Our First Embrace

“Yes, you do like to roam around, don’t you?” Monique pointedly asked.

“Any and every chance I get.” Merriment danced in Victor’s eyes at Monique’s loud sigh. “Now I’m leaving while I’m ahead,” he proclaimed, grasping Nicole’s hand and bringing it to his lips. “It was nice to meet you, Nicole. I’ll be seeing you around.” He winked at Monique and, before she could react, kissed her cheek and then left.

“Wow, he’s certainly different from his brother,” Nicole marveled.

“Thank goodness,” Monique declared. “If Victor ran things, we’d never get any work done.”

“I think he’s nice and funny.”

“Give the boss a chance. You’ll like him once you get to know him.”

Nicole’s frown returned. “But will he like me?”

“Definitely,” Monique promised. “Now, back to what we were talking about before Victor interrupted us. Are you going to take me up on my offer to move in with me?”

“It’s nice of you to offer...”

“I’m not being nice,” Monique interrupted, laughing. “I’m being selfish. My old roommate moved out a couple of months ago, and I’ve been searching for a new one, but I haven’t liked any of the applicants. I know this is sudden, but I feel comfortable with you. I think we’d get along famously.”

“Where is your apartment?” Nicole sipped her delicious coffee.

“In the 6th Arrondisement, close to your hotel. It’s very spacious, six rooms, reasonable rent when shared and already furnished. However, you’re free to change whatever you like,” Monique continued to try to sell Nicole on the idea.

“It sounds wonderful.”

“You can come by to look at it anytime you’d like,” Monique offered. “And please take your time about deciding.”

Nicole smiled as she considered Monique’s offer. She had good instincts that seldom led her astray. She liked Monique, and it would be fun to stay with someone who knew Paris and could keep her from getting lonely being so far away from home.

“I’d love to be your new roommate,” Nicole decided.

“Great!” Monique squeezed her hand. “I can help you move your stuff from the hotel. Just let me know when, and I’ll be there.”

“I’m afraid it’ll have to wait until the weekend. I’m sure Mr. James will have me working late tonight and every night this week,” Nicole direly predicted.

“He’ll allow you some time off to move.”

“No, I wouldn’t dream of asking him.” Nicole shook her head. “As much as I hate staying in a hotel—even one as beautiful as the Lutetia—it’ll be my home for the rest of the week until my off day on Saturday. Okay?”

“Sure. I understand you want to put your best foot forward.” Monique glanced at the clock. “To that end, we’d better get to work, or the boss will tear into both our hides.”

“Please, I’ve had enough of that for one day.” Nicole’s groan and distasteful expression coaxed a chuckle from Monique.

“Come on then, I’ll show you around the rest of the office,” Monique offered, and they strolled out chatting as if they had been friends for years.

* * *

Nicole’s rather spacious workstation was just outside of Monique’s office. As Nicole glanced around the office, she felt it really was a designer’s dream. A multitude of lights hung overhead, and windows lined nearly every wall, allowing plenty of natural light.

“The executive offices and designers are all housed on the sixth floor. The boss likes to keep us close,” Monique informed. “What do you think of your new spot?”

“It’s perfect. Much more than I expected.” Nicole glanced around in awe. “I thought I’d be locked away in a cubbyhole.”

“No way. I told you the boss takes care of us—especially the designers.” Monique laughed. “He told me he wanted you to start on the Bettina line.”

“Yes.” Nicole nodded. “He mentioned that to me, as well.”

“Hang on a second.” Monique disappeared into her office. Through the glass wall a few feet away, Nicole saw her rummage through papers on her desk until she found a white folder. She returned to Nicole and handed her the folder. “These are some notes, sketches and general info on the line, along with instructions on how to get into your PC where all of this info is located. Your temporary password is in here. You’ll need to change it immediately.”

“Thanks.” Nicole flipped through the folder. “I can’t wait to get started.”

“I’ll let you get to it. If you need anything, don’t hesitate to ask.” Monique squeezed her hand reassuringly. “I know you’re going to do great, Nicole.”

“Thanks, Monique.”

Preparing to get settled, Nicole took out pictures of family and placed them on her desk, lovingly fingering one of the silver frames, then opened her portfolio and started setting up her workstation the way she wanted it. Finally, she opened her sketch book, switched on her PC, spread out notes on the Bettina line across her desk and prepared to start work on her first design for Alexander’s. She was determined it was going to knock Alexander James’s socks off.

* * *

Two hours later, a little before ten, Monique stopped by her station and tapped her on the shoulder.

“I forgot to tell you, the boss likes to have staff meetings every Monday at ten. I’ll show you how to set up your calendar when we get back.”

“Okay.” Nicole stood and picked up a notebook and pen.

“Use this for notes. It’s easier.” Monique handed her a tablet. “This one is yours. It has our design software on it—the same that’s on your laptop. Feel free to take it home. I take mine everywhere.”

“Thanks.” Nicole eyed her expensive tablet. “Mr. James doesn’t skimp, does he?”

“I told you the boss is good to us,” Monique reminded her. “Let’s get going. He hates it when people are late.”

“Uh yes, I’ve noticed that about him.” Nicole’s fervent whisper provoked a sympathetic smile from Monique as they walked toward the conference room.

Thankfully, they were the first to arrive at the meeting, save Alexander James, who sat at the head of an enormous oval oak table. He had removed his jacket and had rolled up his shirtsleeves, revealing hair-covered, sinewy forearms. He nodded at them when they entered and then returned his attention to his computer. Nicole and Monique chatted quietly as other staff filed in. Nicole felt the hair on the back of her neck standing up and turned to find a blond woman staring at her with blatant hostility. Where was that coming from?

“Hey,” Nicole whispered in Monique’s ear. “Who is that woman?”

Monique glanced in the direction Nicole covertly pointed with a tilt of her head. “Oh, that’s Crystal Danforth. Don’t pay any attention to her.”

“Did I do something to her?”

“No, Crystal doesn’t much like anyone, but she is an excellent designer,” Monique grudgingly admitted, “which is why the boss keeps her around.”

“Oh.” Nicole glanced up and met Alexander’s intense gaze briefly before he busied himself with his computer again.

“Don’t sweat it.” Monique winked and added, “If she gives you any trouble, she’ll answer to me, and I outrank her.”

Nicole smiled at Monique’s threat and glanced at Crystal again, who treated her to another hateful stare before focusing her eyes on her tablet.

So much for not having any enemies in the office. Nicole silently sighed.

Within ten minutes, the room was full. After everyone was settled in with coffee, juice and pastries, Alexander began the meeting.

“You all know Victor.” Alex pointed to his brother, who was sitting to his right. “For some reason, he insists on loitering around the office today.”

Victor smiled. “You know you miss me when I’m not here.”

“Yeah, right.” Alexander chuckled. “Why are you here today anyway?”

“Three reasons.” Victor stood. “First, I had to fix your computer for you after you mistreated her,” he reminded his brother with a wink, which caused chuckles from around the room. “Second, I’m doing an upgrade on everyone’s computer.” He laughed at the groans and surveyed the twenty people in the room. “Hey, do you guys want to be state of the art or what? I promise the downtime won’t be long.”

“Promises, promises,” Monique drawled, drawing Victor’s interest.

“I always keep my promises,” Victor softly responded.

“Hmph!” Monique didn’t sound convinced.

“And three?” Alexander queried, interrupting their banter.

“I don’t have anything better to do.” Victor sighed and resumed his seat amid laughter.

“That’s my brother, folks.” Alexander shook his head in mock disgust.

“You know you love me,” Victor taunted.

“Be quiet,” Alex admonished and chuckled when Victor made a zipping motion across his lips. “All right, down to business. As you all know, we have a new associate designer, Nicole Carter, who comes to us all the way from New York—albeit a little late.”

Nicole’s smile faded slightly as he added the latter, and she bit her lower lip to hold in the angry retort that was trying desperately to escape from her mouth. She purposefully brightened her smile in response to the various welcomes from her coworkers before resuming eye contact with Alexander.

“I know you’ll all make her feel welcome. She’ll be working on the Bettina line, and I’m counting on those of you who are also assigned there to quickly get her up to speed.”

“She’ll be there in no time, boss,” Monique chimed in, and Nicole shot her a grateful smile.

“With your help, I’m sure she will.” Alexander nodded with a slight smile. “We have our early-spring fashion show at the end of April, so I’m expecting a hundred and ten percent from everyone.” Nicole bristled again when his eyes rested on her. “We’ll probably be going to a six-day workweek in a week or so.”

Victor glanced at Nicole and mouthed, “Don’t mind him.”

Nicole sighed visibly and Victor chuckled.

* * *

Alex caught Nicole and Victor’s subtle exchange, and his eyes narrowed on his brother’s seemingly innocent face just in time to see him wink at Nicole, who, much to his annoyance, returned his gesture. Why the friendly interaction between the two irritated him to no end he was loath to examine.

“Do you mind?” Alex frowned at his brother. “I’m trying to run a meeting here.”

“Be my guest, bro.” Victor leaned back in his seat, crossed his arms and waited for Alex to continue.

“Thank you,” Alex sarcastically said. “If you’d all turn your attention to your tablets and pull up the memo I sent this morning, I’d like to start with that.”

As Alex presided over the meeting, he found it next to impossible to keep his eyes from straying toward Nicole more often than not, which annoyed him to no end. She sat there with a frown on her beautiful face, unless she was smiling at Monique—or Victor, which peeved him. He knew she was shooting daggers at him because of his earlier reference to her delayed start with the company, and although he shouldn’t care, he did.

Alex glanced away from his presentation to answer a question, and his eyes automatically stopped to stare at Nicole—even though she wasn’t the one asking the question. She held his gaze for a second before tilting her head in Monique’s direction, who was whispering something in her ear that made her smile. She was gorgeous when she smiled.

Oh, hell!

Somehow he concentrated on answering the question at hand, but he was acutely aware of his newest employee—he noticed everything she did, when she smiled, said something to Monique, crossed her legs, sighed. With her mere presence, she was disrupting his neatly ordered world, and he didn’t like it!

Thankfully, the rest of the meeting was spent discussing designs, fabrics and the order for the upcoming fashion show. The hour breezed by.

“Good work, everyone. That’ll be all.” Alexander adjourned the meeting, and the room quickly emptied. “Nicole, could you stay behind please?”

She glanced at Monique, who patted her reassuringly on the back as she resumed her seat, crossed her legs and folded her hands in her lap. Victor gave her an encouraging thumbs-up sign, to which she smiled. Both she and Alex waited until the room was empty before speaking.

“Did Monique show you the Bettina line info?”

“Yes.”

“Do you have any questions?”

“Not presently.” She kept her responses brief and crisp.

He frowned. “Is anything wrong?”

“No, nothing.” She shrugged and pursed her lips, but the words continued to flow. “I so enjoy being embarrassed in front of my new colleagues.” His lips thinned at her flippant tone.

“I didn’t mean to embarrass you.”

“Didn’t you?”

“No, I was simply stating the facts,” he coolly replied. “If your skin is this thin, you’re never going to make it around here.”

She stiffened her back at his rebuke. “My skin is plenty thick enough, Mr. James.”

“We’ll see,” he darkly promised.

“Yes, you will.” She uncrossed her legs. “Is there anything else?”

He stared at her long and hard, and she didn’t flinch or look away. “No, that’s all for now.”

She stood and left without another word. Alone, he smiled slightly. She was a spitfire. He’d soon see what she was made of, and he had a feeling he would enjoy doing it.

* * *

The days flew by, and before Nicole knew it, the week was half-over. On Wednesday evening, she absently returned numerous goodbyes from her coworkers, including Monique, and continued happily working. She barely registered that bright sunlight had given way to pale moonlight. When she glanced at the clock, it was after 8:30 p.m.

She studied her sketch and smiled. Picking up her charcoal pencil, she continued working on the lines of the skirt she was sketching. Just a few more minutes, and she would call it a day.

“It’s way past quitting time.” Nicole jumped, then glanced up when Alexander’s voice disturbed the comforting silence.

“Mr. James.” She placed a hand against her thudding heart. “You scared the life out of me.”

“Sorry.” He pulled up a tall stool and sat beside her.

“I thought everyone had gone home.” She was acutely aware of his closeness.

“Everyone has, except us.” He glanced at her sketch, picked it up and then replaced it on the easel. His face was unreadable.

“What do you think of it?” She asked simply to have something to say.

“It’s adequate.” He half smiled at her apparent displeasure with his blasé description.

“Adequate?” She glanced at the drawing she had spent the entire day revising, intent that it would be perfect before she showed it to him. “What’s wrong with it?”

“Nothing’s wrong with it,” he insisted. “It’s not finished, is it?”

“No.”

“Then I think adequate is an appropriate assessment,” he rationalized. “I need to see the finished product before I know whether it fits with the Bettina line.”

“Of course.”

He cocked his head to one side. “That displeases you?”

“No.” She drew out the single syllable. “You’re right, of course.”

“I know I’m right.”

They stared at each other silently. She contemplated what to say next. She didn’t want to be constantly at odds with him. She wanted them to get along and have a good working relationship; therefore, she bit back the angry retort that was on the verge of jumping from her mouth. When she spoke next, her voice was calm and measured.

“I really want this job to go well,” she softly admitted. “I know I was late. I’ve apologized, but I couldn’t miss my brother’s wedding. My love for my family doesn’t mean I’m not dedicated to being the best designer I can be. I know I can learn a lot from you—if you’ll give me a chance. That’s all I’m asking, Mr. James.”

* * *

He silently studied her long and hard. He had expected an angry rejoinder to his frankly baiting previous statement; she had surprised him again. Her sincere plea affected him more than anything else she could have said.

“You’re talented, Nicole. You wouldn’t have gotten the job otherwise.” He paused before admitting, “I’m not sorry I hired you.” Her eyes brightened at his admission, and he was absurdly glad.

“You’re not?”

“No.” He smiled slightly. “I think you have great potential, and from what I’ve seen of your work so far, if you apply yourself, you’ll make a name for yourself in this business.”

“Well...” She seemed at a loss for words at his generous compliment.

“Nothing to say?” he teased.

“I... Thank you.”

“You’re welcome.” He suddenly stood. “Now close up shop and go home.”

“But I wanted to finish...”

“No buts.” He switched off her light, took her hands and pulled her to her feet. “Go home.”

“All right.”

He released her hands, picked up her jacket and held it out for her. As she slipped it on, he felt her nearness. His hands rested on her upper arms for a second longer than necessary. She slowly turned around and looked at him, and he swore he saw desire in her eyes, but it was gone so quickly, he wasn’t sure—although he definitely felt the heat between them.

“Can I give you a lift to the hotel?” Why had he said that?

“No.” She took a few steps away from him. “I’ll take the metro.”

“You’re in a new city. I don’t like the thought of you taking the metro by yourself at night.”

“I’ll be fine,” she assured. “I’m a big girl, Mr. James.”

“Yes, I’ve noticed.” He couldn’t keep from sweeping his eyes appreciatively over her from head to toe and back again. “Mr. James was my dad. Call me Alex.” He frowned when she smiled and laughed lightly. “What?”

“Victor said exactly the same thing when I called him Mr. James,” she explained.

“Oh, I see.” He nodded in understanding but felt a twinge of something he was loath to name at the mention of his brother and her sharing a private moment. “Come on, let’s call it a night.”

She hesitated for a second and then gave in and preceded him out.

Chapter 3

Once the elevator doors closed, for the first time in her life, Nicole experienced claustrophobia—the result of being alone in a confined space with Alexander. This man was too enigmatic for his own good—and, more important, for hers. What in reality was a quick ride down to the lobby seemed to take forever. When finally the doors opened, Nicole breathed a silent sigh of relief, though she expected her relief would be short-lived once she was trapped with Alexander in the close confines of what she instinctively knew would be a tiny sports car.

They said good-night to the guard and walked out. When they reached the curb, confirming her silent suspicions, a flame-red Ferrari convertible was waiting for them.

“Thanks for bringing my car around, Jacques.” Alexander patted the guard on the back.

“No problem, Mr. James.” Jacques smiled. “I enjoy any chance to drive such a fine machine.”

“She’s something, isn’t she?” Alex proudly glanced at his car.

“And then some,” Jacques agreed before walking back into the building.

“Wow.” Nicole’s eyes widened appreciatively as they traveled over the sleek curvaceous lines of the car that reminded her of the man about to drive it—sleek, powerful and gorgeous. Alexander opened the door and helped her inside before walking around and sliding behind the wheel.

The rich smell of leather assailed her. The black-and-tan dashboard and steering wheel contained a multitude of controls. It looked like a complicated airplane panel. For a car that cost upward of $300,000, she would expect nothing less.

“How do you like my baby?” He caressed the black leather steering wheel, and his left thumb pressed a button to start the car. The powerful engine roared to life, and he wasn’t even depressing the accelerator. “She’ll go from zero to sixty in three seconds.”

“She’s stunning.” Nicole sighed gratefully as the contoured tan leather seat conformed to her body as if custom made for her. “Breathtaking.”

Alex flashed a quick grin. “Fast cars are one of my vices.”

“One?” She cocked a teasing eyebrow. “How many vices do you have?”

“A few.” His grin transformed into a devilish smile. “Fasten your seat belt.” Once she did, he sped off. When he noticed her right hand clutching the armrest he asked, “You’re not afraid of a little speed are you?”

“Not at all,” Nicole said. “It’s just that the engine is so loud and menacing.”

“Oh, it is. This baby can really eat up the road.”

“You can say that again.” Nicole tensed as his baby proved his point.

“Relax.” Alex reassuringly squeezed her left knee. “I promise to get you to the hotel safely.”

Suddenly her apprehension at being a passenger in such a powerful machine vanished. Alexander’s touch ignited forbidden passions within her. Even through the material of her pants, where his hand rested, her skin burned. Her eyes pivoted from his hand resting comfortably on her knee back to his profile.

As if realizing what he had unconsciously done, he removed his hand quickly and placed it on the center console. Neither of them made mention of his actions, but each was keenly aware of them.

For the remainder of the drive, they said little and the tension between them grew as thick as dense fog. The spicy smell of his aftershave was driving her mad until she wanted to bury her nose in the crook of his neck and inhale deeply. What a handsome man. Stop that, Nicole, she silently ordered. He’s your boss.

* * *

The drive was short due to the speed at which he drove, His speed thankfully was somewhat constrained by traffic. She occasionally glanced at him, but his eyes remained focused on the road ahead.

He came to a screeching stop in front of her hotel not a second too soon to save Nicole’s sanity. The doorman opened her door before Alexander could, but Alexander was there to take her hand and help her out of the car.

“Well, here we are,” he announced.

“And in one piece.” She placed a hand to her heart, and he chuckled.

“Come on, my driving’s not that bad, is it?”

“No. This is an insanely powerful car, but you handle her beautifully.”

He liked the way she referred to his car as a person the way he did. Most women simply rolled their eyes when men personalized inanimate objects, but not Nicole. That was a mark in her favor—not that he was counting.

“Thanks.” He followed her into the lobby, still holding her hand easily. “Once you drive one of these babies, you’ll never be satisfied with anything else.”

“Well, that’s not likely to happen.”

“Never say never,” he softly chided and then easily offered, “One day I’ll teach you to drive her.”

“I’d be too terrified to attempt it,” Nicole declined with a smile.

“She’ll be putty in your hands.”

“Or I’ll be putty in hers.”

“Don’t worry. I have a feeling you can handle her just fine.”

His fingers absently caressed hers, and he heard her soft gasp at his subconscious actions. She pulled her hand from his, and he was keenly aware of the increased tempo in the pulse beating at the base of her neck. He longed to caress the spot with his lips and tongue. What was he thinking? Suddenly, nothing seemed more important than that he stay and spend some time alone with her, getting to know her better. But that overwhelming desire was one he dared not succumb to.

She’s your employee, Alex. You’re not going down that road again! You know what happened the last time.

“Good night.” He abruptly turned to leave. “See you in the morning.”

“Bright and early,” she promised. “Thanks for the ride.”

“You’re welcome.” He walked away before he succumbed to the overwhelming need to stay.

* * *

Nicole slowly walked to the elevator and entered. When she glanced up, Alexander was standing near the doorway, watching her. Her breath arrested at the look in his eyes—a look needing no definition or interpretation with words. Thankfully the doors closed, shutting him out of her view but not out of her mind.

“He’s your boss, Nicole,” she forcefully reminded herself again. “That’s all he’ll ever be.”