Everything He Desires (Bookkeeper for the Billionaire #1)(2)
Author: Thalia Frost

“No, I am. Just a little distracted.”

“Well, why don’t you meet someone I think you’d like?” Alma’s voice was teasing.

“I really don’t think—”

“I do. He’s not interested in me, but then I’m not as gorgeous as you. He’s Rock Weldon’s cousin and he’s pretty high up in the company.”

“Oh, oh no.” My heart leapt.

“What is with you?” Alma gave me a suspicious look.

“Nothing. I’m just not sure I’m into dating right now.” Definitely not the boss’s cousin.

“What can it hurt to say hello? He’s over there. Let’s go.”

She dragged me up from the couch toward a handsome man with brown hair, not unlike Rock Weldon’s. The crowd parted.

“Hi, John. This is my friend Lacey Pate. Lacey, John Weldon.”

The man took my hand, half bowed over it and kissed it. “Wonderful to meet you,” I said, surprised my voice sounded halfway normal.

His brown eyes danced with mirth. “The pleasure is all mine.”

Across the room, someone else caught my eye. Rock Weldon was staring at me, and he didn’t look happy. I froze up.

“Lacey,” Alma whispered and poked me.

“What?”

She gave me a glare. I focused on John Weldon again, but Rock’s stare was burning a hole through me.

“And what do you do, Ms. Pate?”

“I’m a bookkeeper, or I was.” Tiny little lie there, but I wasn’t totally sure I had a job yet with his cousin, so no need to say I did.

“I see.” His eyes narrowed.

“Yes, Lacey is looking for a job so if you hear of anything, let me know.” Alma grinned at me.

I wanted to fall through the floor.

“I’ll do that. Can I have your number…Lacey?” He took out his phone.

“Sure.” I recited it for him, glancing Rock Weldon’s way. He was gone.

A surge of disappointment ran through me, and I realized I wanted this job as his intern more than anything.

John grinned at me. “I’ll be in contact. It was nice meeting you, Lacey.”

“Likewise.” I smiled back, but my heart wasn’t in it. On any other night, I’d have been thrilled to meet John Weldon, but not tonight.

“Well, we’re going to mingle some more.” Alma touched my arm.

“Yes, nice to meet you.” I nodded toward John Weldon and turned away, relieved.

“What is with you?” Alma demanded. “He’s hot! And you practically gave him the brush off.” Her black eyes shot sparks of anger at me.

“I’m sorry. My mind’s just on other things, I guess.” We headed toward the punch table.

My watch read 10:35. The time seemed to be passing in agonizing slowness.

“Other things? He’s really nice, and nothing like Rock. Rock’s handsome and wealthy, but he’s something of a player or so I’ve heard. Rumor is he’s really kinky.”

“Oh.” My face grew hot.

So that’s what he wanted me for. Maybe. One of his fantasies. Well, we’d see about that. He might be devastatingly handsome, but I could say no.

“My advice is, if John calls you, be nice. You never know what might come of it.” She winked and we settled into a corner with our drinks.

After chatting with various workmates of Alma’s my nerves were on edge. All I could think about was Rock Weldon. Was he kinky? Kinkier than the fantasies that had plagued me all my life of being owned, of being cherished at the same time? Could he be a womanizing pervert?

“You about ready to go?”

Alma’s voice brought me back to myself. I hadn’t thought about that. I’d ridden with her.

“Uh, no. I think I’m going to stay a while.”

“You are acting so weird.” She sighed. “Are you sure?”

“I am.” I gave her a bright smile. “I think I’d like to talk to John Weldon some more.” I crossed my fingers behind my back at the white lie.

“Oh. Okay, whatever. Glad you came around.” She mock waved. “Ta ta. I want all the gory details tomorrow, Lace.”

“Sure thing.” I grinned at her, relieved she’d bought my lie, even as I felt terrible for doing it.

I watched her disappear, and my nerves jumped back to attention. I stole another glance at my watch as I took a large swallow of wine. 11:40. Twenty more minutes. I scurried around till I found a bathroom and locked myself into the stall, trying to collect my wits.

The truth was, I was wet just thinking about Rock Weldon and our meeting.

It’s just work, I told myself. I was alone, so I made my way out of the stall on shaky legs and stood before the vanity. I redid my lipstick—pale pink—and my face powder. I’d always gone for a natural look, but I still wanted to look my best. I frowned at my dress. The scoop neck was becoming, but I wished I’d worn something a bit more daring. At least the heels were sexy and the fishnet hose were eye catching.

A thought struck me as I was spraying on a dash of perfume. Why did a billionaire like Rock Weldon need a bookkeeper?

I shrugged at myself in the mirror and smoothed my hair. I’d just have to find out. The seconds ticked away on my watch. I inhaled a deep breath. It was time.

* * * *

The walk to the balcony took forever. It was like walking under water. My breath kept hitching, and I wondered if I’d faint. Would he be waiting, or would he even come?

He had to be playing with me. A man like him could have any woman he wanted. Why me? I was the wrong woman anyhow. I hadn’t even applied for a position with his company.

Somehow, I made it to the balcony. I wrenched open the French doors, trying to keep my balance. I was trembling all over. I stumbled to the railing. No one was out there but me.

“I knew it,” I muttered. “He was playing with me. I’ll have to call a cab.” It was 12:03 by my watch. I bit my lip, upset with myself at how much I’d wanted him to show up.

Once a fool, always a fool. Other men had played with me in the past, and I was shy because of it. Alma knew it. She dated regularly, but me? Hardly ever.

I gaze out onto the city lights and thought of how small I was. No one a billionaire would ever care about. And screw him. He wasn’t so hot as I remembered—but I knew it was a lie. I clenched the railing. One more minute, and I’d go. I wouldn’t wait here like a fool for him all night.

“You came.”

I gasped at the sound of his voice right behind me, at the feel of his warm breath against my neck.

“Don’t turn around and don’t speak.”

My pulse thundered in my ears, and my body responded to him. My inner thighs were slippery.

“I want to see if you can do as you’re told. That’s what I’m looking for—a woman who knows how to take orders, who can help me run my business.” His voice was a controlled whisper.