Chapter Nine
James
“So,” Harry said with a lazy grin as he reached for his Manhattan and took a long swig. “Your plan worked?”
I shrugged. “Actually, it worked much better than I expected,” I said. “Hanna took the job on the spot. Now she’s off my desk…”
“And on your cock?”
I narrowed my eyes. “That’s my girlfriend you’re talking about,” I said. “Don’t make me regret telling you.”
Harry rolled his eyes. “I have no idea when you got so stuck up,” he said, shaking his head in obvious disgust. “Besides, I thought you just had to get her out of your system. Isn’t that what you said?”
I glared at him. “In no way I did say that,” I said. “I said I wanted to reconnect with her.”
“And so now you have, and you can get over this stupid schoolboy crush,” Harry said dismissively. “I’m going to a great party later – you should come, James.”
“I should catch up on work,” I said. In my excitement over my date with Hanna, I hadn’t been paying as much attention to my duties at Magnate Group. I knew that my father was probably rolling in his grave, but so what? It was my company now, after all…of course, that didn’t mean I was going to drive it into the ground or anything like that.
“Boring,” Harry said. He groaned and got to his feet. “At least come with me now,” he said, turning his attention to the end of the bar where a group of young women were sitting. “I need your help.”
I got to my feet and followed Harry across the bar, rolling my highball glass in my hand and thinking about Hanna. It had only been a few days since our date – I’d texted her a few times, but I hadn’t seen her again. I was already dying to make plans, though. I couldn’t wait to show her everything I loved about Boston – the good restaurants, the tiny little wine kitchens and cellars hidden in back alleys that most people would ignore. I knew Hanna was a few years younger, and just out of college…she wouldn’t have had a chance to discover a lot of those places on her own.
And I couldn’t wait to be the man who showed them to her.
Harry led me across the room and paused in front of a group of blondes. They were laughing and smiling, but when they saw us, their giggles fell silent.
“Hello, ladies,” Harry said. “My friend and I were feeling lonely. Would you join us for a drink?”
Inwardly, I groaned and shot Harry a dirty look. But he ignored me.
One of the girls blinked. She locked eyes with me and her cheeks turned pink.
“Oh my god,” she said. “Are you James West?”
I nodded.
“Wow,” she said, fanning herself and biting her lip. “I read that profile about you in The Sun, and I can’t believe it’s really you!” She leaned in closer and winked. “And you’re much cuter in person.”
“She thought you would be ugly,” another blonde interjected. She, too, batted her lashes at me. “But obviously you’re not, or anything,” she added quickly.
I laughed. “That’s flattering,” I said. “But I was just leaving.”
Harry turned to me and frowned. “No, you’re not,” he said. “Come on, James – stay and have a drink with us.” He turned to the girls with a flirtatious smile on his broad face. “James is such a workaholic,” he said. “That’s part of what makes him so charming, don’t you think?”
The blonde turned back to me and I could practically see dollar signs in her eyes. I felt like groaning – she was just another Boston wannabe socialite, someone who saw my charge card instead of my eyes.
Hanna would never be like this.
“Yeah,” the blonde said. She licked her lips and pursed them seductively. “I think you should stay, James. Is it okay if I call you that, James?”
“It’s my name,” I said drily. “But I’ll be going now. Bye, Harry.”
Harry tried to grab my arm but I stepped backward and smiled ironically. He stared at me for a long moment before rolling his eyes.
“Don’t forget about the Langdon’s Christmas party,” Harry called as soon as I started walking away. “You still need to find a date.”
“So I do,” I said, smirking as Hanna’s face filled my mind. “So I do.”
The next week of work was like torture. I was insanely busy – I barely had time to take a piss, much less go down a floor and see Hanna. My new secretary was unremarkable – an older woman, who took great pleasure in forgetting my daily coffee every morning. But I was glad for that, the lack of excitement…especially after what had happened with nearly every secretary before her.
Finally, on Thursday, the offices closed early for the holiday. Just as I was stepping onto the elevator, I saw Hanna waiting in the lobby. Pushing past everyone else, I grinned at her.
“Hey, you,” Hanna said coyly. She cocked her head to the side and smiled, showing her creamy white teeth. “I thought you’d forgotten about me.”
I snorted. “Not possible.”
“Well, did your chauffeur ream you out?” Hanna raised an eyebrow and winked at me and for a moment, I felt my heart stop in my chest. How did she do that – fluctuating wildly between flirtatious vixen and blushing girl and leaving me breathless. I’d never been with a woman like Hanna before.
“No,” I said coolly. “He didn’t mention it.”
“Ah,” Hanna said. She smirked. “He was probably embarrassed.”
I shrugged. “So, I’m sorry this is a little last minute, but I want to ask you something.”
Hanna laughed. “Don’t you know you’re supposed to ask a lady out three days in advance?” She pulled out her phone and glanced down at the screen. “Although I should tell you, I’m wide open this week.” She stepped closer. “I probably shouldn’t have told you, though. Now you’re going to think I’m fast.”
I grinned. “Faster than sleeping with me in the back of a limo?”
“Hey,” Hanna said, narrowing her eyes.
“I was kidding—”
Hanna winked. “I know.” She tossed her hair over one shoulder. “I was just giving you a hard time. So, what did you want to ask me?”
“There’s a Christmas party every year – it’s not Magnate-affiliated,” I said, trying to read Hanna’s face as I talked. “It’s pretty stuffy, but I have to go. And this year, I’d like you to be my date.”
“Oh, a big Christmas party full of rich people?” Hanna raised an eyebrow. “I don’t really think that’s my scene, James.” She bit her lip. “I don’t think I’d fit in.”
I narrowed my eyes. “Don’t be ridiculous,” I said. “Of course, you’ll fit in. My friends are dying to meet you,” I added. “It’s held by Richard Langdon – he’s an old family friend – and I have to go. It might suck, but afterwards we can go out and have some real fun.”
Hanna blinked.
“What?” I asked. “What’s wrong?”
“Nothing,” Hanna said. “Really, James…it’s just…”
“It’s just what?”
“I don’t know that I’m ready,” Hanna said. She glanced down at her feet. “I mean, what are we doing? Won’t there be gossip at work?”
I rolled my eyes. “There’s always gossip here,” I said. “It’s an office – just because it’s mine doesn’t mean it’s not normal.”
“I just don’t want someone to think I’m…” Hanna trailed off. “Never mind.”
I groaned. “Tell me,” I said, reaching out and putting my hands on her shoulders. “What’s bothering you?”
Hanna stepped closer and a wave of floral perfume washed over me. It wasn’t overly sweet, but instead sensual and heated and I felt my cock throb in my pants as I stared at Hanna’s bright eyes.
“I don’t want people to think I’m only interested in you because of your money,” Hanna said. She swallowed and suddenly, I saw that she was nervous. “I mean, James – look at me. I’m twenty-four years old. I don’t have any business being with someone like you.”
Her words felt like a punch in the gut and I frowned.
“I really like you,” Hanna continued. Her forehead was creased with lines of worry as she talked. “But I don’t want people to think I like you for the wrong reasons.”
“Hanna…” I sighed, leaning against the wall and crossing my arms over my chest. “For one thing, you have to believe me when I say that some people will judge, no matter what. You could be rich on your own and I guarantee there are still some people who would think you were trying to take my money.”
Hanna frowned. “That makes me feel even better,” she said sarcastically. “James, I don’t know about this. How about if you go, and I meet you afterwards? If it’s as bad as you say, well, you probably won’t wind up staying long.”
I sighed. “I’d really love it if you’d come with me,” I said. “You’re fun and you’re charming – everyone is going to love you, I just know it.”
Hanna stared at me for a long moment, inhaling so fiercely that her nostrils flared. I could practically see the wheels churning in her brain, but she stayed silent.
“And I swear, if anyone is rude to you, we’ll leave,” I said. “I won’t let people treat you like that.”
Hanna snorted. “You think I’d let people treat me like that?” She cocked her head to the side and laughed. “James, this is exactly what I’m saying – we’re from two totally different worlds, and women from your world wouldn’t call out bitches…but I do, and I’m not going to change for you.”
A warm rush of affection surged through me and I grabbed Hanna and pulled her close, not caring if anyone saw.
“And that’s exactly why I like you so much,” I said. “And why I think you’re perfect for me.”
Hanna blushed. She looked into my eyes and I realized that she was scared.
“Really? You think I’m perfect?”
Leaning down, I kissed her forehead. “Yes,” I said softly. “I think you’re perfect.”
Hanna swallowed. “Okay,” she said. “You win, James. I’ll come to the party with you.”
I grinned. “Excellent,” I said. “You won’t regret it.”
“Good,” Hanna said. “I’d better not.”
***
The next day, I met with my shareholders for an all-day meeting. Most of the Magnate employees – even Hanna – weren’t in the office. Despite the important things I had to discuss with Mark and the others, the day seemed to drag. By the time I was ready to go home, I was exhausted. I thought about calling Hanna, but since the Christmas party was the following night, I figured that she’d be busy finding a dress or whatever women did the night before boring parties.
I barely slept that night. I tossed and turned in my bed, thinking of Hanna and her words. What if she was right? What if I was making a huge mistake bringing her to this party?
I rolled over and sighed. God damnit, James, I thought as I opened my eyes and began staring at the blank, white ceiling over my bed. You’ve got to cut this shit out. Besides, it’s not like I can un-invite her, can I?
The next day, I had Nick drive me over to Hanna’s apartment at exactly six-thirty. The party started at seven, and I figured we could go, drink, and schmooze for a couple of hours before beating a hasty retreat and getting dinner somewhere out.
When I knocked on Hanna’s door, she appeared almost instantly. She looked fantastic in a gold strapless minidress that hugged her curves and platform heels in patent black leather. I leaned down to kiss her cheek and inhaled a delicious blend of vanilla and spice.
“Do I look okay?” Hanna pulled away and gave me a flirtatious smile before twirling around in a slow circle.
“You look good enough to eat,” I said, licking my lips and giving her a wolfish grin.
“You don’t think it’s too much?” Hanna glanced down, plucking at the stiff material of her dress. “Danielle told me it would be perfect, but I don’t know.”
“I think you look amazing,” I said. I glanced down at my watch. “And besides, we’re only going to be there for a few hours – how do you feel about dinner after?”
Hanna flushed. “Don’t count your chickens before they hatch,” she said, tossing her head and holding her chin high in the air. “I might decide I’m sick of you after an hour or two.”
I pretended to wince. “Of course,” I said, bowing deeply. “I understand. I am your slave.”
Hanna grinned and stepped closer, putting her hands on my face. “Good,” she said softly before leaning in and kissing me deeply. She moaned softly as she slipped her tongue into my mouth and I took her by the waist and pulled her body close to mine. Our kiss grew passionate and intense and I groaned as my cock twitched in my pants. Just as I was about to hike up Hanna’s skirt and take her right there in the hallway, Hanna pulled away and smirked at me.
“Down, boy,” she said, shaking her head and licking her lips. “We shouldn’t be late.”
I took Hanna’s hand and guided her down the stairs, watching the heart-shaped curve of her ass as she walked in front of me on the landings. On the street below, Nick was waiting with my car. I helped Hanna into the backseat, then climbed in after her.
“So, who is this family friend, anyway?”
“Richard Langdon was a friend of my father’s,” I said. “And my brothers.”
“You have a brother?”
“Two, actually,” I said, glancing out the window as we crawled down Manhattan street. When I turned back to Hanna, she was frowning. “What’s wrong?”
“Nothing,” Hanna said. She bit her lip. “It’s just, wow. I can’t believe I didn’t know that about you – that’s like the most basic information there is. Why didn’t you tell me that night, you know – the night you ordered that massive amount of Indian food?”
I shrugged. “I didn’t think it was something you needed to know.” I cleared my throat. “Besides, I haven’t been in touch with them for a long time.”
Hanna reached over and touched my hand with hers. “Sorry,” she said. “I shouldn’t have tried prying like that – I know it’s not a good look on me. I just…” She trailed off, biting her lip. “I just want to know you, James,” she said softly.
“You’ll learn about them sooner or later,” I said darkly, thinking of Jeremy and Jordan. “But not tonight,” I added in a firm voice. “We’re going to have fun tonight, Hanna.”
“I hope so.”
“Are you nervous?”
“Should I be?” Hanna looked down at her bare legs. “Maybe I should’ve worn something more conservative.”
“You’re fine,” I told her as I squeezed her hand. “There are going to be so many people there, you won’t stand out at all.”
“Good,” Hanna said. But her voice was quiet and I heard a ripple of apprehension as Nick pulled up outside of the Boston Gallery of Fine Arts and stopped the car.
“Here we are,” I said. I handed Hanna her wrap and I pulled my scarf close around my neck.
“Wow, it’s really inside the museum?” Hanna stepped out of the car and blinked, shielding her eyes from the glaring bright lights with her hand. “I haven’t been here since I was in college.”
I chuckled. “I gotta be honest with you – I don’t think I’ve ever been inside…except for Langdon’s dumb parties.”
Hanna rolled her eyes. “You would say that,” she said. “We should go sometime,” she added. “I mean, assuming you like art. Do you?”
I shrugged. “I never really had time to find out…but I’d like anything with you,” I said.
Hanna looked pleased. “Good,” she said.
I led Hanna carefully up the steep marble steps and into the museum. As always, Langdon’s planners had outdone themselves. Hanna was practically gasping at the giant Christmas trees, lit with real candles and draped with foil. I couldn’t help staring for a few seconds, myself. I wasn’t the most festive (or religious) man in the world, but something about Christmas had always seemed magical to me.
“This is so beautiful,” Hanna said, leaning close and whispering in my ear. “I can’t believe it – it looks like something from a movie.”
A waiter dressed in an elf costume passed with a tray of champagne flutes and I lifted two from the tray, handing one to Hanna.
“To Christmas,” I said. “Pity it’s not in Jamaica again.”
Hanna flushed. Just as she opened her mouth to speak, I felt a hand at my elbow.
“You made it!”
Turning around, I saw Harry standing there. He grinned.
“Harry, this is Hanna,” I said, putting my hand in the small of Hanna’s back and guiding her forward. She smiled apprehensively.
“I’ve heard so much about you,” Harry said. He raised an eyebrow and stepped closer. “And hey, some of it was even good!”
“He’s kidding,” I said quickly. “Don’t worry.”
Hanna flashed me a big smile. “It’s nice to meet you,” she said to Harry. “I’ve heard some things about you, too.”
Harry smirked. “Just as lovely as you painted her, James,” he said. “Pity it took so long to meet.”
Inwardly, I cringed. The evening was already making me uncomfortable, and we hadn’t even put our coats in the check room yet. I began to wonder if perhaps taking Hanna here hadn’t been the biggest mistake of my life.
Hanna and Harry were making small talk as I frantically glanced around for the coat check room. By the time I turned back to them, they were both laughing, although Hanna looked slightly embarrassed.
“Let me take your wrap,” I told Hanna. “And I’ll bring you another drink.”
Hanna laughed nervously. “James, you’re not getting me drunk,” she said sternly, holding up her champagne flute. “Let me finish this one first.”
“Yeah, buddy,” Harry said, giving me a look from behind Hanna’s back. “Don’t be a dick to the lady.”
I rolled my eyes. “Enough,” I said, shaking my head. To Hanna, I said: “I’ll be right back. I’m just going to find the coat check.”
Hanna nodded. I could tell she wasn’t thrilled about being alone with Harry, but she smiled. “Okay,” she said. “I’ll be here.”
I pushed my way through the crowd until I found the coat check. There was a huge line, and I groaned as I stepped towards the back.
“James!”
My head snapped up and I saw Richard Langdon himself, making his way through the crowd.
“Hey, Richard,” I said with a smile. I held out my hand to shake but Richard pushed it aside and pulled me into a hug. “How the hell are you?”
Richard nodded. “Doing very well,” he said. “Glad to see you’re doing the same, eh? I heard you brought a girl here.”
“I did,” I said. “Hanna. You can meet her after this line,” I said, stretching to my tiptoes and looking around the room. To my relief, Harry and Hanna were still standing right where I’d left them.
“Good,” Richard said. He shook his head. “I need a little cheering up.”
The line moved forward a few inches and I frowned. “What’s wrong?”
Richard sighed. “Nothing worth concerning you over,” he said. “But James, you get it – hell, you spent an entire goddamned year in London, sorting out Magnate!”
“I did,” I said. “And it was worth it.”
“Well, perhaps for you,” Richard groused. He launched into a diatribe about his company, and how his employees were growing unhappy and restless. I could barely keep listening as we inched forward in the coat check line.
By the time I’d handed over my coat and Hanna’s wrap, almost half an hour had passed.
“Richard, I’m so sorry,” I said. “But I really need to find Hanna. You still have my card, right?”
Richard nodded. “Yes,” he said. “Terribly sorry, James. We’ll catch up later. I can’t neglect my other guests.”
I pushed my way through the crowd to the spot where Hanna and Harry had been standing. Harry was still there, talking to a pack of blondes. But Hanna was nowhere in sight.
“Harry,” I said. “Where’s Hanna?”
Harry turned to me and shrugged. “I don’t know,” he said. He smirked. “Maybe you should keep better tabs on your woman, West. She was pretty popular with some of the girls here.”
I narrowed my eyes. “What happened?”
“Nothing, nothing,” Harry said. He clapped a hand on my shoulder. “Come on, let’s get you another drink.”
I glanced over my shoulder. “I should really find Hanna,” I said.
Harry rolled his eyes. “Forget about her for a minute or two,” he said.
I frowned. “Fine,” I said. “But just for a minute. Then I need to find her.”
“James, she’s a big girl – what, you’re afraid she’s going to get lost in the little girl’s room?”
“No,” I said, shaking my head. “That’s not what I’m afraid of at all.”