Rachel smiled, her body lightening instantly. “It won’t happen again, I promise.”
“Here’s what I’m going to do,” Lucy stated, placing her hands on the desk and locking eyes with Rachel. “I’m going to reassign you to a different editor, effective immediately. She’s one of my senior staff, and she’ll coach you in a more efficient manner. This means you are no longer working on the editorial team for the Pavon book.”
Rachel nodded. Lucy studied her for a moment before cracking a smile.
“Really, you’re not reacting at all? I thought you, of all people, would appreciate the irony in that.”
Rachel raised an eyebrow. “I’m sorry?”
“Well, I’ll just say it then. I know about you and Joe,” Lucy replied with an embarrassed chuckle.
Rachel started a little. “You know about … how could you … how did you find out?”
She seemed casually tickled at Rachel’s reaction. “It was while Joe and I were speaking privately.”
Oh, he didn’t! “I see.”
“Joe made mention to me that you two had been set up on a blind date the night before. He also admitted to being crazy about you, and that he’d already planned on seeing you again. He asked whether or not dating you would be a deal breaker, and I assured him that it wouldn’t.”
Rachel was pleasantly surprised. She smiled sheepishly. “I’m sorry Lucy — I should have told you myself. But I was shocked as he was, I couldn’t even believe it was him who walked in! I thought for sure you would have seen it as a conflict of interest — ”
“You’ve been nothing but professional, Rachel. I’ve been watching you closely, but you already know that. You know, an occupational hazard that comes along with being me is that I’m viewed as some heartless creep. But let me share a little something with you — despite popular opinion, I am capable of understanding.”
“I’m so embarrassed,” Rachel replied, closing her eyes. “You know, he didn’t actually tell me that you knew.”
Lucy laughed. “Oh, he didn’t? I would have thought for sure he’d have shared the story I told him with you.”
“Maybe he chose to respect your privacy,” Rachel grinned.
“I like the sound of that. I’ll share it with you, then. I’m no stranger to surprise when it comes to love. I met my husband three years ago in the exact same manner — I was getting ready to sign him, in the same conference room. He walked in, and everything changed.”
Rachel’s eyes widened with interest. “That’s incredible! Did you sign him?”
“I did,” she nodded. “But we didn’t start dating until after his book went to the printers. I sent him his free copies with a note, inviting him to dinner.”
Rachel’s jaw dropped and Lucy blushed, covering her face in her hands. “I know, I know! I’d never done anything like that before, but when I saw him — I just knew.”
“I’m not judging you at all, Lucy. In fact, I think it’s super romantic.”
Lucy nodded. “It’s funny, I guess. Sometimes one path leads you to another and you just have to follow it. Sometimes it doesn’t work out, but sometimes it’s — ”
“Kismet.”
“Exactly.”
They exchanged knowing smiles, and a moment of silence extended between the pair.
“Ah, Lucy I’m so sorry. Does it make sense to you when I say that the only reason I seem to have misjudged you was because I had you so high on a pedestal?”
Lucy chuckled. “Get me off of that pedestal now. I get nosebleeds easily. And I crave my staff’s opinion. My goal is to trust my staff, and to have them trust me. I can’t do that when I’m being viewed as some sort of ice queen.”
“I understand.”
Lucy paused and looked extremely satisfied with the outcome of the meeting. “Okay, Rachel, I think we’re done for now. Your next move is going to be to introduce yourself to Grace if you haven’t met her already. You can start with her today, and I’ll have someone in your spot by later this afternoon. You’re probably going to need to move your desk too, now that I think about it.”
Rachel nodded and stood. “Thanks a lot, Lucy.”
“Thank you — for at least trusting your instinct enough to bring me Joe’s manuscript. I’ve got a lot of backtracking to do as a result, but sometimes … well, a spring cleaning is often necessary.”
Rachel nodded, pretending that her cryptic message had flown over her head. “Thanks again, Lucy.”
• • •
After a round of text messages that included Rachel playfully scolding him for not warning her that Lucy knew about them, she ended up sitting beside Joe in the Tahoe as they drove into downtown Brooklyn for dinner. Joe couldn’t stop smiling, and he held her hand as he took the hard curve that led onto the Brooklyn Bridge.
“Amy looked tickled pink to see me picking you up in the lobby,” he commented with a deep rumble of a chuckle.
“Oh, she was waiting for us to go public,” Rachel giggled. “Michelle was talking a lot of trash about you around the office.”
“Oh, was she?”
“Yup. She was always trying to make me jealous by saying that you were meeting up with her.”
“Did it work?”
Rachel shook her head with a playful smile as she stared out of the window. “I don’t know whether to be relieved or hurt,” he teased. “Why weren’t you jealous?”
“Because at the times she insisted that the two of you were together, I was usually in your arms.”
He chuckled. “Ah. So the fact that I can’t keep my hands off you seems to have worked in my favor.”
Rachel giggled furiously, covering her face with her hands. He rubbed her knee playfully and chuckled as he took Atlantic Avenue to Court Street, where their destination awaited them. The night, fully orchestrated by Joe, began with dinner at Queen on Court Street. The pair left the restaurant over an hour-and-a-half later, after the chef finally gave up trying to stuff the “big guy” to bursting. Needless to say, Joe begged that they walk around for a bit.
Rachel laughed jovially as he looked down at his stomach, rubbing it gingerly. “He almost won, Rach. He almost won.”
The sun was beginning to set when they finally settled on a bench partially nestled under a tree, overlooking the water. The area was uncommonly quiet, but they took full advantage of it, facing each other and talking as Joe tried hard to forget the fact that his stomach nearly gave out on him only a couple of hours before.
Chatting led to laughing; laughing led to holding hands. The more they talked, the closer they sat. Until finally, Joe and Rachel were leaning back on the bench, their faces kissably close. She was nestled against him as he draped his arm over the back of the bench.
Rachel tilted her head forward, resting her nose against his. “You’re pretty amazing.”
“You’re not too bad yourself,” Joe teased with a boyish grin.
Actually, Rach — you’re a liar. She tensed, but shut her pesky subconscious down. She lifted her head slightly, impulsively planting a kiss on his willing mouth. “And you taste pretty amazing too.”
“Miss Sirianni, are you getting fresh with me?”
Doesn’t he mean Kirby? Rachel cracked a smile. “Maybe.”
Joe chuckled. “Coy is cute. But you’re adorable when you’re being naughty.”
Rachel sighed contentedly. “You drive me crazy.”
“Then we’re even,” Joe smirked. He stuck the tip of his tongue out and ran it across her lower lip.
Rachel pulled her head back and placed it on his shoulder, looking up at him. “You know what, there’s something I’m not telling you.”
Joe kissed her on the cheek. “There’s something I’m not telling you, either.”
Rachel stopped her eyes from widening in r
esponse. “What’s that?”
“I’m a little disappointed that you haven’t kissed me yet,” Joe confessed, a mischievous sparkle in his eye.
You don’t deserve him. She frowned. “Is that all?”
Joe mocked her frown, breaking into a smile after a second or two. “That’s a serious charge, gorgeous. Get over here.”
Tenderly, he used his thumb and forefinger to pull her closer to him so that he could press his lips against hers. Rachel’s body reacted instantly, a surge of heat starting in her core and extending outward. She couldn’t deny it, Joe owned her body from the moment he touched her.
He released her mouth and she sighed in protest. He planted soft kisses in a trail across the right side of her face until he reached her ear. His head dropped as he took a deep breath, pressing his forehead to the side of her head as he looked back up and exhaled. Rachel’s eyes crossed as a chill shot straight up her spine when his breath danced across her ear, his teeth gently grazing her lobe.
Pulling back to steal a glance at his favorite girl, Joe placed one hand against the side of her face, and leaned in to kiss her more urgently this time. Rachel didn’t stand a chance — by the time his tongue parted her lips, she couldn’t have caught her breath even if she wanted to.
Instinctively she reached for him, wrapping one arm around his neck as the other hand ventured into his thick wavy locks. Joe sucked on her bottom lip briefly, making her delightfully dizzy as she held on tight. She answered him right back, capturing his bottom lip and sucking it before pulling away with a gentle bite. Joe’s eyes were seductively dark as he stared into her face.
“Boy,” he sighed with a teasing smile, “You’re not playing today, are you?”
Blushing, Rachel shook her head as she bit her lower lip. He smiled mischievously as he stared hungrily at her mouth. “Give me that … ”
He claimed her mouth once more, and she willingly submitted. There they were, kissing passionately on a public bench with no regard to passersby. As the sun set, Rachel realized she could have sat there all night. But she felt like Joe might have had other plans — plans that you put in his head, weirdo! She ended the kiss abruptly.
“Are you okay?”
“I’m okay. It’s just … well, this isn’t very private.”
Joe’s eyes lit up. “Are you suggesting we go somewhere private?”
Rachel tilted her head to one side, smiling playfully. “What do you think, Mr. Pavon?”
“Is your roommate home?”
She grinned. “Bianca … is gone for the weekend. And she took the dog.”
Joe chuckled. “Let’s go back to your place.”
“My place?”
Joe pressed his lips against hers fervently. “It’s closer.”
A half-hour drive and a very heated elevator ride later, Rachel’s door burst open and the two of them stumbled in, hands all over one another as they kissed feverishly. Rachel’s heart raced in anticipation; this all felt different. His hands moved differently, his kisses were more urgent. When they bumped into the dinette, Joe released her with a laugh and Rachel giggled nervously.
Joe exhaled and said with a smile, “You get the music, I’ll get the wine.”
Rachel turned away from him, her chest rising and falling in breathless expectation of the night to come. She popped a random CD into her stereo and pressed “play.” The sultry, haunting voice of Chris Isaak filled the room, setting the mood perfectly. It also seemed to push her guilt-ridden mind into overdrive. What are you doing, Rachel?
Joe reentered the living room, carrying two glasses of wine. He handed one to Rachel, and they toasted to an amazing evening. Rachel took a great sip, and Joe watched her over the rim of his glass. His smile was lustful, his eyes swimming with desire. Rachel was barely halfway through her glass, when he gently coaxed it out of her hand and placed it on the dinette beside his.
This was different — she knew he wouldn’t stop this time. All she wanted for the last six weeks was Joe, and she was finally going to get him. But would you have gotten him had Kirby not told him to go for it? Rachel bit back a frown, begging her subconscious to just shut the hell up.
Her heart was pounding mercilessly as Joe leaned forward and planted a soft kiss on her lips. Rachel arched her back to meet his mouth, eagerly standing on her toes. Much to her delight, he cupped her face and took his time, savoring the taste of her mouth. He’s slowing it down, she thought, her knees weakening; every nerve ending in her body tingled expectantly. It was the only way he could prove to her that his interests weren’t purely sexual.
Way to go, Rachel … Kirby. You made this happen! Joe pulled her close, enveloping her in his powerful embrace. Rachel sighed deeply as his hands caressed her back. Her body felt as if it were on fire, yet she couldn’t stop shaking; the way her body sang at his touch, it could have been the first time. With every touch and every kiss, Joe continued to make her body ache with need. He ran his hands down her back again, leaving a fiery trail in their wake as the rest of her body stood at attention.
Grabbing handfuls of Rachel’s shirt, he tugged upward. She raised her arms in response, and he pulled her shirt over her head, discarding it on the floor nearby. Rachel was rewarded with another kiss, his tongue probing her mouth gently as his hands caressed her naked back.
Rachel buried her face in his neck as he bent forward to kiss her collar, then her shoulder. She tugged at his shirt and lifted it over his stomach, feeling his rock hard abs against her palms — flesh on flesh — for the first time. Joe reluctantly let her go to remove his shirt, tossing it next to hers. She could barely contain the ragged sigh that threatened to escape her lips as she examined his body in all of its glory. His firm, muscular body was a sight to behold, absolutely perfect.
Joe leaned forward again, caressing the sides of her face with a devastatingly gentle touch. She lifted her mouth to his, sighing his name as his mouth closed over hers. Rachel’s hands moved on their own, tugging at his belt, unfastening it as fast as her trembling hands would allow. Joe’s hands skillfully maneuvered the top of her jeans, undoing the button just as Rachel got a hold of the thick strap of his leather belt.
She tugged hard, the belt sliding out of its loops and dragging him against her. Rachel gasped as his throbbing erection pushed toward her abdomen, its contour surprisingly detailed through the thick fabric of his jeans. Her subconscious continued to pummel her as Joe wound his arms around her and lifted her off the floor. Yes! Her body sang at his momentary aggression, and she obediently wrapped her legs around his torso. They kissed ardently, a satisfied moan escaping her lips as he walked over to the couch. He sat carefully, and she happily found herself straddling him once again. Joe grabbed a handful of her hair and held her mouth to his as he kissed her intensely. Rachel gyrated against him in response, squirming from the heated desire that was rapidly building inside of her.
“I’ve been waiting so long for this,” he groaned, his voice sexier than she could ever remember it being.
Are you proud of yourself, Rachel? She clung to Joe just as hard as she tried to escape herself as he wound his arms around her again, dipping her backward so that he could lower his head and plant soft kisses at her bra line. Rachel ran her fingers into his hair, tilting her head back and begging him for more.
Rachel, tell him. She kissed him passionately, trying to drown out the sound of her own voice in her head. Rachel, tell him. She placed biting kisses along his neckline, and he groaned her name.
TELL HIM!
Rachel practically flew off of his lap, jumping back in horror as she clasped her hands over her mouth. “Joe, wait. I can’t do this.”
Joe stood, appearing truly concerned as she stood at the other end of the living room, half naked and terrified. “Rach, what’s wrong? What is it?”
He reached for her and she dodged his touch
, shaking her head frantically. Rachel could feel herself starting to panic. Yet she couldn’t seem to get the words out.
Tell him!
“Aw, Rachel no,” he said gently, taking another step toward her with his hands outstretched, “Baby, it’s not like — ”
He reached for her again; Rachel stepped away. “No, Joe, that’s not what I — ”
“Honey, come here. I’m just saying — ”
Rachel shook her head. “Joe, you’re not listening — ”
“Rach, I — ”
“Joe, please. I have to tell you — ”
He reached for her again. “Rachel, please.”
Tell him! “Damn it, Joe — I’m Kirby!”
Joe froze. His eyes went blank, and his skin paled like nothing she’d ever seen. “What did you just say?”
The room went dead silent. Tears filled Rachel’s eyes, and her throat constricted. But she repeated herself, quietly.
“I’m Kirby.”
Chapter Eleven
Joe stared at her, the silence so deafening that Rachel thought her head would explode. He raised an inquisitive eyebrow, and a frown formed on his face. His mouth opened, but closed without a sound. He may have been struggling with what he’d just heard, but Rachel knew he understood.
His head shook slightly. “What … where did you … what are you saying, Rachel?”
Rachel’s eyes closed. “I’m so sorry.”
“But Rachel, I don’t … ” his voice boomed as his anger ebbed, making her jump away from him. Seeing her reaction, Joe took a breath before speaking again.
“I don’t understand,” he finally said, his voice growing darker as his anger continued to build, “Are you saying you … ”
Rachel sat on the couch again, slumping as she lowered her head. “I know that you’ve been calling a phone sex line for the last month-and-a-half, and the reason I know is because I was the girl on the other line.”
Joe took a single step backward; embarrassment flashed across his face, then anger. His eyes slid out of focus as he tried to absorb what was in front of him. “So you’re saying you’ve been … you’ve been her? The whole time?”
Sexy in the City Page 52