Stuck in Between (Bound by Your Love)

by Bennett, Blakely

  “What?”

  “No one can be that mad at someone for that long.”

  “Don’t be silly. I just figured he was jealous and wanted Bond for himself.”

  “Oh my god, oh my god.” He laughed so hard he fell out of the chair. “That has to be the funniest thing I’ve heard in a long, long time.”

  I giggled along with him. “Shall we play a game?”

  “Later, let’s go see who else is here.” He grabbed my hand and we strolled into the main part of the house together.

  Most of the gang had showed, but I didn’t see Bond and wondered if he had to work.

  “Hey Jacqs,” Cat said when she stood to give me a hug. Sleek as ever in her tight black jeans, and fitted leather vest.

  “How’s it going?” I asked. I saw Kevin over her shoulder, and he had an odd expression on his face. “Is all okay with Kev?”

  “We had another fight and I told him to give me some space.”

  “Anything I can help with?”

  “No, I’m sure it will blow over. Right at the moment, however, I’m still angry.” She glared in his direction. “PMS isn’t helping.”

  “It never does.” I smiled and said, “Well, if you want to talk, I’m available for listening.”

  “Yeah, maybe later.”

  I headed over to Kevin, but Blue intercepted me with a warm embrace. Sweet Judy Blue Eyes had the brightest and lightest blue eyes I had ever seen. Also petite, but a few inches taller than I, her large breasts made her appear voluptuous.

  “It’s been awhile,” Blue said.

  “Sure has. Are you doing okay?” I could see that Red stood in the kitchen, pacing back and forth, beer in hand. I took my own sweet time greeting my friends.

  “Yeah, I’ve just been writing a lot and spending my free time working on a book.”

  “A book? Fiction?”

  “Yeah, centered on a group kind of like ours.”

  “That should be interesting,” I said, chuckling. “I’d love to read it.”

  “I’m not ready to share it. I hear you and Red have made up.”

  “If you can call it that,” I said, glancing in his direction.

  “I’m sure Bond will be happy that you guys are getting along better.”

  I shrugged. “I guess that remains to be seen.”

  “Red’s not such a bad guy.”

  Looking back, I said, “Yeah, I know.”

  Kevin came over and we hugged each other tightly. Stay and I had a playful friendship but Kev had become the brother I never had. He never judged me and I loved him dearly for it. Kev wore red, skinny jeans and a black sleeveless shirt with a picture of the Kinks on it. Blonde hair, as always, spiked to perfection.

  “You know what time of the month it is, right?” I said to him.

  “Oh shit, I completely forgot. I guess I shouldn’t have teased her.”

  “Probably not the best of ideas. I’m sure she will be fine in a bit. Just let her come find you when she’s ready.”

  “Thanks, Jacqs. Do you know the group is speculating about you and Red,” he said, tilting his head in Red’s direction.

  “I got that impression from Stay.”

  “Damn good to have him back.”

  “Yes it is. He thinks Red has a thing for me.” I glanced up and saw Red staring. He looked stern and confident in his relaxed jeans and maroon crew neck shirt. I smiled slightly and saw his face transform. We would not be able to keep the truth about us hidden for long.

  “That wouldn’t be the worst thing in the world,” Kev said.

  “I’m not sure Bond would agree with you.”

  “I love the man, but you deserve to be happy. I was so proud of you this weekend even if it was alcohol induced.”

  “Yeah, well, my head wasn’t happy with me in the morning,” I said, touching his sleeve.

  “Red’s in the kitchen and I get the distinct impression he is impatient to talk to you.”

  “Have you seen Bond?”

  “He hasn’t arrived yet. Wonder who’s driving him this time.”

  “Good question.”

  Kevin and I hugged again and I headed to the kitchen.

  Red leaned against the counter with his arms folded across his chest. “I’ve been patiently—”

  “You mean impatiently,” I said, feeling his vibe.

  He chuckled and said, “Do you think there will ever be a time that you’ll cut me some slack?”

  “I wouldn’t count on it ... or wait for it either,” I said. I imagined my beaming smile gave me away.

  Speaking softly he said, “When you look at me like that, I want to kiss you so deeply that you do your sweet little moans for me.”

  “Shh,” I said, already getting turned on by him.

  “When do we get to hug?”

  “Can’t answer that. Our friends are already speculating about us. I wonder if they have shared their ideas with Bond.”

  “I spoke to him earlier and I would guess the answer to that is no, not yet. Would you like something to drink?” he asked, standing up straight and opening the refrigerator.

  “I think I’d better stick to water. I need my wits about me around you.”

  “That’s probably wise,” he said, hunching his shoulders to be closer to me. “I spoke to Ted and they haven’t yet filled the position. He’d like you to come by tomorrow at eleven. Please come meet me here after. We can take the Sessa out on the water for a few hours.”

  “I’m still not sure a job at your firm is a great idea.”

  “What’ve you got to lose? Do you have a resume put together?”

  “I updated it a couple of months ago when I started thinking about looking for a new job.”

  “Good. Give me your phone,” he said, holding out his hand.

  “Why?” I said, standing up taller with my shoulders back.

  “So I can give you my numbers, silly, and the address to my office building.”

  “Oh,” I said, laughing.

  “Great to see you guys getting along,” Bond said, slapping Red on the back twice. “Need something to drink, Jacqs?”

  “I’m good,” I said. Guilt twisted in my gut. I glanced at Red and he could read the expression on my face.

  “What’re you guys conspiring about?” Bond asked after he opened his beer.

  “Jacqs needs a new job and I lined up an interview for her.”

  “I’ve been telling her for months to get the hell out of there. I’d have already punched out Henry if she’d let me. Good luck, J and let me know how it goes.”

  “I will. How come you didn’t call me for a ride?” I asked.

  “I was already in the area and had a friend drop me by.”

  I wondered if it might be Blondie. We women tended to come back to Bond for more torture.

  “Listen, I need you to get a black dress for the party on Saturday,” Bond said.

  “Black? Have you seen my closet?”

  “Yes, although I love all the crazy colors you usually wear, I’m asking you, begging you, to get a black dress for the event. They’re having it at the house.”

  “I’ll see what Lainie has.”

  Before I had a chance to object, Bond lifted me up in a big hug and kissed my lips. “Thank you so much for going with me. I owe you again.”

  “I’ve stopped keeping track,” I said as I squirmed to get down.

  Softly placing me back on my feet, he said, “I haven’t.”

  Bond and Red both stared at me, and I felt my body respond. What the hell am I getting myself into?

  “Umm … well … Stay wanted to play a game of pool so I’m going to find him,” I said, pivoting on the spot and scanning the room for Stay. I saw him out back and waved frantically for him to come inside the house.

  “Pool?” I said, as calmly as possible. “Please,” I whispered.

  “Let’s do it,” he said, looping his arm through mine.

  I breathed out a huge sigh of relief as we trotted to the game r
oom. I spent the rest of the evening successfully avoiding Bond and Red.

  On the drive home, I pondered whether or not I would go by Red’s the next day after my interview. Wanting to see him again, I didn’t think I could keep myself away.

  CHAPTER SIX

  Trouble Sleeping

  by Corinne Bailey Rae

  I dressed in my most conservative outfit and pinned back my hair. I had no idea what kind of atmosphere I would encounter at Red’s office. I prayed that he chose to stay home, as he said he would, waiting for me. I didn’t think I could go through with the interview if I saw him first, reminding me that he owned the business.

  After calling into my office to let them know I would be out, I finished the rest of my coffee, rinsed out the cup and placed it in the dishwasher. I placed a second call to my nurse practitioner’s office and the staff said I could pick up the script for blood work. They told me I should wait at least a week or more since my last sexual encounter before taking the STD tests, so I decided to wait until the following week to take them.

  After briefly stopping at the doctor’s office to get the lab script, I drove to Red’s office building, nervousness bubbling in my stomach. I should have eaten something first.

  Shock overtook me as I walked into the office building. In contrast to Red’s antique filled home, the ultra-modern décor surprised me. The lobby had marble tiled floors and orange vinyl chairs and couches with a circular glass coffee table between them. Large mirrors filled the left wall, and a long desk ran the length of the back of the room with a receptionist busy at work on the phones.

  “May I help you?” the receptionist asked. Noticing her casual attire, my gray fitted suit seemed out of place.

  “I have a meeting with Mr. Thompson at eleven, but I’m a few minutes early,” I said, tightly clutching my purse and the folder that held my resume.

  “He’s expecting you. Go up to the third floor, and it’s down the hall to the left.” She signaled to the right of her, showing me to the elevators.

  As an afterthought I asked, “Do you like working here?”

  “Love it. I’m getting my degree, and I’ll be able to move up in the corporation. They’re paying for my schooling.”

  I wanted to ask her about Red, but I still didn’t know his real name. “Thank you,” I said as the elevator doors began to shut.

  She smiled, waved, and said, “Good luck.”

  The receptionist must have let Ted know I had arrived because he greeted me as I approached. He ushered me past him.

  The corner office held a dark wood L-shaped table to the left and a six person conference table on the right. Windows lined two sides overlooking downtown Fort Lauderdale.

  “Nice view,” I said, holding out my hand toward him.

  “I’m fond of it myself.” He shook my hand and motioned for me to sit in one of the chairs in front of his large desk. “Aidan highly recommended you so this meeting is a mere formality.”

  Ted had a kind face, a full head of salt and pepper hair and warm gray eyes. I liked him instantly.

  “That’s really nice of him but he doesn’t know my work history.” Aidan, I thought, that name certainly fits the big Neanderthal.

  “He knows people, plus he told me you’ve been working at the same job for the last six years, since you graduated from college. Is that accurate?”

  “Yes it is,” I said, sitting up straight, making sure not to slump my shoulders, which I tended to do when I got nervous.

  “He also said you have experience in calendar management, all other things administrative, marketing, and some sales support.”

  “Huh, yes, that’s right. I also have experience with event planning and general office management.”

  “Well then, you’re more than qualified for this position. Cynthia will be leaving in another month and a half or so. Here are the salary offerings and benefits. My card is inside. Take a look over the papers, and if you decide to take the job you could start two weeks from Monday, which would give Cynthia a month to train you. That way if she has to miss a day or two, you both will have plenty of time to make the transition.”

  “That’s it?”

  “That’s it. It was a pleasure to meet you,” he said, standing and walking me to the door.

  “Thank you so much for your time.”

  “You’ve made filling a vacancy incredibly easy and I get the feeling we’ll work well together.”

  “I appreciate the chance.”

  Once I got into my car I skimmed through the offer and figured Red/Aidan had to be behind it. I drove straight to his place without thinking twice about it. I unpinned my hair, shaking it out so it hung against my back.

  I walked right in as I always had and strolled through the empty house. Red, in swimming trunks, stood out back with an attractive woman. Lowering onto the couch that faced the French doors, I watched an argument take place.

  The tall woman with silky, straight, red hair gestured wildly. Heat ran up my neck, and I considered leaving. As I rose to do so, Red noticed me in the house. He held his palms out to the woman, waving for her to stop. He glided toward me in long strides and lifted me up, kissing me firmly on the lips. I no longer worried about who the other woman might be.

  “A bit overdressed?” he said.

  “You didn’t warn me that your office dresses rather casual.”

  “Come meet my sister.” He took my hand and led me to the back.

  “She seems angry. Are you sure this is a good—”

  “I have to hide you from everyone else, but not her.”

  “Okay,” I said as I followed him willingly.

  “Jacqs, this is Aideen; Aideen, this is my girlfriend Jacqueline.”

  “Nice to meet you,” she said. “It’s been awhile since Aidan called anyone ‘girlfriend.’”

  “Nice to meet you as well. I had no idea Red had a sister, let alone a twin.”

  She glanced in Red’s direction and back to me. It was hard not to be intimidated by her looks and immaculate attire.

  “And in all honesty, we’re still sorting out what we are,” I said.

  “I know my brother well and when he decides, watch out.”

  “Yes,” I said, laughing. “I’ve figured that out for myself as well.” I looked at Red who smiled warmly in my direction. “You seemed to be in an intense conversation when I arrived. I should let you get back to it.”

  “Not necessary. He’d already informed me he had plans today. I was trying to convince him to call our parents. It’s an ongoing fight with us.”

  “How is it I never knew about you?” I asked.

  “I’ve just recently moved back to the states and he likes to keep me hidden.” Her red hair shimmered in the light as she tilted her head.

  “Dare I ask why?” I peeked at Red and he raised an eyebrow.

  “Oh, I had a crush on Bond when we were in high school and Aidan’s worried that I still intend to carry it out.”

  I blushed uncontrollably and felt like crawling back into Red’s boat to hide.

  “She’s not the same one you told me about a few years ago, is she?” she shot at Red.

  “Yes, she is,” he said, coolly.

  “You talked to your sister about me years ago?” I said with an incredulous expression.

  “Oh, Jacqueline, he has it bad for you. For a long time now.”

  “Aideen,” Red said in stern warning.

  “As I told you then, given Bond’s history, I’d tread carefully.”

  “You know Bond’s history?” I asked.

  “Aidan and I talk about pretty much everything and yet he failed to mention that his current interest was the same as Bond’s on and off again girlfriend.”

  “I assumed you realized that on your own,” Red said. “Her name hasn’t changed.”

  “You know me and names, in one ear and out the other. I’ll let you kids go play—”

  “No dire words of warning?” Red asked.

  “You didn’t
let me finish. Don’t wait too long to tell him the truth. As incestuous as your group is, he’ll figure it out soon enough.”

  “I totally agree,” I said. “I figured I’d have a good idea whether or not I wanted to kick Red to the curb after today.”

  “Oh, I like her bro. She’ll keep you in line.” Aideen gathered her purse to leave. “Call Mom. She misses you terribly, and you know how she hates email.”

  “I hope I get to see you again,” I said. I felt inclined to hug her but hesitated.

  “I’d like that as well.” She embraced Red, whispering something in his ear I couldn’t hear. Then she hugged me goodbye.

  After she had left, I said, “That was interesting. What else don’t I know about you? Do you have a wife hiding in a trunk?” I strutted over to the container that held the towels and pretended to look inside. “More siblings in the trunk in your room?”

  “Get over here, woman,” he said, grabbing me up in his arms. “I definitely have something hidden in the trunk upstairs.” He raised his eyebrows a couple of times.

  “Oh, do tell.”

  “In due time. Please tell me you brought a bikini, and you plan to change out of that stodgy outfit you have on.”

  “Right here?” I said with a wink.

  “Don’t tempt me,” he said, grabbing for me again.

  I ran, just out of reach, to the downstairs bathroom, laughing and scooping up my purse on the way. I sat on the covered toilet seat and texted Bond.

  Me: I got the job, but I haven’t decided if I’m going to take it.

  Bond: Did you like the guy?

  Me: Yes.

  Bond: Are the terms good?

  Me: Yes.

  Bond: Well then it seems like a no-brainer to me.

  Me: You know me, I don’t usually do change this fast.

  Bond: Jacqs, you’re being silly. This isn’t fast. It’s incredibly slow. You’ve been putting up with this asshole for months or is it a year now?

  Me: Close to a year.

  Bond: You’ve made my point.

  Me: You’re right. Got to go. See you Saturday.

  Bond: Bye love.

  I slipped into a bright blue, strapless, two-piece bathing suit that had black accents at the hips. After I had pulled my hair into a ponytail, I cleaned up the mascara around my eyes and then decided to remove it altogether. I left my clothes and shoes in the bathroom.