Unmerited Favor: The Compassion and Peril of Mercy ( Un missable Series Book 2)

by Jerry Summers

  Sean considers for a moment. “Well, remind me to thank her profusely!”

  She grins. “I’m so glad you feel that way.”

  The waiter returns to their table to take their orders and flusters them, as neither has even looked at the menu.

  After a moment of deliberation, Jessica orders shrimp linguine with a salad, and Sean orders a macadamia-encrusted sea bass with fresh vegetables. Both also order a second drink, instead of wine, to have with dinner.

  Their conversation remains light the rest of the evening, mainly about their personal likes and dislikes, past relationship failures, and professional hopes. Since neither is interested in dessert, Jessica pays the bill and drives Sean back to his office.

  “Thank you for a delightful dinner, Jess. I was hoping maybe you’d come over to my place, so we might continue our discussion.”

  She agrees. “Can I just follow you?”

  “Of course,” he replies. “Make sure to follow me into the garage of my building. The guest parking is next to the elevator, and I’ll meet you there after I park my car.”

  They meet at the elevator, and he presses the button for the penthouse.

  When the elevator door opens, they step from it into Sean’s apartment, and Jessica is stunned by the sweeping view of the San Francisco bay. Turning slightly to her right, she also sees the downtown skyline.

  She turns to Sean. “Wow, the view is magnificent.”

  He just smiles. “Can I get you some coffee or tea?”

  “Coffee would be great. Black with no sugar, please and thank you.”

  He walks into the kitchen, and she follows, taking a seat at the counter. She allows herself to scan the apartment, noticing how tastefully decorated it is. It’s not too masculine, with some interesting pieces of artwork.

  She returns her gaze to Sean and asks, “Did you decorate this place yourself?”

  He shakes his head, digging through a cupboard, and replies, “No. Bonnie sent her decorator over when I bought the place.”

  Jessica smiles. “Bonnie has a keen eye for decorators who know how to outfit a place with style and class.”

  “Isn’t that the truth? We can sit in the living room, if you’d like,” he says.

  She nods and moves to the sofa.

  Sean finishes in the kitchen, brings a pot of french-press coffee into the living room with a few cookies, and sits on the sofa next to Jessica. He pours her a cup and hands it to her, saying, “I’m so glad you called this afternoon.”

  “So am I, Sean.”

  Before long, they realize it is midnight.

  Jessica says with a sigh, “I’ve got to get home.”

  “You know, if you’re too tired to drive home, you can sleep in the guest bedroom.”

  She smiles. “I’m a fifteen-minute drive from here. I’ll be fine. But thank you.”

  “Very well, but will you call me when you get home?”

  “Of course.”

  Sean walks with her to the elevator, but before he pushes the button, he takes her by the hand.

  “Thank you again for the wonderful dinner, company, and conversation.”

  Before she can respond, he pulls her to him and kisses her softly but sensuously. Jess puts her arms around his neck, moving her body against his, and his arms wrap around her waist.

  Their kiss ends slowly, and they look into each other’s eyes until Jessica smiles and says, “Well, Mr. Green, you are most certainly welcome for dinner. This has been a wonderful evening, and I learned a lot about you tonight.”

  Sean brings his left hand up her back and into her hair, grabbing it gently and kissing her again, passionately. Jessica responds by pressing her body against his and running her fingers through his hair as she moans softly. After this kiss, he steps back a half step and presses the elevator button. She steps back as well, and both of them recognize the sexual tension, but neither is prepared for that step in their fledgling relationship. They wait in a breathless silence.

  The elevator arrives, and as Jessica gets in, so does Sean. She looks at him quizzically.

  “I’ll ride down with you,” he says, in response to her look. “I want to make sure you get into your car safely.”

  Jessica chuckles. “Sean, it’s a secure parking lot.”

  He nods. “I know, but I want an excuse to kiss you again.”

  “You don’t need an excuse,” she replies flirtatiously, “but thanks for escorting me to my car.”

  They exit the elevator and stroll to her car. Sean opens her door for her, and after she is seated, he leans in and gives her another gentle kiss good night.

  As he’s beginning to back away, Jess grabs the back of his head and pulls him to her. She kisses him passionately, sliding her tongue into his mouth. He responds with the same passion and eagerness, unable to resist.

  When she releases him, Sean backs up with a slight gasp. “Wow. If this continues, I might not let you drive home.”

  She chuckles, her cheeks flushed. “I know if this continues, you’re not getting rid of me.”

  She starts her car, and he reminds her to call him when she gets home. She nods, and he closes her door and watches her back out of the parking space.

  His head is reeling as he takes the elevator back up to his apartment.

  Driving away, Jessica thinks, I need to call Bonnie when I get home.

  When she arrives home safely, she calls Sean to let him know and then immediately calls Bonnie.

  Bonnie answers her cell phone on the second ring. “Why are you still awake? You have no life.”

  Jess snorts. “Hi, Bonnie, nice to talk to you, too,” she says sarcastically. “You will never believe this, but I called Sean this afternoon at Nate’s insistence and told him I was taking him to dinner, no excuses. Then I drove to his office and picked him up.”

  Bonnie, surprised, asks, “He went to dinner with you just like that? No questions?”

  “Yes, he did,” Jess replies a little smugly.

  “I told you he was interested in you. I’ve never seen Sean drop work to go on a date! So how was it?”

  “It was fabulous! We talked business over drinks, and then I insisted there would be no more shoptalk because the evening was about relaxing. We got to know each other on a personal level.”

  “How personal?” Bonnie asks, a hint in her voice.

  “Well, we talked and then went back to his place and had coffee.”

  “Why are you at home, then?”

  “Because I want to take it slow. I really like him. Wow, what a terrific kisser he is! If he makes love as well as he kisses…I’ll be unable to walk away. He scares me because I am so attracted to him,” she explains.

  “Well, I guess I’ll just be glad you’re even thinking of doing the deed,” Bonnie jokes and then continues, “Take it one day at a time. I’m so amazed he dropped everything and went to dinner with you. He must be just as attracted to you as you are to him. He is a great guy, but like you, he was really hurt by his last relationship, and I don’t think he has dated in over four years.”

  “Can you tell me what happened in his last relationship? All he would say is that it didn’t end well.”

  “Well, Sean was truly in love and had proposed. The weekend before the wedding, he had a business trip out of town. Sean wanted to get back to surprise Tonya so he packed his Friday and Saturday mornings with meetings and finished early. He got back in town and went straight home, where he found Tonya having sex with one of his female employees—and her husband, evidently—in their bed. When he walked in on it, without batting an eye, Tonya said, ‘Now that you know, why don’t you join us?’ It devastated Sean. He canceled the wedding without even disgracing Tonya, and he wouldn’t tell anyone what had happened. The employee walked into his office on Monday, asking if she should resign, and Sean told her she
had a choice: she could resign or he’d find a reason to fire her. She asked for a month to find another job, and Sean granted it to her, even giving her a great recommendation for the quality of her work. Tonya eventually caused a divorce between the employee and her husband, and they married once same-sex marriages were recognized in California.”

  Jessica sits with her mouth open in disbelief for a moment, then mutters, “No wonder he doesn’t talk about it in any detail.”

  “Not that I think this will be an issue, but make sure this is a relationship you really want to pursue before you sleep with him, please. He is a great friend, and I think the two of you will be a great couple if you are both committed to each other. Just make sure the commitment is there before you sleep together. I don’t think either of you could take another bad relationship.”

  “Bonnie, this doesn’t really sound like you. Are you OK?”

  “I’m fine, Jess. I know you think I’ll bed anyone I can, and I joke a lot about it, but in all reality, I have never slept with anyone I truly didn’t love at the time. Well, except John when we were seventeen. He was just hot, and I was drunk and horny. Other than John, I have always been totally committed to the relationship before I rocked any guy’s world. I know I have left a different impression, but I swear it’s the truth.”

  Jess smiles, glad that Bonnie is recognizing herself. “I’ve always known that about you. You are an amazing woman and great friend to both Sean and me. So rest assured, I’m really interested in Sean Green as a friend and, I hope, a lover.”

  “That’s terrific. Just make damn sure he is someone you really want to pursue a committed relationship with before you have sex with him, for both your sakes, OK?”

  “OK, I promise. Man, he turns me on, and the way he grabs my hair when we kiss drives me absolutely wild.”

  Bonnie laughs. “I know what you mean.”

  Jessica and Bonnie chat for another hour about how Bonnie is doing since Mark’s murder.

  Bonnie says quietly, “There are days when it feels like he is just away on a business trip…and then there are days when I just don’t want to get out of bed. On the really terrible days I sit by the pool, remembering all the good times with him, and I drink.” She sighs. “Jess, I miss spending time with you. Think you can fit me into your schedule?”

  “Of course! Maybe I could just come stay with you the rest of the week. That way we can make up for some lost girl time.”

  Bonnie agrees thankfully. “It’ll be nice to have someone around.”

  “I know, I’m sorry I haven’t been lately,” she says, realizing she’s been a little insensitive. “Thank you for always being here as a true friend. I don’t know what I’d do without your advice!”

  They say good night a little reluctantly, and both go to bed.

  CHAPTER 6

  OH, YOU NAUGHTY GIRL

  Sean walks into his office at eight o’clock sharp to find Evelyn waiting at her desk for a report on his date with Jessica. Sean, coy as usual, immediately starts running through all the priorities of the day with Evelyn.

  Finally, she interrupts him. “I’m not dealing with another thing until I get a full rundown of your date.”

  “Well, in that case, you’ll need to run and get me a triple-shot mocha. Otherwise, you can forget it!” he says with a juvenile smirk.

  She rolls her eyes. “You can be such a pain in the ass. I hope you know that.”

  He smiles and points to the door. “Do you want to hear about my date or not?”

  She groans. “OK, I’ll get your coffee, your highness. You’re such an ass!”

  “Yeah, I know, but you still adore me.”

  “I adore my husband,” Evelyn retorts. “I tolerate you, because you pay me very well.”

  Evelyn walks out of the office to get his coffee, knowing things must have gone well, or he wouldn’t be joking around this way and willing to talk to her about it.

  As she returns, she overhears Sean reciting a lovely card and ordering roses to be sent to Jessica’s office. She walks in carrying his mocha and a bran muffin.

  He looks up, surprised but excited to get his coffee. Then he sees the bran muffin, and his nose wrinkles. “Why in the hell would you bring me a bran muffin? You know I hate those.”

  Evelyn smirks. “I just figured if you were going to be an ass, you might as well work like one.”

  “Very funny. Thanks for the coffee, but you can keep the nasty muffin.”

  She shrugs and sits across from him, unwrapping the muffin. “So, how was the date?”

  He smiles, lost in thought for a moment. “It was terrific. We had a wonderful time, and we talked most of the night about personal likes, dislikes, past relationships, and our hopes for the future. After dinner, she brought me back here to pick up my car, and then we went to my place. We talked until midnight about nothing in particular, and I really enjoyed the evening. Then I walked her to her car, and she went home.”

  “That’s it?”

  “Yeah, pretty much. Why?”

  “Fine, I’ll ask. Did you kiss her good night?”

  He gives her a sly smile. “Oh yeah. We kissed good night several times.”

  “And?”

  “And what?”

  “Damn it, Sean, quit playing coy with me!” she exclaims, raising a chunk of muffin threateningly.

  He holds up his hands in defeat and chuckles. “OK, OK! I’m enthralled by her, and it scares the shit out of me!”

  “Enthralled? That’s the first positive thing I’ve heard from you about anyone for over four years now.”

  He looks surprised. “It hasn’t been four years since Tonya, has it?”

  “More than four years. Did you order flowers for Jessica while I was gone?”

  “Maybe,” he says, grinning. “Fire and ice roses, because she told me they were her favorite. Do you know how hard it is to find fire and ice roses?”

  “Well, fire and ice kind of describes her personality. I’m glad you had a nice time together. I like Jessica, and I think the two of you would make a nice couple, mostly because I don’t think she would put up with too much of your bullshit, and you need a woman like that. So when are you going out again?”

  “I don’t know. We haven’t made any plans other than that Jess is going to fly to Brazil with me when I fly down to assist Hugo with Ricardo’s body.”

  Evelyn raises an eyebrow. “Oh, so now it’s Jess? Not Ms. Silva or even Jessica?”

  “Yes. Formalities are a little silly at this point, as far as both of us are concerned.”

  She smiles. “That’s wonderful. I’m happy for both of you. She is a terrific woman, so don’t be an asshole to her because of Tonya. Let things progress naturally, and please don’t treat her with suspicion, waiting for the next shoe to drop. If you do, it will be a nail in the coffin for your relationship. I know Tonya hurt you immensely, but not every woman will be like Tonya. Sean, I think you’re a great guy, but my fear is that you are going to be so guarded you won’t let Jessica know who you really are. Any good relationship requires you to be vulnerable with each other. The problem with vulnerability is it opens one up to getting hurt. You’re going to have to make the decision to risk being hurt again, or please don’t pursue a serious relationship.”

  Sean replies, “I understand, and I’m ready. I’ve gotten over Tonya. Both Jess and I want to take it slow, since we both came out of devastating relationships, hers more recent than mine. Now, can we get some work done around here?”

  “Of course we can.” Evelyn stands and disappears from the room. She returns carrying a memo pad. “OK, all the paper work has been completed to return Ricardo to Brazil, but Hugo still needs to sign all the documents and get them back to you. He has already been contacted, and he knows what to do once he receives the documents tomorrow. After the signed documents are received, transport
ation of Ricardo to Brazil has been arranged through the coroner’s office upon payment of any outstanding bills. When the proof of payment has been verified, the coroner’s office will notify you of the date of shipment, so you can arrange to fly to Brazil the same day. The preliminary date is next Monday. I’ve already rescheduled all in-person appointments. Charlotte Evans, the interim CEO of Global Metal Refining, will be in Brazil for Ricardo’s memorial service, and she would like to meet with you, Bonnie, and Wendy at the villa, since you are all major shareholders now. She has also requested some one-on-one time with Bonnie, since she is on the board of directors, and with you, to discuss plans for determining whether Global Metal Refining will be retaining this office.”

  “Has she requested any type of documentation or presentation, or is this just a meet and greet to see where everything progresses?”

  “I believe it’s a meet and greet, but I’ll check with her assistant to verify.”

  “Thank you. Will you notify Bonnie and Wendy about that meeting? Also, I’ll see if Jessica, Bonnie, and I can get some time with Juan Zamora to ensure the grand opening won’t be delayed in any way. I’ll call Jess about how to make that happen later today—”

  Just then, the phone rings, and he glances down at the caller ID.

  “It’s Jess,” Sean says, reaching for the phone. “We’ll finish this when I’m done.”

  Evelyn nods and retreats to her desk.

  “Sean,” Jessica starts, a little breathless, “the fire and ice roses are beautiful, and your note was so sweet. Thank you so much. I didn’t think you were actually listening when I told you about them.”

  “Of course I was listening. You are very welcome. Please enjoy them while you can, because it seems we will be heading to Brazil next Monday. Can you still clear your calendar on such short notice?”

  “Nate can usually work miracles. Let me confirm with him before I promise anything, but I’m ninety percent sure I’ll be able to go with you.”