One Night of Misbehavior (13 page)

“Where is this dark corner?” She leaned closer. “Did I mention I’m not wearing panties?”

His groan slipped free unbidden. “You’re a minx.” A contrast of shy and daring. Intelligence and humor. Sexiness. She was the perfect woman for him. “We have a perfectly good bed at home.” His breath caught as he heard himself—the naturalness in the way he combined them into a couple.

“You’re right,” she said with regret. “There are too many people around. The last thing I want is a photographer snapping a photo of my bare butt.”

His hand slid lower to rest on her ass. “My eyes only.”

“Did you put a Zorro tattoo there when I wasn’t looking?”

He drew back to meet her laughing gaze, unable to resist a quick taste of her lips. “I’m not telling.”

“Is Maria nice? Can I trust her not to have a photographer perched inside a cupboard?”

Ash barked out a laugh. “They’d need to watch out for her broomstick. Maria doesn’t put up with any crap. This fashion parade is her baby. She’s held it every year since her mother died, and she won’t stand for anything reeking of scandal if it might overshadow the event.”

“Good. I liked her, but I’m a bit wary of trusting my intuition.”

“You have good instincts. You hooked up with me, didn’t you?”

Charlotte pressed back against his chest. “So I did.” Her voice was muffled, and frustration tore at him. How long would it take her to realize he wanted her in his life on a permanent basis? That he’d do nothing to hurt her.

“After this dance I’ll have to speak with some acquaintances. I can introduce you to a few people, so you can chat and dance while I’m doing business.”

“Can I come with you? I like listening to you wheel and deal. You’re a shark and most of the men are too stupid to see it.”

The music finished with the band taking a break. Ash guided her off the floor, nodding at various acquaintances without stopping.

“They’re curious about me,” she whispered into his ear.

A now familiar quake rippled through him, one he was becoming used to while in Charlotte’s proximity. All she needed to do was touch him, glance his way and lust swelled in him. The strange thing was she didn’t even suspect the sway she held over him—the power to inflict pain.

“Let them be curious,” he said lightly, shoving away his ruffled thoughts. She wouldn’t hurt him on purpose. He knew it with the same certainty he knew they’d appear in tomorrow’s paper. “They’re used to seeing me with a different woman at each event I attend. I’m behaving out of character and everyone is wondering what this means.”

“Maybe you should date someone else and throw them off the track.”

Aha!
“So you think there might be a scent to our game?”

“I said I liked you.”

Like was such a wishy-washy word. He wanted love, and his subtle herding of her toward acceptance of the idea was driving him to impatience. “The men I want to chat with are at the bar.”

Ash guided her in that direction, using the excuse to place a hand at the small of her back. She looked beautiful tonight in her simple apricot gown and her red hair worn in some sort of an updo. The style suited her, but he preferred her braid or when she left her hair loose to swirl around her shoulders. Long golden earrings swung from her ears, catching the light while subtle makeup highlighted her features. He witnessed the interest in his business friends as he and Charlotte approached and scowled inwardly at their subtle measuring of her assets.

“Ash,” a man from a rival advertising company said. “Introduce us to your charming companion.”

Charlotte took Ash’s arm and pride built in him at the understated way she made it clear they were together. Ash made the introductions and soon the men were chatting about various functions they had attended and the upcoming design awards.

“You must be finding this very boring,” one of the men said, his cheeks red from excess alcohol.

“Not at all,” Charlotte said. “I’m doing freelance design work for Ash and find the advertising business fascinating. I hope to learn as much as I can and increase my experience in the field.”

“What campaigns have you worked on?” The man cocked his head, losing some of his indulgent air.

“I don’t have much experience,” she said. “Only one campaign behind me for a local bakery, but Ash is mentoring me.”

“Lucky Ash,” the man drawled.

“I think I’m the lucky one,” Charlotte said. “What ad campaigns have you worked on?”

The expression on the man’s face made Ash want to roar with laughter. His business rival thought everyone knew him, knew of the work he’d done over the years, but with a few artless words Charlotte punctured his ego. Ash could literally hear the air escaping through the holes in his rival’s self-esteem.

But the man didn’t take offence, and Ash felt free to pursue his business enquiries once he heard his acquaintance answering Charlotte’s questions about some of the more technical aspects of one of his famous ad campaigns for a running shoe.

Three hours later, they left the party, and Ash knew he was the envy of his friends and business acquaintances. Charlotte had made an impact with her stunning simplicity of dress and her intelligent conversation, and he was certain his male friends were wondering if the fire in her hair equaled a passionate nature. He was a lucky man and clever enough to realize he and Charlotte belonged together. He’d keep trying to convince her.

* * * * *

Charlotte squeezed into a corner of the dressing room, trying to keep out of the frantic chaos of dressers and other models. Feminine voices cajoled, bossed and one sharp voice on her left edged sharply toward a tantrum. She felt like a sparrow again, thrust into a nest full of skinny cuckoos. Why had Maria picked her for a replacement? Her heart hammered with apprehension, her mind spinning circles. She scanned the crowded room. Although she’d never considered herself fat, she wasn’t model skinny.

This was for charity. Too late to change her mind now. Biting her bottom lip, she changed into her first outfit, lifting the gown over her head and taking care not to get any makeup on the scarlet fabric. The dress should have clashed wildly with her hair, but it was the perfect foil and made her hair appear darker.

“Want me to zip you up?” the brunette woman beside her asked.

“Please.”

Cool hands worked the zipper up and flicked the fabric of the dress in place. “You’re Ash’s girlfriend, aren’t you?”

“Yes.” Charlotte blinked at her instant reply. She hadn’t hesitated and that worried her. She was becoming too comfortable in Ash’s world.

“I went out with Ash twice,” the woman said. “He’s a lovely guy, but he doesn’t date the same woman for long.”

Charlotte weighed the woman’s expression and relaxed. She wasn’t being bitchy, although her words could be construed as a warning. “So I hear. How did you cope with the press popping out of the bushes?”

The woman laughed and turned to present her back. “Are all the buttons fastened? I tried to do up most of them before I wriggled into the dress. I think there’s more interest in you because you’ve lasted so long. And then there’s the fact that you’re living with Ash. That hasn’t happened before.”

Charlotte ignored the silent question. “No, you’re good. How many outfits are you modeling?”

“Three. You?”

“Four. Maria suckered me into wearing the wedding gown. I couldn’t say no by the time she’d finished with me.” Her appearance in the white lacy confection was going to cause a kafuffle. She just knew it. Her life was out of control. She was dating a man who attracted public scrutiny. He resided in her thoughts way too often, and the barricades protecting her heart were in danger of crumbling. On the positive side, her freelance work was going well and her social life had amped up several levels since meeting Ash.

Her thoughts slid to Gran and Elizabeth, and she almost smiled. Elizabeth would hate every moment of her success.

“Girls!” Maria clapped her hands and the changing room fell silent. “I want to thank you for donating your time to this event. You know what to do since we ironed out the problems at rehearsal. I want you to go out there and have fun. Do me proud.” She paused, cocking her head as a blast of music came from the other side of the curtain. “That’s my cue. Line up while I’m doing the introductions. Remember to smile. Flirt with the audience and sell these outfits.”

Once Maria walked onto the stage, the hum of anticipation behind stage ratcheted sharply upward. Nerves swirled inside Charlotte’s belly, making her glad she’d declined an early dinner. She took her place in the line—second to last—and waited, recalling Ash’s words of encouragement.
If you get nervous, pretend I’m the only one in the room and show off the gowns to me
.

Maria finished her words of welcome. The music started and it was show time. One by one the models strode through the curtains and along the catwalk before returning to make a rapid garment change.

Charlotte sucked in large breaths, her hands curled to fists. Then it was her turn. She inhaled, exhaled, then pinned on a toothy smile and strode onto the catwalk. There were so many people, rows and rows of faces.
They’re here to see the gowns
.
She searched for familiar profiles and found Elizabeth. Her stepmother wore surprise, and this swiftly converted to a disapproving mask. Ms. Feisty took over at that point and Charlotte surrendered to her. She slowed to a saunter and waved at Elizabeth. Next, she flashed a smile at one of the men she’d met earlier in the week and winked at Ash when she located him. The last of her lingering nerves faded as he returned her wink.

You’re a goner
,
Ms. Feisty said with an inner cheer.

Charlotte feared she was right. Somehow Ash had wriggled past the boundaries she’d set around her heart.
This can’t last
,
she reminded herself.
Don’t get too attached
.

“Hey, Red,” someone shouted.

She automatically turned toward the voice, flashing a smile. A camera light exploded, she pivoted and resumed her saunter along the catwalk, making sure she did the gown justice. When she passed Ash again, she waved. Several people in the front row snapped photos.

With a final cocked hip and a twirl, she was through the curtain and backstage. A volunteer helped her with a rapid-fire change into a denim mini skirt and a skimpy pale blue T-shirt with strategic gashes.

“Just as well nerves are keeping me warm,” Charlotte said.

“You look great,” the volunteer said. “You have a beautiful figure.”

Flaunt it
,
Ms. Feisty instructed when Charlotte stepped onto the stage for her second turn. Charlotte strutted to the flirty music, grinning at Ash. He laughed and shook his head. She pouted and pretended she was angry at him while her stupid heart fluttered. She
really
liked him. The realization knocked hard at her equilibrium.
What do you expect? He’s male chocolate, and you know how we love chocolate
,
Ms. Feisty purred.

Charlotte modeled the last of her street outfits and then it was time for the wedding gown, a strapless confection with billowing white skirts and a lacy veil.

“Beautiful.” Maria twitched the veil into place. “Simply stunning. The audience will love you.”

The other models stood around in their final outfits, waiting for the end parade.

“Ash is gonna swallow his tongue when he sees you,” someone said.

Everyone else murmured agreement.

“I’m as jealous as hell,” a pretty blonde said. “You look gorgeous.”

“Virginal yet sexy,” a skinny brunette agreed.

“Are you ready?” Maria asked.

Charlotte took one final calming breath and nodded. The music changed to the traditional wedding march, and she stepped onto the catwalk. A collective sign went through the audience as she walked serenely down the catwalk, merely smiling and letting the gown take center stage.

As she reached Ash, his sexy smile faded a fraction. They stared at each other, and in that moment she knew. Her feelings were returned. Her heart swelled, and she swallowed at the sudden lump in her throat. With a misty smile, she blew him a kiss.

And that was when the cameras and the crowd went crazy. They startled her from her dreamlike state. She forced herself to walk the length of the catwalk when she craved the safety of his arms.

When Charlotte reached the curtain, Maria made a
go back
motion with her hands. So she did, this time her smile tremulous while uncertainty and a trace of panic wriggled around inside her.

“When are you getting married?” a young woman shouted.

Everyone who heard laughed, but the suggestion propelled Charlotte’s stomach into the beginnings of queasiness. She noticed Ash speaking to the woman sitting beside him, their heads close together in intimacy.
Punch her in the nose
! 
Ms. Feisty ordered.

Of course, Charlotte didn’t do anything of the sort, and merely continued her walk down the catwalk, working to keep her smile tacked in place. Ash wasn’t doing anything wrong. But seeing him chatting with another woman made her mind rush with apprehension. What if Ash did change his mind about her? Maybe she should make a move for independence soon.

Just in case.

The click of the cameras continued, and Charlotte smiled until her jaw ached. It was half an hour before the models left the catwalk.

Maria was delirious with excitement. “A success,” she kept saying. “The best show ever.”

Charlotte traipsed back into the changing rooms, glad to don normal clothes again. Maria had asked the models to mingle after the show and stay for refreshments. On exiting, the first person Charlotte glimpsed was Ash. He grinned widely and held out his arms. Forcing her doubts aside, she hurried into his embrace.

See
,
Ms. Feisty said with a trace of smugness.
I know what is best for us
.
Charlotte wasn’t so sure. She stiffened, and Ash’s brows rose.

“A bit overwhelmed,” she whispered.

“You’re a star,” Ash said, kissing her cheek.

A female reporter tapped her on the shoulder. “Can we do an interview?”

“No, sorry,” Charlotte said. “If you want an interview, you’ll need to speak with Maria.”

“No, I want to talk to you about your relationship with Mr. Marlborough.”

“I don’t do interviews,” Charlotte said, smiling to mute her blunt words. “My private life is confidential.”

“Would you like a drink?” Ash asked.

“A glass of Champagne sounds lovely,” she said, and they sauntered away, leaving the reporter frowning after them.

“How did I do? Hit me with the truth,” she said.

“I wanted to jump onto the catwalk and carry you away so the other men couldn’t ogle you or take photos with their camera phones. I didn’t realize my jealous streak was so wide,” he said with a wry smile.

“It’s the same way I feel when women eat you up with their eyes.”
Yep, that brings on the self-doubt
,
Ms. Feisty muttered.

“My bank balance, you mean.” Ash grabbed two glasses of Champagne from a passing waiter. “Some women can’t see past my scars. It frightens them, but when they hear I have buckets of money, they develop tunnel vision.”

“Someone hurt you,” she said.

“We all have scars. Mine are more visible than most.” He shrugged aside his past with his usual good humor, but Charlotte imagined he’d suffered during his childhood and teenage years. She admired him so much and would like to meet his father, the man responsible for his positive attitude.

Charlotte glanced at two elderly women who were listening to their conversation. “Walk with me through the hotel. I could do with a breath of air.”

When they reached the reception area, they sat on one of the squishy settees.

She reached for one of his hands. “Tell me about the woman who was horrid to you.”

“It was nothing,” he said. “I’d made my first million and asked my girlfriend to marry me. She said yes, but I soon discovered my money was the attraction. We argued, and she sold a story to the magazines a few weeks later saying she couldn’t live with someone who resembled a beast. That’s where the nickname originated.”

Charlotte leaned over to kiss his scarred cheek. He gasped, his hand tightening on hers. “When I look at you, I see a swashbuckling Zorro with his swirling cape. I see a sexy man.”

Ash stood abruptly. “We’re going home. We’ll find Maria, say our goodbyes.”

“Why, Mr. Marlborough. I like the way you think.” Even though she was setting herself up for a huge fall, she couldn’t refuse him. Maybe this time would end differently.

The taxi ride home didn’t take long.
Home
.
She thought of Ash’s house, of Ash as home. Cripes, dangerous thoughts, yet when Ash held her, she couldn’t summon the energy to run.

Inside, he took her hand and led her through the darkness to the bedroom. Unerringly, he switched on a bedside lamp, flooding the room with subtle lighting.

“Let me undress you,” he said, removing the simple shift dress Maria had insisted she keep. The zipper whispered as he slid it over her hips, the cool air sending a tremor through her body. She used him for balance while she stepped out of her dress and shoes. The rest of their clothes seemed to disappear, and they fell to the bed. Their naked bodies slid together with exquisite friction. She breathed in his familiar scent and clutched his shoulders. This was right. He was right.

She ran her hands over his hair, holding him to her when he nuzzled her neck. His muscles flexed and rippled while his cock prodded her hip. She thought he’d hurry their lovemaking. They usually ended up frantic for each other, coming in explosive climaxes and gasping for breath. Somehow, they couldn’t help themselves—they set each other off. But tonight was different. Ash made love to her with each touch of his hands, each brush of his lips. One by one her nerve endings flared to life, ignited by his caresses. The gentle suction of his mouth at her nipple amplified the empty ache in her sex.

“Ash,” she whispered.

She wriggled, moisture pooling between her legs, each breath emerging on a ragged gasp. When he settled between her thighs, she was more than ready for him. Once again, he surprised her, settling his mouth on her needy flesh, slipping along her folds and taking her to the edge of control. He licked from her wet center, spearing his tongue into her. Clawing tension had her digging her heels into the mattress, forcing her hips upward, but he kept up his soft, tormenting strokes, dragging out every last sensation to torture her. A whimper escaped her, hips bucking against his mouth in frantic need.

“Ash.” This time his name was a protest, a plea to haste.

He added his fingers, probing her damp heat with a steady thrust.

“I love touching you,” he whispered. “You make me happy.”

For an instant, her breathing stalled. She’d thought he was going to say he loved her and a sense of disappointment zapped her. Weird. She didn’t want a man in her life, not yet, when she was still working out her future. What about time to enjoy her newfound independence?

Yeah, yeah
.
Ms. Feisty waved a hand in dismissal.

“Are you still with me?” Her juices shone around his mouth.

“Yes,” she whispered. “We’re doing the beast with two backs.”

He let out a snort of laughter. “You make me laugh. Sex should be about fun as well as pleasure.” That said, he raked his tongue across her clit, and she gasped at the tightening sensation deep in her womb.

“You make me feel special.”

He paused to grin up at her, sultry passion burning in his blue gaze. The earthy scent of sex swirled around them. “Time to get serious.” And he used his tongue to do some precision work on her clit. Sensual energy coiled tight. She moaned, long and loud as the taut sensation blew apart in a white-hot conflagration of pleasure. Sobs, whimpers she couldn’t contain filled the room, the walls of her sex pulsating for long seconds.

Ash lifted his head, grabbed a condom and was inside her in seconds flat. He moved in hot, easy glides, his mouth closing over hers. Their kiss was laid-back, a meeting of mouths and sharing of breath, her heat flowing into him and boomeranging back. Each lazy kiss was in time with one of his thrusts. She went liquid deep inside, entranced with this change between them—to their lovemaking.

He consumed her, dominated her with his body while his sinful mouth twisted her into sensual knots. So, so good. The sweet burn between her thighs blossomed again, and she tightened her inner muscles, trying to ease the build of desire.

“Ah, Charlotte,” he murmured after tearing his mouth from hers. Increasing his pace, he powered into her, a man who knew what he wanted.

Her. She couldn’t help but bask with pleasure at the knowledge.

After a series of erratic digs of his cock, Ash sank deep again and stilled, their sweat-slicked bodies pressed together as shudders tore through him. Soon his breathing slowed, and he pulled out of her to dispose of the condom.

“Wow.” His voice sounded husky and sated.

Yeah
,
Ms. Feisty sighed. Charlotte kissed his chin and stretched, her entire body relaxed and heavy. A yawn broke free before she could contain it.

“Tired?”

“I didn’t sleep well last night. I was nervous about the fashion parade.”

“It didn’t show when you prowled along the catwalk.” He tucked her against him and sighed in contentment. “This is nice.”

It
was
comfortable, and she’d quickly become used to sharing a bed with him. “I should get up to clean off my makeup.”

“In a minute,” he said. “Let me cuddle for a bit longer.”

“Guys aren’t meant to enjoy cuddling.”

“So shoot me,” he murmured. “Who wants to be a sheep?”

* * * * *

Charlotte kissed Ash goodbye the next morning, chuckling when he took advantage of the opportunity to cop a feel.

“What are you going to do this morning?” he asked.

“I’m going to work on the motorcycle campaign. Maria asked me to have a cup of coffee with her this afternoon at her boutique.”

“I shouldn’t be home late. Do you want to go out for dinner?”

“No, I’d prefer a quiet night with you and a movie.”

He snuck another kiss, his eyes gleaming when he pulled back and looked down at her. “I love you, Charlotte.”

A distinct jolt went through her. “But—”

Still smiling, he placed a hand across her mouth. “No, don’t say anything. We can talk tonight.” And after another quick kiss on the tip of her nose he left.

He loved her. Charlotte tested the words, spinning them through her mind, searching for flaws, for insincerity. No, he’d meant the sentiment. A spark of warmth burst to life inside her. The sensation spread, heating her through, and she realized she was smiling—the type of joyous smile that lit a person from within.

Way to go!
Ms. Feisty pumped a fist and did a victory dance with much whooping and hollering.

Ash was an experienced man, and he didn’t go through life telling women he loved them. His words meant something. She could count on one hand the people who’d loved her. Her mother who’d died when she was young. Her father who’d died in a car accident, and Gran. Her throat tightened when she thought of Gran, of the promises she’d made to strike out on her own. Independence. Some of her joy started to disperse. As much as she attempted to ignore the gossip in the magazines and local papers, public opinion stated Ash never stayed with one woman for long.

Ash won’t do that!
Ms. Feisty stomped her foot in clear frustration.

Charlotte sighed. It wasn’t as if she had much to bring to their relationship.

Sober now, Charlotte walked through to the kitchen and started the dishes. When the kitchen was spotless, she opened her laptop and went through the notes she and Ash had made as they brainstormed.

A pretty girl on a bike or even a man was so trite and had featured in countless ad campaigns. She chewed on the end of a pen and stared at her sketchpad. She drew it closer, doodling on the corner while she thought motorcycles. A bike formed on the page, simplistic but recognizable. She drew a figure astride it, cape streaming in the wind as he rode. A sudden grin bloomed, and she added the final touches—a black mask and a motorcycle helmet emblazoned with a large Z.

Inspired, she swapped her pen for a pencil and designed a comic strip. A female figure joined Zorro. She was dressed in a frothy gown and clutched Zorro’s waist. Her motorcycle helmet bore a small crown. Once she was finished, a strip of Zorro and Princess’ adventures, she titled it,
One Night With Zorro
.

Exultant, she stared at the rough doodles. This was it—the perfect idea for the motorcycle shop. She’d redo her Zorro, turning him into a super hero specific to the motorcycle shop. Yes! She could hardly wait to share her proposal with Ash, to see if he saw the same spinoff possibilities for additional ad campaigns.

After checking her watch, she decided she had enough time to bake and decorate some cupcakes. She went with theme, decorating them with tiny piped motorcycles, princess crowns and several with slashing Zs. They’d be perfect to take for afternoon tea with Maria.

Maria’s boutique was on Nuffield Street in Newmarket. Charlotte studied the window as she walked into the shop. It was plain and similar to the displays in the neighboring and competing shops. The inside of the boutique was elegant without being too formal. With the scent of lavender and a hint of rose perfuming the air, the vase of pink orchids and the sensual vibe, most women would feel comfortable the minute they stepped inside.

“Charlotte, you’re here,” Maria said, moving away from the woman who was frowning at her form in the mirror. Maria hugged Charlotte and pulled away to kiss her on the cheek. “Have you seen the papers? They’re full of photos from the fashion parade. I’ve been flat out today.”

A group of three giggly women entered the store, all in their early twenties.

“Will you help Jocelyn for me?” Maria lowered her voice. “I doubt she’ll buy anything. She’s lonely and wants someone to talk to.”

She walked away before Charlotte could protest.

Charlotte set her container of cupcakes behind the counter and walked over, putting on a friendly smile. “Hi, I’m Charlotte. Maria asked me to help you while she’s busy with other customers.” She studied the outfit Jocelyn wore. “Can I be frank?”

“Of course,” Jocelyn said, but a miniscule furrow appeared on her brow.

“The style is good on you, but the color is washing you out a little. You need a pastel to go with your coloring.” Charlotte searched the racks and pulled out several garments. “Do you have time to try on these?”

“You’re the woman in the papers. Red.”

“Guilty as charged,” Charlotte said, “although I haven’t seen the papers today.”

“I’ve met Ash at several functions,” Jocelyn said. “He’s a business acquaintance of my husband. You’re a lucky woman.”

Charlotte nodded, unwilling to confide private things when she didn’t know the woman.

“I was at the fashion parade last night, which is why I’m here. I need a new dress for a business function next month. I don’t suppose you’re going? It would be nice to see a friendly face.”