by Lauren Wood
As soon as I sat down, breakfast arrived. Leo the cook knew what I liked, and the spinach egg white omelet was perfectly well-done, crispy on the outside. The roasted potatoes were my favorite, and the English muffins were still hot from the toaster.
Blu was polite and gracious when they brought her scrambled eggs and fruit, following her father’s lead as he received his steak and eggs. The waitress, Stella, gave me a little wink as she turned to walk away from the table, but I tried to ignore it. I certainly didn’t appreciate it. I had to think, Leo already knows, so does Stella? What will they all be wondering, talking about, gossiping about tomorrow, and for the next seven days? What about my father, what’s he going to make out of all this? I’ll bet Caroline’s telling him right now, probably making it sound as bad as she can. But I couldn’t keep focusing on all that; that wasn’t what mattered. At that moment what mattered most was the somewhat-reduced Hutchinson family, and that they have the best week of their lives.
Hutch said, “The food is delicious, Dana. May I call you Dana?”
“Please do … Hutch.”
He smiled and turned to Blu. “S’good?”
She nodded, pushing a piece of watermelon into her mouth. “Yes, thank you.”
Hutch asked me, “How do you stay so thin? You must have a gym here.”
“Oh yeah, I go when there’s a spot open. It’s usually pretty crowded.”
Hutch smiled. “Won’t be this time.” He didn’t say anymore about it, and I was glad. We’d just met, and I found myself immediately hoping he wouldn't come on with some tacky line about showing him my routine or whatever, especially not right there in front of his daughter. But he left that matter completely alone, as if it had been the mere afterthought that it seemed to be. He went on, “Anyway, I’m glad you could see your way clear to joining us.”
I smiled, glad he brought it up, and for reasons other than sheer curiosity. “It’s certainly my pleasure. Though I have to say, it’s generally the kind of thing Caroline, our cruise director, would do.”
Hutch let the moment land, silence at the table. “Would you rather she do it?”
“Do what?”
“I don’t know, I’m not sure what you’re talking about.”
“Oh, well, um, just, y’know, show you around the ship, be your escort, as it were.”
Hutch smiled, taking a sip of his coffee. “I see. Nevertheless, we feel a bit more … comfortable with you.” He turned to Blu to confirm. “Wouldn’t you say, Blu?”
Blu nodded, swallowing her food to say, “‘Zactly.”
I couldn’t help but smile, and I really didn’t want to help it. What more was there to do but shrug and butter my muffin? We were going to have a splendid time and there was nothing I was going to be able to say or do about it.
*
After breakfast (Hutch tipped a hundred dollars!) we strolled around the ship. I showed them the rest of the mall, a glittering city block of polished glass and chrome, the world’s most tantalizing trinkets on display; diamonds and fine silk, but also the colorful, humorous t-shirts and flip-flops so popular among their post-adolescent passengers. They passed the IMAX theater, which had 3-D presentations of a variety of deep sea documentaries as well as the latest blockbusters.
Hutch looked around, impressed. “Wow, this is really something. It’s quite a place to live. How long have you been doing this?”
“My dad took the job almost ten years ago, after my mom … ” But a quick glance at little Blu told me I’d already said too much. The last thing I wanted to do was to drudge up sad memories for the Hutchinsons, especially not those memories in particular. But it was too late to backpedal away from the subject, and both Hutch and Blu seemed to know it. “Anyway, it’s been about ten years.”
“So, about half your life,” Hutch presumed and I nodded. “Or two thirds of mine.”
Odd thing to say, I couldn’t help but think. He must want to know how old I am, and he wants me to know how old he is. There can’t be too many reasons for that.
But I wasn’t intimidated or upset by it, not at all. In fact, I was intrigued, to put it in the most gentile way I can.
Blu asked, “Have you always been a singer?”
I didn’t have to give that one too much thought. “Ever since I was a kid, Blu. I sang in the shower, school plays, all that stuff. When we came to the ship it was … it was a little harder for a while, I have to admit. I really didn't sing at all for a few years, to tell you the truth. I just kept my head down, I had a tutor so there was always schooling to do. And I gotta say, all the things there were to do, and Oceania was brand new at the time, it helped, y’know? Just to know there was still some fun to be had out there, and for me … it was in my own backyard!”
Hutch said, “Speaking of that, who feels like a swim?”
**END OF PREVIEW**
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***
Exclusive Steamy Romance: “DIRTY BOSS” A HOT Never Before Published Full Length Novel!
DIRTY BOSS
I’m only here for one reason. I forget what that is.
This man has me at a loss for words.
I can’t allow him to prevent me from doing my work.
His body is more than a temptation.
His attitude makes me want to run.
I know he’s ready for more. It’s time to show him the error of his ways.
This is new for me. My career is only starting.
Is this man really looking at me like that?
Do I have what it takes to stop his advances?
Picturing him naked isn’t helping. Playing with his mind is fun.
I don’t mix business with pleasure.
I might have to make an exception for him.
I’m usually more selective. I can’t just jump into bed.
I want to. I need to. He has to show me what he’s hiding.
I’m not looking for anything. I found it anyway.
***
Chapter 1
“I’ve never been more proud of you and you have certainly come a long way from when you were that naive girl on the playground. The boys were drawn to you like a moth to a flame and they would constantly pull your pigtails to get your attention.” My mother was always praising my accomplishments and getting my degree to be a psychologist was the crowning achievement of my young career in its infancy.
I thought I could make it big, but in the few months I had my license it was becoming painfully obvious a psychologist was a dime a dozen. I was surprised to get the message on my phone and I was on my way to a law firm which had been in the news in the past few months.
“I don’t even have the job and you make it sound like they have no reason to reject me. I’m sure they have other candidates vying for the position and besides, it’s only temporary. The owner is looking to evaluate his staff after a grueling case.” I’d always believed in the sanctity of client confidentiality.
“I’ve always told you that life is full of little disappointments and you have to take the time to realize what is important.” I knew what she was going to say and it had become a running joke with her getting the last word. “Felicia, don’t you want to settle down with a nice young man and give me grandchildren? I know you have been concentrating on your career, but you haven’t even mentioned any man.” I felt like I was the one being interrogated and she was good at putting the spotlight on me to make me feel uncomfortable.
I was hands free in my white Mercedes and I was navigating traffic like a seasoned professional. I’d only been in town for the past few months trying to put up my shingle and barely making ends meet.
I wore my professionalism like a badge of honor to signify to others that I had made it. I had to dress for success with a tailored Donna Karan suit which I used on many occasion to try to lure potential clients through my door.
“I r
eally don’t have time to debate this issue and you know what my answer is going to be.” I looked into the mirror and I saw that my hair was perfect with a ponytail and glasses to give me an air of professional detachment.
“One of these days, a man is going to slam into you and you won’t even know that he is your soul mate. Open your eyes and you might realize the best thing in life is right around the corner.” My mother was a big proponent for a happily ever after. I had learned the hard way that guys usually had only one thing on their mind.
I might have been lumping them all into one category, but none of them had proved to me that there was one good one among them. I couldn’t negate the possibility of one slipping through the cracks, but I was too jaded to notice the errant looks of the one that got away.
“I’ll be by Sunday for dinner and you better not have ulterior motives like setting me up on one of your blind dates. You’ve always considered yourself to be a romantic at heart and you sometimes don’t know when to leave something alone.” She had no problem picking up cupids bow and firing indiscriminately. I was more selective when it came to matters of the heart and being burned too many times had left me suspicious of everyone’s motives.
“I don’t know why it’s so hard for you to find somebody. You have a great job, you’re beautiful and you have your mother’s youthful genes.” Having a unique sense of someone’s mind had given me an unfair advantage over the opposite sex. I had no problem ferreting out those who had mommy issues and those pretending to be something they weren’t.
“I know you probably have more to say, but I need to cut this short. Jules Mackenzie is going to be there in person to take a personal interest in his staff. I don’t think that he would’ve even considered going down this road without somebody twisting his arm. I’m sure that it’s probably a woman and there’s no way a man would admit to having psychological issues.” I was only telling her what she needed to hear and the rest was going to be covered under the same client confidentiality I used with other patients.
“I know you’re just trying to get rid of me and I promise not to ambush you with a potential suitor on Sunday.” My father disappeared when I was young never to be seen from again and it left her to raise me on her own. I never did have an interest to track him down and make him face me once and for all. If he didn’t want me, then I didn’t want anything to do with him.
“I appreciate the effort it takes for you to mind your own business. Don’t get me wrong, I enjoy our time together, but maybe we don’t have to speak about the elephant in the room.” I had a feeling being abandoned at an early age had forced me into my choice of career. I wanted to know what made people tick on the inside and not what others perceived on the outside.
It was an occupational hazard to look at someone and know their story by only their body language. I had become quite proficient at making snap judgments.
There were so many people in pain and the world continued to turn without anybody realizing what was happening behind the smile.
“I’m your mother and I will never stop meddling in your life for as long as I live. I want nothing but the best for you and you deserve the kind of happiness only dreamed of in fairy tales. I will do everything in my power to give you what you didn’t have growing up. I was your mother and your father all rolled into one package. You never did have a father figure and maybe that makes you hesitant to take the plunge.” I saw the building ahead and the wall of windows leading up to the top floor was indicative of the design.
I had seen it several times in passing, but this was the first time I was going to see within the inner sanctum. A went through security, showing my credentials and getting a temporary identification badge to enter onto the premises.
“I shouldn’t complain and you’ve always been the voice of reason in a din of indecision. I sometimes forget what kinda sacrifices you made to make a life for me. I will always be grateful. I really don’t know how I could’ve come this far without you.” It was always nice to throw her a bone and it might even get her off my back for the time being.
“You might be some big shot therapist, but I can see right through you.” She was breaking up and being underground in the parking structure had made reception spotty. “I…everything…want…happy.” It finally went dead with only a dial tone, but I think I understood what she said from the short burst of communication I received.
She was essentially telling me she wanted me to be happy and that everything would work out exactly as god planned. I’d stepped away from religion and I never could understand the practice of the collection plate.
I parked in my assigned spot for temporary visitors and stepped out to the smell of exhaust in the air. I walked with confidence in my white suit of armor and a black briefcase in my hand. The glasses were for show and I had 2020 vision.
I got into the elevator and the first thing I noticed was that I could see below me into the black chasm. It was a little disconcerting to feel like I was walking on air. I found myself breathing heavily and trying to compose my nerves with the possibility of the floor opening up and sending me to my untimely demise.
I glanced down at my phone and I brought up the text message sent to me by Jules or maybe somebody who was working for him. “Felicia Valentine I’ve heard some good things about your work and I would like to pick your brain on my staff. They were affected deeply by the case that was quite prevalent in the media as of late. I would like to make a proposition and I believe I have an offer you would be a damn fool to refuse.” It was the start of a lengthy correspondence which ended with dollar signs in my eyes. It was a temporary assignment, but the money was enough to keep food and a roof over my head for quite some time to come. I wasn’t transparent with my mother.
I watched the numbers slowly rise and I tried not to look down but it was a compelling sensation to see how close I was to the hand of death on my shoulder. There had to be a method to the madness, I couldn’t quite figure out why terrifying one self by getting into an elevator of complete glass was a good idea.
Chapter 2
There was a bustle of activity in the office and I could see the heavy burden on everyone’s shoulder like they were screaming for help. I got to reception and the woman was juggling too many phone calls. I very calmly reached over and disconnected each and every one of them with her sitting back with a sigh of frustration. She put her hands over her face.
“There is nothing insurmountable and you need to remember that you need to make time for yourself. Work will always be there and if it’s important they will certainly call back at a more convenient time. It’s all about prioritizing and not taking things too seriously.” There were bags underneath her eyes and she looked like she had aged a few years in the span of a few days. I didn’t know her, but I felt I could read her story.
“The phones have been ringing off the hook with potential clients looking for representation. I don’t see anything for us to be proud of, but you won’t hear me complaining.” The case was pretty controversial and the guy had swindled millions from those who were living hand to mouth on security pensions.
“You’re not responsible for what your boss does and that kind of burden is not yours to carry. Stacy, I want you to think about the path you want to be on and whether or not this place is going to make you realize your dreams. We only get one life to live and to squander that gift is reprehensible in my opinion.” I had given her some hope for the future and what she did with that advice was entirely up to her. I only knew her name because of her badge which was affixed to her very simple looking blue blouse.
“I don’t appreciate anyone giving unsolicited advice to my staff. I know who you are and we should talk before we consider this offer signed on the dotted line.” He was dressed in a very expensive Italian suit which molded to his body like a second skin. It was the perfect illusion of success and the Rolex was a nice touch to give people the impression he was the man.
“I think that would be a great idea. L
ead the way and hopefully, we will come to a consensus on what you expect from this temporary position.” I began to think of another position while walking behind him. I was looking at his fine ass encased in those pants. It was obvious he took care of himself and the muscles underneath the shirt were hiding a flesh and blood desirable man.
He walked with confidence and opened his door while standing back and letting me enter before him as a sign of respect. I took my place in front of his desk. It was a glass table which made it easy to see the object of my desire pressing against the expensive fabric of his suit.
“I need you to get these people back to fighting form. I’m getting tired of walking around on eggshells. They look at me with distaste and I feel their judgment from across the room. I was this close to firing all of them and starting over from scratch. I don’t want to have to do that unless it’s the last resort.” He was worried about perception and he had pulled himself from obscurity to become the next big thing in defense lawyers.
“I will personally talk to each and every one of them, but I think we should start at the top.” He was looking at me a bit confused and then I lowered my glasses in a studious way to convey the seriousness of my suggestion. “I’m not kidding and we can either do things my way or you can find somebody else.” I was bluffing and petrified at the possibility of him calling me on it.
“Let’s not do anything rash and if you think it’s a good idea for me to lie on the couch then I don’t see any reason to deny your request.” I felt empowered like my words had influence over others, but I could never translate any of this into my love life.
He got up from his desk and I had to turn away in disgust by his obvious endowment staring me in the face. It was almost like a train wreck and there was no way I could avert my eyes. He walked past me purposely grazing my shoulder and the side of my neck with his long and manicured fingers. I felt a chill run down my spine which obviously made its way between my legs and the lips of my sex.