The Tycoon's Proposition

Ben— It was such a sweet thing to do.

Where he was concerned, she seemed to plumb a never ending well of tears. She fought to keep them from falling, but it was a losing battle.

Everything tasted delicious. She ate all of it and finished with a glass of orange juice. One more trip to the bathroom to brush her teeth and wipe her eyes. Now she felt ready to put on a bright face to hide her heartache from the husband she adored.

Their private elevator took her straight to the lobby opposite the board of directors’ conference room. She could hear voices. It sounded like they were in a meeting.

Ben had told her to come upstairs, but he’d probably assumed she would show up before this. Afraid to disturb, she walked around to his private office and peeked inside the door.

“Come all the way in.”

Her husband had spotted her. Now he was on his feet behind his large oak desk looking very much like the CEO in a pale blue silk suit. She felt his scrutiny as she made her way over to him.

“I’m so sorry I’m late,” she began.

“Don’t apologize. You needed your sleep.”

“Thank you for the delicious breakfast. I loved it.”

“Good. It’s about time I did something considerate for my wife for a change.”

Her stunned blue gaze flew to his. “What are you talking about?” she cried. “I’m so spoiled now, it’s pathetic. You’ve treated me like a princess from the moment we met. It’s time I started my training. What would you like me to do first?”

His gaze had narrowed on her mouth, distracting her. “Come with me.” He walked around his desk and grasped her hand. When she realized where he was headed, she pulled back.

“If you want me to take notes of your meeting, I don’t know shorthand.”

“You have a very antiquated idea of what a secretary does these days. We already have a device that records everything and prints it.”

“Then I don’t understand why you want me to go in there.”

“Because I’m asking you,” he stated quietly. “Is that a good enough reason?”

His question made chaos of her emotions, but she had said she would try to be a good secretary. “Yes. Of course.”

“I’m glad that’s settled.”

He shifted his hand to her shoulder and ushered her into the boardroom. A sea of faces she recognized from the reception turned to look at her. One by one they smiled and nodded as Ben led her to the head of the table.

“Gentlemen? You’ve all met my new bride, Terri. If you recall at our reception, she gave a speech in which she alluded to some oversights having to do with the Atlantis.

“This morning I’ve asked her in her capacity as the head of our new chamber of commerce to give us her perspective on several issues she deems of vital importance.”

He gave her shoulder a squeeze. “Take all the time you need.”

CHAPTER TEN

RARELY in her life had Terri been at a loss for words.

Thirty billionaires of every nationality who were the brains of megacorporations sat there politely waiting for her to speak.

When she’d found certain items lacking in the brochure and had voiced her opinion, she never realized just how deeply she’d hurt Ben. She assumed this was his way of letting her know she’d scarred him.

What better method of retribution than to throw her into the deep end among his colle

agues, then sit by and watch her try to save herself.

How horrible last night must have been for him. Under the circumstances it would have taken every bit of will-power to tolerate kissing her hand. To think she’d been waiting for him to crush her mouth in long suppressed passion.