White Roses

By V. Steele

When the young and vulnerable Valerie takes a job to pay off her student loans while playing piano by night, she never expects her bad boy billionaire boss to offer her the opportunity of a lifetime. She soon realizes that her new job comes with him teaching her the art of seduction. The heat building between them threatens to burn them both.

Warning: This story contains mature themes and some language not appropriate for children. Intended for 18+ readers only.

• Language: English
• Publisher: V. Steele
• Release date: Jul 3, 2016
• ISBN: 9781310263613

V. Steele

An author that loves all things romance. Just trying to make it real in a crazy world. Try it, you might like it.

Book preview

White Roses

White Roses

By:

V. Steele

A Horseshoe Book

White Roses

July 2016

Edited by:

Horseshoe Publishing

Georgia (USA)

Copyright © 2016 by V. Steele

Smashword Edition

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means, including photocopying, recording, or other electronic or mechanical methods, without the prior written permission of the publisher, except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical reviews and certain other noncommercial uses permitted by copyright law. For permission requests, email the publisher at [e-mail]

Chapter 1

Music drifted from the piano in a low vibrating tone. Valerie was playing a piece from Chopin. She always played when something was on her mind.

Her mind was on the man she’d met today. She’d been walking down the sidewalk at lunch, enjoying the crisp, cool air, when a man came out of a shop and ran directly into her. She’d dropped her purse, spilling everything out on the sidewalk. He helped her pick her things up and apologized for being so clumsy.

I’m so sorry. I didn't see you coming down the sidewalk. Please forgive me. Then he extended his hand in a gesture of courtesy. I’m Wade Barfield.

She shook hands with him and couldn’t help but feel the power in that very tanned hand. She’d also noticed the British accent. He was definitely not from New York. The tailored suit fit to his body detailing every muscle. His black hair and dazzling blue eyes were an odd combination.

He laughed at the way she just stared at him. I always thought that if you told someone your name it was only polite to tell them yours. He whispered.

Valerie blushed as she realized she’d been staring, I'm Valerie Hanover. She suddenly felt uncomfortable. I must get back to work. Thank you for helping me with my purse. She walked off with the feeling that it hadn’t been an accident at all. That smile told of a more interesting reason.

That night when she went to bed, sleep didn’t find her quick. Then when she finally drifted off, her dreams were filled with the man she’d met in the street. He’d seemed oddly familiar to her.

The next day at work, she sat in a daydream most of the day. She could see those dazzling blue eyes everywhere. At about 2:00 she received a dozen long-stemmed white roses. The card said, Please accept my apology for yesterday. Yours Truly, Wade.

This caused her heart to take an extra beat. At her last concert, she’d received a single white rose. That was odd because you normally gave red, yellow or pink, but white?

Her coworkers nodded with approval of her gift. It made her feel a little odd. Why had this man sent her flowers? Better yet, how did he know where she worked as a secretary? As she gathered her things to go home that afternoon, her mind was on the gift. She pulled the long box into her arms and got into the elevator.

The elevator started up, not down. She hit the lobby button again, but it still went up. Valerie was a little frightened as it stopped at the top level. Letting out a sigh as visions of the elevators shooting out the top of the building calmed, she waited for the doors to open.

Her gasp was audible when the doors opened, revealing Wade Barfield leaning in the entrance. Mr. Barfield? Valerie’s heart was pounding in her ears at just the sight of him. He was dressed in a dark suit with a crisp white shirt and a tie the same blue as his eyes. It was a heady concoction.

Valerie. He gave her a nod as he walked inside, standing beside her, pushing the lobby button. As the doors closed, he leaned on the wall beside her. I see you got the roses.

Valerie took a deep breath, trying to remember how to speak. Without looking his way, she stared ahead at the doors. Yes, thank you. They’re beautiful.

I’m glad you approve. His smirk belied his amusement at her refusal to look his way. Her innocence was almost like a flag waving in front of him. He was mesmerized by it, pulled by it, obsessed with it.

The elevator continued its descent as Wade stared at her. Did you have a nice day?

Yes, thank you. Another short answer, still no turning toward him.

Do you have plans for dinner? Wade was hoping she said no. Of course he already knew she wasn’t dating anyone.

I’m practicing for a concert this weekend, so I’ll have dinner in tonight.

At the Met, yes, I have tickets. He crossed his arms across his chest in interest. I can bring food to you.

Valerie cleared her throat. That’s really nice of you, but really, I’m fine with a sandwich and salad. She finally turned slightly to look up into his eyes. Oh, that was a mistake. Those eyes pulled her in and she was lost for a moment. Then shaking her head, she turned back to looking at the doors.

Wade knew the affect he was having on her and he was pleased. Alright, then let me take you out after the concert.

That’s not necessary. She unconsciously reached up to push a lock of hair from her face.

Suddenly he was almost desperate, I didn’t say it’s necessary. I’d like to take you out for dinner, if for a reason, maybe to make up for running into you yesterday.

The elevator opened and she started out, but he blocked the doorway with a speed that surprised her. Her gaze moved up to him as he stood, blocking her exit.

Valerie, let me take you home. There’s no sense in you riding the bus.

How did you know I ride the bus? Suspicion filled her eyes.

He reached out and pulled the bus pass that was clipped to her purse. I’ll leave you at your door, I promise.

Since there were people trying to get on the elevator and she hated a scene, she accepted. OK, just let me off the elevator. When he turned his body just enough for her to slip by, she exited the elevator, walking straight to the front door. Val could feel him behind her, how she didn’t know, but he was close.

His arm reached past her to open the door. My driver is bringing the car around. Wade said as they walked out into the afternoon sun.

They stood on the sidewalk for only a few seconds before a sleek town car pulled to the curb. She looked at the car with fascination. It was a fact that she’d never ridden in such a nice car. Wade watched as she ran her hand over the leather seat once she was seated. He wanted her to have her heart’s desire. That was one of his goals with his little obsession, but first he had to earn her trust.

Valerie looked up at him. Why don’t you drive yourself?

Wade laughed at her question. It was evident that she had no idea who he was. Well Val, it’s not very convenient in my life for me to drive back and forth to the office. I do drive occasionally, but most of the time James takes care of the driving. He gestured toward the driver.

Oh. For a long moment she stared at him, then a strange look came across her young face. What do you do at the office? Are you one of the executives?

This time Wade let his head fall back as he laughed. Sweet, sweet Valerie. You have no idea who I am, do you? His eyes found hers and they locked