Something More (3 page)

Carrie closed her eyes and imagined Matthew’s voice speaking the words written as she read the card again. Recalling his sensuous tone reawakened nerves sending razor-sharp signals of awareness crawling down her spine.

Matthew had everything that went into a total package. A woman not only had to look twice, her eyes lingered, devoured. She’d been unable to pull away from the magnetism that held her captive in that cab. And that was not like her. His dark looks and sapphire eyes gave him a mysterious aura with commanding strength, which caught her attention. A man cozy in his own skin. The fact he oozed sex appeal without even trying was just an added trait.

Oh yes. She’d noticed. Carrie had taken in every inch of his alluring frame, from his daring black locks down to his designer shoes.

Artlessly mouth-watering
.

She swallowed.

“This isn’t like you.”

Brenda’s voice drew her attention. “What?”

“This guy must be something else,” Brenda said.

His image flashed in her mind. A flash of white teeth in a tanned face with sparkling blue eyes.

Focus.

This puzzling reaction simply would not do.

“Why do you say that?”

“He has to be extraordinary if he impressed you.”

“Impressed?”

“You’re glowing.”

Carrie straightened and gritted her teeth. “Don’t be ridiculous. I simply appreciate a good-looking man.”

With a skeptical frown, Brenda studied her. “He’s got to be more than easy on the eyes. You treat most men with indifference.”

“My dealings with men are conducted by means of professional decorum.” She never let personal feelings get in the way of her occupation. Yet, she couldn’t help but remember how her brain fogged over while his eyes devoured her.

Brenda took a step closer and spoke as though she were talking to a temperamental child. “You’re a woman, Carrie. You’re allowed to act like one.”

“Like an ignorant, helpless female dependent on a man? Naïve and unsuspecting of their character? Unaware of how devious they can be?”

“You’re not your sister. And you’re not the uncaring, cold person you present to others. Not all men are the enemy. This man could prove to be the exception. Carrie, you’re a good person. You deserve someone wonderful.”

“Coming from one whose checks I sign.” Carrie sighed.

“That’s right. I know which side of the bread has butter.”

Carrie glared at her assistant. “And it doesn’t melt in your mouth?”

With one hand braced on each hip, Brenda uttered, “Go ahead, make fun when I’m trying to give you a compliment.”

Most compliments had motives. Hard work had gotten her this corner office on the executive floor. Dedication had gotten her a partnership in one of the highest rated companies. “Don’t suck up to me. It doesn’t work.”

“Don’t I know it? I see the shredded egos walking out of your office. Speaking of which,” Brenda glanced at the clock on the wall, “your next appointment is in fifteen minutes. Enjoy your roses.”

She only half heard her assistant’s parting words as Brenda slipped out and closed the door. Carrie walked around the corner of her desk with every intention of getting some work done. The bright yellow miasma at the corner of her vision, beckoned her to look . . . and look again. She got very little accomplished, for she spent more time concentrating on the sender of those flowers than the documents needing attention. Her eyes kept straying to the card and the words written there—she supposed—by his own hand.

A man who took the time to pen a thoughtful note. Propped against the paperweight on her desk, the small card stood out like a bright light in a dark room. She’d placed it smack in front of her, as if she needed its reassurance—fearful it would disappear—for then it wouldn’t be real.

The phone buzzed just as Carrie pushed out of the chair and took two steps. “Mr. Matthew Corridon on line three.”

Her heart took a nosedive. Her pulse leaped and her breath caught. What was wrong with her?

“Carrie?”

“Put him through.” She smoothed her hands down the sides of her chic skirt and settled in her leather chair. After taking a calming breath to slow her racing pulse, she settled into business mode and used her best professional voice.

“Carrie Stratton speaking.”

“Hello,” his deep voice returned.

Warmth spread throughout her body. She was in real trouble. One word . . . he’d only spoken one word and her bones had liquidized. “Hello, Matthew.”

“Have you taken the time to look out of your window this morning?”

She frowned. “No. Why?”

“The sun is shining.”

She could hear the smile in his evocative voice.

“Maybe if the odds are in our favor, the weather will hold through this evening.”

Immediately the image of a soaked shirt materialized, saturated through to the skin, unable to hide an eye-opening muscled chest. A compelling scent floated to her senses causing her gaze to focus on the fragrant blooms positioned on the corner of her desk.

She swallowed. “The roses are beautiful.”

“Ahhh. What else is a gentleman to do but send flowers to a beautiful lady with apologies for his rash behavior?”

Rash?

“Thank you.”

“You’re most welcome. I hope you enjoy them.” He hesitated. “May I have the pleasure of your company?”

Carrie traced over the writing on the card with one finger. “I’d love to have dinner with you. But . . .”

“But?”

“But . . . I guess I’ll have to take my chances on your part as a gentleman.”

“I shall conduct myself
exactly
as the lady wishes.” He paused. “And . . . if a drop or two of rain is called for, that can be arranged as well.”

Carrie laughed. The man was charm personified. For a moment or two she’d willingly succumbed to his allure.

“You have a captivating laugh.”

Warmth spread through her center. She heard the deepening tone of his voice and wondered how it could get any deeper. In her position, she faced financial sharks on a daily basis and without a care. Challenging powerful adversaries had become as natural as breathing. Yet Matthew made her uncertain. He had her second-guessing her every word.

“I shall make it my personal responsibility to hear it more often,” he said.

What? Oh yes, her laugh
.

“Shall I pick you up? I promise to have something a little more upscale than a taxi.”

If he turned out to be another self-centered male with a counterfeit personality
. . .

Before she finished the thought, she somehow knew it wasn’t true. Matthew exuded an indescribable confidence. He was his own man. Curiosity made her want to know more about him. She checked her appointment calendar. “Matthew, do you mind if we meet somewhere. Maybe in your hotel lobby? We can leave from there.”

“I don’t mind at all.”

She grabbed a pen and marked her calendar. “What time?”

“I’m currently in a meeting . . .”

Her hand stilled. “Now?” Had he disrupted a meeting to call her? Were they waiting for him at this moment?

“Yes.” He chuckled. “I didn’t want to wait any longer for your answer.”

A little thrill of pleasure warmed her insides. She shook it off.

This is ridiculous
.

“If the conference goes beyond six-thirty this evening, I’ll simply call a halt. Is seven-thirty too late?”

“I know how meetings go, so I’ll understand if you get tied up.”

“I won’t. I’ll call a close and the group can resume tomorrow if need be. No one will question my motives.”

They may have only shared the cab a short time, but she recognized in Matthew a man charged with power. Yet she suspected he commanded with expertise and understanding. She sensed a generous warmth in him that would be hidden from view as he enforced his rules and discipline. Whether conference, merger, or meeting with partners, he was definitely the one in control.

“I have a corporate suite in the Manchester Building,” he added.

“The Manchester Building?” Impressive. The Manchester Building exhibited expensive decor with an elite staff that catered to each individual as if he were the most important person in the world. Only the
crème de la crème
entered that building. “If you can be free, I’ll be there at seven-thirty.”

“I’ll be free.” His voice lowered, knocking the air out of her lungs. “I’ll be waiting.”

Silence.

The phone dangled in her hand for several seconds before Carrie placed it on the cradle. That man had the sexiest voice she’d ever heard. She blew out a breath. Would he really end an important meeting to be with her? She wondered what his business involved. It had to be significant from what little information she’d obtained on their ride from the airport.

In her profession, Carrie dealt with prominent men who expected dominance, whether they had a million-dollar, or a hundred-million-dollar, bankroll. The more money they possessed, the more arrogant they behaved. She knew Matthew had money. His clothes and his speech attested to his resources. So why had he been in a cab and seated coach on a plane? He possessed an air of authority. A man who projected that amount of self-assurance delivered orders and entrusted them to be obeyed.

The phone buzzed again. “Edward the Turd, line two.”

Just what she needed. How did he know she was here? “Tell him I’m out of the country.”

“He knows you’re back,” Brenda said.

“How does he know that?”

“I told him.”

“Shit,” Carrie cursed under her breath
.
She’d have to talk to him. “Thanks a lot, Bren.”

“I also told him his two dozen roses arrived.”

Carrie scrunched her brow. What in the world . . . no matter. She would not allow her ex to intrude on one moment of her enjoyment of the bright bouquet. “You know they’re not from him.”

“Yeah,” Brenda chuckled. “He knows it too, now.”

Carrie laughed. “Brenda. You’re priceless.”

“Give me a raise. Better go tell line two that you’re too busy smelling your roses to take any calls.” With that, her assistant buzzed off.

Maybe she should give Brenda a raise. She’d earn it if she could get rid of
the Turd
.

Chapter 5

Matthew ran a hand through his hair as he gazed out the window of the eighteenth floor conference room, the offices his company leased for the merger meetings. He called a halt to negotiations promptly at six. Thanks to a night of frustration, he’d been damn near insufferable. Subjecting his counterparts to his mood had intimidated them enough to get the results he wanted quicker than expected. Some of the members had started to protest, but a glare from him silenced them quick enough. They could just as well conclude any unfinished business in the morning. His thoughts had been on Carrie most of the afternoon anyway.

Carrie.
She captivated him the moment her head lifted, giving him the full view of her arresting face with fire shooting from enchanting blue eyes. Water dripping from her long curling eyelashes had sent rivulets of desire racing to his gut.

He smiled as he remembered the moment her body language alerted him of her temper. Indignation stiffened her shoulders and her palms fisted before she even set sights on him. Funny how it all evaporated like hot air being released from a helium balloon the moment her eyes locked with his. An extensive thrill coursed through him as he’d watched her expression change. Unguarded interest, exposed wonder. It grabbed him in a place that hadn’t been touched before.

Matthew’s body had warmed as her eyes traveled over him. His body heat alone could have dried their clothes at that moment. Even with her saturated blond hair and her incensed blue eyes, she’d beguiled him. Tonight he would see her without the rain’s enhancement.

He anticipated a cloud of soft and wavy sunshine falling over generously angled curves. His fingers tightened at the itch to tangle them in her hair. One gentle tug would have her mouth opening for his kiss.

Whoa
.

He mentally shook off his thoughts.

Matthew stood, collected the scattered files, and tossed them in his briefcase. Snapping the locks, he grabbed the handle and headed toward the double doors knowing his set of rooms waited just down the hall. At the time the leases were signed, he had an executive suite designed and built within a month. Cost him a pretty penny, but since he paid for the remodeling, the owner of the building was only too happy to oblige. With that goal achieved, Matthew successfully avoided photographers and unwelcome females constantly striving for his notice.

As he opened the door, he saw a man flirting with an executive assistant while sitting on the corner of her desk. Both heads jerked in his direction.

“Ahh, here he is.” The man smiled and spoke in a smooth voice.

“Sharon,” Matthew interrupted. “Be careful. You’re conversing with my competitor.”

“
Previous
competitor.” The blond man stood to his full height and stuck out his hand.

“Previous competitor.” Matthew agreed. He moved forward and grabbed his friend in a hearty handshake. “Hello, William. Good to see you.”

“You too. I heard you were in town.” William’s deep southern drawl affirmation of where he grew up.

It seemed everyone knew Matthew’s whereabouts, even when he tried to keep a low profile. “And how did you hear that?”

“Mason. His wife and mine are friends. We see a lot of each other.”

That made sense. Especially when Mason handled the legalities of Matthew’s current conglomerate venture. He knew the man would never divulge confidential information regarding the merger. And Matthew’s being in town really wasn’t secret.

William leaned over slightly and pretended to whisper. “No matter what he tells you, we do have a friendship.” Then he winked.

“If your wife saw you flirting with my assistant, you might be convincing
her
you still have a marriage.”

“Harmless flirtation.” William settled his gaze on the woman. “My wife has a definite hold on me. A long leash.” After extending his arm in demonstration, he turned to Matthew with a confident smile. “But, she doesn’t need one.”

“Come inside.” Matthew entered the conference room and gestured to a chair. “Have a seat.”

William unbuttoned his suit jacket as he lowered his frame into the lush leather. “I know you’re here for a reason. Gobbling up another company?”

“Perhaps,” Matthew replied.

“Have those sisters of yours gotten you married yet?”

Matthew braced his hip on the desk balancing his weight on the opposite leg. “They haven’t given up trying. But then, I can be as stubborn as they are persistent.”

“That was a long time ago. Don’t let the greed of one woman make you take it out on all others.”

Matthew wanted to ignore the pain-filled memories. The exploits of one selfish woman who changed his entire life. Who set him on a path of hard labor and determination. A goal to succeed in business. And give up his dream of happy-ever-after.

He shrugged. “I don’t take it out on anyone.”

“I meant, don’t let
her
turn you sour on all women. They’re not all alike.”

“You mean all women are not after me for my money?” Maybe the suit, or his tall good looks attracted them at first. But the minute they smelled his bank account, women enfolded him like syrup running over a pancake.

William studied him. “You’ve become bitter, then?”

Matthew stood and rubbed the back of his neck. “Like you said. It was long ago. I’ve moved on. But it’s damn difficult to find what you have with Beth. Women are greedy creatures.”

Matthew walked over to look through the wall of glass. His gaze went to the tiny ant-like people below, hurrying on their way to an important appointment or whatever event they might stumble upon.

“You have friends,” William said. “Beth would shoot me if I let you sit in your room alone and without dinner. I know you’re not keen on being interrupted, but she thinks you work too hard.”

Matthew twisted and raised his brow letting the other man know he was not fooled. “
She
thinks?”

William chuckled. “Okay. So do I. Burrowing within four walls makes a very dull man. So I’ve come to invite you to dinner at our house.”

Dinner
. A very sexy blonde emerged as an apparition. Strong-minded, intense eyes, sun-kissed skin, and a breathtaking smile. Shaking himself from his stupor, he blinked.

“I hate to disappoint Beth, but I have plans for this evening.”

“Are you going to make me go back and tell my wife I couldn’t get the beast out of his lair?”

“You may assure your lovely wife I will be going out.”

William’s brooding look meant he didn’t believe one word. “Out you say?”

Matthew smiled. “Yes. Out. I have a companion for dinner.”

William’s forehead wrinkled across his brow. “What type of companion?”

What the hell did he think?

“I prefer the feminine sort,” Matthew growled.

“Don’t get your binders in a clench. I assumed the technical sort. Like a computer or a TV.”

“No, William. I have a date. With a sexy blonde.” Matthew was astonished at how much he looked forward to seeing Carrie. Beyond being an eye-catching knockout, she had more than one level to her. And he looked forward to peeling every single one.

“Praise the Lord and pass the mashed potatoes.” William shot from his chair. “Now
that
I don’t mind telling my wife.” He struck a friendly punch on Matthew’s arm. “I’ll get out of your way and let you to it.”

Matthew picked up his briefcase and tried not to let his enthusiasm show. He was damn eager if the stirring in his groin was any indication. “I don’t want to be late.”

“Of course not.”

They left the office together, the assistant already gone. William stopped at the elevator doors and Matthew continued down the hall. Using his card, he entered the corporate suite. Jerking on his tie, he pulled the knot loose and placed his leather case on the side table.

William had reminded him of the relationship he’d barely gotten out of by the skin of his teeth. Afterward, he’d taken to his newfound freedom like a convict finding the prison gates open. He quenched his hormonal thirst losing himself in one female after another. But, in less than a year, he tired of buxom blondes, sexy brunettes, and fiery-hot redheads.

His bout had not lessened the pain of betrayal.

Women were still untrustworthy.

His life was the same.

Nothing had changed.

Until now.

No matter how often Matthew tried to redirect his thoughts, they always came back to Carrie. An instant attraction. As far from a Barbie model as any woman could get.

From what he derived in the cab, she was a woman of strong character. Confidence cloaked her like a neon sign. He’d never seen a woman so sure of herself. Even at the airport, she walked with determined steps and a purpose of direction. When she made eye contact with a man, she let him know right away that she would not be intimidated.

Damn, she sparked something in him.

Underneath that rigid veneer, he sensed a woman of fiery passion. A woman with such power to control her life, would she use that discipline in the bedroom? Would she use that power to restrain her hunger or would she give it free rein? His breathing heavy, he shook away any further thoughts of Carrie in his bed. She would be there soon enough. He tore off his jacket and checked his watch. His distracted brain had cost him precious moments.

He had just enough time for a quick shower. His lower lip curved in a smile as he thought of Carrie joining him. Hell. Now he’d have to take a cold shower. That image alone would haunt him the rest of the evening.