Chasing Heartbreak (Dark Love 6)

“Many of these hotels are outdated, the turnover is returning guests, but we’re not capturing the new generation—the influencers with their self-made money to spend. We’re talking complete overhaul, Lex, money spent on improving structures, expanding buildings, offering state-of-the-art amenities. Global campaigning is costly. This isn’t an easy sell unless we’ve got the product to back it up.”

“I agree, which is why I was able to secure the DeLuxe Group for a low amount. The board was tired, and they’re ready to move on. And they don’t have the funds to invest. I know we can bring this to where it needs to be, and I’ve given you the strongest team.”

The board room opens with a man and a woman walking in. The man will be easily in his early thirties, and the lady, more mature at possibly fifty-odd.

“Rebecca is head of Finance, and Austin is our Chief of Information Technology.”

I shake both of their hands, welcoming the two of them before asking them to take a seat. Another five people walk in, all of who are different heads of departments. Further to that, three of our shareholders also join us. We shake hands and exchange names. Luckily for me, I have a great memory when it comes to names.

Lex bows his head before Eric walks into the room. I shift my gaze to Lex, waiting for him to say something. “Eric Kennedy, Public Relations Manager.”

Eric extends his hand with a professional smile. “Lovely to meet you, Miss Hamilton.”

“Public relations?”

“Yes, Eric has been working on some side projects with me for quite some time, much to my wife’s displeasure.”

I keep my laugh at bay. Who would’ve thought Eric has something to do with public relations? Though, on further thought, he’s born to do this role. I’m just surprised Lex hired him, having never alluded to this and given Charlie has mentioned that he is the glue that holds her business together on more than one occasion.

“So, this is the West Coast team?” I ask, smiling politely at everyone in the room.

“No, I have one more important person to introduce. In fact, someone you’ll be working very closely with.”

I look at Lex, then Eric, as he clasps his hands with a mischievous smile. “Our Chief Executive Officer.”

With a company so large, I’d need a management team strongly suited. With some of Lex’s larger endeavors, he hired a President and CEO. Fingers crossed I don’t get some asshole on a power trip who will make my life hell. Surely, Lex knows how I operate and what I won’t tolerate.

My eyes wander to the black Givenchy leather shoes which have stepped into the room. Slowly, they lift to the tailored slim-fit navy trousers and linger around the waist. My breathing stills, sweat building in the palm of my hands, although the air conditioning is turned up to cool the room.

Swallowing the lump caught in my throat, I bite my lip unwillingly as I continue to move upward past the white shirt and stop just where his chest is exposed—two buttons down. A thirst escapes me, the heat between my thighs rising as I make the final glance until I’m met with the eyes of Noah.

I am rendered speechless as he moves closer, extending his hand.

“Noah Mason,” he introduces, his stare burning through me like an uncontrollable blaze.

I place my hand in his, the touch of his skin sending my complete body into meltdown, a slight shiver escaping me. Unbeknownst to everyone in the room, his gaze shifts toward my mouth, causing him to bite his bottom lip unknowingly.

I clear my throat. “Kate Hamilton.”

He releases his shake, taking a seat across from me, a playful smirk making it all the more uncomfortable to sit down given he’s practically made me soaking wet with a simple hand gesture.

“Psst.” Eric leans over, keeping his voice low as others take a seat. “Are you guys going to have the hottest sex tonight because the sexual tension in here is smoking hot?”

Eric has no idea how hot it will be.

And that will be my challenge for the rest of the day, ignoring just how sexy Noah is and anticipating exactly what he’ll do to me tonight once we’re alone.

Five hours later, and several American coffees consumed, everyone leaves the room with another meeting scheduled for tomorrow. There’s much to absorb, my mind riddled with information, but the biggest question on the forefront of my mind is how Noah kept this from me.

Lex taps his pen on the table, switching his stare between Noah and me.

“I assume your personal relationship is here to stay?”

“Smart man,” Noah chides, leaning back in his chair.

“Good,” Lex states before playing with the band on his finger. “Off the record, I’m happy to see you two together. You’re family to us. I wish you both a lifetime of happiness.”

“Calm down, Lex.” I shake my head while laughing. “It sounds like you’re toasting a wedding.”