by J. M. Witt
~ JAMES ~
She was half on her side and half on her back and sound asleep. The sheet was down around her waist and her hair was a mess all over the pillow. She was exquisite. Her right breast was covered by her right arm while her left arm rested over her head on the bed. Her tattoo was in full view then. I sat down next to her and ran my index finger over the phoenix. I wondered why a phoenix, or birds in general, and remembered what she said when I asked if there were more. ‘Maybe.’ I was tempted to start examining her from head to toe to see what I had missed.
It had been over four months since that night. I’d kept my distance from her as long as I could. Not a day went by that I hadn’t thought about her. My Blackbird. Never before had a woman corrupted every day and every thought in my mind. When I found out she worked for Cecily Brighton and was planning Aunt Bev’s masquerade, the rest of my plan was easily set in motion. Though, running into her on the street by accident may have been better.
Confiding in Dad was what almost blew my cover. If she had recognized me in the elevator yesterday with Dad, she may have never given me a second chance. She wouldn’t have been in that elevator if Dad hadn’t told Aunt Bev. I hadn’t planned on Aunt Bev renting the suite down the hall from mine for Cassidy.
“Damn meddling,” I said to myself as she rolled fully to her back and began to wake.
~ CASSIDY ~
I rolled over and sensed his eyes on me. Finding him devouring my naked body with his eyes was incredibly erotic. He was smiling and already dressed. I was momentarily embarrassed at my nudity and pulled the sheet up to cover my breasts.
He asked, “Sleep well?”
I stretched, let out a groan and sat up. He moved closer and placed his arm across my body to rest on the other side of my hip. We were face to face.
“You cheat.” He looked at me confused. “You’ve showered and dressed.” I ran my hand up his thigh and he smiled knowingly.
“I have some work to do.”
“It’s Saturday. Oh God. What time is it? I’m supposed to be checked out by noon.” I was ready to freak out looking for the time.
He started laughing. “I own the hotel Cassidy. Take your time.”
Now I was confused. “You own the hotel? I thought your father…”
“No, the hotel is mine, just like the auction.”
“Oh, well maybe I’ll stay all day and you can attend to some work here.” I pointed to myself as I tried to persuade him.
He smirked and kissed me quickly before he got up off the bed. “Get dressed. It’s after noon. Breakfast will be here soon.”
I yelled after him. “I didn’t order breakfast and how’d you get dressed anyway?” I remembered that we were in my suite, not his. “You only had pajama pants on this morning.” He was already out of the room.
“I own the hotel, Cassidy. Now get dressed.” I wasn’t sure if that was an order or a request, but it sounded more like an order.
Chapter Seven – Devious…
~ CASSIDY ~
All the shower jets were an amazing luxury I had never experienced. I was thoroughly disappointed that he didn’t join me in the shower. I stepped out of the shower and there was still no sign of James. Wrapping the bath sheet around me, I walked to the sink. I rummaged through my makeup bag to find my moisturizer, toothbrush and toothpaste. When I’d finished with that, I dried my hair and was suddenly aware of the smell of bacon. My stomach growled in response.
I threw on my white jeans that had the rips down the legs, my grey camisole, my blue sweater and my silver ballet flats. I tossed everything else back into my overnight bag, grabbed my garment bag holding my dress and headed for the living room. Dropping everything on the couch, I went into the small dining area where James was sitting. He was scrolling through his phone looking good enough to eat, wearing black suit pants, a white oxford that was unbuttoned on top and no tie. His hair was down and I noticed he hadn’t shaved.
I sat down across from him and waited. “Have you already eaten?”
“Yes, I’m sorry. I was famished. Please, go ahead.” I couldn’t resist and I dug in.
He was being awfully quiet as he hammered away on his cell. Several minutes later there was a knock at the door. I looked to him, a little startled at who could be at the door.
“It’s just the bellboy.” He pushed himself away from the table and headed to the door. James gave him a few instructions before the boy loaded the cart he was pulling with my belongings.
“Do you have everything, Cassidy?”
I got up from the table, having had more than my fill of bacon, eggs and fresh fruit. “Yes, I’m certain.” James hadn’t said a word about where went from there and I was trying not to get self-conscious.
Before the bellboy left James handed him some bills from his wallet. “Have Andy pull Miss Charles’s car around front.” The bellboy nodded and scurried off. James looked at me, all hard and serious, and I realized how intimidating he was.
“Come here.” I hesitantly walked over to him, wondering what he was about to do. I shrieked as he picked me up like a child and pressed me to his chest. He wrapped his arms around my waist as I looked down at him. “I didn’t give you a proper good morning kiss.”
I laughed and leaned down to his lips. His kiss was at first soft but turned hot and steamy. His hands ran down to cup my ass and I groaned in response. “Good morning. Or should I say afternoon?” I smiled and kissed him again. “You seemed so far away.”
His brow furrowed as he set me back on my feet. “Just business stuff.” He kissed my cheek and whispered in my ear, “You’re perfect. Now, out with you.” James motioned me toward the door and smacked my ass when I got in front of him.
“Ow!” I slapped his hand away and he grabbed it, intertwining our fingers. I glanced down at our hands and for a moment my heart faltered.
When we reached the lobby he let go of my hand and led me out to the front of the hotel with his hand on the small of my back.
Andy, the valet, rushed over, panting, “Sir, I’m sorry, I couldn’t get Miss Charles’s car started. We tried everything.”
“For the love… I’m sorry, Andy. I can have a tow truck sent to get it.” James motioned against my offered solution.
“Andy, call Joe and have him come take care of it.” He looked at his watch and sighed. “Please go get the Rover, Andy.” Andy ran back toward the garage and James pulled out his cell, hitting a few numbers. “Hi, Jennifer. I need you to push my one-thirty appointment.” He sighed and spread his hand across his temple. “Of course she’s already there. Just deal with her, Jen, I’ll be there as soon as I can.” He pushed a few more buttons before placing his cell in the breast pocket of his jacket.
“James, I can call a cab to get me home. It’s no trouble.”
“Absolutely not.” Just then Andy pulled up in a beast of an SUV. It was a Range Rover and probably had every possible upgrade available. James opened my door and I climbed in. I buckled myself in and noticed that the interior still smelled new. My bags were placed in the back and a moment later James climbed in.
James pulled away from the curb and headed south out of downtown. I sat for a few minutes just gazing at him. It dawned on me that he seemed to know where he was going. “Don’t you need my address?” He looked surprised by the question.
“Er, uh, yes please.”
“You rotten sneak. You know exactly where you’re going. How do you know where I live?”
“I own the hotel, Cassidy.” He smirked at me and moved his eyes back to the road.
I took him at his word, though I wasn’t sure he was being truthful. I decided to power up the stereo. I pushed play and recognized the voice singing immediately.
“Is this the new Maroon 5?” He nodded yes. “Mr. Benedict, I wouldn’t have taken you as a Maroon 5 fan.” I giggled. He just glanced at me and gave nothing away. “I need to get the radio fixed in my car so I can listen to something other
than news radio.” I started quietly singing along.
When the song was over he reached over and pushed a few buttons. “I like this one more, especially the part about having my hands on a miracle.” He placed his hand on my knee as I sat back and listened to Foo Fighter’s Miracle. As I listened to the words it was a struggle for me to not choke up. When the song was over I smiled my approval.
A couple more songs played as he drove along. All too soon he was pulling into the drive of my townhouse. “Do you have plans for today?” I turned to him as he took my hand in his.
I let out an exaggerated breath. “No, just unpacking. I’ve been living out of boxes for weeks. I’m dreading it, but it has to be done.”
He nodded, pulled my hand to his lips before he let go and got out of the SUV. I unbuckled and went to open the door but he was already pulling it open. James walked to the back end and started pulling my bags out. I shut my door and made my way over to him.
“Shit!” He glared at me, silently asking me what the hell my problem was. “I’m supposed to have the dress back to Frida’s today. My car…” I ran my hands through my hair. “Don’t worry, I’ll call Cal.”
“Where’s the shop, Cassidy?”
“NO, I’ll figure it out; please don’t go to the trouble.”
“It’s no trouble. Where’s the shop?”
He looked utterly determined. “Umm, if you’re sure…” He flashed me a ‘don’t mess with me’ glare. “It’s on Seventh Street across from Duke’s.”
He put the gown back in his SUV before scooping up my other bags. I dug through my purse looking for my keys. I spotted my pills and took a mental note to take them when I got inside.
We walked up to my door, I unlocked it and stood there, not sure what to say or do. He set my bags down just inside my door and gathered me into a big bear hug. I sagged against him and inhaled deeply before he pulled me back and kissed me.
“I miss you already.” My heart skipped a beat at his tender words.
“When will I see you again?”
“Soon.”
Before I could question what that meant, James bounded down the porch stairs two at a time. He waved before hopping in the SUV and driving away. A few seconds later, I heard my phone alert me of a text message. I pulled it out of my purse and saw a text from an unknown number.
Go inside before you let the cat out.
XO ~J
I looked around and spotted Chessa making her way through the obstacle course of boxes and shut the door just before she reached it. “Sneaky kitty.” I wasn’t sure if I was referring to James or to Chessa.
How’d you get my number!?
I wasn’t waiting long for his reply.
I own the hotel, Miss Charles. Go unpack.
XO ~J
So you keep reminding me.
Yes, Sir!
I like when you call me Sir.
XO ~J
I bet you do! Come back and I’ll call you sir all night.
XO ~C
Be careful what you wish for.
XO ~J
P.S. I like your XO ~C
I placed the phone back in my purse, ran upstairs with my bags and traded my jeans for some cut-off sweats. Once I got back downstairs I cranked the radio and dove head first into unpacking.
~ JAMES ~
I found the boutique, parked and grabbed the garment bag out of the back. Rushing inside, I found a little old lady behind the counter. There were all sorts of dresses on a dozen or so different racks.
“Can I help you, sir?”
I looked to the little old lady who was almost half my height. “I’m returning this dress for Miss Charles.”
“Oh!” She looked me up and down with hungry eyes which caused me to chuckle. “She caught herself quite a specimen did she?” She winked at me. “Would you like to look around?”
I looked at my watch. I really shouldn’t have kept Melissa waiting, but I was intrigued by the shop. “You wouldn’t happen to have Miss Charles’s measurements on file, would you?”
“Now you’re talking. I do and her dress for this weekend is ready to be picked up, too.”
“Is she renting that one as well?”
“Yes, sir. It’s quite a stunning dress, especially on her with all that red hair and ivory skin. It’s a shame she’ll only wear it once.”
“May I see it?”
“Now Mr…”
“You can call me James, James Benedict. It’ll be our little secret.” I wink at her.
“If you say so.” She walked into the back room.
I still had the other dress with me and noticed some hooks by the front desk, so I walked over and hung it up. A few moments passed before she walked out from the back room with a large garment bag in tow. She hung it up next to the other dress and unzipped the bag.
“Lovely, isn’t it?”
I was taken aback by the shade of blue. “It’s almost the exact color of her eyes.” She nodded in agreement.
“I might be willing to sell it James, James Benedict.”
“What did you have in mind?” She perked up and we got down to business.
~ CASSIDY ~
I had made a lot of progress after spending several hours unpacking. All my kitchen boxes were empty and I loaded the dishes into the dishwasher to give them a once over before use. Finding a note pad, I took note of some odds and ends that I needed. There was a knock on the door; I wasn’t expecting anyone.
I headed to the door and opened it up. “Cal!” I threw my arms around his neck and gave him a big squeeze. “What are you doing here?”
“I come bearing Chinese and helping hands.” He smirked at me as he held up a plastic bag full of Chinese takeout.
“You rock! Come on in. Watch your step. No work tonight?” He nodded confirming it was his night off. “You have your tux for Friday?”
He screwed up his face in disgust. “Yes. You owe me!”
“I know!” I opened the bags and placed the food on the counter. “You got enough food for an army.”
“You know me, I can never decide and you’re always eating my sesame chicken.” He winked at me.
There was another knock at the door. What the heck? Oh, shit. If it was James, this wasn’t going to go over well. Cal never forgot a face. I was not ready to have this discussion with him.
“You going to get it or am I?” Cal looked to me.
“I’ll get it; you just get the dishes out of the dishwasher.” I rushed toward the door and took a deep breath before opening it. “Jane! What are you doing here?” I noticed a cab sitting at my curb.
“Sorry, Cassidy. I hope I’m not intruding. Mom and I wanted to give you this.” She handed me a large wrapped box. “It’s a thank you for the hard work with the masquerade.”
“Oh wow, thank you. You didn’t have to go to all that trouble.” She stood there as I noticed a gift bag in her other hand. “Please, come in. The place is a wreck. I’m unpacking, but my brother is here with Chinese.”
“Sorry, I didn’t realize you had company…”
“Nonsense. I insist.” I gently pulled her inside and waved the cab off.
“Ok, one second, I need to pay the cabby.” She hurried down the stairs to the cab while I went back inside.
I remembered Mrs. Whitford mentioning that Jane had just moved back home a few months prior. She was living across the country with a real ‘douchebag’, or so her mom said. I liked Jane and thought maybe I could pick her brain about James. I moved a few boxes to clear space for the gift box. The front door closed and Jane made her way inside.
“Jane, this is my brother Calvin.”
Calvin turned around to shake Jane’s hand and instead he started checking her out. I walked behind him and nudged him. “Stop being rude, Cal,” I whispered.
He stuttered, “Sorry. Jane is it? You can call me Cal.” He shook her hand. “You like Chinese?”
Jane confirmed that Chinese sounded
great. “Oh, here, this is for you, too.” She gave me the gift bag which was clanking about.
“Jane, really, it’s too much.” I opened the bag and found three bottles of the champagne from the masquerade.
“Mother said that you really liked it.” I was speechless knowing that they were over $300 per bottle. I didn’t spend that much on, well, anything. “Open the box!”
“Yeah, Cass, open the box.” Cal was almost as excited as I was.
“Holy sh... crap…Jane!” I was shocked at the generosity. “It’s amazing.”
Jane just shrugged it off. “Please, mom can afford it. It’s nothing. Get good use out of it!”
“What the hell is it?” Cal looked at it and had no clue what it was. Jane and I shared a laugh. I explained to him that it was a top of the line coffee maker that came with several different flavors. “That’s too fancy for me. I’ll stick with my black coffee, 3 sugars.”
I ran over to hug Jane and thanked her again. We served ourselves some Chinese and decided to pop one of the bottles of champagne. I poured each of us a glass before we headed to the living room. We chatted, ate and drank a little too much, except for Cal who always stopped after one drink. It was like we’d all been friends forever.
Chapter Eight – Don’t…
~ CASSIDY ~
Cal had taken an immediate and obvious interest in Jane and it seemed to be mutual. I decided to see just how interested and asked her, “Jane you’ll be at the auction on Friday, right?” That immediately had Cal’s attention.
“Oh yeah, can’t get out of that one. What about you, Cal?”
“Yup, I’ll be there. Looking forward to it.” I giggled and Cal threw me a dirty look.
“Oh, how quickly we change our stripes!” I laughed and he tossed a pillow at me. Jane seemed to get what I was playing at and blushed.
The rest of the evening went off without a hitch. We were starting to wrap things up when Crash into Me by DMB started playing. The radio was off and I suddenly wondered if it was someone’s ringtone. “Is that your phone?” They both shook their heads.