Sleeping with the Enemy. (Business and Pleasures) by Valentina Lovecraft Page B

work on his art in New York instead. After years of partying with the ‘it-crowd’ and traveling the world, he had begun to miss home and having any real anchor and purpose in life. He was coming home to make amends and work with his father and sister where he could make his parents proud and have a life with meaning.
    Dad dying before the plan got off the ground was devastating.
    He swilled the golden liquid in his glass and leaned against the bar.
    Anaise appeared by his side.
    “Hey,” she said as she snatched the glass from his hand and took a sip.
    “Mum is looking for you,” h e replied as he took the glass back.
    “ Yeah she found me already; she needed the memorial piece I wrote for the toast. Were you arguing over here just a minute ago?” she asked.
    Jensen laughed.
    “Well, no, I wasn't, but I think that foxy red head might have the hots for me.”
    Anaise rolled her eyes.
    “You mean Rin? Doubtful, you are not her type-she likes a gentleman for starters.”
    She ordered a drink then asked, “What did you say to her then? She is well-known in the office for her level headedness. I haven't seen her react like that! She never loses her cool.” Anaise smirked.
    “ She can charm the clients like you would not believe. She was dad’s secret weapon. You know; he had her placed to run the Milan office? She made executive in spring. She could be running the company in the next ten years.”
    Jensen grinned in reply.
    A tinging rang out hushing the crowd. Juliet Altman appeared on a podium near the back.
     

 
    Chapter 3
     
     
    R in gripped the edge of the sink so hard her knuckles were white. Damn him! Who does he think he is? She was attempting to apply eyeliner, but her rage was causing her to make mistakes.
    “Aaggghhh!” S he gave up and stared at her reflection.
    Why am I so angry? Yes, he is a pig; he obviously has no respect for women, blatantly eyeing me up at his own father's wake! But what did she expect? He was well known for his tail chasing, and it’s not like he actually insulted her. Hell. What is going on ? She never reacted like this.
    She ran her f ingers through her loose curls and sighed. She had to admit; she was working that little black dress. It was knee length, so she looked demure, but she had worn this dress on dinner dates, and dark colours offset her pale complexion and bright hair. She looked good.
    Calming hersel f down, she could think better. Rin took a deep breath and tried to relive their brief encounter. She pictured his surprised face as she stepped up to him, he had had a two-day stubble, and he had smelled sensational .
    Wait, what? Where did that thought come from?
    The noises from the hall outside interrupted her thoughts, it sounded like sobbing. There was a man’s deeper tone too.
    Anaise entered the bathroom; her face was pale and her eyes streaming.
    “Anaise, are you…”
    Anaise glanced up for a moment then entered a toilet stall locking the door behind her.
    “ I just need a minute Rin, its ok…” She sniffled through the door.
    “ Ok Hun, let me know if you need anything.” Rin offered and picked up her bag. She paused for a moment but decided Anaise would probably want her to go.
    In the hallway silhouetted against a tall arched window, leaned Jensen.
    “We meet again,” he murmured. His voice sounded odd. She could not see his face but sensed he was upset.
    All the animosity she had previously felt evaporated.
    She took a step towards him then stopped.
    “ Are you…Ok?”
    He turned his head away, his face in profile. She noticed he had perfect proportion, and regrettably; she felt a spark of interest in him-after all her annoyance at him.
    He was incredibly good-looking, and the sudden urge to run her hands through his wavy hair and inhale his scent shocked her.
    Don't give him an inch. Remember he is a jerk! she affirmed to herself.
    “I will be.” He looked back at her.
    “You missed the toast, ” he said in an empty voice.
    Rin