Truth - Romig Aleatha - Страница 75

The two of them discussed the possibilities and opportunities. They decided upon a sampling of her works on display in Palo Alto, with the entire collection available online. If this buyer or another wanted one of the works still in Provincetown and were willing to pay appropriately, Sophia would return to Massachusetts.

An hour later, Sophia entered Derek’s office. As her long gauze skirt brushed the tops of her feet and her high heeled sandals clicked the marble floor of his private reception area, Sophia chose to ignore Danni’s looks and innuendos. Her mood was too high to worry about the immaculately dressed PA or the plush surroundings. She casually walked past the pretty blonde without speaking and stepped into Derek’s regal office. Brazenly, she wrapped her arms around her husband’s neck and kissed his parted lips. Before she could introduce her tongue teasingly into his willing mouth, Sophia realized Danni followed her into Derek’s office.

They both turned to see her standing in the doorway. Before Derek had the chance to recover from his wife’s licentious greeting, Sophia took the liberty of dismissing his assistant, “That’ll be all, Danni. Please close the door on your way out.”

Danni looked questionably at Derek, who smiled uncontrollably, barely able to take his eyes away from the spirit filled woman who’d just fallen into his lap. Finally, he glanced toward his PA and confirmed Sophia’s wishes, “Yes, Danni, and please hold my calls.”

Danni’s incredulous expression as she backed out of the office and closed the door added to Sophia’s euphoria.

“My, my, Mrs. Burke,” Derek managed between kisses, “To what do I owe this lascivious reception?”

She explained the unbelievable procurement of three of her oil paintings. Derek stared, open mouthed, when she disclosed the bid. Eventually, he found his voice, “Wow, Baby! I love your work, but I’m shocked at that amount of money.”

Sophia pouted, more in jest than reality, “What? Don’t you think they’re worth it?”

He immediately pulled her against his chest and spun her around in his large leather chair. Sophia curled her legs into his lap and threw her head back, allowing her long hair to fan out and fall over his shoulder as his office became a blur. Leaning his mouth to her exposed neck he breathily whispered, “I think they’re worth ten times that! But, if you’re willing to part with them for a measly 2.3 million, I guess that’s your prerogative.” His lips connected her warm sensitive neck, immediately instigating purrs from the depth of her throat.

When his lips slowed, Sophia pulled away and made eye contact. Looking suddenly serious, she went on, “There is a problem. The buyer wants them yesterday. I need to fly to Provincetown and ship them back here. Mr. George also wants me to ship some other works to put on display and photograph the rest of my collection. It’ll take me days to get them all packaged for mailing.”

“That dinner for Shedis-tics is Friday. Will you be back by then?”

“I’m sorry. I don’t think so.” She looked passively into his soft brown eyes, “If you want me to wait, I can ask Mr. George to contact the buyer, have him contact the mystery person, and see if it can wait.” Sophia watched through seductive lashes as Derek’s expression changed before her eyes. She saw pride, disappointment, indecision, and resolution.

Eventually his light brown eyes glimmered as his cheeks rose in conjunction with the tips of his lips. “You know, when Shedis-tics asked me come out here early, they promised me some time off. How about, I travel with you? If we work together, we can package your art much faster. We might even make it back for this big dinner thing. I’m not sure why, but they really want me there.”

Sophia stared at her husband in disbelief, “You’d really be willing to go with me?”

“Sure,” he kissed her lips, “we can consider it a romantic get-a-way.” Then with a predatory grin he added, “And maybe we can use one of those private jets they promised in my interview?”

“You know, Mr. Burke, I’ve always wanted to belong to an exclusive club.”

“Really, Mrs. Burke, what club would that be?”

“I believe it’s called The Mile High Club.”

Derek closed his eyes and shook his head at the woman who’d swept him off his feet three years ago. Regaining his focus he replied, “I’ll be sure to find the criteria regarding entry into that exclusive club. I’ve heard initiation can be strenuous. Perhaps you’re not up to the challenge?”

“Mr. Burke, you check out the specifications, and I’ll concentrate on my aptitude.”

He tried, unsuccessfully, to keep his grin concealed, “Aptitude isn’t an issue, Mrs. Burke. I believe the component in question is altitude.”

Sophia buried her lips into the crook of his neck. “You provide the altitude, I’ll provide the aptitude.”

“We can do a test run at sea level, just to be sure.”

Sophia amusingly shook her head. This was a battle of wits she didn’t want to win.

“Perhaps, when I get home?” Derek didn’t wait for an answer from his wife as he picked up the phone, his voice no longer playful, “Danni, make the necessary arrangements. My wife and I need a Shedis-tics jet to fly to Provincetown, Massachusetts, leaving tomorrow and returning Thursday.” Sophia listened to his side of the conversation.

“That can be rescheduled.” “That, I can do from anywhere.” “Do you have any other concerns?” Sophia heard the agitation in his voice. She wondered if Danni recognized it too. Derek continued, “That is fine. Let me know the final arrangements.” “Thanks, Danni.” He hung-up. Smirking ear-to-ear he proposed, “The next order of business it to research the requirements for that club.”

Sophia squeezed his neck, “Thank you! We can work day and night to get back for that dinner.”

Derek caressed her waist as his eyes muted ever so slightly, “I think I know a better way to spend our nights.”

Sophia giggled, “Really? We can debate the pros and cons of each proposal.”

“No. I think I’m evoking the helpful husband card; you’ll have to agree to my proposal – no debating allowed.”

She didn’t argue. “I see your point. However, I’ll need at least an abstract of your ideas presented tonight at home.” Her eyes twinkled as she stood and smoothed her skirt.

“You drive a hard bargain.” Derek replied, “See you tonight.”

They kissed and Sophia opened the door of his private office. Walking past Danni’s desk, her mind filled with Derek’s affection and playful banter. As she turned toward the impassive gaze of his private assistant, Sophia summoned her sweetest voice and said, “Thanks, Danni. Bye.”

From gritted teeth, Danni replied, “You’re welcome.”

Walking along the still crowded sidewalk, Sophia felt the sensation of floating. Had someone really offered 2.3 million for her art work? It didn’t seem possible. And her conversation with Derek went in such an unexpected direction. She’d expected him to be supportive, yet reserved about missing the dinner. After all, how important could attendance at a fundraiser really be for a Fortune 500 company?

Despite his executive pretense, he was just a man. Sophia told herself; she needed to remember that. After all, she was just a woman. That makes the two of them compatible in a remarkable way.

Wanting to speak to Mr. George in person, Sophia drove back to Palo Alto. She wanted to let him know she and her husband would be packaging her work and getting it west as soon as possible. Before facing Mr. White Teeth, Sophia decided to stop for a cup of tea and some lunch. Working her way into a bustling cafe on the same street as the Art Studio, Sophia scanned the crowd looking for an empty seat.

The cafe hummed with the drone of conversations at most every table. The aroma of freshly baked bread, rich coffee, and tangy spices made her empty stomach twist with anticipation. She stepped toward the counter to read the menu above, when a woman near the window with an electronic tablet, cup of coffee, and salad caught her attention. She looked vaguely familiar. Sophia didn’t want to stare. It just seemed strange that she’d know anyone eating in Palo Alto.