"Aren't you afraid of spilling something on them?"
"I took care of that threat years ago. Legend has it I threw everything imaginable on them. My mother insisted they be used. She never saw the reason to have furniture for show."
"She must have been wonderful."
"Come see the kitchen," he said in a strained voice.
The black and white kitchen sprouted with hints of red. A breakfast nook with a window seat and a white table provided cozy eating for two. More for show than use, I imagined my pots, pans, and cutting boards littering the counters. As usual, I got ahead of myself, living here was a giant leap. Was I ready for the plunge?
I crossed the hall to a full bath decorated in shades of yellow and blue. What stopped me in my tracks took up an entire wall: a palatial Jacuzzi complete with candles. It could've easily held two adults in a compromising position. He caught my eye, winked, and pointed to the bottle of chilling champagne in an ice bucket. Two flutes stood at the ready.
"In case you feel like celebrating and throwing a little party for your new job. Or crying and holding a private wake for your old job. I'm available for either occasion."
I blushed and continued the tour.
The next room had been laid out as a home office complete with a curving desk and a computer.
"This is your new workspace, if you accept the position as my assistant," he said.
"Is the condo where you store your extra furniture?" I asked.
"The realtor said it should appear lived in. I'm told women make most of the real estate decisions. I had her stage the place," he said.
He pushed the last door open, and we were back in the bedroom. I didn't notice the décor earlier, too busy memorizing the master of the manor. The king-size four-poster bed boasted a dazzling patchwork quilt. Designed with a woman in mind, it had an antique vanity table in the corner, full-length mirror, an armoire lined with lavender, dresser with eight drawers, and a walk-in closet with shelves for shoes. The walls were mauve and cream carpeting warmed the floor.
I closed my eyes trying to memorize everything and added it to my wish list. His job offer went beyond generous. I didn't know where to begin to be his assistant.
He came up behind me and whispered in my ear.
"Live here. Sleep on it before you come to a decision. Please do it for me. You'll earn every bit of it. I have a lot of work to do and will need help every step of the way," he said.
"You're a mysterious man, Benjamin Nance Cobb. I misled you. Made you meet my family. Now you are bending over backward to help me. Why?"
"You lost a job you needed and liked because of me. Until things die down, you'll be hounded for information about me. You chose to keep quiet about me and shouldn't have to shoulder the whole burden of the publicity. I read some of your past articles. Your reviews were professional and recommendations solid. Since you have been pushed into my life, you can help me manage it. Personally, I can't get you out of my mind. Mentally, emotionally, and physically, you entrance me. I want you close to see if what happened last night and this morning are more than lust," he said.
He leaned down and kissed me. I tightened my arms around his neck and pulled him closer.
"Are we eating or going back to bed?" he asked.
Food or sex? Breathe or swallow? My stomach rumbled again.
"Feed me first." I nipped his ear.
"Is that a promise of sex later?" he asked.
"You'll have to wait and see. And buy more condoms." I skipped out of the room. "I want the job and this condo. I'm not used to the kindness of strangers or sleeping with the boss."
"I'm not a stranger anymore. I'm sure you could teach me about kindness. The job has no impact on our sleeping arrangements. Even if you're a lousy assistant, I won't fire you."
"Because I'm good in bed?"
"You gave yourself a six."
"Last night, I was okay, but I redeemed myself this morning. I'm an eight now."
"I'm glad you reevaluated yourself."
"Me too. I may have a ten in me yet,"
"Believe me Alexia, I'll find it," he said as he put his arm around my waist.
CHAPTER FIVE
Talented, demanding, and wealthy. Also thoughtful, generous, stunning, and helpful. Could I handle all seven shades of Ben?
"Here are the keys to the condo." He handed me a keychain in the garage.
"This is too much too fast. I've never lived in a whirlwind."
"Has waiting gotten anyone anywhere?" He requested his car from the attendant.
Good point.
A silver sports car arrived at the curb. How many cars did he own? We hopped in.
"Where are you sleeping tonight?" He pulled out into the street.
"In my new home."
"Perfect."
Twenty minutes later, he parked by Reen's Diner.
"You liked this place?" I asked.
"If the grease doesn't kill you, it will cure you." He opened the door.
"Welcome back," Sally shouted.
All the other patrons craned around to see us.
"How could I stay away? Back booth open?" He pushed me in.
"For you anything."
I slid into the booth, he settled in next to me, and put his arm around me.
"Isn't there an old saying about doors closing and windows opening? Or is it roofs collapsing and basements flooding? I don't know much about houses," he said. I smiled and nodded yes. "This is an opportunity. You losing your job couldn't have happened at a better time."
"I'm glad someone is happy."
"I always look for personal advantages." He glanced at the menu.
Sally came back to take our order.
"The biggest breakfast you have to offer," he said.
"Oatmeal and coffee," I said.
"Is that all? I'd be starved after a night with him." She laughed.
He bit his bottom lip, and I tried to fold into the vinyl seat.
"I thought you were hungry?" he asked.
"Oatmeal sticks to the ribs and is good for you," I said.
"You should eat more. Since I am an authority on your body, you could use another ten or fifteen pounds."
"Is sex all you think about?"
"What are you thinking about?" He leaned in and kissed my ear.
My core stirred, and I squeezed his thigh. He nuzzled my neck, and I moved closer to him.
"The back room is empty, but you have to pay extra." Sally served our meals. "Anything else for you two?"
"Don't I wish, but we're in a hurry," he said.
Sally left the check, and I went for it.
"Don't even," he said ominously.
"Just this once. From now on I'll be on the payroll and padding my expense account."
"Never. I invited you." He pocketed the check.
"Thank you."
"Don't thank me yet. Wait till I've put you through a couple of hundred-hour weeks. See if you're still grateful."
We finished our food. He took the bill and dropped a fifty on the table for Sally. I moved toward the exit.
"I get off at three," Sally said as Ben passed her.
"If I were only ten years younger," he said.
"I'm at least ten years older than you," Sally said.
"In my current state, I could never keep up with your enthusiasm. Only a younger man would have the stamina." He leaned in and gave Sally a quick peck on the cheek.
He swaggered toward me and smiled. I seethed back.
"Do you flirt with every woman?" I asked with folded arms and a tapping foot.
"Pretty much. It's my nature. I love women." He paid the cashier.
I will not be jealous. I will not be jealous.
We headed outside.
"I flirt because women like it. If I ignored them, they'd be insulted. Take somebody like Sally. How many kisses does she get a week? Between the fifty and the smooch, I made her month."
"You see flirting as a public service."
"So
rt of. Women like attention. A compliment or a wink makes them feel good."
He offered me his hand. I refused it. We continued to stroll down the sidewalk.
"Have you conducted a massive field study on the topic?" I asked.
"No, but I could. Women are attracted to me."
We arrived at his car, and he opened my door.
"Poor baby."
"I'm only interested in you."
At the moment.
I had to admit he zoomed past simple handsomeness. No woman would be able to resist his charm and smile, unless she was dead with a stake in her heart.
"You should offer seminars for men, reveal all your secrets." I slid into the passenger seat.
"I'm not much of a public speaker. My father says I lack polish." He put the key in the ignition.
"Your dad sounds like a winner. Please take me home."
"Mark and his crew should be done by now. You are packed and moved in. I left all the staged furniture there. Your furniture is still in the apartment, but your clothes and accessories are in the condo."
What the fudge sticks!
It was one thing to be invited into my life, but quite another to decide to run it.
"I never gave you permission to enter my apartment or touch anything," I said in my most annoyed voice.
I did agree to live here and my stuff would have to be delivered eventually. He didn't need an assistant; he planned his next move very well on his own.
"I saved you time, effort, and money. For that I wholeheartedly apologize. In the future, I will refrain from planning any activities without consulting you."
He matched the pissed tone in my voice, but I had more practice with my sisters.
"Your father is right. You have no polish or manners."
Yeah, I went there. Childish pout complete.
"He'll be delighted to meet someone who agrees with him." He drove up to the curb of his building.
He chose to ignore my rant and up the ante.
Ben expected me to meet his father? Wasn't that a big leap from one steamy night to meet the folks? Maybe this muse thing was about more than posing.
"I have to run a quick errand, so I'll drop you at the door," he said, rubbing my shoulder.
"Okay, will I be able to get in without you?"
"Yes, you live here," he said as he leaned in for a kiss.
I met him in the middle, gave him a quick peck on the cheek, and opened my door. I waved as he pulled away.
I trudged up to the building and fumbled with my keys. I finally inserted the right one and snuck in.
"May I help you?" the security guard asked.
"Hi, I live here. I'm Alexia Hale. I moved in this morning."
"Of course, Mr. Cobb mentioned he had a new tenant. I'm Travis Smith and welcome." He offered his hand and I shook it.
"Thank you."
I scooted through the lobby to the elevators. Eighth floor, but which condo? I was too busy to notice the number last night or this morning. Travis will think I was nuts, if I asked him.
In the hall, there were two doors, which meant two choices.
The door on my left seemed familiar. I had the key poised for the lock, when the door opened.
An older woman, holding a poodle, stood before me.
"Are you our new neighbor?" she asked.
"I'm Alexia Hale. I live across the hall."
"Nice to me you, Alicia. I'm Jean Morton, and this bundle is Precious." She cooed and kissed the beribboned poodle on the nose.
"She sure is cute."
"He's a male dog."
"My mistake."
I extended my hand, and Precious nipped at me.
"You must forgive Precious. He prefers not to be touched by strangers. I have a psychologist working with him. She believes he suffered a trauma in his youth. Come darling, we don't want to tinkle on the rug. Good day, dear." She shuffled to the elevator.
Great, I got the token crazy lady.
I opened the door to the condo and saw the roses. The light blinked on the answering machine.
It had to be Ben. I didn't even know my phone number. I picked up the card by the flowers.
It read, "Welcome home." No signature.
An hour later, my phone rang and Ben's number filled the screen.
"Hi, I met my neighbor, Mrs. Morton and her drag queen dog," I said as I enjoyed my window view of the lake.
"She came with the building. I believe he is the third Precious. The other two are buried in Grant Park."
"I thought Grant was buried in Grant Park."
"No, he's in New York in Grant's Tomb."
"What happened to Mr. Morton?" I walked into the kitchen and opened a cabinet, only dishes.
"I never met him, but I'm sure he died of embarrassment walking Precious I or II," he said.
"She thinks my name is Alicia." My cooking supplies must still be at my apartment.
"Don't bother to correct her. I'm Brad and Travis downstairs is Terrell," he said.
"When do I start work?"
"Immediately. Come on up."
"Shouldn't we meet in the lobby? We are discussing my job description."
"No place is neutral for us anymore. If you want to forget last night and this morning, that's your prerogative. I can't. There is an attraction between us, Alicia. I don't want to fight it."
"Brad, I'd like to put it on hold and try to be professional about the work," I said.
"Fine, we'll see who cracks first."
"Are you challenging me to resist you? You are all ego all the time." He did have solid reasons.
"I'll expect to evaluate all your qualifications."
He hung up the phone before I could respond.
"You pompous son of a sailor," I said to the dead receiver. "You realize this means war."
I selected my casual business attire of khakis, a white oxford shirt, and black loafers. I had to be remote to work for him, keeping my emotions in check.
When the elevator doors opened, Travis stood there, holding two bags.
"Smells like Kung Pao chicken," I said to him.
"It's Chinese food for Mr. Cobb."
And me.
We arrived and Travis knocked on Ben's door.
"It's open," Ben said. "Travis, you always go above and beyond. You delivered my meal and our latest tenant."
"Thank you, Mr. Cobb. Enjoy your dinner, Alexia." He handed the bags to Ben and closed the door.
Ben took the food and brought it to the dining room. Helen's table and chairs were back in his place. The table clothed and set, candles lit, and the wine breathed. He unpacked the bags.
"Have a seat and start eating. We have a lot to cover tonight," he said.
I sat and beheld the china, silver, crystal, tablecloth, and linen napkins.
"Everything is lovely," I said.
"I don't do paper, too much garbage and increased grocery shopping."
"I've never eaten on Limoges before, I said, inspecting the plate in front of me."
"It makes everything taste better."
The chicken, barbecue pork fried rice, egg rolls, and shrimp chow mien, smothered in sriracha sauce, were devoured in half an hour.
"I didn't realize I was so hungry. I'm sorry you won't have much for tomorrow," I said.
"I usually eat out anyway. It would sit in the fridge and grow mold. More wine?"
"No thanks, I'll clean up since you paid."
"Fair enough. Load up the dishwasher, and meet me in the library. Down the hall, third door on the right."
I finished in the kitchen and treaded down the hall. As I entered the library, I felt like I had been transported back in time. Bookcases lined the walls with every imaginable title. A glass case sat on a table behind the imposing mahogany desk. The library was a mini-museum and an old-fashioned bookstore wrapped up into one.
Alone, I poked around. This didn't count as snooping but very close.
The shelves housed the classics: Homer, Shakespeare, Joyc
e, Superman comic books, and bound issues of National Geographic.
The desk, polished to a gleam, held neat stacks of documents and piles of unopened mail. Architectural blueprints sat rolled up. The glass case intrigued me the most. A shadow box filled with his mother's tributes and awards. There were pictures of his mother with celebrities and a laminated letter obviously written by a child. The red crayon scribble read:
"Dear Mrs. Helen,
Your books are really good. I bet you're a good mom.
Love, Tammy."
There were folders stuffed with more letters and newspaper clippings. I tried to open the lid for a better look, but the case's lock wouldn't budge.
"Someday I've got to figure out what to do with all of it," he said.
He pointed to the desk.
"Welcome to your job. All of this is now your responsibility. I get mail begging for money, artwork, personal appearances, and advice. I have bills that need to be paid, checks to be deposited, supplies to be ordered, parties to attend, proxy stock votes to be sent, reports to be read and written. In other words, I'm up to my eyeballs, and I need help."
This was overwhelming. If I wanted to make real cash selling information, he handed me the mother lode. Why did he trust me?
"Ben, are you sure you want to release all this sensitive information to me?"
He took my hand and kissed it.
"Alexia, when you had me at a disadvantage, you didn't use it against me. You could have given Wally everything and more than he dreamed of, and you stopped. Discretion is a rare commodity. I appreciate it and reward it."
"Don't expect any miracles. I have a lousy track record of making a mess out of workplaces."
"You've worked for the wrong people who didn't appreciate all your talents."
The nudity would play a part. Something new to add to my resume.
"So what do I do here?"
"I want to paint and not be bothered by life in general. That's where you come in. Fix it, file it, and allow me to forget it. You need to fill out these forms." He handed me a packet. "You can work here or move everything downstairs. You will need my signature on some things. If you have questions, please make a list, and we'll go over it. Why don't you get started? Here's a key to the apartment, if you decide to work here."
Spicing Up Trouble: a romantic comedy Page 8