The Billionaire's Demands (A Boardrooms and Billionaires Series Book) (Entangled Indulgence) (7 page)

Ever the diplomat, she changed the subject as effortlessly as she tossed that luscious mane behind her shoulder. “So tell me a bit about these investors. I reviewed the e-mail you sent me and did a quick review of them online, but would love to get your impressions.”

They spent the remainder of the ride to the airport discussing the various individuals they’d be having dinner with. Booth had found them to be a fair group so far and he was interested in learning more about their ambitions.

He expanded on his e-mail, sharing thoughts and impressions, and was once again impressed by her sharp mind and how agilely she moved through a conversation. From questions on distribution plans, editorial capabilities, and printing and digital expertise, she proved yet again why she had become such a force to be reckoned with in their industry. Camryn McBride was the entire package—a smart and savvy businesswoman who contributed to a discussion with her entire focus.

By the time the driver was lifting their bags from the trunk, Booth had a contact for a printer upstate that could cut his costs by 5 percent a quarter and a lingering question for his lawyer on a deferred annuity program he could consider for his company’s high performers.

Booth extended a hand, allowing her to go first up the steps of the jet’s boarding ladder. “You’re full of ideas. And you were surprised a few weeks ago when I was so willing to share.”

“Ideas are everywhere. Hoarding them doesn’t benefit anyone and it certainly won’t help our industry grow.”

“We’re certainly different from our parents’ generation.” In the moments he’d been able to get his thoughts off his attraction to her, Booth couldn’t ignore how interesting it was that their lives had so many similarities. Children of powerful families. A fierce urge to carve out their own paths and roads to success. And an undying dedication to proving themselves.

Booth saw the tilt of her head and the quick flash of interest that leaped into her gaze. “I guess we are. Maybe we’ve learned from their mistakes.”

“Some of their mistakes, at least.” Although his father’s business practices were legendary, some of West Harrison’s other behaviors had garnered even more attention.

“You’re talking about Nathan?”

He winced a little. “Is it that obvious?”

“More that I know the situation. So much of his adult life has been about proving himself. It’s hard to be the abandoned son, the result of an affair.”

“I won’t argue that and I’ve never walked in Nathan’s shoes, but being the family heir’s not all it’s cracked up to be, either.”

“I’m sorry.”

He shrugged, unsure why he’d even started down that road in the first place. “That’s having West Harrison for a father.”

…

His words hovered between them as she and Booth fastened their seat belts. Camryn hadn’t missed the undisguised regret on Booth’s face, erasing the smooth, easy smile he’d held while flirting with her over coffee and replacing it with hard, stoic lines that bracketed his mouth. She sensed he’d like to take back the words about his father, but she didn’t press the point as their flight attendant entered the cabin to ask if they wanted fresh coffees and breakfast after takeoff.

Within moments, her breakfast order was in and the promise of her next cup of coffee was on its way and it was too late to ask Booth to go back to the subject of his father. But she
was
curious.

Although Keira had always been discreet, respecting Nathan’s privacy, West’s behavior and attitudes weren’t secret. Nathan was West’s illegitimate son and Camryn knew he’d struggled for a long time to garner his father’s approval, before giving up altogether to make a go of his life alone. That blind ambition had nearly ruined Nathan and Keira’s relationship and had almost taken McBride Media down in the process. Thankfully, their love had been strong enough to withstand the pressure. But none of it changed the fact that West had made life hard on Nathan and, if Booth’s careless comment was any indication, for his legitimate heir, too.

Hell, he’d already attempted to challenge her as well, if the unexpected call the night before was any indication.

The smell of fresh croissants floated toward them fifteen minutes later as the plane leveled out. Booth’s voice pulled her from her thoughts and the view of New Jersey getting increasingly smaller beneath them. “I got an e-mail from Sinclair late last night. He’s incredibly excited about your keynote speech.”

“He’s quite the character. I’m surprised he fits in with a culture like the
Financial Journal
.”

“We’re not all stuffed shirts.”

“No, but your reputation as a media company committed to reporting on the bottom line of the world’s corporations and financial markets suggests a certain propriety.”

“Like your wardrobe?”

Camryn didn’t miss the twinkle in his blue eyes and felt herself falling under his spell all over again. How did he manage to do that? A few sweet words, veiled in a light tease, and every single feminine instinct she had went onto high alert, like a dog on a scent. Only a bit classier than that, she amended to herself. She was past these sorts of feelings. The first blush of youth was long gone and while thirty-one certainly wasn’t old, she also wasn’t ready to let her hormones lead her around on a short leash.

Of course, the very fact she was fully in control of her life made his seductive offer of exploring where things could go between them that much more appealing.

His next words broke the spell. “Don’t forget, my father’s interests run far deeper than the
FJ
and its various extensions. We also own a highly lucrative movie and TV business with extensive production facilities.”

“Ah yes. The flashy side of the house. Your sisters are involved with that part of the business, yes?”

“Stepsisters.”

Once again, she got that nagging sense Booth struggled with some serious demons with respect to his father. As if catching himself, he added, “My father and mother divorced years ago and he remarried when I was in high school. The girls are Marjorie’s daughters.”

The knowledge that the girls were West Harrison’s stepdaughters made it easier to understand why Keira hadn’t spoken much of them. By choice, up until recently, Nathan had little to do with his father’s life. It made sense he certainly wouldn’t have taken part in West’s second marriage and resulting life.

Even if it was a bit sad
, Camryn couldn’t help thinking.

She knew full well families held all sorts of dramas—and hers was no exception—but it always seemed a shame when the people supposed to love each other the most did the worst damage.

“Where did you go?” Booth’s gentle tone interrupted her thoughts.

“Just thinking.”

“About?”

“What a unique thing families are.”

“You’ve got a good one, from all accounts. I’ve never seen my brother so happy and you and your sisters make quite the united front.”

“We banded together early. Our relationship with our father needs serious work, but I also know Keira, Mayson, and I are closer than most. We’re lucky.”

Booth reached for the bottle of water that had been left for them in their seats prior to takeoff. “What made you and your sisters so close?”

“Likely a combination of things. We’re fairly close in age, so the standard things sisters do always came naturally to us. Sharing clothes and grumping over homework and that sort of thing. But when my mom got sick, we got really close.”

“You all suffered a terrible pain losing her.”

“We did.” Camryn thought back to those dark times, when they got through each day by simply putting one foot in front of the other. The aggressive cancer had come on quickly and the only grace Camryn had ever been able to take from it was that her mother didn’t suffer for long.

Suddenly uncomfortable with the silence that stretched out between them—and the warm compassion that painted his features—Camryn shifted the conversation. “It’s funny how the business helped us focus on something as we worked through our grief.”

“Your father didn’t mind the three of you coming in and making changes?”

“Oh, we did it with a stealthy plan of attack and a lot of help from my mom’s best friend and our chief legal counsel, Sally. He thought we were playing around.”

“But the three of you never saw it that way.”

“No, we didn’t.”

Even now, nearly a decade later, she could still remember the challenges of that time, fighting grief as well as more than twenty years of inertia at the company.

“You restored one of the flagship properties first. I remember. I’d just taken over responsibility for the marketing editorial in the
FJ
and the buzz was running high about what you and your sisters were doing.”

She smiled at Booth. “I’m sure you heard more than a few whispers of just how crazy we were. Especially to take on the company dog,
Home and Family
.”

“I always thought it took a lot of guts to give it a go.”

Booth’s gaze was warm on her face and she couldn’t quite tamp down the delicious feeling that flooded her veins at his intense scrutiny and total focus.

He
listened
to her.

With that realization came another. Part of what had unsettled her—and invigorated her—about their interactions was how Booth made her feel as if she was the center of his world. When they spoke, he responded with thoughtful, interesting questions that proved he was really listening to her. He took her in and made her feel that she mattered.

And that was
very
dangerous.

Her mother’s death had changed all of them, but she knew those dark days had left a mark on her personality that had never fully faded. And in as many days, Matt filled her thoughts, his classically handsome face forever associated in her mind with pain and loss.

“Come on, Cam. You’ve been back to New York for the last three weekends. Jessica and Paul’s engagement party is this weekend and we agreed to go.”

“I can’t go. Mom had a bad chemo week and I need to be home.”

“Keira and Mayson are there. What can you possibly do for her?”

Sit with her. Hold her hand. Look at her and will her to get better. Those and any number of other choices flitted through her mind and made a hell of a lot more sense than putting on a fake smile to toast two people she could barely stand and who she was convinced would be divorced in a matter of years if not months after walking down the aisle.

“Jessica and Paul won’t even know I’m not there. It’s their party. They’re going to enjoy themselves.”

“They might but I won’t. I’m sick of going to things without you. Sick of making excuses for you.”

“My mother’s fighting cancer. I think people will understand.”

“Right, Cam. Your mother. Not you.”

She’d gone home anyway that weekend, unwilling to back down, but in hindsight, had always known that conversation had been their turning point.

Their flight attendant came back into the cabin with a fresh carafe of coffee and a tray of food, her movements pulling Camryn from that long-ago memory.

“Everything okay?” Booth popped a strawberry into his mouth, the casual gesture at odds with the concern evident in his gaze.

“Fine. Sorry, I was just thinking about something I had to get done for work. Distraction over.”

She knew Booth had seen through the white lie, so it was a relief when he gestured her over to a small table on the far side of the plane. “Come on. I think we’re safe to take our seat belts off and enjoy breakfast.”

Camryn waited until the attendant went back to the galley before she spoke, her gaze roaming over the lush interior of the plane. “This is quite an impressive outfit you’ve got here.”

“My father’s favorite indulgence has subsequently become mine. For far too long, I thought it was frivolous, but I’ve come to see the benefits of traveling on my own schedule with my own amenities. We’re fully outfitted with all the technology needed to keep the office running and I don’t have to deal with all the time to check in and out.”

“I’d like to argue with you, but I enjoyed skipping the standard airport security strip search too much for it to be anything but a lame attempt to bait you.”

His laughter rose up and she couldn’t hold back her own giggle as she reached for a hot, flaky croissant off the table. Whatever else she might feel for him, Booth was an easy travel companion and even easier conversationalist.

As long as she kept him in that box in her mind, Camryn decided, she’d be just fine.

She had to be.

Chapter Five

Camryn had always considered herself a staunch proponent of corporate fiscal responsibility, but she had to give Booth credit. The corporate jet was a spectacular way to get across the country.

After their leisurely breakfast, where they’d discussed everything from increasing green initiatives in their business to an exhibit they’d both recently seen at the Met, they both retreated to separate sides of the plane to handle their various responsibilities. The in-flight Wi-Fi made it easy to manage her work and she’d even carried on a live web chat with two of her team members.

All in all, it had been a productive morning and she was quite ready to take on the weekend now that the lingering guilt over her absence had been put to rest. They were deposited on a private stretch of runway and within moments were off the plane. Camryn slid into the back of the limo idling for them and before she could blink, they were headed for San Francisco.

“I thought we’d do lunch before heading to the hotel. It’s awfully touristy, but you up for a seafood lunch down on the wharves?”

She was more than caught up on her responsibilities, especially since it was Friday afternoon back at home. The opportunity to play filled her with a pleasant anticipation she hadn’t felt in far too long. “Why go somewhere and not do the things that keep the tourists happy? Besides, you said the magic word. Seafood.”

Their ride passed quickly and as the San Francisco skyline came into view, Camryn couldn’t hold back another carefree smile. “It’s such a beautiful city.”

“World class. It’s probably my favorite part of California.”

She’d always loved the City by the Bay and had often thought it would be her second choice if she hadn’t so ferociously called New York her home. “You’re not as enamored of Hollywood as your father and your siblings?”

“Absolutely not.” Booth flashed a grin that could have rivaled any actor in Hollywood, despite his lack of interest in living there. “I’m a New Yorker to the core. It gets in your blood.”

Their driver slowed as they entered one of San Francisco’s busiest tourist stretches, drawing Booth’s attention to the windows. Camryn took a moment to study him, the chance to look her fill unobserved too tempting to pass up. He was an attractive man—gorgeous, if she was being truly honest. His hard jaw, muscular frame, and those vivid eyes made a captivating package, but it was something more. She worked in a business that was all about image, and she’d met attractive men before.

But Booth Harrison had something special.

There was a fierceness that lay beneath his calm facade. Where Nathan had the predatory grace of a large cat, Booth’s personality was an ever-shifting kaleidoscope. She suspected too many people underestimated him until they were flattened underneath his considerable power, influence, and whip-quick intelligence.

If Nathan was the jungle cat, ready to pounce at any moment, Booth was the eagle that waited in the sky, biding its time, before swooping in to capture its prey.

Camryn couldn’t shake off the slight shiver at what that image evoked.

The car came to a halt and Booth’s sharp gaze swung back toward her. If he noticed her close attention, he didn’t say anything. “I hope you brought your appetite.” His eyes narrowed ever so slightly with a hunger of his own on the word “appetite,” but the look vanished before she could say anything. Instead, he turned his attention toward their driver as he slid through the open door of the car. “Can we get you anything, Pete?”

“No, sir.” Pete’s smile was broad as he extended a hand for her to exit behind Booth. “I’ll be good.”

“Then we’ll bring you some chowder.”

Pete gave a small nod. “Thank you, sir.”

Booth settled his hand at the small of her back as they navigated the short distance to the restaurant, maintaining that light contact until he delivered her to her seat. A sexy hum had started under her skin and she was surprised to find how disappointing it was to lose the warmth of his touch when she took her seat.

After their waiter departed with drink orders, Booth leaned forward over the table. “You’ve been looking at me funny since we got out of the car. Do I look hopelessly stuffy in my suit?”

She shook her head, her gaze inexorably drawn to his well-muscled forearms as he shrugged out of his suit coat and began rolling up his sleeves. A light dusting of hair coated his corded arms and she had to tear her gaze away. “No. I was thinking about how kind you were to Pete. You didn’t have to do that.”

“He’s stuck driving us all day. The least I can do is buy the guy lunch.”

“It doesn’t make it any less thoughtful.”

“I guess not.” She got the sense he was about to say something else, but then said nothing further.

Camryn focused on her menu. Regardless of what he’d wanted to say—or didn’t want to say—she couldn’t shake the thought that he was unusual for a man in his position. He’d been raised to a life of wealth and privilege, yet he moved effortlessly between flying on the corporate jet to thinking about others around him. It was an attractive quality and one she prized highly.

Yet another facet of the Booth Harrison kaleidoscope.

And yet another reason that chipped away at her resistance.

“So what are you having?”

She folded her menu, the temptation of a fried seafood platter dancing in her mind’s eye before she ruthlessly squelched it. “I suppose I should ask what we’re having for dinner before I make my final decision.”

“Are you okay with a steak restaurant for dinner?”

“More than okay. But knowing that, I’ll get the crab salad. Delicious, yet starch-free.”

“Don’t judge me for my french fries with my fried shrimp.”

If his well-muscled forearms were indicative of the rest of his body, he didn’t need to worry about a few extra carbs, but she simply smiled. “No judgment. But since Sinclair’s fashion makeover I find the need to do those bright colors in my carry-on justice. Bold prints aren’t nearly as forgiving as black.”

“I don’t think you have anything to worry about.”

His bright, appreciative stare roamed over her and once more, she was caught in his spell. Where the gesture might come off as lascivious on another man, from Booth it simply seemed appreciative.

And it made her feel sexy.

“I didn’t say it to fish for a compliment.”

“I know. Which is why it was all that much sweeter to give it.”

Camryn fought the slow roll of desire that filled her stomach. “You shouldn’t say those things.”

“Why not?” Booth reached for the plate of hot, crusty bread their waiter had laid on the table, offering her a piece. “It’s no crime to pay someone a compliment. And I’ve made no secret of my feelings.”

“We’re on a business outing. You can do the other—” She broke off, not sure of the right words. “You can do the other stuff when we get back home.”

“So that means you will do more than send me text messages once we return to New York?”

“I’ve been busy.”

“Yes. Avoiding me.” His blue gaze held the edges of ice. “And while the texts were spectacular, they weren’t the equivalent of spending time with you.”

“You’re so insistent on this.” Insistent, Camryn knew, was hardly an apt descriptor of his behavior. Focused. Precise. And more than willing to show her with his actions that he wanted her. It was that thread—and the clear, honest expression of his feelings—that kept reeling her in, no matter how hard she tried to keep her distance.

“Yes, I am. And I’m also willing to walk away if you say the word.” He leaned forward, those sexy forearms flexing with the movement. “So why aren’t you asking me to walk away?”

“This is complicated, Booth.” She took a deep breath, determined to put words to the confusion rioting through her mind over the last two weeks. “And I know my behavior has been a bit misleading and I’m sorry for being a tease.”

“I didn’t say that.”

“But it’s true. And the best I can tell you is that wanting you isn’t the issue. But making the leap to taking what’s between us. It’s not that simple.”

“It’s not all that difficult, either. You’re a smart, fun, interesting woman and I enjoy your company. All I’m suggesting is that we explore that.”

“It still doesn’t change the fact we’re on a business trip.”

“We don’t work together. We’re business associates with completely separate companies and interests. There are no conflicts that anyone could point to.”

“I know.”

He leaned back, the hard lines of his body drawing her eyes and torturing her with the image of what it would be like to touch him. To stroke her fingers over those broad shoulders and firm chest and simply give in.

His next words pulled her from the brief fantasy. “I’m not going to shut off my interest simply because we’re on an outing that happens to involve business.”

“That’s not why I came along.”

“I never thought it was.” Storm clouds glazed his vivid blue eyes. “We both have professional responsibilities, but they shouldn’t stop us from being human.”

She broke off a small piece of her bread. “I just don’t understand why you’ve been so persistent.”

“Now who’s fishing for a compliment?”

The words had their desired effect as her gaze shot to his and she couldn’t quite hold back the overtones of anger she knew flamed in his direction. “I most certainly am not.”

“Could have fooled me. I’ve practically stood on my head these last few months trying to get you to notice me.”

“I do notice you.”

“As a nuisance.”

His quiet words penetrated the small bubble of self-doubt she hadn’t been able to shake around him. “People don’t enjoy the company of nuisances and I do enjoy yours. Although I did consider the idea that this trip was simply an excuse to get me into bed.”

The quick flash of annoyance that filled the sky blue of his eyes gave her all the confirmation she needed that his motives had been pure. “Absolutely not.”

“Good. I’m glad.”

“It doesn’t change the fact that I’d like to get you into my bed. As soon as possible, Camryn.”

…

As his body grew increasingly uncomfortable, Booth took great joy in the obvious evidence Camryn was as off-kilter as he was.

For the life of him, he couldn’t quite understand what she did to him, but he was enjoying the sensation too much to give it up. He’d spent his life enjoying casual relationships with women. Very few of them lasted longer than a quarter, and when they ended he wasn’t sorry to usher the women out of his life. So what was it about Camryn McBride that had him so out of his depths? He knew this wasn’t casual, but despite his repeated attempts to reassure her, it was foolish to think there’d be no consequences if the two of them got together. The DNA of their acquaintance ensured that.

He’d also be lying if he didn’t admit, at least to himself, that he had some concerns. He’d spent his life in a strained relationship with his half brother and finally, in the last few months, they’d begun to make inroads. Entering into a relationship with Nathan’s new sister-in-law was likely not the pathway to ensure those fences stayed mended. Even if he wanted the woman with an all-consuming hunger that refused to let go.

Their waiter arrived with the cups of soup both had ordered and the interruption was enough to break the tension. He wanted to keep pressing her—wanted to see just how far off-kilter he could push her—but he also knew he needed to tread carefully.

Her continued concerns about a “messy” relationship were steeped in something deeper than merely business complications, and it wasn’t hard to understand why. It was no secret her father had made a mess of the family legacy and as the financial maven of the bunch, no one could know and understand that better than Camryn. Add on the quietly sad words she’d said about her mother earlier and Booth knew her early life hadn’t been easy.

But he had feelings for her, and the attraction was primal.

And if he hoped to have them returned, he needed to play his cards carefully.

…

Booth hadn’t planned much beyond their lunch so he was pleased when Camryn suggested they go watch the sea lions on Pier 39. It was fun and frivolous and for the first time Booth saw a different side to the woman who normally kept the world at bay with quiet reserve.

Her smile was broad as she held up her phone, snapping pictures and pointing to the various animals sprawled on the floating wooden piers, sunning themselves in the bay. “Look at that one! He just pushed off two smaller guys.”

Booth laughed at the grumpy antics, a joke springing to his lips. “Just like a man, hogging the bed.”

Camryn shrugged but he saw a small, edgy smile tinge her lips. “Or he wasn’t up for a threesome this afternoon.”

He grinned right back at her despite the sudden discomfort of his hardening body at her not-so-subtle innuendo. “Interesting take on their position.”

“It seemed apt.”

They moved down the pier to get another view, both pointing out various sights as they walked. Booth couldn’t hold back a laugh as another round of “push off” started on another wooden platform, even as what felt like a wall of smell wafted toward them. “They’re definitely not the most sweet-smelling animals.”

Her wry grin punctuated her ready agreement as she looked up from where she typed on her phone. “They’re sort of a bold blend of rotten fish and salt water.”

“Don’t tell me you’re doing work?”

She held up her phone, face-first. “Only in the best sense. I’m sending a few of the pictures to Mayson to suggest she consider this for her upcoming family travel issue she’s putting together. I don’t think we’ve covered San Francisco in a while.”

“You’re really in touch with the products.”

“Sure.” She shrugged and shoved the phone back in her purse. “I have a sense of what’s going on editorially in all the titles we put out.”

“It’s impressive. And yet another reason you and your sisters have found success. Most financial folks in this industry look at the bottom line only. I bet nearly all of them would be hard-pressed to tell you if they printed magazines about fish or computer chips.”

“The magazines and the websites are the fun part. It’d be a shame to miss out.”