Seduced By The Mogul

Goose bumps tickled her skin, and her temperature rose. He was a friend, but he was also a man—a very attractive man who reeked of masculinity—and his touch excited her. In his designer sunglasses and impeccable black suit, Dante was the picture of a young debonair professional at the top of his game. He was hot, no doubt about it, but his appeal didn’t lie in his soulful eyes, and dreamy grin, but in his extraordinary generosity.

“You look upset. Is something the matter?”

Before Jordana could answer, her supervisor spoke up. “Of course not. She’s excited about your business lunch, and anxious to tell you about our wonderful agency.”

Jordana reclaimed her voice. “What business lunch?”

“Ms. Sharpe, I hope you haven’t forgotten our plans.”

What plans? We don’t have any! she wanted to scream, giving him a bewildered, what-are-you-talking-about look. And why are you calling me Ms. Sharpe? We’re friends, not strangers. Heck, I’ve known you for almost two years!

“No, no, of course not,” Mr. Lundqvist said, adamantly shaking his head. He gave Jordana a shove, practically pushing her into Dante’s arms. He spoke in a loud, booming voice, drawing the attention of everyone in the office. One by one, her colleagues poked their heads out of their cubicles. They all wore curious expressions on their faces, and the women were slobbering all over their fancy designer clothes.

That was no surprise. Dante attracted attention everywhere he went.

The real estate mogul had a reputation among women, and the house parties at his Beverly Hills mansion were legendary, but he was more than just a handsome face and hot body. He had a keen mind for business, was as gregarious as they came, and was a great listener. He was, without a doubt, the smartest person Jordana knew, and she valued his friendship. He was always teaching her new things—such as how to select the perfect bottle of wine for a pasta dinner—and if not for his support she probably would have returned to Des Moines a long time ago.

“Ms. Sharpe has been preparing for your meeting for several days now, and she’s anxious to tell you about the charities we support here at LA Marketing Enterprises.”

“I’m happy to hear that, sir.” Dante put on his sunglasses, and took his keys out of his pocket. “It’s been a pleasure speaking with you, and I look forward to doing it again soon.”

Pride covered his fleshy face. “Thank you, Mr. Morretti. I’d like that very much.”

“I’m ready when you are, Ms. Sharpe. Shall we go?”

A giggle tickled Jordana’s throat.

“Do whatever it takes to impress him.” Mr. Lundqvist spoke just loud enough for her to hear. “And don’t come back until you have a sizable donation. Understood?”

Chapter 4 (#ulink_b00a5f84-daec-544c-ba8d-a29d4200490f)

“Two visits in two days? To what do I owe this honor?”

Dante opened the glass door, and stepped aside to let Jordana exit the building. Outside, there were more luxury cars in the streets than pedestrians on the sidewalk, and the air held the scent of rain. A helicopter buzzed overhead, and clouds drifted across the somber gray sky. It was the perfect day to be home, watching movies in bed, but since hanging out with Dante was the next best thing, Jordana fell into step beside him.

“You didn’t give me much of a choice. Yesterday you said I owed you lunch, so I freed up some time in my schedule, and here I am.”

“Dante, I was kidding. Picking Matteo up from school was my pleasure, not a chore.”

“I know. That’s why I wanted to do something nice for you.”

“And why you tricked my boss,” she added, with a knowing smile.

“Mr. Lundqvist was ranting and raving when I walked in, but when I told him about our meeting he whooped for joy.” Dante chuckled. “I think I even saw a tear in his eye!”

Walking down the street, talking and cracking jokes, Jordana felt her worries subside and her mood brighten. As suspected, he’d charmed her supervisor and concocted a convincing tale to win her freedom. Jordana was happy to be out of the office. Going out for lunch was a hundred times better than eating last night’s leftovers in the windowless staff room, and she always had a good time with Dante. “How’s my favorite four-year-old doing?”

“Matteo’s great.” Love shone in his eyes, brightening his face. “He’s spending the night tomorrow, and I have tons of activities planned for Sunday afternoon. You should join us.”

“I can’t. Waverly and I are having a girls’ day, and she’ll kill me if I cancel.”

“Why? What are you guys doing? Robbing a bank, Thelma and Louise style?”

“Not this weekend,” she quipped, with a laugh. “We’re checking out the Cinco de Mayo celebration at Griffith Park, then enjoying a Jennifer Lopez movie marathon at home.”

Dante made a face. “A Jennifer Lopez movie marathon? Sounds painful.”

“You’re all talk! I bet if J. Lo walked past us right now you’d be all over her.”

“Damn right I would! Baby’s got back!”

Giggling, she playfully jabbed him in the ribs with her elbow. Being with Dante helped her forget her problems—at least momentarily. He made her feel alive, downright giddy. It had been that way from the moment they had met. Dante was an influential businessman who rubbed shoulders with the rich and famous, but he never made her feel less than. They were polar opposites, but he’d always been there for her, and she valued his friendship.

“This way,” he said, taking her gently by the arm. “I’m parked around the corner.”

Jordana flicked a finger in the air, gestured to the cafés and restaurants lining the streets. “Let’s eat around here. I only have an hour for lunch, and I don’t want to waste time sitting in traffic, listening to you talk about how amazing your new sports car is.”

“That’s cold, but since you brought it up, did I tell you my Porsche Spyder has overhead airbags, heated seats and chrome wheels?”

“Please. I know nothing about cars, and I don’t want to learn, so spare me!”

“Is that any way to talk to the guy who rescued you from your overbearing boss?” A grin dimpled his cheek, and his lips had never looked more tempting. Hooking an arm around her waist, he pulled her close and tapped a finger against his cheek. “I think you owe me a kiss, so plant one right here.”

A shiver danced down her spine. Cocky but likable, Dante was the kind of guy most fathers warned their daughters to stay away from, but his confidence was a turn-on. Jordana would never act on her feelings, even if he made a move on her, and besides, he was still carrying a torch for his ex-wife. He denied it, said he didn’t love Lourdes anymore, but a blind man could see the truth. “It’s a good thing I like you or I’d be running in the opposite direction!” she joked, giving him a peck on the cheek. “Happy now?”

Winking, he patted her hips good-naturedly. “Immensely.”

“Can we eat now? I’m so hungry I’m having double vision!”

You’re not dizzy because you’re hungry, her inner voice said matter-of-factly. You’re dizzy because of Dante’s smile.

Her head was spinning, and her heart was beating out of control. What’s the matter with me? Why am I breathless? And why am I staring at Dante’s mouth, wishing it was between my—

“What are you in the mood for?”

You mean besides you, in my bed, slathered in chocolate?

Jordana told herself to knock it off, to quit making eyes at him. She hadn’t been intimate with anyone in a very long time, but she didn’t miss sex. Not in the least. That’s why her physical reaction to Dante—a guy who was like a brother to her—was shocking. Her breathing was shallow, her erect nipples strained against her bra, and the urge to kiss him was all she could think about. “I’m not fussy. You pick.”

They decided on an American-style restaurant, three blocks from LA Marketing Enterprises, and picked a table in front of the window. People-watching was one of Jordana’s favorite activities, had been since she was a child. As she sat down, she spotted a reality star exiting a high-end boutique. Having met dozens of A-listers over the years, Dante didn’t care who was causing a frenzy outside but Jordana couldn’t resist whipping out her iPhone and snapping away. For as long as she could remember, she’d always dreamed of being an actress. Her parents, namely her father, thought she was delusional, wasting her precious time chasing stardom. But she was determined to prove him wrong. Pleased with the photographs, she dropped her cell phone into her tote bag and picked up the glossy, laminated menu.

The decor was simple, but the heady aromas in the air made her mouth water. Hunger pangs began to stab at her stomach. Perusing the menu, Jordana decided on the quinoa soup and arugula salad. Dante teased her, said she ate like a bird, but she laughed off his comments.

“Want to share a bottle of wine?”

“No, thanks. I need a clear head this afternoon at work.” Jordana raised an eyebrow, wearing a knowing smile. “So do you, Mr. CIO.”

“It’s one drink. Live a little, girl.”