by Ciara Lake
“The one thing I agree with you on is, I need a rest.”
“Have you ever had a boyfriend?” Jessica rested her hip against Tabitha’s desk.
“Jessica, how old do you think I am? I—”
“I know how old you are. You’re still young, and I’ve never seen you with anyone special.”
“I’ve had male friends, but none who were serious. Men complicate things. I wanted to be free to finish school, and it took a lot of concentration. Plus, I know I have high expectations.”
“I understand concentration on school. But now that school is done, you need to get cozy with someone handsome. You have to remember men are human, accept their flaws.”
“Show me a good man and I’ll think about it. One who isn’t married, who is decent, smart, and faithful. Then I’ll sign up.”
“The problem is you’re a divorce lawyer. You see the worst in people every day.”
“So true.” Tabitha nodded. “Yes, it ruins me for trusting someone.”
“I understand where your attitude comes from. Nevertheless, you’re too young to have a negative attitude about love.” Jessica tapped her foot. “Don’t let your profession color your personal life.”
“Thanks, Jessica. I’ll take what you’ve said under advisement.”
“You need to do more than take it under advisement, you need to get out there and find someone. Listen to how you talk. You sound like a lawyer all of the time.”
“You’re right. I’ll take my vacation first and get some beauty sleep. Then I’ll go man hunting.” Tabitha winked.
“Great.” Jessica clapped her hands. “I’ll go see Mr. Lammon about some time off for you. And I’ll let you know when your client shows up.” Jessica headed to the door.
“I’m going to check my email and voice messages.” Tabitha turned on her computer.
“I’ll get you a cup of coffee too.” Jessica walked out of the office and closed the door behind her. A few minutes later, she brought in a steaming cup of coffee.
“Thanks, Jessica, it smells great. I really need caffeine.” Tabitha took a sip.
“It’s fresh. I’m still looking for Mr. Lammon.” Jessica left, closing the door again.
After Tabitha answered a few emails, there was another knock at her door. She closed her email and called out, “Come in.”
Jessica peered in. “Your eleven o’clock appointment is here. Can I show him in?”
“Yes, please.” Tabitha stood up behind her desk as a handsome middle-aged man walked in.
Dressed in an expensive suit, he looked as if he had walked out of a New York boardroom. He paused at the doorway. He smiled, and his eyes twinkled like sapphires.
“This is Mr. Paul Sydon.” Jessica gestured toward him.
“Good morning, Mr. Sydon. I’m Tabitha Lock.” She moved around the desk, offering him her hand. He missed her offered her hand as he walked past her to take a seat. Without missing a beat, Tabitha continued. “I’m pleased to meet you.”
“Can I get you water or coffee, Mr. Sydon?” Jessica asked, breaking the awkward moment. Tabitha took her seat behind her desk.
He turned his shinning eyes on Tabitha’s assistant. “No, thank you, I’m fine.”
“Just call if you need anything.” Jessica stepped out, closing the door.
“How can I help you, Mr. Sydon?” Tabitha leaned in, resting her arms on the desk.
“I’m here to meet you.”
“Is there some legal issue I can help you with? Do you need advice regarding a divorce?”
He shook his head. “No, I don’t require a divorce.”
“Then what brings you in today?”
“My son may need your assistance. I wished to meet you before I encouraged him further.”
“Is he going to be getting a divorce? Or does he need help resolving some other domestic issue?”
“No.” His eyes twinkled brighter. “No, not a divorce, not anything of the sort.”
“I see.” Tabitha twirled her pen between her fingers. “You do know I’m a divorce attorney, correct? Perhaps you need to see a different lawyer in this firm. We have attorneys who handle other areas of the law.”
Mr. Sydon leaned forward in his chair. “Yes, I understand you practice divorce law. It’s an unfortunate area of the law.” He shrugged.
“I can see how you might think that’s true. Nevertheless, I help people in need.”
“You’re a very good salesperson. My son will appreciate your intellect.” He winked. “I wished to meet you Tabitha Lock. May I call you Tabitha?”
“Yes, of course.” She nodded.
“I’ve heard a lot about you. I wanted to see for myself.”
“You’ve heard good things, I hope?” Suddenly Tabitha’s stomach was full of anxiety. “Is there someone you know who needs my services?”
“I’ve heard good things. I hear you’re a very lovely, charming woman, as well as an intelligent one. You’re just what is needed. It appears the reports are accurate.” He clasped his hands together then paused. It seemed he was waiting for her to respond, but she remained silent, because she really didn’t know what to say. “My son’s in need of your help. I wanted to make sure of you before I continued to endorse this pursuit. He’s very important to me. I have many children, but he’s especially dear to my heart.”
“I see.” She smiled. “Please have him make an appointment. I’ll be happy to assist him as best I can.”
“I’ll have him contact you. He needs a bit of encouragement. At times, he’s stubborn. But I do believe you can handle him.” Mr. Sydon put his hands on his knees then stood up. “You know, you remind me of your father. I’ve only met him a few times.” Mr. Sydon stepped closer to her desk. He was tall, large, and commanding in every way.
“You knew Ernest Lock?” Tabatha stood too.
“No.” He shook his head. “I didn’t know Ernest.”
“He was my father. He’s deceased.” She walked around her desk toward him. This man had such an allure, it pulled her in.
“Yes, I know. He did a good job raising you. I’m sure I’d have liked Ernest too. Well, my dear, I’ll be on my way.”
“It was nice meeting you.”
“I’m certain we’ll meet again.”
“I look forward to it.” She offered her hand to him, but instead of taking it, he touched her arm in a fatherly way.
“Blessings, my dear, know you’re under my protection.” He smiled down at her. She felt a pulse of energy rush through her from their point of contact. It was an extraordinary sensation, it made her feel rejuvenated. “It was a great pleasure to meet you, my child.”
“Thank you, Mr. Sydon.” Tabitha opened her office door. He stepped out, and they both walked to the office’s entrance. “Thanks again for coming in to our offices. We’d love to be of service to you or your family members.”
“I look forward to it.” He winked at her, turned, and pushed open the glass door. A limo pulled up for him and he got inside.
“Is he retaining you?” Jessica rushed over to her, she seemed excited. “He looks wealthy. His shirt cost more than my month’s rent.”
“Yes, I noticed.” Tabitha grinned.
“Mr. Lammon will be pleased with you bringing in such a wealthy client.”
“Paying clients are the best.” She nodded. “He came to see me for his son. He was checking me out.” Tabitha shrugged. “It was a strange appointment.”
“What’s his son’s name?”
“Oh, my goodness, I can’t believe I forgot to ask him. I was just so overwhelmed by the entire meeting.”
“Why? Well, besides he’s gorgeous. A bit older than I had in mind for you, but we can work with his age.” Jessica winked.
“He told me I’m under his protection.”
“Is he in organized crime or something?” Jessica giggled nervously. “What type of protection?”
“I don’t think he meant that type of protection.” Tabitha giggled too.
“The appointment was very odd in a lot of ways.” Tabitha walked back to her office, and Jessica followed. “I felt odd, compelled in a weird way. He was powerful, I could feel his energy.”
“Then I guess it’s good to be under his protection, whatever it means.”
“I guess.” Tabitha drank down the last of her coffee.
“Mr. Lammon saw him come in to see you and it was easy to get him to approve your time off. He says you’re free to go after you finish up with Mr. Sydon. In fact, he was so impressed with Mr. Sydon, he gave you two weeks off.”
“Two weeks? Oh, that’s great—way more than I hoped for.” Tabitha did a little dance.
“But Mr. Lammon does want you to check in occasionally.”
“I can do that.” Tabitha clapped. “I’m ready to go spend some time by the sea, sleep in late. Thanks, Jessica, you’ve helped so much.” Tabitha hugged her. “You know, Mr. Sydon made me feel renewed.” Tabitha started laughing. “He made me feel happy too.”
“I can see how he would have such an effect. He made me feel pretty good too, just looking at him.” Jessica fanned herself. “He was hot.”
“He was handsome,” Tabitha agreed.
“You look like you’re glowing. Your cheeks are rosy.”
“I feel like I’m glowing, inside and out. He touched my arm, and when he did I felt amazing.”
“You really dig the old man.” Jessica winked.
“No. Not the same way you seem to.” She shook her head. “There was something very special about him, almost magical. I can’t explain it.” She shrugged.
“Okay. . .if you say so.”
“Stop it. You have an overactive imagination. He said he knew my father, but not Ernest Lock. He told me he’s heard a lot about me. How’s any of that possible?”
“You’re a good lawyer. People talk.” Jessica shrugged. “Perhaps he knew your biological father?”
“I don’t even know who my natural parents are. The information was sealed. So it seems impossible that he would know.”
“He did offer you his protection. He sounds. . . I don’t know, like he may have some sort of influence.”
“You think he’s privy to sealed records?”
“The world’s full of surprises.” Jessica sat down, and Tabitha sat in the chair next to her.
“My day has been very strange, starting with this morning.”
“Tell me about this morning.”
“It would sound crazy.”
“You know you can tell me anything.”
“I know. But I’m not sure what to make of it.”
“Oh, sounds serious. Maybe you should see a doctor about your headaches,” Jessica said.
“No, I’m okay. I don’t like doctors. I avoid them at all costs.”
“A counselor?” Jessica suggested.
“No, I really hate counselors. Always trying to tinker with your brain, your thoughts.”
“You recommend counseling to your clients.”
“I know, and for some people it works wonders.”
“Let’s hope Mr. Sydon comes back. Then you can learn more from him.”
“I hope so,” Tabitha replied. “If he wants to see me while I’m on leave, call my cellphone and let me know. Maybe he has me mixed up with someone else. I’d like to know more.”
“Have you wanted to know about your biological parents?” Jessica asked.
“Not really. I was adopted as an infant, so I’ve only known the parents who raised me. I loved them very much.”
“You were truly blessed.”
“Yes, I think so. I wish they’d lived longer, but they were in their late fifties when they adopted me.”
“Actually, they lived long lives.”
“True. I was always happy with my parents. I miss them.” Tabitha began to tear up.
“Never mind all of this.” Jessica grabbed a tissue and handed it to her. “Go have a holiday at the beach. Enjoy yourself.”
“I will.” Tabitha nodded. “I’ll give you a call when I get there.”
“Good. The house has been empty for some time. So do call me. I don’t want to worry.”
“As soon as I get there, I’ll call.” Tabitha grabbed her purse and headed out the door.
* * * *
“Hey, kitty.” Tabitha tapped the cat carry case. “I’m going to run into this store to get some snacks to take with us. Be a good kitty while I’m gone.”
The cat meowed, then scratched the side of the carry case.
“Hush now, I’ll be right back.”
Tabitha got out of the car and hurried to the entrance. It was raining exceptionally hard. A strong wind blew into her, nearly pushing her over. Once she was inside the grocery store she grabbed a cart then made her way down the aisles, tossing whatever caught her attention into the basket. When she turned the corner too fast, she ran right into a man and over his feet.
“I’m so sorry.” Tabitha stared down at his feet. “Did I hurt you?” She was so embarrassed she could hardly look at him.
At first he was silent. Tabitha covered her eyes with her hands. “I feel so stupid. I’m really a better driver. Please forgive me.”
“I’m fine. My shoes have seen better days, but it’s okay.”
Out of the corner of her eye, she could see he was grinning. Relieved, she sighed then looked up at him. Shocked—no, stunned—she looked away. He was a gorgeous man, he had beautiful eyes, and they were so familiar. Even his voice was familiar.
A wave of heat hit Tabitha, making her feel faint. She was hot all over, her panties dampened. She ached for him. I’m losing my freaking mind. Her heart raced, and she started to perspire.
“Really, it’s okay. Accidents happen.”
“Thank you for being so understanding.” She raced off, needing to get out of there before she embarrassed herself more.
She looked behind her. He was watching her run away. He stared at her oddly then waved to her. She ducked behind a display to disappear.
Chapter 4
As Jax entered the plush office building, the wind made the glass door bang shut behind him. He’d been in a better mood since the beautiful blonde ran over his shoes in the grocery store. He grinned as he recalled her lovely blushing face and how she’d avoided eye contact.
The swift gust of wind had whipped a stack of papers off the front counter, scattering them all over the lobby. The security guard scurried to gather them. “Good morning, Mr. Aquila.”
“Good morning, Karl.” Jax stopped to watch Karl rush all about trying to collect the papers. With a mere thought, Jax caused the papers to cease moving. “Beautiful day today. The wind’s a bit stiff.” Jax grinned as he made his way to the elevators and pressed the button.
“Yes, sir. It’s cold though, don’t you think?”
“Not to me. Cold doesn’t bother me.”
“The wind just picked up out of nowhere. It had cleared up, but now it looks stormy again.” The wind banged the windows, making them rattle. “Wow, it’s strong. It’s gonna rain hard.” After Karl placed a weight on top of the papers, he jogged over to the bank of elevators to catch up with Jax. Then Karl pressed the elevator button again.
“Thanks, Karl.” Jax grinned.
“No problem. How was your trip from Oceanside? You make the long drive often.”
“I enjoy driving. It gives me time to think.”
Karl glanced at the windows, and Jax noticed he looked nervous.
Jax turned and looked out the windows too. “I think you’re right, it does look like a storm is coming. The sky’s graying quickly.”
“There was no prediction of any storm. Like I said it had cleared up, then the barometer suddenly went nuts, not too long before you walked in.”
The elevator’s indicator light flashed as it passed each floor on the way to the lobby.
“Will you be staying in the penthouse tonight?” Karl asked.
“Yes, I plan t
o be here all weekend.”
A soft ping sounded as the silver doors opened. Jax stepped inside.
“Have a good day,” Karl said.
“Thanks, you too.”
The doors swooshed shut, closing Jax inside the carpeted box. Soft music played from the speakers as it took him to the thirty-second floor. He closed his eyes, thinking of the pretty blonde. He pressed his hand against his semi-erection. She’d been attracted to him, flushing all over, and there was no doubt he was the cause. . .he had smelled her desire, could still smell it. He grinned at the thought. She can run over my shoes any day. He shook his head, trying to clear his wayward thoughts. Okay, time to get serious and get to work. I don’t need to be lusting over some human woman. He adjusted himself and closed his suit jacket.
When the elevator doors opened, Jax walked toward his secretary’s desk. The sun peeked out from behind gray clouds, its muted rays making the polished mahogany floors shine. Large picture windows overlooked the Columbia River. Just as the sun made its appearance, it ducked behind the clouds again. The skies looked like another rainstorm was on its way. Even the river looked angrier.
I probably made the barometer go crazy. Suddenly he was wound up tight, full of anxiety again. He paused, placing his briefcase on the lobby’s desk as he gazed out the windows. He took a deep breath to calm his nerves. Did that woman get me all revved up? I thought I was feeling relaxed. His fingertips prickled as if his power was begging to escape, to pour out of him.
“Hello, Mr. Aquila. Are you all right?”
Jax nodded. “Yes. Yes, I’m fine.”
“You were deep in thought.”
“I guess I was. How are you today, Neva?” Jax leaned against her desk.
“Very good. How did you enjoy your stay at your mother’s home?”
“It was as expected. I enjoyed it.” He shrugged.
“Wonderful. I can’t wait to visit home. Hey, are you sure you’re okay?”
“Yeah, I’m fine. I have a lot on the mind.”
“This is a big weekend for us. The open house is going to pull in a lot of people.”
“That’s probably the reason I’m so deep in thought. There’s so much to think about and do. You leave this weekend for two weeks?”