A Very Exclusive Engagement

“Now about the gala,” she continued. “I’ve got most everything in place. Ticket sales have gone well and our sponsorship will see to it that it’s the best year we’ve had yet. You’ll need to make sure your tuxedo goes to the cleaners.”

Liam made a note on his blotter so he wouldn’t forget to ask Jessica about that later. “Check.”

“And write a speech.”

“What’s that?” Liam looked up, his brow furrowed. He didn’t like public speaking. As a matter of fact, he hated it. Avoided it at all costs and had since prep school debate class. Not even his aunt’s declaration of mandatory matrimony made his stomach turn the way approaching a crowd of people with a microphone could do. There was a reason he preferred to be behind the camera instead of in front of it.

“As the major event sponsor, it’s your job to give the evening’s welcome speech and encourage everyone to donate well and often.”

“I don’t remember Graham ever doing that.” He tried to remember the times he’d gone. Maybe Graham did speak, but Liam was far too interested in his date for the evening to pay much attention. “Shouldn’t that be the responsibility of the Youth in Crisis people?”

Francesca’s red lips turned up with a touch of amusement. He must look like a damn deer in the headlights. “They do speak but not for long. Graham did it every year. And without bellyaching, I might add.”

Liam grumbled under his breath and made another note to write a speech. This wasn’t in their original agreement, but he could make concessions. Sleeping with him wasn’t in their agreement either, but that had worked out splendidly. He would get something out of this. “Fine. I’ll write a speech. But you’ll have to go out to dinner with me tonight then.”

“Why?”

Liam leaned across the desk, his most seductive gaze focused on her. “Because I’m going to ply you with sushi and expensive sake, and once you’re drunk, I’m going to…talk you into letting me off the hook or writing the speech for me.”

Francesca laughed. “I’m no speechwriter. But you do have several in your employ. I suggest you bribe them instead.”

That wasn’t a bad idea. Being a media mogul had its perks. If only he could get one of his news anchors to deliver the speech, too. He made another note on his blotter. “Does that mean you don’t want to have sushi with me tonight?”

“I do. And I will. But first I have a president to cajole and a charity ball to throw.” She got up from her chair and leaned down to give him a goodbye kiss.

This time, because they were alone, Liam wasn’t about to let her get away with just a peck. When she leaned down to him, he quickly reached for her and tugged her waist to him. She stumbled in her heels and fell into his lap. He clamped his arms around her so she couldn’t get away.

Before she could complain, his lips found hers. He really enjoyed kissing her. He enjoyed kissing women in general, but there was something about Francesca’s lips that beckoned him to return to them as soon as he could. Maybe it was the way she clung to him. Or the soft sighs and moans against his mouth. Maybe it was the taste of her—like a sweet, creamy sip of coffee. But he couldn’t get enough of her.

Francesca indulged him for as long as she could, then pulled away. “I’ve got to get to work,” she insisted, untangling herself from his arms. She straightened her skirt and rubbed her fingers along the edge of her lips to check for smeared lipstick.

“You look beautiful,” he assured her. And she did. Dressed up, not dressed at all, perfectly styled or fresh from bed. He liked it all.

Liam wanted to tug her into his lap again and maybe make better use of his desk than he had since he’d moved into this office. But Francesca wouldn’t hear of it—he could tell. As it was, that kiss guaranteed she would be on his mind all day. He probably wouldn’t be able to focus on anything until after dinner, when he could get his hands on her again. But it had been worth it.

“You can flatter me all you want, but you’re not getting out of this speech, Liam.” She pulled away and sauntered out of his office, closing his door behind her.

Liam sat in his chair for a moment after she left. If he breathed deeply, the scent of her rose perfume still lingered in his office. Was there anything about this woman he didn’t like?

He thought for a moment, then shook his head. Not yet. He’d been physically attracted to her the moment he laid eyes on her, but getting to know her had made the attraction that much stronger. She was beautiful. And smart. And thoughtful.