Untangle Me

by S. J. Maylee

  Published by Evernight Publishing at Smashwords

  www.evernightpublishing.com

  Copyright© 2013 S.J. Maylee

  ISBN: 978-1-77130-664-5

  Cover Artist: Sour Cherry Designs

  Editor: JC Chute

  ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

  WARNING: The unauthorized reproduction or distribution of this copyrighted work is illegal. No part of this book may be used or reproduced electronically or in print without written permission, except in the case of brief quotations embodied in reviews.

  This is a work of fiction. All names, characters, and places are fictitious. Any resemblance to actual events, locales, organizations, or persons, living or dead, is entirely coincidental.

  DEDICATION

  To my father-in-law, you’ll always be in my heart.

  May you rest in peace.

  UNTANGLE ME

  Romance on the Go

  S.J. Maylee

  Copyright © 2013

  Chapter One

  “I’m looking for Ivy Reed.”

  He’s early. Ivy recognized Seth’s voice immediately and froze with her back to him, unable to move an inch. Maybe he wouldn’t even notice her standing here.

  “The room looks just like she described.” He took a step closer. “Excuse me. Do you know if Ivy’s here?”

  “She’ll be back any minute,” she said, in a mousey voice she didn’t even recognize. After adjusting the knife and spoon on a place setting, Ivy pushed her long brown ponytail in front of her face. Maybe she could slip out and change without him realizing it was her. He might not know yet what she looked like. Clients hardly ever noticed the help anyway. Although, she’d hoped he’d be different.

  “Can you ask her to come find me when she gets back? I have a bet to settle.”

  A flutter went through her belly. He remembered. Seth Marsh was different. Earlier in the week, they’d gotten off the topic of his charity dinner and talked about basketball, of all things. His preferred choice of teams might be unfortunate, but he was a good sport about it. Even though she grew up in Chicago, Ivy was born in Detroit and would always support her original home team. He’d hollered with laughter when she suggested the Pistons wouldn’t have a problem winning against the Bulls, but now he owed her a whole dollar.

  “I’m sure she’ll be here soon. Your event is starting shortly. Please excuse me, sir.” She got halfway to the door when Candy, her assistant ratted her out.

  “Ivy. There you are.” The girl rushed, weaving through the tables, and then slowed. “Hello, Mr. Marsh. We’re almost ready. The flowers in reception are not right and I know Ivy can fix them.”

  “Is that right … Ivy?”

  She heated through knowing he was watching her.

  “That’s right, Mr. Marsh. Ivy has a special way with most things. She’s trying to teach me, but I don’t have her touch.”

  Ivy looked down at her dingy sweatpants and let go of her dream of a good first impression. She swiped her hands on her pants, then clasped them behind her back and turned to Candy.

  “Let’s take another look at those flowers. I’m sure Mr. Marsh would appreciate his event starting on time.” She stole a quick look at Seth, and relaxed when she saw the amusement in his expression. She took a step towards the lobby and he grasped her forearm.

  “Don’t forget to come find me later.”

  “I’ll find you.” Her heart skipped a beat when she looked in his eyes. A promise in the depths of his dark browns rattled her to the core. She rushed off before she could get lost any further.

  Their phone calls had gotten flirtatious, but she hadn’t dared to hope anything would come of it. He was a sophisticated man, and often touted as one of the great business minds in Chicago, while she wasn’t yet thirty and still working on growing her business. Now, she could see Seth was feeling something too, and she wanted nothing more than to spend the rest of the evening with this impressive man.

  The final nail sealed her crush when she learned where he’d be sending the money raised tonight: Assistive Resource Alliance, the same organization that had helped her father several times. They specialized in improving the lives of those living with paralysis.

  Once Ivy finished the final prep, she changed into her black suit, and spent extra time primping her hair and makeup. The party started without a hitch and the evening flew by. Every chance she had, she looked for Seth in the room. He was gorgeous. The short length of his hair couldn’t hide its unruly ways.

  Her line of vision often drifted to the broad expanse of his shoulders and, once he took off his dark grey suit jacket, his firm backside. He never caught her looking, but she knew she was pushing her luck. Unfortunately, she couldn’t find him now and she needed him to start his announcements.

  A warm hand caressed her lower back. A glance from the corner of her eye revealed Seth standing next to her, but he wasn’t looking at her. He scanned the room where one hundred of his closest and hopefully most charitable friends mingled. She took in first his dark as night black hair, strong brow, and closely cropped beard. He took her breath away. She sucked in a deep breath as her hunger for him grew roots, and then forced her attention to return to the crowded room.

  “I wish I’d heard about you sooner, Ivy.” His thumb caressed her back, reminding her she was in his hold. “This is, without a doubt, my most successful event.”

  “I’m glad you’re pleased … Seth.” She moaned his name when his fingers gripped her hip. He stilled and she could sense him looking at her. She stood frozen, looking at nothing, trying to figure out how to recapture their earlier repartee.

  Their connection was no longer just in a phone call. His touch proved it was real. Nervous bubbles of nervousness had been dancing in her belly all day. Until now, Ivy had no idea if she’d invented their link. Now she knew for certain, he’d been affected too.

  “I want to see you again, Ivy. Let me take you to dinner.” He flexed his fingers on her hip. The gesture thrust her thoughts to desires he couldn’t possibly be suggesting. She looked up at him and she had to admit, she’d underestimated him. The look in his eyes read possession.

  “Yes.” She wanted everything his look promised. Heat spread across her pussy.

  “I better start my talk or we’ll never get out of here.” He pulled her a little closer and she relaxed into him, not wanting him to let go, but he did. He strolled to the podium and took command of the room.

  Seth captured everyone’s attention. It was like watching the sun drift from high in the sky to reach out into several brilliant shades of rich color. Each shift of his body and rumble of his deep voice pulled her in.

  Within minutes, his auction of trips to exotic locales and plane rides to Mackinaw City and Door County had earned his charity thousands, and before he was done the wealthy group had given enough to surpass his goal. It seemed they donated to charity with the same amount of thought she put into buying a movie ticket.

  The little bit of fun she’d had with Seth over the last week and the desire he’d awakened made Ivy forget her place. She looked down at her shoes. She might be able to afford a nice pair of high heels now, but even they pushed her budget. This group was a fickle bunch: one she couldn’t help working for, but one she no longer wanted in any other part of her life. She had first-hand experience with the damage they created for fun. She wanted Seth, but she wanted nothing to do with his lifestyle.

  She didn’t live in a fairy tale, at least not anymore. Besides, she didn’t need to be rescued. Nope, Ivy had done that for herself. Pushing away the ugly thoughts of inferiority, she raised her chin and went to find Candy.

  She found her in the kitchen.

  “Candy, are you okay to wrap up?”

  “Sure, I’ve got this,” she sai
d while putting the last of the leftovers in the giant refrigerator. “Wrap up is always the easiest for me, anyway. Go ahead and take off. I’ll see you tomorrow morning at the office.”

  “Thanks, Candy.”

  Ivy pulled out her phone as she went to find her purse. She hadn’t talked to her parents this week and suddenly felt guilty. She selected their home number and waited for the ring.

  “Hi, Ivy.”

  “Hi, Dad. How are you guys?” She picked up her purse and flung it over her shoulder.

  “We’re good. I had a rough go at rehab today and your mom’s baking my favorite cinnamon scones.”

  “I’m sorry, Dad.”

  “Ah, forget about it. I’ll take the pain if it gets your mom to bake.”

  “You’re one of a kind.” Before she left the country club, she took one last peek into the hall. She spotted Seth talking with a couple across the room.

  “I’ll try and save you a scone, but I can’t promise anything.”

  “I’ll see you in three days. I’m sure there’ll be at least one left.” She stood at the door watching Seth, unable to pull away.

  “She’s only making a double batch, so I wouldn’t be so sure. I’ll bet the neighbors will be here any minute. They seem to magically appear when your mom’s baking.”

  “I’m counting on you to save me one.”

  “I’ll do my best.”

  “Thanks, Dad. Give my love to Mom. I’ll see you Sunday.” She forced herself to stop watching Seth and made her way out of the building. Stepping to the curb, she hailed a cab.

  It gave Ivy great comfort knowing her father still found happiness in the little things. Even after all he’d been through, losing the use of his legs, his job, and their home, and he still found reasons to laugh and smile every day. But Ivy refused to be used in the same way her father had. It might have been fun to fantasize about Seth, but that’s all it was. She could never trust a man like him.

  Her last stop of the night would have to be her tub. She’d wash away the last remnants of disappointment and start fresh tomorrow.

  ****

  Seth stepped from his car and examined the beauty of the building lit with the morning sun. Like many in this area, businesses had taken advantage of the second story loft spaces. The pattern of the bricks was quite unique, but his favorite was the ornate front door that displayed her logo. Like the woman herself, the logo drew him in.

  He opened the heavy door, walked up the stairs, and into an open lobby. The black and white furniture was accented with red that brought his attention to a large painting on the back wall. He wondered if she changed the accents of the room regularly. The intimate seating area had several vases of elegant flowers all in red and white.

  He recognized the girl behind the desk.

  “Good morning, Candy.”

  “Mr. Marsh. Good to see you again.” She typed something quickly on her phone and rose. “We weren’t expecting you this morning. I hope you’re still happy with last night’s party.”

  “Yes, I am. I didn’t get a chance to thank Ivy last night, though.” He held up the vase of all-pink flowers. “I was hoping to find her here this morning. Is she in?”

  “I am. Hello, Mr. Marsh.”

  He noticed her legs first, then the pencil skirt, the rich red of her silk blouse, and finally her curious brown eyes. She was gorgeous. He often dated women younger than himself, which never seemed to bother anyone, and he really hoped it didn’t bother Ivy. He was becoming anxious to know her better. Their more than fifteen-year age difference was nothing to worry about. With a strong grip, he held out the vase, hoping they would convey what he couldn’t say at the moment.

  “Thank you.” She smiled politely and took the vase from him. “I see you’ve remembered our bet.” She pointed to the dollar he’d had folded in place of the card and stuck in among the flowers.

  “You got lucky, this time.” He had hoped she’d like the folded dollar bill. Seth imagined she wouldn’t be easy to predict.

  “I don’t think so. I’m hardly ever lucky.” He heard the melancholy in her tone, but could only see her business smile. “I hope you’re pleased with the party and will consider recommending us to your colleagues.”

  “I’m very pleased. You gave me exactly what I needed.” He’d make up reasons for more parties if he had to. He needed to see her again. “Let me take you out to lunch and we can talk about it.”

  “I’ll be chained to the desk for the rest of the day. We’re in the middle of planning our next affair.” Her eyes widened for a second and then she turned to place the flowers on the reception desk. She stuck out her hand. “Thanks again for choosing Reed & Company.”

  “Another time, then.” He grabbed hold of her hand and squeezed. “Goodbye, Ivy.” There had to be another angle. He didn’t want this one getting away.

  ****

  Seth walked out of her office and her life. Ivy was confident she’d done the right thing. A few minutes in his presence and she was working chains and affairs into her sentences. Not only was he was out of her league, but she was pretty sure mister professional would be uncomfortable with her sexual preferences.

  “What were you thinking? You don’t have any appointments today,” Candy said.

  “It’s for the best. He might be interested now, but not after he gets to know me.” She rubbed at her forehead. “Maybe I will take the rest of the day off. Suddenly, my head is killing me.”

  “Good for you. Fridays are the best for taking off early.” She pointed her pen right at Ivy. “Maybe after a day off you’ll start making sense again, because right now, I’m only hearing crazy talk.” She got up and walked into Ivy’s office.

  “Nice.”

  “You always told me to be honest,” she said as she came back with Ivy’s purse.

  “I did. I see now how that’s backfiring on me.” Ivy took her purse. “See you Monday. Call me if anything comes in and don’t forget to check new clients against the black list.”

  “Ugh.” Candy threw up her hands. “That’s what I forgot to do last week. I’m so sorry.”

  “That’s okay, but don’t forget to go back and check everyone.”

  “I’m going to do that today. I promise.” Candy ran around the desk and wrote on the notepad.

  “Don’t worry about it. It’s hard when things get busy.”

  “Thank you. Now, get out of here and go have some fun.”

  “Will do,” she said with the biggest smile she could muster. Ivy grabbed the dollar bill from the vase and walked out of the office.

  She hadn’t taken an afternoon off in over a year. It felt like she was playing hooky and she had no idea what to do. All her friends were working. Shopping alone was no fun.

  Maybe she could pick up an extra training session at Club Voyage. Ivy had only joined the BDSM club a couple of months ago, after an enlightening conversation with her cousin’s girlfriend, but it was the first time her sexual preferences had made any sense. The dues were steep and worth every penny. It was the one luxury she indulged in.

  She sent a text to her trainer, Master Marcus and walked out the front door. Sunshine heated her skin. She stopped and smiled up at the sky, taking in the moment. What a beautiful day.

  “Someone must have canceled on you.”

  She lowered her head and spotted Seth standing next to a sleek black car. Heat lit up her cheeks. Maybe if she didn’t move, she could blend into the pavement and disappear, never to be seen again.

  “Please tell me someone had the bad taste to cancel because I know you didn’t just lie to me, right?”

  “I thought you would have been gone already.” She clasped a hand over her mouth.

  “That’s fine.” His easy smile told her he wasn’t lying either. “I’d rather you be honest with me, even if it does hurt my feelings.”

  “I’m sorry. I’m not sure how that slipped out.”

  “I’m not sorry. Now you can make it up to me.” He opened his car door. �
�I’m taking you to lunch.”

  She swallowed the lump in her throat. His smile was gone. It was no longer a question. She soaked in his command and stepped into his car without thinking it through.

  Chapter Two

  The second he closed the car door, her phone buzzed. She grabbed it, sent a hurried message and shoved it in her purse. He hoped he wasn’t going to have to compete for her attention. Unfortunately, the dang thing continued to chirp as they rode to the restaurant.

  He’d picked an intimate place he knew well. Each table was secluded from the others. There were even curtains hanging between the tables. Today, he’d finally get the chance to know the woman who’d been charming him all week.

  It certainly wasn’t going to be easy. He didn’t know what he’d done, but she no longer treated him the same way. Maybe after seeing him last night, she thought he was too old for her, which he probably was.

  He pushed his hand through his hair and stole a look at Ivy.

  Her phone buzzed again. She pulled her legs up and her skirt inched higher on her thighs. He shifted in his seat and squeezed his hands into fists. Certainly he could use his age and experience to draw her in and teach her a thing or two.

  The first teachable moment popped into his head, which he craved to demand of her. The backseat of his car offered plenty of privacy and made it the perfect place for spreading a young woman’s legs or unbuttoning her blouse. His fingers wanted to know the feel of her pussy and he wanted to caress her beautiful breasts. Would they be sensitive after he sucked on her nipples? Would she consider submitting to his demanding hand?

  God, he hoped so.

  So many things he wanted to know, but she wasn’t his to touch, yet.