Asia sniffed and bit down on her lower lip. From here on she would keep her emotions in check, no matter the cost to her heart.
CHAPTER FIVE
“Send her in,” Rico said into the intercom then he swung his chair around so that it faced the plate glass windows overlooking Miami Bay. After a silence of over a week Asia Miller was back. To conduct her autogenic training, she’d said, sounding so cool and composed that he felt like reaching through the phone lines to throttle her.
That was some stunt she’d pulled on his boat that Friday night. After what he’d thought had been a wonderful dinner where he’d seen her relax for the first time, she’d made a U-turn and demanded that he take her home. Just like that. As if he were some kind of lecher taking advantage of her. He hadn’t forced himself on her. She’d kissed him back. Willingly. In fact, she’d responded with a passion that made her desire plain as day. And then she’d backed away.
Now she’d returned to continue her cockamamie training program. He’d almost told his assistant to cancel the appointment. But no, he would see her. He was more than curious to see whether her frigid mood had improved or not.
Asia Miller entered his office a minute later, looking serene as she always did, her hair in that damn bun she seemed to love so much. On the yacht when he'd kissed her, soft tendrils of her ebony hair had slipped from the bun to curl softly around her face. With her thick black lashes and the cute pout of her soft lips she’d made a pretty picture. How could he have resisted stealing a kiss?
But now the thin line of her lips told him she was back to business.
After her initial greeting she walked over to the table by the window and opened the briefcase. She began to pull papers out. Only then did she look him full in the face. “We have a lot of work to do today,” she said and waved her hand to an empty chair. “Can you come over here, please?”
He could see that she was trying hard to project her professional image. She probably didn’t realize it, but it was spoiled when she kept stealing glances at him, her face going pink each time. Clearly, Asia was nervous. And then he realized he was being harsh. He’d probably frightened the girl with that kiss. He’d never been one for subtlety. He took what he wanted when he wanted and that was just who he was. With Asia Miller, though, he might have to try another tactic, maybe even take it slow. He wanted her. That was without question. But he could see that she wanted to maintain a distance, probably to hold on to her professional image. Well, he could be slow, he could be charming. He’d just take it easy and give her some time. Then he would make his move.
Rico walked over and sat in the chair as Asia had instructed. She was opening her mouth to speak but he put up a hand and stopped her. “Before we begin, there is something I’d like to say.” He leaned forward and rested his arms on the table. “I’m sorry for the way I behaved the other night and I hope you’ll forgive me.”
Asia blinked, looking nonplussed. Then, like the lifting of a fog, the tension in her face disappeared. “I…yes, you’re forgiven. And…thank you.” She fiddled with the papers in her hands. “I hope you understand that…we have to keep our relationship professional. You’re-”
“I know,” he said with a dry laugh. “I’m your client.”
She nodded and gave him a smile that reflected her relief. Then she pulled out a folder and placed it in front of him. “Now,” she said, her tone suddenly firm, “this is my plan of action for you. We’ll do a session today and then these are instructions for you to follow each day for the next two weeks.” Gone was the hesitant woman who had walked into his office. The old Asia Miller, the one he’d met on day one, was back.
She shifted the folder to the side then straightened. “Today we’ll practice a relaxation technique that will allow you to relieve stress and achieve balance.”
He shrugged. “I’m not under any stress.”
“That’s what you say but your body says otherwise.” She walked around the table and reached out to press her hand against the right side of his neck. “Look at how your pulse is jumping. You’re not calm. You’re wound too tight.”
At the feel of her fingers on his skin he almost groaned. If this was her way of getting him to relax she was off to a poor start. Her touch had the opposite effect. If the sudden tightening in his groin was anything to go by he had a long way to go before he could be described as relaxed.
“Your tension and stress are reflected in your aggressiveness,” she was saying. “And that’s why it's so important to address the problem now rather than later. These things can lead to physical manifestations such as heart attacks.”
He sat up straight, paying attention now. “Hold on. What aggressiveness are you talking about? I’m not aggressive.”
Asia smiled and shook her head. “It’s okay, Rico. Denial is typical. And that’s why I’m here. As a professional I can point out these shortcomings and help you overcome them.”
“But I’m not aggressive. I’m just an assertive person who speaks his mind.” He shook his head. “ Merde,” he said under his breath, “I wish more people would be like that.”
“And that swearing,” she said with the lift of an eyebrow, “we’ll work on that as well.” She stepped back. “Now I want you to relax the tension in your shoulders. Just roll them forward and let them slouch.”
Rico gave a deep sigh then he did as he was told.
“Take off your jacket. That way you’ll be less restricted.” Asia waited patiently as he shrugged off the piece of clothing then slumped forward again. “Now say after me, ‘my right arm is heavy’.”
Rico almost laughed out loud. What the hell was this? A joke? But a glance at her face told him Asia was quite serious. And she was waiting.
“My right arm is heavy,” he muttered, glad nobody from his staff could see him right then. They’d think the boss had gone batty.