Brushing Off the Boss: A Half Moon Bay Novel (Entangled Bliss)

by Annie Seaton

  “I had a good lunch.”

  “That’s okay, then.”

  She couldn’t help herself, despite her intention to keep things nonemotional. “I’m so pleased you approve.” Putting her elbows on the table, she glared at him in the soft moonlight. She’d left the outside light off deliberately to keep the insects away before she’d come outside. Despite the cool breeze, Jack was wearing running shorts and no shirt, and her reaction to the sight of his broad, muscular chest bugged her even more. She pushed away the flare of desire that sparked inside her. “Aren’t you cold?”

  “No, I went for a run around the lake after I ate. I miss my gym equipment. I’ll have to find a place to work out around here.”

  Sienna reached over and picked up the small lighter she kept on the table and lit the vanilla candle in the glass bowl in the center. She drew a deep breath and held her hand steady, surprised by the tremble his proximity caused. The candle threw a flickering light over Jack’s bare skin and she caught her breath. Tipping her head back, she looked up at the stars. It was only his natural beauty that she found appealing. Her artistic eye was drawn by beauty.

  Nothing else.

  She dropped her head and looked out over the lake shimmering in the moonlight. The low branches of the trees surrounding the cottage bowed elegantly in the light breeze, their leaves forming long, draping sweeps illuminated by the soft light.

  “It’s beautiful here.” Jack’s voice was a whisper, and a shiver snaked up her spine.

  Maybe she should do something about this feeling? Let this attraction run its course? What did they say about only living once?

  Not worth the risk.

  “Yes, it is.”

  “Did you get your work done? You put in a long day.”

  Pleased to get her mind off the bare, muscular shoulders across the table, Sienna nodded. “Yes, I got a good amount done. I should be able to finish in the two weeks if I put in the next couple of weekends as well as every night.”

  “Do you always work this hard?”

  She nodded. “Not usually every night. But what has to be done will be. And I love my work. I lose myself in it.” She looked up at him. Maybe it would be hard for a businessman—and one with such a casual attitude—to understand what she was saying about the creative process.

  “Where do you do your enameling?” Jack held her gaze steadily with his. He seemed genuinely interested, so she kept talking.

  She looked back at him. “Did you look at my frogs in the gallery today?”

  All Sienna’s confidence in her work faded in that instant and she bit her lip. Then her temper kicked at the thought of Jack looking at them without her. Her mood seesawed back and forth. “Frogs? No, I read about your upcoming exhibition in the local paper.”

  “Oh. I forgot about that.”

  “According to the journalist, you’re quite the up-and-coming artist in the area…and you work in enamel?”

  “They say the same thing about everyone they interview.”

  “Tell me about your work. About the processes you use. Do the kilns beneath the gallery work?” Sienna was surprised at his level of interest and his knowledge of the process.

  “I wondered if you knew there was a brick room beneath the gallery. I use those kilns.” She shook her head. “You really didn’t know what you bought, did you?”

  Jack certainly wasn’t a hands-on manager, and if that was the way he worked maybe she would be able to stay at the gallery with him as owner. He could let her run it the way she wanted and keep out of her way. As long as Jack found somewhere to live, maybe life could go on the way it was. It would just mean the gallery wouldn’t belong to her, but that wouldn’t be the end of the world. The money she’d set aside for the deposit could go toward adding on to her house and building her own studio, while she continued to work in the studio at the gallery. For the life of her, she couldn’t understand why he wanted it. If he wasn’t going to be involved, what was he going to do with his days?

  “I really liked the feel of the town. Before I even ran the numbers I decided to buy it.”

  The opposite of her. Sienna had everything planned down to the last detail in all her life. Jack grinned at her, and the flickering candlelight played over his bare chest.

  This is altogether too romantic a setting out here. She needed to break the mood. If she was going to run his gallery, she needed to know a little bit more about the direction he wanted to go.

  “What sort of art do you enjoy?”

  “Oh, I have eclectic tastes. I have a few contemporary paintings in my apartment in New York. Some are being shipped out, and some I’ll leave there till I find a place to live. I often spend my weekends cruising galleries.”

  Sienna finished her wine and put the glass down. How nice would it be to be able to afford to collect art? And to have the time to wander around the galleries? When she got the chance—and that was not very often—she loved visiting art museums and other galleries. Maybe they did have something in common after all? She pushed that thought away. There’d be no sparks crackling around the table tonight if she had any say in the matter. She couldn’t help but grin when she remembered last night. There was no Georgie here with family stories to dispel the tension tonight.

  “Great.” Jack was staring at her, and she dropped her gaze as she stood and pushed her chair back. “You found everything you needed? I’m going to bed. We’ve got a busy day ahead of us in the gallery tomorrow. We’ll have to spend some time sorting out my role now that you’ve arrived.”

  He stood and followed her to the door, and as she turned to say good night, he held her arm. The heat running up her skin rivaled the heat of the kiln this afternoon.

  “I meant to tell you, your phone rang a few times tonight.” Jack looked down at her and held her gaze.

  “Thanks.” Sienna moved away and pushed the door open, turning the light on before she crossed to the phone. Three missed calls from Ana flashed on the screen.

  All from the same number. “It’s Ana. I wonder why she didn’t call my cell?”

  Jack grinned at her. “Maybe because you left it at home? I could hear it ringing from the front of the cottage.”

  “I can be a bit forgetful when I’m immersed in my work.” Sienna pulled a face at him as she glanced down at her watch. “I didn’t realize I’d left it at home.”

  It was late, but she wouldn’t sleep until she knew what was wrong. She pressed the return call button. “And she hasn’t left any messages.”

  Ana’s phone rang for a while and Sienna waited to leave a message, but Ana finally picked up.

  “Hi, Sienna. Sorry, I was just putting Faith down. Little miss hates going to bed.”

  “What’s wrong? Jack said you tried to call all afternoon.”

  “Jack?”

  “Yeah, he’s staying here for a while.”

  “Ooh-la-la. You didn’t waste any time picking up where you left off.”

  “No, la la. And there was nothing to leave off, anyway.” Sienna kept her voice low and flicked a glance at Jack. He was standing, looking out over the lake, and had his back turned to her. His skin was tanned and his smooth shoulders tapered down nicely to a narrow waist above his running shorts. She swallowed and looked away before her gaze could continue down his bare thighs. “Jack’s staying here only until we sort some things out with the gallery. Now what’s wrong? Why were trying to get me?”

  “I called mainly to check that you were okay.”

  “I’m fine. Nothing to worry about, everything’s good. I’ll fill you in on the weekend.”

  “And that’s another reason I called, to remind you about Faith’s birthday party in two weeks. And it’s a dress-up party.” Ana’s giggle made Sienna smile. Ana had taken to motherhood with lots of support. As well as having Georgie and Sienna as surrogate aunties, and Thelma and Mitzi as surrogate great-aunts, little Faith had most of the elderly community of Nebbiton as surrogate grandparents.

  “Oh, dress-up.
Love it.”

  “It’s a fairy-tale theme. Have you still got your fairy costume? Wear that. Jeannie and Rod are bringing the kids down for the party.” Excitement filled Ana’s voice. “You should see how excited Blake is. He’s putting on the biggest party ever!”

  Sienna laughed. “What about Georgie? Another chance to wear pink? I know how much she loves it.”

  Ana chuckled. “Did you always torment her about her red hair?”

  “Sure did, and she bit every time. Don’t you worry, though, she tormented me right back.”

  Ana’s laughed ended and her voice sobered. “I was a bit worried about her today. She took a call when I was at the store this afternoon and she got really upset.”

  “Is that sleaze-bucket Cole bothering her?”

  “No, he was at the store for the Sunday shift too. He was over talking to Blake when her phone rang. I don’t know who it was, but I’m sure she was crying. She wouldn’t tell me what was going on.”

  “I’ll call her.”

  “I have to go. Faith’s calling me. And, Sienna, invite Jack to the party, please? Blake was going to call him, but you can pass the invite on instead. Seeing as he’s at your place.” Ana’s voice was full of mirth once more. “Okay?”

  “Okay, I’ll pass it on, but don’t go getting the wrong idea.”

  Ana’s laugh rang out as Sienna disconnected.

  “Everything’s fine.” She hung up the phone, cleared the messages on the screen, and tuned to him with a grin. “Have you got a pair of tights?”

  “What? Tights?”

  “You’ve been invited to a birthday party.” Sienna put her fingers to her lips and looked him up and down. “I think you’d make a lovely Prince Charming. You remind me of the one in Shrek.”

  Sienna chuckled to herself as she headed up the hall to her room and Jack’s voice followed her.

  “I don’t think he was the hero, though, was he?”

  “No, he wasn’t.” She held her door and peered around before she shut it. “I’ll see you in the morning. Good night, Jack.”

  Sienna closed the door and leaned against it for a moment. She looked at the clock beside her bed. It was too late to call Georgie, especially since she’d worked at the store today. She’d call her first thing in the morning. Sienna was wired now and not a bit tired. Crossing to the window, she slid the curtains open, sat on the wide sill, and looked out over the lake. A slight breeze ruffled the waters, and there was a smell of rain in the air.

  The day had ended up turning out better than she’d expected. Now to see what the week ahead would bring.

  Chapter Six

  Jack reached for the antique phone receiver on the glass counter at the front of the gallery. It was at least the tenth time he’d answered it in the past half hour. Sienna was showing some tall guy around, and they were standing at the back of the room, head to head, deep in conversation. An unfamiliar shaft of jealousy hit Jack’s chest as he watched the guy loop his arm casually over Sienna’s shoulder. As he answered the question on the phone, a deliveryman pushed through the front door carrying two large boxes with Fragile stickers plastered over them, and dumped the boxes on the desk beside the phone. He shoved the electronic delivery screen in front of Jack’s nose.

  “Hurry up, buddy. My truck’s parked outside.”

  Jack reached for the pen and scrawled his signature, without a clue as to what was in the boxes he was signing for. All he could hope was that whatever was in them was not broken.

  “I’ll have to take your number and get someone to call you back. Okay?” He took down the name and number of the artist on the other end of the phone and ended the call. Then he lifted the boxes carefully and put them on the floor behind the stool at the desk. When he got up from his haunches, his eyes were level with two pairs of legs, clad in sheer black stockings. His gaze traveled higher. Similar tight black skirts, frilly shirts, and business jackets. He stood and smiled, and the shorter woman held out her hands with a warm smile.

  “Welcome to Carmel. Ms. Sacchi tells us you’ve bought the gallery? Is she available?” The taller woman spoke with a slight European accent. “We have an appointment.”

  “Who?” He had no idea who she was talking about. Then it dawned on him that he didn’t even know Sienna’s last name. She’d always been…well…just Sienna. “Thanks…yes, I have. Take a seat.” He pointed to the curved black-and-white-striped love seat by the door. “I’ll let Ms. Sacchi know you are here.”

  Jack walked to the back of the gallery and grinned. He felt like a secretary. How the heck did she do this by herself all day? Why wasn’t there more staff?

  The smooth, tall guy was standing too close to Sienna for Jack’s liking, and he took great delight in interrupting them.

  “Excuse me, Ms. Sacchi.” He dropped the grin and put on his best business voice. “Your next appointment is waiting for you.”

  Sienna’s head flew up and she narrowed her eyes. “Thank you. I’ll be there in a moment.” She took the guy’s arm and turned away from Jack, and he felt summarily dismissed.

  “Perhaps you’d like to offer them a drink while they wait?” He glanced back and her wide dark eyes were dancing with mischief. She knew exactly how he was feeling, and he shot her a grin.

  “Of course, Ms. Sacchi. Is there anything else you’d like me to do?”

  “Perhaps you could dust the shelves, and then go to the post office and get the mail?” Jack could see the smile playing around her lips.

  “Of course.” He nodded. “If you could just direct me to the post office?”

  “It’s over on Fifth Avenue.” Her face broke into an impish grin and his heart kicked up a beat as her dark eyes held his gaze a little too long before she looked away.

  What the hell is going on here?

  Turning back to the front of the store, Jack caught sight of his reflection in the mirrored wall behind the shelves holding an array of colored bowls. He certainly didn’t look like an art gallery assistant. His jeans had a rip in one knee, and the clean T-shirt he’d grabbed this morning stated Less work. More golf. He’d intended to look around the gallery and then sit down with Sienna to discuss what they were going to do, but the morning had been hectic so he’d pitched in. And had enjoyed every minute. Jack shrugged and headed back to the two women waiting at the front of the store. After he’d offered them a drink, it was time to get out of here for a while.

  …

  “Who’s the new hunk?”

  Sienna turned to Jeremy, who’d come back to finish the lighting for her show.

  “Would you believe he owns this place?”

  “Get real! True?” Jeremy watched as Jack left through the front door. “Not gay, is he?” he asked hopefully.

  “Don’t think so.” Sienna glanced at her watch. “If we’re done here, I have another appointment with the caterers.”

  “Sure, I’ll be in touch.” Jeremy air-kissed both her cheeks. “I’m looking forward to finishing this job. Even more now that I’ve checked out the new eye candy in the gallery.”

  The morning had been busier than usual, and Sienna was pleased. Maybe it would give Jack a different perspective on how the place worked. She couldn’t figure him out, and it was messing with her head. At least it got her mind off this morning’s conversation with Georgie. Her twin had tried to hide how upset she was, but Sienna could read her like a book. She’d always been able to, and she’d protected Georgie from the time they were small.

  Marietta, their mother, had called. Somehow she’d finally gotten wind of them selling the restoration business and wanted to meet up with Georgie. She knew better than to call Sienna.

  “Don’t…don’t even think about giving her a cent.” Sienna had been so angry she’d had trouble getting the words out.

  “She’s our mother. She’s already explained why she needs it.”

  “She’s not our mother. She took off and left us with Uncle Renzo.”

  “I feel sorry for her. Her partner’
s ill and she needs the money for his operation.”

  “Partner number what? Six? Seven?” Sienna had swallowed and tried to inject calm into her voice. “Georgie, listen to me. How long since we last heard from her? You think about it.”

  There had been a long silence at the other end of the phone. “Not for a while.”

  “That’s right. Not since Uncle Renzo sold his business and had some spare cash. When he wouldn’t listen to her, she came to get us to do her dirty work. Remember? There was a sick partner back then too.”

  “I remember.” Georgie’s voice had broken, and Sienna tried hard not to soften.

  “Where is she now?”

  “She’s in L.A., but she’s going to come up and visit me next week.”

  “If she does, I’ll deal with her. Now promise me you won’t send her money in the meantime.”

  “All right. I promise. Maybe we’ll catch up this weekend?”

  “Probably not. I’ve got a stack of work to do in the studio, if I want to be free the next Sunday for Faith’s birthday.” Sienna had tried to lighten the conversation. “Have you got your fairy dress out?”

  “Ha ha.”

  “Ana wants us all to wear the pink set. Did she tell you?”

  “Yes, she told me. I think you’re all mean to me.” Georgie had laughed, to Sienna’s relief. She’d ended up with the red hair and they teased her about it. “So what’s happening with the gallery?”

  “I’ll fill you in at the party. You’re not bringing that Cal sleazebag, are you?”

  “It’s Cole, and no, I am not bringing him.” Georgie had sighed. “But I have met this other guy—”

  “That was quick.”

  “He’s—”

  “I have to go to work, talk later.” Sienna knew if Georgie got started on the new guy, they’d be on the phone for ages, so she ended the call. Sometimes it was hard staying strong, but Georgie was softhearted and she couldn’t see when someone was trying to use her. She hadn’t listened to what Sienna had tried to tell her the other night. At least she’d found something else to focus her energy on besides worrying about their mother. Hopefully the new guy she’d met wasn’t another user—usually, they saw Georgie’s goodness and homed straight in.