One Night With The Tycoon (Billionaire's One Night #1) Read online

  Even though her meeting with Clive at the restaurant was more of a date than an interview, it yielded enough content to finish an article. She sent it to her editor late Sunday night, with hopes that she would be able to discuss it with Constance when she arrived at the office on Monday.

  Sure enough, first thing in the morning, Constance called Angela to her office to talk. She hadn’t been given much feedback thus far, so Angela was nervous.

  “I just read through your most recent draft,” Constance said as Angela took a seat across from her desk. “I must say, I like the way that each piece is different, yet is coherent as a larger body of work. Keep digging into his personal life and his inner thoughts. I want this piece to end with something that even his closest friends don’t know about him. Get some dirt on him, and rework this installment until it stands out from the other interviews.”

  “I’ll try,” Angela said, pleased with the positive feedback. Even with their new and strange relationship, she knew it would be hard to get any deep, dark secrets out of him that would be fit to print. He had been trained by his PR people to only speak in trivial quips; scratching beneath the surface would only lead to disaster. It would be tough, but she had a few more tries to get it just right.

  “I also feel like your tone is changing. You started off very strong and almost critical of the man. In this last piece, you’ve shown him in a very flattering light. Is his team getting to you?”

  “No,” Angela said quickly. “Not at all. In fact, he’s called off his hounds altogether.”

  “Really?” Constance asked, interested in this new development. “That’s a first. I see that I made the right choice in hiring you. Do you feel like he’s taken to you?”

  Angela blushed. “What do you mean?” she squeaked.

  “Do you think he feels comfortable speaking to you?” she clarified. Angela’s dirty secret was still safe.

  “I think so,” she said nonchalantly, hoping that she’d change the subject.

  “Well, I just wanted to tell you to keep up the good work and to push him a little further for details, Constance said, putting on a pair of gold reading glasses.

  “That means a lot,” Angela said. “I’m trying to meet up with him for another interview soon. I’ll try to get more details about his family.”

  “Excellent,” Constance said.

  Angela tried to suppress her smile as she walked back to her desk. She was already halfway done with her assignment. Soon, she’d have a little more money in her pocket, and with any luck, a full-time job. As much as she didn’t want handouts from Clive, she didn’t mind using him as a stepping stone on her way up the ranks at the paper.

  She sat down at her desk, determined to make her next story even better. Questions popped into her head and she scribbled them down. She was so involved in her work that she hardly noticed when a secretary placed a box on her desk.

  “What’s this?” she asked the secretary as she examined the glossy black box.

  “I don’t know,” she replied. “It was just sent over here with instructions to hand it to Angela Reynolds as soon as possible.

  She peeked inside and found a small card. Before she could open it, her phone started ringing.

  “This is Angela.”

  “This is Clive,” he responded. “I was just calling to ask if you received the present I had delivered to you.”

  “Actually, I was just about to open it. What is it?”

  “Why ask me when you can just look inside?”

  “Why are you giving me presents anyway?” she asked skeptically.

  “Can’t a guy buy things for a woman just because he appreciates her?” he asked.

  “I can’t say for sure. I’ve never had it happen to me.”

  “Welcome to my world,” he said. “I might not always be able to tell you how I feel about you in words, but I’m great at showing admiration with things. Don’t worry; this one wasn’t as expensive as the last one. By the way, we need to find another opportunity for you to wear that one. I know you’d look smoking hot in it.”

  “I do look smoking hot in it,” she teased.

  “So, when can we schedule our next interview?” he asked, changing the subject. “Can you come over to my place tonight?”

  “Your place?” she asked, not sure if she heard right.

  “Yes, my home. You know where it is, right?”

  “Yes. What time?”

  “Does eight work for you?”

  Angela’s heart started beating faster. Not only was she going to his home, but she was going at night. She had a feeling they’d end up doing more than just talking.

  “Works for me.”

  “Don’t forget to wear the thing I sent you,” he added.

  “You got me more clothes?” she asked quietly so her coworkers wouldn’t overhear. “Is there some party happening that you haven’t told me about?”

  “It’s a little different than that,” he said cryptically. “By the way, you might want to wait until you’re alone before you open that box.”

  “And why is that?”

  “You’ll see,” he said gleefully before abruptly ending the call.

  Angela couldn’t focus on anything with the mystery box sitting next to her desk. She feared what was inside if he didn’t want her to open it with people around. Maybe it was another rare and expensive piece of clothing that would be sure to start rumors about their work relationship.

  Finally, when her desk mates went on their lunch break, Angela peeked into the box to see what it could possibly contain. There, on a bed of soft, white tissue paper was a lacy, black lingerie set.

  Angela blushed when she saw it. It left nothing to the imagination and was something out of Clive’s Sunday morning daydreams.

  If she played things right, she could get everything she wanted out of Clive in one meeting—good, personal information, and hot sex. Time dragged on for the rest of the work day. Angela couldn’t wait to see Clive again—this time in his own element.

  Chapter 9

  Angela looked around the glossy, mahogany-paneled elevator as it made its way up to the penthouse for her meeting with Clive. So far, she had only seen the lobby and the elevator of his home and it was already the nicest place she had ever been in.

  She smoothed the drops of rain from her long raincoat and combed through her damp hair with her fingers. So much for putting a little extra effort into her hair and makeup for once, she thought to herself.

  Despite the gloomy weather, Angela was giddy with excitement. She had a feeling that it would be a good night to get some information out of Clive. She hoped that he would be relaxed in his own home at night and ready to tell her everything she wanted to know.

  In no time, the elevator reached the top floor and the doors opened directly into his penthouse. Her jaw dropped.

  She had expected it to be nice, but she had no idea how nice it could possibly be. It was warm and inviting, like a cozy secret club. Shades of burgundy and gold accented the dark wooden furniture. She kicked off her shoes and wandered over to the toasty fireplace, feeling the plush rug beneath her toes. His living room was covered with bookcases filled floor to ceiling with books, framed photographs, and various expensive-looking decorations probably picked up during his international travels.

  “I’m glad you’re here,” Clive said, coming out of another room. Angela jumped and quickly twirled around to face him, her long, burgundy hair flowing behind her.

  “You scared me,” she laughed. “I didn’t hear you come in. I was just looking around.”

  “How do you like the place?” he asked, loosening his tie and unbuttoning his shirt cuffs.

  “It’s gorgeous,” she mused. “I can’t wait for the full tour.”

  “Sure,” he said, running a hand through his hair. “I can show you around.”

  “That can wait,” she grinned, untying the belt of her trench coat. She pushed it off her shoulders, letting it float to the ground, revealing Clive�
��s surprise gift.

  Underneath her coat, Angela wore the lacey lingerie that had been shipped from Paris the day after Clive met her. She stood with her hands on her hips as she let Clive’s eyes wander from the revealing black lace bralette, the low-cut panties, and the matching garter belt, complete with sheer black stockings.

  “Well,” he said, his eyes eventually returning to hers, “it’s confirmed: I have excellent taste.”

  They were immediately drawn to one another like magnets as they both worked to get Clive out of his shirt and pants. When he was down to his underwear, he swooped her up and brought her to his couch, playfully dropping her on the cushion.

  Angela reached down to unfasten the garters when Clive grabbed her hand.

  “Leave them on,” he whispered in her ear. “I worked too hard to track those down for you.”

  “I can wear them again sometime,” she giggled.

  “I’ll find something new for you next time,” he said before holding her face between his large hands. They lay on the couch facing each other, kissing and fondling the other.

  “I’ve been thinking about this all day,” Clive said as he gave her butt a firm squeeze.

  “Me too,” Angela echoed. “I was wondering what kind of sex dungeon you’d have in this place, but then I remembered you lived in a penthouse,” she joked.

  Clive stopped and looked her square in the eye. “Did you want to go to my sex dungeon?”

  “Really?” she asked, her eyes widening.

  He cracked up. “You’re so gullible,” he laughed.

  “Ugh!” Angela squealed, playfully hitting him on the arm. “I’m going to get you back.”

  “I’d like to see you try.”

  He sat back on the couch and she kneeled between his legs, taking him into her mouth. She watched as he instantly relaxed, closing his eyes and letting his mouth fall agape. As she worked him over, his hand rested on the base of her head. She knew he wouldn’t last much longer; she picked up the pace, then suddenly stopped and popped back up to eye level.

  “Why’d you stop?” he asked, bewildered.

  “Oh, I thought you would want to finish up in your sex dungeon,” she said with a sly smile on her face.

  Clive smirked. “You’re incredible.”

  “I know,” she said smugly.

  He slid a hand between her thighs. “I know you’re not done with me.”

  “No?”

  “No. You can’t resist me. You can act all tough, but I know that you need me.”

  “I don’t need you,” she said defiantly.

  He slid a hand into her underwear. She stood still for a moment before ultimately deciding he was correct.

  “Okay, fine,” she conceded. “I really need you.”

  She straddled him as his lips pressed against her neck and chest. She felt so comfortable with Clive like they had known each other for ages. Their rivalry only made things hotter when they had to use each other to get what they wanted.

  As things heated up, Clive picked Angela up and put her on her back. They hit the side of the couch with such force that they knocked a lamp off the coffee table. Neither of them really noticed when it shattered on the floor. They were too preoccupied in achieving the pleasure they so badly wanted from each other.

  Eventually, they came to a halt on the living room rug. Clive pulled a cashmere throw from a chair and laid it on top of them. They rested there, not wanting to take their eyes from each other. The moment was too perfect to ever end.

  “Should we take care of a few interview questions?” Angela asked.

  “Really?” Clive asked. “After all of that, you just want to get to the interview?”

  “I wore your present,” she negotiated. “Can you give me a few anecdotes?”

  “Fine,” he said, kissing her on the forehead. “What do you want to know?”

  “Something personal,” she said. “Tell me some things about your family. Things that most people wouldn’t know.”

  He twirled his finger around Angela’s hair as he thought. “I’ve got one. You know how my brother and I run competing businesses?”

  Angela nodded, trying to take in as many details as possible.

  “Daniel and I liked the same girl back in school. Her name was Natalie and she was in the grade between Daniel’s and mine. We had this big school dance at the end of the year and both of us wanted to ask her.”

  “How did you find out that he liked her too?” Angela asked.

  “My mom found out. She didn’t even live in town, but she still managed to hear all the gossip,” he laughed. “Anyway, when we figured this out, we were ready to battle it out.”

  “What did you do?”

  “We both tried to woo her with gifts. Daniel got her a Hermes scarf and I got her a Tiffany charm bracelet. In an embarrassing race to ask her first, we ended up shouting over each other to invite her.”

  “Wow,” Angela said, raising her eyebrows. “How did she ever choose between the two of you with enticing gifts like that?”

  “She didn’t. It turned out that another kid asked her to the dance already and she didn’t want to go with either of us anyway.”

  Angela laughed. “I can’t imagine how that must have looked.”

  “It looked pretty sad. And with both of us being rejected, we acted like moody teens would and got into a fight.”

  “Really?”

  He nodded. “Got suspended for a day. My dad came to pick us up to take us home and he couldn’t even speak to us, he was laughing so hard. After that, it was kind of hard to be mad at each other. Since then, whenever we get into disagreements about business, we can’t stay mad at each other long because we just hear our dad laughing about how stupid it all is.”

  “That’s kind of sweet,” Angela said, placing her hand on Clive’s hip. “Do you mind if I use that?”

  “Go ahead,” he said.

  “Do you have any stories about your younger siblings?”

  His eyes drifted up to the ceiling before coming back down. “Yeah, here’s one my family talks about all the time. When my parents went to the hospital to have Matthew, my brothers and I decided that we changed our minds and we didn’t want a new baby brother after all. We demanded that our nanny call the hospital so we could talk to our parents to tell them our decision.”

  “And she actually listened to a bunch of kids and called?”

  “She tried not to at first, but we were terrors when we all banded together. Daniel said his case to my mom, who thought she was receiving a call because we missed her. She was about to give birth and here we were, telling her that we weren’t going to accept the baby as part of the family and that we wanted a dog instead.”

  Angela chuckled. “Your poor parents. What did they do?”

  “My mom couldn’t deal with it, so she put my dad on the phone. He set us straight pretty quickly.”

  “So, you welcomed Matthew into your home?”

  “After a couple days, but only because my dad bought us a turtle first.”

  “Are you kidding me?”

  “Nope. To this day, we still tell Matthew that we still wish Sheldon was around when we want to make fun of him.”

  “You guys really are terrible,” she chuckled. “I think all you’re proving to our readers is that you and your siblings have been terrors from a young age,” Angela joked.

  “Don’t give this the tabloid spin,” he warned. “I don’t want to read a headline about me wanting to fire Matt from my PR team and swap him with a giant tortoise.”

  “I can’t make those promises,” she giggled, giving Clive a peck on the lips.

  “I think my brothers would like you. They’re always giving me such a hard time about being chronically single. My dad would have liked you too, for that matter.”

  “What was your dad like?” Angela asked carefully. She didn’t know if she was going too far with her questions.

  “He was really great. He was a hard worker, but he always did hi
s best to be around for us. He would come home after being away for work and take us to do cool things. We could tell that he hadn’t slept in a few days, but he’d still take us to professional sporting events and things like that. I think he managed to strike the right balance of giving us the opportunities he wanted us to have, without giving us complete freedom in the world. He gave us more spending money than most kids could dream of, but we still had to work for it.”

  “How’d you do that?”

  “At least once a month, he’d take us to the vacation homes and we’d have to clean the house and do the landscaping. He would lend them out to friends and business connections, so we had to keep them in good shape. In return, we’d get some pocket money to buy expensive gifts for high school girls.”

  “I’m sure he loved to see where his hard-earned money was going.”

  “He didn’t mind. Whenever we asked for money, he’d tell us that we had our own money, and we could do whatever we wanted with it. But, he supported everything we did. He’s the reason Daniel and I own multi-million dollar corporations. He believed in what we wanted to do and invested his money in making it happen. He was incredibly smart and a truly good person. I really miss him sometimes.”

  They lay in silence for a moment. Angela watched his eyes lazily wander around the room. There was clearly something on his mind, but she didn’t want to push him too far.

  “I would love to meet your brothers,” she said, changing the subject. “I bet they’d give me the most dirt on you.”

  “Most definitely. In fact, I should file a restraining order on you on their behalf so you can never contact them for embarrassing stories about me.”

  “So, when can I meet them?”

  Clive sighed. “Tuesday—there will be a company event that they’ll be at. You’re welcome to come.”

  “Will Daniel be there if it’s a company event?”