by Danielle Fox
We decided on a romantic comedy to cheer me up, The Proposal. I loved this film; it was one film I could watch over and over and never tire of it. Plus, Ryan Reynolds was extremely hot! I often wound Adrian up telling him that he looked like him, which he actually did, but he didn’t believe me. His hair was the same mousy brown colour and his eyes exactly the same shade of brown. He even shared his dimples. Adrian had the same ruggedly sexy look about him, his features handsome and masculine. That, paired with his muscular, perfectly toned body, he was gorgeous – inside and out. Maybe if we had met under different circumstances, maybe a few years earlier or later, then our relationship may have turned out to be very different. But at this time he knew that what I needed was a friend and so that’s what he was. He had never made a single pass at me, never aimed a crude comment towards me. He was a true gentleman.
A close-up image of Ryan’s face filling the 42" flat screen was interrupted by my mobile’s ringtone. As I rummaged in my pocket to retrieve it Adrian paused the DVD. The small screen showed a number I didn’t recognise.
“Hello?” I answered cautiously as Adrian studied my face.
“Hello, Miss Braxton. Sorry to be of bother to you on a Sunday evening, are you free to talk or shall I call at a more convenient time?”
The voice on the other end of the line sounded familiar somehow, but I had no clue as to who it was.
“Who’s this?” I replied, glancing back at Adrian and shrugging my shoulders at him.
“Sorry, please excuse my lapse in manners. It’s Julian Scott.”
Shit! Why was Julian calling me? My mouth dropped open but no words came out. Recognising the panic that must have been evident on my face, Adrian leaned forward and perched on the edge of the sofa like a lion preparing to pounce on his prey. “What’s up? Who is it?” he asked, his voice urgent and a concerned expression masking his face.
I moved the phone away from my mouth briefly. “Sorry, Adrian, it’s work, I’ve got to take this.” I explained as I exited the room. “Hi, Mr Scott, what can I do for you?”
“I’m sorry, I hear you are otherwise engaged, I’ll call back later,” he snapped.
“No, it’s fine, I can talk. What’s the problem?”
“No problem, Miss Braxton. Um, can you work tomorrow night? Gemma has called in sick which means we’re short staffed.”
“Um. What time?”
“Usual time, Emily.”
Oh, we're back to first names again, are we? This is news. “I’ll need to make some arrangements but I’m sure it will be fine. Count me in; I’ll call the office in the morning if there are any problems.”
“What sort of problems may there be, Emily?” His tone was almost seductive. How is it possible that even his voice is attractive?
“Personal stuff that doesn’t need to worry you, Julian,” I snapped back, although I wasn’t sure why I was feeling defensive all of a sudden.
“Yes, sorry, that’s none of my business. Um, if you could call on this number if you need to get in contact regarding work. It’s my personal number so you’ll be sure to get the message across on this one.”
“Okay, will do. Thanks.”
“Goodbye, Emily. I’ll see you tomorrow.” He hung up before I had the chance to reply.
I stared at my phone screen, trying to gather my thoughts. Why was he giving me his personal number? Did he give it out to many women who were little more than strangers? And why was he calling my personal mobile so late on a Sunday night? Why hadn’t Ryan called me as he was the one who ran the place? And, most importantly, would he be seeing me tomorrow? Considering he was apparently, and I quote, ‘very rarely there on official matters’, we certainly seemed to be crossing paths regularly.
As I entered the front room Adrian’s eyes shot up in a questioning gaze.
“Sorry about that, where were we?” I asked as I reached for the remote.
“Everything alright? It’s just you looked like you’d seen a ghost for a minute there, baby.”
“Yeah, everything’s fine. I just panicked when I realised work was calling. It was just my boss seeing if I could work tomorrow night.”
“And are you working?”
“I’m not sure, I need to really but I’ll have to ask Samantha if she minds staying with Maia first. Plus, I’m not sure I dare leave Maia after earlier, what if I wasn’t imagining it, Adrian?” His hand reached across and he placed it firmly on my thigh before squeezing it gently.
“Would it help if I came over to keep an eye out? I could kip on the sofa if you like, and then we can go to class together in the morning.”
“You’d really do that?”
“Of course I would. Anything for you, baby, you know that.” He pulled me into a hug and held me tight against his chest as he pressed a chaste kiss against my hair.
Chapter Seven
As the evening drew closer I began to feel the anticipation building inside my stomach. It was obvious to me that I felt something towards Julian, even if I couldn't understand those feelings. The mere thought of him made my pulse quicken and I was sure it was more than just a physical attraction.
At 5.30 prompt, I opened the front door and greeted Adrian in the hallway. As promised, he was spending the evening with Samantha and Maia, taking on the role of Maia’s protector while I went to work. I had cooked homemade lasagne for tea, Maia’s favourite, and Adrian seemed to appreciate it too as he wolfed down his second serving.
“That was amazing, Emily. Thank you.” Adrian beamed at me, wiping the traces of tomato sauce from his chin.
“You’re very welcome. Thanks for doing this tonight; I’ll be much happier knowing that you’re here.”
“I’m sure you’re being over cautious, Emily. He isn’t just going to show up here, he’ll be straight back inside if he breaks his probation terms,” Samantha said as she stood to clear her plate. “Besides, he doesn’t even know where you are.”
“I hope you’re right, Samantha, I really do but I’m not going to risk Maia’s safety.”
“All set?” Adrian asked as I began buttoning my coat.
“Yep, let’s go. Samantha, don’t open the door to anyone unless you’re certain who it is.”
“I’m not stupid, Emily. Now go, before you get fired for poor timekeeping. She’ll be fine, we’ll keep her safe.” Samantha kissed my cheek before beginning to open the front door for me to vacate. Adrian rushed to her side and took her place at the door.
“Here, let me get that.” Ever the gent!
Adrian had insisted before dinner that he walk me to work. He couldn’t entertain the idea that there was any threat to myself or Maia – in fact he thought I was losing my mind – but he had said he didn’t want me to be looking over my shoulder all night, that he would make sure I got there safely.
I led Adrian to the back entrance of The Lounge as the front was still locked and he had made it crystal clear that he wouldn’t leave my side until he had seen me enter the building and the door close behind me. There was no point in my arguing with him on the matter; it got me absolutely nowhere.
As we turned into the small area where a couple of staff cars could just about fit, I halted as I saw Ryan and Julian, standing at the top of the black iron steps.
“You okay?” Adrian asked, placing a gentle hand on the small of my back.
“Yep, all good. You can go now, I’m fine. That’s the owner of the club and the manager,” I whispered as I pointed towards the two men with my eyes. As I did this, I noticed a shift in Julian’s position. I think he had turned in my direction. “Look after my girls,” I said as I gently punched his shoulder.
“I sure will, baby. I won’t pretend to understand the sudden urgency but, if you want to inform me sometime, I’ll be listening. I won’t let anyone hurt either of you, Emily. Not as long as I can help it.” He pulled me into a hug and squeezed me hard as he kissed my cheek. “Have a good night, I’ll see you later,” he said as he released me and began to back away.
I turned towards where the two men had stood and noticed that there was now only one man. Julian. He was watching me intently, his elbows resting on the railings beside the door, as I made my way towards the steps. His green eyes were narrowed and intense as he followed me with his glare.
“Good evening, Emily,” he greeted me through a strained jaw.
“Good evening, Mr Scott.”
“Julian,” he replied. “Call me Julian.”
“Good evening, Julian. And how are you today?” I asked, my voice thick with sarcasm.
“Was that your boyfriend?” His eyes burned into mine as a furrow appeared between his fine brows.
“I’m sorry? What business is that of yours?”
“Is he your boyfriend, or not?” His voice sounded urgent now, desperate somehow. And I couldn’t help but be honest with this man.
“No, Julian, he’s not my boyfriend. Why?”
“Do you have a boyfriend?”
“No.”
“Good, just so I know I won’t be stepping on anyone’s toes.” He flashed his dazzling, full smile at me and I had to remind myself to breathe.
“Why would you be stepping on anyone’s toes exactly? We’re just talking, Julian.”
“That’s not exactly all I have in mind.” One side of his mouth turned up into a deliberate, seductive smile as he held the door open for me and gestured me inside.
What the hell was that supposed to mean? This man was so aggravating! Couldn’t he just deliver a normal sentence without all the riddles?
“What exactly did you have in mind?” I asked as I noticed a gleam in his eyes, his mouth grinning wickedly at some unspoken thought.
“I’m afraid I called you here on false pretences, Emily. For that, I apologise, but I didn’t know of any other way to get you alone for the evening. Well, almost alone.” He smiled tightly. “Of course, you’re welcome to work your shift if you’d prefer, but I was hoping you’d join me for a drink, my way of apologising for my behaviour the last time we met, you know.” He spoke quickly, never allowing a break to enable me to interrupt him. “Understandably, you may wish to decline my offer but I’m very much hoping that you won’t.”
There was the vulnerability again, comparing to that of a frightened child. And that, I couldn't resist.
“I would much rather you had just asked me outright, Julian, instead of feeling the need to deceive me. Do you know how difficult it was for me to drop everything and come here tonight?”
“So, there was something to drop then? I thought I wasn’t stepping on anyone’s toes?”
“You’re not. Well, not in the sense that you’re referring to anyway.”
“Well, what sense then, Emily?” He paused by the door whilst awaiting my answer.
“I’ll explain later,” I said as I reached for the door. A wide smile spread across Julian’s perfect mouth as he took the handle from my grasp.
Julian led me up a spiralling staircase to The Attic, as he conveniently called it. I had never been up here before. This area was kept free for the most important of guests. In order to guarantee privacy, only one member of staff was allowed up here, this being Ryan. In my opinion, the only people who would need to make use of this room were the ones who were up to no good. Or, the ones sharing secrets that no one could ever be allowed to discover. After all, why else would even the staff not be allowed up here?
The decor perfectly matched that of the club downstairs but the furnishings were much more luxurious. Surrounding the tables up here were large, deep armchairs rather than the horseshoe sofas, and in the centre of each table was a crystal, chandelier-styled lamp that added an extra touch of class and sophistication to the setting. Music played softly in the background as opposed to the loud beating downstairs.
“Please, take a seat, Emily. Make yourself comfortable,” Julian said as he pulled out the plush velvet chair that I had not been aware I was stroking. I nodded and smiled nervously as I sat down, my pulse racing as my stomach knotted in anticipation.
“I have a bottle of fine champagne on its way up, or would you prefer something else?”
“No, champagne is great, thank you.” The nerves in my stomach were beginning to make me feel sick; I needed a drink and fast.
I had no idea why he had felt the need to bring me here to apologise. A phone call would surely suffice.
“So, how come I’m allowed up here then?” I asked in my best sarcastic tone.
“Because you’re my guest, Emily,” he replied with that dazzling smile of his.
“I thought only the most important of members were allowed up here? Not even staff.”
“True, Ryan and I are the only staff permitted to be up here, but tonight you’re not staff. Tonight you are of utmost importance because you are my guest.”
There was a firm knock on door and Ryan entered carrying a silver bucket with a champagne bottle emerging from the top. I felt as if I had been left teetering on the edge of an invisible cliff, desperate to know whether his latest statement held a hidden meaning. Or maybe he treated all of his female staff to an evening of surprise luxury. That, I was eager to find out.
“Good evening, Emily,” Ryan beamed. “Mr Scott,” he added with a single nod in Julian’s direction.
“Thank you, Ryan,” Julian replied with a replica nod that held about as much enthusiasm as a dead animal. Ryan placed the bucket on the table where I sat and poured two glasses of champagne, handing one to me, and then the other to Julian.
“Can I get you anything else, sir? Miss?” As Ryan addressed me I was sure I could read concern showing behind his brilliant blue eyes.
“No, thank you, Ryan,” I replied with a confident smile. A subtle yet noticeable frown formed across his handsome features as he glanced at Julian and then back at me. I noticed a feeling of anguish between the two men, the atmosphere between them seemed tense. I wondered briefly why and then realised that it was absolutely none of my business so I shook my suspicions away. I saw a stern glance that passed between the now silent men in front of me.
Although I hadn’t known him long, Ryan struck me as a deeply considerate and caring man. He was older than me, maybe late thirties I’d guess, but his face didn’t show many signs of his wisdom, just a very small collection of very fine lines underneath his soft eyes.
Ryan’s exit startled me as he slammed the door behind him; I hadn’t even noticed his movement and hadn’t paid any attention to their quiet conversation as I was too involved in my own silent questions. Julian sat down beside me shaking his head, a frown masking his beauty, or possibly exaggerating it.
“Sorry about the interruption.”
“No problem. Is everything okay?” I asked, trying to keep my tone light.
“Yes, everything is fine,” he replied with a deepened frown.
He raised his gaze to mine; all frown lines vanished, and flashing his winning smile at me. I blushed as my eyes were drawn to his extremely inviting lips that covered his perfectly aligned teeth. “So, for what do I owe this pleasure, Mr Scott?”
“Oh, so my invitation has pleased you? And please, call me Julian.”
“I’m just wondering why you’ve brought me up here,” I stated as I took a large mouthful of champagne.
“I told you, I wanted to apologise for my previous behaviour.”
“Surely you could have said sorry last night when you called and saved yourself this inconvenience.” I held my breath as I waited for his answer.
“It’s no inconvenience, Emily, believe me. And, apologising over the phone would not even nearly make up for my actions.”
“But buying me a drink in your own bar would?” I smirked, feeling somewhat confident all of a sudden.
“I take it by your tone that I’m not forgiven.” He actually looked gutted as he spoke; his eyes held their contact with mine but it looked as though this was a struggle. Maybe I was having an effect on hi
m after all, although I wouldn’t count on it.
“I don’t need to forgive you for anything, Julian. It wasn’t me who you attacked. And besides, I told you I was grateful for you taking a stand for me.”
“I wasn’t so much referring to that incident, Emily, more to the encounter in the street. We shared … something, and then I clammed up and acted like a petulant teenager. I’m sorry.”
Oh! This was news. I hadn’t even realised he thought of the moment as something, I would never have guessed that it would be troubling him now. I looked down at the floor, my mind trying to form some words to pass on to my mouth.
“Say something,” he pressed.
“What do you want me to say, Julian? I honestly haven’t given it much thought.” Of course, that was a lie; it was the single thought that had been dominating my mind for the past two days.
“I don’t believe you, Emily,” he breathed. “You see, I felt something between us in that very moment, as brief as it was, and I’m certain that you felt it too.”
“And what makes you think that?”
“I heard your breathing alter, I felt your heart quicken, and I happened to notice that you stopped breathing altogether when I whispered close to your ear.”
Oh god, I wasn’t expecting that. How could someone who barely knew me read me the way he obviously did. Was I an open book to him? I felt the warmth spread as my cheeks glowed with humiliation.
“And you’re also blushing again, Miss Braxton. You do that a lot when I’m close to you.” He leaned in towards me, his face so close to mine that I could feel the heat radiating from his skin to mine. “And I’m sure as I lean in closer I’ll notice those very same reactions now.”
He was right about my body’s reaction to his presence but I had no idea how. I resisted the overwhelming urge to pull away from the intensity of his heated gaze.
“You’re very sure of yourself, Julian,” I whispered, trying to hide the fact that his assumptions were correct and my heart felt like it was actually in my mouth.
“That’s where you’re wrong, very wrong. I’m not sure of myself, but I am certain of how your body reacts to me. I can see the effect I have on you, I can feel it.”