He cringed internally when he heard Ashley Woodland coo his name. Damn! He couldn’t deal with her and her invitations anymore. To make everything worse, she’d interrupted him when he was planning ways to corner the woman who had run from him and to ask her out before someone else could.
The only reason he wasn’t rude to Ashley right now was that his cock had softened at the sound of her voice, and for that he was thankful. Just thinking of getting any work done with a boner had him cringing.
“Hello, Ms. Woodland,” he replied.
“How many times do I have to tell you to call me Ashley?” she asked.
More than I care to remember. “Sorry, I keep forgetting.”
She licked her lips then asked, “Would you like to come to my place tonight for dinner?”
Why couldn’t she take no for an answer and leave him alone or find somebody else to bother? God forbid, he would never wish her on his worst enemy, but he was desperate.
“Sorry, I'm busy tonight.”
“Are you working late again or do you have a date?”
He raised a brow at her angry tone. He was close to telling her to mind her own business when the elevator doors opened, so instead he hurried out, keeping up the brisk pace all the way to his office.
“Ashley cornered you again?” Sebastian grimaced when his best friend and partner laughed.
“It’s not funny, Nick. I'm getting tired of her and her invitations.”
“So, why don't you take her up on her offer?”
“Hell no, I’d rather chew on nails. How about you date her?” Sebastian asked.
He saw Nick flinch and swallowed a laugh. “Nope, I’d rather be celibate, and you know I’ve never said no to a woman before, but if Ashley is that woman, then Sebastian, my dear friend, you're on your own.” Nick left Sebastian’s office, no doubt laughing at the defeated look Sebastian couldn’t keep off his face.
* * * *
Ashley gritted her teeth and balled her hands into fists at her sides as she stomped to her office. Every time she asked Sebastian if he wanted to go out, he always found some excuse to say no. He never responded to her come-ons like other men and she never saw him with a woman. She knew she was an attractive woman, her blonde hair was shoulder length, she was a size two, and she’d had her breasts done after her second boyfriend had commented that, if he hadn't known better, upon first glance, he would have thought she was a boy.
In addition, she always dressed sexily for work so Sebastian could see what he was missing, but he never looked away from her blue eyes whenever they were talking, and now he’d just run from the damn elevator as if she was contagious.
One of these days, Sebastian Ferguson, you will be mine, she promised herself.
Chapter Three
Roxanne pulled into her garage, shut the engine off, and slid out of the car then walked toward the house when the garage closed. Once inside the house she set the alarm and went to her bedroom. When she reached her bedroom, she stripped out of her clothes and dropped them in the hamper then stepped into the shower. As she began lathering up, she thought about her day.
After she ran from the elevator this morning, her manager had introduced her to some of her new co-workers then showed her to her office. Roxanne had dodged every personal question they’d asked, and on her way to lunch, she prayed she wouldn't run into her elevator companion again. She was glad when she hadn’t.
At five, she’d finished doing last-minute things, and at five-thirty, she’d shut down the computer, then got her things and practically ran from the building so she wouldn’t run into him again while she was running from him. Her luck was like that sometimes. Roxanne shook her head at herself for running from a man and rinsed off, stepped out of the shower, wrapped a towel around her body and went to her bedroom.
* * * *
Sebastian checked his watch and cursed under his breath. He couldn’t believe it was already nine o’clock. If he’d realized it was getting so late, he wouldn’t have started the last batch of paperwork. He shut down his computer, picked up his jacket and closed the door on his way out. Immediately after reaching the parking lot, he sighed and relaxed his stiff posture somewhat when he didn't see Ashley anywhere.
Staying this late at work was partially Ashley’s fault since he was trying his best to stay out of her way, but staying out of her way was useless and he didn't know what else to do to make her finally understand that he didn't want to date her. He sighed as he drove home. Pulling into his driveway, he shut the ignition off and went inside the house. Sebastian closed the front door and cursed under his breath when the phone started ringing.
“Hello,” he answered, praying it wasn’t Ashley.
“Sebastian.”
Michael. Sebastian didn’t get to see his youngest brother as much as he used to since he moved to Texas and got married four years ago. Sebastian, Joshua and Adrian didn't approve of Michael’s wife, but they’d stayed out of his business when he’d told them he was old enough to make his own decisions. They knew Amy didn't love him and was using him, but Michael loved her too much to see the real her. Even though they didn't see him often, he still called and they visited him on the holidays.
“Did you hear what I said, Sebastian?”
Shit! He’d been so caught up in his own thoughts that he’d forgotten he was still on the phone. “No, sorry, what did you say?”
There was a pause, and then in a rush Michael said, “I'm moving back to California.”
To say that Sebastian was surprised was an understatement, and honestly, he didn't know what to say, so he did the only thing he could. “Anything I can help with?”
“Yes. I bought a house a month ago through a realtor and my things are getting there in another month or so. The realtor will bring the keys to you, so I wanted to know if you could collect them for me.”
“Sure. When will you arrive?”
There was a pause again before Michael answered, “As soon as my divorce is final.”
Sebastian almost asked what had happened, but he knew Michael would tell him when he was ready, so instead he asked, “What about a job?”
“I already have a position waiting for me at the hospital.”
“Do Adrian and Joshua know about this?” Sebastian asked.
“No, but you can tell them. I’ve got to go. See you when I get there,” he said before hanging up.
Sebastian replaced the phone and went upstairs, stripped out of his clothes and went into the bathroom to shower. After his shower he got dressed then went to the kitchen and made dinner. After he ate, he washed the dishes then called Joshua.
“Hello.”
“Michael is moving back here.”
“How do you know that?”
“He just called to tell me.”
“What about his wife?”
“He’s coming when his divorce is final.”
“Damn, I wonder why he’s divorcing her,” Joshua said.
“He never said, and I never asked. Anyway, I’ll talk to you and Adrian on Friday. I need some sleep, but I wanted you to know.”
“Goodnight, Sebastian.”
“Night, Joshua,” he replied before hanging up.
* * * *
Before going to work the next day, Roxanne stopped by a café on the way and ordered a cup of coffee. Thirty minutes later, she pulled into Ferguson Graphics, picked up her handbag along with the coffee, and then got out of her car, locked up and walked toward the building.
Roxanne cursed under her breath when she saw the elevator door closing like yesterday morning.
“Hold that door, please,” she shouted and sighed in relief when the doors began opening again. She stepped inside and almost stepped out when she saw Mr. GQ standing in the corner with a model-thin blonde next to him, but the doors closed before she could exit.
Like on Monday, Mr. GQ was looking delectable in a black suit, today teamed with a silver dress shirt and a silver and black striped tie. Roxanne was about to c
heck if she was drooling, but she didn't want to embarrass herself.
“Good morning to you, too,” Mr. GQ said, grinning.
“Good morning. Thank you for holding the elevator again.”
The blonde snorted, and turning to Mr. GQ she said, “So, Sebastian?”
“So what?” he replied, looking as if he was getting ready to run even though the elevator doors were still closed.
“Want to have dinner with me tonight?”
Roxanne looked away, turning her laugh into a cough when Mr. GQ flinched.
“I can’t.”
“Why not?” asked the blonde as her eyes narrowed into slits.
“I have a date.”
Chapter Four
“With whom?” the blonde asked as she crossed her arms tightly over her chest and glared at him.
I’d have to be deaf not to hear the claim she made on him in that one question, Roxanne thought then reprimanded herself for eavesdropping.
Roxanne was trying very hard not to notice their conversation that she hadn't realized Mr. GQ was beside her until he put his hand around her shoulders. She stiffened.
“With her,” he replied. Her knees grew so weak, that she’d thought she was going to faint.
“You do?” Roxanne and the woman asked simultaneously.
“Yes,” Mr. GQ replied.
He was smiling, but his eyes were pleading with her to agree if the other woman asked, so Roxanne relaxed a little. The other woman didn't say anything, but her lips were pressed into a tight line as she looked at Roxanne. When the elevator stopped, the woman walked out. Roxanne was about to follow when Mr. GQ gently squeezed her shoulders, shaking his head when she looked at him.
When the elevator doors opened again, she realized she was on tenth floor. Her eyes widened. Mr. GQ ushered her into an office and she stood where he had left her, frozen to the spot a foot inside the room. She was about to ask what he was thinking to involve her in his personal life when she spotted another drool-worthy male sitting on a black couch.
This one looked about the same height as Mr. GQ. He had cropped brown hair with blond highlights, and his blue eyes were twinkling as he looked at Mr. GQ. Roxanne gritted her teeth and glared at Mr. GQ.
“Why did you do that?” she asked with a frown.
He held out his hand toward her. “Sebastian Ferguson. The guy on the couch is Nick Nelson. I'm not sorry about what I did, but I'm sorry about the reason I did it.”
Roxanne gritted her teeth and balled her hands into tight fists at her sides as she debated whether to strangle him or hit him with something then his name sank in. Her eyes widened when she realized she was debating whether to strangle or hit the owner of Ferguson Graphics. She placed her coffee on his desk and dropped into a chair, then looked away as her heartbeat sped up and her palms began to sweat.
“Look, you have to fix this because I'm not going out on a date with you.”
“Sebastian, what did you do?” Nick asked.
“Ashley cornered me in the elevator again and asked me on a date. I refused by saying I already had a date with her.” He pointed at Roxanne.
Nick threw back his head and laughed. Roxanne cleared her throat to get their attention. “This is not funny. You have to fix this and I mean now. I don't want to be in the middle of a personal problem between you and another woman.” She shook her head wildly and stood up. She began pacing as she tried to calm her racing heart.
She could feel their eyes following her but she didn't look at them. “Look Miss…?”
“Roxanne.”
“I'm desperate, Roxanne. Please help me,” he pleaded.
Deep down, Roxanne knew it was a bad idea, but he did seem like he really needed help. Besides, she had never turned down anyone who needed her help before, and she wouldn’t start now.
She sighed. “I’ll help you under one condition.” His eyebrows rose in question. “I’ll only pretend that we’re dating in the presence of that woman,” Roxanne told him, “but when she’s not around, it’s back to boss and employee.”
“All right, then I’m taking you out tonight.” She frowned. “Think of it as practice.” Then he smiled, and she caved.
God! What had she gotten herself into by helping this man? “Okay. I’ll leave my number so you can call and tell me where we’re eating when you decide on the restaurant.” He nodded and she wrote her phone number on a piece of paper, handed it to him, then left.
* * * *
Sebastian sighed in relief. At first his body had become still as he waited for her answer. He thought she was going to refuse, but when she didn't he’d relaxed his stiff posture with a bit of effort.
“I feel sorry for you, my friend,” Nick stated with a chuckle.
“Why?”
“Because you want nothing to do with the woman that does everything except tell you straight out that she wants you. But the one you want looks ready to take off if you show how attracted you are to her.” Sebastian scowled at the door as Nick left.
Nick was right, though. The one woman he wanted more than anything was the one that wanted to run away from him. And the one he wanted to leave him alone was the one who wanted him. Maybe he should take Ashley up on her offer then dump her afterward. He cringed. He couldn’t do it, plus his mother had taught him better than to disrespect a woman like that.
Besides he didn't want Ashley. He wanted Roxanne and he was going to make their pretend dating real.
* * * *
When it was time to take her lunch break, Roxanne debated whether she should go to the café or to a nearby restaurant. If she went to the café there was a possibility of running into that woman—Ashley, she reminded herself—and she didn't feel like having a confrontation. But if she chose a restaurant, she might run into Sebastian, too, and she wasn’t ready for that.
After leaving his office earlier, all she could think about was what it would feel like to have his lips on hers. Their date wasn’t even real and that thought made her almost hyperventilate, while her heart raced.
She sighed then decided to go to the café. Eventually, Ashley would confront her, and she would rather get it over with; besides, between Ashley and Sebastian, it would be better if she ran into Ashley. Once Roxanne got to the café, she wasted no time ordering her lunch. As soon as she finished her meal, she cleaned up her table and headed to the elevator. The door was about to close when Ashley entered and looked at Roxanne as if she wasn’t supposed to breathe the same air as her.
Here is the confrontation I’ve been dreading, Roxanne thought.
“You know you're not Sebastian’s type, right?” Ashley commented with a sneer.
Roxanne was about to answer but decided against it. “Why don't you leave him alone? He wants me, not you,” Ashley said, when Roxanne didn't reply.
If you only knew, Roxanne thought, still keeping quiet.
“Can you even please a man like Sebastian in bed?” Ashley asked.
Roxanne ignored the question. This had nothing to do with sex. She was just helping Sebastian, nothing more. Wasn’t she? She shook her head as she stepped out of the elevator; Ashley was already miles away from her thoughts.
Immediately after returning to her office, Roxanne sat down wondering for the tenth time what had she gotten herself into by agreeing to help Sebastian. From the bits and pieces she’d picked from their conversation—if you could call it that—she got the feeling Ashley was obsessed with Sebastian. If not him, then it had to be his wealth.
Sure, Sebastian was gorgeous, so she could see why Ashley was obsessed with him. That was why Roxanne had to keep reminding herself their date wasn’t real. No matter how much she wanted it to be. And she wanted it bad.
Chapter Five
Sebastian looked up from his work when he heard his office door open. He wondered idly if it was Roxanne, coming to tell him she couldn’t help anymore. He prayed it wasn’t so. He sighed in relief when he saw Nick.
“I heard Ashley cornered Roxanne this af
ternoon in the elevator.”
Sebastian tensed as his heart began pounding. What did Ashley say to her? Did she consider changing her mind after their conversation? What was he going to do if she did? He shook off his paranoia and tried to relax. This was ridiculous. The last time something like this happened was when he was fourteen and Michael went missing. He hadn’t panicked a day since; until today that is.
“Is she all right?” he asked knowing Nick would be able to hear the panic in his voice, but not caring at the moment.
“Yes, she came out of the elevator in one piece. And before you ask, I know because Allison told me.”
“Allison. As in the redhead on the fourth floor? Are you two dating?” Sebastian asked as he cocked his head to the side and waited. For as long as he’d known Nick, the man had never had a steady relationship, only fuck buddies—his words.
Nick sighed before answering, “Used to.”
Sebastian frowned. “What do you mean?”
“I was planning to break it off today, because ever since her friend got married she began dropping little hints about her marrying and settling down.”
Sebastian barely contained his wince. “One day you're gonna find a woman you want to spend your life with and she’s going to give you hell.”
“Sure, sure,” Nick mumbled before leaving.
* * * *
At five-thirty Roxanne shut down the computer for the day and got her handbag before leaving her office. She waved to the night security guard on her way to the parking lot. Once there, she opened her car door, got inside, dropped her bag on the front seat and drove off as she tried to calm her pounding heart and control the shallow breathing which seemed to come on whenever she thought about tonight.
Roxanne's Redemption Page 2