Chapter One
“So your name is . . .” Jeff left the question hanging for the young woman who sat in front of him to finish.
“Ileana,” she supplied.
The soft sultry tone to her voice thrilled him. She was gorgeous—light brown skin that looked as creamy as any chocolate he had ever seen, smooth dark hair that framed her face and fell down her back. But her eyes were what made him know she was the one. They were almond shaped and light brown, and she stared at him like she was looking into his soul. Saying nothing but those eyes would say everything when the time was right. Yes, she is perfect!
“Ileana, are you from here in Manhattan?” Jeff sat back in his char and tapped his gold-embossed pen against his chin.
“I’m from Brooklyn. I come into the city when I need to.”
“Do you mind going upstate for this?”
Ileana folded one smooth leg across the other and sat back in her chair. “I go where the money takes me. How long will this be for?”
“Just tonight. A car will take you up to
Connecticut
.” Jeff handed her a card. “Call the number when you are ready to come home, and they will pick you up.”
“My fee is one thousand for the night. No sex, no trying to rough me up,” Ileana said. “I just provide company and that’s it. Do you understand? If anyone tries anything, I will go down fighting, and my friend will call the cops if she does not hear from me every few hours.”
“I would have it no other way.” Jeff smiled. Oh yes, she was the one—strong, smart, and brave. Just what was needed in a situation like this. Jeff reached into the desk and pulled out two wads of bills. “Here is two thousand, and the car is waiting for you downstairs.”
She raised one elegant eyebrow at him. “What makes you think I won’t bypass that car and go home with your money safely in my purse?”
Jeff leaned forward. “I can tell you are not that type of person, and I had you thoroughly checked out before you even stepped into this office.”
“Touché.” Ileana inclined her head. “So when will you be coming to
Connecticut
, and where will we be meeting up?”
“Oh, my dear, I am a happily married man.”
“Aren’t they all,” Ileana replied. “You’re still cute for an old guy.”
Jeff laughed. “Why, thank you. I take that as a compliment. But in my case, it’s true. I am very happy in my marriage. Your lovely company is not for me but for my friend who needs a little holiday cheer.”
“And who might this person be to whom I am providing company?”
“His name is Casey, and you will be going to his house,” Jeff explained. “Off you go. Enjoy the night, and thank you in advance for your services.”
Ileana took the money up from the mahogany table and slipped it into her clutch purse. “Good night, and I’ll make sure your friend enjoys his night.”
She walked out the door, curvaceous hips that could tempt any man moving in rhythm. She threw him a smile over her shoulder before she closed the door with a soft click. Jeff opened the drawer of his desk and pulled out a cigar. After lighting it, he sat back in his chair with a grin before he took a deep pull of his Habana. Casey wouldn’t know what hit him when the lovely Ms. Ileana graced his door. It was about time someone shook that boy up. With snowflakes falling outside the office windows in an exclusive high rise, Jeff chuckled softly and waited for the fireworks to begin.
* * * *
How did I end up here . . . now? Ileana sighed as she looked out into the cold winter’s night. The interior of the town car was silent, sleek like the rich people who owned her. Outside, multicolored lights twinkled on houses, and the festive decorations ordained their lawns. Here she was, thirty, young, beautiful, and heading to be the escort for the night of some old guy who lived alone. A gift from a friend who thought he needed some company.