“Do you workout?” Jules asks and immediately I notice how her once before pale porcelain skin turns a shade of red.
“I do, you like what you see?”
“Don’t flatter yourself, just asking,” Jules responds as she shifts her body again.
“For the record, I hired you because you’re an amazing designer. I didn’t put it together that you were married to David until my father reminded me today. So, no, that’s not why," I say as I jump down from the bed and walk over to where Jules is standing. She is inches away from me with a sedated look written all over her face. I can hear the shallow swallows of her throat as she focuses on her breathing. Just those two signs tell me I affect her. Maybe not in the same way she does me, but either way right now it’s the same to me.
“But he’s the reason I’m about to do this.” My voice comes out in a primal growl as I place my hand behind Jules’ neck and pull her toward my chest. With our bodies flat against each other, I can feel her nipples harden against her top. It all happens so fast, and before I can stop myself, my mouth is claiming Jules. I tighten my grip on her neck, pulling her closer to me like I need her to breathe. Jules’ hands slide up my back, grabbing at the base of my neck, pulling me closer like she needs this just as much as I do. Breaking apart, we’re both breathless, and the room feels smaller.
“I just wanted to drop these off, let me know which ones you want to go to tomorrow,” I explain as I put some space between the two of us.
“I think I’m going to wait, there’s no rush to move,” she retorts, but hope sparkles in her eyes.
“Look at the damn houses, Jules. Pick a few and don’t worry about it,” bluntly I respond. It’s a little colder than my words were before. But it’s also for the fact that this woman is making it so I can’t think straight.
“Calm down, what’s with the temperature change?”
“Sorry, I just… I shouldn’t have done that, and I don’t need to blur any lines.”
Jules drags her bottom lip in through her teeth as she scrunches up the left side of her face while I let those words sink in. All I can think about as she bites her lip is that I want to do that. I want my mouth on hers so I can nibble and taste the sweet cherry Chapstick that she’s coated it with.
“I’ll look them over and let you know. I think it’s best that you leave now,” Jules says as she crosses her arms over her chest to conceal her erect nipples that I’m staring at.
“Yeah, right… I’m going to head out. See ya tomorrow.” I turn and walk away, but slow down as I reach the door. I turn my head back toward Jules and let my eyes roam up and over her body. Yes, it’s official. I’m in over my head with this one, and I’ve got to find a way to stay away from her. I can’t afford to cross lines with business and pleasure like this. It’s the one thing that I stay true to. Business is just that—-business. Pleasure is a way to release the stresses from the day, from the job and the family commitment that I’m bound to by just having the Ward surname. Jules blurs those lines in a way that I’ve been warned about. She could be the biggest mistake of my life or the greatest at this point. My father had always told me that I’d meet a woman at some point in my life who would make me choose. She’d be the one who walked into my life and the one I couldn’t picture ever walking out. There’s no way that person is Jules. Jules is someone I can’t have. That’s the attraction to her. She’s off-limits, and it’s killing my ego. Nothing more than a quest to conquer.
Sitting in my car, I look up to the window with the light still on and notice a pacing Jules wearing a hole in the carpet. Her hands are moving in an erratic motion. I can’t tell from here if she’s talking to herself or someone on the phone as I know she’s still alone in the house. Putting the car in reverse, I leave before I do something as stupid as going back in and claiming her to be mine. Instead of thinking with my dick, I use my brain to make a rational decision. I could ask Blake to show Jules the houses, but then that would end with me explaining why and I’m not really interested in doing that. Rose already thinks I’m up to something, and I can only imagine that this has gotten back to my father already. It’s none of his business on how I run the office and how I treat my employees. If I want to give a house to her, that’s my right as the president and owner of all our properties. Dad lost that when he retired and signed the whole company over to me. I can’t figure out why I’m pissed. The entire drive home, all I can think about are her lips and how her body reacted to mine when I kissed her. I’ll stick to my guns and show her some houses, but that kiss can never happen again.
7
Jules
Escaping the house this morning wasn’t as hard as I thought it would be. However, the moment Sophia asked who the guy was that showed up last night when she was leaving caused me to drop my thermos of coffee to the floor. Now, that was hard to escape as I demanded Sophia meet me in the car before we were late for school. Yes, the prying ears of my mother were curious, and I was able to wave it off as a carrier for the contract to work with Ward Properties. She didn’t need to know that it was Lenny, and yes he did bring me papers, so I didn’t wholly lie—I just bent the truth some. No harm in that. There’s no way I’m letting my mother know that Lenny showed up and kissed me like no other man has ever done. That’s only for me, and the million bears in my room to know about. I’m pretty sure if he hadn’t pulled away, I’d have let him take me right there in my twin bed.
After he left, I paced my room for hours, going back and forth with calling myself a hussy as I had to admit I might have wanted more. Something about him excites me and scares me at the same time. Not even David has made me feel so wanton with desire and need, so this is new territory and one that I need to find a way to maneuver around.
Lenny Ward is a player, not a man who wants a divorced almost forty-year-old woman with a kid. Hell, who would want this kind of baggage. Not that I look at Sophia as baggage, but she’s my daughter and her father would make my life hell if he knew I was dating someone—especially Lenny. With our divorce not final, I can’t cross any sort of line with anyone. I already have a fight on my hands, and there’s no reason to make it bigger than it is.
Sitting down at my desk, I lower my head. “Listen here, Charlotte, you need to behave. There will be no playtime for you with him. Turn your red light off and go back to sleep,” I speak to my lady parts like she’s my best friend. It’s not until someone clears their throat from the doorway that my head pops up and I come eye to eye with Lenny. Groaning, I throw my head back and pray that he didn’t just hear me calling the hussy off.
“Jules,” he says with a smirk as he comes closer to my desk.
“Yes?” My voice is a few decimals higher than needed as I watch him fold his body down into the chair before me.
“Were you just talking to your… you know?”
“Nope, don’t know what you’re talking about,” I say with a stern look plastered on my face.
“I’m pretty sure you just told her she couldn’t come out to play, and I’ve never heard of a woman naming it. Now, my question is this,” he says, leaning closer to me over the desk. “Is Charlotte boring or adventurous?”
“Mr. Ward, what I can do for you today? I wasn’t aware that we had an appointment, so what brings you here?”
“Avoiding the conversation,” he says, leaning back into the chair. “And no, we don’t, but I had some free time today, and thought we could get a few houses done.”
“Sorry, I can’t. Unlike you, I’m busy today.”
“What about tonight?”
“Not good either, plans with the parents.”
“What plans do you have that has you avoiding the fact that you need a house of your own?”
“Dinner at the club and if I cancel my mother will have a fit. So, no, Mr. Ward, I won’t be looking at houses with you.” I shift in my chair, hoping that answer is enough for him to leave my office. Because the moment he’s gone, I’m firing Anna for not alerting me that I had someone hea
ded my way.
“Fine, I can pick one for you and have the movers come and get your stuff.”
“No, and I don’t have any stuff to move. Look, Lenny, it’s nice of you and all, but I’m not looking for handouts or complications in my life. My situation right now is fine. Now, if that’s all you needed I’ll have to ask you to leave so I can get some work done.”
“I like complications, and if you’re worried about David, I’ll handle that if needed. Yes, I have work to do, and I need to know when you expect to move into your office at my company?”
“You could’ve called for that answer, and like I told Rose, I’ll be shifting between my place and yours. I’m going by later today to see the office.”
“Perfect, I’ll see you then.” He stands, and I sink a little in my chair as I look up at him.
“Look at the flyers, and let me handle the rest, Jules,” Lenny says before leaving just as quick as he arrived. I slink down into my leather chair and can’t believe that he just heard me talking to my lady parts. It did not listen to one word I just said to it. If it had its way, it would’ve laid itself out on the desk and begged to be taken. Traitor…
The morning passes with no distractions since Lenny left. I’ve been debating on going to their office or being a rebel and staying here. Rose and Lenny seem to not be on the same page; Rose says I’m not obligated to be there twenty-four-seven, but yes, it would benefit me to have an office set up at Ward Properties. Then I have Lenny in the other ear making it seem that I have no other choice but to work from his office. Apparently, he’s forgotten that I have other clients that aren’t associated with them. Instead of pissing my new boss off, I grab my things and head out of my office, still not making eye contact with Anna as I’ve not forgiven her yet for allowing me to embarrass myself in front of Lenny. Okay, it’s not her fault. It’s mine for being crass with myself in the middle of the day. Just a few days ago I was going through the motions of moving out of the house that I made a home. Making sure that my daughter would adjust to her new sleeping arrangements. Not sitting in my office talking to myself about a man I have no need talking about.
“Will you be back today?” Anna questions as I slow my steps in front of her desk.
“Not sure, depends on how long this will take. I’ve got to pick Sophia up and take her to her father.”
“That sounds like fun.” Anna rolls her eyes. She’s definitely not a big fan of David’s. This is nothing new thing either. It’s been that way from the first day they met. The day I told Anna about our separation, I came back to work with balloons and a banner hung behind my desk. That banner had me doubled over in a fit of laughter. “The Dick Is Gone!”
“If I were you, I’d just let him do you. I mean really do you.”
“Anna, what are you talking about?”
“Lenny, just go ahead and test the waters. Let him make you weak in the knees.”
“You’ve got to stop listening to my conversations, and there’s no way I’m letting him ‘do me.’” I air-quote her as I stand here stalling.
“I only listen when I feel it’s important, and Lenny Ward is important.”
“Why do you think he’s so important? Why would you push me to take a risk on something like that? I’m not looking for a one-night stand, and even if I were, it wouldn’t be with him.”
“I think he’s smitten on you, Jules. Plus, you deserve great sex after that dickhead.”
“Smitten huh?” I ask as my eyebrows arch into my forehead.
“Who’s smitten on who?” comes from Lacy’s voice as she enters the front office.
Quickly my head spins around. “Nobody. This conversation is over.”
“Lenny Ward is smitten with our Jules here, and she even told Charlotte to behave, but he heard her.”
“Seriously, Anna.”
“Oh, what have I missed? I call drinks tonight, and that also means you’re talking.” Lacy points her finger at my wagging it around and around. Stomping my foot, I storm off ignoring them as I huff and puff the whole way to my car. They are impossible to deal with when they’re like this.
Backing out of my parking spot, I take off and head toward Ward Properties where I’m praying Lenny is nowhere in sight. I’m about three minutes from their office when the blare of my phone ringing startles me as it comes through my speakers. Glancing down at the screen on the dash, I notice it’s David. It’s like he has a sixth sense for when I’m close to falling off the ledge. Clicking the green button on my steering wheel, I answer. “What can I do for you, David?”
“Hello to you too, Jules.”
“What do you want? I’m about to pull up to a client.”
“That’s why I’m calling. It’s been brought to my attention that you’re bedding up with Lenny Ward.”
“First off—it’s none of your business, and secondly—he’s a client, so you can quit being accusatory.”
“That’s where your wrong, Jules. It does matter when my daughter is living with you. I don’t want that guy anywhere near her, do you understand?”
“She’s not near him and for the record—you had your bimbos near our daughter. Now, if you’re done trying to control my life this conversation is over.”
“Whatever, Jules. Just have Sophia at the house by six,” he states. I’d bet money on the fact that if I was standing before him, he would have his hands running through his hair. That’s what David does when he’s frustrated with me or anyone else. You’d think by now David wouldn’t have any hair left, but he’s got plenty.
“Actually, David, you can come by and pick her up when you get off work. I don’t have time to be your taxi,” I say before I disconnect the call. He tries to call back, but I hit ignore and jump out of my car like it’s on fire.
Entering through the massive glass door, I take in the office. It’s not at all what I was expecting. The vast open space is stark white, windows from floor to ceiling letting in a ton of natural light. Each office off to the sides is framed in black wrought iron holding up glass panels. It’s very modern, and I’m not sure if I love it. Even though my office is modern, I’ve mixed hints of Southern charm into the mix. Why not show off your town’s history where you can.
“Mrs. Aldridge, how may I help you?” the perky young twenty-something blonde asks while looking up from her monitor.
“I’m here to see Rose.”
“Let me get her. Please have a seat. It’ll be just a moment.” I nod in her direction before turning to a black leather chair in the reception area. Nervously I tap my foot against the tile to occupy my thoughts. It’s helping, and the more I tap, the more the butterflies swarm up and around.
“Jules, it’s so great to meet you,” comes from the right bringing me back to my new reality. The voice doesn’t match the sweet looking older woman heading my direction. Rose is petite with short golden blonde hair brushed away from her face. Dressed in a black flowing skirt and white top, I wonder if that’s the dress code as I stand out in my violet wrap-around dress and black heels. “It’s a pleasure to meet you, Rose.”
“Come, let me show you to your new office.” She ushers me down a corridor before abruptly stopping in front of a closed door. She doesn’t have to tell me whose office it is as I can see through the glass that it belongs to Lenny. His partner Blake occupies the office space adjacent to his, his name in a sleek black and gold placard by the door.
“This is Lenny’s office and right here is where Blake does his best work. He’s not in today, but you’ll meet him soon enough. Your office is here,” she says as she steps in front of an open door next to Lenny’s office. Great! I’ll not even be able to hide from him because of all the glass. I make a mental note to find a way to work from my office and not here.
As we step into my soon-to-be office space, I try to avoid looking next door where I can feel Lenny staring at me. Rose clears her throat before explaining, “If you need privacy all you have to do is flip this switch and the glass becomes frosted.” She fl
ips the switch, and the once clear glass becomes illuminated with a frosted glow.
“That’s pretty cool,” is the only thing I can find to say as I welcome the privacy from the prying eyes next door. I have a sneaky feeling that this feature will be used a lot. No, not to conceal what I’m doing behind it, but because I’m hiding from Lenny.
“My last day is Friday, and then the whole place is yours. If you need anything special, either let me or Lenny know, and we’ll get it ordered. Down the hall to the right is what I call the drafting room. It houses our samples of materials, and each model home that we have, has duplicate materials. As I’m sure you’re aware, each subdivision has a unique style. We try not to cross them between the properties. It’s what gives us a special brand. Even with one or two divisions near each other, the designs and layouts will be different. I’ll schedule you for a site visit to each model home this week so you’re well aquatinted with our designs. Blake is starting a few new projects; let me warn you that he and Lenny can often disagree on the designs. Blake is going for a more modern smart home take, whereas Lenny, like me, prefers modern with no smart home features. It’s a smaller project, but it’s happening. Here are some pamphlets and such to research the products that will be designed into each home. Questions?” Rose asks as I take it all in. She spoke so fast that the room is spinning.
“No, I think I got it.”
“Good. Take a look around the place. I’ve gotta run to a meeting, but you have my number if you think of anything. Oh, and just because I’m leaving doesn’t mean I’m gone. You’re always welcome to call me. Lenny and Blake can be pains in the ass,” Rose states as she places a comforting arm on my shoulder before exiting the room, leaving me here like a standing duck while a set of eyes glare at me from the other side of the now clear glass.
Forty Candles: A Standalone Romantic Comedy Page 5