Chapter Five
Ethan sat behind his desk, half listening to Billy go on about his date the evening before. Ethan couldn’t get his mind off Piper Hollister, no matter how much Billy chattered.
“Any news on the Steinberg case?” Ethan inquired, changing the subject.
Billy sat up straighter in his chair. “Nothing concrete. But I did speak with his man at the bank this morning, and informed him that you would be paying him a visit soon. He seemed pretty reluctant to cross Steinberg. But fortunately, money talks.”
“Indeed, it does. I’ll stop by there this afternoon and secure the payoff.”
Crossing his foot over his knee, Billy asked. “How did last night go? I bet the models were hot as hell.”
A vision of Piper strolling down that runway floated through Ethan’s mind. She’d worn a red negligee that hugged her body in all the right places.
Ethan couldn’t seem to get her image out of his mind. He’d wanted to throw her over his shoulder, carry her to an empty room, and sink himself balls-deep into her beautiful body.
“Of course, you don’t have to give me the details,” Billy was saying. “I have no doubt they were hot.”
Ethan ran a hand down his face, grateful for the giant oak desk that stood between Billy and him. He’d hate like hell to have to explain his sudden erection. Billy would never let him live it down. “I’m sorry, I have a lot on my mind. Thanks for staying on top of the Steinberg case.”
Billy stood to go. “I’ve got some business to take care of this afternoon, but if you need me for anything, give me a shout.”
“Will do.”
Once the door closed behind Billy, Ethan adjusted his growing erection and leaned his head back against the cushion of his chair.
Why was he allowing Piper Hollister to consume his every thought? He’d never dwelled on a woman like he had her. And he didn’t even know her.
But those eyes, he silently admitted, coasting a palm over his now throbbing cock. And her scent.
The wolf inside him howled to life at the reminder of her incredible scent. She’d been delicious, intoxicating.
Glancing at his watch, Ethan forced his hand away from his erection and pressed the button on his desk phone. “Marla? Make me a reservation for tonight at seven o’clock at Pilesco’s.”
“Pilesco’s?” Marla answered back in a questioning tone.
Ethan sighed. As good as Marla was at her job, her nosiness annoyed him to no end. “That’s right. Pilesco’s.”
“Will you be dining alone, then?”
“No. Make the reservation for two.”
It took her a moment to respond, the stiffness of her tone blatantly obvious. “Is this a business meeting?”
“Come in here, Marla.”
The door opened and Marla slipped inside. “You wanted to see me?”
“Sit down.” Ethan nodded to the chair in front of his desk.
Obviously nervous, Marla fidgeted with her hands and moved to take a seat. With her back straight and her expression blank, she stared back at him without blinking.
Ethan blew out an irritated breath and rested his elbows on his desktop. “I think we need to get a few things straight.”
“Is something wrong?” she innocently questioned.
“You could say that. I’m going to say this once and once only. What happened at the Christmas party was a mistake. It should have never happened, but it did.”
Marla tilted her head to the side. “You brought me in here to discuss our kiss at the Christmas party?”
“Your kiss,” he corrected. “You were out of line then, and you’re out of line now.”
“I’m not sure I’m following.” She smoothed her skirt and continued. “That kiss was almost a year ago. Why bring it up now?”
Ethan held on to his temper. Barely. She knew exactly what he meant. “Look, Marla. I like you. I think you’re fantastic at your job, but you’re taking far too many liberties where my personal life is concerned. And it ends today.”
“I’m sorry. I didn’t realize.”
Getting to his feet, Ethan began gathering some papers he’d strewn around his desk. “Once the reservation has been made, you can take the rest of the day off.”
Marla stood also. “But I’m expecting several calls today, sir.”
“Forward all calls to Missy or one of the other ladies on this floor.”
“Yes, sir.” Giving him her back, Marla walked stiffly toward the door.
“And Marla?”
She stopped at the door and turned back to face him. “Yes, Mr. Seaborn?”
“Unless this building is on fire, I am not to be disturbed for any reason this evening.”
With a terse nod, Marla spun on her heel and strode from his office, pulling the door closed behind her.
Ethan moved to the window and stared out over the city beyond. His gaze touched on everything from theatres to restaurants before coming to rest on the Mercedes Benz lot he would own come Friday. And he would have it, just as he would have Piper Hollister. He had to have her. Even for just one night…