Coming Up Roses

by Anie Michaels

  Sure, her body was off the charts and I wanted to see what it looked like beneath all the prim and properness of her business attire, but that was only part of the appeal. The way she carried herself, handled herself, projected herself—it was all appealing.

  I needed more of her, regardless of what pretenses I used to get it.

  “Would it be helpful to see the property, just to gauge whether or not it would work for whatever you’ve got cooking inside your mind?” I asked, hoping to God she said yes.

  “Do you have photos?”

  “None that do it justice. It’s better in person.”

  “I’m sure it is. Perhaps once Riley gets better and is back to work she can go out to see it.”

  Ah, she was trying to pass me off to Riley. I understood. I was Riley’s client. But I wasn’t going to be that easy to get rid of.

  “I’m sure she’ll take care of me.”

  Rose’s gaze shot to mine, her long brown ponytail whipping through the crisp air.

  “Of course she will,” she said, her voice emotionless. Her eyes said something completely different, though. “I’ll put together some notes from our meeting and she’ll be up to speed as soon as she returns. This meeting seems to have been a little unnecessary seeing as how you’re basically giving us carte blanche. I’m sorry to have taken up your time.”

  I watched as she started tapping away on her tablet again, then that fucking wrinkle popped up between her eyebrows again as she seemed to grow frustrated.

  “There is absolutely no signal out here,” she complained.

  “That’s part of the appeal,” I argued.

  Her gaze flitted up to mine.

  “I can understand why some people would want to come to a place to be unconnected, but I really need to get an Uber.”

  “Uber? Like a cab?” I looked around, baffled that I hadn’t noticed she was without a vehicle. “Did you take a cab here?”

  “I take Uber to most business meetings I can’t walk or take MAX to.”

  Something about the idea of her running around without a car made me itchy. I pictured her getting into a car with strange men driving and my blood began to boil.

  “I’ll take you back,” I ordered, more gruffly than I’d intended.

  She glanced at me over her shoulder while her hand was still up in the air, searching for a cell signal.

  “You don’t have to do that.”

  “You’re never going to get a signal, and I’m not about to leave you here.” I sighed and crossed my arms over my chest, liking very much the way her gaze moved to my biceps at the motion. “Come on. It’ll be getting dark soon.”

  She looked at me, then back at her phone, and I saw the moment she decided I was her best option.

  “I’m sorry for the inconvenience,” she muttered as she turned back toward me.

  “It’s no inconvenience. I’m headed back to the city anyway. That’s where you’re going, right? Portland?”

  “Yes. Thank you.”

  “No problem.” I walked back to the passenger side of the truck, opening the door for her. I tried not to smile as she attempted to climb into my very tall truck in her very tight skirt and heels. While I was stifling my smile, I also tried to keep my eyes off her ass.

  I failed at both.

  A minute later we were bumping down the road I knew would get some good wear and tear soon and smooth out.

  “Can I ask you a question?” Rose said softly, breaking the comfortable silence in the cab of the truck.

  “Sure.”

  “Did you pick this land or does the owner? I guess I’m just wondering how you came to find this place.”

  Her tone was benign. I couldn’t tell if she liked “this place” or not.

  “Well, in the past I have built homes on property already purchased by clients and then I build on their land, but more recently I’ve switched operations a little and now I’m building more and more homes without buyers first. So, I get to scout the land, pick the properties I like, and build whatever the location inspires.”

  She was quiet for a moment but then made a soft humming noise. Her next words caught me a little off guard. “I never really thought of construction workers as creative, but you make it sound like art.”

  “There’s definitely artistry involved, but also just a lot of skill and practice. There are jobs within construction that require less creativity, and I have worked those jobs in the past, but I really enjoy creating something in my mind and then watching it come to life.”

  “Are your creations always out in the middle of nowhere?” She sounded exasperated.

  I laughed while responding with, “Most.”

  I turned onto the freeway and the next few minutes were quiet, but not uncomfortable. The radio was playing some top ’40s music and every once in a while I heard her soft voice lightly singing along. Once we made it back into Portland proper, I interrupted our companionable silence.

  “So, where’m I headed?”

  “My office is downtown, but you can just get off at the next exit and take me to the closest MAX station. I can just ride back in.”

  My fingers tightened around the steering wheel, knuckles turning white. “I don’t mind taking you to your office.”

  “Traffic is crazy right now and it’ll take you twice as long. The train will be quicker.”

  “I’m not dropping you off at the MAX station, okay? You’re already in my truck. I’ll take you wherever you need to go.”

  Her stare burned into my cheek as I refused her, but I kept my gaze on the road.

  Finally, she exhaled in what seemed like submission, as though she’d realized I wasn’t going to give in to her ridiculous request.

  “Are you always this stubborn?” Her arms crossed over her chest and she twisted at the waist, turning away from me to look out the window as the city passed us by.

  “When I know I’m right? Absolutely.”

  She didn’t respond, but I did hear a tiny little snort, which was perhaps the sexiest fucking thing I’d ever heard. I’d never heard anyone be able to insult me with a snort, but hers clearly said, “Asshole.”

  I couldn’t help the smile that spread across my face thinking about how I wanted her to call me that for real. I’d love to hear her angry and fierce. Yelling at me. Getting in my face.

  I had to shift in my seat, taking the pressure off my dick, at just the thought of the prim and proper Rose yelling at me. And I immediately felt like a deranged fucker.

  “So,” I breathed, trying to sound light and friendly. “How did you get into party planning?”

  “I started event planning in college. The sorority I belonged to held events quite often and I just sort of fell into the role of event coordinator.”

  “Like, toga parties?”

  She whipped her head around so fast I nearly swerved into the lane next to me. She pinned me to my seat with her gaze, heated and smoking.

  “Not once did I plan a toga party.”

  Clearly, I’d hit a nerve.

  “Sorry,” I said with a laugh. Half because I thought her reaction was funny, but also nervous because I was afraid she was going to kill me. “I didn’t mean to offend. Where I went to school all there seemed to be were toga parties. Went to a few myself.”

  “Well, I would have never planned anything as cliché as a toga party. I planned classy events that not only helped the reputation of my sorority, but also helped our community.”

  “I’m sure you did. Where did you go to school?”

  “Arizona University. What about you?”

  “University of Oregon.”

  She shrugged one shoulder.

  “So, we both attended party schools.”

  “I was there on a football scholarship, so I didn’t have a whole lot of time for parties. Not that I didn’t partake. It was college, after all. But I spent more time on the field and in the library.”

  She seemed to relax a little as she said, “I didn’t peg you for an
athlete. I mean, it makes sense, what with your impressive body and all, but the flannel threw me for a loop.”

  I had to laugh at her assessment. I also loved that she’d noticed my body.

  “Not a fan of flannel?”

  “I’m indifferent, I suppose. I like it better on you than the wannabe hipsters who sit in coffee shops and smoke clove cigarettes.”

  “Well, I wear it because it’s practical. Gets cold out in the middle of nowhere sometimes.”

  “I assumed.”

  We made our way through traffic and into the center of the city as I followed the directions she gave me step-by-step. When I pulled up in front of a pretty tall building, I couldn’t help but be impressed.

  “This is where your office is located?”

  “Surprised?”

  “I’m not going to lie, yes. I’m a little surprised. And intimidated.” The words came out with laughter, and I hoped she could see that and appreciate my honesty. Thankfully, a smile spread across her face.

  “Well, I work very hard and so do the people I employ. Riley included. I’ll make sure she gets all my notes and she’ll be in contact with you as soon as she can. Shouldn’t be more than a few days.”

  “I’m in no hurry at all, Rose... I never got your last name.”

  “Finch. My name is Rose Finch. Sorry I never properly introduced myself. I think I was distracted by the threat of bears.”

  “No problem. Sorry about the wildlife. Occupational hazard.”

  “Thank you for the ride,” she said as she opened the door.

  I had the urge to run around the truck and open it for her, but I knew that was weird and unnecessary. It wasn’t like we were on a date. And even if we were, Rose seemed like the kind of woman who’d only appreciate chivalry in certain situations. A business meeting not being one of them. Well, unless there were bears involved.

  “No problem. Maybe I’ll see you around sometime. You know, if I come to the office to see Riley for a meeting or something.”

  “Perhaps,” she replied. She gave me a perfunctory smile and then shut the door.

  I gave myself permission to watch her walk away until I couldn’t see her anymore and it was torture confirming that she indeed had the best ass I’d seen on any woman ever.

  I let out a sigh and pulled back out onto the one-way street, smiling about the strange turn my day had taken.

  Chapter Four

  Rose

  I

  arrived at the office in a state of confusion and that was rare for me. I usually was on top of everything; anticipated every outcome, examined every possible angle. Hardly ever was there a time where I was left at a disadvantage.

  But Aiden Daniels had totally and completely left me bamboozled.

  It was getting late and most of the office had cleared out, but I did see Jasper sitting at his desk. As I approached I noticed he was making some notes on his computer.

  “Hey, Jasper. How’d everything go today?”

  “Just dandy. I managed to fit in all Riley’s appointments, which weren’t too many, and still managed to make some headway on the Henderson account for next month.”

  “That’s great. Thanks for stepping up.”

  “Not a problem. How’d the meeting with Daniels go?” he asked, leaning back in his chair as he steepled his fingers in front of his chest.

  I rolled my eyes in exasperation before I could stop myself.

  “It was crazy. And that’s not even an exaggeration. But in the end, it all worked out.”

  “What made it so crazy?”

  “We had to hide from some bears in a port-o-potty.”

  “Seriously?”

  “I wouldn’t joke about portable toilets.” I pulled the chair next to Jasper out and took a seat, for the first time in a long while needing to tell someone—anyone—about my crazy day. “I got there, to the empty lot in the middle of nowhere, and no one was around.” I continued through the crazy story, telling Jasper all about it, grateful for his quiet ear.

  “Hadley had mentioned wanting to see one of his sites before construction. Was it amazing?”

  “I mean, it was rustic. I can’t imagine how anyone spends good money to live in the middle of nowhere. But I’m sure it is more appealing with a gorgeous house sitting on the property.”

  “His houses are crazy,” Jasper said, turning toward his computer and bringing up a webpage. “If I ever become a multimillionaire, I’ll buy one of his houses.”

  He started flipped through an online gallery full of photos of absolutely gorgeous houses. They were empty, nothing but the structures, but they were gorgeous. And I had to admit, the surroundings made them even more appealing.

  “Wow,” I stammered. “They’re beautiful.”

  “I know, right? He’s like a house magician.”

  “It would appear that way. Luckily his ideas for fundraisers are simple and he’s given us carte blanche, so it should be easy for Riley to handle.”

  “Even if it weren’t simple, Riley would still rock it,” Jasper replied, a hint of pride in his words. It was clear he had a soft spot for her. “I spoke with her just about an hour ago, and I wouldn’t put money on her coming in tomorrow. She still sounded pretty terrible.”

  “She needs to stay home and get better. We should send her a care package. Something to make her more comfortable at home.”

  “That’s a great idea.”

  Chapter Five

  Rose

  T

  he Uber dropped me off in front of the bar and I was instantly apprehensive. It didn’t look like the type of establishment Riley or Hadley would frequent. I checked the text I’d gotten from Riley just an hour earlier to confirm that I was, in fact, in the right place.

  And I was.

  “Here goes nothing,” I muttered to myself as I walked toward the door.

  My eyes scanned the dark bar and my nerves skyrocketed. Everyone was wearing either leather, plaid, or a combination of the two. Beards were a required accessory as were Converse, it appeared. I hadn’t gotten the memo.

  Even though it was loud with the sound of rock music, conversation, and glasses clinking, the sound of my stiletto heels hitting the concrete floor seemed to reverberate through the room.

  A few people’s heads turned, but I was only met with curiosity and mild interest, not the judgement or scorn I imagined I would have received.

  I definitely didn’t fit in with my pencil skirt, silk blouse, and tailored jacket.

  “Rose!”

  I heard my name over the sounds of the bar and my gaze whipped over to a table in the corner where Riley and Hadley sat, looking just as out of place as me. I smiled but could tell it looked forced—because it was.

  I was uncomfortable. And usually I avoided uncomfortable situations, especially situations where I wasn’t in control or couldn’t predict what would happen.

  In that moment, I was completely out of my element and I was very close to turning around and running out the door.

  Or at least walking as quickly as I could in the shoes I was wearing.

  “We saved you a seat,” Hadley said, smiling widely at me and motioning toward the empty stool between them.

  “Thanks.” I climbed up on the stool and gave them the friendliest expression I could muster.

  “I know it’s a little intimidating, but this bar is the best. We’ve been coming here since college. It was a little less hipster then, but it’s still awesome.”

  “It has a lot of charm.” I managed to find an adjective that wasn’t insulting but still apt.

  “Ha, charm,” Hadley barked. “If you find hepatitis charming.”

  “It’s not that bad,” Riley argued.

  “It is. But it’s still a great bar. Not as good as Hele Pale, but it’ll do in a pinch.”

  “Have you ever been, Rose? To Hale Pele?”

  “I have not. Sounds interesting.”

  “Oh, it is. It’s a theme bar not far from here, but everything is Hawaiian.
Volcanoes and everything. Very fun.”

  “Sounds like it.”

  “We’ll have to go there next time for girls’ night, and, Rose, you have to come.”

  I only smiled in response, not wanting to commit one way or another.

  “Oh, Rose,” Hadley cried, her hand reaching out to cover mine. “How did the rest of your meeting with Aiden go? Didn’t you love the property?”

  “It was something else,” I offered, still smiling uncomfortably.

  “Did you ladies want to order anything?” a waitress asked as she appeared at the side of our table.

  “Hef, please,” Riley said with a smile.

  “Samsies,” Hadley replied.

  “Do you have a pinot grigio?” I inquired.

  “Sure. I think it’s Columbia Crest. Will that work?”

  “Sure, thank you.”

  “So, the property. It was great, right?” Hadley asked again, obviously looking for some sort of confirmation.

  “It was definitely something. Very out in the middle of nowhere.”

  “Right? The first time I drove out to one of his properties it was sort of in the same area, but up river a bit. Of course, I saw a finished house when I pulled up. You have to see the houses when they’re complete. They’re masterpieces.”

  “Jasper and I looked through his website last week. It definitely was impressive.”

  “He’s amazing,” Riley added.

  “He definitely seems talented.”

  Hadley and Riley exchanged a knowing look, and Hadley raised an eyebrow.

  “He’s asked a few questions about you,” Riley finally said.

  My heart galloped inconveniently at her words and I tried to school my expression so they wouldn’t notice.

  “Oh?” My voice had jumped an entire octave.

  “Yeah, he has. I think he might be interested in you, like, romantically.” Riley’s voice was tentative, as though she was worried how I would react to her words.

  “That’s ridiculous. We hardly spent any time together.”

  “So, you weren’t attracted to him?” Hadley asked, but her tone implied she already knew the answer to her own question.