INDISPENSABLE: Part 1: A Billionaire Romance (5 page)

“She’s been having sex with him. It’s obvious the way they cozied up, pretending they’d just met. But I ask you? She’s nothing that special to look at, is she? But I bet she has special skills.” Rick’s twisted smile made her want to throw up.

The man was vile gutter trash, and to think she’d looked up to him. “…Skills a man like Devlin appreciates in a woman. Plus, she’s always been desperate to succeed. Why not take a short cut?”

Sarah couldn’t believe what she’d heard. Her anger flared, and she wanted to break something into tiny pieces. Rick just kept spewing out poisonous words while the reporters lapped up the scandal. Clearly, he wasn’t threatened by Brock and was willing to take him on.

“I mean, really? Why is Brock Devlin so concerned about women’s equality when he treats women like they are disposable junk? He’s a hypocrite. He’s in the news every other day with his antics, yet he wants to talk about equality. It’s a joke.” Rick was on a roll now, he looked to be in his glee.

“As if he really cares, he’s just trying to use this fake concern over the treatment of women as a smokescreen. Sarah Beaumont won’t last five minutes trying to do a job she has no experience for. She just got lucky today, and no doubt she’s been getting lucky for a while, if you know what I mean…”

Sarah switched the television off and stopped herself from hurling the remote control across the room. The television set was the only decent thing she owned. Rick was an asshole, and she’d prove him wrong. She could totally do this job, and it had nothing to do with Brock Devlin.

Her phone rang. An unknown number. Not the press already. She didn’t answer it. She walked into her bedroom, and it rang again, same number. Brock flashed through her mind.
Don’t be ridiculous.

What she needed was a shower and sleep. She undressed in the bathroom and turned on the water and stepped under the cascading water. The heat soothed her frayed nerves and self-doubt. She didn’t care about anything right now. Tomorrow was another day. She turned off the water and stepped back out to dry herself.

The message tone went off, and she checked her phone. It was from the number she didn’t answer.

You can absolutely do this job. Let’s show Rick how we roll. Don’t doubt your abilities because of his sour grapes, otherwise he’s won.

****

The next morning, when Sarah hit the boardroom door and strode through with confidence, exactly on time, she never made eye contact with Brock. She knew he was in there, she could feel him. She faced the twelve youths all staring at her, and then made solid eye contact with every person there. Brock wasn’t sitting at the table. But she could see his outline standing at the back in her peripheral vision. Definitely not looking at him.

“Good morning, everyone.”

“Good morning, Sarah. Take a seat. Relax.” The girl looked under twenty.

Sarah nerves made her jittery inside, but she was in no doubt today was her day. “Thank you. I prefer to stand. I appreciate the faith you’ve all placed in me.”

“There’s been a bit of a shit storm in the media about your relationship with Brock and the way in which you found yourself as head of our legal department.”

“I’m aware. Yes.”

“Rick Anderson is also showing his true colors. Do you intend to defend yourself against his comments?” A young male with large blue eyes and messy blonde hair spoke up from the back. He never let go of his smartphone the whole time.

“No. I’m going to do my job and get the team solid. Then, I intend to win every case we have.”

“So you don’t intend to refute the claim that you a Brock are embroiled in a sexual relationship?”

“No. Why should I? None of its true. I’m not known for my promiscuity, as I’m sure everyone here already knows.” She saw the nods around the table. “Mr. Devlin is the only one with anything to refute. He has the playboy reputation. Not me.”

“A good point, Sarah. We aren’t at all concerned with it, in fact, all press is good press as they say. I don’t like see character assassination though.”

“Let them go. They’ve got nothing. I don’t
do
sexual, so it can’t hurt me. But if I
were
having sex with Brock, or anyone else, I wouldn’t be ashamed of it.”

Brock cleared his throat and drew her attention. His eyes dark with desire, and his mouth turned up at one corner. “Hear, hear.”

Sarah felt the blush heat her face. Damn, she’d forgotten he was there for a minute.

The group all laughed. The young lady spoke again. “We are in a unique position with the opportunity Brock has allowed us here. We’d like to show the world that we can bring a vibrant energy and fresh ideas to businesses that have an old-school hierarchy.”

The blonde-haired young man, who looked fresh from surfing the waves, looked up from his texting and continued. “We don’t want to work against what exists. We’d like to break down barriers and stereotypes while maintaining the value that old practices and experienced workers bring, along with helping them allow more tolerance about the ways that work should be done.”

“But harassment, bullying, and discrimination cannot ever be a part of that.” Brock spoke as he moved forward, around the table, to stand next to Sarah. I think yesterday we made a stand, and I hope that gives others the confidence to do the same.”

The group at the table broke into chatter amongst themselves, then the young lady shushed them. “Thank you, Sarah. We certainly made the right choice in you. Don’t let us keep you from your work any longer.” She held out her hand to Sarah. “I’m Heather Wellings. I hope we’ll be spending a lot of time together.”

Sarah took it in a warm handshake. “Me too, Heather.”

The young man with the unkempt hair and smartphone glued to his hand stood up also. “I’m Jasper. Thanks for what you did for Cara. She’s a good friend of mine.”

“My pleasure, Jasper. Thank you for all your input today.”

That was it. Sarah left and went back to her office. Rick’s personal effects had been removed, and Sarah drew in a nervous breath. She was really doing this. She closed her door and sat in the swanky leather chair. She couldn’t resist a spin around a few times, really fast. Her belly tickled inside, and she let out a small laugh.

Then, the chair stopped abruptly, and Brock stood over her. He leaned his big hands on the arms of the chair and moved his face closer. “You were
magnificent
!”

He cupped his hands either side of her face and kept it tilted towards him. “You just wowed the pants of them. And me. You clever girl.” He leaned in and kissed her lips, softly, carefully. “I can see even I underestimated you, Sarah Beaumont.”

Sarah smiled at his genuine statement, but when she went to speak, his mouth covered hers again, and his clever tongue dancing with hers made her head spin. She’d sworn that she would never have anything personal with Brock Devlin. Now, he kissed the resistance out of her, and Sarah couldn’t stop herself from kissing him back.

It’s just one kiss. Let it go. You know you want to.

Sarah matched his kiss until Brock pulled back. She really must work on stopping first, preferably before they started. From now on.

“Sarah. One night I am going to show you just how magnificent you are. I won’t be denied forever. But for now, I’ll stay away and let you settle into your new job.”

Sarah should’ve just thanked him and walked away. It was a no-brainer. Instead, she let him kiss her again.

Sarah got the irony that she wished Brock Devlin hadn’t turned out to be a man of his word. She hadn’t seen him or heard from him the rest of the week. In spite of her resolve, she had to admit things had been a little boring. But the time had also been productive. Friday night wine with Bella would be extra sweet tonight.

Her office door opened and in strode Brock. He threw a stapled stack of papers across the desk to her. “Sign these.”

“
Please, come in
.” She glared up at him, why she had missed this arrogance, she didn’t know. “I’m not in the habit of signing my name to a contract I haven’t read.”

Brock moved around her desk and sat on the edge of it next to her chair. “It’s a standard lease agreement. But it needs to go in immediately. You know how anal the number-crunchers are.” He gave her a sweet smile.

“Cut the cute act. Why do you have a lease agreement for me, and why are you sitting on my desk?” She refused to let her awareness of him being so close distract her.

“Company policy. All top line executives are to live in a manner reflecting the high standards of the company.” He stood up and walked around behind her chair.

“Really.” Sarah’s neck prickled. A tiny shudder ran up her back.
Just keep it cool, Sarah.

“Yes.” He stepped around the other side of her chair, standing close to her, and Sarah released her breath. “Read the terms of employment. You’re too easy a target where you live if a sore loser pushes the boundary.” He leaned forward and tapped the contract papers in front of her. “Don’t give me trouble, Sarah. Just sign the agreement.”

Sarah pushed her chair back a little on its wheels to get some distance from his maleness. “Don’t give
you
trouble? I think I’m the one who should be saying that. Stop bullying me.” He made her so angry. Why couldn’t he just come in and ask nicely if she’d look at the lease and consider signing?

He postured up straight; his shoulders went back; and he planted his hands on his hips. “A top line company executive cannot be seen living in
Averswood
.” His voice had descended into little more than a spoken growl. “There’s a reputation to uphold.

Sarah got up out of her chair because he could capture her there and walked to the back of the office to her storage drawers, opening one to pretend she needed something. She was determined not to let him get the better of her.

The atmosphere crackled, and the awareness deepened, as she tried to ignore her arousal. “If it’s for the reputation of the company, surely getting rid of you would be the answer.” She turned to face him, holding her breath because the words that just slipped out were sure to goad him.

He stiffened and glared back at her. “I’m the owner, not an employee. I can’t just be ‘gotten rid of.’” His long strides covered the gap between them before Sarah could think of a way out of this. The only way was through him, so she stayed still.

Now, his body was a mere inch away and his stance told her he had no intention of moving to make her more comfortable. “Sarah, you must understand. The person you were before, you aren’t her anymore. You’ve a responsibility to uphold the company brand. Especially now you are in the public eye.”

Sarah clenched her fists. “You really like to hide behind your company, don’t you?”

He leaned down to her; his face close; his earthy-spice scent filled her with desire. Brock looked into her eyes and pressed his erection against her. “Does it look like I’m hiding, Sarah?” Both his hands went on the wall either side of her.

“You really ought to put a leash on that thing if you can’t control it. What’re you going to do? Kiss me? Do it. I still won’t sign that lease until I’ve read it.”

“So, you want me to kiss you?” Brock smiled and nuzzled into her hair.

“I never said that.”

“Yeah, you did. And if anything is going to have a leash on, it’ll be you. Fine leather attached to a diamond-encrusted collar, as you open your legs wide for me all night so I can savor every morsel of your moist pussy.”

“Stop making this personal. We can’t. The car was a mistake.”

“You smell like strawberries. I love juicy, sweet strawberries. Love eat them, suck them, and lick their sticky juices off my lips.” He nibbled her ear lobe, and Sarah was helpless as he lightly kissed her neck. Brock looked into her eyes again. “Am I making it personal?”

Sarah just didn’t answer. He’d backed her into a corner and nothing she said was going to take away from what her body was communicating. Why did he fry her brain?

His lips brushed hers, and she took a breath. Oh God, she couldn’t take this, she’d be on the floor with him shortly.
Just say no and push him away, Sarah.

The kiss wasn’t demanding and harsh; he let his lips play gently over hers. Slanting his mouth and coaxing her into it with a slow burn. Sarah hadn’t moved, hadn’t kissed back. How she hadn’t collapsed she didn’t know. But he pulled back and gave her a predatory smile. She somehow found her senses, ducked under his arm, and walked back to her desk. “Get over yourself, Brock. It’s not happening.”

“Pity. I was rather enjoying that,” Brock walked back to the other side of her office desk.

“Clearly.” She arranged everything on her desk neatly around the contract. “But I need to go early. Do you actually do
anything
in this company? You seem to have a lot of time on your hands.”

“The company doesn’t run itself, you know.”

“That’s a very debatable point right now.”

“It’s not a picnic running a worldwide business and looking like you are doing nothing. Takes real skill. Not everyone can pull it off. But I manage.”

“Look, I’d like to sit around and discuss just how incredibly important you are, but I have a date.”

“A date?” He positively glowered back at her.

Sarah held back her smile. “Yes. A red-hot date.”

“I’ve reserved a table for us at
Delectable.
”

“Why?” Was he serious or just baiting her?

“To go over the week, and prepare for the coming one.”

“Can’t we do that here?”

“Rick and I made it a regular thing.”

“You and Rick dined at
Delectable
?” Sarah feigned misunderstanding and raised her eyebrows.

“Of course not.” He sat in the chair on the other side of the desk. “We had beers at the office bar.”

“Exactly. So, why would you presume I’d have dinner with you?”

“I didn’t presume. It’s hard to get a booking but easy to cancel one. I was just being prepared in case you agreed.”

“I see. Well, just for future record, if you feel the need to touch base at the end of the week, please make yourself available to be here in my office from three until four on Friday afternoons. After that I won’t be here until six Monday morning. You can get my PA to schedule you in.”

“I shouldn’t need to make an appointment with my head of legal.”

“Fridays you will have to. I enjoy my weekends. They are sacred, and I do not ever intend to be out to dinner talking
work
with you, or anyone.”

“You’re impossible.” He raked his hand through his dark hair. “It was a gesture of friendship.”

“And you’re presumptuous. You shouldn’t take it for granted I’d be free at such short notice, or even have the desire to dine with you, for any reason. What happened, happened. It doesn’t tie us in for dates or anything else.”

“I was being efficient.”

“I’m sure. But, as I say, I have a date. So, we may have to make it Monday morning to go over things if you find it necessary.”

“I still need this lease signed as soon as possible.” Brock pointed to the lease in front of her.

Sarah stared at him and shook her head. Unbelievable. Yes, he made her feel squishy inside, and she had to work harder at the abstinence thing. Sure, it would’ve been way easier if he didn’t look like some modern version of a Greek God. But all the handsome in the world was not going to get Sarah to sign anything she hadn’t read.

She picked up her phone and punched the extension for finances. “Hi. Is Bob still in?” She watched Brock’s eyes widen, as he realized she called his bluff. “Hey, Bob, that lease contract Mr. Devlin has kindly organized for me, is there a deadline on that?”

Sarah smiled as she listened. Brock shrank down a little in his chair. “Uh huh. Yes. Great. Thanks Bob. I’ll take it home and review it. Let you know sometime next week.” Sarah put the phone back in its dock. “Seems I have time to read it after all.”

Brock looked at the floor, and then back at her with smiling eyes. “I should’ve known.”

“What? That I wouldn’t be a pushover?”

“I’m just trying to get you into proper living quarters, so you can use the company vehicle that comes with the position.”

“A vehicle too? You’ll be organizing my underwear next.”

He looked up and smirked. “One could only wish.”

Sarah cheeks burned. Blushing? Really?

“Do you drive?”

“I do.”

“Very good. Would you prefer a driver?”

“It would be a great idea if I didn’t think it would be you in disguise.” Speaking of which, should she check the apartment and car for bugs? He wouldn’t go that far, surely. “I’ll look over this contract, and I’d like to check the place out.” Sarah smiled.

“How about Sunday? If you’d like to join me for lunch, we could do that, too.”

“I can view the place Sunday morning, but no go on lunch I’m afraid.”

“Another date to go to?”

“Unless it’s a business meeting, I have to decline all offers for meals with you.”

“Naturally.” Brock frowned and stood up. “I’d like to say it’s been a pleasure…but I’d be lying.”

Sarah gave a small laugh. “It’s for the best, and you know it.”

“I may know it, but I don’t have to like it.” He stooped over the desk, and he frowned but humor glinted in his eyes.

“Call me about Sunday and let me know where to meet you.”

Brock made a low bow, sweeping his arm across in front of him. “As the lady desires. I’m at your service.”

“Cut it out. Stop sulking.”

He smiled and walked to the door. “You have my number if you get the urge to booty call me after Friday wine with Bella.”

Sarah stiffened and watched him slowly closing the door behind him. “Stop stalking me. I have a right to privacy.” But she smiled at their banter. It was fun for sure. But everyone knew fun led right to trouble.

“Sorry, Miss Beaumont. The company policy insists on full screening for front line executives.” He called back, as the door clicked shut. She was certain she heard a low chuckle.

“That’s crap and you know it.” She called back, wondering if he’d even heard.

That man was aggravating, so why did he always leave her with a smile and the warm fuzzies? He also had a smile that killed her and a body she imagined in various naked positions, and they all involved him taking what he wanted from her.

This was the worst part. The wanting. The desire that sparked when he was in the same room, or even across the city sending text messages. Was she just hanging onto an antiquated idea of abstinence out of stubbornness? What could a casual night of hot sex matter? It wouldn’t matter, not at all.

Except it would to her because she wasn’t sure she could do that with Brock and keep emotions out of it.

If she made a conscious decision to change her mind and allow herself to enjoy the desires of the flesh what would that mean? It might mean she was moving on finally and was free from the shackles of her past.

It might also mean she was weak and headed for heartache again because she didn’t have the determination to carry through her commitments to herself when the going got tough.

The facts were simple. Sarah wanted Brock more than she’d ever wanted any man, but she knew he wasn’t the marrying kind, and even if he was, could she live with him long term? She thought not. The sex would be damned explosive, that much was certain, but would it be worth it?

A little voice inside her begged her to find out.