The Weekend Proposition Read online

  “Where did you learn to move like this?”

  “I still frequent the Manhattan scene.” He took her hand and spun her around so his chest was against her back. “You got the old Cannon. Not the cool, younger one.”

  “I like the one I got.” She giggled when he wrapped his arms around her waist.

  “Good, because Spencer really likes you.”

  “I like him.”

  “Stick with him,” Tyler said. “Even if he screws up a bit.”

  “What do you mean?”

  “He’s extremely driven and takes his job very seriously. It’s been his life for almost ten years now. He’ll need to figure out how to incorporate a social life.” He turned her to face him as he continued to move in synch with her. “You may have to help him.”

  “I can do that.” She hoped she had the chance.

  “Well, that may have been less than three minutes.”

  “Huh?”

  Tyler pointed over her shoulder. “Your date is coming to retrieve you.”

  Coda turned to find Spencer standing behind her. He shot Tyler a displeased glance. “Paws off.”

  Tyler kissed Coda’s cheek before releasing her. “Have fun.” He danced his way over to the governor’s daughter.

  “Hey, come to join us?” She reached for his hand, leading him deeper onto the dance floor. “Dance with me.”

  “I’d rather take you upstairs and play with you.” He placed his arms around her waist and kissed the back of her neck. “How’s that sound?”

  “What are we waiting for?”

  “I thought you’d like that idea.” He moved next to her and draped his arm around her. “Most of these guys will dance through the night while the older people retire to the bar. We’ll have a much better time in bed.”

  “You’ll get no argument from me.”

  As they walked through the lobby, Coda noticed the staff brought the grand piano back inside. It had been used outside on the patio during the ceremony. She stopped and admired it, feeling inspired.

  “What is it?” he asked.

  “Will you play something for me?”

  “What? No.” He shook his head. “I can’t do that.”

  “Why not? Your mom said you got accepted to Juilliard, so you must be good.”

  “That was a long time ago.” His voice was softer, almost sullen. “I chose Princeton instead.”

  “You stopped playing altogether?”

  “I still played in college, but not as often as I had growing up. As the years went by I lost interest.” He stared at the piano, looking as though he might honor her request. “Come on. Let’s go upstairs.”

  “Please.”

  “Dakota, I can’t. We’re in public.”

  “Haven’t you played in public before?”

  “Yes, but this is different.” He ran his fingers through his hair as he continued to stare at the keys.

  “Just a few notes.” She nudged him toward the bench. “For me.”

  “This is absurd.

  “Indulge me.”

  “I can think of other ways to do that.” He sat down and trailed his fingers along the keys as if he were testing them out. “Since you’re so determined to have me do this, do you have something in mind?”

  “You pick.” She sat down next to him. “I want to hear you play.”

  “Hmm.” He moved his fingers across the ivories. “Maybe this.” He continued to play the keys as he looked into her eyes. The notes came effortless to him. Occasionally he would gaze down but not for long. He seemed to be lost in her eyes.

  The music he played echoed throughout the lobby, creating a chilling harmony. She’d never heard the melody before, but it seemed familiar. Maybe it reminded her of him. After a few minutes, he softened the tone and hit the last note. It lingered throughout the room. When she looked up they were surrounded by his family and friends.

  “You have an audience,” she whispered.

  “Oh.” He looked around, trying to act casual, but she saw the blush in his cheeks as they applauded.

  “Spencer,” Tara said. “What a wonderful wedding present.”

  “It was spontaneous.” He motioned toward the ballroom. “Go back to your wedding.”

  Tara smiled at Coda. “He’s a tough one.”

  “Tell me about it.” Coda put her arm around Spencer’s back. “But he’s so good at this.” She pointed to the piano. “He should play more often.”

  “Spencer, that was beautiful.” Jenna’s eyes filled with tears. She leaned down and hugged Coda. “Thank you.”

  “For what?” Coda asked. “I didn’t do anything.”

  “You asked him to play, didn’t you?”

  “I didn’t think he would, but I wanted to hear him,” Coda explained.

  “I’ve waited a long time for him to do that.” She kissed Spencer’s cheek. “I hope you’ll do it again.”

  “Mom, please.” He stood from the piano bench. “It wasn’t a big deal. Coda asked and I played her something. I didn’t realize the whole reception would come into the lobby to listen.”

  “They were drawn to it.” Jenna wiped her tears away. “You sounded like your father.”

  “Go back to the reception.” He kissed her head. “Coda and I are heading to our room.”

  “Have a good night.” She hugged him. “Coda, you remember what I said. Enjoy every minute of it.” She made her way back into the dining room.

  Spencer gave Coda a curious look but she just shrugged. She couldn’t tell him that his mother thought they were falling in love even if Coda had developed strong feelings for him in a matter of days. Spencer would be easy to love.

  “That was really beautiful. You made your mom so happy.” She stood and moved closer to him. “Thanks for playing for me.”

  “You liked it?” he asked. She saw a hint of vulnerability in his eyes.

  “I loved it.”

  “I just wrote it.”

  “What?”

  “The song has been on my mind all day. I thought when I got back home I’d write it down.”

  “Does that happen often? Random songs pop into your head.” The more she learned about him the deeper she felt for him.

  “Not often.” He tilted her chin. “You inspired me.”

  “I don’t know what to say. No one has ever written a song because of me.”

  “You make me want to do so many things.”

  “I have another request.” She wrapped her arms around his neck. “Do you want to hear it?”

  “Hmm.” He brushed his lips along her jaw. “You’re a greedy girl tonight, aren’t you?”

  “I think you’ll like this proposition.”

  “Try me.” He kissed a path from her neck to her lips.

  “Take me upstairs and make love to me.”

  He stopped kissing her and stared into her eyes. His look went from playful to intense. Had she crossed the line?

  “I just meant—”

  “Shh.” He pressed his lips to hers and spoke against her mouth. “I want nothing more than to make love to you.”

  She followed him up the staircase and to their room. Her heart pounded hard inside her chest. They’d spent the day having sex but something seemed different now. Maybe it was the look in his eyes when he played her that song. How he reacted when she asked him to make love to her.

  He led her into the suite and straight to the bedroom. He pulled his phone and wallet from his pocket and placed them on the nightstand before removing his shiny silver watch.

  Coda stood mesmerized by his every action. Even when he kicked off his polished dress shoes and placed his jacket over the chair in the corner it turned her on. He smiled when he undid his black cufflinks and placed them next to his watch. When he reached for his bow tie, she moved to stand in front of him.

  “May I?” She placed her hands on his tie. “I was feeling left out.”

  “We can’t have that.” He lowered the zipper on her dress. “I’ve wanted to do t
hat all night.”

  She unbuttoned his shirt as he pried the dress from her letting it fall down her legs and to her feet.

  He let his gaze peruse her body. “You are the sexiest woman I’ve ever seen. I can’t get enough of you.” He tilted her chin up and placed a gentle kiss on her lips.

  Once she released his shirt from his body, he pulled his t-shirt over his head. She tugged at his belt and unbuttoned his pants. “I can’t get the image of you playing the piano out of my mind. You were amazing.”

  “It was all because of you.” He stepped out of his pants. “I’m going to compose that song for you. I’ve never written anything down before.”

  “I can’t wait for you to play it for me again.”

  He sat down on the edge of the bed and guided her into his lap. The length of his cock moved against her silk covered slit. As he kissed her, he trailed his fingers down her spine and to the clasp of her bra. She leaned down and pressed her lips to his muscular shoulder. Grasping her hips, he moved her up and down against his erection. She draped her arms around his neck and moved with him.

  “You’re flawless.” He flipped her on her back and stood from the bed. “I have to get inside you. I need to feel your heat as you come on my cock.”

  She propped herself up on her elbows and watched as he rid himself of his boxers. She shivered when he exposed his masculine form to her. He grabbed a condom from the nightstand drawer and handed it to her. She took it with shaky hands. She’d never done this before but she wanted to please him.

  She ripped open the packet and licked her lips before sheathing him in the thin latex. She ran her fingers along his length before bringing her mouth closer to him. When she licked the base of his cock he let out a soft, feral moan. She worked her way lower, taking her time to suck his balls. He let her indulge for a few moments before gathering her hair in his hand and moving her head up.

  “You’re going to make me lose it before I get inside you.”

  “You liked when I did this in the shower this morning.” She pouted as he took her wrists in his hand.

  “I like it now too but you had a request in the lobby. I want to give you what you want.” He guided her onto her back and slipped her panties down her legs. “Do you still want me to make love to you?”

  “Yes,” she moaned when he kissed his way up her legs and settled between her thighs.

  “It’s only fair I get a little taste too.” His hot, wet tongue moved along her folds, creating the most delicious sensation.

  “Oh...” Her body craved him.

  He moved his lips up to her stomach and over her breasts, taking his time to sprinkle attention on her nipples. Biting and sucking them as he cupped her breasts in his hands.

  “Wrap your legs around me.” He hitched her leg over his hip and ran the tip of his cock along her opening. “I can’t wait any longer.”

  “I want you so much.” She cried out when he pushed inside her. “I need you.”

  “I need you, baby.” He moved as far as her body would allow. “More than you know.”

  “I’m yours.” She thrust her pelvis forward. “Always.”

  She allowed herself to get lost in the sensation only Spencer could create for her. When they were together, connected so deeply, he was all that existed. She could forget about her problems. There was only him. He was all there would ever be for her.

  “THIS IS MY FAVORITE part.” She cuddled against him when she finally caught her breath. “When you hold me.”

  “What? Better than the sex?” He laughed as he discarded the condom into the wastebasket by the bed. “Should I be offended?”

  “You should be commended that you like to snuggle and talk. I thought that was a myth.”

  “With you everything seems to come naturally.” He traced small circles along her arm. “I don’t want to sound sappy, but I’ve never had this type of connection with anyone else before.”

  “I think I know what you mean.” She kissed his shoulder. “What does the date under your tattoo represent?”

  “How did you even manage to see that? It’s so small and woven into the design.”

  “I pay attention to detail.” It was her job as an artist to see what others didn’t.

  “It’s the date my father died.” He tensed against her. “I was eighteen.”

  “Oh, I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to pry. I was curious.”

  “You told me about your father.”

  “I talk too much.” She giggled over her bad habit. “You don’t have to tell me if you’re not comfortable with it. I understand.”

  “He died in a small plane crash.”

  “How tragic. I had no idea.”

  “His friend had gotten a pilot license and they thought it was a good idea to take a trip. The weather was bad and the plane went down.” His voice sounded somber, more reserved than usual. “Tyler was fifteen. My mother and grandfather were devastated. I was scheduled to start Juilliard that September but my grandfather was so broken. I wanted to be the son he never had. He wanted my dad to follow in his footsteps but my father was a musician. The music was in his blood.”

  “It’s in yours too.” She wiped the tears from her face. “You gave it up.”

  “I make a better CEO than I would a musician. I thrive off boardrooms and negations. It’s who I am.”

  “It’s who you became.” She propped herself up on her elbow. “Spencer, you could still pursue your music. I heard you play. That song you wrote tonight came from your heart.”

  “I told you, I had a lot of encouragement. I was able to play that way because of you.” He tangled his fingers in her hair and pulled her to his lips. “You’ve found a way into my heart.”

  That’s exactly where I want to be.

  “I think you’re a remarkable man. I want you to know I believe in you. If you wanted to follow your music I’d be right there with you.”

  “You’re the sweetest woman I’ve ever met.” He hugged her. “I’m content in my professional life.”

  “There’s more than your professional life to consider.”

  “I believe that’s true.” The amusement in his voice was as evident as the satisfaction on his face. “It’s a new concept for me.”

  “What is it?”

  “A week ago I wouldn’t have thought there was more than Spencer Cannon, the CEO, but now I realize how much I’ve been missing. I need to process it all.”

  “I’ll help you.”

  “I certainly hope so.” He kissed the top of her head and held her close.

  She settled back down and cuddled into his side. She closed her eyes and thought about the possibilities. Could she dare dream to have something more than this weekend with him?

  Chapter 11

  Spencer headed down to the breakfast room to grab some coffee and muffins while Coda showered. As much as he wanted to join her they had to head back to New York. The weekend was over and so was their agreement. He felt awkward about giving her the balance of the money. He owed it to her, but after the last couple of days he’d spent with her it didn’t seem right to pay her. Still, a contract was a contract. He’d already given her one check and he needed to complete the proposal. He was a man of his word. Once he did that they could move past how they had come together and start a future together.

  “Spencer.” Pierce made his way over to him.

  Wonderful.

  “Pierce, what can I do for you?” He wasn’t in the mood for this.

  “You’ve been rather scarce this weekend. I haven’t had much of an opportunity to speak with you.”

  “The art department is in the office today. They’ll have the new layouts in the morning. Don’t worry, the Bradford account will go through.”

  “I’m certain you’ll figure out a way to make that work, but that isn’t what I wanted to speak to you about.” Pierce sipped his large to-go cup of coffee. “A situation has been brought to my attention.”

  “Please, if this is about Ava, I don’t
want to discuss her.”

  “You’ve made your position very clear, but it has come to my attention that the woman you allowed to accompany you here works for the agency. You brought the damn cleaning woman, boy. Have you no sense?”

  “How did you know who Coda was?”

  “My granddaughter is very determined when she wants to be. She’s humiliated, and I can’t blame her.”

  “Look, my personal life is none of your business. Ava shouldn’t feel disgraced in the least. We broke up months ago.”

  “You brought that woman to embarrass my Ava. A cleaning woman? Really, Spencer, what were you thinking?”

  “Coda is much more than a cleaning woman.” His anger increased each time Pierce referred to Coda as if she were insignificant. “She’s a talented, witty, intelligent woman with a bright future. She knows more about our business than your Ava ever cared to learn. If you want to help your granddaughter, tell her to leave me alone. She needs to stay out of my personal life.”

  “When you graduated college, you told me you saw a future with her. Were you lying to make sure I voted yes on you becoming CEO?”

  “Of course not,” he said. “I did like Ava. I tried to make it work, but she was never going to be right for me. I’m not right for her.” He understood that better than he ever had, thanks to Coda. Before her he never would have thought it was possible to find his match. “We’re worlds apart, Pierce.” Spencer hated to have to explain any of this to him, but eventually he would have to listen. “We weren’t going to work. Don’t you see it was better for us not to have gone any further than we did? Think of the shambles we would have created it we had gotten a divorce. Where would the company be then?”

  “My granddaughter loves you. Doesn’t that mean anything to you?”

  “She’s in love with the idea of me. Please, don’t encourage her anymore. She needs to move on. I have.”

  “I can see that. I saw the way you looked at Coda when you played the piano last night. Anyone with eyes could see how taken you are with that girl. I hope you know what you’re doing. She doesn’t come from our world. Can she handle the man you are when you’re the CEO? I’ve seen you, Spencer. I know that’s why you’re perfect for this job. You won’t let anything or anyone interfere. That can be hard for a woman to accept.”