by Shell, C.
"I thought you stopped coming to these meetings, Daemon. What are you up to?" Trey makes a coughing noise while trying to hide his laugh. So much for him helping me.
I don't understand how he handles Sasha. She is gorgeous and one hell of a business woman, but she also has a fiery side that knows no bounds and has yet to learn to filter whatever she is thinking. She is completely opposite of my, Kelly.
I watch as she leans up against the front of her desk, arms crossed, and a challenging look plastered across her pretty face. If this is how she treats her clients, I almost feel sorry for the people she goes after. I have no doubt they wish they had never heard of her name by the time she is done with them.
"Why do you hate me, Sasha?" I ask, honestly intrigued to hear her answer. I am not used to women being so hateful towards until after I have slept with them and they realize that no matter how many times they bat their eyes, or shake their breasts in my face, I am not coming back for seconds. Until Kelly, no woman was worth a second tasting.
"I don't hate you, Daemon," she sighs. "I'm worried you will hurt my friend. She needs something simple and easy in her life. I don't see you being that person."
Damn, she really does not hold back any punches. Tapping her nails against her desk she bows her head and continues. "I was rooting for you at the charity event, but after seeing how confused and wide-eyed she was after that little escape you two made, I realized she is not ready yet for a man like you."
Interesting choice of words...My interest is peaked. She has said several things that has my mind swirling. "Why does she need simple and easy?" I growl thinking the worst. Surely, Gary did not harm her while they were together. "What happened that makes you think she would need, let alone want, that in her life?"
She does not answer me and I her silence is beginning to piss me off. I can tell she is trying to weigh the options of letting me in versus keeping me away. Trey sensing the same thing, steps up beside her, and pulls her into his arms. Sasha instantly melts against him. Wow, the ice princess can actually feel something for someone else.
"You are playing unfair, Trey," she pouts. "You want me to help him, don't you?" She asks glancing up at him.
"Give the poor bastard a bone, baby," he says planting small kisses up and down her neck. I hear her audibly sigh. It takes everything I have not to do a fist pump in the air as my baby brother comes to my rescue.
"I will help you if you promise to tell me why you want Kelly so bad. You could have any girl of your choice and from rumors circulating; you have had more than your fair share." Pointing a finger towards my dick, she narrows her eyes and adds," No lies either, Mr. Scott. I eat up men like you daily and have no problem ripping your dick off if you hurt her."
Cringing at the mental picture, I shake my head. "Damn Trey, you really like to walk on the wild side. I hope you know what you are getting yourself into with this one." Sasha reaches over and gives him a light kiss while flipping me off behind her back.
Chuckling, Trey nods in agreement. "What can I say? She is all the woman I need. And it doesn't hurt that she is a wildcat under the sheets. What more could a man want?" He muses out-loud.
Sasha tries to make a swipe at him for his crass comment, but he is quicker than she is and has her pinned against the desk before she can comprehend what has happened.
Raking a frustrated hand through my hair, I ignore their banter and take a seat in one of her white leather chairs in front of her desk. I am tired of playing games and want to finish this meeting. I need to plan out the rest of my day and what my next move is with regards to Kelly.
Making a coughing noise, I get both of their attentions. I wait until they are both finished with their kiss and I have Sasha's full attention again.
"Okay you win. I will play this your way." I concede.
Leaning forward, I place my hands on my knees and prop my head on them, giving her a pointed stare. "Kelly intrigues me in a way I never thought another person could. I know she is smart and can handle herself, but she pulls at something in me that makes me want to take care of her." Frustrated, I let out a low growl. Making an exaggerated effort, I flop back into the chair. "I can't explain it. I just need to be with her. Please, help me figure out how to do that."
I can tell by the way she keeps tapping her nails against the desk; she is deep in thought again over my request. Sasha has no idea how hard it is for me to come and ask for her help. I am not one who ever says 'Please' and doing so now does not sit well with me. Not that I have much choice in the matter. She has information that I need. As with everything I do in life, I play to win and one way or another I will win Kelly's heart.
"Ok lover-boy. I will fill you in on our dear, Kelly," she concedes, "but, my earlier threat still stands. Don't break her heart or I will tear yours out. Understand?"
"Scouts honor. I won't hurt her," I say holding up two fingers against my heart.
Over the course of the next hour, Sasha gives me a short rundown version on Kelly's sheltered life and Gary. I can't imagine how he ever allowed a catch like her slip through his fingers. Hearing how he never appreciated her and treated her more like a possession, instead of the sexy woman she is, has me seeing red. A woman like Kelly deserves to be doted on and cherished, not forgotten and set aside.
By the time I walk back out of her double glass doors, I have a plan in mind. One that will show Kelly just how special she is and that my intentions are pure. Whoever said that old saying about 'once a dog always a dog' never had a gem like Kelly to turn his world upside down.
Chapter 7 - Kelly
Throwing my head back in exasperation, I stare at my office door willing Charity to hurry up and bring me the samples I requested over twenty minutes ago. Pulling the Scott file in front of me once again, I go over the flooring options- checking measurements, and making sure all is in order before I begin creating a quote for him.
I have not heard from Daemon in five days. Five very long boring days. I thought he would at least call me once since Saturday. To my utter surprise and disappointment he has not tried to contact me at all.
I keep telling myself, this is exactly what I wanted and I should be happy, but I'm not. I even came close to fabricating a story about needing to get new measurements of his office just so I could call him, but chickened out at the last moment. Instead, I spent the night drowning my sorrows in two large bowls of chocolate chip ice cream and watching The Notebook.
Hearing the door open I glance up relieved to see Charity stick her head around the door. My relief quickly turns to confusion when I see her toting in not only my samples, but a large bouquet of the most beautiful purple and yellow tulips I have ever seen. Leaping from behind my desk, I step forward to help relieve her of the flowers, before she drops either them or my priceless samples from Spain.
"So, who is your anonymous admirer?" Charity asks pointedly between loud smacks of her gum.
"What are you talking about?" I ask wondering if all the fumes from the newly painted reception room has gone to her head.
Picking out a personal card hidden inside the flower arrangement, she gives me a sly smile while handing it over to me. "I am talking about the card silly. It is signed from a secret admirer. Who do you think it is?"
I give her a flabbergasted look. I am pissed that she had the nerve to look at my personal note without my permission. I swear the girl has no boundaries. She continues to bounce on her feet waiting for me to read the card even though she obviously already knows what it says.
"That will be all Charity," I say giving her a pointed look. I refuse to look down at the envelope and card until she leaves. Pursing her pouty red lips together, she huffs a harsh breath, turns and stomps her way out of my office.
Good riddance! That girl is going to literally drive me crazy one of these days.
Plopping back into my chair, I stare at the beautiful flowers now sitting on the edge of my desk, then back down to the card in my hand. Scrolling my fingers over the top of
the envelope, I admire the expensive heavy ivory card stock. My name is handwritten in beautifully flourished calligraphy on the outside of it.
Ignoring the butterflies knocking around in my belly, I open the small envelope and pull the card out. I notice right away the message is written in the same carefully scripted calligraphy.
To my beautiful Tulip:
Enjoy the first of many gifts I plan on bestowing upon you. I take care of what is mine. And make no mistake Kelly, you are mine.
Anonymously Yours
********
Throwing the card in my handbag, I groan and lay my head down on my desk. I can feel a massive headache coming on and it is all because of a certain bossy man. I re-read the card so many times the damn message is it now etched in my memory. I couldn't forget it if I wanted to.
Now, I just need to figure out what to do about it. My gut is telling me to ignore it and not give him another thought, but my body and libido wants me to call him. Hell, they want me to jump his bones and ask for seconds, but I think that is going a bit far.
Not sure which choice to make. I do the only normal thing any successful, smart, young woman in my position would do. I play eenie meeny miny moe and leave my decision up to fate. Okay, so not everyone would to play the silly childhood game to make a major life decision, but it never failed me before. In fact, it always helped me out when I was younger and my dad would take me to the local Dairy Queen for an ice cream shake and I had to pick between my two favorite flavors, vanilla or chocolate.
I am halfway through the childhood nursery rhyme when my cell phone rings and throws me off my train of thought. Digging around in my oversized purse that holds everything from make-up to my favorite candy, I finally find it stuffed in the inside zipper compartment. I hit accept immediately knowing that at any minute the call will be transferred to voicemail and all my searching would have been in vain.
Cradling the phone between my ear and shoulder, I say "Kelly Dawson here," using my professional working voice
The moment I hear his voice on the other end of the phone my confidence takes a nose dive and I am left sounding more like a blubbering idiot.
"Good Morning, Tulip. Enjoying your flowers?"
Hearing his deep voice and the sound of my new pet name has my insides clenching and my lady bits yearning. I shake my head knowing I need to find a way to get control of the situation before it goes too far and I am left with nothing, but a broken heart and dead flowers.
"Good morning, to you to Daemon," I snap. "Now that our pleasantries are out of the way, cut the crap and explain why in the hell you sent me flowers to my work place? My secretary is practically drooling and in a tailspin trying to find out who my secret admirer is."
"I thought it was very clever on my part," he pouts. "Now, I can send you all the gifts I desire and no one will be the wiser that you are over stepping the boundaries and having a relationship with me outside of work."
Daemon seems amused which does not sit well with me. How dare he act like my job status is a game to be played with. He already knows I am not as strong as I appear and won't be able to hold him back much longer. The chemistry between us is too strong and raw to deny forever.
Wait...Did he say relationship?
"I know I have been out of the dating pool for a while, but when did casual make-outs and groping equal a relationship?" I ask warily.
"Since I decided you were worth more than just a casual fling."
"Oh..." I am at a complete loss of words. This is news to me. Is he being serious or is some type of master seduction trick to get me to sleep with him?
"Cat got your tongue?" He laughs. I can almost imagine the smirk donning his lips.
"Something like that," I grumble. "You are playing a dangerous game, Daemon. What if someone figures out that you are my Anonymously Yours? Then what? Your world continues on as it is now and mine is left shattered and destroyed. "
"You let me worry about that," he murmurs. "I won't let anyone find out and will protect you at all costs. You have my word on that. Now, stop worrying and update me on how my building is coming along." His clipped tone leaves no room for arguments and truthfully I am too worn out to fight with him anymore.
Letting out a deep sigh, I go through the flooring options I've came up with and explain which paint and crown molding samples I need his approval on. After several arguments on chrome fixtures verses gold ones, we finally end the call with a meeting set up for next Monday morning to finalize all the loose ends. I am ready to get all this part finished so I can finally order everything and get down to business.
The rest of the day goes by rather smoothly. Noticing the time on the clock, I pack up my bags and send Sasha and Tony a quick text telling them I am about to leave work and will meet them at the bar near my house in about thirty minutes. I am in desperate need for drinks and friends tonight. Heaving my heavy satchel filled with files and my laptop over my shoulder, I say a quick good-bye to Charity and head out of the building.
The heated air envelops me the moment I step out the door. Cursing Mother Nature, I sprint across the parking lot determined to get inside my car before my hair turns frizzy and I look like I put my finger in a light socket. Slamming the door shut, I strap myself in the seatbelt, start the car, and flip the a/c button on.
Nothing happens! Panicking, I hit the air conditioning button several more times determined that it must be a mistake. Surely, if I continue to pound on it, then it will eventually turn on...Right? Why won't it turn on?
"Shit...Shit...Shit..." I scream, hitting my steering wheel over and over. I don't caring if anyone sees the childish tantrum I am throwing. It is so hot! Rolling down all my windows, I pull my hair up into a messy bun on top of my head and drive towards the bar. It does not matter how fast I drive, the only thing circulating inside this car is hot air.
By the time I arrive to the bar I am covered in sweat. My make-up is practically sliding down my face and my clothes are sticking to me. I feel disgusting. Grabbing my purse, I stride into the bar and head straight to the bathroom so I can clean myself up.
The cool air conditioning is heaven on my heated skin. Washing away my old make-up, I dig out my beauty bag and re-apply some mascara, blush, and lip gloss. Running a brush through my thick mane of hair I manage to smooth it up into a low ponytail and finish myself off with a spritz of my favorite perfume. Staring at myself in the mirror, I am pleased enough with my appearance and leave the room in search of my friends.
Weaving in and out of patrons and scattered tables, I find Sasha and Tony seated in a booth towards the back of the room. Sliding in the booth besides Sasha I lay my head down on her shoulder and make a sad noise.
"What the hell happened to you, Love?" Tony asks. His eyes are wide and etched with concern.
"My a/c wouldn't turn on in my car. It was like driving around in my own personal sauna," I whimper. "I hate the Texas heat."
"You poor baby," Sasha gushes, her mouth pursed up in perfect pout. "There is no way you can continue driving around in that thing with no air conditioning. You will melt down to a puddle of nothing."
"I don't have much of a choice right now. I just spent most of my savings when I updated the counter tops in my kitchen," I say in a huff. "I can get it into the shop at the end of next week when I get paid again. Until then I will just have to deal with it and try to only wear light clothing and pray that this heat wave settles down some."
"Oh man that really sucks. I am so sorry, sweetie," Tony says with a wrinkle of his nose.
"Enough about my problems," I groan with a wave of my hand. "I need a drink. The bigger the better," I giggle.
Tony waves over the young blonde bombshell waitress and orders all of us a round of tequila shots and three margaritas on the rocks. "Drinks are on me tonight," he muses. Normally I would raise a fuss and demand to pay for my own drinks, but considering I need to save up all the money I can to pay for my car repairs, I just mouth him a 'thank you'.
&
nbsp; After two shots I finally loosen up and tell them about Daemon's gift and the conversation we had on the phone. I expect Sasha to go into a hissy fit and give me all her expert advice on how to handle a man like him, but she is unusually quiet tonight.
"So, have you finally sunk your claws into Trey Scott yet?" I ask with a cheeky grin.
Sasha blushes bright red. I have never seen her blush over any guy and if I had not seen it myself I would not have believed it to be true. "That good?" I ask with a raised brow.
"He is a total surprise," she gushes. "I swear at times he knows what my body needs before I do," she muses while fiddling with the straw in her drink. "Besides that he is actually really smart and a good listener. We have spent a few nights just hanging out and watching movies at my place with no sex involved. I feel comfortable with him."
My eyes widen at her admission. Sasha has always been all about the sex and never about the cuddly get to know you part of a relationship. It is her way of enjoying men without having to worry about them getting attached or worse yet, her getting attached to them.
Tony and I share a knowing look, but don't say anything more. Pushing Sasha on details or giving her any advice is a sure way of scaring her and making her put the brakes on from anything more developing between her and Trey. That is the last thing we both want to see happen.
Feeling the effects from my last drinks start to kick in, I call it a night and gather my things to head on home. I tell Tony and Sasha goodnight and promise to text them when I get home so they know I made it there safely. Sliding out of the booth I slowly head towards the door not looking forward to climbing back into my hot car.
Walking outside, I scan the parking lot, but my car in nowhere in sight. In fact the spot where I left it is now filled with a gorgeous black, top of the line, Mercedes with an older tall gentleman with graying salt and pepper hair standing beside it. I can feel the panic building within me.