Stallion Magic

by Deborah Fletcher Mello

  Noah headed toward his bedroom. “Yes, please.”

  Behind the closed door, he stripped out of his clothes and headed for a hot shower. Beneath the spray of warm water, he tilted his head, savoring the moist sensation against his skin. He was tense, every sinewy muscle in his body taut. His nerves were on edge and had been since he’d woken.

  Being with Catherine had been a dream come true. The time they’d spent together from the moment they’d escaped the reunion until he’d left her hotel room exceeded all of his expectations.

  Catherine made his heart sing. She was funny and snarky and very much a tease. He’d enjoyed feeling like they’d been best buddies since forever. And then there had been those intimate moments, where they’d traded easy caresses. He could see himself doing that forever with her. She tested him, gave him reason to pause and reflect. And he liked the reflection of himself that he saw in her eyes.

  Noah hadn’t known his own prowess to this extreme before last night with Catherine. She excited him and kept him excited. Just thinking about her pulled the muscles in his Southern quadrant stiff.

  He reached for the bar of soap, lathering his washcloth. As he ran the square of plush fabric over his skin, he tried not to think about Catherine but his best efforts failed. She had his full and undivided attention.

  * * *

  Naomi passed him a large glass of a green mixture as he moved back into the kitchen.

  “I need to order flowers,” he said, looking at his sister for assistance.

  Naomi eyed him with a raised brow. “For who?”

  “You know who. I want roses. Pink ones. Any recommendations for florists?”

  “I personally like the Art Floral downtown but the Flower Box is good, too.”

  He nodded. “Thanks,” he said as he walked to the hall closet.

  He pulled a locked box from the top shelf and pressed his thumb to the digital pad to unlock it. He pulled his duty weapon from inside, sliding it into the harness under his navy blue blazer.

  Moving back to the kitchen, he took another big swig of his breakfast smoothie. His sister was still staring at him, her arms crossed over her chest.

  “What now?” he asked, leaning back against the counter.

  “You’re not even going to give me any details? You spend the weekend with that woman and now you’re sending her flowers and I don’t get any information? Nothing?”

  “I don’t kiss and tell, you know that.”

  “So you did kiss her...”

  Noah laughed. “I have to run or I’m going to be late.”

  “John called,” she said, referring to their Texas cousin. “He wanted to know if we’re all going to Paris for Natalie and Tinjin’s runway show. He said the family is all flying in together if we want to catch a ride.”

  Noah nodded. His baby sister had left him numerous messages since Friday to ask the same question. “Text me the dates again,” he said. “I want to go but I’ll need to work out the dates with my new job.”

  “You decided to take it?” Naomi asked as he headed to the door.

  Noah paused, his hand on the doorknob. “Yeah,” he said. “I think I have.”

  * * *

  Two dozen pink roses sat in a crystal vase atop Catherine’s desk. Marvin Lyons, her personal assistant, was spinning them in a circle for the perfect angle. Catherine twisted the accompanying card between her fingers. A wide grin blessed her expression.

  “They smell divine!” Marvin chimed. “Who knows pink roses are your favorite?”

  She shook her head as she read the card. Her wide grin spread ear to ear.

  “Ohh! Who is he?” Marvin questioned, dropping into the seat in front of her desk.

  “A very good friend,” she answered. “Someone I went to high school with.”

  “You had a reunion fling! You dirty bird!” Marvin laughed teasingly.

  “I did not!”

  “Yes, you did. I can see it all over your face.”

  “What?” Frederick questioned as he entered her office without knocking. “What are you two talking about?”

  “Don’t you knock?” Marvin chastised, annoyance spilling from his eyes.

  “Shouldn’t you be at your desk?” Frederick snapped back.

  Catherine and Marvin exchanged a quick look. She took a deep breath, stalling the rising argument.

  “I was just telling Marvin about our high school reunion. It was a lot of fun. You should have gone.”

  Frederick’s eyes widened. “I didn’t think you were going. You didn’t sound like you were interested.”

  Catherine shrugged. “I changed my mind.”

  “I wish you had told me. I would have gone with you.”

  “It was a last-minute decision,” Catherine said, meeting his gaze.

  He nodded. “I called you this weekend but you didn’t call me back. What was that about?” Frederick questioned, sounding like a scorned lover.

  A moment of awkward silence passed, and Catherine watched as Marvin looked from her to Frederick, amusement painting his expression.

  Catherine could feel her facial muscles tighten as she tried to force a smile back to her face.

  “How are we with those financial reports?” she asked, changing the subject.

  “The attorneys have everything they need. We’ll sit down with them and the accounting team later this week. You should have the numbers to review on your desk by tomorrow morning.”

  “Good. Marvin, I need the entire executive team here next week. Tell the Atlanta and the Salt Lake City staff that they’ll need to be here Tuesday through Thursday. Everyone should make arrangements to fly in Monday night and out on Friday. All the lunches will be in house and they should plan to work. Make reservations for dinner Tuesday only. Wednesday they can all do their own thing.”

  “Yes, Cat.”

  “I also want the safety reports for every plane on my desk by tomorrow. And I mean every plane. And I’ll need an update from acquisitions. Where are we on the sales of those Cessna Citations? I want two additional Gulfstream G650s ordered by the end of the month and in the registry in the next six weeks.”

  Marvin jotted notes into his iPad. “The Cessna Citations have sold. Titles transferred to their new owners last week. I’ll have an answer on the purchases within the hour. You also have a meeting with the marketing team this afternoon. They want to pitch the print ads.”

  “Where are they looking to run them? Do we know?” Catherine asked, shifting her gaze back to Frederick.

  “I’m not sure,” the man answered.

  She looked toward Marvin. “I want to know before the meeting and I want a hard copy of each magazine,” she said.

  Marvin nodded. “I’ll take care of it. Anything else, Cat?”

  “Check if Laughing Lotus is still doing that lunchtime yoga class. If they are, reserve me a spot, please. Thank you.”

  With a nod of his head, Marvin paused to sniff the roses one last time. He moved toward the door and made a quick exit.

  “Who sent you flowers?” Frederick asked, noticing the arrangement for the first time.

  Catherine shrugged.

  “You don’t know who sent them?” Frederick persisted. A wave of concern suddenly washed over his expression.

  “I have a secret admirer,” Catherine answered, meeting his stare.

  Something in his expression struck a nerve. “What’s wrong, Frederick?”

  He shook his head. “It’s nothing for you to be concerned about. I have it under control.”

  She stared at him as he tossed her a toothy smile.

  Frederick had changed little since high school. He was still awkward, his expensive designer suits masking his small frame. His dark curls lay like a bad shag rug on his head and he had never gotten control of his bad skin. His smile was a perfect exhibit of polished veneers and he had beautiful hazel eyes. But there was something deceptive about his stare. Something off-putting that had always made Catherine question his motives, despite
him being one of the best at his job and overwhelmingly loyal.

  She gestured to the folders on her desk. “Let’s talk later. I have some catching up to do.”

  Frederick nodded. “Interested in doing an early dinner? I know someone at Corkbuzz down in Chelsea Market. I hear the fried gnocchi with salami and the spicy clams in chili butter are a must try.”

  She nodded but didn’t bother to respond. She spun around in her chair, facing the credenza behind her. She pulled open a drawer and pretended to search inside. Frederick stood staring for a brief moment before he turned and made his exit.

  When the door slammed closed behind him, Catherine spun back around, rising from her seat. She moved to the floral arrangement, inhaling the sweet scent. Noah had sent flowers to her Atlanta office the day before. They’d been waiting for her when she arrived at the Peachtree Road location. His card had been sentimental as he’d thanked her for a weekend that had changed his life.

  This bouquet had surprised her, though the card was just as sweet as the first. He’d written that he missed her. Three little words that had made her smile.

  She was lost in thoughts of Noah when Marvin burst back into her office. She eyed him curiously as he tossed his hands up in frustration.

  “What is it, Marvin?”

  “Frederick is going to work my last nerve. The man is a freak. And I hate to tell you again but that fool is stupid in love with you.”

  Catherine frowned. She’d known Frederick had feelings for her when he’d professed his adoration after a drinking binge one night a few years ago. Her rejection had been swift, using their very successful business alliance to put him off. She considered Frederick a friend and nothing more. She felt no attraction toward the man whatsoever, mostly put off by his arrogant behavior and attitude of entitlement. There wasn’t an ice cube’s chance in hell of them ever sharing a personal relationship.

  She shook her head at Marvin. “Frederick and I have a strictly business relationship. There will never be anything else between us and he knows it. There are some things that just won’t work. Office relationships are one of those things.”

  “Humph!” Marvin chimed. “I hear you talking. But I don’t think Frederick is listening. He just ripped me a new one about those flowers like I was the one who sent them to you!”

  * * *

  Commander Derrick Quince sat with his hands folded as Noah announced he was leaving the Salt Lake City police department. His resignation letter sat against Quince’s wooden desk. His commanding officer wasn’t pleased.

  “I don’t want to lose you, Stallion. How can we change your mind?”

  “It’s a done deal, sir. I’ve enjoyed my tenure here but it’s time for me to try something new. This is a great opportunity, and the salary can’t be beat. I really don’t have any other option.”

  Quince nodded. “Well, you’ll definitely be missed. You’re one of the best officers I’ve ever had the privilege of working with.” Moving onto his feet, he extended his hand. “I hate to lose you, Stallion, but I wish you only the very best.”

  “Thank you, sir,” Noah said as the two shook hands.

  Minutes later he stood with two of his fellow officers.

  “Who’s going to lead this team if you’re not here, Stallion?”

  “Yeah, dude. No one keeps me in line the way you do.”

  Noah laughed. “You’ll be fine. I’m sure they’ll have another hard-nosed detective here to watch over you in no time.”

  Both men shook his hand. The whole department was extending him well wishes when his cell phone vibrated against his hip. He took a quick glance down at the incoming number, then excused himself, retreating into his office.

  “Hi.”

  “Hi. Is this a good time to talk?”

  “Anytime you want to talk is a good time.”

  Catherine smiled on her end of the receiver. “Thank you so much for the beautiful flowers. The roses are absolutely gorgeous. Both arrangements.”

  “I just wanted to let you know how much I enjoyed our time together. And that I miss you.”

  “I miss you, too. I’m already trying to figure out when I’ll get back to Salt Lake City. Or maybe you can come to New York?”

  “That’s definitely a possibility.”

  “I own a plane whenever you’re ready.”

  Noah laughed. “I’ll keep that in mind.”

  There was a moment of pause. “I didn’t think this would be so hard,” Catherine said, her voice dropping to a low whisper.

  Noah nodded, taking a deep inhale. “I know. I hated not being able to talk to you yesterday.”

  “I apologize for that. After we landed I ran from one meeting to the next. By the time the day ended I was exhausted. Then when I finally reached home, I was out before my head hit the pillow.”

  “I figured as much, which is why I didn’t call you. I didn’t want to disturb your rest.”

  “I really wish you had. I would have loved to have heard your voice,” Catherine said.

  Noah laughed. “So how’s your day been thus far?”

  “I can’t complain. I’m on the last leg of things to do before the company goes public. It’s just a matter of dotting all the i’s and crossing my t’s.”

  “It’ll work out.”

  “I know. I’m worrying unnecessarily but it’s what I do.”

  There was a moment of hesitation, and Noah could hear voices in the background. He heard Catherine take a deep breath, inhaling swiftly.

  “I have a meeting I need to get to but can I call you later tonight?” she asked. There was nervous anticipation in her tone and it made Noah smile.

  “I’d be hurt if you didn’t,” he responded. “And if you don’t call me, I will call you.”

  * * *

  His home was quiet when he finally arrived back to it that evening. His sister had left him a note on the counter about dinner being in the refrigerator. She had spent a fair amount of time cleaning. The space smelled of pine and lemon. The furniture had been dusted and polished, his carpets vacuumed, his floors swept.

  Despite knowing he had a maid service that cleaned twice weekly, Naomi always insisted on cleaning for him when she came into town. He had never once argued against it. His sister’s touch always made his house feel more like home.

  He sent her a quick text message to say thank-you and to check that she had made it back home safely. After a quick back and forth exchange with her, he slid the plate of meat loaf, mashed potatoes and peas into the microwave to heat. Flipping on the big-screen television, he pulled a stool up to the marble-topped counter and dined.

  Domestic violence dominated the news. An occurrence of it had recently hit home when he’d found himself investigating the brutal death of a young woman who’d been previously battered by her husband. Two small children had been left to deal with the aftermath. From start to finish the investigation had wrecked his spirit. He let out a heavy sigh as he moved from his kitchen to the family room sofa.

  Leaning back, he lifted his long legs to the ottoman. He closed his eyes, and thoughts of Catherine immediately crossed his mind. He missed her and they had so much to talk about. There had still been no conversations about him going to work for Fly High and it was something they needed to discuss sooner than later. He was accepting their job offer and he didn’t know what that would mean for the two of them.

  Just as he was pondering the complications, his cell phone chimed, vibrating against the coffee table. Pulling the device into his hands, he smiled. Catherine must have been reading his mind, he thought.

  “Hi.”

  “How are you?” she asked, her voice low and warm like a rich, heavy cream.

  “Better now.”

  “I didn’t wake you, did I? I know it’s late.”

  “No, I actually just got in. It’s been a long day.”

  “That doesn’t sound good.”

  “I had a difficult case,” he said, his tone indicating it wasn’t something he want
ed to talk about. “What about your day?” He suddenly looked at his watch. “Why are you up? It’s got to be after three in the morning there, right?”

  “Yeah, it’s late, but taking my company public requires a full twenty-four hour day, seven days per week. It’s unending.”

  “Now explain to me how that works,” Noah asked, genuinely interested. “And why are you doing it?”

  “Well, I’m doing it because it’s my ultimate dream. When I started this business that was one of my end goals and now is the perfect opportunity. It’s taken some hard work but I’ve met the requirements laid out by the investment bank that will underwrite the shares. My growth prospects are high, the service is innovative, we’re competitive in the industry and we met the financial audit requirements.”

  “I was impressed to read that your revenues are as high as they are. You’ve turned over some serious profits in the last five years.”

  “The last nine years. And I guarantee that we will show a twenty-five percent growth rate over the next five years.”

  “You really like what you do, don’t you?”

  “I really do. I was eight years old the first time I flew in a plane. My father and I flew to New York to go to the ballet. Back then I thought I wanted to be a prima ballerina and daddy wanted to show me that I could do anything I put my mind to. The pilot let me into the cockpit and that clinched it for me. Daddy let me get my pilot’s license when I turned sixteen, and after I graduated from UCLA he helped me finance my first plane. The business developed from there and from day one I’ve been committed to making it a success.”

  “I have no doubts your father is very proud of you.”

  Noah could feel the magnitude of her smile on the other end of the receiver.

  “I can’t wait for you both to meet,” Catherine said.

  “That sounds serious.”

  She laughed. “It is. I want my two favorite men in the whole wide world to like each other.”

  “So I’m one of your favorite men?”

  “You’re high on the list.”

  He laughed. “Well, I’m sure your father and I will like each other.”

  “Daddy is going to love you.”

  Noah smiled. Knowing of Catherine’s father he wasn’t quite sure it would be love but he imagined they could eventually become friendly.