Only In Lace

Chapter Two

'Jase, Miss Gafferton, Johnson's Union.' Big Guy announces.

'Perfect. Thanks Clive.'

I'm dragged from my awed state straight into high alert, and my back straightens.

I can't see him; he's obscured by the big guy's massive frame, but that raspy, smooth voice has me frozen on the spot, and it certainly doesn't sound like it's coming from a cigar-smoking, overweight, wax jacket-wearing Lord of the Masque Mansion.

Big Guy, or Clive as I now know him, moves to the side, giving me my first glimpse of Mr Jase McMeara.

Oh good God. My heart crashes against my breastbone and my nervous breathing rockets to dangerous levels. I suddenly feel light-headed, and my mouth is ignoring my brain's instruction to say something. I just stand there staring at this man, while he stares back at me. His husky voice halted me in my tracks, but the sight of him ... the sight of him has just turned me into a non-responsive, quivering mess.

He rises from his chair and my gaze travels up with him. He's very tall. His white shirt is casually rolled at the sleeves, but he still wears a black tie, loosely knotted and hanging down the front of a very broad chest.

He makes his way around his massive desk and slowly walks towards me. It's then that I take in the full impact of him. I gulp. This man is so perfect I'm almost in pain. His dirty blond hair looks like he's half attempted to get it into some semblance of a style but given up. His eyes are sludgy green, but bright and way too intense, and the stubble covering his square jaw does nothing to conceal the handsome features beneath it. He's lightly tanned and just ... Oh God, he's devastating. Lord of the Mansion?

'Miss Gafferton.' His hand comes towards me, but I can't persuade my arm to raise and clasp his outstretched offering. He's beautiful.

When I don't offer my hand, he reaches forward and clasps both of my shoulders, then slowly leans in to kiss me, his lips brushing lightly over my burning cheek. I tense all over. I can hear my pulse throbbing in my ears, and even through it's completely inappropriate for a business meeting. I do nothing to stop him. I'm all over the place.

'It's a pleasure,' he whispers in my ear, which only serves to make me moan slightly. He must feel my tension - it's not difficult; I'm rigid - because his grip eases up and he lowers his face to my level, looking me directly in the eyes. 'Are you ok?' he asks, one side of his mouth lifting into a semblance of a smile. I notice a single frown line across his forehead.

I snap myself out of my ridiculous inertia, suddenly aware that I've still not said anything. Has he noticed my reaction to him? What about Big Guy? I glance over, seeing the big guy standing motionless, glasses still in place, but I know his eyes are on me. I mentally shake myself and step back, away from McMeara and his potent grasp. His hands fall to his sides.

'Hi.' I cough to clear my throat. 'Eleanor. My name is Eleanor but everyone calls me Ellie.' I offer him my hand, but he's unhurried in accepting it, like he's unsure whether it is safe to, but he does ... eventually.

His hand is clammy and slightly shaky as he squeezes mine firmly, and sparks fizz, a curious look flitting across his gorgeous face as we both retract our hands in shock.