Propositions (3 page)

Thanks to strict advertising deadlines and conflicting meetings, Jessica and her team had a late night of work ahead of them as they arrived at Somers Residential Tower on Thursday evening. Their first run of promotions and advertisements was due tomorrow and the whole crew was full of energy.

Nate met them in the lobby. “Come, we’re going up to my apartment. There’s more room for us all to work, and the view is spectacular.”

Jessica’s jaw strained and her palms went clammy at the thought. His apartment? Even though she was going to have others around her, the prospect of spending an evening working in his private dwelling made her break out in a cold sweat. She needed space, distance and formal settings to avoid intimate situations with Nate. Since Monday evening, she’d failed dismally to not think about his lips and what they would taste like. The chemistry between them was impossible to ignore. Regardless, the flame needed to be extinguished. She sucked in a long hard breath to calm herself down as Nate led them into the elevators and headed on up to his floor.

Nate’s apartment was sleek and luxurious like the rest of the residential complex. In the dimly lit room, white furniture stood out against the plush, charcoal-colored carpet. A leather modular couch surrounded a glossy coffee table scattered with newspapers and magazines. Full-length glass windows framed spectacular views over Darling Harbour, Sydney Wharf Apartments and the casino, all of which looked peaceful from thirty-two stories up.

Jessica noted the empty suitcase left standing by the far wall, a sole photo frame on top of the sideboard; laptop and work folders piled high upon the desk.

“I’ve ordered pizzas. They should be here any minute. So, what can I get everyone to drink? Beer? Wine? Soft drink?” Nate asked, as he grabbed glasses from the kitchen cupboard and waited on everyone’s requests.

The doorbell rang and Nate disappeared down the hallway, returning with pizzas in hand. The smell of garlic and pepperoni filled the air, making Jessica’s mouth water. She had to laugh as she saw Nate roll up his business shirtsleeves and hook into pizza, just like one of the boys.

“Jess, you want the last piece?” Martin asked her. She put up her hand and shook her head. No, definitely not. Her belly was full. “Dibs, it’s mine then.” Martin reached across the table and started to gobble down the last slice.

“Can I get you something else, Jessica?” Nate asked as he wiped his fingertips with a napkin. “I don’t have much as I’ve only been shopping once. But I have more alcohol, tea and crisps. Or I could order up something from the restaurant.”

“No, thank you. I’m fine.”

After the team finished dinner, they buckled down to work. Martin sat at the table with Matt and Darren in front of their Macs, modifying artwork designs. Jessica sat on the couch with Nate and Gabby, sifting through dozens of photo proofs and watching video edits.

“You’ll have to point out my imperfections, Ms Mason,” said Nate. “I hope your team will Photoshop out any irregularities they find in the images.” He spoke softly as he handed her a second glass of wine. When she closed her hand around the glass, he didn’t let go. His slight hesitation made her look up at his face.

“There don’t seem to be any—none that I can find.” Jessica held his gaze until she became conscious of the others in the room. She didn’t need her staff making speculations, so, with a subtle shimmy of her hips, she edged across the couch, putting more distance between her body and his.

The work that should have taken an hour or two ended up taking four. As everyone readied to leave, Nate turned to Jessica. “Do you mind waiting for a moment while the approvals print off, and I’ll sign them for you?”

“Sure.” She prayed that the laser printer in the far corner produced the documents at lightning speed so everyone could head for home.

“Jess, we have to go or we’ll miss the train,” Matt pleaded.

“Okay. Go on ahead, guys. Brilliant work as always. I’ll see you tomorrow.” More than anything, Jessica wanted to depart with them, but everyone, including Martin, disappeared out the door. She gulped loudly when Nate closed the door behind them and she heard the soft click of the latch.

Jessica closed her eyes and bit hard into her lip. She was very aware that she was now alone with Nate in his apartment.
Not good.

The air prickled with electricity as he walked back down the hallway toward her. Every nerve in her body felt on edge. After sculling the last of her wine, she placed the glass on the coffee table. She couldn’t deny Nate’s allure, but there was a line not to be crossed.

Quick. Get these documents. Clean up and get out of here.

Jessica gathered up empty pizza boxes and took them to the kitchen. She was stacking them on the counter when she felt him come up and stand behind her. She didn’t even need to turn around. His body radiated heat, just inches from pressing into hers.
Too close.
Slowly she turned to face him. Her heart thundered in her chest. His vivid blue-gray eyes took possession of her.
This is not good.

With his eyes fixed on her, Nate slowly drank the last of his wine. Then he reached around her, placed his glass on the bench and seductively licked his lips. Jessica’s breath deepened. She struggled to swallow.

“I have a solution,” he said softly.

“What’s the problem?” She could feel her pulse tapping in her throat.

Nate edged closer, his eyes not leaving hers. “You … and making the most out of my stay in Sydney.”

“Nate!” Jessica gasped as she leaned back, trapped up against the bench.

“Hmm?”

“I have to go.” Her voice quivered, threatening to break in spite of her resolve.

“Okay,” he whispered, but didn’t move aside. His face angled toward hers. She placed her hand on his chest to stop his advances, but the feel of his hard body beneath his cotton shirt ignited a fire within her that had been dormant for too long.

His warm breath gently brushed across her face.

“This … is wrong,” she whispered. 

His lips were an inch from hers. “Very.” His voice was soft as silk.

“We shouldn’t.” She wanted to run, but her feet felt glued to the ground.

“I know.” Distance evaporated into nothingness as his lips pressed against hers.

Her mind screamed so loudly she was sure Nate could hear her thoughts.
Stop. He’s your client!
But his lips were warm and soft. The wine lingered on his mouth and she couldn’t help but want to taste a little bit more. With her pulse racing and her head spinning, all sense went out the door.

Jessica’s hands shot up and latched around Nate’s neck. She laced her fingers into his thick soft hair. With a gentle moan, she parted her lips and kissed him deeply.

Nate’s breath against hers was hot and fiery as her tongue found his. The scorching touch of his hands as they ran around her hips sent shivers to every part of her being. Her breasts nestled firmly against his muscular torso and she could feel his heart throbbing. Never in her life had she wanted to kiss a man or to touch and feel his skin so badly. She was shocked at the desperate want burning inside her. Nate’s hands slipped to the lapels of her jacket and slid it from her shoulders onto the floor. She wanted more. More to taste. More to touch. More of him.

“Jess.” The sound of him whispering her name into her ear made her knees feel weak.

In a heated frenzy, zips, buttons and belts went flying in all directions. They tore each other’s clothes off, down to their underwear, leaving a scattered trail between the kitchen and the bedroom. Falling on the bed, he hovered over her, grinding his hips into hers. Jessica groaned as she felt his erection swollen and hard against her belly. His demanding, hungry kisses made their way down the arch of her neck and across the line of her shoulder as his fingers slid her bra strap away from her skin.

The fabric of his trunks felt smooth against her hand as Jessica glided her fingers over his buttocks. So firm. So hot. She playfully rolled Nate over onto his back and straddled his hips. Just looking at his hot body and handsome face nestled amongst the throw of pillows turned her on.

This was so out of character. Her calm, cool facade disappeared with his kisses.

His stomach flexed beneath her fingertips as she ran her hands over every groove. Her mouth watered at the taste of his skin as she snaked kisses down his chest. As she wriggled her body downward she admired the smooth skin across the arch of his hips before she peeled his trunks away. The sight of his nakedness sent a shock of pleasure to her very core. She took him in her hand and firmly stroked up and down his length and rubbed across his head. His hard, warm skin in the palm of her hand made the muscles between her legs clench in eager anticipation.

He sat upright and pulled her back up onto his lap before their lips and tongues continued to entwine in a frenzy. Jessica’s skin felt on fire from the touch of his hands. He reached around her back and freed the clasp on her bra, pulling it away and throwing it somewhere onto the floor. His hands returned to cup and play with her breasts.

Nate groaned with sounds of deep pleasure as she writhed against him, feeling his erection grow harder beneath her and pressing into her wet spot. Lifting her off his lap, he lay her down gently on her back onto the bed. Her chest heaved in time with his as they continued with frantic kisses and his hands wandered all over her body. Her skin quivered as his fingertips edged beneath the lace of her panties. Unable to control herself she moaned as he rubbed firmly against her hot arousal. He teased her, stroking her gently up and down the length of her slit and slowly circling her clitoris. His touch sent ripples of heat to every nerve ending within her body and her eyelids flutter closed.

With a wicked grin, he whisked off her knickers and tossed them aside. He trailed kisses up her body until he reached one of her nipples and suckled it into his mouth. As his tongue circled around her hardened peak, her back arched toward his sensual taunt.
God!
In spite of the urgency and the desperation to have each other, Nate seemed to be relishing her body. Making her feel so sensual. Sexy. Desirable.

“Don’t move,” he said as he reached into his bedside table and dug a foil packet from the drawer. Ripping the condom open with his teeth, he rolled it onto his shaft.

Her eyes widened as she watched him roll the condom on.

“Like what you see?” He grinned at her.

She shrugged. “I mean. It looks okay. But you better show me what you can do with it.”

She was on fire and needed him inside of her. As he nestled back between her legs, he prodded the tip of his firmness against her opening.

“Oh, I will. Don’t you worry about that.”

Her giggles were silenced as he kissed her. His breath cascaded across her skin as their tongues danced, her heart pounded and her flesh flooded with goosebumps. She curled her legs around his, feeling the hairs on the backs of his limbs brush against her skin. Her hands rode over the defined muscles on his back, feeling them flex with his every move.

With their bodies melded together, Jessica drew her knees further apart and invited him in. His erection pulsed as he slid into her. She gasped at the pleasurable sensation.

Nate groaned as he pulled back and then rocked his hips into her again. His deep penetration was intense as Jessica succumbed to and met his every move. Faster. Harder. Nate plunged into her, making her body burn with sheer ecstasy.

Her stomach muscles and thighs strained and begged for release as he drove into her. Her fingers dug into Nate’s skin as sweat started to lick their bodies.

With his entire length deeply embedded within her, he rubbed against her, over and over again.

Her toes curled into the bedding. Her muscles quaked. Her jaw clenched.

She pulsed her hips rhythmically against his.

“Yes!” Jessica gasped as she orgasmed beneath his expert maneuvers and felt his body convulse and climax with her.

Panting breaths filled the air as Jessica tried to lower her racing heartbeat. With eyes blazing with satisfaction, Nate slumped next to her on the pillows. Feeling sated, she lay beside him and stared at the ceiling.

For a brief moment Jessica felt delirious.
That was fantastic!
Then she froze in horror. She remembered Alex’s face as he’d ask her to take the Somers account. We
can’t
afford to fuck this up!
he’d said. Like a guided missile hitting its target and leaving a quake of destruction in its path—guilt, shame and self-loathing hit her all at once.
Oh God, what have I done?
Jumping out of bed, she stumbled around trying to find her underwear.

Panic hit.
How could I be so stupid?
You fool.

Jessica slipped on her panties and fastened her bra.

“Jess, what are you doing? Please don’t go.”

“I have to. I have work tomorrow.” She followed the scattering of clothes, picking hers up along the way as she fled out into the living room.

Nate followed her. He’d pulled on a pair of loose sweatpants that hung low upon his hips. His naked stomach was a blazing reminder that she’d just been sitting astride him in his bed. She turned away to avoid looking at such temptation as she struggled into her pants.

“Why are you leaving?”

“We shouldn’t have done this.” She pulled the zip up, and then slid her arms into the sleeves of her blouse. “Nate, I can’t stay.
”

“
Why?”

“
Y
ou’re my client, for Christ’s sake. I’ll see you Tuesday. At the meeting.” Scanning around the room she spotted her bag, crossed the room and grabbed it. Her hands shook as she stuffed her papers and laptop into it and headed for the door. She couldn’t get out of there fast enough.

“I have to go. Goodnight.” She slipped out the door, cursing herself and feeling ashamed of her lack of professional conduct. Temporary insanity had been amazing, but now she had to deal with the consequences.

Outside Jessica’s bedroom window the wind was moaning softly. The trees in the garden swayed, casting shadows on the ceiling. Jessica lay staring up at them, hoping to be distracted. One second her body hummed all over, blissed at the mind-blowing sex she’d had with Nate. It was hot! Crazy! But, in the next instant she curled into a ball, shuddering at what she’d done. Like indulging in too much chocolate cake, then feeling guilty, she was riddled with shame. If anyone found out that she’d slept with Nate, especially Alex, they’d be furious. She knew the golden rule not to mix business with pleasure. It always caused problems. How could she work with Nate now?

Watching the hours tick by, Jessica wrestled the night away until the alarm buzzed at six o’clock. A run on the treadmill, a shower, breakfast and a cup of tea did little to settle her mind. The lack of sleep and her inability to stop thinking about the great, thigh-numbing sex she’d had with Nate had her riding a roller-coaster of emotions as she headed into her office after a client meeting.

Zoe grinned from ear to ear and her emerald green eyes shone vividly as Jessica walked up to her desk. “Morning, Jess.”

“Morning.” Jessica was puzzled by Zoe’s overzealous behavior. Did Zoe know her mannerisms so well that she could tell something was different this morning? Was she walking funny? Jessica felt like she had
‘I’ve just had sex’
written in bold black pen on her forehead. “Can you grab me my tea please, Zo? And make it extra strong.”

“Sure can. Here’s your mail, and Nate Somers has called twice this morning,” Zoe said as she sprang off her chair.

“Do you know what he wants? Is it about changes to artwork?” Jessica tried to seem aloof and calm, but knots tightened inside her stomach at the mention of his name.

“He wouldn’t tell me anything.”

“Okay, I’ll call him.” Jessica shrugged and headed into her office to seek some sanctuary.

It took no more than two steps through her door for the fragrance to hit her. She looked up from sifting through her letters. There on her desk was a huge bouquet of bright yellow and pink gerberas.

Oh crap!

She apprehensively walked over to the desk, and grabbed the card from among the stems.

‘
Thanks for a memorable night. N.S.’

Memorable night! Jessica wished she didn’t remember. But as images of Nate’s naked body filled her head, she couldn’t keep the smile at bay.

But last night shouldn’t have happened.

Jessica placed her hand on her hip and tapped her fingers against her side. How was she going to rectify the situation? Maybe Nate was a real playboy and it was simply a one-night stand already forgotten. He probably had his personal assistant send the flowers. She grabbed her phone and texted Nate.

‘
Thanks for flowers. Nice. See you Tuesday.’

She turned with a gasp as Zoe breezed into her office, tea in hand. “So, tell me. Who are they from?”

“Um. Nate.”

“Guys don’t send flowers for no reason. What happened?”

Zoe’s eagerness for gossip made Jessica’s nausea return as she sat down at her desk. She didn’t want to be the source of the latest office scandal. She was the boss, for God’s sake, and needed to be a figure for her staff to look up to and respect.

“Nothing. He just likes the work we’re doing.”

Zoe’s interrogation was thankfully interrupted as Alex knocked on the office door. “You got a sec, Jess?”

“Yeah, sure,” Jessica said.

Zoe huffed and crossed her arms, clearly not satisfied with Jessica’s explanation. She spun on her red stiletto heels and strode out the door, her long dark hair swishing behind her.

“Nice flowers. Since when do you have an admirer?” Alex raised his eyebrows and strutted over to her desk.

“I don’t. They’re from Somers thanking us for kicking off the launch campaign.” The lie made her skin crawl with guilt.

He looked up in surprise. “I wish Nathan Somers was sending
me
flowers.” He purred as he smelled the arrangement. “Before I forget why I came in here, I urgently have to go to Melbourne for a few days to see a client, and then to Canberra for that Business Management conference. I know we’re super busy, but are you all right to hold down the fort?”

“Most definitely.” Jessica covered a yawn with her hand.

“You look tired, sweetie. You’re not ill, are you?” She saw concern flicker in his eyes.

No, just tired from being up all night having wild sex.

“Matt told me you guys had a late night working. It’s Friday. Why don’t you take off for the weekend and go out to that winery retreat you like to visit?”

Maybe a weekend away was what she needed. Some fresh, country air might help her clear her head and sort out how to deal with Nate Somers next week and beyond. She wasn’t one to run away from her mistakes. Never. But a little space might do her a world of good. “Gumtrees. I might just do that. I’ll call them and head up tomorrow morning because I
’m having
 dinner tonight with Max.”

* * *

Jessica was at her usual spot at the Verve Bar, downstairs from her office, drinking bourbon and dry when Max arrived.

“Hey, how are you?” Max kissed her on the cheek in greeting. “I can’t stay late tonight, I gotta get home to take the kids to the nine o’clock movies. I promised them ages ago.” Max sat on the bar stool next to her. For the end of the work day she looked amazing as always with her not-a-hair-out-of-place, tailored-suit appearance. She glanced at Jessica’s drink. “O-Oh! Hard liquor. What’s up?”

Jessica raised her hand to get the bartender’s attention. She turned to Max. “What are you drinking? I’m buying.”

When two bourbons arrived, Max took a long sip and then proceeded to tap her flaming red fingernails against the glass. “Come on, out with it.”

“Okay, here goes.” Jessica shuffled around on the bar stool. “You know how I’m looking after the Somers Hotel account? Well, Nate Somers is out here overseeing everything.”

“Yeah. The British hotelier guy.”

“Anyway, last night things went late, we were working in his apartment … we had a few drinks … I stayed on after everyone left … and—” Jessica felt the color rise in her cheeks as she struggled to get the words out.

“Oh!” Max gasped, as she smacked the glass down hard on the bar. “What happened?” Her eyes widened as she wriggled to the edge of her seat.

“Well …
it
happened. I broke the cardinal rule.”

Max’s eyes widened. “You mean …?” she whispered.

Jessica winced. “What have I done? I’m a mess.” She threw her face into her hands. “My life was so perfectly normal and in control until we took on this account.”

“You slept with
Nate Somers
?” Max squealed excitedly.

“Shh … keep your voice down.” Jessica looked around anxiously, horrified that someone might overhear. “Yes, but I shouldn’t have.”

“Why not? You’re single. He’s single. Isn’t he?”

“Yes. But he’s my client.”

“Yeah.” Max frowned, taking in the seriousness of it all. “Okay, that’s a problem. But was he good?” Her eyes glowed and she couldn’t sit still, just itching to know more details.

Jessica nodded her head. Her cheeks felt like they were on fire. Oh yes, Nate was good. But then she sighed heavily. “What am I going to do? I have to face this guy every week for the next few months.”

“Have you talked to him?”

“I texted him. Is that wrong?”

“Ouch!” Max smiled cheekily. “Why don’t you have a fling with him for the next couple of months while he’s here? Have some fun. Some great sex. Then he leaves.”

“No, Max. It’s bad enough I did it once. I’ve never had a fling in my life.”

“Hell, I would. Keep it purely as sex. No intimacy and no emotions so no one gets hurt at the end.”

“Max, stop. It’s not going to happen.” Jessica giggled at Max’s crazy proposal. “Can you come with me out to the winery this weekend? I wanna get out of here for a while, drink a couple of bottles of good wine and clear my head.” Jessica was hoping to put all this mess behind her. Then she’d apologize to Nate and focus on her business as always.

“I can’t.” Max pouted her lips and genuinely looked disappointed. “Billy has his soccer game on tomorrow. Maybe next time.”

* * *

The drive northwest out to Gumtrees Winery and Ranch Retreat in Pokolbin took Jessica just over two hours from the city. Nestled at the foothills of the mountains, the cozy Hunter Valley getaway backed onto a flowing creek lined with towering silver-gray eucalypts and sweet scented wattles. The sandstone homestead, stables, boutique restaurant, cellar door and several timber cabins sat on the crest of a small hill. Vineyards covered the rolling hills in all other directions. Winter had turned everything to shades of earthy brown. Crisp, dry grass blanketed the ground and leafless vines hung precariously on their trestles. Even in the harsh, cold conditions, it was picture perfect, and felt like a million miles away from the hustle and bustle of city life.

Jessica loved coming out to Gumtrees once a month or so to relax, do some work in the peace and quiet, and ride horses. She’d grown up in the nearby town of Cessnock and had been coming here on and off for over ten years. It made her appreciate all she had achieved at such a young age. She’d been very lucky her hard work and sacrifices had paid off.

After driving up the long gravel driveway, past rows and rows of grapevines that seemed to long for the return of the warm summer sun, she parked outside her usual cabin next to the homestead. Stepping outside, she sucked the fresh country air deep into her lungs and instantly felt better.

As she unlocked the back of her car to unload her gear, she caught sight of Nick Hill, the owner, coming out of the reception office. Rugged up in an oversized brown parka and blue woolen beanie, he strolled down the pathway to greet her.

“Good to see you as always. Here’s your key,” Nick offered politely. “Are you okay? You were only out here three weeks ago.”

Jessica slipped her sunglasses back on in an effort to hide the dark, tired circles under her eyes. “Yeah, I’m fine. I just need a break.”

“Don’t we all,” Nick said as he gathered her luggage and food basket out of the back of her car. He led her up the steps and placed her belongings at the door.

Jessica slid the key into the lock. “I think I’ll go for a ride and get some fresh air into my system. I’ll take Stirling out, if that’s okay? I’ll ride up along the top ridge paddock and back down the vineyard trail.”

“Sounds good. I’ll be in the office. Let me know if you need anything.”

After changing into her riding gear, Jessica made her way to the horse yards. Stirling, her favourite chestnut quarterhorse, hung his head over the rail and whinnied softly at seeing her.

“Hey boy, how are you? Miss me?” she said as she rubbed the white star on his forehead. As she entered the yard through the gate, he stuck his nose out and nuzzled into her as she put his halter on. “You ready for a ride? Come on, let’s go and get you saddled up.”

Jessica rode all afternoon, and hit the same trails on Stirling the following morning. The scent of eucalyptus in the air cleansed her soul. The cascading sound of the rocky creek calmed her mind. After much reflection, cursing herself and analyzing everything, Jessica put the incidents from the past few days to rest. She would just apologize to Nate and then they could go on as if nothing had happened. But why did Max’s comment, ‘Just have a fling’, keep humming in her mind?

She couldn’t, could she?
No, that’s ridiculous!
She flicked the thought away. Somers was a big account for her agency. She couldn’t afford to screw this up.

After her ride, Jessica was about to pick up her saddle and bridle off the ground when a shadow passed across her face.

“Well, well. Fancy seeing you grace these pastures, Jessica Mason. What’s it been? Twenty years?” Without looking up, somewhere in the back of her mind she knew that voice. She struggled to sift through her memories. That voice. Where did she know it from? It was a little deeper. Mature. Yet somehow so familiar.

Jessica glanced up. The bright midday sun silhouetted the figure before her eyes adjusted. The air shot out of her lungs. Her heart lurched. Her body trembled all over with shock. She dropped her riding gear and took a step backward. Was she seeing a ghost? What cruel trick was her mind playing?

Not overly tall, with a stocky frame, his skin was leathered by the sun. But the Akubra hat couldn’t hide those eyes. Those stunning sapphire eyes were as blue as a cloudless summer’s day. No one in the world had eyes like this. No one else but her son. Not even Nate’s could compare. These had haunted her every day of her life.

“Troy?” The whispered name managed to slip past her lips, her throat too dry to make more of an audible sound. “Troy Smith?”

“Yes. It’s me.” He smiled. “What on earth are you doing here?”

“I come out here all the time for some R and R. But what are you doing here?” Jessica took another step back from him. Her heartbeat pounded and her head rattled like a roller-coaster.

“I started working here a few weeks ago.”

“What?” Jessica gasped. She tried to move but her body was not responding. Troy, of all people, stood before her. Why him? Why?

“I’ve gotta go.” Jessica dug down deep inside, pulling on all her inner strength to move. She grabbed her gear, pushed past him and headed to the barn.

“Wait. Do you want to catch up for a beer? For old time’s sake?”

“Old times. Old times. You’ve got to be kidding, right?” Jessica tried to breathe normally. In. Out. In. Out. But her head was wheeling out of control.

“Jess?”

She could feel him watching her storm off. It made her quicken her pace.

The wind was picking up and storm clouds were starting to build in the west. She raced back to her cabin, packed her bags, threw them in her car and sped off, leaving a trail of dust behind her.

Halfway home, Jessica’s hands shook as she searched on her phone for Max’s number and hit the call button. “Max, code red, code red. Please don’t ask any questions right now. Just please meet me at my house in an hour. I need to talk to you now more than ever. Shit. Shit. Shit,” Jessica hollered down the Bluetooth phone connection. She raced toward the city, trying to beat the storm that looked like it was about to unleash its force upon the earth. Her body was still trembling. Her brain still trying to process who she’d just seen.