She’s the ultimate temptation

In high school, Naomi Brooks had a major crush on Lucius Knight—much like every other girl. So it’s oh-so-satisfying to have the sexy corporate raider eager to buy her organic-products company years later. This man doesn’t know how to lose. And he’s making it clear that he wants Naomi’s business as well as her body...

Even when Naomi was a rough-and-tumble tomboy, Lucius was drawn to her. Now that she’s bold, sexy and confident, she’s even more alluring. He’s willing to play dirty to convince her that a liaison can be mutually beneficial in and out of the bedroom. But that gamble, and an explosive family secret, might cost him the only conquest that truly matters: her heart.

“Why don’t we stop playing games? Let’s quit acting like there isn’t a mutual attraction sizzling between us.”

“There is no attraction,” Naomi threw back at him caustically.

“Don’t deny it. The chemistry has been there from the moment we met.”

“Only a rich, arrogant millionaire intent on getting his greedy hands all over my company would say that.” She rose from the chair she was seated in. “Neither I nor my company is for sale, Lucius.”

She stalked out of the lounge with as much dignity as she could muster given that he was partly right. There was something there between them. She had to be on her guard with Lucius at all times. She couldn’t—wouldn’t—fall prey to his charms like most of the women he encountered.

She was in the elevator and the doors had nearly shut when Lucius caught up to her and worked them open with his large hands before stepping inside.

They were alone in the elevator.

He walked purposely toward her, and Naomi automatically shrank back a couple of steps. But when she did, her back hit the wall—not a good position to be in with a dangerously sexy man like Lucius.

Dear Reader,

I came up with the Knights of Los Angeles series after watching the television show Empire. I loved the name Lucius and the family dynamic of brother against brother, and thus the idea for Taming Her Tycoon was born.

This book focuses on corporate raider Lucius Knight’s quest to learn his parentage. When he does, it will rock his world. All the while, Lucius has his eye on former tomboy turned businesswoman Naomi Brooks. He wants the lady and her organic-products company, but can he convince her that mixing business and pleasure would be oh-so-satisfying? The series will conclude with his brother Maximus Knight’s fight to retain his empire.

My next book, Miami After Hours, will be available June 2017. In the meantime, feel free to visit my website at www.yahrahstjohn.com or write me at yahrah@yahrahstjohn.com for more info.

Best wishes,

Yahrah St. John

Taming Her Tycoon

Yahrah St. John

www.millsandboon.co.uk

YAHRAH ST. JOHN is the author of twenty-two books, fifteen of which are under Harlequin Kimani Romance. Yahrah hails from the windy city of Chicago, where she earned a bachelor of arts degree in English from Northwestern University. She currently resides in the beautiful city of sunny Orlando. Yahrah was nominated for an RT Reviewers’ Choice Award in 2011 for Two to Tango and was the winner of an RT Reviewers’ Choice Award in 2013 for A Chance with You.

St. John is a member of Romance Writers of America, but is an avid reader of all genres. She enjoys Broadway shows and concerts, reading, cooking, traveling and watching professional basketball, and she is an adventure sport enthusiast. But her true passion remains writing. For more information, please visit www.yahrahstjohn.com.

To my friends and colleagues Mary Dillard, Alana Guinard and Mica Reinhardt for providing an ear when I needed a sounding board.

Contents

Cover

Back Cover Text

Introduction

Dear Reader

Title Page

About the Author

Dedication

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Chapter 6

Chapter 7

Chapter 8

Chapter 9

Chapter 10

Chapter 11

Chapter 12

Chapter 13

Chapter 14

Chapter 15

Chapter 16

Chapter 17

Chapter 18

Chapter 19

Chapter 20

Epilogue

Extract

Copyright

Chapter 1

“I want Brooks and Johnson,” Lucius Knight told his lawyer and best friend, Adam Powell, as the two sparred in the boxing ring of their favorite gym on a Wednesday afternoon. It was one of Lucius’s favorite pastimes when he needed to blow off some steam, and today was one of those days.

“I know. I’ve been acquiring the shares like you asked, but why?” Adam inquired as he squared off against his six-foot-two friend.

Lucius put his gloves down and looked him in the eye. “Does it matter? I want it.”

“Yeah, it does,” Adam said. “I’ve never seen you so focused on a company before. Why is it so important to you?”

Lucius couldn’t tell Adam the real reason he was interested in Brooks and Johnson, an organic retail company, was its cofounder Naomi Brooks. Known for his playboy lifestyle, Lucius hadn’t been able to settle for anyone or anything, let alone a woman. But Naomi Brooks was different. He liked her story. She was a no-nonsense type of woman, a real do-gooder who not only believed in what she was selling—organic products that ranged from shampoos and conditioners to body lotion—but had also become successful in her own right. Who would have thought that the nerdy sophomore with the boyish figure and acne problems who followed him around during his senior year in high school would someday turn her basement business into a national success story?

Lucius understood that kind of determination.

Because he’d done the same thing. A reformed bad boy turned businessman, Lucius had experienced a chaotic relationship with his mother and had chosen to live with his grandmother in the Rose Park neighborhood of Long Beach.

Adjusting to the neighborhood and being a loner hadn’t been easy for Lucius. He’d rebelled and gotten into trouble often in school. Eventually, he’d met Adam, and a friendship that would last decades had been formed. Lucius had gone on to obtain an MBA before investing in his first business venture, an up-and-coming technology firm. The gamble paid off, and he’d made his first million before he was thirty. And thanks to his shrewd sense for recognizing opportunities, he’d formed Knight International and was now a wealthy tycoon with holdings across multiple industries.

“Hey, hey.” Adam waved a gloved hand in front of Lucius, jolting him from looking back down memory lane.

“You do that again and you’ll get knocked out,” Lucius joked, effectively ending their conversation about Brooks and Johnson.

“I doubt that.” Adam gave him a jab in the side. “Who do you think taught you how to fight?”

Lucius answered with a blow of his own to Adam’s middle. “You did. But as in the stories of old, sometimes the student becomes the teacher.”

Adam laughed heartily. “We’ll see about that.”

The two men continued to spar for another hour before they finally took a break. The gym along Santa Fe Avenue was starting to fill up with locals, which signaled it was time for Lucius to roll. Even though he still liked coming to the old neighborhood because it reminded him of days gone past, Lucius also knew the hundred he’d paid to the kid outside to watch his Bentley to ensure no one would scratch it wouldn’t last too much longer.

“How about a beer?” Adam said as they jumped down from the ring and walked toward the benches where their gym bags were.

Lucius smiled as he reached for a towel to wipe the perspiration from his forehead. “After a shower, you’re on.”

* * *

“Kelsey, whatever you’re cooking up smells wonderful,” Naomi Brooks said from her bar stool as she watched her business partner and best friend, Kelsey Johnson, stir a fragrant concoction on the stove of her four-bedroom home in Belmont Shore that afternoon.

Kelsey shrugged her shoulders, tossing her blond curls. “It just kind of came to me. I’ve been stirring this pot for an hour trying to get the consistency just right.”

“In your condition—” Naomi eyed Kelsey’s growing belly “—you don’t need the extra exertion. Plus, we have a development team that handles new creations for us.”

Kelsey turned from the stove to face Naomi. “I’m only six months pregnant, not completely fragile. And I kind of miss the days when it was just the two of us toiling away on our new business.”

Naomi nodded. She remembered those days, too. How could she forget? She and Kelsey had had the bright idea of starting an organic-products business eight years ago due to the sensitive skin and allergies they had in common. Naomi had suffered terribly in high school with bad acne. It had just been a notion, but soon they were in the kitchen testing out their ideas. Their parents had thought they were crazy. They’d just received their four-year liberal arts degrees and now their daughters wanted to start a new business with no experience?

They’d shown them.

Naomi and Kelsey had researched the hell out of the organic industry and slowly started building their brand. They initially sold candles, shower gels and bubble baths from Kelsey’s apartment. Word of mouth about their little business began to spread in the local community, especially when they began attending farmer’s markets. Soon, they were expanding to include shampoos and conditioners. And once their business hit a stride, they could no longer make their products out of Kelsey’s apartment. There had been some serious discussion about the next steps for their growing business. They’d also decided that selling online rather than going retail was the best way to promote and market their products.

It worked.

Their online presence had quadrupled their sales, causing the need for an office and a manufacturer who could distribute their growing product line. Once they’d topped several hundred million in revenue, they’d moved forward with an IPO and gone public, putting 49 percent of their shares on the open market but retaining 51 percent. It was important that they maintained majority interest in their company.

Naomi glanced at Kelsey. It was hard to believe just how far they’d come. “It was just the two of us for a long time,” she finally commented wistfully. But times had changed. Especially when Kelsey had two miscarriages and had a difficult pregnancy with her first child, Bella. Since then, Kelsey had opted to work from home, only coming into the office when needed.

“I know.” Kelsey stirred the concoction in the pot. “But having this second baby is making me reevaluate things and think about what’s more important.”

Naomi frowned. She didn’t like where this conversation was going. “What do you mean?”

Kelsey sighed heavily. “I’m thinking about whether I want to stay in the business.”

Naomi jumped off her bar stool and walked over to Kelsey at the stove. “Why? I don’t understand? Where is this coming from? Is Owen putting pressure on you to quit?”

Kelsey stepped away. “He would rather I focus on our growing family and he has encouraged me to sell. He thinks the stress of pregnancy and working full-time has taken a toll on my body. And he’s right, to a degree, but I’m torn. Brooks and Johnson means a lot to me, but...” Her voice trailed off.

“But what?”

“I don’t know. It’s just not the same anymore like when we first started out. Some of the joy has gone out of it.”

“Because we’re successful?” Naomi inquired. “It’s what we’ve always wanted, what we worked so hard for.” She turned away and walked over to the sink and grabbed both sides with her hands. “Or at least I thought so.”

Several seconds later, she felt Kelsey’s hands on her shoulders. “Don’t be mad, okay? I’m just being honest and telling you how I feel. Just like I did when I first met you and saw you needed a little help in the beauty department.”

Naomi chuckled and turned around to stare at Kelsey. At five foot four, Kelsey’s petite figure was still recognizable even though she was expecting, due to a regime of vegan food, yoga and Pilates. “Don’t sugarcoat it now. I believe you called me a hot mess.”

Both women laughed.

“Well, you were,” Kelsey responded with a grin. “You had acne and you wore your hair in a ponytail, and the clothes...” She snorted. “You were straight out of the ’90s. You wore those baggy jeans and plaid shirts. It was no wonder you couldn’t get a date.”

Naomi rolled her eyes.

“Now look at you.” Kelsey eyed Naomi’s figure up and down. “Your skin is clear and bright from using the proper facial products. And you finally listened to me telling you relaxers were killing your good hair, so it looks healthy now.”

Naomi fingered the soft spiral curls that reached her shoulders and complemented her long face. She’d fought Kelsey in the beginning about going natural, but the look suited her. Though it had taken some practice and a good stylist to learn how to work her natural curls into coil and twist styles, she’d mastered it. “Yeah well, I’ll give you that one.”

“And?” Kelsey countered. “Look at your clothes? We finally found your style—bohemian chic.”

Naomi was wearing a bat-wing sweater with distressed jeans, fringed boots and clunky jewelry adorning her ears, neck and wrists. She was finally learning to show off her killer size-four figure. “I can’t thank you enough,” Naomi replied, “for taking in such a socially inept, fashionless woman as myself, but that still doesn’t change the fact that you’re ready to bail on our business after all we’ve endured.”

Kelsey stirred the mixture on the stove one more time before turning off the burner. She was quiet for several long moments before responding. “You know I love you, Naomi, but my priorities have changed. I have to put my family first. But listen, I’ll give this some more thought before making any decisions.”

Naomi gave her a bear hug. “Thank you. That’s all I could ask. But while you’re figuring things out I’ll be doing the same. Perhaps I can buy your shares.”

“Naomi, that would be a steep sum and a lot of responsibility. Can you afford it and are you really ready to take on all the responsibility?”

“I don’t know, but I have to find out,” Naomi replied. Because although Kelsey posed some good questions to give Naomi pause, she had to do something. Otherwise, the future of Brooks and Johnson, a company they both started, was in jeopardy.

* * *

After showering at the gym, Lucius and Adam headed to a local gentlemen’s club they liked to frequent. The service was top-notch and the scantily clad women that delivered them their drinks more than made up for the overpriced menu.

“Ah.” Lucius sipped on his scotch neat and leaned back in the lounge chair to face Adam. “I needed this after that workout.”

“Yeah.” Adam nodded. “Seems like you had some steam to let off today. What gives?”

Lucius shrugged. “It’s nothing.” He wasn’t altogether keen on talking about the real reason for his bad mood.

His mother, Jocelyn Turner.

“Bull,” Adam stated. “I know when you have something on your mind.”

Lucius frowned at Adam. He could always read Lucius even though outsiders never could. Lucius strove to always have a poker face in his business dealings. Most people never knew what was going on in his mind, and he liked it that way. It kept people off-kilter and gave him the element of surprise, which he needed when deciding whether to take over or dismantle a company.

But Adam knew him too well.

“It’s Jocelyn,” he replied. “She’s coming to town.” His grandmother Ruby had told him his jet-setting socialite mother would be stopping in for one of her semiannual trips.

“Oh.” Adam nodded his head thoughtfully. “That explains it. How long is she staying?”

“Don’t know. Don’t care.”

Why should he? Jocelyn Turner had never cared about him. He’d had countless nannies before she’d finally sent him to a junior boarding school at the age of nine, and he’d acted out accordingly, so she’d handed him over to his grandmother. And bless her heart, his grandma done right by him. She’d brought Lucius to live with her in Long Beach and tried to instill good values in him, but Lucius had always known he was an afterthought.

His mother didn’t want him, and his father? Hell, he didn’t even know who he was, and Jocelyn refused to tell him no matter how many times he asked or pleaded. Lucius had begun to suspect that his father was a married man. So what did that make his mother?

At a young age, he’d learned to harden his heart and toughen up. It was a lesson that had served him well in life and in business. Of course, it also happened to get him in a lot of trouble as a teenager. His grandmother had been called constantly because he was getting in fights or being suspended from school. Lucius had gotten something of a reputation in high school as a bad boy because he rebelled against authority. Meeting Adam had changed his life and shown him he wasn’t as alone as he’d felt in the world.

“I don’t think that’s true,” Adam interrupted Lucius’s musings. “It’s because you care. Every time your mother visits, you get riled up.”

Lucius took a long drink of his scotch. “That’s not true.”

“Do you remember the last time she was here? You were so out of sorts that it nearly cost us that Corinth deal because you insulted the man right when he’d agreed to not fight you on the takeover.”

“Yeah, well, he deserved it,” Lucius commented, even though he knew Adam was right. His hotheadedness was one of his flaws. “Speaking of takeovers, let’s talk about Brooks and Johnson.”

“Ah, are you ready to tell me why you’re so interested in the company?”

“Have you seen the numbers they’ve been bringing in?” Lucius commented. “They’ve grown steadily over the last three years, and their revenue is impressive and can double now that they’ve been public for a few months. And I’ve learned that one of the principals might be open to selling. So we should strike while the iron is hot.”

“Kelsey Johnson or Naomi Brooks?” Adam inquired. “Why would either of them sell?”

Lucius rubbed his chin. “Didn’t the dossier on Kelsey Johnson say she’s pregnant with child number two? She could be thinking of downsizing and focusing on her family. That could be our in.”

Adam leaned back in his chair. “I would think business is the last thing on her mind.”

“We need to convince her that now is the right time to sell.”

“And what about Brooks?”

“Let me handle her,” Lucius said. He was eager to reconnect with his high school classmate and see how the once nerdy kid he remembered had turned the tables and become a successful entrepreneur. He’d also seen a picture of her recently, and she’d blossomed into a fine-looking woman. A woman he wouldn’t mind getting to know better.

* * *

“You should be aware that Lucius Knight has been silently buying up Brooks and Johnson’s stock since the IPO,” Bill Andrews, Naomi’s vice president, told her the next morning after they went over some company business.

Naomi was leaving for Anaheim later that afternoon because she wanted to get a jump on traffic leaving Long Beach. She would check in to the hotel, pick up her registration packet and get settled before the trade show and conference started tomorrow. But first, she’d come into the office to take care of a few items. She hadn’t expected Bill to tell her that corporate raider Lucius Knight, her former high school crush, was interested in her company.

“Since when?” Naomi asked, staring up from her MacBook.

“A couple of months ago,” Bill responded. “At first I dismissed it, but then Knight International recently picked up another 5 percent, making his total stake in the company 30 percent.”

Naomi closed her MacBook. “That’s not good.”

“No, it isn’t,” Bill said. “Every time Lucius Knight sets his sights on a company, he either dismantles them or they wind up as part of his portfolio.”

“But why would he be interested in us?” Naomi asked. “We’re a far cry from his other holdings.” She too had done her research on the man. Ever since college, she’d kept her eye on her former crush—Knight International had a mix of industries in its portfolio, but they were mainly centered on technology.

Bill shrugged. “He could be looking to diversify. And given the success of Brooks and Johnson, he could get in on the ground floor. I received a call from his attorney Adam Powell—he’d like a meeting with you.”

“A meeting?” Naomi hated that her voice hitched and the question came out more like a squeak.

“How would you like to handle it?”

“Ignore it,” Naomi responded. “I’m not interested in talking to Lucius about my company or anything else.”

Bill stared at her.

“What?” she snapped. She knew Lucius was a large shareholder, but she didn’t care. “Why are you looking at me like that?”

“Because I haven’t seen you this passionate before unless perhaps we’re talking about a new product or launch.”

“Well...well, I just don’t like the thought of Knight thinking he can railroad me or my company. I’m no one’s pushover.”

“Never thought you were, Naomi,” Bill replied. “What you and Kelsey were able to accomplish is phenomenal.”

Naomi’s burst of anger fizzled, and she smiled back at Bill. “I’m sorry if I was a little abrupt,” she said. “I just get angry at the thought of someone trying to take something I worked so hard to build.”

“We won’t let that happen, Naomi. But he’s a major shareholder now.”

“I’m aware, Bill.” She began packing her computer and some work files into her leather briefcase. When she was done, she snapped it shut and reached for her purse inside a drawer. “However, I trust that you’ll keep the hounds at bay at least while I’m at the conference. When I get back, we’ll address this.” She started toward the door.

“Absolutely, boss.”

“I’ll see you when I get back.” Seconds later she was headed toward the elevator lobby.

She stabbed at the down button as she waited for the elevator.

Lucius Knight wanted her company? Her baby? Hell, no. There was no way she was going to let the man—no matter how good-looking—weasel his way in and take over everything she’d built. She would show him and every other local who’d discounted her in high school and thought she was less than just how strong she’d truly become.

Chapter 2

“Grandma.” Lucius softened his tone when he heard his grandmother’s voice on the other end of his iPhone. “It’s so good to hear from you.”

“I hope that remains the case when you hear what I have to say,” she replied.

“I could never be angry with you, Grandma.” He loved the older woman with all his heart. She’d been the only mother he’d ever known and the only person who loved him unconditionally, except maybe Adam. “What’s going on?”

“I spoke with your mother today.”

“And?”

“Don’t act dense, Lucius. It doesn’t suit you,” she responded. “She said you haven’t returned her calls.”

“I know.”

“Well, when do you intend to?”

Lucius snorted. He hated the reproachful tone in her voice. He counted from one to three to remind himself to remain respectful. Grandma Ruby deserved it. She hadn’t had to take him in when he was a young boy. She’d raised all her children. Three, to be exact—his mother, Jocelyn, his aunt, Deborah, and his uncle, Troy. But she had taken him in. And she’d been in his corner ever since.

He finally responded. “Soon.”

“I wish you two would try to get along,” his grandmother said. “It takes so much energy to hold on to all the bad blood.”

“Have you told her this?” Lucius asked. “The only thing I’ve ever asked of that woman is tell me who my father is. And to this day, even though I’m thirty-four, nearly thirty-five years old, she refuses to tell me.”

“Perhaps some things are best left unsaid.”

Lucius was silent. He’d always wondered if his grandmother knew the truth, but she’d point-blank told him that if she did, she would tell him.

When he continued to remain silent, his grandmother said, “I have to go. I’m heading to the grocery store, but do go and see your mother, Lucius. You might regret one day that you never resolved things between you. Promise me you will.”

He was being guilt-tripped and he didn’t like it. “All right, Grandma. For you, I’ll make the effort. Satisfied?”

“Immensely. Love you, Lucius.”

“Love you, too, Grandma.” Lucius ended the call and sat back against the plush cushions of the limousine. He knew she meant well, but her meddling in his and Jocelyn’s relationship wouldn’t help the situation. He would never see eye to eye with his mother until she was honest with him about who he was.

Until then, they’d always be at an impasse.

* * *

Naomi was excited as she checked in to the Anaheim Hilton. A valet immediately greeted her when she disembarked from her car and took care of her baggage while she checked in to the hotel.

She glanced around and took in the modern decor done in beiges and dark wood. It was classic yet modern. It would serve as a good backdrop for the natural products expo where she hoped to get Brooks and Johnson even more into the public consciousness. She wanted people to start using their products, which were now inclusive of not only personal care products, but home cleaning products and a new baby line as well.

The baby line was Kelsey’s brainchild. It was still in its early stages but included baby washes and baby powders. They would soon expand to include diapers, rash cream and wipes. Naomi was just as passionate about having organic products for her goddaughter, Bella, and her soon-to-arrive godson, Caden.

With Lucius Knight circling like a vulture, Naomi just hoped that she could convince Kelsey not to sell her shares so they retained majority interest in the company they’d built.

“Good afternoon, Ms. Brooks,” the front desk attendant greeted her. “Great to have you back with us again.”

Naomi smiled. “Thank you. I’m glad to be back.”

“I can’t tell you enough how much I love the Brooks and Johnson body wash and lotion line. It’s done wonders for my skin.” The attendant caressed her cheek.

Naomi beamed with pride. This was exactly what she liked to hear when meeting customers. “Glad to hear it!”

“We’ve put you in one of our signature suites, complete with a queen-size bed.” She handed Naomi two room key cards. “I sincerely hope you enjoy your stay, and if there’s anything else you need, please don’t hesitate to let me know.”

“Thank you, and I will.” Naomi accepted the envelope and headed for the elevator bank.

* * *

Just as Naomi entered the elevator, Lucius’s limousine pulled up to the Hilton’s entrance. Just as he’d promised his grandma Ruby, he’d called Jocelyn. Thankfully she hadn’t answered, so he’d left a message, giving him a reprieve from an unpleasant conversation.

The chauffeur opened the door of the limo, and Lucius stepped out, buttoning up his suit jacket as he entered the building. He was used to five-star establishments but knew that he needed to get in front of Naomi Brooks. He’d heard that she would be attending the expo, and the only way he could do that was to be as approachable as possible. Thus, he would stay in the same hotel with all the other attendees and exhibitors.

Content to handle business himself, he made short order of checking in. After obtaining his card, he headed for the elevator.

Some might consider his tactics a bit sneaky, but he needed to figure out Naomi Brooks. What were her strengths, her weaknesses? A smart businessman knew his opponent, because only then could he use the knowledge to his advantage. He was determined to add Brooks and Johnson to his portfolio. Having a company of that caliber under his wing would only lend itself to making Knight International more credible. He didn’t just want to be known as a corporate raider. He also wanted to be known as a man who stood for something, and this acquisition would give him credibility.

Disembarking from the elevator, Lucius headed to his two-bedroom suite. He glanced down the hall, wondering where Naomi was staying. It was just a matter of time before they met.

* * *

Naomi dressed simply yet professionally for the trade show and conference the next day. She’d knotted her wild curls into a bun off her face to show off her neck and cheekbones. Then she teamed a crisp three-quarter sleeved white shirt with a taupe pencil skirt and a thick brown belt with matching heeled sandals. She finished the look with a gold bangle set and long gold necklace. She glanced at herself in the mirror. The outfit was suitable for the office and could transition for an evening afterward.

She grabbed her briefcase and hobo purse and excitedly hurried toward the door. Fifteen minutes later, she’d already checked in with Brooks and Johnson’s event coordinator to make sure their booth was being set up and would be ready when the trade show opened later that afternoon. Assured that everything was under control, Naomi decided she could attend some of the workshops. Perhaps they might give her some inspiration?

She found one to her liking and headed to the right convention room. They were just starting, and there were many empty seats in the back of the room, so Naomi slid into one of them.

She was listening rapturously to the professor when she felt the seat beside her suddenly become occupied.

The scent of cedar washed over her nose as a strong thigh brushed against hers. Naomi’s breath hitched in her throat as she tried to focus on the lecture and not on the man sitting beside her. Whoever this stranger was, he smelled delicious, and Naomi couldn’t resist licking her lips.

“Good topic?” the deeply masculine voice asked from beside her.

Naomi didn’t turn around. She didn’t want to. For just a little bit longer she wanted to stay enveloped in his scent and let her imagination roam as she wondered who the owner of the rich masculine voice and sensual cologne was.

“Yes, it’s very timely,” she commented.

“Undoubtedly.”

Naomi frowned. The masculine voice beside her sounded familiar. Like she’d heard it dozens of times before, like when he’d told some bullies in high school to leave her alone. Except now the voice had matured and was stronger, more confident. Naomi turned and stared directly into the dark brown eyes of Lucius Knight.

* * *

Does she recognize me? Lucius wondered. Or does she just know of me? Is she aware I’m after her company?

Naomi didn’t speak for several seconds; she just eyed him warily before turning back to face the front of the room. He could feel her tense beside him almost immediately. He’d hoped their first meeting would be smoother. He prided himself on his ability to charm the socks off almost anyone, including most women, but it seemed Naomi wasn’t interested.

Instead of replying to his earlier comment, she continued to focus on the lecture until the hour was complete. When it was over, Naomi rose and so did Lucius. “So where are you headed?”

She glanced over her shoulder at him. “To gather info and maybe learn something like everyone else.” And without another word, she left his side and walked up the aisle to speak with the professor. Lucius had no choice but to take action.

He purposely walked toward the duo. “Professor Duvall, great talk,” Lucius said.

“Coming from you, Mr. Knight,” the professor said, “that’s quite a compliment.”

Naomi said nothing from his side. Lucius could see she was fuming, because he hadn’t taken the hint to take a hike. “Lucius Knight.” He turned to her and offered his hand.

She would have to shake it if she didn’t want to appear unprofessional. When she did, Lucius was surprised by the reaction he felt when their hands touched. There was a spark, but she also didn’t offer her name. Instead, she snatched back her hand.

“I’m eager to hear more, professor. Perhaps we can have coffee sometime later?” Lucius reached inside his suit jacket and produced his business card. “Call me.” He nodded to the professor and strode purposely toward the door. He’d accomplished what he’d intended. Naomi knew he wouldn’t be ignored.

Lucius stepped away to take an emergency call from Adam about another acquisition and missed the next few lectures and a chance to catch up with Naomi.

After he’d put out the fire and grabbed some lunch, he was ready for the trade show that opened at 3:00 p.m. He showed his badge and was allowed entry into the show. He was perusing many of the exhibit booths that ranged from agriculture and beauty to fitness products when a certain curly-haired updo caught his attention.

Naomi.

Lucius made a beeline in her direction.

She was bent down, smelling some cocoa beans, when he approached.

“Smell something you like?”

* * *

You, Naomi thought when Lucius’s familiar scent drifted toward her. He probably tasted just as sweet as one of the organic milk chocolates in front of her. Why did she have to run into him now? She wasn’t ready and hadn’t had enough time to put on all her armor. Nor was she in any way prepared for the depth of the attraction she’d felt at the merest touch of his hand earlier.

It had startled her. That now, nearly sixteen years later, Lucius Knight would still have an effect on her. She was no young ingenue anymore.

“Did you hear me?”

Naomi blinked several times, bringing Lucius back into focus. “Excuse me?”

“I asked if you smelled something you like.” He inclined his head to the cache of cocoa beans she was holding.

“Oh, yes, it has some interesting notes that might work well for one of my product lines.”

“You own your own business?”

Naomi rolled her eyes. Really? Were they really going to play this game? Well, if he wanted to act like he didn’t know who she was, she would do the same. “Yes, I do. I own a line of organic personal and home care products, among other things.”

“So this expo is right up your alley.”

“Yes, and you? Why are you here?” Naomi realized her question was blunt, but it was to the point.

Lucius smiled but answered. “I own a variety of businesses and am interested in expanding my reach. The rise of organic products and healthy living has really caused me to evaluate what I want to venture into next.”

“Sounds reasonable.” Naomi handed the beans back to the exhibitor and began moving to the next table.

Much to her chagrin, Lucius followed. “How long have you been in business?”

“Eight years.”

“Impressive. Not many start-up businesses make it past the first year.”

Naomi shrugged. “We had a lot of support from the community. And you? How did you get your start?”

Lucius stared at her sideways. He seemed surprised by the question but answered her anyway. “I had a knack for determining companies worth investing in.”

“How vague,” Naomi replied.

An amused smile crossed his face as he looked down at her. And Naomi swallowed, shifting uncomfortably in her sandals.

A strange invisible pull was between them, and Naomi didn’t like it. Nor did she like the way Lucius stared at her like he wanted to gobble her up with a spoon or something. What was happening between them? It didn’t make any sense. She hadn’t seen him since she was fifteen years old, when he’d graduated from high school. She shouldn’t be feeling this way. Not again. And not now. Not when Lucius wanted to take away something very precious to her.

“I have to go.” She walked to another table several feet away.

“Why?” Lucius asked to her retreating back. “I thought we were finally getting somewhere.”

“Oh, yeah? Where was that?”

“If we’re both lucky, to a bedroom.”

His arrogant and shameless words caused Naomi to turn on her heel to face him. “What did you just say?”

Lucius’s smile was devastatingly handsome and also a bit devilish as he walked toward her. “You heard me. But if you want to act like you didn’t feel what I felt when we touched earlier or just now, I’ll bite and play the game.”

“Of all the nerve.” Naomi refused to even give what he said credence—even though he was right. If the simplest of touches could cause that kind of reaction, it was obvious there was something underlying, but Naomi wouldn’t be acknowledging it. Instead, she turned and walked away.

“Naomi, Naomi.” She heard her name being called and could see Alexis, her intern, waving her over to the Brooks and Johnson table. When she’d hired the interns, she’d told them that they were all on a first-name basis and could call her Naomi.

“No need to yell, Alexis,” Naomi said when she arrived. Her salespeople were already occupied with other customers, so Naomi headed straight for her. “What can I do for you?”

“Well, this gentleman wants to know how they might go about carrying our products at his stores,” Alexis replied with a smile.

Naomi smiled and hid her purse under the table. Now this man she could handle and knew what to do with. She immediately started explaining Brooks and Johnson’s mission statement and how they would be a great addition to his business. It didn’t take long for the man to hand her his card and tell her he’d be in touch to talk terms.

“That went wonderfully,” Naomi said five minutes later to Alexis, who was standing avidly by, soaking it all in.

“How’d you do that?” the young woman asked. They’d hired her to help with the trade show and she was still green.

“Experience,” Naomi replied. “Don’t worry, the more you’re exposed to these types of environments, the more you’ll learn.”

Applause sounded from behind Naomi. She didn’t need to know who was praising her. Lucius. The man refused to go away. He was like a puppy nipping at her heels.

“I couldn’t have said it better myself, Naomi Brooks,” Lucius responded. He held out his hand. “Pleasure to officially meet you.”

Chapter 3

Naomi thought about leaving Lucius hanging, but since she was in front of her intern, who looked to her as a mentor, Naomi had no choice but to accept the handshake. Lucius’s hand clasped her small one, and a ripple of excitement went up her spine at touching him again. He studied her face, waiting for a reaction.

Damn him!

She quickly released his hand and turned to her intern. “Alexis, I’d like you to meet—”

“Lucius Knight?” the girl finished. “Black Enterprise businessman of the year.”

“One and the same.” Lucius smiled broadly, and Naomi couldn’t fail to notice he had straight, pearly-white teeth. His charm hit the poor intern like a ton of bricks, and she blushed from ear to ear, her cheeks turning red.

“Oh, my God!” Alexis’s hand flew to her mouth. “It’s a pleasure to meet you.”

“You as well,” Lucius said and turned back to stare at Naomi. His eyes pierced hers, and Naomi felt her heart hammer foolishly in her chest. She hated that she was having such a reaction to his obvious interest in her. If this had been sixteen years ago when she’d loved his rebel-without-a-cause image, she would have welcomed it, but not today.

“You could learn a lot from this woman,” she caught Lucius saying. “Naomi and her partner started this company from nothing and have grown into a multi billion-dollar enterprise, or so I’ve heard, while I’ve just gambled on the right companies.”

“Clearly your gambles paid off,” Naomi responded.

Lucius laughed heartily. And Naomi had to admit she liked the sound of it. “They usually do.”

“Arrogant,” Naomi muttered underneath her breath.

“What was that?” Lucius asked.

“Oh, nothing,” Naomi said. “Alexis, I’m going to get back to the trade show. The salespeople are available—” she motioned to her sales team, who’d finished with their customers “—as am I if you need me again, all right?”

“Sure thing, Naomi.” Alexis smiled.

Naomi retrieved her purse and started toward the other table, but stopped. “Are you coming?” she asked Lucius. Since it was obvious she wasn’t going to shake him, she might as well try to use his interest to find out more about what he had in store for Brooks and Johnson.

His face creased into a sudden smile. “Love to.”

* * *

Lucius was happy that Naomi softened toward him as the afternoon progressed. If she’d kept the hardened stance from earlier this morning, he would have his work cut out for him. But this more laid-back Naomi was more his speed. And if he played his cards right, their relationship would be more than just business.

When he’d seen her sitting there in the workshop, he couldn’t believe his luck. It was an opening for him to get to know Naomi and how she’d changed from awkward teenager to brilliant businesswoman. He hadn’t found out everything he wanted to know about Brooks and Johnson that afternoon, but he enjoyed her company. Perhaps it was because he found Naomi extremely attractive.

A luscious mane of spiral curls was piled atop her head, allowing him full view of her delicate neck and shoulders. Or was it the way she carried herself now? She was more confident and assured in that pencil skirt that hugged all the right places. The white shirt, though professional, gave him just a hint of cleavage that he was dying to find out what secrets were underneath.

Lucius didn’t know this version of Naomi Brooks. He remembered a gangly teenager who was so socially awkward the students in their high school made fun of her. He’d protected her once when a gang of bullies razzed her. Adam probably thought he didn’t remember, but he had. She’d looked so small and innocent back then, unable to take care of herself.

But this new Naomi Brooks was a force to be reckoned with. Lucius had a feeling that a takeover of her company wouldn’t be as easy as he’d thought. Naomi wasn’t just going to lie down and roll over. She was going to fight him, but Lucius was more than ready for the challenge.

“How about a cocktail?” Lucius asked when they’d both seen enough of the east wing of the trade show and everyone was starting to pack up for the end of the day.

“I don’t think so.”

“C’mon,” Lucius said. “What are you going to do? Go back to you room and order room service?”

Naomi chuckled, and Lucius suspected that was exactly what she was going to do. “Only if I get to take off this outfit and put on something more comfortable.”

Visions of Naomi naked sprang to Lucius’s mind, but he blinked them back. “Deal. How about I meet you downstairs in the lounge in fifteen minutes?”

“You’re on.”

* * *

Ten minutes later, Naomi paced her hotel room after she’d changed into jeans and a tank top and let down her hair. It was her usual attire after a long day, but the reason why wasn’t. Why had she agreed to a drink with Lucius? The man couldn’t be trusted. He’d already acted like he didn’t know who she was when she knew darn well he’d done his research on her. Did he remember they’d gone to high school together? Did he remember when she’d followed him like a lovesick puppy dog after he’d saved her from some bullies?

Of course he didn’t. He was Lucius Knight, international playboy and heart stealer. Why would he remember a gangly, pimple-faced teenage girl?

It was no wonder her heart had palpitated around him, because that was Lucius’s appeal. He reeled women in then tossed them aside when he was done. She’d read the tabloids, seen him with gaggles of beautiful women, models and actresses alike. Naomi wouldn’t become one of those women.

But those dark eyes. They seemed to look into her soul. And those lips...they were full and kissable.

Stop. Stop. Stop.

She had to remind herself that she was in control. Of her own destiny and her company’s fate. She would and could resist Lucius, even if he turned on his full charm, which she was sure he would do tonight. But she would be on her guard.

* * *

Lucius rose from his lounge chair when he saw Naomi enter the room. Damn, the woman was fine as hell! She made ripped jeans and a tank look like she was wearing the slinkiest dress ever. As she walked toward him, Lucius was aware of how the jeans rode low and snug around her hips. How the tank clung to her breasts, tapering down to her narrow waist. Lord almighty, he was in trouble.

“Naomi.” He pulled out her chair.

“Lucius.” She sat down and he joined her in the opposite chair.

“What can I get you to drink?” He motioned the nearby waiter over.

“I’ll have a pomegranate martini.”

He rattled off her order to the waiter and turned back to face her. “I like you in casual attire. It suits you.”

“More than my business attire?”

Lucius shook his head. “Not more than, just that you appear more yourself.”

“And how would you know that?” she countered.

He dodged her question. “Am I wrong?”

She laughed and leaned back in her chair. “No, I prefer jeans to suits and skirts, but it’s a necessary evil at times.”

“Agreed. So tell me, Naomi, how does someone as young and vibrant as you decide to take on starting her own business?”

Naomi shrugged. “It might have been a notion to some, but Kelsey and I—that’s my business partner,” she added, even though he already knew this information, “didn’t want a nine-to-five job. We wanted to be in charge of our own destiny.”

“I can understand that,” Lucius responded. “I wanted the same thing. To be my own man.”

“From the looks of it you succeeded,” Naomi replied.

“Wow. That sounds like an insult coming from you.”

Naomi shook her head. “Not an insult, just the truth. You’ve done quite well for yourself, Lucius Knight. Not only are you in the business magazines as a self-made millionaire, but you’re also in every gossip rag, thanks to your dalliances with beautiful women. Unlike most rich men, you’re not spoiled, but you definitely have their confidence and arrogance.”

“And I take it those are traits you don’t admire?”

“Quite the contrary. I admire confidence and believing in oneself.”

“But not my arrogance?”

Her brow rose. “Wasn’t it you who pretty much ordered me to meet you down here for a cocktail?”

“I didn’t order you. You were welcome to decline the invitation.”

“I doubt you would have taken no for an answer.”

He threw back his head and let out a peal of laughter. She was right. He wouldn’t have taken no for answer, not when he suspected that Naomi found him equally as attractive as he found her. “All right, Naomi. I suppose you’re right. Would it also surprise you to know that I knew who you were before we met?”

“Not at all. My vice president informed me of Knight International’s interest in my company.”

The waiter returned with their order and placed the drinks in front of them.

He noted her emphasis on the word my. Naomi knew of his desire to control Brooks and Johnson, which made her a formidable adversary. “So you’ve prejudged me? You should know my interest is not only professional, but personal.”

Naomi chuckled, reached for her drink and took a few calming sips before answering. “C’mon, the only reason you’re trying to charm me is so you can find out more information on Brooks and Johnson.”

“That’s not the only reason.” Lucius sat upright and leaned closer to her. His eyes caught and held hers over the circle of light from the votive candle on the table between them. His dark eyes bored into hers and spoke without words of his desire for her. She dropped her eyes under his intense scrutiny.

Naomi might be confident in business, but just then he’d seen a flash of the old Naomi. The sensitive, innocent Naomi who’d once admired him. Now, however, he didn’t want her admiration—he wanted her to want him.

* * *

Naomi couldn’t hold Lucius’s gaze and lowered her lashes. His eyes had darkened dangerously with what Naomi felt was akin to lust. His face was hard and lean, just like his body. A body that was emphasized by the wine-colored polo shirt that revealed his bulging biceps and black jeans that showed off his trim waist and long legs.

Naomi felt an unwelcome surge of excitement. Her body felt heavy and warm due to his unrelenting gaze. She reached for her drink, and Lucius caught her hand. Naomi’s pulse pounded at the smoldering flame in his eyes.

“Why don’t we stop playing games? Let’s quit acting like there isn’t a mutual attraction sizzling between us.”

“There is no attraction,” Naomi threw back at him caustically.

“Don’t deny it. The chemistry has been there from the moment we reconnected.”

“Only a rich, arrogant millionaire intent on getting his greedy hands all over my company would say that.” She rose from the chair she was seated in. “Neither I nor my company is for sale, Lucius.”

She stalked out of the lounge with as much dignity as she could muster given that he was partly right. There was something there between them. She had to be on her guard with Lucius at all times. She couldn’t—wouldn’t—fall prey to his charms like most of the women he encountered.

She was in the elevator and the doors had nearly shut when Lucius caught up to her and worked them open with his large hands before stepping inside.

They were alone in the elevator.

Lucius glanced at the elevator buttons. “We’re on the same floor, fate is bringing us together.”

Then he walked purposely toward her, and Naomi automatically shrank back a couple of steps. But when she did, her back hit the wall—not a good position to be with a dangerously sexy man like Lucius. His hands splayed on either side of her face, caging her in.

“You do want me,” Lucius countered, “even if you won’t admit it.” He reached for a strand of her hair and twirled it around his index finger. “How about we put your resolve to the test, hmm?”

Naomi caught the challenging gleam in his eye right before his lips descended on hers. Naomi thought the kiss would be hard, but it was soft, as were his lips. She’d always wondered what they’d taste like, and now she knew. He sipped at her lips until she gasped and a low moan escaped her lungs. Lucius used it to his advantage, demanding full entry between her lips at the same time his hands slipped from the wall to cup her bottom so he could press her to him.

Naomi felt his hard, flat stomach and his broad chest as he held her firmly to him. She also felt the swell of his erection that sprang to life against her stomach. His hands ran up and down her body, and Naomi trembled.

Lucius lifted his head long enough to stroke her hair back from where some had fallen around her face, his eyes searching hers for a sign to stop. Finding none, he lowered his mouth once more to engage hers. He kissed her top lip, wetting and nibbling it with his tongue before going to her bottom lip. He sucked on it voraciously, and Naomi felt her nipples become taut and expectant. Of what?

Of Lucius’s mouth on them?

The elevator doors suddenly opened, and Naomi sprang from his embrace as if they were two randy teenagers caught making out underneath the bleachers. The bellman smiled at them both and pressed the button for the next floor.

Clearly, he knew what they’d been up to.

Did she?

What had possessed her to kiss Lucius back? Naomi knew what Lucius wanted, and she had no intention of succumbing. And as soon as the bellman was gone, she would tell him so.

She didn’t have to. Once he’d disembarked two floors up, Lucius turned to her. “That was bad timing. I should have waited until we were in my room.”

“Your room?” Naomi asked. Her shoulders squared. “I’m not going anywhere with you.”

Lucius’s hand rubbed his neatly cropped head. “Really? Are you going to act like you didn’t enjoy that kiss just now? Like if that bellman hadn’t interrupted us, you wouldn’t have been mine for the taking?”

“Of all the...” Naomi stabbed at the elevator button. She couldn’t wait for her floor to arrive.

Lucius leaned back against the wood paneling inside the elevator, regarding her quizzically. He watched the rise and fall of her chest, and his gaze immediately dropped from her eyes to her breasts. Was he assessing their size? Did he prefer huge breasts to her B-cup ones?

His eyes returned back to her face, and she felt flushed. He couldn’t know what she was thinking, could he?

“All right, Naomi. I’m going to let you go tonight.”

“Let me go?”

He smiled at the challenging tone in her voice. “That’s right. Because, trust me, if I tried, I could seduce you into my bed tonight, but I won’t. I want you to come there willingly.”

“There is no way in hell that’s happening.”

The elevator chimed and doors opened, indicating it was their floor. She stepped out and turned around long enough to hear Lucius say, “We’ll see. We’ll see.”

Chapter 4

Naomi was in a foul mood the next morning for the final day of the conference. She hadn’t slept well, having tossed and turned due to the melodramatic threat Lucius made the previous evening. He’d made it clear that the inevitability of them becoming lovers was a foregone conclusion.

Was he right?

Naomi didn’t want him to be.

Or did she?

He was right in that they had chemistry in spades, but how could there not be when he stared at her like he was dying of thirst in the desert and she was his oasis? It was enough to put any red-blooded woman on alert.

Once she’d returned to her hotel room, her mind had gone haywire. The memory of Lucius kissing her, his tongue delving deep inside her mouth, the way her nipples had turned rock hard along with the telltale sign of wetness between her legs, tormented her. It had been shocking how turned on she was by one kiss from Lucius. Naomi’s face flamed at the realization she’d wanted him—or at least her body did.

Was this a sign that her former crush on Lucius had never gone away and instead had just been buried deep in the recesses of her mind until his kiss brought it forward?

Why did this have to happen now? When she might possibly have to fight to keep her company? If Kelsey did indeed want to dissolve their partnership and sell her shares, it would leave Naomi vulnerable to an attack from Knight International. And not just on the business front. Lucius was coming for her personally.

She’d seen the determined look in his eye last night as the elevators doors shut. A look that told Naomi he meant to have her.

Would she be strong enough to fight him off when her own traitorous body found him irresistible?

* * *

Lucius woke up the next morning feeling surprisingly refreshed given there was no valet or butler to assist him for the day. He was on his own. And perhaps that was just as well. He suspected that to get through to Naomi he would have to be himself.

There were no airs to Miss Brooks. Instead, she was a woman who appreciated the simple, basic things in life. So he was sure it came as a shock to her that she too could be led astray by the desires of the flesh. She’d probably been bedding nice guys who had no idea how to bring out the vivacious woman he’d seen last night.

But she was there. He’d seen it in her eyes and body language.

And he was just the man to bring out the sensual side of her nature. Once he got her alone, he would seduce her. Last night, when his hands had roamed over her body, he’d had just a sample of what it would be like to touch that beautiful body of hers, and he craved more.

An added bonus was that while he was rattling Naomi’s cage, Adam would be working on Kelsey. The soon-to-be second-time mother might be his way to get enough shares of Brooks and Johnson for a takeover.

But first things first—he had a certain woman to woo.

Downstairs in the convention center, Lucius discovered that finding Naomi wasn’t all that easy. If he didn’t know any better, he’d think she was avoiding him. After reading the itinerary for the second day of the expo, he attended a lecture he’d thought would surely interest her, but when he’d arrived he’d found the lady wasn’t in attendance. Nor was she in the second lecture later that morning.

Lucius was quickly becoming annoyed that he’d yet to spot her—until he arrived at the trade show. Naomi was standing in front of her display talking to several customers. And she was doing a heck of a job. She’d convinced him, and he was only standing a few feet away.

She looked feminine in a sleeveless pink wraparound top and gray slacks and pink peep-toe pumps. Glittering silver earrings adorned her ears and only emphasized her beautiful face, on which she wore very little makeup other than a touch of blush, mascara and pink lipstick.

When she was done and had handed her business card to one of the customers, he applauded her.

She turned, and when she saw him, her smile faded. “Lucius.”

“Good morning,” he responded, not allowing her lackluster response to faze him. “I missed you this morning.”

“Duty calls.”

He raised an eyebrow.

“One of my salespeople came down with a bad case of food poisoning and is currently in their room praying to the porcelain god, so I’m here in their stead.”

“So it wasn’t my charming personality that kept you away?”

“You wish.” Naomi bent down and retrieved several cellophane-wrapped Brooks and Johnson products from underneath her display table.

“I was actually hoping I could steal you away and talk about how Brooks and Johnson might benefit from being part of Knight International.”

“Changing tactics, I see,” Naomi stated. She began stacking the promotional items on the table. “I have executives that handle that kind of stuff for me. Besides I’m needed here.”

“Don’t hide behind your work,” Lucius responded, glancing around him. “The trade show is going to slow down for lunch anyway, and you have to eat.”

Naomi let out a long, beleaguered sigh. “Fine. If it’ll get you off my back.” She turned and whispered something to her staff.

Lunch at a nearby bistro was not only delicious, but the conversation was less charged than their previous encounters. The change of flow seemed to please Naomi immensely, and she became more at ease during the course of the meal. They talked about politics. The Lakers. Even some charity work she’d started doing. Until eventually the conversation turned to business and the purpose for the lunch.

Lucius explained the reach of Knight International and how having a distribution arm like his would allow Brooks and Johnson to not only be a national phenomenon but an international success. “We could sell B and J products in stores abroad.”

“That’s all fine and good, Lucius,” Naomi responded, “but I’m happy with where the company is right now.”

“C’mon, don’t tell me you don’t have big dreams.”

“I do, but I also want to be approachable. I can’t do that overseas. I do want a family someday.”

Lucius frowned. Family. There was a dirty word in his vocabulary, and one he wasn’t altogether fond of. If it wasn’t for his grandma Ruby, he wouldn’t have any to speak of.

Naomi caught his frown, because she asked, “Are you not close with your family?”

His sat upright in his chair, his shoulders stiff. “No, I’m not.”

She must have detected his body language and the note of finality in his tone, which said he didn’t wish to continue on the subject, because she dropped it. “I have to get back.” Naomi used the napkin in her lap to wipe her mouth.

“So that’s it?” Lucius asked. “You’re not going to give my proposal any more thought?”

Naomi’s eyes narrowed. “I did. I gave you the benefit of lunch and you didn’t convince me that the company I started, I nurtured since infancy, belongs with someone who doesn’t even believe in the word family. Good day, Lucius.”

Lucius stared at Naomi’s retreating figure as she went through the revolving doors of the bistro. How had their lunch gone so horribly wrong? He’d been certain he could convince her that Knight International was the next logical step in the evolution of Brooks and Johnson. But not only had he failed at that, he’d also struck a nerve with Naomi when he’d cut down her attempt to open up about his family.

Had he killed any hope that Naomi Brooks would ever give him the time of day again?

* * *

“You won’t believe who was at the conference,” Naomi told Kelsey the next day when she made it back to Long Beach and phoned her friend from her three-bedroom craftsman-style bungalow in Belmont Heights’ historic district.

“Who?” Kelsey asked from the other end of the line.

“Lucius Knight,” Naomi replied, placing the teakettle on the stove.

“Lucius. Now there’s a blast from the past,” Kelsey responded. “You haven’t spoken of him since college, when you told me about the monumental crush you had on him.”

“Yeah, well, that ship has sailed,” Naomi responded, turning on the burner. “He’s not the bad boy of every teenage girl’s fantasy anymore. Instead, he’s a pompous, arrogant, conceited jerk.”

“Wow!” Kelsey laughed. “I’ve never heard you speak that way about someone. He must have really gotten your goat.”

“He did.”

“What happened? Do tell—married women such as myself have to entertain ourselves with sexy single girl stories.”

“Wh-what? There’s no sex in this story.”

“Naomi, chill. I was just kidding. What’s gotten into you?” Kelsey inquired. “Did seeing Lucius again really upset you that much?”

Naomi sighed. “Yes—I mean, no.”

“Which is it?”

“He was just so smug and confident, saying that I’m attracted to him and that we would eventually sleep together.”

Kelsey perked up. “Oh, really? And why would he think that? Did you give him fodder to think he’d have the time of day?”

“No...”

“Hmm...it sounds like you’re not being one hundred with me, Naomi. Give up the goods. What happened between you two?”

“All right, all right. We kissed,” Naomi answered in a rush as she leaned back against the counter to wait for the teakettle to boil. “Are you happy now?”

“I would be if you were happy about it. Was he a terribly bad kisser? You know, the ones that slobber all over you, or their tongue is like a lizard darting in and out of your mouth. I used to hate that when I dated. If a man didn’t know how to kiss, he got the boot.”

Naomi chuckled. “I wish that was the case, but Lucius is far from being a bad kisser. In fact, he’s the best kisser I’ve ever had.”

“Is that a fact?”

“It is. And that’s also why I have to stay away from him.”

“Why? What’s wrong with having a little fun? If his reputation is anything to go by, Lucius knows how to treat—or should I say please—a woman. Perhaps Lucius, with his exceptional expertise, is exactly what you need to light your fire.”

“Kelsey.”

“I’m just being honest. When was your last date? Or relationship?”

“Lucius Knight isn’t interested in a relationship with me. He’s interested in sleeping with me and buying my company, and not necessarily in that order.”

“That’s true.”

Naomi stood upright. “Why are you agreeing? Did something happen while I was away?”

“His attorney Adam Powell came to see me.”

“And why would he do that?” Once the kettle began to whistle, Naomi turned off the burner and poured the boiling water in a teacup.

“To offer me an outrageous sum of money to sell my shares.”

“And what did you tell him?”

“No, of course. I would never do that to you, Naomi, and not to our friendship. I promised you I would take time to think through my decision, and I’m doing just that. No amount of money thrown at me would change that.”

Naomi released the long sigh she’d been holding in. “Thank you, Kels. I guess I just got a little nervous, is all.”

“What I want to know is how would they even know to come to me out of the two of us?”

Naomi rubbed her chin and thought about Kelsey’s questions. “Clearly, they were looking for the weak link, and they think you’re it, given you’re married with a child and another on the way. It’s apparent that Lucius doesn’t play fair and is looking for my Achilles’ heel.”

It was just another thing that Naomi was finding she didn’t like about the man other than his proclivity against family. Or was it marriage and children? Or all of the above?

* * *

Lucius was angry. He’d called and left repeated messages on both Naomi’s cell phone and at her office, and yet she continued to ignore him. He’d thought at the very least he and Naomi had formed a pseudofriendship during the couple of days they’d spent in Anaheim.

On their last day together, he’d tried to show her that if they worked as a team, Brooks and Johnson’s transition into the Knight International brand would be seamless, but Naomi wanted none of it. Or maybe her ire went deeper? Was she upset because he’d come on so strong about their obvious attraction? Was this her way of telling him to take a hike? If so, she was wrong on that score.

Lucius never gave up on something he wanted. He wanted Naomi. And her company.

Since returning from Anaheim nearly a week ago, he’d dived back into work full force, trying to erase the memory of the curly-haired beauty from his mind, but he couldn’t. He would daydream about what it had been like to kiss her in that elevator, and his dreams went farther into what would have happened if that door had never opened.

He imagined taking Naomi against the wall. He’d have stripped her of any clothes, spread her legs and licked her until she begged him to make love to her. Only then would he have pushed down his jeans and plunged deep inside her wet heat. He knew she’d been wet for him. The way she’d squirmed in his arms had told him exactly what he’d needed to know. Naomi was as hot for him as he was for her.

He just had to get the woman to admit it.

She was as stubborn as a mule, and this last week had proved so. But he wasn’t going to take this lying down. He was going to make Naomi acknowledge that not only was Brooks and Johnson a good fit for his brand, but more importantly, Naomi was a good fit for him.

Chapter 5

Naomi called it quits. It had been a long day. A late one, actually—she’d stayed well past 6:00 p.m. But it had been worth it. Today’s think tank meeting had yielded some great ideas for the product line.

She waved at the security guard manning the entrance to the building as she made her way outside. One of the perks of having her own company was she got a prime parking space right outside the building rather than having to use the parking garage in the rear.

Naomi pushed open the glass door and breathed in the cool night air. She quickly buttoned up her peacoat and glanced up at the sky. Fall was here, and it felt good.

Or at least so she thought, until her gaze lowered and she saw Lucius standing outside a limousine several feet away.

“Join me for dinner?”

“I don’t think that’s a good idea, Lucius.” Naomi started toward her Audi A5 coupe that was parked several feet away, but Lucius rose from where he’d been leaning and blocked her path.

“Please.”

Naomi was sure Lucius never used that word often. He was used to issuing commands and people followed them, but he wasn’t doing that now. Her head told her to keep walking, but instead, she walked toward the limousine. Lucius reached across and opened the door, and Naomi climbed inside. She scooted onto the plush leather passenger cushions. The limo was well furnished, but then again, this was how the rich and famous lived, right?

Lucius slid in beside her, and when he did, Naomi swallowed tightly and her pulse skittered alarmingly at being so close to Lucius. “And where are we going?”

“You’ll see,” Lucius said. “Just sit back and relax.” He pressed on the intercom button and said to the driver, “You know the destination.”

* * *

Lucius didn’t like that Naomi was uneasy around him. Her guard was up and he wanted to get through to her, get her to see that he had a solid plan for Brooks and Johnson. An added benefit would be her becoming putty in his hands when he seduced her.

He did not, however, like the look of fear in her eyes, and so he engaged her in conversation. “You can stop fearing for your safety, Naomi. I won’t harm you.”

He watched her shoulders visibly sag. “I wanted to speak with you, but you didn’t really give me much choice since you’ve ignored my calls.

“Perhaps there was nothing you had to say that I would be interested in.”

“Ah.” His index finger circled her face. “There’s the feisty Naomi I know and like.”

“Flattery will get you nowhere.”

“No?” Lucius said. “Let’s see if that holds true at the end of the night.”

“You think you’ll make it that long?”

“Until you’ve listened again to my pitch. After that—” he shrugged “—I’m going to guess that you won’t want to.”

Naomi folded her arms across her chest. “You don’t know that.”

“I know that you’re curious as to why I contacted you and why I waited for you tonight.”

“You waited for me?” Naomi’s brow furrowed.

Lucius didn’t speak, he just let Naomi marinate on that thought while he reached for the bottle of champagne that was chilling in the bucket beside him. “An aperitif?”

“I suppose. I’m not much of a drinker. So why is it I only seem to drink around you?”

“Perhaps it’s a way for you to release your inhibitions.”

That comment brought a frown from Naomi, and she turned to silently stare out the window while Lucius uncorked and poured each of them a glass of champagne. “Here.” He held out the flute to her. She accepted but didn’t look at him.

“Naomi, this night will turn out far better if you perhaps acknowledge that you don’t dislike me as much as you protest.”

Her head spun around, and she glared at him underneath mascara-coated lashes. He noticed that she had more makeup on than he’d seen her wear on prior occasions. She was more put together, in a black and tweed dress that reached her knees and black pumps. Lucius didn’t like this stuffy Naomi. He much preferred the natural, more organic Naomi, who was more comfortable in jeans and a tank top.

She finally spoke. “I—I don’t dislike you.”

“What then?”

“As I said before, you’re arrogant, but I also find you untrustworthy and unscrupulous.”

“Unscrupulous? That’s a strong word.”

“Did you or did you not send your attorney to speak with my partner, Kelsey, while I was in Anaheim so you could double-team us?”

Lucius sipped his champagne. So she knew about that? No wonder she’d ignored his calls.

“Are you going to deny it?” she asked when he didn’t answer.

“No, that would be dishonest,” he responded curtly.

“Which proves my point.” Naomi took another gulp of champagne. “I can’t trust you.”

He turned to face her. “Do you want to?”

“Wh-what?”

“You heard the question. Why does my behavior bother you so, Naomi?” His steady gaze bored into her in silent expectation.

“I don’t care one way or the other.”

“Who’s lying now?” he asked quietly.

She stared wordlessly at him, and Lucius knew it was time to tell her the truth. “C’mon, Naomi, did you really think I’m that callous that I don’t remember the awkward fifteen-year-old girl that used to follow me around in high school?”

Naomi’s entire face flushed, and he could see he’d hit the nail on the head. She had remembered him. She gulped down the remainder of her champagne.

“So you know who I am.” She set her empty flute in the cup holder. “What of it?”

“So I know that you used to harbor a schoolgirl crush on me way back when. And I know that I thought you could be cute if you’d just take off those stupid glasses, get some better facial products, do something with your hair and stop trying to hide your figure. It seems I was right on all fronts.”

Naomi sucked in a sharp breath. He could see he’d embarrassed her, but he wasn’t above using sentimentality to get his way. He leaned back slightly so he could assess her frankly. “Your skin is clear, which I’m sure is due to Brooks and Johnson products. You wear contacts now, and your hair, well—” he reached out to finger several tendrils “—natural looks good on you. And as for the figure...” His gaze lazily roved over her entire body. “I like everything I see.”

“I’m so glad you approve,” Naomi replied flippantly.

“Don’t be upset.” Lucius scooted closer to Naomi, and this time she didn’t move away from him. “It was a compliment.” He stroked the soft skin of her cheek. “You’ve turned into a beautiful woman. A woman I am very much attracted to.”

His gaze immediately went to her lips. Lips he wanted to kiss. Had been craving to kiss since the elevator in Anaheim. He glanced upward to her neck and could see her pulse quickening. Gone was the embarrassment of a moment ago, and in its place he could feel the electricity he’d felt since they’d met.

He bent his head and claimed her lips. He kissed her nice and slow so she didn’t push him away. He needed her to acquiesce. At first she remained still, but as his mouth covered hers hungrily, Naomi gave up the pretense she didn’t want him and her arms snaked around his neck.

Lucius groaned as he broke the barrier of her lips and teeth and she allowed his tongue to surge inside her mouth. He left no part of her mouth untouched. He tasted every nook and crevice of its honeyed interior, but what was most surprising was how he felt while doing it. Instead of making her burn for him, he was burning for her. His hands threaded through her hair as he devoured her mouth. He had an aching need to forget all semblance of romance and just bury himself deep inside her right now in the back of this limo.

Fate was on her side, because the limo came to an abrupt stop, causing him to slowly ease away from Naomi. When he glanced in her direction, Naomi’s hair was tousled and her lips looked swollen, because he’d thoroughly made love to them.

Naomi used her fingers to comb her hair back into place. She didn’t say a word when the driver came around and opened her door. She just disembarked and waited for him on the sidewalk.

Lucius exited right behind her and reached for her hand, but Naomi ignored it and walked inside without him.

Naomi stared at Lucius after they’d been seated by the hostess and placed their order with a very supercilious waiter. In the limo, he’d told her that he was very aware of her when they were in high school. “Why did you say it? To get me off track from the real reason you’re so desperate to contact me?”

“Say what?”

“That you found me cute back in high school. You said it to disarm me, so I’d let down my guard. Very sneaky, Lucius.”

“I meant it.”

Naomi snorted. There was no way a man or boy as good-looking as Lucius had found an awkward outcast like her remotely attractive.

“You don’t believe me?” Lucius watched her across the rim of his glass. “Of course you don’t, because I’m ruthless and can’t be trusted. Is everything so black-and-white to you, Naomi? Or don’t you see in shades of color?”

“I see you very clearly, Lucius. And I won’t be played.”

“Yes, I’m relentless when I want something, but one doesn’t negate the other. It doesn’t mean that I don’t find you desirable and want you in my bed.”

“There!” She pointed her index finger at him again. “You’re doing it again. Trying to seduce me.”

“I don’t have to try.” Lucius leaned back in his chair. “I think that was pretty obvious from the way you responded in the limo.”

Naomi didn’t answer and reached for her water glass. All of a sudden, she felt very thirsty. Perhaps it was Lucius’s hungry gaze that was making her parched. She drank liberally, giving herself time to gather her thoughts.

“You have a way with women, Lucius. Everyone knows it. And I know it. It’s not surprising that you could garner a reaction from me. I imagine you’re quite skilled in that department.”

“I am,” Lucius said. “Skilled in the bedroom and out of it. And that’s why you and your partner shouldn’t toss aside the deal my team has presented. It’s more than fair.”

“We’re not interested.”

The waiter returned at that moment with the expensive bottle of wine Lucius ordered. He poured Naomi a taste, and once she’d sipped and nodded in agreement, he filled her glass and Lucius’s.

Once he’d gone, Lucius wasted no time getting back to the topic at hand. “Am I the reason you’re not giving this offer credence? Are you doing this just to spite me?”

“Spite you?” Naomi’s head fell back with laughter. “You give yourself a lot of credit, Lucius. There are other wolves just like you waiting to pounce in the wings.” She wasn’t about to tell him that her partnership with Kelsey was on rocky ground because motherhood and family had become central to Kelsey. And that she might be interested in his offer. “But I’ll tell them the exact same thing I’m telling you—I’m never giving up controlling interest in my company.”

He watched her warily, as if he was assessing her answer. Naomi sensed that he wanted to say more, but he didn’t.

The waiter returned with their entrées of succulent shrimp risotto and spiced duck. They both indulged in the delicious dishes in contemplative silence before Lucius took the conversation down a different path.

“It’s clear, Naomi, we’ve reached an impasse on all talk of business for tonight, but that doesn’t mean the evening has to be a bust. So can we toast to having an enjoyable evening?”

Naomi thought about it a moment. She didn’t know how she was going to do that. The wariness she felt for Lucius was armor for her to deflect the attraction she felt. Without it, she was forced to admit to herself that she enjoyed his company. Having removed his jacket, he looked gorgeous in the white button-down shirt that was open at the collar and black slacks. His hair was trimmed so that the wave in it was noticeable. His deeply set dark eyes stared directly across the table at her, waiting for her answer.

“Yes.” She held up her flute reluctantly. “I suppose I can do that.”

An irrepressible grin slid over his incredibly full lips.

Naomi swallowed. It was going to be a long night.

* * *

Lucius was happy with how the evening progressed between him and Naomi. They’d adjourned from the restaurant to sit beside each other—Lucius on one side of a padded wicker love seat and Naomi far away on the other—on the terrace outside and enjoy the crisp fall evening with an after-dinner drink. The terrace was dimly lit by thin strings of light and strategically placed candles.

Lucius regarded her silently.

Sure, his interest in her company had been met with outright hostility, but once they’d agreed to put their differences on the shelf, he found Naomi a breath of fresh air.

There was no pretense with her. What you saw was what you got. She wasn’t like other women, who, once they found out who he was or how much he was worth, were eager to fawn all over him or want him to buy them things. Naomi Brooks was nothing like them. In fact, she couldn’t care less about things. She cared about people.

It was evident in the way she passionately spoke about her family. Throughout the course of the night, he’d learned her parents were still together after thirty-five years of marriage and she had a brother and a sister whom she loved dearly. Then there was her volunteerism—Naomi was involved in several charitable organizations that supported helping children and fighting breast cancer.

Lucius wasn’t sure he’d ever met anyone quite like Naomi. She was more selfless than anyone he’d ever known.

“What?” Naomi was staring back at him.

He blinked several times. “I’m sorry, say again?”

“Am I boring you?” she inquired. “I know I’m not like some of the actresses and models you’ve dated, who I’m sure indulge in more titillating conversation.”

Lucius laughed broadly. “Boring? Ha. That’s the last adjective I would use to describe you, Naomi. I was just musing on the difference between you and my usual companions.”

Naomi eyed him suspiciously. “Am I really all that different?”

“You’ve certainly changed from the nerdy tomboy in baggy jeans and plaid shirts,” Lucius countered.

“And you?” She eyed him in return. “You’re just as dangerous as you were as a teenager, which is why I must be cautious of you, Lucius Knight, despite how charming you’re being.” She glanced down at her watch. “We should call it a night. I have a busy day in the morning.” She rose from the love seat.

Lucius hated for the night to end. He wanted to spend more time with her, but he would have to bide his time. “Of course.” He stood. “Shall we?” He offered her his arm.

At first, he thought she wouldn’t take it, but she must have realized she was out of danger at least for tonight, so she accepted his proffered arm as they walked to the elevators.

Several minutes later, they were back in his limousine and driving to her office so she could pick up her car. She was quiet on the way back, deep in thought. He wanted to know what was on her mind and why she had a concerned wrinkle on her forehead, but he doubted she would reveal her troubles to him. Why? Because she didn’t trust him.

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