Chapter 2: Fighting the Tide

 

Russell had his eye on Alice Tate all night.

Of course, he wasn’t usually so instantly taken with women, so he made sure that he avoided her while his intrigue was still fresh. This was, of course, no easy task.

The woman was easily one of the most beautiful he’d ever laid eyes on.

The moment Amelia introduced her, a heated spark of attraction planted itself in his lower belly, and he fought a physical reaction that would be all too apparent in his very fitted suit.

While most people might think Amelia outshone most of the women in the room with her wholesome, clean beauty, Alice Tate was a siren in her own right. She was short in stature – no more than five and a half feet tall – with dark hair that fell in gorgeous, gleaming waves down her back. Her dress certainly did her curvaceous, lithe form justice, the pale color bringing out the startling green of her eyes and the neckline plunging to reveal a mouthwatering amount of cleavage. If men flocked to Amelia because she was a breath of fresh air, they wanted Alice Tate because she was a siren – seduction incarnate.

He instantly wondered why she didn’t star in any of the ads for her own brand. She would have been an immediate hit.

“I had an enchanting evening, Miss Tate.” At her question, he inclined his head politely, his eyes lowering to a full mouth painted deep red. He wondered, quite suddenly, what that mouth tasted like. Champagne, sweet and bubbly? Or something darker and richer? “You throw quite the party.”

“Well, one can always afford to be extravagant when the cause is for those who need it most.” She said the words with a remarkable amount of conviction – such that he found himself believing that she truly meant well with her cause.

“Are you in the habit of much charitable work, Miss Tate?”

“Alice, please.” She corrected him with a slow, sexy pull of her lips that stirred something deep in him.

Something that hadn’t been touched in a long while.

It made him instantly wary.

“It’s not my forte, but my sister-in-law, Rose, has a knack for it. I thought I’d take advantage of both her expertise and mine tonight.”

“Well, your combined efforts were stunning.” He replied truthfully. As long as they kept the conversation light, he might be able to keep from thinking less than clandestine thoughts about the stunning woman before him. It wouldn’t do to betray less-than-gentlemanly intentions. Not when he’d only just met the elusive designer. “Some of those gowns would be at home on American movie sets. They’re absolutely breathtaking.”

“You have an eye for fashion, Mr. Darwell?”

Her coy intrigue made his stomach clench in interest. “Russell, please.” If she wasn’t going to stand on formality, neither was he. “I like to think I can speak to my clients’ stylists about what does and doesn’t work for them.” He replied succinctly. “Women, after all, come in many shapes and sizes. Part of what I do is make sure each one of them is  appreciated.”

Alice arched a brow. “You’re sure you’re not a designer? You sound like you’re in the business.”

“If only.” He replied with a charming smile. “It would be easier to work with fabrics than people.”

She was a clever conversationalist - more than interesting enough to keep his attention as the party continued to wind down. He spoke with Alice about fashion, the latest designs she was working on and the new studio that she had established in the past year. In return, he regaled her with stories of costuming fiascos on set and some of the more difficult instances he’d had with his clients. Over a bourbon on the rocks, he told her of his connections in American film and entertainment, enjoying the way her eyes lit up in intrigue.

He would enjoy entertaining a woman like Alice Tate all night, he knew – and not only with conversation. She was, as Amelia had promised, singular. A woman with a noble background that cared nothing for it and had made her own way in the world. Not only that, but it was clear that she couldn’t give two whits what anyone thought of her commanding personality. When Alice Tate spoke, all eyes in the room were on her.

He supposed he shouldn’t have been surprised when she started flirting with him. Despite what she’d told him about thinking he’d left, he sensed she’d been secretly watching him all night.

Just as he’d been watching her.

“Will you be in London long, Russell?” Her finger idly circled the mouth of her empty champagne glass and he tore his gaze from it.

“Only a few weeks, I’m afraid. This is a rather short holiday for me before I get back to work.”

“I’m sure you miss it,” she replied, looking up at him from beneath long lashes. “You seem to me a man who takes pride in what he does.”

“That I do.” He chuckled. “Much like yourself, I imagine.”

“Well, I’m always pleased if my work catches the attention of the right people.” Setting her glass down on a nearby table, Alice ran hands through her long hair, draping it over an elegant shoulder. “I must say that I’m pleased that my gowns are in such high demand among your clients. I’ll be sure to answer the phone personally next time you call.”

Russell sipped his bourbon, enjoying the slow burn and hoping it would be enough to counter the growing desire in his gut. “Are you sure you don’t make suits?” He inquired, enjoying the flirtation, even if he knew he shouldn’t entertain it. “I’d be more inclined to call sooner.”

Alice laughed. “I might be persuaded to start if you’re my first customer. You seem like you’d be a dream to fit.” When she ran a hand over his shoulder, the warmth of her touch sizzled through every nerve ending in his body.

“I’d be flattered,” he took her hand, raising it to his lips impulsively to brush his lips across it. When her gaze flared in obvious interest, he forced himself to release her. “Though no doubt I’d be monopolizing one of Britain’s greatest talents.”

“You could monopolize me for the rest of the night.”

Well, she certainly wasn’t one to beat around the bush. “We could have a late dinner, perhaps catch a midnight art exhibition if you’re feeling so inclined.”

Russell didn’t usually encounter women who made the first move with such little hesitation, and he found he liked it. He liked Alice – which meant that she was quite dangerous. Thankfully, a prior commitment kept him from taking her up on her offer.

And likely taking her to bed.

Funnily enough, instead of being happy for his own self-preservation, Russell found himself lamenting his early morning flight.

“Wish that I could, darling.” He provided her with an apologetic smile, taking her hand once more in earnest regret. “But I have an engagement in Scotland tomorrow that I really can’t miss.”

Alice arched a skeptical brow immediately. “Scotland? Really? On such short notice?”

“Such is a career lived at the whim of one’s clients.” When he kissed her hand again, he found himself delighted at the visible shiver that passed through her.

He wanted to devour her on the spot. Alice Tate, so brash and demanding, would probably revel in a man who showed her the depths of her own depravity.

“When you come back, then?”

Ah. She wasn’t giving up. It pleased him on more levels than he cared to admit – even if Russell was far too intrigued with her to allow himself to safely give in. “I’m afraid I’ll find myself terribly busy with family, Alice. Though, if you like, I can contact you the next time I return to London.”

When her lovely face fell, he felt like a complete and utter cad. Immediately, Russell wanted to take it back – to sweep her away to the most exclusive supper club in London and wine and dine her all night.

“Well, that’s an awful shame.” Alice drew back from him, immediately closing herself off. “I should have liked to get to know you better if it weren’t for your…commitments.”

Russell sighed.  She was so lovely – so enchanting. It was heartbreaking how quickly she turned cold. “Commitments, unfortunately, supersede convenience in my line of work, my dear. Though I don’t hope you doubt my earnestness.”

The smile Alice afforded him in reply was stiff-forced. And Russell knew he’d lost her that evening.  “Of course not.” She dipped her head to him deferentially. “In fact, I appreciate your honesty. I hope you enjoy the rest of the party, Mr. Darwell.”

And with that, she swept away from him, all fire and swinging hips as she set off in search of better company. Russell watched her go mournfully before deciding that perhaps now would be the best time to take his leave.

He found that he had soured his own evening.

On the way home, Russell did his best to put himself in a fit state to deal with his client in a few hours. He told himself he would be lucky if he managed to sleep at all, considering all that he needed to arrange for the short trip, but when he returned to the hotel room, he found himself reluctant to open his laptop.

Instead of his client, he found his mind full of Alice Tate.

Frowning, he pulled off his tie and jacket, tossing them onto a nearby armchair as he considered.

He hadn’t met a woman he was so immediately drawn to in a long while. It was a fact that Russell liked to be able to carefully control his emotions – and that included the women he pursued. When he was in control, he could avoid getting too attached to those who would only want a commitment from him.

Something he found himself unable to give.

That said, one night stands were his encounter of preference. No-strings-attached intimate encounters in which both parties could immediately go their separate ways. He didn’t have to worry about breaking hearts or treading on toes – as he liked to do neither.

Alice Tate might have been inviting him into just that – a one night stand. And he certainly wouldn’t mind matching bodies and wits with a woman of her caliber.

But he hadn’t.

His prior commitment notwithstanding, he could have seen her anytime after he returned, but he’d made up a ridiculous excuse and turned her away.

And why?

Because Alice Tate intimidated him. She was a woman who knew what she wanted and wasn’t afraid to take it – and that was far outside his realm of control.

As Russell had accepted that the moment he realized he was attracted to her, one would think that now he could work undistracted, but instead, all he could think about was Alice’s bare shoulders and the gorgeous gown she wore. How he might like to kiss those shoulders and hear her sigh of pleasure as she inclined her neck, offering more to him. Then he might like to take her bloody dress off completely and worship the body only hinted at in the form-fitting garment. A body like Alice Tate’s deserved to be enjoyed leisurely – worshiped, even…

And now he was uncomfortably erect.

Running a hand through his dark hair, Russell blew out an exasperated breath. At this rate, he would be able to neither sleep nor work.

And all because of the alluring designer he just had to meet.

 

**

 

Alice stewed.

She was supposed to be working on the final designs for her collection of hats set to launch in the spring, but all she could do was stare at the empty pad before her as she chewed unbecomingly on her lower lip. She might have been staring at said pad for the last five minutes or for the last several hours.

Either way, she’d gotten terribly off track.

With a sigh, she pushed her pad aside, setting her elbows on her desk as she massaged her temples.

This was ridiculous. It had been two weeks. Two whole weeks since her successful charity event. With all the money she had raised, and the successful debut of her maternity line, she should be over the moon. Instead, she found herself irate and snappish – to the point where everyone in her studio noticed and tried to stay well away from her.

This should have been one of the most exciting parts of the year for her. The holidays were coming up, her maternity line was flying off the shelves wherever it was sold and distributors were already asking when she was going to start her next collection.

But Alice could only purse her lips and dwell on the one man who had evaded her attentions:

Russell Darwell.

The night he had rejected her, she’d spent the rest of her party in a fit of annoyance, even snapping at Michael when he asked her how she enjoyed herself. Her reaction had been enough to send him to the other end of the hall – and he even lingered after she left to stay out of the way. When Rose called the next day to make sure she was alright, Alice had apologized profusely, even though her mood hadn’t lifted.

Commitments.

She would have liked to think Russell was interested enough to commit to at least a single night with her, but, apparently, that was the wrong assumption.

It shouldn’t matter. He was one of an entire city of men that she might be interested in – it should have been nothing to move on.

And that was just the problem.

Alice couldn’t stop bloody thinking about the man.

A few days after her event, she’d looked him up on the internet, just for the hell of it, and discovered that he was even more well-connected than she’d previously thought. He was the agent to two of the world’s highest paid actresses and considered the man to speak to if one wanted to make a blockbuster movie. Even directors and producers had to bow and kowtow to him.

When Alice laid eyes on the man’s picture, she frowned. He was, unfortunately, just as devilishly handsome as she remembered. She spent a good five minutes staring into those startlingly blue eyes of his before she shut her laptop and stormed out of her penthouse for a martini.

Since then, she’d told herself she wouldn’t look him up. She wouldn’t think about him, and most of all she wouldn’t imagine what could have been.

So why, now, was she sitting at her desk doing exactly that?

With a groan, Alice rose from her desk, considering for a moment before she made her way from the study towards the kitchen. She needed a spot of tea – most likely properly spiked with whiskey.

When she turned the corner down the hall, however, she almost collided with Tom, who caught her elbows to steady her immediately. “Steady on, Miss Tate.” When he took in the irate look on her face, he arched a brow in concern. “Are you alright?”

“Fine, Tom.” She answered quickly. “I should like a pot of tea please, with a generous tot of bourbon.”

“Of course.” Tom inclined his head respectfully. “Will you take it in the sitting room with your guests?”

Alice’s gaze immediately jerked to his. “Guests?”

Tom’s lips curved upward in a distinguished smile. “Miss Catherine and young Liam are here to see you, Miss.”

Immediately, Alice’s face lit up and her anger faded somewhat. “Are they? Wonderful.”

There were few problems, Alice had found, that couldn’t be solved by holding a baby in one’s arms. No sooner had she greeted Cat with a warm kiss on the cheek than she confiscated the chubby cheeked Liam from the dark-haired woman and settled him on her lap where he cooed and smiled in pleasure.

He was absolutely adorable. Sometimes Alice wondered that Elias was his father.

“You came just in the nick of time.” She cooed to the baby before addressing his mother. “I was on the edge of a fit, I swear?”

“Really?” Cat’s green eyes lit in concern. “What’s going on?”

Alice merely groaned, considering the gentlest way to pose her problem. Cat, of course, didn’t have any male problems. She was happily married to an overprotective billionaire architecture mogul who monopolized almost every moment of her time.

But she was also desperately in love – something that, Alice had to admit, she envied. “Nothing awful. I just…well…there’s been someone on my mind and I’m positive he wants nothing to do with me.”

“He?” Cat arched a brow, her expression appropriately shocked. “I can’t think of a man within a hundred miles who wouldn’t fall at your feet, slathering. Who the hell are we talking about here?”

Americans had such a delightfully blunt way of putting things. Alice adored it. “His name is Russell, and though I thought we were getting along famously when we met, he’s expressed no interest in seeing me.”

Cat tapped her chin thoughtfully as her son drooled all over Alice’s Lanvin. Little Liam was literally the only person in existence who could get away with soiling her designer clothes. “Maybe he’s busy.”

Well that, made no difference. Alice knew he was busy. “Even if he is, if he were interested, wouldn’t he make time to see me?”

“A valid point. Though he could easily want to see you just as badly and not be available.”

“Somehow I doubt that,” Alice returned sourly, remembering the way the man had rebuffed her. “I all but invited him into my bed, Cat, and he refused.”

Leaning back against the expensive leather couch, the young woman sighed. “Perhaps he likes a more subtle approach.”

“He kissed my hand – twice.”

Cat laughed. “Isn’t that just a British man’s way of saying hello?”

“Perhaps a hundred years ago.” Cat made a face. “This is the bloody modern age. I think he just wanted to kiss my lips and settled for what he could get.”

Cat laughed as Liam reached up to toy with a gold pendant around Alice’s neck. “I’m sorry. I’m not being much help, I’m sorry. Since becoming a mother I haven’t had much time for girl talk.”

“Oh, that’s alright.” Alice waved off her apology quickly. “Who wants to waste time talking about men anyway…Unless it’s this little one, of course.” When she tickled baby Liam, his gay laugh filled the room and lifted her spirits.

At that precise moment, Tom brought tea and cakes, and the conversation turned to lighter fare.

It was the first time in two weeks that Alice hadn’t dwelt on Russell Darwell, and she had to admit, it felt damn good. She spent a comfortable afternoon in Cat’s company, and the two agreed to meet for shopping later that week before her friend took her leave.

By the time she was soaking in the bath later on that night, Alice resolved that she didn’t care one whit about Russell Darwell and what he thought of her. In fact, if he didn’t wish to entertain her, she’d find someone who would.

 

She remained resolute in that choice until she actually found herself on a date – of course, at that point, everything fell apart.

He was ridiculously handsome. That was, of course, one of the primary reasons Alice had picked him. One of the premier jewelers in London, he was also fabulously wealthy. Just to ask her out to dinner with him, he sent her one of the most exquisite diamond bracelets she’d ever seen. Such an overt gesture would usually have Alice sending the gift right back to where it came from, but on this particular occasion, she considered it an invitation.

She dressed in one of her sexiest Louis Vuitton sheaths and sky-high pumps, pinning up her hair and went to meet Benicio Attoli with bells on.

So why, now, was she realizing how insufferably dull he was?

The man was Italian, and while he did have a certain amount of foreign allure, all he wanted to talk about were his jewels and the exotic locales he’d been to. They weren’t even halfway into the first course and Alice was bored out of her mind.

And with that, all of her irritation came screaming back full force.

This would never have happened if she’d gone out with Russell Darwell. Perhaps he hadn’t really wanted to be with her, but he would have been polite enough to provide more stimulating conversation. Darwell seemed a man who could genuinely appreciate a woman’s company, at least. Attoli just liked to have someone present to hear him talk.

But even so…Alice found her irritation perturbing. Six months ago, upon meeting a man like Attoli, she would have taken him to bed just to shut him up – but now, the thought revolted her. The idea of taking a man as pompous and self-absorbed as Attoli to her penthouse…it was almost enough to turn her off her filet mignon.

“Have you heard of the film agent Russell Darwell?” She wasn’t quite certain what Attoli had been droning on about – something about her eyes being the same color as emeralds sparkling under the starlight or some other bloody nonsense, but she decided to interrupt him at that particular juncture.

For a moment, Attoli looked confused, then his swarthy face lit up in recognition. “Darwell! Yes, I know him. I’ve sold several pieces to clients that he represents.” He dropped a few names of famous starlets that Alice supposed were meant to impress her. She ignored them completely.

“What do you know about him?”

Now, her date arched a brow in curiosity. “Know? I’ve spoken with him a handful of times but I cannot profess to know him personally. Why? Are you planning on working with him?”

What was she doing? Alice didn’t know if she’d ever performed so completely out of character in her entire life. It was common etiquette that you didn’t talk about other people on a date. Even if this particular date was horrible, that was no reason for her to be a complete cad.

“Perhaps.” She mused, wondering how on earth she could get this dinner back on track. Was there anything that she had in common with this man? Anything at all? Had they even ordered the same thing for dinner?

“Well, if you are planning to work with him, perhaps you’d care to speak with him in person. He’s hosting a birthday party for one of his clients in New York next week. She’s commissioned the most beautiful sapphire ring to mark the occasion-”

“When next week?” The demand rushed from Alice so quickly she was barely aware she’d spoken and Attoli jumped in alarm.

“I’m not sure,” he replied thoughtfully, toying with one of the several ornate rings he wore on his fingers. “Thursday or Friday perhaps?”

Alice did her best to look disinterested – especially after her little outburst. With a small smile, she nodded her head, taking a sip of wine. Attoli immediately grinned, raising his glass in a toast to her.

And Alice prayed the night would end quickly.

 

**

 

While international stars could be high maintenance, Americans were the next level of opulence. As Russell looked over the mounting bills for his client’s upcoming birthday party, he grimaced. It wasn’t as if she couldn’t afford it, but he himself had long been against such outlandish displays of wealth.

Regina wanted to be flown from LA to New York in a private jet and book the ballroom of the Ritz-Carlton for an evening. She wanted only the best wine from a specific producer in Martha’s Vineyard and catering from one of the most premier restaurants in the city. For her guests, each gift bag would be filled with over twelve hundred dollars’ worth of designer goodies – and that was just the start.

Often, Russell didn’t know whether to be amused or aghast at the inclinations of the very rich. Though he was wealthy, he liked to believe that he wasn’t obtrusive about it. For his own thirty-ninth birthday, he had a small gathering of friends at one of his favorite restaurants in the West Village –an intimate and quiet affair. Regina’s party would, of course, be the exact opposite.

He’d have to have a few of her bodyguards on damage control to make sure the media didn’t catch sight of her on a drunken binge. The actress didn’t drink too terribly often, but when she did, she tended to get absolutely hammered.

Which was a nightmare for him to deal with.

When he finished signing off on everything for the party, he decided to take the rest of the afternoon off. It was a gorgeous fall day in the city, the ripe colors of autumn strewn over the streets and blanketing the ground. Fall in New York was crisp and cool – one of his favorite seasons –and it was the perfect day to walk to one of his favorite eateries.

The moment he rounded the corner to cross Fifth Avenue, he was struck by a new billboard on the building across the street.

Russell paused.

The image featured a slinky blond draped in an alluring, sky blue gown on a chaise lounge. Every facet of her image oozed sex appeal – but it was clear that the gown was meant to shine in this particular ad. The color was pristine, and even from an image alone, one could tell the satin was high quality.

The gown was, of course, Alice Tate.

Russell stared at the billboard for long after the signal changed to cross the street. As he did so, he gave into the urge that had haunted him since his encounter with the designer almost a month ago.

He thought of her.

Really, when wasn’t he thinking of Alice? He might not allow himself to properly acknowledge it, but the moment Regina told him she was having a party, hadn’t he immediately asked if she’d like to wear an Alice Tate gown to the event? Thankfully, Regina hadn’t realized anything amiss and had simply politely declined.

He was looking for an excuse to speak with her.

But with award season half a year away and all of his clients currently very content with their wardrobes what on earth was he supposed to do?

He should be content and stop obsessing over the woman. She was, after all, half a world away. He’d already told himself that she was beyond his reach, and he was all the better for it.

Even after he’d returned from Scotland, it had been hard knowing that Alice Tate was in the same city as he was. He even looked up the location of her studio online and contemplated dropping by.

Not that she would see him after he’d rejected her at her own event. He had, Russell realized, made a mistake – if a self-preserving one. He supposed it was fair that, as punishment, he saw Alice Tate in his dreams.

And what vivid dreams they were.

It wasn’t, Russell reminded himself, entirely appropriate to be reminiscing over them in the light of day on a crowded New York Avenue. He might embarrass himself.

In that vein, he decided, instead, to return home for lunch.

In the comfort of his own home, he ordered out from the bistro and allowed himself to consider his memories of Alice Tate.

Her and that damn dress.

Russell knew full well that the woman didn’t walk around in ball gowns, but all he could picture was her modeling it for him – prancing around his apartment as he watched rabidly, enticed by her curves. Of course, this particular fantasy was relatively tame, considering some of the others he’d had.

It had occurred to Russell that perhaps he needed to occupy himself with another woman to get Alice Tate out of his system. In theory, the plan could work – but he currently found himself too busy and, honestly, unwilling to pursue anyone else. Why would he, when he knew that, ultimately, he would just end up comparing him to his memory of the designer.

Time would heal all, Russell knew, but in the meantime, Russell knew there would be little he could do to distract himself from Alice Tate.

Only work – and God knew he did enough of that already.

He was actually looking forward to Regina’s party this week. It might be a messy, sordid affair, but it would be the first time in almost four weeks that he’d done something other than work.

And think of Alice.

Even if she was delightful to picture.

Of course, he got nothing done for the rest of the afternoon – or the next day really. What he did do was take a walk down Fifth Avenue to the Alice Tate boutique.

Of course, she was all over it. Not her image, but her touch was there. Each of the pieces in the shop was just as exquisitely designed as the one on the billboard, and though he knew her work was in high demand, Russell realized that the clothing certainly wasn’t overpriced. There was care and attention to detail in every stitch.

Almost as if Alice had handmade each one herself.

He was glad to see that he wasn’t the only workaholic in the cosmos – and when he picked up a winter scarf, he told himself he was just remaining on trend.

Of course, he didn’t have to wear said scarf to Regina’s party. Russell did it casually, incorporating it into his outfit with a navy blazer and a pair of Italian leather shoes.

And somehow, it felt good to wear something that was hers.

The party was, as he’d imagined, an extravagant affair. The ballroom of the Ritz Carlton was roped off and guests were signed in via a closely guarded list. There was a host of security outside, half of which were unneeded, in his opinion – but after only fifteen minutes of finagling, he actually managed to get into the party that he had helped plan.

For once, it was nice to do the observing, rather than to be observed. With a drink in hand, Russell leaned against a wall and watched the party take place. He would, he decided, stay for an hour or two, find the opportune moment to wish Regina a happy birthday, and then leave Tony and Mike, her preferred bodyguards, on damage control.

At least, that was the plan until he saw her.

For a moment, Russell was too stunned to move. He merely stared at the woman in a skintight golden dress directly across from him as she laughed with Regina before toasting her with a glass of bubbly.

There was no doubting it: Alice Tate was here. In the flesh.

Dimly Russell tried to recall seeing her name on the guest list. It wasn’t as if he’d gone over it with a fine-toothed comb, but surely he might have noticed her.

Apparently not.

Like a moth drawn to a flame, he straightened from the wall, downing the rest of his drink in one swallow. In the back of his mind, he felt it- the nigging inkling of doubt that was always there – always pressing. But for once, Russell decided to ignore it.

He was sure that Alice had worn that dress to get attention – it wouldn’t hurt to simply welcome her to the party, would it?

 

**

 

It had been next to nothing to get herself invited to Regina Alderman’s thirty-first birthday party. She was a close friend of Amelia’s besides sharing the same agent, and so Alice secured her invitation within the week. Of course, making excuses for why she was jaunting off to America was harder.

Alice wondered why she had never considered that her brother, in his own way, might be as overprotective as Elias was of Cat. He always wanted to know where she was going and what she was doing.

The last time she checked her phone she had two missed calls from the man. She was tempted to call his bride-to-be and tell her to reign in her fiancé. Rose might very well sympathize with her – she had to live with the man.

But Alice would worry about Michael later. Right now, she was busy pretending to enjoy a party she was pretty sure was liquid opulence.

Not exactly her style.

But then again, she hadn’t come for the festivities. If she was lucky, she might run into the one person who’d been plaguing her since the day she met him.

Of course, Alice’s plan was completely self-servicing. The moment she decided she was coming to America, she decided that, instead of pursuing the man, she was going to prove that she could overcome him. Once she saw him and realized that he didn’t even begin to live up to what she had imagined, she would be able to go back to London and get on with her life.

Alice was confident that she was being silly in her slight obsession- that this little jaunt across the pond would settle things permanently.

And she remained firm in that conviction until the moment she laid eyes on Russell.

Alice was on her way to get a spinach puff from the tempting array on the far wall when he came striding out of seemingly nowhere. She was suddenly very glad she was in a crowded ballroom. If not for that, she was certain someone would see her standing stark still, gaping like an absolute loon.

For a woman who loved fashion, Russell Darwell was an absolute dream. The man was impeccably well-dressed in a pair of dark khaki slacks, a crisp button up, blue blazer and amazing shoes she recognized to be the work of a very exclusive Italian designer. And around his neck, tucked very jauntily, was what she knew to be a scarf from her own fall collection.

Alice didn’t know whether to be pleased, shocked or even further intrigued. Did the man know he was wearing her line? Did he do it on purpose? Or did he just have an impeccably good taste? As much as she’d like to believe the latter, the former was far more interesting.

He didn’t pretend to be interested in anyone else. Rather, the man sidled right up to her with a charming smile that set off his roguish good looks. “Alice Tate. Fancy running into you here.”

She wanted to rappel up the man like a bloody tree, but Alice quickly reminded herself that he had rejected her. It wouldn’t look too flattering to seem overly interested. “Mr. Darwell.” Despite these intentions, however, she couldn’t keep the genuine warmth from her smile. “I assume that your Regina’s agent?”

She did so love playing coy.

“That I am.” When he took her hand to kiss it, Alice held her breath. His lips against her skin sent a spark racing up her arm that made her knees weak, and she swallowed thickly. Evidently, this wasn’t going to be as easy as she had hoped.

“Are you in a habit of kissing the hands of every woman you meet?” She inquired breathlessly. Russell merely smiled as he straightened.

“Only the exceptionally striking ones.” He was flirting with her. Right off the bloody bat. What a three sixty! First, he couldn’t wait to get away from her and now she was striking.

“How was your business in Scotland?” She changed the subject abruptly, gazing up at him. In truth, she was hoping to catch him in a lie. It would explain a lot if the man had never really had an engagement outside London in the first place. But she was woefully disappointed.

“Exhausting.” He returned promptly. “A morning of scheduling film shoots and promising things I only hope I can deliver.”

“Sounds like a perfectly workaholic getaway, then.” He laughed at her assessment, shaking his head slowly at her sarcasm.

“I might have enjoyed an evening spent with you more.”

Alice did her best to hide her shock. “I suppose you might have. Now we’ll never know.” Alice resisted the urge to imply he should ask her out again. She made a habit of turning her back on men who scorned her – even if they were few and far between.

That being her policy, she was still standing before Russell Darwell. And she didn’t think she had any intention of moving anytime soon.

“Miss Tate, might I say that you have a supreme talent for leaving a man wanting.” The words were uttered with the utmost respect, but Alice couldn’t mistake the gleam of interest in Russell’s eye. She merely batted her lashes at him, for once, giving into the reputation that preceded her.

“Not intentionally, I assure you.”

The flashed raised his drink to take a sip, his gaze never leaving hers over the edge of the glass. “Of course not.”

Though Alice might have liked to pursue the matter further – she had Darwell right where she wanted him – at that precise moment, their little bubble burst.

“Russell! Took some time off to come to your own party!” A burly arm came from behind to wrap around Russell’s shoulder, and Alice looked over in surprise to see none other than David Wright – one of the most popular American film stars of the past decade. Alice had just gone to see one of his dramas the previous week with Rose, and, despite having met a number of important, influential people in her life, she found herself momentarily star-struck. David was joined by another film star she recognized, Juliet Marigold. According to tabloids, the two may or may not be dating.

“It’s not explicitly my party.” Russell’s profession only made David grin as he patted the man on the back.

“Don’t think Regina’s organized enough to plan all of this, even if she is the birthday girl.”

“It’s fabulous, Russell.” Juliet was known for her striking gray eyes and her fashionable blond pixie cut. “I’m sure she’s having a great time!”

“Russell.” At that precise moment, David seemed to realize he’d interrupted a conversation as his eyes slid to Alice. She gave the man a cheeky little grin, waggling her fingers. Though quite good looking, she had the impression that movie stars weren’t often as intelligent as they were made out to be. “Who is this lovely creature, I don’t think we’ve been introduced.”

Seeing as how Juliet didn’t throw a fit when David issues the compliment, Alice thought it safe to assume that the tabloids were wrong about their relationship status. “Ah, David, Juliet.” Russell chuckled, gesturing to Alice grandly. “May I have the pleasure of presenting Alice Tate.”

Juliet, to her merit, immediately began to gush. “Not the Alice Tate. The designer? You’re fucking gorgeous, look at that dress! I love your work! I have nearly every piece from your fall collection.”

“You flatter me.” Alice grinned, shaking the blond woman’s hand in greeting. As appreciative as she was, she really wished this pair would bugger off so she could continue conversing with Russell.

“Do you design for men?” David was immediately front and center, his gaze only an iota away from sexual deviancy and Alice swallowed her laugh. Well, at least the American was very frank with his interests.

“Not presently,” She answered truthfully. “Though,” her gaze slid to Russell’s, who was eying her with an oddly possessive look in his eye. “You’re not the first to ask.”

“Alice is actually in town for the party, I assume.” Russell butted in, looking to her for confirmation, and Alice had to wonder if it wasn’t the smallest iota of jealousy she was witnessing.

How delicious. “That’s right. I’m leaving the city in another day or two.”

“What, before we can show you around?” Russell’s gaze flickered from the film star to her and then back again, and this time, he was definitely territorial.

“Hey, David…isn’t the film you and Regina are starting in a few months still in the market for a costume designer?”

The slightly shorter man looked to Russell in surprise when he spoke quickly, arching a brow.

“That’s right.” Juliet’s face lit up as she looked back to Alice, clearly excited. “The guy they had on board bailed at the last minute to do some indie flick. Alice, you should definitely meet with the director. The movie is a gothic horror piece, I’m sure your design would be amazing…”

Alice’s eyes widened in complete surprise.

Dear Lord, how had this happened? In the space of an hour, she’d gone from telling herself she’d be rid of Russell, to being enthralled by him, to being…offered a job? People truly did move fast in The States.

“Well…I’ll see if I can get in contact with him, perhaps…assess his needs…”

“I can set up a meeting.” Russell interjected politely, his expression earnest. “If, indeed, you are interested.”

What was this man? Alice had never before met his like.

Tucking a lock of hair behind her ear, she gazed up at him – and right past David, so there was no mistaking to whom she was speaking. “I’ll take some time to think it over and get back to you.”

“Great.’ David had a thousand kilowatt smile that Alice was sure had felled many a woman – but she wasn’t going to be entrapped by it. Not when there were bigger fish to be had.

Since David and Juliet had come to join them, it was only polite that they entertain the two. For about half an hour, they talked about film and ridiculous shooting schedules in exotic locales, and when Juliet finally claimed to need a drink refill, Russell managed to persuade David that he should be the one to go.

It was astounding, Alice realized, that the man could be such a complete gentleman and still covertly get people to do what he wanted them to.

“I was beginning to think they’d never leave.” She sighed the moment they were gone, refilling her on a drink from a passing attendant.

Russell mimicked shock. “You mean you weren’t veritably star-struck by the man trying to see through your clothes.”

Alice grimaced before laughing. He had noticed.  “So I wasn’t just imagining it. He was staring unabashedly at my chest.”

“Even though I’m not his agent, I hope you’ll allow me to apologize for him.” Russell stepped close to her, and for one fleeting moment, Alice thought the man might kiss her. Instead, he merely brushed past her as he reached over her shoulder to usurp a shrimp from a tray.

As his scent filtered through her senses, Alice resisted the urge to lean against him – to wrap her arms around him and see if he was really anywhere near as interested in her as she was in him.

“I won’t. Perhaps if I work on his film, he’ll get to make his own apologies.”

Russell didn’t seem to find that particular idea as entertaining as she did. His mouth twitched into what was unmistakably a frown before he spoke again. “I’d be wary of him if I were you. He’s got a string of broken hearts a mile long behind him.”

“Does he?” Alice arched a brow in inquiry. “And what about you, Russell? No skeletons in your closet? I dare say you’re the perfect man.”

He merely winked winningly at her, giving nothing away. “No such thing, my darling. None at all.”

Though Alice had promised herself that she would eventually greet the birthday girl and pretend to be enjoying the party at hand, she spent the majority of the evening enjoying Russell’s company. The party was a clichéd mash up of celebrities getting drunk and trying to outdo one another while conversing with Russell was almost the exact opposite. He drank very slowly, and whether he was truly interested in what she had to say or not, he very duly played the part.

Alice learned that he would be spending the next six months on the west coast of the states during the filming of Regina’s movie. As luck would have it, Amelia also had a play opening in San Diego during the winter as well, so he’d be able to kill two birds with one stone. It seemed to Alice that the man was forever travelling – yet he didn’t give the air of someone who was world weary at all. In fact, Russell seemed to be enchanted by the world he lived in – and why wouldn’t he be? He was unquestionably a king in his domain.

And Alice found it incredibly sexy.

She didn’t think she had ever encountered a man with as much casual confidence as Russell Darwell. He was attractive, intelligent, fashionable and interesting without any apparent effort – and despite her best intentions, Alice couldn’t help but like him. He was also unique in the fact that she had no idea whether or not he was similarly interested in her. He thought her attractive, yes, but entire slews of men thought she was attractive.

She wanted Russell to want her – to need her…it was a foreign feeling for her, a woman thoroughly convinced that she would never need a man at all. Indeed, she’d flown three thousand miles in hopes that she might see him, and in that evening

At the same time, seeing just how much power Russell wielded in the American film industry gave her a bit of pause. Though Alice had never before had any reservations about courting powerful men, for the first time, she wondered exactly how much of her overinflated reputation had reached Russell’s ears.

And how people might look at her for cozying up to him.

Though Alice had been tabloids that several times proclaimed her a woman who slept with others to get ahead, the gossip and scandal had never really bothered her.

At least not until now.

“So I assume that with all the work you’re wrapped up in, your schedule is virtually packed.” After lamenting over two particularly difficult clients, Alice found she couldn’t help herself. As impressive as he was, the man must be exhausted. Certainly, he could take a break – they could finagle both of their schedules and maybe, just maybe…

Just then, a table near the back of the ballroom went toppling over and they both turned to look. Alice grimaced to see that it was the birthday girl herself – careening into a champagne tower. Luckily, one of her friends grabbed her before she ruined her dress but the table was absolutely finished.

And the commotion was immense.

In the two or three minutes it took for everyone to laugh things off, Russell went into work mode. “Oh, bloody hell. Regina’s started early.”

Damn. Double damn. One look at the man’s stern expression was enough to let Alice know she’d lost his attention for the evening. She forced a smile onto her face. “Maybe you should go check on her.”

“I think I will.” The man stroked his goatee, his expression worried – and then, all at once, his eyes swung back to the woman standing before him. “But don’t think it means I’ll forget you, Alice. You will call me about the film, won’t you?”

He took her shoulders in a firm but gentle grip before tipping up her chin so they could see eye to eye. “ I’m sure you’d be a perfect fit.”

Bloody Christ when he looked at her like that, Alice could swear they two were the only two people in the world that existed. At that particular moment, she hated Regina. She hoped the actress was laid out in a coma the next day for the trouble she’d caused.

Perhaps Russell would call her to tell her about it.

The man withdrew a card from his breast pocket with two dexterous fingers. “My direct number, darling. For when you make your decision.” With that, he bent down for what Alice was sure was meant to be a very proprietary, friendly kiss.

Instead, the man’s mouth brushed the corner of hers in a gesture both surprisingly intimate and sensual. His whiskers scratched ever so slightly against her skin, making her shiver, and Alice fancied she could taste him – the bitter tang of the bourbon he drank and a fresh, alluring flavor that was just the surface of the man who plagued her every waking moment. “I’ll talk to you soon.” The words were murmured softly against her ear a moment before Russell straightened, headed for his inebriated client.

Alice could only watch him go, her heart racing inordinately. As it hammered against her ribs, she wondered what on earth had gotten into her, that a completely unintimate kiss had so aroused her?

It was clear that Russell was poisoning her mind.

The problem was, she couldn’t decide whether she abhorred or adored him for it.

 

True to her word, Alice returned to England two days after the party, Russell’s card firmly in hand. Once she was back in her London penthouse, however, faced with real life and the enormity of the choice before her, she realized that she had no idea what to do with it.

Alice stewed over a few hours in her studio before heading to see her brother. After all, he’d been calling her almost nonstop for the past week so she supposed she wouldn’t be entirely uninvited if she showed up at his flat after his hospital shift.

As she had a key, she intended to let herself in and raid his liquor cabinet, but she was surprised to find the man home at two in the afternoon. He answered the door in only a pair of flannel bottoms and a t-shirt, and his sister arched a brow at his haggard appearance.

“Rose’s feeling under the weather.” He provided, by way of explanation, as she stood on tiptoe to kiss his cheek. “I’m taking care of her.”

“Well isn’t that gentlemanly of you.” She breezed past her brother and managed to gain herself a fraction of a second before the interrogation started.

“Did you have a good time on your trip?”

She managed to ignore him for a whole five minutes as she fussed over Rose, who was propped up on the sofa covered in blankets, hugely pregnant and down with the flu. It was only after she promised to make tea and bring her a salve for her feet that Michael finally caught up with her in the kitchen. The immense man leaned against the wall, crossing his arms over his chest. “You know, not answering me isn’t going to get me to leave you alone.”

“Are you sure you’re the eldest here?” His sister jibed as she found a kettle and some tea leaves. “Cause I swear I’m the most mature one.”

“No, you’re just more stubborn.” Michael rebutted, taking the kettle with her to fill with water. “Where did you go again?”

Of course, she hadn’t told him where she went in the first place, so this was a bid to find her out. But Alice had no intention of hiding the truth from him any longer. Not when she needed his advice.

“New York. I had an event to attend.”

“Really?” Michael’s brows shot up in surprise. “I never knew you as one to jaunt halfway across the world for a party.”

“Well…” Alice stood on the toes of her precious Gucci pumps, searching for sugar in her brother’s extraordinarily high cabinets. “I might have gone in hopes of running into a certain someone…”

If Michael had been interested before, now he was positively riveted.

“Do tell. Has my man-eating sister finally caught sight of prey she’s acquired a taste for?”

Alice glared at him. He made her sound like a bloody flesh-eating disease for Christ sake. “Nothing as dramatic as that. Tell me, is the name Russell Darwell familiar to you?”

Michael arched a brow, taking the tealeaves from his sister to set them aside before turning on the burner for the kettle. “Somewhat…he’s…what, an American Agent or something like that? I’ve seen him on the television a few times. His name is credited in a couple of recent movies I’ve seen recently. What about him?”

Alice hesitated only slightly before sticking to her decision to bare all. It didn’t make any sense for her to hide things. Michael would find her out sooner or later, and it would be a far worse headache to deal with then.

“Well…I met him at my event a few weeks ago. Did you speak to him?”

“In passing.” Her brother was eying her with a gaze as sharp as a hawk’s. Alice would be willing to bet that he knew where this conversation was going before she uttered a single word.

He was too bloody perceptive for his own good.

“Don’t look at me like that.” She scowled, her mouth turning downward sharply. “I’m trying to confide in you.”

Michael hid an obvious chuckle behind his hand before reaching past her into the cabinet to retrieve a tin of biscuits. It was well-known that, though Rose usually watched her figure, her pregnancy gave her cravings for digestives that couldn’t be ignored.

Which meant her fiancé liked to indulge her – and his unborn daughter.

“Alright,  Confide in me.”

Alice blew out a long breath before finally continuing. “Russell Darwell…he’s something else. A rare man who garners both my respect and my interest.”

Her brother looked surprised. “Interest as in you’ve had a fling with him?”

Alice wanted to reprimand him, but she knew that she couldn’t have expected any other reaction. All Michael knew was her prolific tendency towards one-night stands – he loved to reprimand her about the dangerous nature of such habits while she attested the monogamy was for people who were ready for the commitment.

Ready for marriage, children and such relations entailed.

She hadn’t yet met a man who tempted her to contemplate those things – and as she wasn’t the heir to the Tate name, she wasn’t expected to provide a child post haste. She could basically live her life as she pleased, bar any complete stupidity.

Of course, she wasn’t thinking about eloping with Russell Darwell – nothing that serious. But she’d certainly like it if the man stopped to give her the time of day. As it was, he was the only man she’d ever encountered that seemed immune to her charms.

And that riled her. Especially since she couldn’t seem to get him out of her mind for more than five minutes at a time.

“I haven’t touched him.” Crossing her arms, she leaned back against the pristine cherry cabinets to fix him with a neutral gaze.  “I just…Well…I went to the States hoping I’d run into him at a particular function.”

Michael merely continued to stare at her, obviously waiting for her to continue. “And did you?”

Alice chewed her lip contemplatively for a moment – a horrible habit but one she couldn’t avoid when she was nervous. “I did…and I have no idea what any of it meant.”

She proceeded to explain to Michael exactly what had happened between her and Russell at the party in New York. How the man seemed to have sought her out, but hadn’t made a single move rather than to offer her what seemed like a job. Other than that, however, he’d done little but kiss her on the cheek – which was no more than Michael himself would have done under similar circumstances.

The result: Alice was thoroughly vexed.

“What is going on with this guy?” She finally queried exasperatedly, reaching to turn off the kettle when it started to whistle. Even though Michael moved to make the tea himself, she slapped his hands aside to take over. Alice felt as if she needed to keep her hands busy or she might very well punch something.

It had been a long time since she’d been so frustrated.  “I’m contemplating the job, but if I take it, what does it mean? A fast track to six months in America that I don’t necessarily want? Or will he actually be there?”

Watching her steep the leaves, Michael ran a hand through his disheveled hair thoughtfully.

He was quiet for a moment as she measured milk and sugar to Rose’s preferences. Neither of them would dare go against her whim when she was in such a state, after all. Before Michael could answer his sister’s inquiry, however, his fiancée herself appeared in the doorway, with a hand over her swollen belly as she looked over the both of them.

Michael immediately went into over-protective mode. “What are you doing up? You should be on the couch, darling!”

As always, Rose merely scowled at him, knocking his hand away lightly. “I have a cold, I’m not dying, Michael. Besides,” She shot Alice a cheeky grin. “I overheard your conversation and wanted to make sure I wasn’t excluded.”

Alice flushed slightly at her implication, helping Rose over to take a seat at the kitchen table. It was hard enough to admit that she fancied someone. She supposed she should be happy that Rose, a dear friend, was here to add her two cents to the mix. “Rose, what on earth am I to expect from this man?”

Rose appeared to consider as her fiancée poured her a cup of tea. Once she took a sip of the hot, sweet fare, she sighed in bliss before speaking once more. “You say he offered you a job?”

Alice nodded, letting Michael pour her a cup of tea as well – though she didn’t like hers nearly so sweet. “Something about introducing me to a producer one of his clients is working on. Does that mean he’ll be there? That he wants to see me?”

Rose pursed her lips contemplatively. “Personally, I think he might have been more direct.” Her eyes flickered to her fiancé. “Michael was quite direct.”

Alice grimaced. “That is far more information than I’m comfortable with.” Her brother snorted his amusement before striding over to his bride to be and planting an enthusiastic kiss on her upturned lips.

“You’ll survive.” Taking a sip of his own oversweet tea, Michael made a face. “I am of the personal opinion that he’s just being a gentleman. If the man said he had a prior commitment, he had a prior commitment. Perhaps he’s the type of man that doesn’t like to stand women up.”

Alice arched a brow in intrigue. “So he is interested in me?”

Michael shrugged. “Probably.”

Bloody hell, this wasn’t helping at all. Rose thought he wasn’t interested and Michael thought he was.

“So what the bloody hell am I supposed to do now?” Rose merely smiled serenely up at her, which made her feel like an idiot for being so frustrated.

“Well, you have to make that decision yourself. How much do you fancy him?”

Alice felt her face heating anew and knew she must be red from her bosom all the way to the roots of her hair. This was why she never took a liking to men for very long – things always got woefully complicated with the questions and major decisions…

Lord knew she got enough of that in her career.

“A lot.” She admitted reluctantly. “Probably a little too much.”

Michael merely grinned in satisfaction. “It’s about bloody time.”

She was going to kill him. His daughter was going to be fatherless, Alice swore to God…

Right after she figured out when she was going to contact Russell about his job offer.