Intimate Kiss (Bend To My Will #3) (6 page)

Chapter 6

The special moment ended when Jacob released her, and Vivienne slipped off his lap. There was no way to put into words what she’d experienced, to describe the unendurable ache for him, when he’d banished Vivienne to her room. Through the night, the denial imposed upon her was insufferable.

Yet Jacob had treated her so tenderly just now, making it all worth it. Vivienne assumed he knew the effect he created. But she wasn’t sure if his act was intended to teach her obedience, or if his goal had been to give her pleasure in a new way.

There was no way to figure Jacob out, as he was full of contradictions. Even so, Vivienne was drawn to him, and overwhelmed with emotion about their weekend together, whether he wanted her to be or not. “What will we do today?” she said.

“I thought we’d go out,” Jacob said.

“But not like a date?”

“It’s hardly a date, when we are already spending the weekend together.”

“I didn’t think so,” Vivienne said. “Just thought I’d ask.”

Since the cook was off duty, Jacob suggested brunch. “How about the Carlyle?”

“Has a woman ever refused an invitation to the Carlyle?”

Jacob laughed. “I hope you won’t be the first.”

When Jacob texted the driver, he came up to get them. Vivienne smiled at him. “Good morning, Ian.”

“Good morning, Vivie.” She had encouraged the staff to address her by her first name. But that only applied to her. “And good morning, Mr. Rinaldi.”

They went down to the garage and Ian opened the door for her. “You work on Sundays?” Vivienne said.

“Quite often.”

Vivienne slid into the back seat and Jacob got in beside her. During the drive, he kept his hand on her knee. It was a possessive gesture, and she quite liked it. Leaning her head against his shoulder, Vivienne enjoyed the uneventful drive.

The restaurant was in the Rosewood Hotel. The mirrored alcoves, a dramatic floral arrangement that had to be at least six feet tall, and English hunting scenes on the walls created a country house ambience. Yet the white linen tablecloths and crystal glasses made it an elegant affair.

The meal started with a glass of Prosecco. The brunch menu was extensive, so Vivienne sipped her drink and nibbled smoked salmon to save room for the main dishes. Jacob ate a few oysters, then ordered drink refills for them.

The relaxed Sunday morning encouraged conversation, and Jacob talked with her about his family, including more details about Rinaldi Imports. “My grandfather was somewhat of a pioneering figure in the wine trade,” he said, “an icon in the business in the fifties.”

Vivienne was intrigued.

“My grandparents were born in Verona, and my grandfather started the business after immigrating to New York,” Jacob said. “My father Vico was his only son.”

“So he inherited the company?”

“Yes, he took over when he was fairly young, before he met my mother Sophia.”

“And now you run it by yourself?”

Jacob leaned back. “I have a good team. I couldn’t do it without them. But yes, my father is mostly retired.”

They interrupted their conversation long enough to help themselves to more food. Then Jacob changed the topic, wanting to know more about Vivienne. “So tell me about Decatur, and where you grew up.”

“Well, it’s smaller than Atlanta. It’s a suburb of the metro area, and it’s a place where you feel like your neighbors are your friends.”

“I’ve heard it called
a peach of a city
.”

Vivienne grinned. “I would have to agree.” She missed home. “My father is in manufacturing, has worked for Koch for a long time.”

“And your mother?”

“She works downtown at a restaurant, but not a lot of hours,” Vivienne said. “I guess you could say that my mom has some emotional issues. She didn’t take the divorce well, and she’s lonely. I wish she’d go out more, but she won’t listen to me.”

Jacob continued eating while listening. “So you came to New York for the theater?”

“That was the idea,” Vivienne said. “But life has a way of sidetracking me. Although I think I’m better off in the perfume industry. The theater is so competitive. I doubt my nerves could take it.”

“So you were able to start your business by yourself?”

“With a little help,” Vivienne said. “My parents didn’t have much, but I qualified for a business loan. And Lana’s parents own their restaurant, and they are doing okay. So they helped me too, but I paid them back a while ago.”

“You’re very entrepreneurial.”

“I suppose I am.” Vivienne sipped her drink. “That trip to Paris with Alfred was a good move.” She saw the look in Jacob’s eyes shift.

“In what way?”

“Well, I told you he wants to create a business together. And I agree that selling online is the way to go,” Vivienne said. “He forwarded a draft of the proposed agreement, and after reviewing it with my attorney, I signed it with only minor changes.”

“I’m not sure I like that idea,” Jacob said.

“Well, it isn’t your decision. It’s an opportunity for expansion. I wasn’t about to pass it up.” Vivienne noted his reaction. “Are you jealous of Alfred?”

“Why shouldn’t I be? Going into business with someone is a big step, and will require that you spend time together.” Jacob’s jaw tensed. “If it’s the technical backup you need, I could have provided that.”

“So you said. But you have to understand that I am a businesswoman. It’s in my best interests to form a partnership with Alfred Dunham. He has a lot of contacts in the industry, knows the ropes,” Vivienne said. “It’s not just about setting up the website, or the retail software.”

Jacob gulped his drink and put his glass on the table, not saying any more right then. It was clear that he didn’t approve of Vivienne’s decision. But that was too bad. He held the power in the playroom, but couldn’t claim that right in her career. She had to do what was best for her future.

For the rest of the meal, they talked about other subjects. Jacob told her about other cars he owned, and about where he’d traveled, largely for business reasons. The one thing he didn’t talk about was other women, and Vivienne didn’t ask. She already knew that she wasn’t the first to enjoy the temptations of the playroom with him.

After eating, they went for a stroll. Jacob held her hand, and seemed unusually quiet. The arrangement was for Vivienne to spend the weekends with him, but to return to her apartment on Sunday afternoon. That time drew near.

“I suppose you should take me back, so I can get my things. It will be time to leave soon,” Vivienne said, when Jacob didn’t bring it up.

Although he didn’t comment, Jacob took her back to the car. The drive to the penthouse was solemn. Vivienne didn’t want the weekend to be over, and if it had been up to her, a date could have been arranged for during the week. It already seemed unbearably long until the next weekend.

In her room, Vivienne packed up the few things that she’d brought with her. Then she went downstairs to find Jacob starring out the window. He glanced at her bag. “You should bring some things and leave them here. You’ll be staying here often, and should have what you need.”

“That’s a good idea.”

Jacob walked over to her and put his arms around her. “Was the weekend good for you?”

Vivienne was sad. “It was wonderful, Jacob…just too short.”

For a moment, Vivienne thought he might ask her to stay, but he didn’t. Jacob nuzzled her cheek and kissed along her jaw. Then he led her to the door, where Ian waited in the foyer to take her home. One word and she would have turned around. But Jacob remained silent.

*****

Sunday evening was lonely. Vivienne had quickly become accustomed to being with Jacob, and the weekend arrangement was sorely lacking. Maybe she’d bring it up the next time they were together, but she didn’t think it would do any good.

During the week, Vivienne did her best to keep her attention on business. Alfred stopped by and they discussed some business details, including what to name the new venture. Several ideas were tossed around before they finally agreed on Vivienne’s suggestion, naming the new mutual business Sensual Scents.

By Thursday morning, waiting another day to see Jacob didn’t seem fair. Just because he’d made a rule about when they could be together, it didn’t mean Vivienne had to abide by it. She’d agonized all week, torn between calling or waiting for Jacob to call.

Yet that wouldn’t happen for another day, at best. Frustrated, Vivienne made a bold move, and late in the afternoon, she went to Rinaldi Imports. She had no assurance that Jacob would be in his office, but decided to go by anyway.

The company wasn’t all that far from her shop, but Jacob hadn’t invited her to see it. Vivienne took a chance, admittedly a dangerous move, and paid him an unexpected visit. The building towered over the city, with Rinaldi occupying several of the upper floors.

It wasn’t difficult to find Jacob’s office, but getting past the receptionist was a bit more of a challenge. Vivienne was dressed acceptably, so with her most professional demeanor, she asked to speak with Jacob Rinaldi.

The woman, adorned in jewelry and designer wear, gave her a bored look. “May I ask your name?”

“Vivienne Lake.”

“Do you have an appointment, Ms. Lake?”

“No, I’m not expected. But if you buzz Mr. Rinaldi, I think you’ll find he will want to see me.”

The receptionist seemed unconvinced, but called his office anyway. Vivienne listened to the woman announce her presence, but couldn’t hear what Jacob said.

“Please have a seat. Mr. Rinaldi will be out shortly.”

Vivienne took a seat in the plush waiting room, trying to appear calm. She was anything but relaxed, not knowing whether Jacob would be upset that she’d barged into his office.
This is ridiculous. Jacob and I have been intimate. There is no reason I can’t stop by and see him
.

When Vivienne saw Jacob walking down the hallway, she uncrossed her legs and leaned forward. He was devastatingly handsome in a dress shirt with the sleeves rolled up. Through the glass partition she watched him approach, and her pulse raced.

But he wasn’t alone. Jacob turned to smile at a woman to his right. Vivienne hadn’t noticed her at first, being distracted by the male view. A young woman with auburn hair and a heart-shaped face walked just a step behind Jacob.

Seeing them chat made Vivienne’s stomach twist into a knot. Surely she hadn’t interrupted a personal meeting, because if she had, it was reason to be furious. Relationship or not, they’d agree to see each other exclusively while bound by the current arrangement.

The woman was in her twenties, clearly the right age for Jacob. When they entered the reception area, the woman turned toward the door. Noticing Vivienne, she smiled, her pale gray eyes friendly. The outfit she wore flattered her slender shape, additional cause for jealousy.

“We’ll continue that discussion tomorrow,” Jacob said to the young woman as she exited. Then he turned to Vivienne, his expression stern. “Hello, Vivienne. I didn’t expect to see you.”

“No, I’m sure you didn’t.”

The receptionist shuffled some papers, ignoring them.

Jacob extended his hand. “Please come back to my office.”

The office wasn’t what Vivienne expected, if she’d thought about it at all. It wasn’t sterile, with chrome and glass that was so popular. Instead, it was warmly decorated, giving it a casual feel.

Jacob stood behind his teak desk. “Please sit down.”

Vivienne sat in the chair across from him. This was not the sort of welcome that she’d envisioned. Although it could have been worse; Jacob might have refused to see her at all. Still upset over seeing him with another woman, Vivienne glared at him.

“Are you annoyed with me?” Jacob said.

Vivienne snapped, “Do I have reason to be?”

“Such as?” Jacob’s blue eyes burned into her.

“The woman you were just with…” Vivienne said.

“The woman…Meg, my assistant?”

Vivienne wanted to fall through the floor. The pretty woman was his assistant. Still, that wasn’t good either. Even Jacob might not be immune to sleeping with his secretary. “She’s your assistant?”

“Megan has worked for me for years.” Jacob gave her a smile that made Vivienne cringe. She knew what was coming. “You’re jealous, I take it?”

“Well, can you blame me?” Vivienne lifted her chin. “If you came to the shop and saw me grinning away with another man, wouldn’t you be jealous?”

“No comment.”

Vivienne was boxed in. Her plan to see him had been flimsy at best. With this kind of start to it, she wasn’t sure what to do. Jacob bailed her out.

“Why are you here, Vivienne?”

“It’s the end of the workday. I thought we could have drinks…see each other.”

Jacob squared his shoulders. “It’s only Thursday, Vivienne.”

“I know what day it is.” Vivienne took a breath. “It’s only drinks, and there is no reason we can’t spend some time together.”

Jacob raised his brows. “A
date
?”