Splendor (Inevitable #2) (59 page)

Tessa smiled as she recalled those heated words, and squirmed a bit as she realized how aroused she was. Her period had finally ended this morning, to her great relief, and she’d been this close to waking him up to give him the good news. But he’d been in a deep slumber, worn out from the demands of the last few days, and she’d let him continue sleeping while she took an early yoga class at the resort’s health club. But as stimulated as she was becoming now, she was beginning to regret her earlier decision.

As Ian’s phone conversation continued, she flipped onto her stomach, hoping that her arousal might ebb if she stopped watching him for a while. It didn’t take long at all for her to become pleasantly drowsy, loving the feel of the warm sun heating her skin while at the same time one of Hawaii’s famous tradewinds kept the temperature from feeling too unbearably hot.

Like almost all of the other owner’s suites she’d stayed in with Ian, this one was opulent and spacious, though decorated in a slightly more casual island motif. The real attraction of this particular suite, though, was its expansive outdoor space – the huge, partially covered patio, sunken hot tub and large private pool. The beach was mere steps away, and each night the sound of the surf had lulled her to sleep.

She felt a little guilty lazing the afternoon away, but consoled herself with the fact that she had certainly earned her keep these past few days and would be working even harder once the managers meeting began. Andrew had flown in late yesterday afternoon, and had eaten dinner with her and Ian last night. But even during dinner, Andrew had been all business, discussing all the things that still had to get done for the meeting, and Tessa had longed to tell him to chill out and just relax for once. Truthfully, though, she was still more than a little intimidated by him, even if she no longer officially worked for the company, and had kept her mouth shut.

Employee or not, Andrew hadn’t hesitated in bossing her around this morning, assigning her tasks just as he’d done for over two years. But Tessa hadn’t minded, for she liked to keep busy and feel useful, and was relieved that Andrew hadn’t gone soft on her just because she was the boss’ girlfriend. He had looked a little taken aback when she’d somewhat teasingly told him just that during dinner last night.

“You’re a bright girl, Tessa,” he’d told her. “I would never dream of insulting your intelligence by treating you like some brainless bimbo. No offense, Mr. Gregson. I know better than anyone that you’d never be interested in a – uh - ”

“Brainless bimbo?” finished Ian with an arched brow. “Yes, I appreciate your unwavering faith in me, Andrew. And you’re right – Tessa is exceptionally bright and you should continue to make use of her skills in whatever way you see fit.”

Andrew had grimaced. “Well, I certainly miss her at the office, especially since both hers and Alicia’s replacements have proven something of a disappointment so far. I think I might be losing my touch after all this time.”

Tessa hadn’t been able to suppress a grin at his last statement. “Keep that up and pretty soon Shelby will be one of your top team members.”

Andrew had looked a little sheepish. “Actually, she’s flying over tomorrow to help out this year.”

Tessa had very nearly spewed out the mouthful of water she’d just sipped, and Ian had had to pat her vigorously on the back. With watery eyes, she’d gaped at Andrew in disbelief. “Shelby? The same Shelby you used to grouse about not having more than three functioning brain cells?”

Andrew had nodded reluctantly. “Believe it or not, she’s stepped up her game these past few months. When Alicia, ahem, left, Shelby volunteered to take over doing the travel arrangements. It turns out her aunt owns a travel agency and Shelby worked there part time during high school and college – who knew? And she’s actually done a decent job. I think – well, it seems that Alicia wasn’t very nice to Shelby over the years – would make fun of her and outright insult her on a regular basis. Since she’s left, Shelby seems happier and has more confidence.”

Tessa had grinned at her former supervisor. “So she doesn’t quake in her boots whenever you walk by?”

“I didn’t say that,” Andrew had replied dryly. “After all, I still have my reputation as a stick-up-his-ass bastard to maintain.” At Tessa’s expression of disbelief, he’d given her a scathing look. “You think I didn’t know? I know everything that goes on in that office, eyes in the back of my head and all that.”

Ian had nodded in agreement. “Can’t argue with that assessment. He knows far more than I do about what goes on.”

Andrew, who’d consumed a pre-dinner Mai Tai and several glasses of wine during the meal, had evidently been feeling bold as he’d smirked at his boss. “Well, I did learn from the very best, sir. Watching how you observed people without them being aware of it taught me a great deal. In fact, I was even able to turn the tables on you and use those exact same tactics.”

Ian had regarded his PA warily. “And what precisely does that mean?”

Andrew, who
never
smiled, had – wonder of wonders – actually given Ian a cheeky grin. “I knew the moment Tessa walked into your office that first day that you fell for her like a ton of bricks. No offense, sir, but you were a real open book that day.”

It had been Tessa’s turn to frown. “Well, I never noticed a thing. Of course, that’s probably because you’d already made me a nervous wreck about meeting him – all of your rules and instructions about what I could and couldn’t say. How did you know? I mean, Ian seemed as in control and professional that day as he always does.”

Andrew had shaken his head. “Oh, he didn’t give anything away when he met you. It was right after – when he called me back into his office to rip me a new one that he gave himself away. I’d worked for you three years already, sir, and had never once seen you actually pacing or using any form of sarcasm and there you were doing both at the same time. But the real giveaway was when I told you Tessa was married. You looked like the floor had given way beneath you.”

Ian had nodded at his PA’s observations. “You’re spot on, as usual. Especially about the latter issue. I’d never in my life felt helpless before, never been in a situation where I couldn’t make something happen if I tried hard enough.” He’d turned to Tessa at that point, taking her hand in his. “When I learned you already belonged to another man – that I’d have to keep what I felt for you under strict wraps – I swear that was the hardest thing I’ve ever had to do in my life.”

When he and Tessa had continued to hold hands and stare dreamily into each other’s eyes, Andrew had cleared his throat until they had somewhat guiltily broken apart
.

Andrew had seemed more than a bit hesitant to broach the next subject, a fact that had surprised Tessa since he never seemed uncertain about anything. But once he’d uttered
that
name, a sudden chill had traveled up her spine, despite the tropical climate, and Ian had scowled in annoyance
.

“I hate to bring up such an unpleasant topic, Mr. Gregson, but both you and Tessa need to be aware that Jason Baldwin will be attending the meeting. Along with his wife – your cousin – of course.”

Tessa had glanced at Ian anxiously. “He wouldn’t do – or say – anything with your cousin along, would he?”

“He’d better not, if he knows what’s good for him,” Ian had muttered darkly. “I haven’t spoken to the bastard since I kicked him out of my office last fall. But gossip travels quickly, and between co-workers and our family I’m certain Jason has heard that Tessa and I are together.”

Tessa had shuddered. “All I know is that he gives me the creeps more than anyone I’ve ever met. How does your cousin put up with his – er, antics?”

Ian had shrugged. “Charlotte is a sweet, lovely woman but not especially bright. My aunt and uncle also coddled her well into adulthood, and she’s used to getting whatever she wants. And when she met Jason, she decided he was exactly what she wanted. I’m afraid she deliberately turns a blind eye to his antics so that she doesn’t have to admit to her parents – or to herself – that they were right about him.”

“So your aunt and uncle don’t like Jason?”

“That’s putting it mildly. Unlike Charlotte, Uncle Richard is a very wise man and he saw through Jason from the very first. But, as I mentioned, once Charlotte made up her mind she wanted something, her parents had a very difficult time ever saying no.”

“What I never quite understood, sir,” Andrew had interjected, “was why Jason wound up working for you. I would have assumed he and your cousin met and married in England.”

A look of disgust had crossed Ian’s features. “They did. But after three complaints about the bastard from female employees, Richard though a change of scenery would do him good. So he sent him my way.”

“You know there have been a couple of close calls with him down in Scotts Valley, don’t you?” Andrew had asked soberly. “One was a hotel guest who called our head of HR to complain that Jason made some very suggestive comments to her. And one of the office staff confided to the night manager that Jason has been getting a bit too touchy feely for her liking.”

Ian had shook his head. “Well, apparently this leopard hasn’t changed his spots, has he? Looks like I’ll have to pay him a visit when we return home. In the meanwhile,” he added sternly, “that little shit is not to get anywhere near Tessa over the next few days. I don’t want her left alone where he might be able to harass her.”

She’d patted his hand and tried to smile reassuringly. “Hey, I can take care of myself. You’ve been showing me some moves, after all.”

Ian had been working with her at the gym to learn a few basic boxing techniques, and she also continued to take some kickboxing classes. He’d also arranged for her to work out with a personal trainer – a female one, of course – and she knew she was in the best physical shape of her life right now
.

Ian had smiled at her rather indulgently. “And you’ve been a very apt pupil. But I still don’t want you having to confront Jason. The safest solution is just to keep you as far away from him as possible.”

Tessa couldn’t help the tiny shudder that rippled through her body as she thought of having to see Jason again. And there was no doubt she would have to at least acknowledge him. Tomorrow evening a lavish cocktail reception and buffet dinner had been planned for all the managers and their guests, and it went without saying that Ian’s cousin Charlotte would seek him out to say hello. There would be no polite way to avoid her for the entire duration of the meeting.

She must have dozed off a little, drowsy from the sun, and gave a little start when she felt Ian’s lips on the back of her neck.

“Mmm. Hi,’ she murmured, scooting over a bit as he sat down on the chaise next to her.

He ran his hand down her back, and she shivered as he slipped his palm beneath the band of her bikini bottoms to cup her buttocks. “Hi yourself, gorgeous girl,” he whispered, his warm breath tickling her ear. “You should have been a swimsuit model as good as you look in this bikini. I can just see you splashed on the cover of
Sports Illustrated
with these beautiful long legs” – he traced his fingertips down the backs of her thighs – “and this sexy ass” – he squeezed her behind – “and of course these fabulous tits.” He slipped a hand beneath her and squeezed her breast.

Tessa groaned and clasped his hand, holding it in place against her breast. “Don’t stop. It feels so good.”

His fingers found her nipple and tweaked it. “Your wish is my command, love. Are you still on your cycle?”

She shook her head. “No, thank goodness. It’s, ah, been a long time.”

He chuckled, his hand slipping inside her low-cut bikini top to cup her bare, warm flesh. “Are you horny, darling?”

“God, yes,” she panted, trying to roll over onto her back. But his hand on her back held her in place, unable to move freely.

“Shh. I’m going to take very good care of you very soon, love. But first, you’re starting to get a little pink back here. You need some more sunscreen. Ah, there it is.”

Tessa gave a little squeal as he squirted the cool lotion on her sun-warmed skin, but then quickly began to purr in contentment as he rubbed it into her back and shoulder blades. As his hand dipped beneath the waistband of her bikini briefs, she gave a little wiggle, which earned her both a deep chuckle from Ian and a playful swat on the butt.

He squirted another blob of lotion on her back before deftly unhooking the bandeau top, letting the sides fall unheeded onto the chaise. He rubbed the lotion into her skin before sliding his hands beneath her to cup her breasts.

Tessa whimpered with need. “Please.”

He knew what she was pleading for as he pulled her to an upright position, her knees hanging over the side of the chaise. He knelt between her thighs, his dark head at eye level with her chest.

“I take it back,” he murmured hoarsely, his hands fondling her breasts. “There’s no way in hell I’d want a photo of this sexy body of yours being splayed all over a national magazine, letting every horny bastard in the country ogle you. “ He bent his head and licked at her nipple. “For my eyes only, darling.”

“Ohh, yes,” she breathed, clutching his head to her breast as he sucked her nipple into his mouth.

He lifted his head, then moved to the other breast while his thumb and forefinger pinched the other nipple. “Is this what you wanted, love? What you needed? God, your tits are so full right now, Tessa, so swollen. Let me, darling.”

She was groaning as he lavished attention on her breasts, arousing her to the point where she knew it would take very little to make her come. She grabbed one of his hands and dragged it down to the low-cut waistband of her bikini briefs. “Ian. Now, please.”

He took her mouth in a blistering kiss as his fingers slipped inside her briefs to find her clit. She came instantly, her body already primed for his touch and starving for release.

Tessa hadn’t even come back down to earth yet when Ian laid her back on the chaise and stripped off her briefs. His lips touched her navel as he slowly thrust two fingers deep inside of her body.