Mrs R (Mrs R & Mr V #1)

by Jessie Courts

  “Fuck, oh my god Joe. Shit, the water’s freezing!”

  Joe just laughed and dunked her under it. She pounded her fists against him but that was pointless, he was harder than marble. Finally she managed to pinch him hard on the inside of his thigh causing a litany of expletives as he captured both her hands in one of his and kissed until she gave up fighting him and surrendered to his superior strength and hot as hell kisses.

  “Joe” Rachel whimpered. “It’s bloody cold.”

  “But I like watching you shiver, it’s sexy!”

  “Sexy! I have fucking goose bumps – let me out!”

  Joe handed her the soap and she got the hint. Clearly the man was a clean freak. They washed speedily and tumbled out the shower unable to stand it any longer. Joe wrapped Rachel in a big white towel before retrieving one for him self. They say on the bench together slowly warming up.

  “Joe, can I ask you something?”

  “Depends what it is. Try me.”

  “I know I’m like a scratched record, but have you decided what you are going to do with Genesis?”

  Joe sighed and Rachel got worried. Trust her to ruin a perfectly fabulous evening.

  “Let me think about it and tell you tomorrow night on our date.”

  “We’re going on a date?” Rachel was surprised. She had half expected Joe to whisk her back to his place to carry on where she’d finished him off.

  “I don’t want you to get the wrong impression of me Rachel!” Joe laughed at the irony.

  Rachel bumped his shoulder grinning, she had been thinking about her fantasy and how it almost came true. “Oh Joe.”

  “Oh Joe, what?”

  “I’d say you’re doing just fine by me!”

  He looked at her in that funny way he had when he clearly thought she was off her rocker.

  “Come on crazy lady. Get dressed and I’ll drop you home.”

  **********

  Sitting snugly in the passenger seat of Joe’s Range Rover, Rachel closed her eyes and rewound the day. She was jubilant at having won her first case and she’d immediately phoned the twins from her office to share her good news. They were ecstatic and promised to surprise her with a treat later as a reward for her success. They were too cute and she couldn’t wait to get home to see them. She’d rung them earlier to tell them she was going to the gym but obviously didn’t mention it was with Joe. She didn’t think they’d be ready for that news just yet, and even though Rachel could sense something developing between them, it was early days.

  There was no denying the chemistry between them, especially after this evening’s incredible events, and Rachel was eager to explore that a little further. Whilst most of her knew it wasn’t a great idea to get involved with your boss, especially when that boss was Joe Mason; hurricane, earthquake and electrical storm all wrapped up in one hunk of a man, now she’d seen another, more human and mind blowingly sexy side to him; there was no way she was giving that up.

  “Please can you drop me at the station Joe – I need to pick up my car.”

  “Oh, ok. I’ll come and pick you up tomorrow evening at 8. It’s smart casual.” So he already knew where he was taking her; that was promising. Seems like Joe may have been planning ahead.

  Joe dropped her by her car and she hopped in her BMW keen to get home. Due to being later than she had originally expected the twins had already gone out for the evening leaving her a note not to wait up. Rachel was disappointed at missing them but spent some much-needed time soaking in her tub mulling over the day’s events.

  **********

  CHAPTER 19

  Rachel took herself off on a shopping spree the next day. She didn’t mind that Saturday’s were always busy; she enjoyed the buzz. She dropped in on Karen on the way home but managed not to talk about Joe just yet. She hinted at a mild flirtation but wasn’t ready to share. This thing with Joe felt special and Rachel didn’t want to jinx it by talking about it too soon. Karen had loads of gossip and by the time they had laughed and bitched about the whole world it was late afternoon. Rachel made her excuses and headed home to see her girls before she had to get ready to go out.

  The twins must have heard her pull up as the front door opened on her arrival and her girls stood there cheering and waving at her. Jess and Lucy clapped as she walked towards them with a big grin on her face.

  “Sorry we missed you yesterday Mum.”

  Hugging her and congratulating her, Rachel asked, “No matter I’m here now. Where’s my surprise then?”

  “Right here Mrs R!’

  “Holy fucking shit!” cried Rachel as Luc swept her up into a bear hug.

  “Muuuum!” cried Jess, “for heavens sake – that’s no way to greet someone!”

  “So sorry,” Rachel gasped. “Put me down, Luc.”

  Lucy explained, “Luc had some business in London so he’s come to visit.”

  Rachel’s eyes widened and she was filled with dread at the prospect of Luc being in the house when she was so caught up in her infatuation with Joe. She didn’t want Luc to think he could pick up where he left off. Sensing her discomfort, Luc continued with Lucy’s explanation.

  “Yup – just popped in to say hello. Haven’t got much time as I’m headed off to meet a friend. Sorry I can’t stay over this time Rachel.”

  “Luc – you know you are always welcome here. Its just unexpected, but a lovely surprise. Have you got time for a cuppa?”

  Luc’s baby blue eyes filled with something Rachel had a hard time defining. He looked a bit worried but she guessed he’d mull it over with the twins and sort himself out. It was wonderful to see him – easy on the eye as always, he’d let his blond hair grow out a bit and unshaven he looked deliciously rough around the edges. He was wearing one of his trade mark white v t-shirts and his soft denim jeans and boots and Rachel was reminded at how irresistible she had found him. He didn’t compare to Joe though and Rachel’s stomach flipped as an image of Joe naked and soapy in the shower filled her head.

  “Right guys – lovely to see you but I need to get ready. My boss is taking me out for a meal to debrief today’s hearing and discuss Genesis.”

  “Joe’s coming here?” Jess asked.

  “Joe?” Luc asked.

  “Mum’s new boss, Joe Mason.” Jess offered helpfully.

  “Joe Mason?” Luc asked again, “the Joe Mason?” Luc was obviously referring to the Joe of the incessant texts and emails.

  “Um yes.” Rachel tilted her head at Luc. “Do you know him?”

  “Oh, yeah right. Well, I Googled him to see if it’s the same one, and I have heard of him actually – The Mason Family are like Wall Street royalty ‘cos even though they’re a law firm they dabble heavily in finance. They’re minted love.” Rachel murmured something unintelligible and made her excuses. “If you’re not here when I come back down, good luck with your exam results.”

  “Oh no, I want to meet Joe. I’d always imagined he was short, fat and bald, but apparently not. I’ll be here.” Luc angled himself to face Rachel so the twins couldn’t see his face. His blue eyes had darkened and his jaw muscles were grinding and Rachel knew the boy was not fooled by her concocted story of a dinner meeting. But remembering his place he relaxed enough to send her one of his sexy as hell winks and she was momentarily wistful for his gentle touch.

  Eight ‘o’ clock prompt and the door bell rang.

  “I’ll get it!” shouted Lucy up the stairs where Rachel was frantically trying to put the finishing touch on her outfit. She wanted to look good for Joe and had thought carefully about how to dress. She’d chosen to wear dark denim skinny jeans that she knew showcased her arse perfectly; a coral coloured silk shirt and her trusty nude heels. They made her feel perky and Joe was so tall she needed all the height she could get.

  “Damn” she cursed still not able to fasten her necklace properly at the back of her neck.

  “Need some help Rach?” Luc asked softly from the doorway. Leaning against the architrave with his a
rms crossed over his chest and his legs crossed at the ankles, Rachel wasn’t really surprised to see him there. He looked adorable and she gestured for him to come help her. “You look amazing for your date.”

  “Luc, baby boy…”

  “It’s ok Rachel. Listen, I’m here to see the twins; its inevitable we’re going to see each other from time to time. I’m glad you’re going out and enjoying yourself. I can handle it – the question is can you?” He brushed his fingers along the back of her neck and Rachel shivered at his touch. “Come on, let’s go meet bossman Joe! Are you surprised I Googled him by the way?”

  Rachel groaned as she descended the stairs with Luc at her back. “You and the rest of the world…”

  Fortunately, Jess and Lucy had invited Joe to wait in the lounge and she could hear the low rumble of his voice as they chatted. She was dying to know what they were talking about.

  “Joe” she said his name as he rose to greet her, “I see you’ve met my daughters, Jess and Lucy. And this is their best friend Luc.”

  Luc held out his hand for Joe to shake. Joe looked him up and down then reluctantly shook his hand briskly; he didn’t return Luc’s friendly grin.

  “And what do you do Mr…?”

  “Vincent, Luc Vincent. Not much at the moment; just waiting for my results. I’ve been offered a position in the City if I get a first in my Economics degree.”

  “Good luck with that then.” Joe effectively dismissed Luc when he turned to Rachel. “Shall we?” he asked her placing a large palm in the small of her back gently nudged her towards the door. “Jess, Lucy; nice to have met you…again.”

  “Bye Joe” they cooed simultaneously sighing as he led their mother out the door. Luc couldn’t help himself and called out, “Bye Mrs R – be good.” Joe shot him a menacing look, but to his credit Luc just grinned and half waved as Rachel tugged on Joe’s arm. “C’mon Joe, let’s go.”

  The Range Rover was nowhere in sight but Joe’s ride tonight was a slick sporty number. “Is that a Ferrari?” she asked hoping to impress her date with her vast knowledge of performance cars. Joe stopped dead in his tracks and to her absolute shock burst out laughing. It was truly a sight to behold and Rachel took her time in appreciating this side of Joe. “Not quite sweetheart, but I like that you thought I would drive a Ferrari. It’s a Bugatti Veyron.”

  “Oh well, never mind. I’ve always wanted to go in a Ferrari.”

  Joe chuckled and shook his head. “Rachel, you’re killing me.” She looked at him like he’d lost the plot but maybe it was an American thing.

  Twenty minutes later they pulled up outside a trendy Italian restaurant that Rachel had never heard of but looked very inviting. Joe came round to help her out the very low car – not an easy feat in killer heels and tight jeans and she took his hand gratefully. He eased her out with no effort. “You look beautiful, Rachel.”

  “Thanks Joe, you don’t look so bad yourself. I like ‘casual Joe’.” And indeed the man looked fine in a pair of well worn jeans; loafers, and a black shirt and jacket. A chunky expensive looking watch hung at his wrist and his hair was pushed back exposing every inch of his handsome face.

  Joe took her hand – something he was fond of doing Rachel noted, and they entered the dimly lit restaurant. The maître d greeted Joe warmly and Rachel wondered how he’d had the time to become acquainted, since he’d only been in London a few weeks.

  “Tony’s family owns another restaurant in Manhattan,” Joe offered. Rachel faltered momentarily taken back that Joe could read her thoughts so easily. Splaying his hand across the small of her back, Joe urged her forward to a semi circular booth in the back affording them privacy and a quiet place to chat. The heat from his hand warmed her skin through her blouse leaving her mildly flustered and as Rachel slid in one side and Joe the other a thrill shot through her as he scooted up close resting his thigh warmly against hers. It could have been unintentional but Rachel suspected it was a calculated Joe Mason smooth move. Still she wasn’t complaining; his strong leg felt nice touching hers and he was near enough for her to inhale his heady scent. She made a mental note to ask him what aftershave he wore, and then giggled to herself, as he clearly didn’t shave much.

  “Something amusing?” Joe queried cocking an eyebrow at her.

  “Your facial hair actually.” Joe’s hand reflexively rose to his beard. He stroked it a few times with a puzzled expression on his face.

  “Its just there’s rather a lot of it. Don’t you like to shave?”

  “Of course I shave.”

  “Oh, ok.” Rachel stared at his face intently. “Where?”

  Picking up her hand he touched her fingers to his face trailing over the smooth skin of his throat and upper cheeks. “Here….and here.” Such a small gesture but it set off a sequence of reactions in Rachel. First she forgot to breathe, and then her stomach flipped; followed by a distinct heat at the apex of her thighs. Good lord, she was in serious trouble if that’s all it took to turn her to goo.

  Tony appeared to inform them of his recommendations for the evening for both food and drinks and they ordered their meal. A few pleasantries were exchanged between the two men as the sommelier arrived with their wine and then they were alone again. However, the brief interlude broke the spell of intimacy and an awkward silence threatened to ruin the mood.

  “Is something bothering you Rachel?” Joe enquired.

  “No, no. This is nice.” Rachel twisted her napkin in her lap.

  “Nice? I hope it’s more than nice.”

  “Well, to be honest Joe, I’m really dying to know about Genesis. Can you just tell me already?” She sighed hoping she hadn’t spoilt the atmosphere irrevocably.

  “Ok - I did say we would discuss Genesis. Based on your outstanding performance yesterday…in the courtroom not the gym, I’m happy to give you a year with an option to extend based on the success of the project.”

  “Oh Joe!” Rachel gushed, forgiving his reference to having had his penis in her mouth, “thank you so much; I’m thrilled and excited and very grateful. We have so much to discuss and plan.”

  The big man held his hand up to her palm forward effectively cutting her off mid gush. “Right, but not tonight; have Angela set up a meeting on Monday and we can go over it then.” Joe had obviously made up his mind then.

  “Charming.” Rachel muttered feeling somewhat deflated and a little silly about being overly enthusiastic. A frown took residence on her forehead and her napkin suffered fervent manipulation under her fidgety fingers. Joe placed a hand over her busy ones effectively stilling her and claiming her attention.

  “Please can we start over? It seems whatever comes out of my mouth annoys you and seriously sweetheart, you need to give me a break here – I thought this was the result you were aiming for.”

  Joe was right; Rachel hadn’t given him the time of day since he’d arrived at Gyles Bishop. Maybe it was the unfortunate series of events leading up to meeting him officially or his infuriating arrogance, but despite being fiercely attracted to him, she’d also been rude, losing her temper; hitting him; leading him on. Then last night she’d switched everything around and come on to him big time. Joe had willingly gone along with it and made his intentions clear; and yet today she was sending mixed signals again. Rachel felt bad for confusing him and extremely disappointed in her immature behaviour.

  “Joe, I’m sorry. I can give you the short version of how I’m trying to get back into work mode after a career break; desperate not to let anyone down. Or I can tell you about how losing your husband unexpectedly fucks up your entire existence until you find something worth living for. That for me was Genesis. It gave me a purpose and I genuinely believe we have a responsibility among all the millions of pounds of profit to give back a little bit. The idea was initiated by Nate sure, but I own it now and I can’t give it up Joe.”

  Rachel took a breath under the heated scrutiny of her boss, and continued.

  “Then you came along; literally larg
er than life; gorgeous and distracting. Nate’s replacement. Imagine the conflicting emotions, Joe. I wasn’t really cross with you, just a victim to circumstance, but I have behaved badly; it’s not me at all; I’m just a tad overwhelmed. It’s a lot to take in.”

  Rachel was obviously distressed at having to explain herself and talk about barely healed wounds and Joe was mad at himself for being such a prick. He hadn’t intended to come across as the big bad wolf. That wasn’t the side of him he wanted her to know – it was time to rectify matters.

  He leaned forward smiling. “You think I’m gorgeous?”

  “Seriously?” Rachel gasped at him totally exasperated. “That’s what you took from the whole gut wrenching and honest story of my life? I prove my point!” Rolling her eyes at him, Rachel shook her head in disbelief.