Enticing Winter
A very intimate seduction
Chicago fashionista Winter Dupree is ready to take the exclusive lingerie boutique she started with her sisters to the next level. Plans are in place to unveil Bare Sophistication’s racy new line during the city’s high-profile winter Fashion Week. Then Winter discovers who she’ll be sharing the spotlight with for this glittering event—gorgeous, arrogant bachelor Taheim Reed, her once blind date from hell!
The masquerade gala is the ideal affair for the brilliant marketing tycoon to debut his men’s nightwear line. But Taheim’s off-the-charts attraction to his cohost—the free-spirited beauty he vowed never to date again—could open him up to heartbreak. His emotional walls have been sky-high since a devastating past betrayal taught him to be wary. Until one kiss from Winter reopens the floodgates of his passion... Now there’s no turning back, even as a seductive schemer jeopardizes their second chance at forever.
He leaned forward and the movement caught her off guard. “If all goes well on this date, I’m hoping it ends in an intimate nightcap.” His eyes dropped to her lips again, but this time, he didn’t hide the heat behind his gaze.
Did he just suggest what I think he suggested?
She didn’t know whether to curse him out or kiss him senseless. The way he quirked his mouth to the side in a smile made her want to see what he had behind his smize. On the other hand, the fact that she immediately had naughty thoughts about a mouth that belonged to a guy who didn’t care enough about the date to be on time—and then had the nerve to look sexy as hell—made her want to give him a tongue-lashing and not the toe-curling kind. So she opted for the latter.
“You have some nerve,” she said as she leaned closer to him. “First, you show up almost an hour late. Then we barely hold a conversation and when we do speak, it’s about things we already know about one another. Next, you suggest that we have an intimate nightcap when you’ve barely put in any work to get me into your bed.”
Dear Reader,
I’d like to introduce you to the Dupree sisters, owners of Bare Sophistication lingerie boutique and the cousins of my Elite Events series heroes—Micah Madden (Red Velvet Kisses) and Malik Madden (Beautiful Surrender). Enticing Winter also features Taheim Reed who was introduced in my debut Mills & Boon Kimani Romance novel, A Tempting Proposal.
I knew the minute Winter and her sisters opened their Chicago boutique, the gorgeous free spirit would be the perfect match for Taheim. Both characters may appear to be total opposites, but as you will learn, they have more in common than they think.
Autumn’s story is next and I can’t wait for you to see what’s in store for her! She lives her life in facts, not fiction. However, this realist may soon meet her match.
Much love,
Sherelle
authorsherellegreen@gmail.com
@sherellegreen
Enticing Winter
Sherelle Green
www.millsandboon.co.uk
SHERELLE GREEN is a Chicago native with a dynamic imagination and a passion for reading and writing. Her love for romance developed in high school after stumbling across a hot and steamy Mills & Boon novel. She instantly became an avid romance reader and decided to pursue an education in English and journalism. A true romantic, she believes in predestined romances, love at first sight and fairy-tale endings.
Dedication
To my aunts and uncles who have constantly supported me in all my endeavors. I honestly cannot thank each of you enough for all your encouragement and guidance. There is nothing in the world greater than knowing I can depend on my family for any and everything.
I love you all...from the bottom of my heart!
Acknowledgments
To my cousin Daniel “Danny” for inspiring the character of Taheim Reed. You’re so ambitious and I love your determination. Not only are you always making everyone around you laugh, but I love the fact that you are so family oriented. It’s so important to have people in your life that you can count on and you are definitely one of those people for me. Your charismatic spirit and fun-loving personality are what often draw people to you. But you’re also private and quiet, always surprising those who may not know you with the way you view a situation or circumstance. It’s in those moments that others get to see another side of you, the man that keeps others guessing and loves with his whole heart.
Contents
Cover
Back Cover Text
Introduction
Dear Reader
Title Page
About the Author
Dedication
Acknowledgments
Prologue
Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Chapter 3
Chapter 4
Chapter 5
Chapter 6
Chapter 7
Chapter 8
Chapter 9
Chapter 10
Chapter 11
Chapter 12
Chapter 13
Chapter 14
Chapter 15
Chapter 16
Chapter 17
Chapter 18
Chapter 19
Copyright
Prologue
Winter looked at her watch for the tenth time in the past forty minutes. “Unbelievable,” she huffed as she took out her phone to call her sister Autumn. She answered on the second ring.
“Either your date went terrible or he stood you up.”
“Considering he is already forty minutes late, I’m assuming he plans to stand me up.”
“Maybe something came up?”
Winter looked at her phone to make sure she had dialed the right number. “Since when are you an optimist? I expected you to tell me to forget about this blind date and go home.”
“I’m still half realist, half pessimist. But in this case, since you both share a few mutual friends, I think it’s best if you at least wait until he gets there.”
“What if he doesn’t show?”
“Wait ten more minutes. If he doesn’t show, leave.”
As she hung up the phone, she still wasn’t sure she wanted to wait ten more minutes. Just as she’d made the decision to ignore what Autumn said and leave, she felt as if she was being watched. She turned her head toward the entrance of the restaurant and got lost in the chocolate eyes of a man she hated to admit was worth the wait. Since moving to Chicago two years ago, she’d heard more than a few women comment on Taheim Reed’s good looks. Seeing him in person, she now knew firsthand.
He began walking toward the table with a confident stride, gaining the attention of more than a few women.
“Nice to officially meet you, Winter,” he said when he reached the table. She glanced down at his outstretched hand, debating whether or not she should accept it.
“You’re almost an hour late.”
His lips curled into a smile. “I had some business to attend to.”
She waited for him to offer more of an explanation. “So, no apology, then?”
He turned his head to the side and motioned for her to take a seat. She thought about ignoring his request but quickly decided she’d rather sit down than give the people sitting next to them something to talk about.
“I apologize. There is no excuse for keeping a woman as beautiful as you waiting.”
Hmm, smooth talker. Looks-wise, he was definitely Winter’s type. She wasn’t really picky. But personality-wise, he was someone she would never go for. She typically fell for musicians or the starving-artist type. Not the conceited playboy. “I accept your apology.”
“Great,” he said as he took her hand, which was placed on the table. “Now we can get to know each other more.”
She wasn’t sure what it was about his move that irritated her, but she pulled her hand out of his and picked up the menu, which she’d already memorized in the time she’d waited for him to arrive.
“Are you both ready to order?” the waiter asked when he approached their table. She voiced her order, as did Taheim without even opening his menu.
“You must come here a lot.”
He shrugged. “I’ve been here a few times.”
Winter nodded her head as she played with the rim of her glass of water. The awkward silence was unavoidable.
“So what do you do?” he asked as he sat back in his chair.
“I’m one of the owners of Bare Sophistication lingerie boutique in the River North area downtown. What about you?”
“I’m a partner at R&W Advertising and a clothing designer. You may have heard of me,” he said, then took a sip of his water. Winter forced her eyes not to drop to his lips. “I just launched my clothing line, Collegiate Life Apparel, early last year.”
Of course she’d heard of him. And she was sure that because of the friends they shared, he’d heard of her, too. “Congratulations on your success.”
“You, as well,” he replied, confirming that he had heard of her boutique even if he hadn’t said anything. His eyes dropped to her lips before making their way back to her face.
“What are your plans after this date?”
I’d barely classify this as a date. And the question was pretty random, even for Winter, who often loved random questions. “Probably working on some new designs. What about you?”
He leaned forward and the movement caught her off guard. “If all goes well, I’m hoping for an intimate nightcap.” His eyes dropped to her lips again, but this time, he didn’t hide the heat behind his gaze. Did he just suggest what I think he suggested?
She didn’t know whether to curse him out or kiss him senseless. The way he quirked his mouth to the side made her want to see what he had behind his smize. On the other hand, the fact that she immediately had naughty thoughts about the mouth of a guy who didn’t care enough about the date to be on time made her want to give him a tongue-lashing, and not the toe-curling kind. So she opted for the latter.
“You have some nerve,” she said as she leaned closer to him. “First you show up almost an hour late. Then we barely hold a conversation and when we do speak, it’s about things we already know about one another. Next you suggest that we have an intimate nightcap?”
“I apologized for being late,” he said, clearly amused by their banter. “And I did plan on asking you more questions. But let’s just cut to the chase.” He brushed his fingers over her arm and it took all of her energy not to give him the satisfaction of her pulling away again. “We both know how this night is going to end. You’re as attracted to me as I am to you.”
“Oh, I see,” Winter said. “This is how it usually works for you.” She waved her hand back and forth between them. “You take a woman out, spit a few seductive words, and before you know it, you’re dragging her back to your place.”
He squinted his eyes together as if he was contemplating what she was saying. “Pretty much. I wouldn’t proposition you if I couldn’t tell you were already interested.” He leaned back in his chair. “Until you admit it, too, you’re just wasting both of our time.”
Who the heck is this guy? “Ha!” she said, finally moving her arm from his touch. “I bet that underneath that arrogant facade is a little boy who was hurt so badly by a woman that he developed this playboy alter ego. When deep down, he’s just damaged goods.”
She watched the spark behind his gaze leave, and although she wished she didn’t, she missed that glimmer of light. She almost wanted to take back her words, but he quickly covered up the fact that she’d gotten to him.
“I heard about you when you got to Chicago,” he said with his smirk back in place. “A woman who calls herself a free spirit and doesn’t take dating seriously. Maybe you’re trying to hide behind the fact that you’re scared of a man getting too close to you because when he gets to know the real you, he won’t like what he sees.”
* * *
Taheim inwardly winced at the hurt look on Winter’s face. He had no idea what had provoked him to say those words to a woman he barely knew.
Yes, you do, the voice inside his head stated. She got a little too close to the truth, so instead of being a gentleman and letting it slide, you shot back.
“I think it’s best if we end this so-called date.” Their food hadn’t even arrived yet, but he knew she was right.
“I agree,” he said. “I know the owner, so I’ll just cover dinner, even though we didn’t eat.”
“I can pay for my own dinner,” she said, already digging in her purse.
“It’s fine, really.”
She looked up from her purse. “No, it’s fine...really!”
“So now you’re just repeating what I say?”
“Not at all. Unlike those other moochers you probably date, I can cover my own dinner.”
“I’ve only dated top-quality women,” he said, suddenly defensive.
The side-eye she gave him proved she wasn’t buying it. “Fifty bucks says you’re lying.”
In truth, he didn’t always date quality women, but he wouldn’t tell her that. Hell, he couldn’t remember the last woman he’d dated who actually intrigued his mind. He’d be the first to admit, but not to her, that he thought more with the lower part of his body in regards to the opposite sex.
“I don’t know why the ladies of Elite Events thought we would be a good fit.”
“Me neither,” he agreed. “As soon as I sat down, you’d decided that this date was going to be terrible. My guess is you hate blind dates and I was doomed from the start.”
“Me? What about you?” She stopped searching her purse. “You assumed that I would be one of those women you’ve dated that hangs on to every word you say. Before you even sat at this table, you knew how you were going to approach me. So I think it’s safe to say we both agree this date was a mistake.”
He studied her facial features, assuming her tenseness mirrored how his own face appeared.
“Hey, Taheim.” He turned to the voice he heard behind him.
“Hey, Amanda, how are you?”
“Fine now that I saw you,” she said as she leaned slightly toward him, evidently trying to bring his gaze from her face to her chest. “I was hoping you could take me out after you finish up with whatever this is.” She flicked her hand toward Winter in disregard.
Taheim chanced a glance at Winter and was unable to miss the knowing look in her eyes. “Just like I said,” she replied as she finally pulled out some cash, which she placed on the table for her half of dinner. “The moochers trailing behind you are in full effect tonight, huh?”
“What did you just call me?” Amanda said, pointing a long acrylic nail in Winter’s direction.
Winter stood to put on her coat, completely ignoring Amanda.
“I asked you a question.”
“Which I ignored,” Winter said as she turned to face Amanda. “Listen, I don’t care what you and Taheim do after I leave. Regardless of the fact that I can’t stand to be at this dinner a minute longer, I could have called you much worse considering that you are the one who came to the table and rudely ignored the fact that I was sitting here.”
Amanda flicked her long weave over her shoulder and placed her arm over Taheim’s shoulder. “That’s because you’re irrelevant.”
Winter lifted an eyebrow and took two steps toward Amanda. To Taheim’s surprise, Amanda actually took a couple steps back. Winter then looked at Taheim and brought her lips closer to his ear.
“Quality women, huh,” she whispered. “You owe me fifty bucks.”
With that she grabbed her purse and walked out of the restaurant.
“Did she just say I wasn’t a quality chick?” Amanda asked as she poked him in the side. “She must have me confused with someone else, because I’m as classy as they come.”
She walked over and sat in the seat that Winter had just vacated, in a dress so tight he swore he could see the imprint of her panties. “And since she was so disrespectful, I’ll take this money as a consolation for having to listen to her talk crap about me.”
As he watched Amanda stuff the cash Winter had placed on the table in her bra, he averted his eyes and winced. Not only had his blind date crashed and burned, but Amanda—a woman whose company often kept him amused—was making him want to run to the nearest exit.
Chapter 1
Three months later
“Angelique, you seriously cannot be doing this to me right now!”
Winter Dupree clutched her smartphone, trying to refrain from throwing it against the wall. “There are thirty women waiting to see you strut your stuff across the hardwood floor in less than an hour.”
“I know, Winter, and I’m so sorry,” Angelique replied.
“Whoosah.” Winter took a deep breath as she stepped deeper into the dimly lit walk-in closet. “Now’s the time when you tell me this is just a joke and men dressed in funny costumes are going to throw confetti and yell ‘Surprise!’”
She briefly noticed that all the coats and jackets in the closet coordinated with a pair of shoes that were placed right beneath them. Seriously? Who the heck does that?
It was bad enough she was hiding in a closet when she was supposed to be hosting a bachelorette party, but now she was also snooping in the closet of a man she’d rather forget existed.
“Our flight takes off in less than ten minutes, so this is definitely not a joke.”
“I think your boyfriend surprising you with a trip to Paris is amazing, since his timing is perfect,” she said sarcastically. “How about I just tell the client that my top model was swept away on a romantic getaway, so we will show our backless embellished lace babydoll paired with a pearl lace thong on a dull mannequin instead.”
“Oh, Winter, that would be awesome. I was worried—”
“I was not being serious,” Winter said, cutting off the rest of Angelique’s sentence. “I’d rather have a root canal than tell a client we can’t deliver on what we promised. I’ll have to figure something else out.”
“Why don’t you have another model wear that piece?”
Winter quirked one eyebrow and blinked several times. “I’ll pretend like you didn’t just say that my customized piece that was made to fit your measurements exactly could be worn by another model. Those chic black pieces are the signature look for our European-inspired lingerie collection and you are the only model who can pull off the look.”
“I’ll make it up to you when I get back to Chicago,” Angelique said, rushing Winter off the phone. “It’s the last boarding call. Talk to you soon!”
Winter dropped her head to the floor as she listened to the silence on the other end of the call. “Ugh! Must be nice to get whisked away on a trip to Paris.” She knew she sounded bitter, but at the moment, she didn’t care. Angelique was one of her best models. Also the first model who had signed up when word spread through the Chicago fashion industry that Bare Sophistication had decided to throw masquerade lingerie events to promote signature pieces from their store. Winter had been in business with her sisters for over two years now and she was really excited about the direction Bare Sophistication was taking.
She and her sisters had immediately developed a great business model. Winter handled all the visual merchandising and design for the lingerie store. Autumn managed the business and sales, while Summer handled all public relations and advertising despite the fact that she was currently residing in Miami. Their newly appointed manager, Danni Allison, assisted in the daily operations and staff management.
Last month Winter had decided that it was time to bring their boutique to another level. She’d come up with the idea of throwing upscale masquerade lingerie events that offered customized pieces that weren’t available in-store and therefore only available if purchased at an elaborate masquerade lingerie party. In addition, they also offered sexy European-inspired nightwear and robes to complement the lingerie.
With the help of her friends at Elite Events Incorporated, Winter had been able to gather a list of Chicago’s most influential women. She’d then sent the group of women a special invitation so that those interested could schedule an informational one-on-one meeting to learn more about hosting a Bare Sophistication masquerade lingerie event. Within a week, she had ten events lined up.
“Winter, are you in there?”
Winter cracked the door open and pulled Danni inside the closet. “Angelique can’t make the lingerie fashion show tonight.”
Danni’s eyes grew big with panic, mirroring exactly how Winter felt. Tonight was their first event and Winter’s first client, Kaya Reed, was extremely excited to have Bare Sophistication host a lingerie party for her best friend’s bachelorette party. Despite the fact that Winter had an adamant dislike for Kaya’s older brother Taheim Reed, she had eagerly agreed to help Kaya, who happened to be a sweetheart, throw a party her friend would never forget.
Unfortunately, that included a top-notch lingerie fashion show that ended with the signature piece Kaya was convinced her bestie would appreciate as a bachelorette gift. Which was why it was imperative that she have a model actually try on the best piece in the collection.
“There’s absolutely no way she can make it here in time?” Danni asked.
“Nope, her boyfriend surprised her with a trip to Paris.”
“Aww, how romantic. I wonder if he’ll propose on the trip. I bet Angelique is hoping he proposes. If you had seen the two of them in the store the other day when he picked her up for lunch... They were so cute...”
“Danni,” Winter said as she waved a hand in front of her to cut her off. Winter hated being rude, but she had little time to put together a backup plan now that Angelique was a no-show. “Sorry to cut you off, but we need to focus. Can we switch out any of the models to have them try on the special piece?”
Danni quirked her mouth to the side in thought. “I’m sure we can, but we also chose Angelique because she was similar in size and build to the bride-to-be. That way the bride would have a visual of how she would look before Kaya surprised her with the customized set we made for her.”
“I understand, but we may have to make do with another model.” Even as the words left her mouth, Winter found it hard to believe them. Oftentimes her sisters teased her about being a go-with-the-flow type of woman. But when she wanted things to go a certain way and plans didn’t work out, she could never hide her disappointment.
“You know there’s another solution to this problem,” Danni said.
“I’m all ears.”
Danni averted her eyes as if trying to find the right words. “There’s only one woman who is similar to Angelique.” Hopeful eyes met Winter’s.
“I know you’re not suggesting what I think you’re suggesting.”
“Oh, come on, Winter.” Danni tugged on her arm. “You’d look amazing in the piece and you definitely have the shape for it.”
“You have got to be kidding me.” Winter knew that there would come a time when one of her models would flake on her. But there was absolutely no way she was modeling the lingerie herself.
“I have an image to uphold and modeling in little to nothing isn’t exactly the visual I want to leave for the women in that room.”
“Angelique was going to wear a masquerade mask anyway that covered half her face. Even if some of the ladies know it’s you, they won’t say anything. Plus, half of them are tipsy anyway.”
Of course, Winter knew all about the mask since she was the one who’d decided on the look for Angelique. But that wasn’t the point.