them if we go to contract on this. But basically, youll have to take your standard resort offering and sex it up. Make it hot and inviting with just a hint of depravity. You do that and I guarantee youll reel in the jaded Hollywood crowd.
Depravity? Like what? On-call hookers and pole-dancing lessons?
Theres nothing depraved about pole-dancing, she chided. I do it and its great exercise. She gave him a heavy-lidded look that promised all sorts of pulse-raising benefits. Someday Ill show you.
Did nothing faze her? Mitch had to laugh.
The difference between a high-class sex club and a luxury resort offering decadent indulgence is vast, Mitch. Her tone turned serious as all teasing flirtation left her face. A sex club is cheap, base. Its all about the pickup, the kink, the instant satisfaction. Youd be offering a safe haven for your guests to indulge themselves in all ways, including their sexual fantasies. Masquerade balls, a menu that includes reputed aphrodisiacs, a lingerie shop in the lobby. Pure luxury in perfect keeping with the rest of your resorts offerings. Nothing tacky or low-class.
Decadent indulgence? She was right. That would definitely mesh with the extravagant luxury hed planned to offer. As far as hooks went, it was certainly fresh. Definitely better than anything his marketing department had come up with.
But it meant focusing his business on sex. And working with Belle. Two things that hed learned the hard way should never go hand in hand.
Mitch leaned back in his chair, both to show control and because he needed to put some distance between him and Belles hypnotic scent. He glanced at the Eventfully Yours contract, then gave her an assessing look through narrowed eyes.
This plan has potential, Ill give you that, he acknowledged. But I have to ask, whats to keep me from handing you back this contract, unsigned, and running with the plan on my own?
Ethics, of course. Belles look was pure, pitying amusement. Youre one of the good guys, Mitch. You believe in helping others, not screwing them over.
He pulled a face. Yeah, she had him there.
Besides, she continued as she studied her well-manicured nails, you cant pull it off without my contacts. At least, not to the level necessary to be the kind of success youre looking for. And then theres the fact that if you do try without me, Id take the plan to three hotels and resorts within driving distance and offer them the same idea. People are going to try to copy you down the road, but if you lose the exclusivity right out of the gate, youre guaranteed failure.
Damn. So she was hell on wheels as a businesswoman. Mitch knew he should be disgruntled, but he only felt an odd sort of admiring pride.
She read the frustration on his face and laughed. With a wicked look, she leaned forward and patted his cheek.
Dont worry, youll love working with me. Imfabulous, she purred. The innuendo made Mitch want to whimper.
You realize if I give you this contract, sex between us is out of the question. He tossed the words out like a drowning man going down for the last time. At least while they worked together, he amended in his head. He wasnt stupid or delusional. He knew, sooner or later, theyd be doing the nasty. But he planned on calling the shots, and working together would make it much later than his body wanted.
If thats the way you want it, she said agreeably. From the wattage of her smile, she was just as happy hed issued the ultimatum. Damn her.
Mitch frowned, wondering if hed miscalculated Belle. She came across as hot and sexy. Her nature, her demeanor and vibe were pure sensuality. Was it all an act? A hot front shielding a cold core? A tool to twist a guy by his dick so she could easily lead him around?
Youre fine with that, he clarified.
Of course, she said, sliding off his desk. With a quick twitch of her hand, she straightened her skirt and made sure her blouse was tucked into the wide leather belt circling her tiny waist. He clenched his teeth to keep from drooling as she bent over to pick up her bag, and wished like hell hed refused outright to work with her.
He forced his gaze from her ass to the folder, contents and plans spread over his desk blotter. No, he couldnt regret considering her for the job. Her take on the resorts events and focus was the most dynamic hed ever seen.
He could wish theyd done the dirty on the desk first, though. Mitch stifled a sigh and came around to the front of his desk to escort her out.
Belle turned to give him a wide smile and held out her hand. Seal the deal with a handshake, he supposed.
When he took her delicate palm in his, she dropped their hands so, enfolded, they rested on her hip. Then she closed the distance between them until her breasts were a hairs-breadth away from his chest. Mitchs erection returned, granite-hard.
Her gaze locked on his, Belle leaned forward. Up on her tiptoes, she used her breasts against his chest for balance. She wrapped one hand around the back of his neck and gave a gentle tug, pulling his mouth down to meet hers.
Both fascinated and turned on, Mitch let her take the lead. She was the most sexually confident women hed ever met. Yet beneath it all, he sensed the same sweet vulnerability that had hooked him six years before. The sweetness, he knew, would be his downfall if he wasnt careful.
Not willing to show her how strong her power was, he held himself still as her lips pressed, soft and lush, against his. His hands itched to pull her close, to press her tight against his body so he could feel her curves surrendering.
Then her tongue, so soft and seductive, traced the line of his mouth. A quick flick to the corners, a soft slide across his lower lip. Blood roared through Mitchs head, drowning out all caution. When her teeth nipped, just a little, at his lip, he lost it.
His hands dove into her hair, holding her head still as his tongue took hers in a wild dance of pleasure. Slip, slide, intense and delicious, he gave way to the power of their kiss.
More, was all he could think. He had to have more.
He didnt know if it was that desperately needy thought or the sound of his groan that pulled him back to sanity. Unable to do otherwise, knowing it would likely be his last chance to taste her for God knew how long, Mitch slowly ended the kiss.
With a moan of approval, Belle stepped away. Her eyes, blurry with desire, stared into his as she ran her tongue over her bottom lip and gave a sigh. Then her mouth curved in a smile that screamed satisfaction.
Youll give me the contract, she assured him, her words a husky promise. And well have incredible sex. And in the end, youll be thanking your lucky stars you were smart enough to do both.