by Alex Dafney
I turn in the mirror, taking in the bag on my shoulder. It really is a beautiful bag. I check the price tag, finding it to be well over a thousand dollars. “I think I’m shopped out for the day.” I casually replace the purse on the shelf, wondering if I can afford anything in this store. Ashley gives me a shrug. “Fine with me. Let’s get you over to the salon.” We walk out of the store empty handed.
After walking a few blocks in silence, she looks over at me, raising her sunglasses so I can see her eyes. “I hope you’ll let Mr. Jackson know it was you’re doing that you are coming back without anything to show for it.” I laugh, thinking she’s joking, only to find her giving me a serious expression. “Oh. Of course. I’m sure Jase isn’t going to care that I didn’t go shopping today.”
She raises one eyebrow before positioning her sunglasses back on her nose. “Like I’ve told you, Mr. Jackson is my best client. I was given strict instructions to make sure you had a shopping spree and not to let you pay for anything. No exceptions.” I roll my eyes as we stop in front of a modern looking building facing each other in front of the doorway. “I’ll be sure to let him know you tried to convince me to buy everything there is in town. I’m just not in the mood.”
She gives me a bright smile before reaching over and pulling the door open. “Thank you, Abbi.” I step inside as she holds the door open, looking around at the large open concept salon. There are at least fifty stylists, all of which have clients in the seats in front of them. Ashley steps around me, walking through the center of the room as I follow behind her.
She stops at the very last chair where a young man sits, holding a newspaper in front of his face. She kicks the side of his designer shoes with her stiletto. “Glad to see you’re resting up before our appointment.” As he lowers the paper, I take him in. He has dark skin, multiple facial piercings, and hair so blond it’s almost white. He gives her a killer smile as he stands from the chair.
Looking over to me, he bends at the waist, bowing to me as he gestures his hand to the seat. “Forgive me for taking a rest between clients. After all, we know being on your feet for twelve hours a day is no where near as taxing as shopping with someone else’s money.” My mouth drops open slightly at his abrasive words. I’ve just met this guy and he has the audacity to insult me?
Ashley smacks him in the shoulder with her hand. “You’re such a jerk, Sal! You know I work hard, and if it weren’t so hard to find a decent roommate in this city, I’d kill you dead.” They both giggle wildly as they throw their arms around each other. The shocked expression on my face fades as I realize he was picking at Ashley, not insulting me.
Once they pull apart, he looks over to me, offering his hand. “I’m Salvador. Sal for short. Forgive me if you thought I was speaking of you. I mean nothing by it, only to tease my wifey.” My eyes widen in surprise as I accept his hand, shaking firmly while looking over to Ashley who has her head tilted back, her eyes trained on the ceiling. “I didn’t realize you were married.”
She lets out a groan as Sal laughs wildly. “You have got to stop telling people that! I’m never going to find a man if they all think I’m married!” She whines as he continues to laugh. “And neither will you.” She adds, effectively ending his laughter. “Touché, wifey.” He gives her a wink. Turning his attention back to me he gestures his hand toward the salon seat. “What are we doing today, miss-?”
I sit in the seat, looking at him in the reflection of the mirror. “Abbi, and I’m not sure.” I turn my head to look at Ashley who has her eyes on her cell phone in her hand. She doesn’t look up from her phone. “Wifey!” Sal sing songs to get her attention. She looks up to him with an annoyed expression, looking over to me when he juts his chin toward me. “What are we doing?” I ask her.
She quickly drops her phone in her purse, giving me a shocked expression. “You need your hair and makeup done.” I stare at her in the mirror, waiting for her to give Sal instructions as to what to do with me. She reaches her hand up, placing it to her chest as a genuine smile crests her lips. “You’re waiting for me to tell you what you should do?” I give her a ‘duh’ look, causing her to chuckle. She steps up behind me, placing her hand on the back of the chair as she and Sal talk animatedly behind me.
After an hour of sitting in this chair, listening to Ashley gush over what Sal is doing to my hair and the girl, Gigi, doing my makeup, I’m finally free to stand up. I start to turn toward the mirror, but Ashley quickly grips my hand, pulling me in the opposite direction. “Let’s get your dress on first. I want you to get the full picture before you see yourself.”
We step into what appears to be the break room for the employees, Sal following on our heels. “Strip down.” Ashley calls over her shoulder as she walks toward the familiar garment bag that hangs on the back of a door. I give a sideways glance toward Sal who straddles a chair. As she comes back with the bag in hand, she senses my hesitancy. “Get lost, Sal. No need for you to be here.”
He drops his mouth open, his brows marring together. “I want to see our finished product! It’s not like I haven’t seen you undress before, and you know it does nothing for me.” She shoots daggers at him through her eyes. “Out! I’ll let you back in once she’s dressed.” He lets out a huff as he stands, spinning the chair back under the table and walking out of the room.
She turns back to me as the door closes, giving me a stern look. “Get undressed. I have fifteen minutes to get you in this dress and out the door.” I do as she asks, sliding my maxi dress down and spinning around with my back to her as I undo my strapless bra. She taps me on the shoulder, handing a small package over. “Pasties.”
I keep one arm covering my breasts as I inspect the small, flower shaped things. “Just peel the back off and place them on your nipples. It’s like a sticker. You know, for boobs.” My cheeks heat as I open the package, doing as she says. They really are like stickers for boobs. Once I have them in place, I cup my hands over my breasts, turning to face her.
She lowers the dress, allowing me to step in before gliding it up my body. I hold the dress in place as she swings behind me, clasping the thin layer of fabric behind my neck. “Done.” I drop my hands from the dress as she steps back in front of me, looking me over with an appreciative smile on her face. “I must say, I’m pleased.”
She turns swiftly, walking over and opening a door at the edge of the room that has a floor length mirror on the back. I gingerly walk toward the mirror, careful not to step on the long gown in my high, matching stilettos. My mouth drops open as I take in my appearance. “I look incredible!” I say with astonishment as I turn side to side to see the full effect.
Ashley lets out a giggle at my response while nodding her head. “You look H O T, hot!” I join in her laughter, before turning to her with a grateful smile. “Thank you for your help today. There’s no way I could’ve pulled this off.” She waves her hand toward me nonchalantly. “It’s my job. Although, I have to admit, it was also my pleasure.”
She glances down at her phone in her hand, quickly spinning on her heels. “But, if I don’t get you in a car right now, it may not be my job any longer!” I follow behind her as quickly as I can toward what appears to be the back entrance to the building. She flings the door open to an alleyway, holding it open as I step outside.
Just to my right a limo awaits, the driver holding the rear door open. He tips his hat slightly to me. I turn back to Ashley, flinging my arms around her and thanking her one last time before scurrying into the back of the car.
Chapter 9
I cross my legs in the back of the car, wringing my hands in my lap as we speed along the city streets. The driver informed me when we started that Mr. Jackson was already at the event and he would notify him of my arrival. I do my best to stomp down the nerves that are building inside me. It’s just some fancy event where no one knows me, and I’ll never see any of these people again. I tell myself over and over.
Before long the car slows its pace and I glance out the w
indow. The entire block is a parking lot of limousines and expensive looking cars waiting to get to the grandly lit building just ahead. I take the phone from my clutch, checking the time on my phone.
After fifteen minutes of not moving, I’ve had enough. The longer I sit, the more my nerves grow. I slide around the seat, tapping on the window softly that separates me from the driver. The window begins to lower, and he looks at me in the rear-view mirror. “Yes, Miss Knowles?” I give him a warm smile. “I was just going to let you know I’m getting out here. There’s no need for either of us to wait in this traffic any longer.”
His eyes widen. “That won’t be necessary. It shouldn’t be much longer.” I wave a hand toward him as I begin scooting back toward the door. “It’s fine. I’ll call Jase on my way.” I push the door open as he objects, closing it before listening another moment. I smooth my hands down the front of my dress, taking a deep breath and squaring my shoulders back. “You can do this.” I mutter to myself as I start to walk along the sidewalk.
I reach in my clutch, pulling my phone out and dialing Jase’s number. I hold the phone to my ear as I continue casually strolling down the sidewalk in my expensive evening gown. I scowl when he doesn’t answer, dropping the phone back in the bag and continuing along. When I look up from my clutch, I notice someone a few blocks away jogging in this direction.
I chuckle to myself, thinking how ridiculous I’m going to look to someone who’s out on an evening run. As the figure gets closer, I realize it’s a man, a man in formal attire. Not just any man, the man I’m looking for. A huge smile breaks out on my face as Jase throws a hand up, waving at me as he makes the last few hundred yards to me.
He slows his pace to a brisk walk a few feet from me, his eyes raking up and down my body as he stops in front of me. “Jesus, Abbi. You look amazing!” He reaches forward, gripping my hand in his, lifting them between us. He makes a twirling motion with his free hand, causing me to giggle, but I oblige. I spin slowly in front of him as he holds my hand above me.
I stop once I’m facing him again, his eyes heavier than when I started. “You don’t look amazing at all. You are the most beautiful woman I’ve ever laid eyes on.” He bends forward, placing his lips on my cheek ever so gently as they burn with a blush at his compliment. “Thank you.” I whisper as he pulls back. It’s just then I get a good look at his attire.
Jase is always handsome, whether in blue jeans, the suit he wore this morning, or a simple pair of lounge pants, but Jase in a full on tuxedo? Holy shit balls! I let my eyes slide up and down his magnificent body slowly, stopping on his husky blue eyes. “H O T. Hot.” I hear myself mumble. He raises an eyebrow at me, giving me a cheeky grin. “What did you say?”
My cheeks burn even brighter than before but screw it. I clear my throat, not letting my eyes move from his. “I said, you look hot.” His grin spreads further showing off his dimple. He steps next to me, offing his arm to which I loop mine through, resting my hand on his strong forearm. We begin to make our way down the sidewalk together.
After a few feet he begins to chuckle lowly. I look up to him, a small smile on my lips. “What’s funny.” He shakes his head briefly, smiling down at me with his killer smile. “You. I can’t believe you got out of the limo to walk the rest of the way.” I roll my eyes at him. “I’d already been sitting there for fifteen minutes, and look.”
I jut my chin toward the line of cars and limousines as we stroll by. “They’re still not moving. I didn’t want to keep you waiting any longer.” He places his hand on mine that rests on his arm and I look up to him. A sincere smile on his lips as he looks down at me. “I would’ve waited for you all night, Abbi.” The look in his eyes and tone of his voice leaves my heart beating unsteadily. I move my eyes away from his before I do something stupid, focusing on the building ahead.
We both stay quiet for the remainder of the walk. Just when we’re about to reach the stairs that lead to where the event is being held Jase slips his arm from mine, stepping in front of me. He reaches between us, gripping both my hands in his and staring down into my eyes. The shear intensity of his gaze makes me feel breathless.
“Before we go in, I need to tell you.” He closes his eyes slowly, taking a deep breath before continuing. “I didn’t tell you exactly what I do earlier, and it has nothing to do with you, or me not trusting you, or whatever, and I had no intentions of coming here tonight, but there’s a few big contracts on the table and I really need to make an effort to land them. It would be great for my career and my company, and when my biggest client asked me to come I couldn’t say no, and I know I need to tell you what I do, I just didn’t want to because of-.”
His quick words are making my head spin, so I cut him off mid sentence. “Jase.” He opens his eyes, finding mine with his mouth still open in mid sentence. I tilt my head slightly to the side, squeezing his hands in my own and giving him a caring smile. “Stop. You’re making me seasick with your run-on sentences.” He lets out some sort of half sigh, half laugh.
“You told me earlier that you were dreading having this conversation with me. I don’t know why, and it doesn’t matter right now. When you’re ready to tell me, whatever, then tell me. But right now, it sounds like you’ve got some kind of deals to make, right?” I raise a questioning eyebrow to which he nods. I nod my head at him slowly. “So, let’s get in there, you make some deals and I’ll be the best damn arm candy you’ve ever seen.”
I give him a playful wink to follow my joke. He lets out a relieved sigh before leaning forward. I automatically think he’s going to place his lips on my cheek, so when they gently brush my own, my mind short circuits. He pulls away too soon, leaving me breathless and wanting so much more. “You are incredible, Abbi.” He whispers against my lips before standing back to his full height.
I blink rapidly at him, unable to form sentences, thoughts, bodily functions. Shit. Am I still breathing? I pull my hand from his, placing it to my chest to make sure my heart is still beating. He places his hands on my shoulders, running his hands along my arms quickly. “Damn, Abbi. I’m sorry I kept you out here. I didn’t think about you being cold in this dress.”
He quickly swings his arm around my shoulders, ushering us up the stairs and holding the door open for me while keeping his hand on my lower back. “It’ll be warmer in the conference room, but do you want my jacket until we get there?” I shake my head quickly, keeping my eyes focused ahead of me. If only he knew I was so damn hot right now I could melt a freaking iceberg.
Chapter 10
Jase keeps his hand at my back as we enter the grand room for tonight’s event. Which I just realize I still have no idea what that is. I stand next to him, gripping my clutch in my hands as he checks us in. “We’re at table three.” He tells me as he guides us through the room. I look around as we pass the numerous tables. Everyone is dressed in tuxedos and evening gowns.
We reach the table directly in front of the stage, finding our names scrolled on a piece of paper set atop of a plate. “Glad you could make it tonight, Jason.” A middle-aged man with a not quite friendly smile says as Jase pulls my chair out. He pushes my chair forward as I sit then offers his hand to the man who spoke. “Good to see you, Larry.”
He steps behind me, taking the seat to my left, then leaning forward. “Larry, this is Abigail Knowles.” I give Larry a bright smile. “It’s a pleasure to meet you, sir.” His eyes travel from my face to my chest, causing me to shift in my seat. “The pleasure is all mine.” His throaty voice makes me cringe inwardly. The woman sitting on the other side of him leans forward, giving me a plastic smile. “I’m Vivian. His wife.” I nod my head to her, giving her a smile. “Abbi. Nice to meet you.”
She gives me a once over, raising an eyebrow at me. “I’ve never seen you around. Are you new to the industry?” I give her a questioning look as Jase places his hand on my thigh under the table. “Abbi isn’t in the industry. She’s a nurse.” I watch Vivian’s eyes narrow, a look of disgust forming on
her face. “A nurse?” The tone of her voice matches her expression.
My eyes widen slightly at the insult. I went into my profession because I care about people. Because I want to help my fellow human being. I’ve never expected a pat on the back, or an award for choosing my career path, but I’ve damn sure never had anyone look down on me because of it. Just as I open my mouth Jase’s hand tightens on my leg under the table.
“You should be glad, Vivian. When Larry has a heart attack from staring at my date’s chest, she’ll be able to stabilize him until the paramedics get here. If she wants to, that is.” A round of chuckles comes from the rest of the table as Vivian huffs, straightening her back and staring toward the stage. Larry has the decency to blush and look down at his plate.
I turn my head away from the two, focusing on Jase. “Thank you.” I mouth as he grips my chair and turns it slightly toward him, so my back is to the horrible couple. He leans forward, dipping his head to my ear and whispering. “I’ve never liked them. I’ve always been cordial for business reasons, but that was bullshit. You work circles around everyone in this room on any given day.” He presses his lips just below my ear ever so softly, causing chill bumps to once again spread across my skin. He pulls away slowly, giving me a bright smile as he sits back in his seat, keeping his hand on my leg under the table.
The lights in the room begin to fade as a man steps onto the stage. Jase grips my hand, placing it on his thigh as we both focus ahead. “Good evening, ladies and gentlemen. I’m Jim Palmer, as most of you know, the creator of Sound Minds After Hours. I’m not going to keep you long since it seems dinner is being served as I speak.” A wave of soft laughter floats through the room as I glance over my shoulder finding dinner is indeed being served to the tables at the back.