Our appetizer was oysters Rockefeller with the chef’s own twist. Instead of the usual parsley, the chef used lemongrass and cilantro, which gave the dish a delicious tanginess.
Now we’re enjoying our salad of heirloom tomatoes, baby greens, slivered roasted almonds, and a house-made champagne vinaigrette.
“I have a surprise for you,” Braden says.
I swallow my bite. “Oh?”
“Yes, but not tonight. I want you to get a good night’s sleep for tomorrow’s meeting.”
“And this surprise necessitates that I not get a good night’s sleep?”
“Oh, you’ll sleep. But you may be a little…sore afterward. That’s why it will wait until tomorrow evening.”
I clear my throat, both fearing and anticipating what he might mean. “Sore?”
He raises an eyebrow. Just one. “Not anal sex, Skye. Not until you’re ready.”
I let out a breath I didn’t realize I was holding. “Okay. Good. Why will I be sore, then?”
“You’ll see.”
“Braden…”
He lays his salad fork on his empty plate. “Nothing will happen without your express permission, Skye.”
I push my salad plate forward, having only finished half. “I know, but about that… Maybe this isn’t the best time to be introducing me to this other lifestyle of yours. I’m here on business, Braden.”
“As am I.”
True. That’s why we left in the middle of the night. I’m interested in his business, so I need to make that clear. “Right. That reminds me. How’s your contract going?”
“I don’t have to fly to China, if that’s what you’re asking.”
“Good. I mean, that’s good, right?” I lift my eyebrows.
“Definitely good. I don’t like being the visiting team.”
I nod.
“You’re changing the subject,” he says.
I laugh nervously. “Guilty. But I am interested in what you do. I’d like to learn more about it eventually.”
“You will.”
“Are you planning to go to my meeting tomorrow?”
“Ah. And you were hoping my business would keep me busy.”
I clear my throat. “I can’t deny having you there would make me less nervous, but it’s my meeting, Braden.” True words. This is my budding career, and I need to find my own strength.
“I understand that. I’ve always understood that. I’m simply offering my business expertise. I’ve been in business a lot longer than you have.”
“But they’re expecting me. Not me and you. You’ll intimidate them.”
“And that’s a bad thing?”
“Yeah, it is. I want to do this myself. I want them to want me, not Braden Black’s girlfriend.”
I nearly choke on the irony of the words. The only reason I’m a budding influencer is because of my connection to the man sitting across from me. I know that, and so does he.
“As you wish,” he says. “I still have a lot of business I can attend to. A limo will pick you up outside the building at nine a.m. sharp. You’ll have plenty of time to get to your ten thirty meeting.”
“Thank you. I appreciate it.”
“Not at all. I want your success, Skye. As much as you do.”
Does he? I meet his gaze, and although Braden is usually unreadable, I read sincerity now. He does want my success. He’s not intimidated by anyone’s success, certainly not mine, which I haven’t even achieved yet. No one intimidates Braden.
No one. Not even the richest person on earth.
I have a lot to learn from him. A lot.
I’ll go into that meeting tomorrow armed with my own strength. Not Braden’s or anyone else’s.
I bite my lip.
I just hope I can do it.
Our server clears our salad plates and refills our wineglasses. “Your entrees will be out in a few minutes, Mr. Black.”
“Thank you, Seth.”
“Is there anything I can get you in the meantime?”
Braden glances at me. “Skye?”
“Nothing,” I say. “Everything has been wonderful so far.”
“I’ll tell the chef you’re pleased. Mr. Black?”
“Excellent, as always,” Braden says. “We’re looking forward to tonight’s creation.”
Seth smiles and leaves our table.
Braden takes a sip of red wine. “So…about tomorrow evening. I’m sure we’ll be celebrating.”
“Celebrating what?” I ask.
“Your new deal with Susanne, of course.”
“Oh. Yeah.” My cheeks warm.
“Dinner in, I think, and then…my surprise.”
“O…kay.”
“You’ll enjoy it, Skye. I’m certain.”
“How can you be certain if I don’t have a clue what you’re talking about?”
“Let’s just say I know you.”
“We haven’t been together very long.”
“True. But you’ve given me your control in the bedroom, so you must trust that I know how to please you.”
He’s been stingy with orgasms lately, but I can’t deny he pleases me with or without release. I take a drink of wine, letting its tannins coat my throat. Smooth, dry, and delicious. A premier cru Bordeaux that Braden ordered. Supple and elegant. Already I’ve learned so much from this man. How to enjoy a fine wine, for instance.
How to let go in the bedroom.
Skye Manning, aged twenty-four. So young and innocent and naive.
No longer.
The innocent and naive part, anyway. I’m still pretty young.
“You said earlier that I wasn’t ready for this part of your…lifestyle.”
“I did. Then this morning happened.”