Seduced by the CEO Read online

  “Nicco, that’s wonderful! They’re going to love you and Dolce Vita.” Jariah sat down and rested her iPad on the table. “I’ve been going to that car show since I was a little girl, and every year it gets bigger and better.”

  “What do you know about exotic sports cars? You drive a death trap,” he teased, unloading the food containers from the brown paper bag. “I swear, the next time that monstrosity stalls in the employee parking lot, I’m dousing it in gasoline and striking a match!”

  Jariah laughed, feeling the stress and tension in her body recede some.

  “La colazione è servita, bello. Scavare in!”

  His words, though spoken in jest, made her heart swell with pride. Breakfast is served, beautiful. Dig in. Jariah loved when Nicco spoke to her in Italian, and every time he paid her a compliment, a big fat smile exploded across her face. I’d be fine if he wasn’t so dreamy, she thought, draping a napkin over her lap. Nicco is one of the funniest, most charming men I’ve ever met. He’d brought her breakfast from her favorite café, and each scrumptious bite Jariah took of her veggie omelet made her moan inwardly. “This is so good,” she gushed, closing her eyes in silent appreciation for chefs everywhere. “You should have Chef Gambro add something like this to the menu for Monday’s meeting.”

  “Menu? There is no menu. I’m having a short, informal meeting with representatives at the convention center,” he explained. “And besides, Dolce Vita is a classy, high-end restaurant, not a cheap breakfast joint with two-for-one specials.”

  “Push back the meeting to noon, invite the representatives to your restaurant and have Chef Gambro prepare some of his famous award-winning entrées.” Growing excited, she put down her fork and scooted forward in her chair. “Nicco, give them the whole five-star, fine-dining experience. Spare no expense. Go all-out.”

  “Jariah, you’re an accountant,” he reminded her. “You’re supposed to be helping me save money, not pressuring me to spend more!”

  “Sometimes to make money you have to spend money.”

  Raising his coffee cup in the air, he gave a slow nod. “Touché, Ms. Brooks. Touché.”

  “Once Dolce Vita becomes the official sponsor of the 2016 Miami Car Show, and people are lined up down the block at your restaurant, you’ll be singing my praises. Just wait and see.”

  “Too late. I already am.”

  Jariah held her breath. His words left her speechless, rattled her, and when he reached across the table and took her hand, desire scorched her skin. He stroked her fingers ever so gently, as if she was a fragile piece of glass. His sweet caress kindled her body’s fire, and every inch of her flesh was sensitive to his soothing touch.

  “I think your idea’s brilliant,” he announced, his voice a thick, sensual whisper. The huskiness of his tone aroused her, and so did the boyish grin that shaped his lips. “But I’m not surprised. You’re one of the most creative, insightful people I’ve ever met, and I feel fortunate to have you working at Morretti Inc.”

  It was hard to think, to concentrate when Nicco was stroking her skin, sliding his fingers upward, ever so gently. Jariah blinked, convinced herself she was imagining it. Fantasy or not, she recognized the only way to survive the sensual onslaught was by changing the subject. “While you’re at The Wine Cellar, I figured I’d make the necessary arrangements for your upcoming trip to L.A.,” she said, ignoring the tremor in her voice and her erratic heartbeat. “Do you want me to book a suite for you at the Hilton or The St. Regis?”

  “Jariah, you’re coming with me to my eleven o’clock appointment.”

  “Why? I know nothing about wine.”

  “I want to find some fresh, new brands to add to Dolce Vita’s menu and I’d love if you could help me at the sample tasting.” His fingers played along the inside of her wrist, turning her on in the worst possible way. “And while we’re there we can select the wine for my parents’ anniversary bash.”

  “I almost forgot. Your mother called about an hour ago.”

  “I figured she would,” he said, shrugging his shoulders. “I talked her ear off about you last night, and now she’s anxious to meet you.”

  “You did? What did you say?”

  He leaned forward, moving so close his scent wrapped itself around her like a bear hug. “I told her that you’re doing an awesome job keeping me in line, and that you’re a strong, independent woman with a great head on her shoulders.”

  His gaze zoomed in on her face, sliding from her eyes to her lips and way down south.

  A telephone buzzed, breaking the silence and their steamy connection.

  Jariah surged to her feet and dashed across the room. Her hands were slick with sweat, but she snatched up the receiver and put it to her ear. She thanked the financial administrator for returning her call, promised to be at her office in ten minutes, and hung up the phone.

  “Is everything okay?” Standing, a frown marring his features, he regarded her closely. “Don’t tell me the accounting department screwed up your first paycheck.”

  “I’m afraid they did. They paid me for three weeks instead of two.”

  “So, what’s the problem?”

  “I was paid for days I didn’t work.”

  “And?” he asked, raising an eyebrow.

  “And, it’s money I didn’t earn. I can’t keep it. That would be wrong.”

  * * *

  Nicco felt his jaw hit the ground. He knew he was standing there, gawking at Jariah, but he couldn’t help it. He wouldn’t have been more shocked if a spaceship had landed on his desk, and a Martian had popped out singing Broadway show tunes.

  “I’m going down to the accounting department to straighten things out.” Jariah grabbed her purse off her desk. “I’ll meet you in the lobby in fifteen minutes.”

  Nicco watched Jariah glide through his office door, looking fly and fabulous in her fitted, short-sleeve dress, and tried not to stare. Tried, and failed, of course. Who knew perfection came in a curvy, five-foot-nine-inch package? he thought as his eyes trailed her down the hallway. Her legs went on for miles, and then some, and her wicked shape made his nature rise. Nicco didn’t know how long he stood there ogling her, but it felt like an eternity. His thoughts were all over the map, and he still couldn’t make sense of what Jariah had said moments earlier.

  I was paid for days I didn’t work... I can’t keep the money... It would be wrong.

  Jariah was a beauty, a stone-cold fox that made his blood pressure soar, but he admired her honesty more than anything. He’d been enamored with her from the moment he spotted her at Javalicious, and working side-by-side with her for the past three weeks had only increased his interest. Jariah had a hold on him he just couldn’t explain. Amazingly, she wasn’t impressed by his wealth, and was so fiercely independent, she balked whenever he spent money on her.

  For the first time in his life, Nicco found himself thinking about settling down. He could actually envision himself being in a serious, committed relationship with Jariah, but he didn’t have the courage to tell her how he felt about her. What if she rejected him? What would he do if she didn’t share his feelings?

  Releasing a deep sigh, he dragged a hand down the length of his face. He’d never felt so indecisive, so unsure of himself before. He was one of the most successful restaurateurs in the country, and entrepreneurs paid top dollar to hear him speak at various business conventions and workshops. He’d never flubbed a speech, never once let his nerves
get the best of him, so why did the thought of having a heart-to-heart talk with Jariah make him break out in a cold sweat? He wanted to take her out on a date— tonight, tomorrow, hell, any day of the week—but how was he supposed to wine her and dine her when their relationship was strictly business?

  An idea came to him in a flash. If he wanted to get Jariah alone, after dark, he’d have to trick her. Lying to her didn’t sit well with him, but he had no choice. At least that’s what he told himself. Nicco wanted Jariah in his bed, and on his arm, and he was going to pull out all the stops to make it happen.

  Nicco checked his watch, scooped up the phone and dialed the head of his security division. When the call went to voice mail, he left a message and hung up. Gerald and two other guards were escorting a Portuguese businessman to a high-profile function at noon, and although he trusted his team to get the job done, he wanted to ensure everything ran smoothly. Pocketing his cell, he slipped on his sunglasses and exited his office.

  In reception, he gave instructions to his personal secretary. “I’m going to The Wine Cellar. Please forward all calls to my cell phone,” he said without breaking his stride. “And have the cleaners tidy my office while I’m out.”

  Minutes later, Nicco strode through the lobby, searching for Jariah. He spotted her in the waiting area, yakking it up with a short, well-dressed man holding a brown leather briefcase. The muscles in his jaw clenched, and his hands curled into fists. What the hell? Who was Jariah talking to? And why was she laughing at the guy’s jokes?

  Anxious to reach her, Nicco broke into a jog. By the time he got to the waiting area, the stranger was gone, and Jariah was typing furiously on her cell phone. “Who’s the suit?” he asked, keeping his tone calm, casual. “What did he want?”

  Jariah wore a girlish smile, one Nicco had never seen cross her face before. He loved the way it lit up her eyes and warmed her skin. Damn, I have it bad, he thought. He didn’t understand his feelings and told himself to get a grip. He wanted to impress her, not drive her away by acting like a jealous control freak.

  “He asked me out for dinner.”

  Nicco cocked an eyebrow. “And what did you say?”

  “I said yes. He’s a single dad with a son Ava’s age, and he seems like a nice guy.”

  “He seems like a nice guy?” he repeated. “You only talked to him for a few minutes. He could be an ex-con or a serial killer for all you know.”

  “You need to stop watching CSI: Miami. It’s making you suspicious of everyone!”

  “I’m not kidding, Jariah. This is serious. There are a lot of sick wackos out there who like to prey on lonely women.”

  “I’m not lonely.” She laughed. “I’m a hopeless romantic. There’s a big difference.”

  The sound of her amusement grated on his nerves. Not because it was annoying, but because he didn’t appreciate her making light of his warning. “I know what I’m talking about. If you’re not careful you could get hurt, or worse, assaulted—”

  “That’s not going to happen. I teach self-defense classes at Premier Fitness.” Squaring her shoulders, she lifted her chin and met his gaze head-on. “Last year, a teenager tried to snatch my purse outside of the mall, and I brought him down so hard he burst into tears!”

  Nicco believed her story, but he didn’t share her laughter. Spotting the white business card in her hand, he took it from her and inspected it. “‘Edison Wayne, Attorney at Law’?” he read, wrinkling his nose. “The guy sounds like a square.”

  “I’m not looking for Mr. Excitement. I’m looking for an honest, sincere man who loves children and wants to be in a serious, committed relationship.”

  “You don’t want much.”

  Jariah scoffed and wore a sad face. “Tell that to the guys on my online dating app. Apparently, my standards are too high.”

  “Online dating is a terrible idea. Do you know how many psychos troll the internet looking for single, vulnerable women like you?” Nicco recognized that he was shouting, and that his eyelids were twitching manically, but he couldn’t control his temper. The thought of Jariah going out with other men—perfect strangers at that—made his blood boil and his head throb.

  “I don’t need you or anyone else to look out for me. I can take care of myself.”

  Her cold, terse tone told Nicco he’d struck a nerve; no doubt he’d pissed her off. He’d put his size-twelve foot in his mouth, and would need the Jaws of Life to extract it. But instead of apologizing for hurting her feelings, he said, “I just don’t want you putting yourself in harm’s way.”

  “What I do in my spare time and who I go out with is none of your business.”

  “This isn’t your free time,” Nicco shot back. He felt a burning sensation in his chest, and didn’t know if it was a rush of anger or desire. “In the future, please refrain from picking up men during company time.”

  Her eyes narrowed with righteous indignation.

  Nicco knew he was being unreasonable, and that he had no right to give Jariah a hard time for talking to the attorney, but he couldn’t control his feelings—at least not where she was concerned. “Now, if you’re finished flirting with everyone inside the lobby, I’d like to go. I have a schedule to keep.”

  Without another word, Nicco took Jariah by the arm and led her through the sliding glass doors. Outside, he opened the passenger door of his Lamborghini parked at the curb, and watched as Jariah put on her seat belt. His hands were itching to touch her, to hold her in his arms, but he knew now was not the time to put the moves on her.

  The air inside the car was thick, consumed with tension, but Nicco pretended not to notice. Behind the wheel, cruising through downtown Miami, he decided he’d waited long enough. He had to tell Jariah the truth before some slick-talking clown stole her away.

  Nicco glanced at her, and almost lost control of the car when she crossed her legs. His testosterone level spiked, and his erection grew inside his boxer briefs. Jariah was the kind of woman men fantasized about making love to, and Nicco was no different. He wanted her more than he’d ever wanted anyone before. There was a toughness about her that he found incredibly sexy—even when they argued, and got on each other’s nerves. That’s why he was going to lay all his cards on the table and hope to God that Jariah didn’t laugh in his face.

  Chapter 11

  The Wine Cellar, a by-appointment-only wine boutique, was known for its swank location, esteemed clientele, and ridiculously expensive liquor. And when Jariah entered the store and saw the Vincent van Gogh paintings, the cushy furniture and the cutting-edge decor she understood why. An elegant establishment, rich in style, substance and class, it was no surprise that the staff was comprised of young, attractive blondes, or that all of the patrons were dripping in bling.

  Bottles were on display library-style, and the vaulted ceilings and brass chandeliers gave the wine boutique a cathedral feel. Classical music was playing, and the air smelled like pastries. The low, muted lights were relaxing—which was exactly what Jariah needed. She was angry that Nicco had snapped at her back at the office, and had no intention of speaking to him during the appointment. Hell, if he could be immature, so could she.

  “Welcome to The Wine Cellar, Mr. Morretti. We’re so glad to have you here with us again.” A female wine steward dressed in a slinky red dress appeared, wearing a smile that showcased every tooth. “I’ve set you up in one of our private tasting rooms at the rear of the boutique.”

  “Thank you, Christi. Please lead the way.”

  “Yes, of course. It would b
e my pleasure.” The wide-eyed steward was so busy gazing at Nicco, she backed into a wine barrel and stumbled. Righting herself, she regained her composure and spun on her heels. “I selected some exquisite brands for you to sample...”

  “Are you coming?”

  Nicco offered his hand, but Jariah stepped past him and followed the loquacious steward through the boutique. He was her boss, not her father, and she wasn’t putting up with any of his macho, tough-guy crap today. The man had a serious attitude problem, and an ego that could rival a rap star, and if he thought he could push her around he was sadly mistaken.

  Much like the rest of the boutique, the private tasting room was decked out in dark, gleaming wood. Leather-bound books and magazines covered the end tables, plush chairs were situated around the room, and flat-screen TVs were mounted on the sable-brown walls. Bread baskets, wine bottles, miniature glasses and silver trays overflowing with hors d’oeuvres covered the table.

  “Mr. Morretti, please feel free to peruse our vast collection of wines,” the steward said, gesturing to the shelves behind her. “With more than a hundred samples to enjoy, I’m confident you’ll find that perfect gem to add to your restaurant’s menu.”

  “I’m ready to get started. How about you?” Nicco picked up one of the trays and swept his free hand across it with more flair than a British butler. “The stuffed mushrooms taste amazing with full-bodied wines, and...”

  Jariah’s stomach rumbled in hungry anticipation. It wouldn’t hurt to sample one or two, would it? She was still mad at Nicco for insulting her, but she took a healthy bite of the stuffed mushroom. It tasted delicious, moist and flavorful, and within seconds she had devoured three.

  “Try the baked brie,” he encouraged. “It’s one of my personal favorites.”

  Happy to oblige, she sampled the appetizer. “I better stop or I’ll split my dress!”

  Laughing, they stood side-by-side, reading the information cards for each wine sample.