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CHAPTER TWO
IT SEEMED like no time at all before they were being driven to their hotel, and because Kara had booked the rooms and seen photographs of it she knew what to expect. Except that the grandeur of the building actually took her breath away. The architecture was stunning. But what stopped her breathing altogether was the discovery that her room was right next door to Blake’s.
And it was clearly actually part of his suite, because it had an adjoining door. Fortunately locked, but that did not make her any happier, nor ease her alarm. Had he asked for her to be put here?
There was only one way to find out. She walked the few yards along the corridor and tapped on his door, entering at the sound of his voice. ‘Why have I been roomed next to you?’ she asked bluntly, without even waiting for him to ask what she wanted.
‘Does it bother you?’ Blake did not look in the least concerned. He did not even look surprised—which told her that he must have been expecting a reaction.
‘Actually, yes, it does,’ she retorted.
‘For what reason?’ Grey eyes captured blue.
‘Because—well—’ She lifted her chin a fraction higher, realising that she actually didn’t have a particularly good reason. ‘Because it doesn’t feel right. I should be with the others. It’s as though you’re giving me some exalted presence.’
Dark brows rose and he folded his arms across his magnificent chest. He had taken off his jacket and undone the top buttons of his shirt, revealing a scattering of springy dark hairs against darkly tanned skin.
Kara had only ever seen him in a collar and tie. She had never seen the flesh and blood man beneath. Although it shouldn’t have affected her, it did. He suddenly looked less daunting and more human. And—she hated to admit it—sexy.
‘For your information, I was thinking of practicalities.’
Kara hardly heard what he was saying. She was still staring at his chest, which was quite magnificently muscled. Did he work out somewhere? A private gym, perhaps? Or did he have his own gym? She realised she actually knew nothing about Blake; she had never been interested. But now all sorts of questions sprang into her mind. She was seeing the man now, and not her employer, and could not ignore the way her pulse raced that little bit faster.
‘It makes perfect sense,’ he said now. ‘You are my right-hand woman. You are the trigger to this whole conference running smoothly. There are sure to be things we need to talk about. I need you close to me.’
He needed her close to him! They were the only words that penetrated through the haze that fogged her brain. Close to him!
Then she blinked and everything snapped back into place. ‘I do not agree, Mr Benedict. There is no need for us to—’
Her words were abruptly cut off. ‘Miss Redman—Kara—it is too late to change now. The hotel is full.’ His expression suggested that she was making a mountain out of a molehill. ‘But if it will make you feel any better I promise not to intrude on your privacy.’
Kara felt hot colour flood her cheeks. Was that really what he thought she had been thinking? She somehow managed a glare before turning around and marching back to her room. After her initial concerns she had been excited at the thought of coming here, of hopefully seeing something of Milan, but now new fears began to build. What had happened to the barrier she had supposedly erected? One look at a V of exposed chest and she had gone to pieces. How stupid was that? She was behaving like a teenager instead of a twenty-six-year-old woman.
Unfortunately she would now see Blake Benedict in a completely different light, and it could spoil the whole conference—unless she took herself in hand. Even with his shirt buttoned up and a tie in place, his jacket over his magnificent chest, she would still remember what she had seen. It would still haunt her thoughts and she would hunger to see it again, perhaps to even touch! Oh, God, this was crazy. She was turning into someone she did not recognise.
She needed to be careful. Blake’s attitude towards her had changed as well. She knew that. He had never really taken the time to get to know her before. She had been a faceless woman who quietly and efficiently kept his office running. But something had happened on the flight over. He had taken a second look, and a third, and seen a changed person. And if her instincts were anything to go by he was taking a very real interest in her now.
On the other hand maybe she was making a mountain out of a molehill. Maybe she was seeing things that were not there. Embarrassment coloured her cheeks again, made her wish that she had not gone to his room. The time to confront him would have been if he had stepped over the mark. It was going to be sheer hell facing him now. It would take all of her courage to keep her chin high and pretend that nothing was wrong.
After unpacking she stepped under the shower. They would soon be attending a pre-conference dinner, where everyone could get to know each other. A supposedly relaxing evening before the work really started. The trouble was that she could not get over her unease that Blake Benedict was on the other side of that door.
Was he showering too? Was he standing there naked? Was all that fabulous flesh exposed? All hell let loose inside her body. Despite the fact that she kept telling herself everything was in her imagination she could not shut him out of her mind.
Which was ridiculous when she thought about it. She had worked with this guy for nearly twelve months and not felt even a second’s interest in him—so why was it happening now? Was it because, for the first time, she was seeing him as a human being instead of a man driven by work? Or was it the reverse? Was it because he appeared to be taking an interest in her?
Was that it? Was she falling under his influence? Was it because he was the first man ever to take an interest in her? Please, God, don’t let me be so weak as to fall for him, she prayed. Please don’t let me be like all the rest.
When it was time to get dressed she was undecided whether to wear one of her work suits or a black dress that she had once bought for a New Year’s Eve party she had never actually gone to. It had been only a few months after her father had died and she had felt uncomfortable about leaving her mother. But was the dress too dressy for tonight? Should she save it for the last evening?
As she wasn’t used to going out like this she was still debating when a sharp rap came on her door. ‘Kara, are you ready?’
Kara groaned inwardly. ‘Almost! I’ll be down shortly.’
‘I’ll wait for you.’
Mild panic skittered; goosebumps rose on her skin. ‘There’s really no need. I can find my own way down.’
‘I want you with me.’
It was a command, and Kara knew he would not go away. But she was not going to let him in—not when she was standing in her bra and panties. Embarrassing heat attacked her at the mere thought.
Hastily now, because it was the quickest and easiest, she pulled on the dress. She had already fixed her makeup, but there was no time to do anything with her hair other than a swift flick of the brush.
She opened the door just as his hand was raised to bang on it again. It stayed where it was. He simply stood there looking at her. God, she must look awful. ‘Is there something wrong?’ She ought to have taken another look in the mirror. ‘Am I overdressed? Should I change? I didn’t really know what to wear.’
‘You look—stunning. Absolutely stunning.’
Blake could not take his eyes off her. The dress fitted her body like a glove—as though she had been poured into it. And what a figure she had! A perfect hourglass! Never before had he seen her dressed like this. Nor had he realised how thick and luxuriant her hair was, or that it was reddish-brown with copper highlights. Wearing it loose made her look sensational. It brushed her shoulders and swung like a silken curtain when she moved.
Why she usually hid herself beneath shapeless clothes he had no idea. Unless it was simply that she thought tailored suits were the correct uniform for work. Which, he suddenly decided, was OK by him.
Otherwise, if she flaunted her fabulous figure as some of the girls in the office did, she would have all the male members of staff drooling over her. And he did not want that. He surprised himself by suddenly feeling very protective towards his PA.
After his welcoming speech to the other delegates he introduced her. ‘Gentlemen, may I present to you Kara Redman, my PA? The most competent assistant any man could wish for. She will be at your disposal during the next few days—for work-related reasons only. Anything personal you keep to yourself.’
His last words created the expected laughter but Kara felt embarrassed. She had not dreamed for one moment that he would introduce her so publicly, and for him to say that…Her cheeks burned and she felt on fire.
When the food was served and everyone’s attention was taken she looked at him and said quietly, ‘Did you have to make a joke of me?’
Blake’s brows rose questioningly. ‘It wasn’t a joke. It was for your own protection. I’ve already seen one or two of the men here eyeing you up.’
‘And you think I cannot look after myself?’ She was totally embarrassed. Admittedly she’d never had to fight men off, but he didn’t know that.
‘My apologies,’ he said drily.
Despite her initial concerns Kara enjoyed the evening far more than she had expected. She enjoyed meeting the people she had been in touch with, putting faces to names, and all seemed to be going well—until after their meal, when everyone mingled and one of the guys from New York suggested to her that she was more to Blake Benedict than his PA.
‘What makes you say that?’ How could he even think it, yet alone put it into words? Was everyone else thinking the same? Was that why they thought he had made that hands-off statement about her earlier?
‘I’ve seen the way he looks at you. He’s like a guard dog on patrol. I just wanted to see if I stood a chance. You are a stunning woman. Any man would give his right arm to go out with you. Blake’s a lucky a so-and-so if he’s already got you.’
‘No one has got me,’ she retorted, flashing her blue eyes. ‘Blake Benedict is my boss and that’s all there is to it.’
‘Is that so?’ he asked with a slow smile, and he moved closer—so close that Kara could feel his breath on her cheek.
She took a step back and felt herself cannon into a rock-hard chest.
‘Is everything all right here?’
Blake’s voice sounded in her ear and she felt his hand on her waist. The next moment both arms came around her and she was held prisoner against him. Her first instinct was to pull away—but, knowing it would make a fool of him when he was trying to save her from this man’s advances, she made herself relax.
Amazingly, her world shifted. She was aware of nothing except the hard strength of his body, the soft thud of his heart against her back—and the pounding of her pulse. These were new and unexpected feelings, and except for the time on the plane she had never been this close to a man. She had certainly never felt her heart flutter because of a man’s touch! This was not her employer any more. This was Blake, the man.
For a few mind-blowing seconds they were the only two people in the room. Her heart began its own roller-coaster and her mouth grew dry. She could not speak even if she wanted to, so it was a relief when the other man backed away.
Once he had gone Kara struggled to free herself, feeling mortified now by her reaction to Blake, unable to understand what had come over her. Thank goodness he had no idea that she had been turned on by him. It would be so embarrassing if he knew—if he even suspected it. She put on her most indignant face. ‘I am capable of looking after myself.’
‘I’ve no doubt,’ he answered calmly, a tiny smile turning up the corners of his mouth, ‘but Miles can be very persuasive. He also has a wife at home. I should have warned you that on occasions like this a lot of the guys seem to forget they have other commitments, like wives and families.’
Kara began to realise how little she really knew about men and life. All thanks to her father! But she would learn, and she would learn quickly.
‘I’ve seen the way some of them are already looking at you,’ he continued. ‘And why should they not? You are incredibly beautiful.’
Kara could not stop a flush of hot blood. No one had ever called her beautiful before. And for it to be her boss! ‘It’s kind of you to say so,’ she said primly, at the same time wishing that she had gone with her first instincts and worn a boring suit. None of this would have happened then. No one would have looked at her twice. ‘But, like I said, I don’t need a bodyguard.’
‘That may be the case,’ he admitted, ‘but surely you’re not going to take away my credit for doing the gallant knight thing?’
Kara laughed. The first time she had really felt comfortable with him. ‘For which I thank you. But shouldn’t you be mingling with your colleagues, not worrying about me?’ She did her best to sound prim again, though was aware that she failed dismally.
‘But I do worry, since this is your first conference. I feel obliged to look after you. And I will only mingle, as you so delightfully put it, if you accompany me.’
He looked at her with such determination that Kara did not dare refuse. She was conscious, though, as they stopped and talked to each individual in turn, that he was reinforcing the impression that she belonged to him. His hand was on her elbow often as he guided her around the room, and her worst fear was that they would leave together at the end of the evening. And that maybe he would insist on her joining him in his room for a nightcap.
Her heart beat unreasonably fast at the mere thought of it, and the tales she’d heard about his other PAs would not go away. Not that he’d given her any reason for alarm, but even so …
When he was called away for a moment, Kara saw her opportunity and almost ran up the stairs in her haste to escape, closing the door to her room and leaning back against it as though at any moment it would burst open and Blake Benedict would walk in.
It was not until her breathing returned to normal that she realised how stupidly she was behaving. Blake had not said or done anything to make her believe she was in danger, so why was she panicking? Her problem was that she did not know how to handle men. She had never had a boyfriend. She had never even dated. Not one single date. How pathetic was that, at her age?
She got ready for bed and crawled into it but was unable to sleep. Her mind was far too active. Too much was going on in it for her to relax. That Miles man, for instance, and Blake’s intervention! She was grateful, but she also felt extremely foolish. He must think her a real ingénue.
Finally she heard Blake’s door open and close, followed by the murmur of his voice. At first she thought he had someone with him, but then realised he was on the telephone. Even when there was silence she still did not settle down.
Her fertile imagination saw him undressing, and she couldn’t stop herself visualising the hard, strong lines of his body. She even imagined threading her fingers through those dark chest hairs. How would it feel? Would they be soft and springy? Or quite firm? Would the heat of his body transfer itself to her fingers? Would he capture her hand and hold it against his beating heart?
She had absolutely no idea. But she did know that something was happening to her own body just by thinking about it. And if she carried on like this she would get no sleep tonight.
But how to stop her thoughts? These were new feelings. Her body felt vibrantly alive and she could not help wishing that he would unlock the door and tiptoe into her room and slide into bed beside her.
What she would do if he actually did she had no idea. Probably scream at him to go away. Ask him what the hell he thought he was doing. But her body warred with her mind. For the first time ever in her life it burned with excitement.
How she managed to sleep Kara was not sure, but somehow she did. She slept well, and was woken only by her alarm. Feeling self-conscious now about the attention that had been paid to her yesterday, she slipped on a white blouse that fastened right up to the neck and one of her dark suits. Then, as there was still plenty of time before breakfast, she went down to the conference room and put out the notes that would be needed during the day.
She did not hear Blake enter, and gave a tiny cry of alarm when she turned to leave and cannoned right into him.
‘Steady, Kara.’ And although it wasn’t necessary his arms came around her.
Immediately the tantalising smell of his cologne stung her nostrils and the crazy sensations from last night came rushing back, threading their way from her throat right down to her stomach. ‘I’m sorry,’ she said huskily, at the same time pulling away from him. ‘I didn’t know you were here.’
‘Are you afraid of me?’ he asked, a frown pulling his brows together.
‘Of course not.’ Her reply was instant and fierce, and she looked him straight in the eye. But whether he believed her was another thing. If the truth were known she would not have believed herself.
‘Good, because we’re going to be spending an awful lot of time together. Have you eaten breakfast yet?’ And when she shook her head, ‘Then perhaps you will join me and we can go over today’s agenda?’
They had already gone over it many times, thought Kara, but refusing did not appear to be an option. The dining room was full, and all eyes were turned on them as they made their way to Blake’s table.
Blake had never come across any woman who intrigued him as much as Kara Redman did. He could not make up his mind whether she truly was the innocent she appeared or whether she was putting on an act.
‘We’re two of a kind, do you know that?’
Kara stopped picking at a croissant and frowned at him. ‘What makes you say that?’
‘It’s simple. We’ve both lost our fathers, we have no siblings, and we’re both career-minded. Maybe myit career has taken me on a different path from yours, but you’re very good at what you do, very conscientious, which in my eyes makes you the perfect PA. I wish never to lose you.’ And that had to be the truth.
‘It’s very kind of you to say so.’
‘Do you mind if I ask how long it’s been since your father died? I gained the impression the other day that his death had hit you hard. My father died when I was just eleven, so I’ve had some time now to get used to it.’
Instantly Kara’s face changed. A mask came over it, and when she spoke her voice had become much cooler. Blake instantly felt her withdrawing from him. ‘I’d really rather not talk about him, if you don’t mind. My father was—well, he wasn’t a very nice man. And that’s more than I should have told you. I’m sorry.’
‘And I’m sorry that I asked.’ Her confession had stunned Blake and he wished now that he had said nothing. Kara’s hurt still sounded raw. Maybe one day he would discover exactly what sort of man her father had been, but for the time being he needed to bring the conversation round to something pleasant.
‘I lived here for a while,’ he told her. ‘It’s a beautiful country. My mother is half Italian.’
To his relief a spark of interest brightened her eyes. ‘Does she still live here?’
‘Actually, no. She prefers England. Says she likes to be closer to me. But I do have cousins in Seville.’
‘And will you be visiting them after the conference? I’ve never known you take a holiday.’
‘I doubt it,’ he answered. ‘My work means far more to me than spending time looking up relatives. How about you? Where do you go when you take your annual leave?’
Kara shrugged and looked as though she wished he had not asked her that question either. ‘I stay at home. My mother isn’t well enough to travel.’
Of course. He was forgetting her parent’s illness. ‘In that case you have no right criticising me,’ he said, accompanying his words with a smile. Sometimes Kara looked as though she was terrified of him and he had no idea why. She intrigued him, and he felt a very real need to get to know her better while they were here.
Kara found the first day of the conference an eye opener. She was spellbound. Watching Blake take command, the respectful interest everyone had in him, the energy that buzzed around the room, somehow invigorated her as well. She felt more alive than she had in a long time.
She had expected to sit quietly by Blake’s side, making notes, feeding him any information he did not have readily to hand, but somehow she found herself being drawn in.
Maybe the fact that she was fully conversant with everything helped. She had made it her business to be the most efficient PA Blake had ever had so that he would never feel the need to get rid of her. And she felt very proud of herself when she was able to answer any question that he threw her way.
‘A very successful first day,’ he announced when the meeting broke up. ‘Thanks to your excellent organisational skills. You’ve done me proud, Kara, thank you.’
Kara felt swift colour flood her cheeks. ‘I only did what I’m getting paid for.’
‘And more,’ he said, his eyes locking into hers so that she felt a swift river of heat tumble its way through her body. ‘Remind me to give you a rise when we get back. For now, I think we should get some air before dinner. We need to stretch our legs.’
Kara was not sure whether this was a command or a suggestion. ‘I actually thought of relaxing in my room.’ The whole day had proved more exhausting than she had expected.
‘Nonsense!’ he said briskly. ‘You need fresh air and exercise. It’s either a walk—I could show you some of the sights Milan has to offer, La Scala for instance—or—’ his eyes lit up as he spoke ‘—we could take advantage of the swimming pool. You do swim, Kara?’
Every nerve in her body shuddered. The mere thought of seeing all that exposed, bronzed, muscle-packed flesh, scared her to death. It was not that she did not want to see him, she did—her heart raced at the thought—but she was afraid that she might give herself away in the process.
‘I do,’ she answered, unaware that her voice had gone suddenly husky. ‘But I think I’d prefer to walk. In any case I haven’t packed a swimsuit. I had no idea that swimming was part of the agenda.’
Blake smiled his appreciation at her attempted humour, his eyes crinkling at the corners and making him look—different. Softer, kinder, poles apart from the tough-guy businessman she had got to know so well. This new man frightened her. He sent prickles of heat across her skin and an ache low down in her belly.
‘They do have a shop here in the hotel that sells that sort of thing.’
‘I’d still rather walk,’ answered Kara quietly, since she wasn’t being given the option of going back to her room. He was overpowering her, and wasn’t giving her any time to herself. And, although she did feel a need to drag some fresh air into her lungs, she could do that just as easily in the hotel gardens—alone!
Amazingly, though, once they set off she began to relax. She even found herself chatting to him as though he was an old friend. Not divulging anything personal, but commenting on the shops that lined the streets, selling jewellery and handbags and all sorts of interesting things. But it was definitely La Scala itself that entranced her.
‘I’ve always wondered about this place,’ she exclaimed as they stood looking at the elegant building.
Blake smiled indulgently. ‘Do you like opera?’
‘Sometimes,’ she admitted. ‘It depends if I’m in the right mood.’
‘And what mood would that be?’ he asked, half-turning to face her.
As she met those stunning dark eyes her body flooded with new and different sensations, different emotions that spun her into a whole new world. A world of hunger and desire. A world where there was just Blake and herself. Blake making love to her, teaching her, encouraging her. She felt embarrassed by it. This should not be happening.