by Lulu Pratt
“And you want to paint me?”
Andrew nods.
“Like a portrait?” I ask, growing more intrigued by the second.
There’s no way I’m going to do this but the thought is gratifying. No one has ever wanted to paint me before. It seems like such an intimate exchange. I wonder if…
“No,” he says, firmly cutting into my thoughts.
“Then how?” I’m leaning forward in my chair now and I realize I’m right where he wants me.
Open and intrigued.
His lids fall over his hypnotizing eyes, until the blue depths are barely visible.
Damn, he looks good.
When he finally speaks, I’m waiting with baited breath.
“You would be the canvas, Lilah.”
Four
LILAH
I’m on my second cup of ice chips in an hour.
Andrew Knight left after slipping me his card and instructing me to give him a call if I ever felt the urge.
For any reason. At any time. Night or day.
I can’t believe those were his exact words!
Then he just got up and left, leaving me to stare at him openmouthed as he retraced his steps back to the front of the building.
Holy moly, that man is trouble.
A rush of heat warms my face when I think about how sex-starved and unprofessional I must have appeared. Tilting the cup at my lips, I replenish the ice that’s melted on my tongue.
The real kicker is that I suspect he’s related to my new boss, Edward Knight. I’m just not sure how yet. There’s no way that two men in this small ass town can have the same last name with matching astronomical wealth and not be related.
I’m still crunching away at the ice when there’s a light tap on my office door.
My eyes dart to the door and there stands the boss I was just thinking about. It’s like my thoughts conjured him up.
“Hi Mr. Knight, come in,” I smile politely, shoving the cup away from me as he waltzes in.
He doesn’t return my smile or warm greeting as he takes a seat in the chair that was vacated by the other Mr. Knight only an hour ago.
Automatically, I start searching for similarities between him and Andrew. But I come up short. They couldn’t be more different. Both in demeanor and physical appearance.
This Mr. Knight is most definitely not hot in any way. He and Andrew seem like polar opposites.
Edward’s wearing a slate-gray tailored suit with shiny shoes and dazzling cufflinks. The ensemble alone probably costs more than I earn in a year.
“I heard you had a walk-in client today,” he says, not beating around the bush.
“Yes, I was just going to email you about that,” I tell him. “I think the meeting went well. I provided him a breakdown of our services and he told me that he’d be in touch.”
“You mean he didn’t sign with you today?”
His tone is cold and a wave of dissatisfaction covers his face.
Shit.
“No, but I—” I start only for my words to be cut off.
“Ms. Tucker, because you’re here temporarily, your client base will be very small and it is your job to build it while you’re here. Since I am sending you the leads, it’s absolutely imperative that you land the people who show up. Do you understand?”
I don’t appreciate the condescending tinge to his words, but keep my displeasure concealed.
With a simple nod, I convey that I understand and he starts talking again.
“Good. Knight is a lucrative catch. Review the training materials I provided and rethink your strategy for landing him.”
“Yes, sir,” I answer dutifully, even though all I want to do is roll my eyes and fire off a litany of dirty insults.
“Do whatever it takes,” he says sternly. He rises from the chair and buttons his suit jacket. “Call me when it’s done.”
He leaves and I’m left alone in my office. I snatch up the cup of ice chips again but for a different reason this time. I no longer need to ease my sexual frustration because that’s the last thing I feel after that short exchange.
I hate being scolded but I have to remember the reason I agreed to this summer “apprenticeship” in the first place.
Simply put, the money will help make my dreams come true.
Nine months out of the year, I teach at a private elementary school not too far from this very office.
The salary is good, all things considered. However, I’m on the verge of bankruptcy because most of my cash is tied up in a project I’ve been trying to get off the ground for months now.
In the last four years, I’ve built an educational resource from scratch to help teachers provide special-needs students with the tools they need to succeed in the classroom.
I’ve poured my heart and soul into this project for years, determined to share my passion with the world. But it just hasn’t happened the way I planned.
Even with my extensive professional network and the small business loan from the bank, I still hit a break wall when it came to distribution.
The capital needed upfront is just something I haven’t been able to accumulate on my own.
So, I set my pride aside as school was winding down and began contacting some of the wealthiest people in my network. Asking for donations from wealthy people was humbling enough but the amount of no’s I received was soul crushing.
It was naïve of me to assume that everyone would jump on board once they heard it would benefit kids. Their faces showed no emotion when they rejected me and wished me the best of luck.
That is until I came across Edward Knight. Feeling dejected, I emailed him on a whim after receiving his contact information from a friend of a friend.
He’d been the only one willing to help me. But of course that help came with conditions.
Edward made it clear that he wanted me to “work for it,” essentially. If I could get through a three-month apprenticeship at Castle, he would fork up a quarter-million dollars for my project, Thriving Together, at the end of the summer.
And I can see right now that every penny will be hard-fought.
Cooling down from our brief meeting, I reach for my phone and view the picture serving as my lock screen.
It’s a classroom full of grinning kindergarteners. They’re beaming brighter than the paint splattered across some of their cheeks and clothes.
A smile touches my lips as I remember the day vividly. Each student had covered their hands with different colored paint before leaving their handprints on a huge puzzle piece. The project was to show our solidarity with students from all walks of life and all ability levels. While the artwork dried, the kids made a video stating why they believed all their friends deserved equal respect and treatment in the classroom.
It is a day I will remember forever. Such pure souls united for a cause near and dear to my heart.
The principal even displayed the artwork at the front of the school during Autism Awareness month. Nothing had been able to wipe away the proud smiles on my students’ faces when they passed it every morning.
My heart swells as the memory blankets me in the same warm fuzzies I felt at the time.
This is why I’m here.
The reminder is necessary and I’ll chant it like a mantra if it gets me through this summer with Edward Knight as my boss.
Still, I think a drink and some girl chat will do wonders to help me recover from the crazy whirlwind that today has been.
Swiping upward, I unlock my phone and text my best friend, Charli.
Crazy day. Up for happy hour and snacks at Banana Boat?
I know the mere mention of food will sway her in the right direction.
A few minutes later, I’m clicking through emails when my phone buzzes.
You know I’m in! What time? NOW?! Can’t wait to see your gorgeous face xo
Smiling, I send a reply and get back to work. Charli’s company will lift my spirits in a heartbeat and I can’t wait to get her take o
n my current dilemma.
With something to look forward to, the rest of my day passes quickly. When five o’clock rolls around, I can’t get out of there fast enough.
Time to unwind.
Five
LILAH
“Please tell me you’re going to call him!” Charli erupts as I finish the long-winded recap of my day.
The waterfront bar I chose is teeming with people despite it being a Monday night. The summer air is warm, pulling people who would usually stay home out for a night of fun. Loud music is blaring as people dance and chat.
Charli and I are seated in a far back corner, as secluded as we can possibly get in a place like this.
She can find no fault in what I told her about Andrew and looks positively thrilled at the prospect of me “climbing him like a tree” as she so eloquently put it.
I can’t even pretend like that’s not exactly what I want. My stomach is quivering as I recall the way his eyes pierced me with their focused intent. He didn’t have to say a word and still I melted like the ice at the bottom of my glass.
“Fuck your uptight new boss,” Charli declares loyally, her amber eyes defiant on my behalf. “I say you screw Andrew’s brains out and ask him for the donation instead. It’s not like he can’t afford it.”
Uncontrollable laughter bubbles out of me at her bold suggestion.
“Girl, I’m serious,” she deadpans, shoving her overgrown bangs from her face. “Let him eat your cookie at least.”
My shoulders are shaking by now, my right hand clasped over my chest. This is exactly why I called her up. In six years of friendship, Charli’s never failed to make me laugh by saying exactly what I’m thinking.
We met during our senior year of college and have been hanging tight ever since. She’s the only reason I’m in this town in the first place. After graduation, she landed me a job interview with the principal who hired her and the rest is history.
“Hell, one of us should have a fun summer break before we return to Harper’s View Elementary,” she says.
Sliding her an indolent smile from across the table, I wait for her to continue. Because I just know she’s not done. Charli is never done.
“You know I’m right.” She twists a lock of her curly ebony hair around her finger. “When school starts, neither one of us will have energy to do anything but drink cheap wine in our yoga pants after work.”
Ain’t that the truth?
As convincing as she is, I still know that I can’t go there. My “career” at Castle is too new and way too fragile to add in other complications at the moment. Especially those of the finger-licking sexual variety.
Besides, nothing will distract me from my goal. I’ll just have to call on my willpower to get me through these next three months.
Forget the fact that I haven’t been touched in two years. I’m desperately craving a release that isn’t self-induced with the help of my trusty vibrator, Ronaldo.
Yes, I named my vibrator. The two of us spend quite a lot of time together, so it was only right. Speaking of which, I’ve got a feeling I’ll need to swing by Walgreen’s and stock up on some batteries on my way home.
“Besides, what woman wouldn’t want to be able to say she screwed one of the richest guys on the east coast? The Knights are loaded.”
Charli is still prattling on and on about how easy my decision should be when an overly perky waitress appears at our table holding a plate with two cupcakes resting at the center.
“Enjoy, ladies,” she says, smiling brightly before scurrying off.
Confused, I raise an eyebrow and wait for my friend to explain.
Grabbing one of the cupcakes, Charli smiles deviously at me.
“We never got a chance to celebrate your new job!” she says excitedly.
Rolling my eyes, I look at her and I know my stare is asking her the question that I haven’t voiced.
Is she serious right now?
“It’s not a real job, Charli.” It’s just a stupid hoop I have to jump through to convince one rich man I’m worthy of his investment by convincing rich people to trust me with their wealth.
When I think of it like that, maybe it is a job…
Instantly, I have to check myself. I can’t think of this as a burden when it’s laying the groundwork for me to achieve my dreams. I’ve wanted this for years and it’s worth jumping through a million hoops if I can help at least one child.
“Well, I say it calls for a celebration. So cheers!” she exclaims, holding up her cupcake and waiting for me to return the gesture.
Fighting a smile, I lift the dessert and barely touch it against hers while I mutter the word, “Cheers.”
She starts carrying on about something again, but her words are suddenly falling on deaf ears. This cupcake is incredible, considering it was made in a bar that serves lukewarm beer and mediocre appetizers.
“I didn’t know they served cupcakes,” I remark, greedily licking the icing from the top. It’s sinfully sweet and I swear my eyes roll back while I savor the delectable treat.
Charli just laughs at me while I continue to devour the miniature confection.
“Why haven’t we been ordering this all along? Who fucking knew?” I say, peeling down the cupcake holder and sinking my teeth into the side of it.
Groaning, I close my eyes and chew slowly, not ready for the experience to end.
“Don’t look now,” Charli says, disrupting my trance, “but there’s a guy near the bar who can’t take his eyes off you.”
Before I have a chance to take a peek, she gasps and I feel the warmth of someone’s presence near my shoulder.
“Oh my,” Charli’s eyes widen and I’m at a loss until the figure comes to a stop beside our table.
Before anything else, forearms covered in thick muscles and tattoos fill my line of vision. Then my gaze trails upward until I’m staring Andrew Knight in the face.
What the hell is Andrew doing in a bar like this? He doesn’t look out of place by any means, but it still seems beneath him.
Twinkling eyes regard me as he gives me a mischievous smirk.
Jesus, the man is scrumptious.
And he’s looking better now than he did at the office today.
“Evening, Lilah. Introduce me to your friend,” he commands. His eyes never leave me as I stammer through the introductions.
Charli then excuses herself for the bathroom, deserting me to deal with this mountain of a man. And I’ll be damned, but I want to climb him, exploring every last inch.
“I never knew it was possible to be jealous of an inanimate object until tonight, Lilah.”
“What are you talking about?” My voice has grown raspy and breathless.
Andrew stuffs one hand in his pocket as the other one rubs his bottom lip, drawing my attention to its fullness.
Damn him!
His scent is rich and woodsy. I immediately try to place it. Sandalwood?
Andrew glares at the plate in front of me which holds the remnants of my cupcake and I suddenly get it. I’d definitely put on one of hell of show. Not that I knew he was watching.
“Was it as good as you made it look?” He looks all too interested in the answer and a wave of triumph assails me.
He’s affected by this crazy intense attraction between us, too. Good.
Teasingly, I scoop up the rest of my dessert and extend it in his direction. Dark blue orbs flicker dangerously. Then he takes it from me and wraps his strong fingers around my wrist. His grip is strong but not forceful. Pulling my hand to his face, he whispers something lowly and despite the ruckus in the bar I can hear him loud and clear.
“Don’t tempt me, Lilah.”
Then his hot tongue is licking the icing from my fingertips as I stare, transfixed by what’s happening. I feel like a spectator watching myself experience it all in slow motion. He finishes with a kiss to the center of my palm before turning to leave.
Six
ANDREW
Lilah Tuck
er is driving me insane and she doesn’t even know it.
It’s been three days since I found that damn leaflet in my mail and two since she pulled that little stunt at the bar. I hadn’t intended to lose my cool and touch her, but damn it she was practically begging for it.
As soon as my lips touched her, those enchanting eyes nearly slid closed, letting me know I had her right where I wanted her. My mind hasn’t stopped racing with thoughts of her since, but I’ve been good and kept my distance.
That ends tonight.
Lilah isn’t aware of it yet, but she’s coming to an art show with me tonight. A friend of mine is hosting the event. I’d normally pass on bringing a date for fear of them getting up their hopes. But something about Lilah won’t allow me to keep her at arm’s length.
Besides, this date will bring me closer to my ultimate goal. There’s no doubt in my mind that we’ll both be satisfied and smiling by the end of the night.
Before exiting my room, I decide to switch it up and take my Aston Martin for a spin tonight. Snatching the keys, I head for the garage more determined than ever to check Ms. Tucker off my list.
***
Finding her place is easy enough based on the information sent to me earlier today.
Parking, I rest my eyes on the building in front of me and frown. Given her career, the place seems a little rundown. It’s visibly old and my guess is that it’s falling apart inside.
The interior is just as dated as I expected. There’s no piss in the stairway but the paint is chipped and the reeking smell of cigarette smoke is thick. The walls are as thin as paper. I hear snippets from her neighbors’ conversations as I walk through the halls trying to find the unit number I memorized earlier.
At her door, loud music seeps into the hallway. It sounds like Carlos Santana. With a lazy smile, I picture her dancing to the Latin beats. My knuckles rap firmly against the door twice. Then I wait.
Seconds pass before the music lowers and I hear footsteps coming to the door.
“Who is it?” She calls through the wooden barrier.
“Andrew,” I say simply.
Silence greets me on the other side of the door before the sound of locks being turned follows.
The door is pulled open slowly to reveal my current obsession. Ms. Lilah Tucker in the flesh.