Getting Wild Read online

  And being in the Montague building invariably meant running into Ryan Edwards.

  “Can I help you?” she asked him, her expression immediately guarded and polite.

  “Break time.” Ryan pushed off from the doorframe and strolled in, putting the mugs on the desk and flopping himself down in the chair on the opposite side of her desk. Ella immediately opened a drawer, extracted two coasters and placed them under the drinks. “Lucky I didn’t bring muffins.” Ryan smirked. “Or do you have a mini-vac in one of those drawers too?”

  “Did you come in here to annoy me?”

  “I came in here to catch up with you for five minutes. It’s damned near impossible to get within miles of you, generally.”

  “Have you bothered to make an appointment?”

  He chuckled and shook his head. “How’s it all going?”

  “Everything’s under control.”

  “Of course it is. I hear ‘everything’s’ not only under control but ahead of schedule with the magazine.”

  “You hear correctly.”

  Ryan picked up her mobile, began playing with it. “Your staff is happy?”

  “I believe so. What are you doing?”

  “Adding my number. Any of them changed their minds about you since figuring out what was going on?”

  “I have no idea. I don’t ask my staff for personal reviews, though I don’t believe anyone has a serious problem with me.”

  “Oh? I distinctly heard it said you made Miranda Priestly look like Mother Teresa.”

  “Miranda who? Oh… How excellent. Don’t let your coffee get cold.”

  He chuckled again and handed her back her phone. “Before you kick me out, we need to discuss a schedule of meetings for planning purposes.”

  “Right.” Ella opened a diary and clicked an icon on her computer. “Go ahead.”

  While he gave her his thoughts, she scrawled in the diary, typed into the computer. “Any reason you do both?” he asked curiously, a puzzled look on his face.

  Why did he have to be so damn cute? She stared hard at the computer. “Always assume a computer will crash and anything you put on a network server will be seen by the wrong people. It’s safer,” she muttered distractedly.

  “I’d undoubtedly lose the diary.”

  “Then you have the computer,” she replied, and finishing her notes, had no choice but to look at him again.

  “But you just said computers crash.”

  She looked at him blandly. “Then you have the diary. And before you say it,” she continued when he opened his mouth to argue, “in the extremely unlikely event that you lose your diary and your computer crashes, you rely on the bare-bones schedule you’ve sensibly kept updated with your assistant. Satisfied?”

  He shook his head. “I can honestly say that we are two different species of human beings.”

  “This is not news.”

  He laughed, his eyes warming to smouldering as his gaze moved to her lips. “The first time I met you I wanted to kiss that smart mouth of yours senseless.”

  Ella’s eyes widened in surprise, then, fighting the flush that worked its way over her skin, she shook her head and returned her attention to the computer screen. “Good thing you changed your mind.”

  “Who said I’ve changed my mind?” There was no humour in his voice now; it was simply intense, quiet. For a moment their eyes locked, held.

  As a very real answering ache started up deep inside her, she stiffened her spine and cleared her throat. “Cut it out Ryan. If you want to flirt, do it in your own time and with one of your fabled legion. I’ve already told you I’m not interested.”

  “It probably wouldn’t take me long to prove you’re lying.”

  No, it probably wouldn’t, but still…. “Why don’t you just go somewhere…away from here and continue to fantasize over that so I can get some work done?”

  He sent her a wicked grin. “I might just do that. Do we need to go over anything else?”

  She looked at her notes and shook her head, desperately trying to get her head back on her job. “I don’t think so, but in case I…” She cleared her throat, cleared her head and wished he’d stop looking at her with that secretly amused glint in his eyes… “Ok, as we’ll be working together I have an app I’m happy for you to download that will automatically update your schedule from mine and vice versa. I’ll send it to your computer and you can set it to auto-update at the end of each day.”

  “Sounds good.” He got to his feet, grinned again when she tensed involuntarily as he leant forward to take her cup. “I’ll see you tomorrow.”

  She nodded and immediately buried herself in her work.

  When he disappeared she closed her eyes and took a deep breath. “Good grief,” she muttered, “I need to get a grip.”

  Chapter Four

  The dinner party for Travel’s takeover was dazzling, with all the glitz and glamour of a television awards show. Ella stepped out of the limo that had turned up at her apartment a half-hour earlier, to the flashes of photographers and a crowd of people littering the pavement outside the exclusive Sydney hotel. A little dazed, she quickly made her way inside, only to find herself engulfed in more media, a sea of sparkling gowns, expensive suits, music and excited chatter. “I can do this,” she reassured herself, looking around for someone – anyone, she knew. Hannah had warned her it would be like this; that Montague wanted as much hype and publicity as possible to draw advertisers, interest, investors. The reality was overwhelming. What had she gotten herself into?

  “Ms Jameson?”

  Spotting a reporter and a cameraman, she immediately pulled herself together.

  “If we could have just a few moments…”

  Ella didn’t miss a beat. She was good at that – putting on a facade of calm, cool and professional. She even threw in a couple of warm smiles, laughed at something the reporter said; anyone watching would have believed she was having the time of her life. Inside she was a nervous, quaking mess. The glitz didn’t bother her, the glamour was a given, but the attention, the camera in her face, this was new, foreign, uncomfortable.

  “That’s enough Malcolm,” a familiar voice finally said from behind her. She’d never have believed she could be so glad to see Ryan Edwards. In a suit. Oh, God.

  He was watching her with one of his slightly mocking, crooked smiles, complicated by a touch of something warmer. Immediately her already elevated pulse rate leapt.

  “Hi, Ella,” he greeted casually, “Can I get you a drink?”

  “Ah…” Malcolm, she noted, was already disappearing into the crowd, “Sure, thanks.”

  “You look like a Siren,” he said in her ear as he manoeuvred them through the crowd. “All red and sparkling and stunning.”

  The red sequin dress was spectacular and yes, she’d dressed up to the hilt – she’d never be accused of not rising to the occasion. Still, the open admiration in his tone brought a touch of heat to her face while his breath in her ear sent distinct tingles of awareness down her spine.

  They arrived at the bar and he handed her a glass of champagne. “You handled your first interview.”

  “I hope so. It was… unexpected.”

  “That wasn’t a question. You handled your first interview. Malcolm was just the right amount of shell-shocked. You’re going to be great on camera.”

  “Shell-shocked? Oh please,” she replied in disbelief.

  “You turned on the charm; his tongue was all but hanging out.”

  Ella’s eyes narrowed. “Does flattery usually get you anywhere?”

  “If that’s the road I choose to take,” he replied with a playfully smug smile, “but that’s not what that was.” He tipped his glass to hers. “You’re a natural.”

  Hiding from the praise, from the look, Ella spun around to take in the room. “It’s packed. I hope we can live up to the hype.”

  “Do you doubt it?”

  It was her time to smile just a little smugly. “No.”

 
Ryan laughed. “There’s my girl. Come on, there’s someone who wants to meet you.”

  My girl? It was just a turn of phrase, Ella told herself. She was letting herself get too wrapped up in what came out of Ryan Edwards’ mouth. He was a serial flirt. He knew exactly what he was doing. She had to stop being drawn into it. He took her hand, ignoring her attempts to pull it free. “Over here.”

  “Who is that?” she asked a moment later.

  “Charlie Francis – investor, gambler and womaniser extraordinaire.”

  “I’m sure that’s high praise from you but…that guy is a womaniser? What is he…seventy? And for heaven’s sake does he blindfold them?” She pulled a comical face as she watched one of the most unattractive men she’d ever laid eyes on address a group of expensively dressed women who feigned over him like love-struck teenagers.

  “He’s a billionaire and an eligible bachelor.”

  “He’s also twenty stone overweight with a face like… have you ever seen Vieil Homme Assis Mougins?”

  “Have I seen what?”

  “It’s a Picasso – cubism phase. Except…no, I’m wrong. It’s Jabba – Jabba the Hutt.”

  “From priceless artworks to Star Wars – all in one sentence,” he observed, laughing. “I’m not sure Charlie wouldn’t appreciate the first – definitely not so much the second.”

  “Hmmm. Do you think he’s actually made eye contact with that little redhead yet or have those beady eyes truly been riveted on her fake rack the entire way through that conversation?”

  “They are kind of spectacular,” Ryan decided. “Come on, I’ll introduce you.”

  “You can’t hate me that much.”

  He chuckled. “We have a job to do, Your Highness. He’s a major investor.”

  Ella gritted her teeth and shuddered. “Fine. I’ll handle Jabba…Charlie Francis. Just…give me five minutes.”

  “Where do you think you’re going?”

  “To find some slug repellent and a strong disinfectant,” she murmured over her shoulder and headed to the ladies room.

  Despite what she’d said to Ryan, the businesswoman inside her would never jeopardise upsetting a major investor, so she dug out her phone and did a quick search on Charlie Francis. It wouldn’t do to go into a conversation knowing nothing about him. Men like that had egos, and they liked to be stroked.

  When she finally found Ryan again, he took his time disentangling himself from a couple of obvious brunettes. “I was just wondering if I should go looking for you,” he told her, taking her arm.

  “Yes, I could tell that was paramount on your list of priorities,” she replied, looking the women up and down.

  His eyes sparkled with humour as he gestured for her to go ahead, then arriving at the group containing Charlie Francis, he moved once again to her side. “Charlie.”

  Those beady eyes Ella had shuddered over from across the room now turned on them – then on her, with an appreciation she didn’t at all share. “Ryan Edwards!” the man’s voice boomed heartily as he slapped Ryan on the back. “Great to see you. And who is this lovely flower you brought me?”

  “Mr Francis,” Ella began with a cool smile, “my name is Ella Jameson.”

  “Ah, the writer. A pleasure, Ms Jameson,” he took her hand and raised it to his lips, his eyes heating up another notch. “Talent and beauty; a rare find.” Keeping her hand in his, he turned his conversation to Ryan. “No wonder you wanted her on camera, she’s exquisite.”

  “Well, thank you,” Ella interrupted, trying to gently disengage herself from his damp grip, “It’s a pleasure to meet you.”

  “So Ryan told you I’m throwing some money at the new venture, eh?”

  “Yes and I can only say you’re making another spectacular investment.”

  “Another one?” he asked with surprise, his eye narrowing thoughtfully. “You know something about my investments, Ms Jameson?”

  Ella saw the slight stiffening of Ryan’s shoulders. Please, did he think she was an amateur? She turned a stunning smile on Charlie. “Of course. You’re a brilliant man, Mr Francis.” On that, at least, she could answer truthfully. “I know that amongst other successes, you turned a falling-down financial company into a Fortune 500 giant in under ten years then used it to invest in seven other struggling, now multi-million dollar companies. I have to add that I can’t help but admire your more recent takeover of the bankrupt Helticore and the resulting twenty-million-dollar profit you posted last year – yet another extraordinary achievement.” She smiled again, at the same time nearly biting off her own tongue because the guy was all but lapping at her. Ryan, she noticed happily, was gaping slightly.

  “You surprise and intrigue me, Ms Jameson,” Charlie Francis replied, throwing an arm around her and leading her to a table, “Let’s get to know each other a little better.”

  Ella stepped out from under his arm in one quick, smooth move and covertly sent Ryan a ‘you too’ look.

  Twenty minutes later, Ella decided enough was enough. The strain of holding her politely interested smile whilst he gazed at her with blatant sexual interest was almost killing her. If he made one more suggestive comment, if he touched her one more time, she was going to ruin all her hard work and send certain parts of his anatomy sailing up through his tonsils. Instead, when he offered to give her a personal tour of his condo in Hawaii, she kicked Ryan under the table. His surprise showed for a split-second, before he was rising from the table and disentangling them smoothly from Charlie’s company.

  “I feel like a need a shower,” Ella said from between clenched teeth as they walked away.

  “You did well. I thought he was toast for sure after the ‘your hair reminds me of an Egyptian sunset,’ comment.”

  “How the hell he gets Egyptian sunset…my hair is dark brown.”

  “But it shines a kind of russet colour. Rather extraordinary.”

  “You never miss an opportunity, do you?”

  “And those dark, dark eyes of yours… so expressive.”

  “Oh yes? What do you think they’re expressing right now?” she challenged, glaring at him.

  He chuckled. “Why don’t you leave your hair down? It’s always up.”

  “There’s too much of it.”

  “What’s the point of having it if you don’t enjoy it?”

  “I enjoy it just fine.”

  “That’s selfish.”

  “Just add that to heartless.”

  He laughed in exasperation. “Do you have an answer for everything?”

  “Yes.”

  “And how did you know all those things about a man you suggested you’d never heard of, anyway?”

  “Ladies room – that ten minutes. Never go in unarmed, Ryan.”

  “Never… Well, you surprise and intrigue me, Ms Jameson,” he replied, imitating Charlie Francis perfectly.

  “That may be so,” Ella replied, “but just try and throw that arm over me.”

  For two hours they mixed and mingled. They were photographed, interviewed; they spoke with just about everyone in the crowded party. Ryan stuck to Ella’s side and if she was honest, she didn’t mind at all. He was good company, witty and charming, and seemed to know a remarkable number of the guests. Still, Ella’s feet were beginning to ache, as was her head. She was just at the stage of wondering whether or not she could sneak out when Ryan spoke in her ear.

  “Don’t even think about it.”

  “I beg your pardon?”

  “You’re looking longingly at the door. Ben Montague is giving a speech at any moment.”

  “I thought we’d spoken to everyone. Is he even here?”

  “Somewhere. Have a canapé.”

  “Alright.” She turned and reached up to take the tiny morsel from Ryan, who evaded and put it straight to her lips. “Cut it out,” she scolded, ducking her head out of the way.

  With a comical sigh and a shake of his head, Ryan put it in her palm. “You’re no fun, Ella.”

  “If fun’s what
you’re looking for you should go back for another chat with that blonde in the gold dress. The vibe she was sending you had ‘fun’ written all over it.”

  “Charity Harris?” he looked around, spotted her, pretended to consider. Then his eyes moved back over Ella, back to Charity. “No thanks.”

  As outrageous as it was, Ella laughed. “I’m not an option. Set your sights back over there.”

  His grin turned boyish and oh, so cute. “I don’t give up easily. In fact; I don’t give up.”

  “You’re wasting your time,” she dismissed good-naturedly.

  “Hello, Ella.”

  Oh, no. Shock and dread reflected on Ella’s face for the briefest moment before reluctantly and slowly, she turned to see Reece Bailey staring at her, a self-satisfied expression on her face. Ella looked her up and down the way one might size up a particularly nasty opponent. “What the hell are you doing here?”

  Reece’s smile was saccharine sweet. “Geez Ella, those frigid bitch waves of yours sure make it cold in here.”

  “Oh, I’m sure it won’t take you long to find some poor fool to keep you warm,” Ella assured her smile for smile, “I almost didn’t recognise you with your legs so close together.”

  Ryan coughed – a suspiciously strangled noise that caught both women’s attention. “Ladies, please.”

  Ella saw Reece glance around, knew she was going to play for the gathering crowd. She didn’t disappoint. “Oh, Ellie…how could you say that? Are you planning on punishing me forever?”

  “That’s the plan. And save your breath Reece. I know you too well.”

  “Is there a problem here?”

  Ella reluctantly took her eyes off Reece to face the newcomer.

  “Ben,” Ryan greeted with a relieved sigh, “About time you got here.”

  It was Ben Montague, and Ryan was greeting him like an old friend. And please God; Reece had not just arrived with him!

  Ben returned Ryan’s greeting, then smiled at both women, addressing Ella first. “Hi Ella,” then, “Reece, if you wouldn’t mind excusing us for a minute?” He waved a hand and as if by magic a younger man Ella guessed was an assistant of some kind was beside him. “Chris, take Ms Bailey over to the bar and get her a drink, would you?”