It wasn’t uncommon for Stephan to cuss and be overly dramatic. She’d heard him go off several times, but he’d never been so angry with her and she couldn’t help the tears that slid down her cheeks. “I’m so sorry. Sincerely, the job is almost done. It’s beautiful. He approved everything before I purchased…”
“Oh, shut it sister. This has nothing to do with the decorating. He told me not to change anything. It’s personal and we both know it.” There was a loud noise when Stephan blew his nose. “Call me when you get to New York.”
Stephan ended the call.
At least he’d not fired her. She let out a breath and looked to the house. It was later than she’d planned and, hopefully, Bryce Forrester would not be angry at her making him late for work. It was best to get it over with, so she took her purse with her and went inside.
On the counter was a note.
Your car is at the mechanics.
Leave the car key fob on the counter.
B. Forrester
She scribbled her own under it.
Kevin White will be here tomorrow.
Thank you for loaning me the car.
Take Care
Sunny
It was Christmas week and she’d spend the holiday away from her family. But it didn’t matter at this point. What was more important was that she’d bring home income. Now to figure out what to do about the puppy and her car and…and her life. Hopefully, Stephan would keep her on.
An hour later, she put down the marker and looked around the familiar surroundings.
The dining and living areas were complete. Art pieces and boxes with what would be final touches were neatly labeled with room and location. She’d left instructions for where furniture that had yet to arrive would go after calling the delivery companies and asking they delay delivery for a day.
The only thing left was the kitchen. Those items would arrive in a couple days and Kevin could handle it.
She looked around for her scarf, but didn’t find it. Annoyed, she rushed through the entire house one last time just as honking sounded. Her cab had arrived.
“Goodbye, Bryce Forrester,” she whispered and closed the door behind her.
New York was cold. And not just the temperature, her entire soul was chilled. Her low heels clipped against the marble flooring of the penthouse she’d taken over decorating for Kevin. Although the ultra-modern décor, a mixture of black and white with splashes of red and orange, called to her love of color, she missed the views of trees and land that surrounded Bryce Forrester’s home. Here from the large windows, all she could see were buildings and traffic.
“It’s absolutely perfect. You must thank Kevin for me. I’m so sorry an emergency pulled him away.” The owner, a stylish woman in her late fifties, looked around the room with a pleased smile. “What is left to do? I’m entertaining tomorrow night.”
“The art for the guestrooms and fresh flowers should arrive in the morning.” Sunny waited, hoping the woman would dismiss her. It wasn’t too late to catch a plane home in time for Christmas.
The woman clasped her hands together, bracelets jingling. “I’d love for you to stay for the party. I spoke to dear Stephan and he is still not up for traveling. He expected to come and promote Parker Interior Design.”
Damn Stephan and his stupid illness. Sunny mustered a bright smile. “Of course. I’d love to.”
“I’m so glad you could come, Mr. Forrester. I want to do a walk through and point out everything before we consider the job complete.” Kevin White turned out to be the most annoying person he’d ever had the displeasure of meeting. The man had no personal space, regarded himself highly and wore overly strong cologne. With perfectly styled hair sporting a bright silver stripe that reminded Bryce of Cruella de Vil, he never stopped talking.
“Here you go.” The decorator waved a hand toward the hallway. “Let’s start in your bedroom. There is something that bothers me. Unless you requested it of course.” They walked to his bedroom and he scanned it, not seeing anything that stood out.
Kevin pranced to the wall behind his bed and held out his hand in a Vanna White pose. “I find it hard to believe you approved this color, Mr. Forrester. It’s so bright and, frankly, out of character compared to the rest of the house.”
The day she’d been listening to music, Sunny had painted that wall herself. They’d kissed that night. He’d been unable to stop himself. The song constantly played in his head as a result of that day. Of the entire house, that one wall stood out. It was true, through the haze of dull walls, of which color he had no idea, this wall he could see was different. The hue to him, a subtle blue, was nice, soothing even.
“What color would you say that is?” he asked Kevin who waited for him to speak.
“It’s a bright Barney purple. If I may offer my opinion, it’s horrible. I can have it repainted right away.”
Somehow she’d figured out his red-green color-blind deficiency and found the one shade he could see. He looked away from the wall, the words to ask Kevin to paint over it on the tip of his tongue. Instead, he moved to the bed and opened the top drawer of his nightstand. Inside was the scarf he’d hidden. “No, leave it. I like it.”
“Oh.” For the first time, Kevin was struck silent. Bryce closed the drawer and strolled past the man to the hallway. “Let’s see the rest of the house. Tell me, what have you done since arriving?”
This question sent the decorator on a tangent. For the next two hours, the man explained every detail of each room. Most of the work, of course, had been done by Sunny and Kevin was quick to point the fact out. All he’d done, really, was oversee the finishing touches, set out décor and stocked the kitchen with all the necessary items which Sunny had ordered prior to leaving.
“Where is she?” Bryce asked, keeping his voice casual.
Kevin looked to his clipboard. “In New York. Stephan could not fire her. She’s the only support for her family. Her stepfather is very ill and, well, I know I shouldn’t give you so much information.” Kevin let out a sigh. “She’s a wonderful person. I don’t know what she did to make you angry, but let me tell you, Mr. Forrester, Sunny is nice, giving and always helping out where she can. As a matter of fact, I brought your little dog she nursed here. I am going away for Christmas and she’s not replying to my last texts about the dog.”
“Moe?” He went to the kitchen and there, in the corner in his bed, was the little, ugly, black dog Sunny had found near the stables. It had grown chubby and wagged its tail in greeting. When it got up and limped toward him, he couldn’t help but chuckle at the silly thing.
“Oh that’s right, Moe. I couldn’t remember its name. Well, I’m glad you’re satisfied. If you will please sign off on the paperwork, I’ll ensure you receive an invoice. Looks like you’re all ready for your holiday soiree.”
In a flurry of activity, the ladders, crates, boxes and stuffing were all cleared out. Within an hour, Kevin and his crew, in addition to their vehicles, were gone, leaving him in a fully furnished, beautifully decorated, silent space.
Moe stood next to the back door and barked softly then scratched at it with his front right paw.
“At least you’re housebroken,” Bryce told the pup as he opened the door and followed him out. “Don’t get too used to living here. You’re going back to Sunny as soon as she gets back.” The idea that he had an excuse to see her again lightened his step and before long, he and the pup were walking around the corral, the brisk air making him smile at the thought of the holidays.
Later, from the front windows, Carla’s car came into view. The woman drove much too fast swerving around the house to park beside the garage. Bryce fed Moe the last piece of his pizza and prepared for what would be an unpleasant conversation. By the way the woman strode toward the front door, she was not happy he’d not returned her calls.
Ten. She’d called ten times that day. Nine more than acceptable in his opinion.
Her icy gaze met his when he opened the door just as
she neared. “I called you. My parents expect you at their home for Christmas dinner. It’s more of a cocktail party really.” She walked past him and looked around the house. “It turned out quite nice. I’m surprised since the woman wore the cheapest clothing I’ve seen in a long time. At least she had good taste.”
“What do you mean by cheap clothes?” Bryce asked, not quite understanding. In his opinion, Sunny always looked put together and classy. He scanned Carla’s jeans, boots and tightfitting, pale pink sweater. She wore pearl earrings and a matching cuff.
“Off the rack. You know, things that cost about twenty bucks before going on sale,” Carla said waving her hand dismissively. “It was obvious the woman is broke.” She closed the distance and draped her arms around his neck. “Why didn’t you call me back?” Her pout was an obvious ploy.
“I was very busy today.
Her lips pressed to the side of his throat and she pulled his head down. “Let’s talk right now. I need you, Bryce. We have so much in common. We are in the same social circles. Tell me what you want from me?”
Lie. Bryce pulled her arms from around his neck and stepped back. “I don’t want to hurt you, Carla.”
Her eyes narrowed and nostrils flared. “You called me the other day. I came because you called. How can you now say you don’t want anything?”
“I made a mistake.”
As usual, she advanced prepared to fight. Carla’s mouth twisted in anger. “So what the hell was it? A booty call? Seriously?”
Admittedly, he’d called her because, at that moment, he’d been too close to sleeping with Sunny. Now he had to consider what the repercussions would be when she returned from New York. There’d be a scene, of course. She’d be like Carla and Alexa, who’d been there the morning Sunny showed up.
He always managed to anger women. While Braylen remained friends with most of his casual hookups, Bryce got cussed out and slapped. “No Carla, it’s just that I thought I could be ready for a relationship, but I’m not. Not right now. I am sorry.”
Moe hobbled out and Carla took a step back. “What the hell is that?” She moved further back. “That is the ugliest thing I’ve ever seen.”
Bryce leaned over and picked up the puppy that yapped with happiness. “He’s not that ugly. Needs some grooming or something.”
“If I leave, if you allow me to walk out the door, I won’t return.” Carla ignored the dog and focused on him. “Tell me now. Is it over?”
The same words she’d said the last time they’d broken up. Bryce hated knowing she was hurt. Carla, although shallow and pampered, was not a bad person. “It’s best you go.”
Her shiny eyes searched his face as if expecting him to change his mind. “You’ll be so sorry.” She turned on her heel and stomped out, the slam of the door made both Bryce and Moe jump.
“I’m going to bed,” Bryce said out loud and headed towards his bedroom with the dog.
The day after Christmas, a showdown with Sunny and then he could return to his solitary and, admittedly, boring life.
Chapter Nine
Christmas had turned out to be more enjoyable than Sunny expected. There was magic in the air in New York City. Festive displays, music and way too many lights, which had brightened her holiday. She’d met up with a college friend and had an enjoyable meal with her friend’s family on Christmas day.
Now, as her cab pulled up to her office, she let out a breath and wondered what would happen when meeting with Stephan that afternoon. He’d seemed in a good mood when they’d talked on the phone last. Since her commission had stayed the same, thanks to her and Kevin switching jobs, Sunny could afford to pay for car repairs and save money for whatever treatments her stepfather required next.
“Hello, Doll, it’s been forever.” Stephan greeted her with a kiss on both cheeks. Sunny laughed in spite of herself. The man could be overly dramatic.
She studied his still pale complexion. “You’re not contagious are you?”
“No, I had pneumonia, it’s not something people catch. I finally feel somewhat normal.”
They walked to her office and she looked around searching for Moe. “Where is my dog? I thought Kevin was bringing him here.”
The silence greeting her made her heart stop. “Tell me Moe is okay.” She leaned forward, her hand flat against her breast. “Stephan?”
“We thought you were taking care of it, not that he was yours. You told Kevin you found him injured at Forrester’s.”
“He was a stray. You didn’t take him to the shelter did you?” Sunny couldn’t help the high pitch. She jumped to her feet prepared to go to the local shelter only to realize she had no car. “Shit, Stephan, how could you?”
“Calm down. Let me make a call. Kevin dropped him off to Bryce Forrester.”
“I’ll go and get him. Just don’t let me find out that man took him to the shelter. Bryce Forrester is not a nice person.”
Stephan let out a breath. “Kevin likes him. Said he was always polite. Distant, but polite.”
“Can I borrow your car?” Sunny neared her boss’ desk. “I have to go see about Moe.”
“Aren’t you the least bit interested in what your next assignment is?” Stephan covered the keys lying on his desk with both hands. “You’ll be excited.”
“My God, Stephan, please just tell me. I’m a bundle of nerves.” Sunny forced herself to be patient. The man drove her nuts at times, but he was a good boss, so she could not complain.
“Braylen Forrester wants you to redesign the new retail space in London after the New Year. How interesting is that?”
Sunny frowned, opened her mouth and closed it again. “What? I’ve never done retail space, that’s Kevin’s specialty. Why would he ask for me after his brother fired me?”
“Right?” Stephan lifted the keys and held them out. “I was hoping you’d enlighten me.”
“I couldn’t possibly do it. It’s not going to work. I mean, I need the work…” She lowered into a chair, forgetting about Moe for a moment. “I’ll think about it. Maybe meet with him and talk.”
Stephan waved her away. “I’ll text you his contact info. Now go see about the dog and your car. I need my vehicle back by six.”
At first glance, Bryce Forrester’s house looked to be empty. Sunny parked in front of the garage and rushed to the front door. After pressing the doorbell twice without answer, she knocked, then leaned on the door and pressed her ear to it. No barking.
She rounded to the back and stopped at spotting them. Bryce was crouched down rolling a ball towards Moe, who picked it up and brought it to him. They repeated the process and each time, Bryce patted the dog’s head and praised him with exaggerated gleeful tones.
Moe’s ears went up and he turned to Sunny. The precious dog yapped happily and hobbled toward her as fast as he could. Sunny rushed to him, picked him up and kissed his ugly face.
She held the wiggling dog against her and looked to Bryce who now stood holding the ball.
The sunlight shone on his tussled hair. Wearing jeans and a gray sweater, he looked perfect. She’d forgotten how wide his shoulders were and the strong lines of his body as it tapered to a trim waist. Instantly, she remembered his nude body, his skin and scent.
Sunny took a breath and looked past his left shoulder. “I’m sorry about this. Kevin misunderstood and thought Moe was yours.”
“Not a problem. He’s a good dog.”
“Can I get his bed and carrier please?” She met his eyes for an instant.
Big. Mistake.
Her heartbeat quickened and she had to swallow at the heat in his gaze. Sunny turned away, heading to the house and hoping he’d follow, give her Moe’s things and she could be on her way.
The house looked amazing. She couldn’t help but stop and look around. Her lips curved. Bryce stood by silently.
“I hope you like the end product.” She was proud and couldn’t help smiling at him. He fired you. Her brain reminded her and she turned to the kitchen where sh
e hoped Moe’s things were.
“I am. You did a good job.” He remained at the same spot. “His things are in my bedroom.”
No way in hell was she going there. “Oh. I’ll just wait here.”
He turned and looked at her, the usual neutral expression in place. “I want to show you something.”
Holding Moe against her chest, she followed him down the hallway, her eyes moving from his broad back to his pert behind before she caught herself and looked at the back of his head. “Is something wrong?”
He motioned for her to enter and, of course, her gaze went straight to the bed. Shit. She let out a breath. “It turned out very nice.” There was a wooden frame above the headboard framing a metal design. On the side wall above the dresser were black and white pictures she’d taken of the trees outside. On the dresser itself, beside a tray to hold his watch and wallet, was a framed black and white portrait of Bryce and his brother when they were children.
The purple wall behind his bed didn’t fit the room layout as much as most would expect, but she’d off-put the bright color by using muted purple pillows on the bed, which was unmade at the moment.
“I didn’t approve that color.” He looked to the purple wall. “Kevin pointed out it was bright purple.”
Unsure what to say, she bit her lip. Moe’s things were at the foot of the bed. He’d let the little dog sleep with him. Her heart melted just a bit to know the man might not be a total asshole. “I will have it repainted free of charge.”
“It’s the only wall I can see color on. It looks blue to me. I like it. Thank you.”
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