“You looked moderately pissed off.”
Moderately was definitely an understatement. “I can’t stand the thought of your mom and dad watching this.”
Aidan pointed the remote, selected Erase and wiped out the recording with the push of the button. “Now you don’t have to worry about them seeing it here. And since they don’t own all the latest technology, I doubt they have it recorded.”
Corri hated deceiving people as wonderful as Dermot and Lucine O’Brien. But then she’d been lying to them about Kevin, and that brought about more shame. “I dread seeing them again, and that’s if they even want to see me again.” Just one more thing Kevin had taken away from her.
“You’re practically one of the family, Corri,” he said. “My mother considers you her second daughter.”
And that in itself presented a huge problem. “Was one of the family, Aidan. But not now.”
Feeling restless, Corri came off the sofa and strolled around the large den, stopping at the floor-to-ceiling window to take in the impressive view. The house was situated in a gated community several miles from downtown. She’d definitely been surprised by the location, and the surroundings in general, including a pristine lake and several fountains. The interior design was patently masculine, with contemporary decor that suited Aidan.
“Anything in particular you want to do now, Corri?”
Startled, she spun around and almost lost her balance, saved only by the fast grab of Aidan’s lapels. He gave her that look again, the one he’d brought out last night when she’d thought he might actually kiss her. The one he’d given her on St. Patrick’s Day.
Since the window was at her back, she had nowhere to run, even if that’s what she wanted to. Funny, she didn’t feel like moving at all. But she needed to move—away from him instead of toward him, otherwise she might be making another foolish mistake. “You could give me the grand tour of the house. Unless you need to get back to the studio.”
“Freed can wait.” He braced his palm above her head. “I’m in no hurry to get back.”
Neither was Corri, although she probably should be. But considering she’d have to return to an empty house and no doubt obsess over the show, spending a little more time with Aidan would provide a welcome diversion. “Lead the way.”
“Follow me.”
Corri trailed behind Aidan through the formal dining area and into a huge kitchen straight from her dreams of what a kitchen should be. The appliances were stainless steel, top of the line, right down to the double oven and state-of-the-art refrigerator. She ran her hand over the black granite countertops and muttered, “Incredible.”
“I take it you approve.”
She turned and leaned back against the counter, discovering Aidan had put the center island between them, probably a good thing. He looked so appetizing, she could very well forget herself in the kitchen again. “It’s amazing. Have you ever used it?”
“Only the microwave. But you’re more than welcome to use it anytime. In fact, maybe we should initiate it soon.”
He rounded the island and walked toward her, all cool, deliberate confidence dressed in a blue designer suit and sporting a heated gleam in his green eyes. This time, Corri could easily move aside, get out of his path. But again, she didn’t care to do that, not even when he planted his palms on either side of the counter and leaned into her. “It’s definitely not my mother’s kitchen, but it will have to do.”
And after months of shutting out the memories, Corri waited anxiously for a repeat of that March day, knowing she shouldn’t. And when Aidan finally kissed her, she realized she hadn’t forgotten one detail, either, although the reality was much, much better than the recollection.
Aidan O’Brien had taken the art of kissing to all-time heights. He started out slowly, softly, almost a tease before he slid his tongue inside her mouth. The heady sensations brought about those inevitable chills, that predictable heat, the sense that she would gladly remain this way for hours. In his arms. Under his spell.
Without warning, he lifted her up onto the cabinet, taking his place between her parted legs. With one hand, he lowered the zipper on her jacket, slowly, slowly, then formed his palms to her sides, his thumbs lightly stroking her ribcage.
Had Corri been able to claim any reticence to that point, it would have disintegrated the minute Aidan palmed her breasts, stroked her nipples through the knit, made her want to know how his hands would feel on her bare skin.
But as quickly as he’d broken down all her resistance, he broke the kiss and dropped his hands to her hips. She saw the desire in his eyes, heard it in his voice when he said, “I could have my fly down in two seconds and make love to you right here, right now.” He lifted her jacket’s zipper back into proper position. “But…”
But? But what? This was no time for buts, not when Corri was so willing to let him have his wicked way with her before her common sense came back around.
He lowered his head and angled his body away. “I have an appointment in less than an hour to discuss your show.”
Corri felt as if she’d been dowsed by a bucket of ice water. Okay, slightly cool water. The heat still hadn’t quite dissipated, even if her job had horned in on the moment. “Shouldn’t I be there at the meeting?”
Aidan held out his hand and helped her down from the counter. “Let me take care of this, Corri.”
He reeled her back into his arms and slid one hand over her hip before subtly brushing his fingertips across her belly. “And someday soon, I plan to take care of your other needs, too.”
“I suppose it could be worse, Aidan.”
Freed Allen’s monotone was starting to grate on Aidan’s nerves. “Corri’s going to survive this. In fact, she’ll probably come out of it more popular than before.”
“You could definitely say that,” Parker Hampton added. “I got a call from a friend at the cable network. It’s rumored they’re going to make Corri an offer after the first of the year.”
Nothing Aidan didn’t already know. Her agent had said as much to him at a cocktail party the week before, even if a firm deal wasn’t in place, and Corri hadn’t been apprised of the possibility. As much as he despised the thought of her leaving the studio, that opportunity rarely came along in the business, and it would be wrong to keep Corri from realizing her potential.
“Did the cable channel see her last show?” Freed asked.
“Yeah, and from what I understand, they don’t care,” Parker said. “But that’s the cable mantra. If it’s controversial, then go for it.”
Aidan’s self-interest kept intruding, in spite of his attempts to halt it. “It’s not a done deal, so let’s move on.”
“But if it does go through, that means we would have to let her out of her contract,” Freed said. “We’ll have to take a look at that.”
Aidan’s mood was quickly deteriorating. “We’re not going to do anything yet. And what’s been said in this room goes no further until we have confirmation.”
Parker raised his hands, palms first. “I’m not going to say a word.”
“Nor will I,” Freed added.
Aidan tossed his pen aside and leaned back in his chair. “Unless anyone has anything else to add, this meeting’s over.”
Freed stood first. “I only have one more thing to say. We’re letting Corinna slide this time, but if she pulls another stunt like the last one, then she’s