It wasn’t too difficult to find a parking spot since most people had already left for the day. She cut her engine and made her way to the entrance.
At the sudden knock on the door, Jonas looked up from his MAC book pro laptop. A small smile lit up his lips, and he sat back in his swivel chair placing his hands behind his head.
“You’re still here,” he said. “I thought you were gone for the day.”
Amanda stepped into the room with a bag in her hand. “I did leave, but since you hadn’t called and asked me to go save the wildlife animals, I thought I’d come by and check on you.” She gave a light-hearted laugh.
His smile stretched further across his face. “Is that your way of telling me I work you too hard?”
“Yes, but it’s okay I can handle it.” Her eyes faltered. Amanda was feeling herself tonight. Truth be told she’d went to the restaurant downstairs and had a few Corona’s. The alcoholic beverage had given her the courage she needed to come back and approach Jonas the way she’d always wanted to.
Her eyes lingered on his handsome face, giving him direct eye contact. She wanted him to feel where she was coming from before she spoke again. He dropped his focus to the bag in her hand.
“What do you have there?”
“I picked up something from the restaurant downstairs, and I’m sure you haven’t eaten. Tell me I’m wrong?”
“So, you think you know me now?” he joked; his smooth voice sending tingles through her. She moved closer to him and rounded his desk coming up inches away from him. She dangled the plastic bag with the styrofoam container in front of him.
He put his nose close to the bag and moaned softly. “Mmmm, that smells good. Thank you very much.” He reached for the bag, and their fingers touched. On instinct, Amanda enclosed her fingers around his.
“My, my, Mr. Rose your hands are rugged yet soft at the same time. How is that possible?” she gave his hand a gentle squeeze.
“Are you trying to feel me up, Amanda?” He joked again.
She shrugged, “Maybe?” her voice low and flirty now.
He chuckled and removed his hand as politely as possible. Amanda took another step towards him but miscalculated her movement and fell over into his lap.
“Oh!” she yelped.
Quickly, Jonas moved his hands to catch her, wrapping one sturdy arm around her waist while the other held on to the bag containing the food.
“Careful,” he said, “you don’t want to hurt yourself.”
Amanda pulled back to look at him.
“Sorry, I must have had one too many Corona’s.”
“I’d say so.”
“Hey, I wanted to thank you again in advance for bidding on me tomorrow night. I appreciate you.”
“I’m sure you’ll be the most beautiful woman in the house, so I’ll consider myself lucky to have a date with you.” He gave a genuine smile.
Noticing a hint of a shadow, Jonas leaned away from her towards the door. “Samiyah.” He said surprised at her arrival. He stood to his feet, while simultaneously helping Amanda to hers. Amanda turned around equally surprised but annoyed by her visit.
“Hello Jonas,” her eyes went from him to Amanda then back to him. “I stopped by to bring you dinner.” She walked into the room and dropped the Chinese bag on his desk. “But it looks like you already have some. My apologies for interrupting.” She turned and beat a hasty departure.
“Samiyah!” he yelled rounding his desk to chase her down.
Samiyah kept moving. She’d been standing at the door long enough to catch their flirty vibes. Seeing Amanda’s hand in his put her on edge, but seeing Amanda in his lap was enough. What could his excuse possibly be? At least she knew now that Jonas would be at the benefit and he already had a date picked out. She felt like such a sore loser. Samiyah had gone years ignoring the signs that her ex-husband was being dishonest and she wouldn’t do it again.
“Samiyah!” Jonas shouted getting to her before she could enter the elevator. He grabbed her arm, and she spun around a glare in her eyes.
“Don’t!” she said.
“Baby, it’s not what you think.”
She tisked, “Could’ve fooled me. Look it’s my fault, I knew what kind of man you were before I let my guard down. It’s okay.” She tried to wiggle out of his grasp, but he held firm.
“Please let me explain, I know how it looked, but it was really innocent. I had no idea Amanda was bringing me dinner. I had no idea you were either, and you’re not the only one who let their guard down. I have too, more than you realize.” He pleaded with his eyes for her to understand.
“You,” she pointed sticking her finger in his chest, “let your guard down? Tell me, Jonas, how did you do that when every time the subject of your parents come up you become instantly mute. Or when the topic of your retirement comes up, something that should be easily explained but again you become silent. You’re not really letting me in Jonas. It’s like you’ve built a fortress and it’s completely impenetrable.”
He sighed, “It’s not that I don’t want to share it with you. It’s just, just…”
“Just what? I’m really intrigued to know. Why did you hang up your boxing gloves, Jonas? You’re young, still in your prime, and undefeated. So tell me why’d you do it?”
He hesitated a minute too long. Samiyah shook her head in dismay. “That’s what I thought.” She freed herself and stepped onto the elevator. They eyed each other in the most intense showdown as the doors closed taking Samiyah to her car.
Later that night Samiyah found herself staring at the ceiling fan as she lay on the sofa in her living room. Her mind roamed with thoughts of what she’d witnessed at Jonas’ office. Since she’d left, he’d called her several times, and she’d wanted to answer on more than one occasion. However, the smart side of her was holding firm.
Over and over again she’d told herself now was not the right time to get involved with anyone, but her heart had told another story. Now she felt even worse than she did before. She sighed and closed her eyes trying to shut out the unwanted thoughts. Her phone rang, and she didn’t bother looking at it. If she did, she might just answer it.
Chapter Twenty
“Why didn’t you just hire a moving company to come over here and get all this stuff?” Martha Jean dropped a box inside the U-Haul with a heavy thud.
“Mom, I told you I would move heavy boxes you just get the light stuff.”
“There ain’t no more light stuff, and I don’t wanna be standing around watching you and Claudia do everything when I’m here. I might as well help.”
Samiyah sighed and wiped her forehead with the back of her hand. “Why don’t you just have a seat on the passenger side until we finish. There’s not much left.”
“You didn’t answer my question. Why didn’t you hire a moving company?”
“Because I can do it myself.”
“But you’re not doing it yourself, are you?”
Samiyah loved her mother, but she was really working her nerves right now. “I know you at least know a few men who could’ve helped us.”
“What you like for me to call David?”
Martha Jean turned her nose up. “Now you tryna be funny?”
“That’s the only man I know!”
“What about that guy you were all cuddled up on the newspaper with, he looked strong enough to carry this whole house on his back.”
With the conversation switched to Jonas, Claudia interjected her two sense, “Oh yeah what about him Samiyah, you know he’s got six brothers. I’m sure, if you would’ve asked they wouldn’t mind helping.”
“Six brothers!” Martha Jean screeched.
Samiyah stacked a cardboard box on top of the one her mother placed in the truck. “Seriously? Now you want me to call him? I thought all men were evil and they only wanted one thing, mama. Make up your mind!”
“Well I didn’t say go and fall in love with him. But six brothers? You should’ve asked. That’s just comm
on sense.”
Samiyah rolled her eyes. She felt like a teenager being chastised. “If you must know, I don’t talk to him anymore. You should be proud mama, mission accomplished.”
“Excuse me, what mission would that be?”
“The mission to make sure I’m just as single and alone as you for the rest of my life!”
Martha Jean opened her mouth to respond but closed it. “Ladies, let’s not get out of hand, okay?” Claudia turned to Samiyah; her face frowning into a worried countenance.
“I’m only trying to help you. All men cheat, they’re all liars, what is wrong with me wanting to save you a lifetime of heartache?”
“Forget about it,” Samiyah waved her hand dismissing the conversation.
“No, I can’t forget about it now. You brought it up, it must be something you’ve held in for a long time now but let me tell you; I am not lonely! I am fine just the way I am. And I’d rather be by myself then put my trust in another rusty, dusty, man!”
“Well that’s you! I don’t want to be alone for the rest of my life, and there’s nothing wrong with that! If I have to go through a few heartaches just to meet the man I’ll spend the rest of my life with then so be it! But it would help mom if you could provide some understanding and support my decision to have one. Sure, I know your marriage failed, my marriage failed but newsflash it’s not the end of the world!”
Samiyah turned and went inside the house dragging the dolly behind her. Martha and Claudia followed closely. “You know what, fine! From now on you won’t hear me say anything about your life!”
“Thank you very much.” Samiyah was exhausted. Not from moving but the back and forth between her and her mom. It had been nine years since her father and mother divorced and ever since all she’d heard was her mother’s venom when it came to men. Martha went and stood against a wall with her arms folded looking like a child in time out.
She watched Samiyah and Claudia, as they moved the washing machine onto the dolly and took it to the truck. When they came back for the dryer, she was still perched up mumbling something incoherent to herself. She cut her eyes at Samiyah as she walked past then left the room to go outside for a smoke.
It had been five years since Martha had a cigarette. No doubt the end of her marriage caused her to start. However, Martha called it quits after figuring out how much money she spent on smoking per year; an overwhelming figure that knocked some sense into her real quick. Martha pulled out her electronic cigarette and leaned against the van, continuing to mumble underneath her breath. A luxury four-door sedan pulled in front of the mailbox and parked.
Martha Jean blew out a cloud of smoke peering at the expensive vehicle. Jonas stepped out in a casual gray V-neck t-shirt and jeans that hung slightly off of his hips. He slipped off the ultra-violet sunglasses that adorned his face as he jumped the curb to approach her.
“Good afternoon.”
Martha’s eyebrows arched no doubt noticing how handsome Jonas was up close. The newspaper did him no justice. “She’s inside.” Was her bland statement.
“Am I interrupting?”
“If you’re going to help us pack up this truck then no, if not then yes.”
He chuckled, “I’m Jonas Alexander Rose,” he reached for a handshake. Martha tilted her head to the side and blew out smoke. “Are you here to help or not?”
“As long as you need me.”
“That’s more like it,” she said accepting his handshake. “Come inside,” she put her vaporizer away and walked to the house. When they stepped in, Samiyah came face to face with him. She paused, “What are you doing here?”
“I’m here to help wherever you need me.” His gaze bore into her making her insides melt.
Keep your focus, Samiyah reprimanded herself. “Thank you, but we don’t need your help.”
“Jonas don’t you listen to a word my daughter is saying. She has a bad attitude today. Don’t pay her no mind.” Martha grabbed Jonas arm, “Follow me.”
They went upstairs. Samiyah rubbed the temples of her head. “Girl are you really going to let that man get away,” Claudia whispered.
Samiyah gave her a warning look, picked up another box and headed to the U-Haul with Claudia on her heels. She put the box down and turned to her, “Don’t start okay. I just want to get this done and over with.”
Claudia put her hands on her hips. “You know, you’re not fooling anyone. I know you still want that man and your mother does, too.”
“Okay, you got me, but it doesn’t mean a thing. Now move out of my way.”
They exited the truck just as Jonas came downstairs carrying the queen size box spring. “Excuse me ladies.” He winked at Samiyah, and she couldn’t help but watch as he walked to the truck.
“Your mouth is hanging open,” Claudia whispered in her ear. Samiyah swatted her. “Shut up!”
Claudia yelped and ran to the kitchen to get another box. On his way back in, Jonas stopped in front of her. “Can we talk.”
“I don’t have time, as you can see I’m busy.” She turned to leave, and he reached out for her halting her departure. She side eyed him.
“Please, I haven’t heard from you in two weeks.”
“After you take this mattress to the truck. Oh, and these dressers, and this TV,” Martha imposed.
Jonas flashed her a heartwarming smile. “Of course,” he said.
Samiyah peered at her mom but didn’t say anything. She didn’t want to argue with her any more than she had to.
“Well, at least he’s good for more than that so-called husband of yours! He wouldn’t lift a finger. I hate lazy men.”
“You hate all men mama!”
“Well,” she stuck her lip out watching Jonas. “Maybe not.”
“I can’t even…”
“You can’t even what?” Martha folded her arms.
“Nothing,” Samiyah went to the kitchen to find Claudia. She found her talking in hush tones on her cell phone.
“I gotta go, I’ll speak with you later.” She ended the call.
“Don’t try and get out of helping me. You’re mine all day.”
“Girl you don’t need me, you’ve got that sexy Casanova doing it all for you.”
Samiyah rolled her eyes. “That is all my mother’s doing, it has nothing to do with me.”
Claudia twisted her lips. “Who are you trying to convince, me or yourself?”
“Can you just help me get this chair into the truck?”
Claudia pointed towards the living room. Jonas was lifting the furniture with ease, carrying more than one piece at a time. “Like I said, you don’t need me and I ain’t mad about it.”
Samiyah felt warm and fuzzy all over. Jonas crossed her mind on a daily basis. He’d gotten into her soul in a way that was a bit frightening. But she wouldn’t let him win. She couldn’t, no good men seemed to be attracted to her, and she had to break those chains. She turned back to Claudia. “I don’t understand my mother. One minute she’s fussing about trying to save me from heartbreak. The next she seems to be purposely keeping him around.”
“Well you did ask her to show some understanding and you made it loud and clear that you didn’t want to be alone. So maybe she’s trying to do that.”
“I didn’t expect her to do a complete turnaround asap!”
“Hold your horses; this is your mama we’re talking about. That still doesn’t mean she couldn’t possibly be trying. You are her only child. She loves you.” They watched as Martha pointed from one thing to the next. Jonas never wavering in assisting with the heavy lifting.
“He’s actually a good packer,” Claudia said. He’d moved around some of the boxes and situated furniture in an order that would get everything in the truck to make one trip.
“And we couldn’t possibly move that fast. His adrenaline is astonishing. Must be nice,” Claudia cooed.
A shudder crawled through Samiyah’s bones. The thought of his adrenaline transporting her back to their many sex sessions
in Puerto Rico. Claudia glanced at her watch. “I don’t want to interrupt what I know is some steamy thoughts, but If we want to get this done before it gets dark, we better get going.”
Samiyah blinked several times trying to get her mind right, but every time he moved she would drown in the brief sight of his abs, the flex of his arms, and the grin he would give her mother after she’d boss him around to do something else.
With the living room now bare, her feet finally moved, and she lifted the last of the boxes in the kitchen. Like a zombie, Samiyah stepped out the front door; her mind still reeling with thoughts of him. He went to her taking the box out of her arms.
“That goes in the car,” she said. “Thank you for helping, you didn’t have to.”
“I wanted to.” He closed the car door. “Can we talk now.”
“There’s nothing to say.”
“Why are you running from me?”
“I’m not running. I’m being smart. I don’t need a man nor should I be pretending I want one.”
A look of surprise crossed his face. “Pretending?”
Samiyah had no idea why she’d said that, but since she did, she stuck with it. “Yes, pretending.”
“So, you’re saying the connection we have is all in my head?”
“You were nice; we had a good time in Puerto Rico. I appreciated the trip. That’s it. We’re back in the real world, now, let’s not twist reality. I don’t need you to help me unpack this stuff since the condo I’m moving to has a moving staff. It was nice knowing you.” She held her hand out.
Safe With Me (Falling For A Rose Book 1) Page 12