“Unless you want to be stretched over my lap getting your cute ass reddened for criticizing your body, you’ll work on being kinder to yourself. And if I ever have the pleasure of looking at you topless, the very last thought entering my mind would beEwww.”
“You’re threatening to spank me?” she squeaked.
“Promising. And Ivan better damn well never see you in anything more revealing than a swimsuit. Preferably one of those Victorian all-one-piece outfits. Do you understand, Essie?”
“Yes, sir.”
“I’ll take that until I can convince you to call me Daddy.”
Her mouth rounded into a silent O.
“Zander? Can you hold this corner for me? The canvas isn’t cooperating,” Ivan yelled from the other side of the courtyard.
“On my way,” Zander said. He started to turn before facing Essie fully again. Before she could protest, he pulled her toward him and kissed her hard.
Essie braced her hands against his shoulders to push him away, but her mouth had a will of its own. Returning his urgent kiss completely, Essie clung to him instead. The warm scent of Zander surrounded her—all masculine pheromones doing funny things to her insides. Essie rose on her tiptoes to press herself against him.
“Zander?” Ivan called.
Zander ripped his mouth from hers and snarled, “Damn it! We aren’t done.”
Watching him stalk away, Essie lifted her fingers to her mouth. Zander had just kissed her. And said they weren’t done. And threatened to spank her. And wanted her to call him Daddy.
Essie turned and fled back into the manor. Her heart pounded.What in the world was going on?
Chapter Six
In the guise of being busy and actually needing to be four places at one time, Essie had avoided Zander for the rest of the day. Essie had so many details to take care of that staying holed up in her office was easy. All the physical and mental tasks had allowed her to crash into sleep that night, despite her worry that she’d toss and turn for hours.
The following day, the attendees of the tea party had declared the afternoon absolutely magical. Even the drizzle of rain had created a misty, fantasy setting to welcome everyone to the outdoor setting. The small fairy lights she’d added at the last minute along the support poles of the tent had glittered, adding a glow that enhanced the decorations on each table. Essie had stood at the edge of the tent, saying goodbye to the older ladies. Almost everyone gushed with compliments as they departed. Others wanted to meet with her about scheduling.
The organizer reserved a date for the group to come back every month, outside while the weather was favorable and inside during the cold weather. Essie had jumped at the opportunity to have a regular booking. She couldn’t have chosen a better group to build her reputation. Thanks to Sara’s help in selecting thecaterer’s menu to be both fancy and delicious, the women were eager to spread the word about their wonderful afternoon.
Over the moon that her first event had gone well, Essie took careful notes over what worked and what needed improvement. Thank goodness, her good-moves list outnumbered the needs improvement column. She’d meet with the catering company about adding servers and exploring how to lessen the clatter of dishes that had challenged conversations at times.
And desserts! They had so many ask for another serving of the delicious treats. She would need to add extra charges to the budget to allow for more supplies to be prepared. Essie had to admit if they left craving more, that would bring them back sooner.
Finally, the landscaper would get a huge thank you from her for the fragrant flowers that so many commented they’d enjoyed. And even in a sudden burst of the rain, the pathways had remained well-drained and safe. Thank goodness for Ivan! Listening to Edmund had served her well. He’d nailed that recommendation.
Exhausted and peopled out after everyone left, Essie escaped to her room. She took a long bath and completely ignored the list of people she needed to call and schedule in for meetings. Soaking her aching feet, Essie melted into the warm water and swore to buy better shoes with her first profits.
When she finally dragged herself out of the tub, she refused to get dressed again to go down for dinner. After Essie made a quick phone call, Sara brought her a bowl of creamy chicken soup that soothed her while the delicious taste filled her empty tummy. Essie curled up in bed with Tux and a great book.
A quiet but firm knock on her door made her bolt upward to sit on the mattress. She guessed immediately who it was. Sara would have walked straight in like she had earlier. Holding her breath, Essie hoped he’d think she was asleep.
Zander quietly said through the door, “You can’t run forever, Little girl. Talk to me.”
She shook her head, refusing to open the barrier between them. She’d have to speak to him sometime, but she couldn’t. Not yet.
He stood in the hall for five minutes before she heard the green room’s door open and close with a firm click. Nothing angry. Zander rarely lost control of himself as a kid. As an adult, he’d never shown her any sign of an anger problem. Essie suspected he’d wait her out.
“What am I going to do, Tux?” Essie whispered to her stuffie.
“You could march over there and hash this out with that man.”
Essie shrieked and jumped out of bed. Edmund took shape, leaning against the far wall. “Edmund! You should not be in my room. What if I was changing or heading for the shower?”
“Essie? Are you okay? Open the door. I heard you scream.” Zander sounded concerned.
