The Billionaire's Demands (A Boardrooms and Billionaires Series Book) (Entangled Indulgence) (11 page)

Another layer of anger painted itself across her face, tightening her normally lush lips into a thin line. “Yes, the magazine I was buying. It might seem like small potatoes to you, but it was a huge acquisition goal and part of my target plans for the year.”

“Okay. So what happened?”

She stopped where she paced across the room and turned on him. “You really don’t know?”

His own anger began to spark under his skin and his tone was clipped as his words shot back at her in a hard volley. “How the hell should I know anything? You’re not saying a single word that makes any sense.”

“I lost the deal with Morrison. Seems someone whispered in Morrison’s ear that it was a bad choice to sell to us. Rumors are that it came from the
FJ
.”

Something dark settled in the pit of his stomach, catching him unaware with the raw stab of pain that shot through his chest. “And you thought it was me?”

“You are the head of the
FJ
. Its public face and leader.”

“So that means I’m out to sabotage your goals for McBride?”

“No. Yes.” She ran a hand through her hair, the tones of her voice softening as she dropped to edge of the bed. “I’m here. Out of the way. It’s convenient.”

“You honestly think I was responsible? Or that I’d somehow engineer this trip to screw you over?”

“You’re the head of the
Financial Journal
and you’ve made no secret of wanting to get me into bed.”

Whatever anger she’d carried when he’d crossed the threshold had nothing on the raging hurricane that blew through him. Without thinking, he moved to her, dragging her into his arms. “Let me give you a clue, sweetheart. I don’t need games to get a woman into my bed and I’m damn sick of the one we’re playing.”

His lips crashed down on hers and he felt the briefest struggle, barely a token protest, before her arms wrapped around his neck and she kissed him back. Fury still rode her tongue but victory was sweet as his own dominated, sweeping through her mouth and taking possession. Soft mewls of pleasure escaped her throat and he captured those too, desperate to take all she had to offer.

And more.

Long moments later, when he finally lifted his head, he couldn’t hold back the rush of masculine pride at the dazed look that hovered over her features or the bemused smile that framed the corners of her mouth.

He sighed, reluctantly letting her go. “I need to get downstairs and greet my guests.”

“I suppose you do.”

…

Camryn wended her way through the crowd at the luau and, in yet another example of “what you see isn’t what you get,” was forced to adjust her impressions of the
Financial Journal
and its staff. Where she’d expected stodgy, quiet banker types, all buttoned up in suits, the smiling, jovial bunch who gathered on the beach for the opening night luau was a pleasant surprise.

The lingering frustration over her lost deal had her eyeing some of the reporters with suspicion, but Booth’s heated assurance that he had nothing to do with the lost deal had gone a surprisingly long way toward assuaging her anger. As did the fact that she still felt the brand of Booth’s mouth on her lips.

Deals
did
fall through all the time and the
FJ
was a respected resource for those making financial decisions. Hell, she’d used the paper as a resource more than a time or two in her career. She’d figure out how to fix this—already had a few ideas attempting to poke through the sexual haze Booth had woven—and she’d hit the ground running when she got home. In the meantime…

Her gaze strayed toward Booth, clad in a pair of khaki shorts and Hawaiian print shirt. His calves were thick with muscle and his broad shoulders were shown off to perfection under the vibrant silk material. She’d suffered through more than a few shivers as she thought about that large body wrapped around hers, and diligently tried to focus on the people in her conversation circle instead.

“I loved that piece you all did on Hollywood’s biggest donors to charity. It was a thoughtful article, yet still a lot of fun.”

Camryn keyed back in to the conversation, delighted a piece they’d run in their entertainment weekly,
Personality
, had left such an impression on Charlotte, the woman she’d been chatting with for the better part of an hour. “Thanks. My sister had a lot of fun putting that together.”

“Did she actually meet those celebrities?”

“She did.” Camryn leaned in, more than willing to share a few fun tidbits. “And yes, Channing Tatum really is that gorgeous and really that in love with his family.”

Hearts practically floated around Charlotte’s head. “How lovely.”

“Mayson enjoyed everyone she met on that project.”

The others in their conversation floated off to refill their drinks and Camryn was left with the older woman. “My husband teases me about my love of celebrities. He seems to forget he’s number one in my heart.”

“Well, men need reminding from time to time.”

Charlotte lifted her piña colada in a toast. “Which is why I read the sex tips in
Modern Woman
religiously. He may be number one in my heart, but I find he understands that better when he’s also number one in my bed. Especially after three kids and about forty pounds between us.”

Camryn laughed at the woman’s good-natured joke and exaggerated pat on her rear end. “You’re gorgeous and you clearly have your priorities in order. I’d say he’s a lucky man.”

“Damn straight.” Charlotte lifted her glass once more before her smile turned thoughtful. “Speaking of lucky men, Booth Harrison is quite a catch.”

“He’s a good man.”

“That he is. It’s a wonder no one’s snapped him up yet.” Charlotte took one more sip on her drink, her expression about as innocent as a small child caught with his hand in the cookie jar.

A loud call to order prevented Camryn from saying anything. The evening’s entertainment was about to begin and they were asked to take their seats. “It was nice to meet you, Charlotte.”

“You too. And think about what I said.”

“About what?”

“Oh, honey.” The older woman patted her arm. “I think you already know.”

Camryn navigated the throng of people, Charlotte’s words still echoing in her ears, when the sound of her name caught her up short. Turning, she saw West Harrison striding toward her, his arms outstretched for a hug. With a bright smile she didn’t feel, she amped up the wattage for her sister’s father-in-law. “Mr. Harrison. It’s lovely to see you again.”

The man pulled her into a tight hug before letting her go. “Glad you’re here, my girl. Welcome to paradise.”

West’s warm smile nearly had her fumbling but she kept her smile in place like an old pro while she wondered what he was up to. “Thank you.”

“When did you get in?”

“A few hours ago.”

“With Booth, right?”

If West’s comment was meant to prove how little he missed, Camryn was just small enough to want to squelch the satisfaction. “Booth and I did travel together. He was kind enough to get me in on a business dinner he’d planned with some Asian investors last night in San Francisco.”

“That’s my boy. Always quick to bring a bright and vivid dining companion along with him.”

Camryn kept her smile firmly in place, but couldn’t hold back the retort that sprang to her lips. “Fortunately I had quite a lot to discuss with the investors about our plans at McBride. They seemed rather taken with some of the growth strategies Keira and I have been working on.”

If he caught the dig, West ignored it. “Sorry to hear about the Morrison deal. Better luck next time, kiddo.”

“I wasn’t aware the news was public.”

His eyes flashed and she didn’t miss that spark of triumph. “I don’t miss much.”

“I’m sure you don’t.”

“Good, good. Excellent. Let me walk you to our table. We’re all together.”

The accusation was nearly past her lips when she pulled it back. Had West been the leak to Morrison? She wanted to ask him but decided to play out the charade. There’d be plenty of time for words later—now was her chance to observe and analyze.

It
was
curious, the man’s sudden interest in her. While his behavior never quite hit the mark of overtly rude, his call to her office had been more than a bit unsettling. Add on the subtle dig about her lost deal and she knew he was playing her. What she couldn’t understand was his motive. Although Booth’s comment the day before about his father’s ruthless behavior had been illuminating, it still didn’t explain why West would bother himself with her business.

Other than the dinner at Keira’s, they’d spent very little time in each other’s company, yet after making his jabs, here he was treating her as if she were the dearest of family. No wonder the man’s children struggled with him, if this was how he behaved in the simplest of matters. “Where’s Mrs. Harrison this evening?”

“She’s been to her fair share of these events so I let her stay home and sit this one out.”

Let her stay home
?

Yet again, the man’s not-so-subtle chauvinism wasn’t lost on her, but Camryn kept her thoughts to herself. She wasn’t the one married to West Harrison and while his attitude saddened her, unfortunately, there were some battles others had to fight on their own.

They made their way through the crowd and West peppered her with jovial conversation. “Have you met Jeff Saunders? He’s the head of a key securities firm in the city. Bright up-and-comer. Would be great for a profile in your news magazine.”

West’s comment caught her off guard and she fumbled for a moment before righting herself. “I’d…love to talk with him. It’s always great to meet new people who are doing newsworthy things.”

“Here we are.” West made quick introductions while gesturing Camryn to the table, and before she could think twice about it, she was seated next to Jeff, his attention fully focused on her as he regaled her with his latest business accomplishments.

Conversation swirled around them and Camryn fought to keep herself engaged in Jeff’s words, even as she wondered at the man’s endless boasting. While she knew her sisters were often pitched ideas for the McBride publications, as CFO she was rarely called on—if ever—to take pitches for editorial ideas.

“West has been fantastic about giving me editorial coverage in the
FJ
. I’ll be in touch later this week so we can get some coverage in your magazine.”

“Why don’t you give me your card and I’ll shoot a note to my editorial director. If she’s interested, I’m sure she’ll follow up quickly.”

Jeff pulled the requested card from his front shirt pocket. “What’s her name?”

“Elizabeth Drake.”

“I can give her a call on Monday.”

She hadn’t spent years honing her boardroom politics for nothing. With a smile and firm tone, Camryn tapped his card on the table. “I’ll be sure to share your information. I’d like to respect Elizabeth’s process. If she’s interested, she’ll call you.”

“Oh sure, sure.” For the first time, Jeff seemed to come up for air. “Sorry to be pushy. This is how I’ve been working with West and I just thought that’s how things go. I’m happy to buy an ad package if that helps.”

“No, it’s no problem. Let me talk to editorial and get back to you. And if you’d like to talk to someone in ad sales I’m happy to connect you, but it’s not required to be considered for a piece in the publication.”

“All right then.”

The stage filled with their entertainment for the evening and Camryn turned to face the performers, Jeff’s words still ringing in her ears.

This is how I’ve been working with West. I’m happy to buy an ad package.

While she didn’t manage the editorial side of McBride’s business, she knew better than anyone that what they wrote and photographed for their magazines was meant to be separate from advertising. While the staff certainly made every effort to research their stories and present all companies and individuals in as positive a light as possible, they were journalists first and foremost. Ad budgets didn’t beget good press.
Or
editorial for that matter.

Her father’s long-ago bluster echoed in her mind, the forgotten words suddenly vivid and bright as she remembered that day she and her sisters had won access to the
Home and Family
trade show.
“We’re not in the business of giving publicity to freeloaders. They’re not even buying ads in our magazines.”

Publicity and articles didn’t equate to ad pages, no matter how many ads you ran—or didn’t. Editors wrote what they thought fit the magazine and the sales team sold ads. Period.

So what exactly was West doing if he was featuring businesses in exchange for ad space?

And why had a distinctly uncomfortable boulder lodged in her gut?

…

“You look awfully serious.”

Booth took the empty seat next to Camryn’s. The entertainers were taking an intermission and everyone had left their tables to mix and mingle while getting drink refills or picking up desserts from a large buffet table.

“How can I be serious at such a fun event?” Her smile was bright but Booth would have had to be blind to miss the fact that it didn’t reach her eyes.

“Hence my question.”

“I’m just thinking about my speech tomorrow. This is an impressive group of employees you’ve got. I need to bring my A-game.”

“You always bring your A-game, Ms. McBride.” He resisted the urge to touch her in such a public venue, but he couldn’t resist leaning a bit closer as they spoke. The earthy sexuality of their earlier fight still had him gripped in a tight fist but the initial heat of anger had morphed into something far more like desire. And a dark craving that demanded action.

“Careful, Booth. Your staff is already talking about us.”

“Are they?” Irritation ran frustrated fingers up and down his spine. “Who?”

“Oh no, I’m not making it that easy on you. But let’s just say several of your employees have a soft spot for you. They can’t figure out why you haven’t been snapped up yet and if I read the subtext in conversation, they seem to think I’m trying out for the position.”