merely a physical reaction to her smouldering looks and lush body. But as the night rolled on, his interest in Kate Bergen became more than physical. He was acutely aware that her resistance only spurred his attraction for her. Rarely did women shun him. The fact that Kate dared, well he always loved a challenge.
He knew women, how to please them, charm them, seduce them. He also knew how to avoid the complications of them. There was safety in numbers. Many of the women he’d dated were simply for social purposes. The number of women he had been rumoured with conquering amused him. He could hardly have built a media empire and worked the gruelling schedule that it entailed if he’d spent all his time in the bedroom. Still he had enjoyed perhaps more than his share of romances and flings. Until now he’d been content with the shallowness of his dating life, it kept things uncomplicated and good for business. But for the first time, he was leaning toward complicated. What the hell was wrong with him?
Over the years he’d always made sure to keep his personal involvement to a minimum, the tone light and the rules plain. He had intended to do exactly the same thing with Kate. But from the moment he’d tasted her, the tone hadn’t been light but deep and all encompassing.
Things would never be light with Kate, he’d realized. Whatever they set off in each other, whatever chemistry crackled between them, it was powerful enough to render both of them powerless. And Max didn’t like that. He’d always been the one in control, but with her, he knew he would lose control. And still, desire goaded him to act on its behalf.
Storming to the mini bar in the corner of the office, he poured himself a shot of brandy. He tossed back the drink and waited for the burn to settle his nerves. He poured another and walked back to his desk. He took a long swallow as images of her danced before his mind, heating his blood. Picturing her in silk with nothing underneath but that soft and voluptuous body of hers shot a hot current to his groin. With his alpha male sensibilities rushing to the fore and taking hold, he knew he wanted to have her, to own her. Nothing else would suffice.
But did she feel the same way about him?
It was time to find out. He reached for the phone.
∞
It was early morning when Kate Bergen boarded the private jet, a Falcon 900EX, bound for Paris. She settled back in one of the plush seats, buckled up, and admired her opulent and extravagant surroundings. In the background, the engines were gearing up. Classical music began playing quietly overhead.
He was taking her to Paris. He’d given her no choice but to concede to his wishes. She’d realized that he wasn’t a man she could easily refuse, ignore or discard. And that annoyed her even more.
Damn you, Max Gray.
Her life before the fundraiser had been predictable and sane. But that night changed everything. It was unexpected, life altering, dramatic. A night of surprises. Perhaps even destiny. The minute she’d met him the chemistry between them was off the charts. Feeling overwhelmed, she had done her best to avoid him, to run, to escape. Even showing disdain and defiance hadn’t deterred him. Everything had happened so fast, it had been so intense, and her ability to think had been high jacked.
How was it possible that this man could ignite and fan her fires so masterfully, when so many before him had failed?
Simple. He had intrigued her, unnerved her. Having no reference point in dealing with the likes of men such as Max Gray, she’d found herself at a disadvantage. Totally unprepared for the raw sexual energy he’d exuded. It assaulted her on every level. She was stirred by his physicality, the male to her female. It had been a long time since a man had had such an effect on her.
And what about their kiss that night? Rather than fade from memory, it had taken root along with everything else that had led up to that moment. Her mind
He knew women, how to please them, charm them, seduce them. He also knew how to avoid the complications of them. There was safety in numbers. Many of the women he’d dated were simply for social purposes. The number of women he had been rumoured with conquering amused him. He could hardly have built a media empire and worked the gruelling schedule that it entailed if he’d spent all his time in the bedroom. Still he had enjoyed perhaps more than his share of romances and flings. Until now he’d been content with the shallowness of his dating life, it kept things uncomplicated and good for business. But for the first time, he was leaning toward complicated. What the hell was wrong with him?
Over the years he’d always made sure to keep his personal involvement to a minimum, the tone light and the rules plain. He had intended to do exactly the same thing with Kate. But from the moment he’d tasted her, the tone hadn’t been light but deep and all encompassing.
Things would never be light with Kate, he’d realized. Whatever they set off in each other, whatever chemistry crackled between them, it was powerful enough to render both of them powerless. And Max didn’t like that. He’d always been the one in control, but with her, he knew he would lose control. And still, desire goaded him to act on its behalf.
Storming to the mini bar in the corner of the office, he poured himself a shot of brandy. He tossed back the drink and waited for the burn to settle his nerves. He poured another and walked back to his desk. He took a long swallow as images of her danced before his mind, heating his blood. Picturing her in silk with nothing underneath but that soft and voluptuous body of hers shot a hot current to his groin. With his alpha male sensibilities rushing to the fore and taking hold, he knew he wanted to have her, to own her. Nothing else would suffice.
But did she feel the same way about him?
It was time to find out. He reached for the phone.
∞
It was early morning when Kate Bergen boarded the private jet, a Falcon 900EX, bound for Paris. She settled back in one of the plush seats, buckled up, and admired her opulent and extravagant surroundings. In the background, the engines were gearing up. Classical music began playing quietly overhead.
He was taking her to Paris. He’d given her no choice but to concede to his wishes. She’d realized that he wasn’t a man she could easily refuse, ignore or discard. And that annoyed her even more.
Damn you, Max Gray.
Her life before the fundraiser had been predictable and sane. But that night changed everything. It was unexpected, life altering, dramatic. A night of surprises. Perhaps even destiny. The minute she’d met him the chemistry between them was off the charts. Feeling overwhelmed, she had done her best to avoid him, to run, to escape. Even showing disdain and defiance hadn’t deterred him. Everything had happened so fast, it had been so intense, and her ability to think had been high jacked.
How was it possible that this man could ignite and fan her fires so masterfully, when so many before him had failed?
Simple. He had intrigued her, unnerved her. Having no reference point in dealing with the likes of men such as Max Gray, she’d found herself at a disadvantage. Totally unprepared for the raw sexual energy he’d exuded. It assaulted her on every level. She was stirred by his physicality, the male to her female. It had been a long time since a man had had such an effect on her.
And what about their kiss that night? Rather than fade from memory, it had taken root along with everything else that had led up to that moment. Her mind
Similar Books
