Pursuit of innocence, p.12
Pursuit of Innocence, page 12
After we’ve been seated and receive our drinks, he dives straight into business. “So how was your morning? Do you feel like you have a contribution to make and agree that you’re not here just because I want you? To be here, that is.” He winks at me, which makes me roll my eyes and smirk in return. His flirting is kind of cute.
“Well, like you said, it’s only been a few hours, but yes, they’re all very nice and receptive to what I bring to the table. Obviously, your people have way more experience than I do, especially since I’m still months from graduation. But as you said, I’ve been involved with this account for the last few years, so I know what’s worked and what hasn’t, and they seem interested in my input. So, besides the fact you’re using this to your advantage, I do think I’m an asset for now. The question is how long my assistance will be needed, and honestly, I don’t see it as a long-term thing. Your staff is more than capable of taking this in a new direction without my help.” There, point made. He needs to know that I’m not fooled and that I know there’s only one reason I’m here—for his benefit.
“I’m glad to hear they’re treating you well. As for your experience, I’ve hired plenty of employees right out of college, specifically for that fact. Recent graduates tend to be fresh, come with new ideas and, most importantly, are moldable with no preconceived notions. So, for you to think you’re at a disadvantage to anyone else in my office is all in your head. I may have ulterior motives that I’ve made specifically clear, but I wouldn’t bring you in only to get what I want if there were no other benefits. You’re poised, articulate and aren’t afraid to speak to a room full of people. You’re just as qualified as anyone else, if not more so.”
Okay then. His tone was more than adamant on that topic. Although flattered, one thing sticks out. “Regarding ulterior motives, you haven’t been exactly clear. You originally wanted me in your bed. Is that still your only goal? Because that doesn’t work for me.”
He reaches for my hand and holds it, his thumb caressing while he proceeds. “I’ll be honest, I’m not sure what my goal is exactly, but I know I can’t seem to get enough of you. I want more time to explore both your mind and body. When I’m with you, I crave more; when I’m not, I simply crave you.” He leans in close and quietly says the next part. “I’ve pleasured myself more in the last two weeks than in the last five years combined, all to images of you in my head. So, I might not know my end goal, but I’m willing to explore options to get what I want, which is ultimately you.” He looks me straight in the eyes, deadpan. Holy shit, Batman, is it hot in here?
I pull my hand from his and sit back just to get some distance. I’m not sure what to do with that information, and I’m saved yet again with the waiter delivering our meals. This man keeps rendering me speechless, and I’m not equipped to handle his level of intensity. I need Cici with an intercom in my ear listening in, feeding me lines.
Instead of responding, I dig my fork into my pad thai. “I’m starving.”
He chuckles. “I am too.”
Even though I’m focused on my plate, I can tell by the sultry tone of his voice he’s not talking about the food. I look up, and sure enough, he’s made no move toward his plate but instead is staring right at me. Oh, he is so out of my league. I don’t know what I’m thinking even entertaining the idea of being with him. Is he full of lines, or is he sincerely implying he wants more than just a romp in the hay?
“I have a proposal for you, and I’m asking you not to give me a knee-jerk reaction but hear me out. Think about it and keep an open mind. Are you willing to do that?” He finally starts in on his meal and gives me a minute to answer.
“I’m willing to listen.” After he scowls at me, I add to my answer. “And I will keep an open mind and consider your proposal before answering.”
“Good girl.” Why do those words coming from Sebastian’s mouth make my stomach flutter? Something’s seriously wrong with me. “I’d like to take you sailing tomorrow afternoon and dock at Coronado Island for dinner.” He sees the immediate look of hesitation on my face and keeps going. “I want to share a different version of myself than what you’ve encountered. I can be more than just a playboy or the bossy CEO who scares everyone in my vicinity. Again, I can’t tell you exactly where I want this to go, but I know I’d like more time getting to know each other. Will you give me this chance to show you I can be a gentleman … at times?”
“Wow … okay.… Hmmm.” After a few seconds, I bob my head and take another bite of my food to give myself something to do with my mouth instead of talking. Part of me wants to say yes, but the more sensible part is holding back. Nothing good can ultimately come out of this, I’m sure. Either say no and cut my losses now or give in and risk the heartbreak.
He’s being uncharacteristically patient while I’m considering my answer. If I didn’t know any better, I’d say he was nervous, but I know something as trivial as a date with me does not make a guy like Sebastian Dubree nervous. In fact, I’m sure if I decided to walk away right now, he’d have another girl on his arm by tomorrow who’s probably way more suited for him.
Okay, what would Cici do? That’s easy; she’d say quit being a baby and go for it.
What do you have to lose? she’d ask.
Oh, only my virtue, I’d reply.
Ugh, enough internal monologue. I need to decide already. “Yes. All right, I’ll go.”
The smile that lights up his face is sort of adorable and solidifies my answer. I think I may be in over my head already.
Sebastian
I somehow managed to keep my hands off Lily for the entire ride back to the office. As soon as we get up to our floor, we head in separate directions, and I go straight to Lucy’s desk. “Can you arrange to have an evening dress and shoes for my companion waiting on the boat? No budget. Also, arrange a loan for the evening of a necklace and earrings to accompany it from Tiffany’s. Please have everything delivered by one o’clock in the afternoon tomorrow.”
“Sure thing. What size should I plan for?” she asks with somewhat of a smirk. Shit, I didn’t think about that. I look down at her body. This time she definitely smirks. “Would you like me to stand so you can get an idea?”
I scowl in frustration. “Yes, please.” I can’t believe I’m in this position. I’ve always treated my secretary professionally. Dating staff is way too close to home. “She’s a couple inches taller than you and has a slightly smaller frame but not by much. Will that cover it?” God, please don’t ask me about chest size.
She sits back down to take notes, then looks up expectantly. “And what size shoes?”
Crap. “Let me get back to you.” I go into my office and shut the door with a little more force than needed.
Since when has dating become so difficult? This is ridiculous. I pick up the phone and dial the marketing department. The secretary picks up. “This is Mr. Dubree. I need to speak with Lily Thompson.”
“Certainly, Mr. Dubree. Hold one moment, please.”
After about one minute, Lily comes on the line. “Sebastian?” she whispers.
“The one and only. I forgot to ask you before leaving what shoe size you are. I have a strict policy for proper boat shoes to prevent scuffing the deck. The marina will provide a pair and have them waiting; they just need to know what size to deliver.” Smooth.
“Oh, seven and a half. And, uh, what should I wear then? With dinner after, I’m not sure how to dress,” she asks shyly.
“How about casually for boating. I’m sure you’ll look amazing in whatever you choose. Enjoy the rest of your day, Lily. I’ll see you around five to accompany you home.”
“You don’t need to do that, Sebastian, I’m fully capable of handling myself,” she says defiantly.
“I’m aware. See you at five.” I hang up before she can respond. I imagine her look of frustration in my head and smile to myself.
That went well. I inform Lucy of her shoe size and add a pair of Dockers to the request. Where there’s a will, there’s a way. Mission accomplished.
I arrive at the marketing department to collect Lily right at five. We’re not as fortunate this time in having the elevator to ourselves for the ride down, understandable since it happens to be when most people leave for the day. The car ride will have to do. However, I don’t even have a chance to make a move, as Lily lays into me immediately.
“You do realize if you keep escorting me around, taking me to lunch, collecting me at the end of the day and having the secretary track me down for a call from ‘Mr. Dubree’ that people are going to start talking. In fact, they probably already have. I don’t want to become the office slut, Sebastian. I know this is only temporary but still.” She’s spitting mad.
Her feistiness probably shouldn’t be having this effect on me, but shit, my dick has a mind of its own and becomes stiff at the sight of her getting all worked up. “You’re right, and I’m sorry if I put you in an uncomfortable position.” Oh, that statement conjures all sorts of filthy images. It takes every ounce of restraint I have not to smirk at this moment. “I thought I was merely helping a new employee on her first day, but I can see how my actions could be misconstrued.”
“Misconstrued? Do you escort any other of your new hires around? And it’s not misconstrued since you are, in fact, trying to get in my pants. This isn’t a good idea, Sebastian. Maybe we need to rethink my involvement here or not do this date thing.”
That’s it; I can’t resist her for another second. I lay her down on the seat, crushing her with my torso as I grip her head and smash my lips to hers. Thankfully, I already had the privacy screen up. She instantly matches my intensity as I ravage her mouth. Her immediate response encourages me even more. My hand travels down and grips her ass as I grind my pelvis into her. I bunch her dress up just to feel the luscious bottom curve of her bare ass cheek with my fingers. Her skin is made from pure silk. I’m not sure how much time passes, but I feel the car slowing before it comes to a stop.
I breathe into her neck and slowly release my grip, then gently pull her up with me to a sitting position. While she’s trying to compose herself and slow her breathing, I use her distraction as an opportunity. “I’ll be here to pick you up at two tomorrow afternoon. We’ll sail around the bay for a couple hours before we dock for dinner.” Opening the door, I grab her hand to help her from the car, but before releasing it, I bring it to my lips and give it a lingering kiss. “Until tomorrow.”
ME:
I’m looking forward to our date.
LILY:
You distracted me from finishing our conversation in the car. We shouldn’t be doing this.
ME:
You already said yes, there’s no going back.
LILY:
You are the most frustrating man on the planet.
ME:
Says the most stubborn woman in the universe.
LILY:
Good night, Sebastian. I’ll see you tomorrow.
ME:
Good girl. Sweet dreams, Lily.
13
“Firsts”
Lily
I wake up with a touch of excitement and a whole bunch of butterflies for my date with Sebastian this afternoon. I can’t deny he makes me feel things. I mean, who wouldn’t? He’s one of the hottest guys on the planet, every girl’s image of tall, dark and handsome. Just his kissing alone would make any woman give in. But I’m not any woman; I’m a girl with no clue what she’s doing or gotten herself into. Not to mention that he makes me feel amazing while simultaneously frustrating me beyond belief. I’m still not sure which emotion is winning, but maybe today will shed more light on the subject. I’m either going to end up doing something I could regret later, or I’ll run for the hills screaming.
After dinner last night with Cici, where I filled her in on my entire day, there’s no possibility she’d let me get out of this. I’m pretty sure she’s already fallen for the idea of Sebastian and me together. She swooned multiple times during the retelling. When we got home, she helped me pick out an outfit that could transition to dinner, although he forgot to mention where we’d be eating, so hopefully it works.
Finishing my morning coffee while working on homework, I decide it’s time to go for a jog. As luck would have it, I run into Jackson on my way out. It’s not like we never run into each other—we’ve lived in the same building for years—but it seems much more frequent recently. Or maybe it only feels that way because previously, we would just wave or say hi, but now he seems to notice me more. Could Sebastian be right about Jackson being interested?
“Morning, Lily. Having a good weekend?” He looks like he’s just coming in from the gym. At least I didn’t catch him slinking in from another overnighter.
“Hey, yeah, it’s going good so far. Cici and I had dinner last night at our favorite sushi place. How about you?” Seriously, he never had these conversations with me before. I wish I was more relaxed around him, but I’m always nervous.
Jackson replies, “Nice. I just took it easy on a Friday night for once. It was a long week. Maybe, if you’re around tonight, we could get together for a drink or something.”
Did I just hear him correctly? I’m shocked and must take too long to answer because he adds sheepishly, “We could see if Cici and Braden want to join.”
I snap out of it. “Oh, uh, I have another commitment tonight. I’m sorry. Otherwise, I definitely would’ve taken you up on that.” Shoot, too eager?
“Oh, well, in that case, I’ll take a rain check. See you later, Lils. Enjoy your run,” he says as he heads into the lobby.
I stand there for a moment or two in disbelief. Did the object of my infatuation seriously just ask me on a date after years of pining for him to no avail? If I weren’t already outside, ready to run, I’d need to sit down for a minute. As it is, I shake it off and head out.
By the time I return, the shock hasn’t worn off. I’m still as stumped as before. Cici’s gone when I return, so I head straight for the shower. Drying off, I put my robe on, grab another cup of coffee, find Ebony to snuggle with and plant myself on the couch to get a grip on my feelings. After getting nowhere and still just as confused, I glance at the time. Crap, I have less than an hour. Setting my thoughts aside for now, I rush up to get ready.
Sebastian
I’ve just exited the car in front of Lily’s building as she walks out the door. She’s beautiful. I meet her halfway and catch a glimpse of Jackson behind her, just inside the lobby, about to exit. Perfect.
“Hello, beautiful, you look amazing as always.” I grab Lily’s hand, pull her to me and stroke her cheek, giving her a soft, sensual kiss.
When I pull away, she looks up at me with lust and says breathily, “Well, hello to you too.”
I can see in my peripheral vision that Jackson is frozen behind the glass lobby doors, which tells me he saw precisely what I intended. Keeping hold of Lily’s hand, I lead her to the waiting car and usher her in, preventing her from turning around. A few seconds later, we’re on our way.
“I’m glad you decided to come,” I say as I hold her hand and caress it, loving the feel of her soft skin.
“You didn’t give me a chance to change my mind, even though every bone in my body tells me this is headed toward disaster.” She keeps her head down, focused on our joined hands rather than making eye contact.
I gently grip her chin and lift her face toward mine. “Why not just for today, you let your fear go and see where we end up. If you still think it’s a bad idea after this, I’ll consider backing down.” I smirk at her and lean in to give her a chaste kiss.
“Well, I’m already here, so you have the day to make your case. I just want you to be prepared for this not to go any further.”
“Let me worry about what I’m prepared for, sweetheart. Now get over here.” I pull her toward me and give her a proper welcome. There’s no denying the passion we have. I’d say that’s a pretty good foundation to start from. It still confounds me that with as much sensuality as she exudes, no one else has tapped into it. I suppose I should just be thankful and leave it at that.
We arrive at the marina a few minutes later. It’s difficult for us to peel away from each other, but somehow, we manage. We walk hand in hand down the dock toward my pride and joy. I’ve never brought a woman out sailing before and never even considered having anyone other than Eli aboard my boat. It’s always been my escape from the outside world, not something to share with anyone. I’m still perplexed at the spell she has on me that makes me want to share it with her.
“That’s your boat? It’s ginormous!” she says in awe as I stop in front of my slip. I love the gorgeous smile on her face as she takes it in.
“If you get excited over big things, baby, I can show you something later that will blow your mind.”
“Ugh, you’re terrible. When you said you were taking me sailing, I wasn’t picturing anything close to this. Can you manage this yourself or is there a captain, because I don’t know a thing about boats.”
I can’t help but chuckle. “Call me Captain for the day, and you’ll know everything you need to by the end of it.”
She whacks me in the ribs for that one. “You are full of it today. Seriously, Sebastian, can you handle this thing by yourself?”
“I can sail it myself, baby, don’t worry.” I kiss her forehead before helping her aboard, handing her the boat shoes and settling her in the cockpit as I ensure everything’s in order and get things ready. I talk as I work. “Eli and I have been sailing since we were toddlers. It was one of my dad’s few passions outside of work, and he passed it onto me. Eli still goes out occasionally, but mostly it’s just me and the ocean out here. It’s where I can lose myself and just be in the moment. Since my dad passed away, I haven’t had anyone other than Eli come out with me.” I want her to understand the significance of her being here.
