by R. C. Martin
I push such thoughts aside as I sink into my chair, my mind drifting back to the original reason Logan came to see me this morning. It suddenly occurs to me that her suggestion might actually work to my advantage. I definitely don’t have any intention of apologizing to Teddy, but a kind gesture—why, that might just earn me dinner.
It’s while I’m on the MTA gallery’s website, looking for their exact address, that I find out Teddy is formally known as Theodora Fitzpatrick. I decide to use her full name in the note I intend to have delivered with the flowers. I work until I can spare a moment away, and then I leave the office for the nearest flower shop. It doesn’t take me long to find an arrangement that I deem appropriate. After I write my note and add my business card, I’m on my way back to work.
Just as I’m climbing out of my car, my phone begins to ring. I pull it out, pleased to see that Benjamin is on the line.
“Hello?”
“Jude, hey, do you have a minute?”
“I do,” I assure him as I make my way through the lobby. I chance a glance to my left, looking to see if Logan is back in her office. I see that she’s behind her desk, her eyes bright and a smile playing at her lips. I take that to mean that her excitement from this morning was not unfounded. I’ll have to have a chat with her about her future plans.
Just as I begin to look away, my eyes catch Brittany’s. She’s seated at her desk in the office she shares with Logan. Her eyes are practically smoldering as she stares at me, the pen in her hand tracing her bottom lip. My dick twitches as I imagine her naked, spread out across the conference room table.
“Jude, did I lose you?”
Ben’s voice snaps me out of my thoughts and I shake my head before hurrying to my office and shutting myself inside.
“I’m sorry. What did you say?”
“I wanted to talk to you about Saturday.”
“Don’t tell me you have to cancel.”
“No. I’ll be there. Nine a.m. tee time. I actually wanted to talk to you about dinner. I was thinking of bringing someone.”
I raise an eyebrow before I ask, “You mean, the woman who sleeps fully clothed in your bed?”
“Who said she was fully clothed?”
I chuckle, knowing full-well that any clothes at all are far too many. “So, you want to bring this woman to dinner? Ben—if you want to take her out, you don’t need me there. I’m not a fan of the third wheel scenario.”
“You wouldn’t be a third wheel. Look, I told her I was coming up to go to dinner with my brother. Turns out, she has a sister—a single sister—who she thought she could convince to come along if we wanted some added company.”
“You’re suggesting we go on a double date?”
“Yes, I suppose I am.”
“Meaning this sister is fair game?”
He sighs and I can imagine him scratching at his jaw, a habit of his when he’s thinking. “Just be a gentleman, okay? That’s all I’m asking.”
“Benjamin, I’m always a gentleman.”
“Right. Well—I really like this girl, so just—don’t screw this up for me. I’m begging you.”
I roll my eyes and nod my agreement. “Fine. But if this sister of hers wants to come home with me, I’m not going to stop her.”
“Neither will I, brother. Neither will I.”
We say our goodbyes, and as I hang my jacket over the back of my chair, I wonder if this sister might curb my hunger for the weekend. I could use a hot distraction while I endeavor to seduce the lovely Theodora Fitzpatrick.
One of the things I love best about working in Old Town Fort Collins is that, on nice days, I can spend my lunch hour walking around if I want to. Today, after stopping for a salad, I strolled for a bit, window shopping and people watching. The weather is phenomenal, and there were kids playing at the fountain. I stopped for a few minutes, soaking up their laughter as they ran around in drenched clothes. A part of me was dying to take out my phone and snap a few pictures, but it’s a rule of mine to try my hardest not to come across as a total creeper.
Smiling at myself as I make my way back to the gallery, I’m so lost in my thoughts, I almost don’t hear my phone. When I see Harper lit up across the screen, I’m quick to answer.
“Hi!”
“Hey, Teddy. Fuck, I can’t believe I actually got a hold of your tatted ass.”
I laugh, shaking my head at her. “I can’t believe you’re calling me in the middle of the day.”
“The kids are out for recess. I literally have, like, two minutes before the little shits get back.”
My grin stays fully intact as I listen to her talk about her kiddos. Harper is an elementary school teacher at a school just south of Denver. She loves her job and her third graders are her pride and joy, even if her nicknames for them are completely inappropriate. While it’s still summer and school is not in session, Harp works part-time at a day camp that the school puts on so working parents have a safe and affordable place to leave their children during the day.
“Well, if you only have two minutes, you better talk fast. I miss you.”
“I miss you, too—which is why I was going to call you and bug the hell out of you until I got a hold of you today. I’m going to come up Saturday. We’re going to have a girl’s day. I already called my bitch, Sarah, and we’re going to meet her for brunch—but then it’s you and me the rest of the day. Think you could clear your schedule?”
I scoff, amused that she thinks she even has to ask. “I’m yours, Harp. What time should I be ready for brunch?”
“I’ll pick you up at ten.”
“Awesome. I can’t wait.”
“Me neither! Okay—my two minutes are officially up. I have to go wrangle my hellions. I’ll see you Saturday.”
“Love you.”
“Love you, too.” She makes a kissing sound and hangs up, leaving me beaming as I walk into the gallery.
Right away, I hear Andrew—his voice coming from up above. I look upstairs and see him talking to someone, and I wonder if it’s a buyer or an artist. Knowing that Geoff will know, I head to the reception desk. When I see him, a devilish smile is plastered on his face. I furrow my brow, silently expressing my confusion, and his grin grows wider. Then, he reaches for something. I gasp when he places a beautiful bouquet of flowers on the raised counter of the front desk.
“These came while you were out,” he says, standing so that I might see him from behind the large floral arrangement.
“They’re for me?” I ask, pointing at my chest.
“They sure as hell are not from Reeve—cheap bastard.” He mumbles the last bit under his breath. “Baby girl, move your ass. There’s a card. I haven’t opened it, but if you leave me in suspense another minute, I will.”
My stomach flutters with nervous butterflies as I make my way behind the desk. “You’re sure they’re for me?” I ask, setting down my purse and my phone.
“The card says Theodora.”
I frown at him. If I was a little confused before, I’m even more confused now. Nobody calls me Theodora. Reeve did, but he wouldn’t send me flowers. Even my parents call me Teddy, except for when I’m in trouble. Besides—my birthday isn’t for another month and a half, so these flowers wouldn’t be from them.
“Dammit, Teddy!” Geoff yanks the card out of the bouquet and hands it to me. “Stop trying to guess and just open it.”
“Okay, okay!” I giggle.
There’s a slight tremble in my hands as I open the little envelope and pull out two rectangular cards. The first card is handwritten—the script neat and masculine. My heart races after I read his note. It’s short and to the point, but I find myself reading it again and again.
I sit back on the edge of the desk, my mind too distracted to worry about keeping me upright any longer. After I’ve read his message a ridiculous amount of times, I take a moment to look at the second card. It’s his business card. I discover that his full name is Judah D. St. Michaels. He works at Eddalyn’s Interiors
as a managing partner.
“Bitch—I’m going to kill you in approximately two seconds.”
“Oh. Shit. I’m sorry,” I mutter, shaking my head clear. “Here.” I hand him both cards, but I don’t look at his face—not wishing to see his initial reaction. He’s a romantic, and whatever his face says, it’ll sway my opinion on this whole situation.
Then again, as I admire the bouquet, I can honestly say that I have no idea what to think.
The arrangement is beautiful, the vase full of red and peach roses, dusty orange lilies, and greenery to complete the full ensemble. I’m not an expert when it comes to flower deliveries, but I’m smart enough to know that this is no small gesture.
“This is the guy from Monday, isn’t it? This is the asshole who asked you out.”
I pull my bottom lip between my teeth and force myself to meet Geoffrey’s eyes. I offer him a nod and he smirks at me.
“Maybe he’s not as much of an asshole as you thought. This looks a little bit like an apology.”
I scrunch my brow, thinking back to my encounter with the handsome man two days ago. I remember the look in his breathtaking, grey eyes, I remember the way he touched me without the tiniest bit of hesitation—and I remember his blunt proposal. I shake my head at Geoff, taking the cards from him.
“No. I don’t think that’s what this is. Looks like more of a bribe than an apology. Besides, he didn’t say he was sorry in the note,” I remind him, holding up the card.
“Oh, come on, Teddy. Don’t pretend that you aren’t at least a tiny bit interested.”
I open my mouth to respond, but when I go to speak, the lie that I’m not gets stuck in the back of my throat. The truth is, I still remember the way he looked at me. And the flowers?
Thinking of you, Judah.
I’m officially flattered.
Geoff arches a single eyebrow before folding his arms across his chest. “Remember what we talked about?” I frown at him, not wanting to admit that I do. “Freckles, you can go out with him and not sleep with him. There’s nothing wrong with giving him a chance. Maybe you’ll like him.” I scrunch my face at him, curious about his logic. “If nothing else,” he continues, “you’ll get to stare at the man while enjoying a free meal. That alone is worth the risk of finding out that he really is just a jerk.”
I breathe in deeply and exhale slowly, not at all sure about what I want. “I don’t know, Geoff.”
“Well—you have to call him.”
“What?” I ask, flabbergasted.
“Baby girl, those flowers deserve a phone call. At the very least.”
“I—I—I, but I…”
He snatches the cards from out of my hand and reaches around me for my phone. Before I can stop him, he’s dialing Judah’s number. I try to fight him, tugging at his arms, which he holds above my head, but he’s stronger than me. When he presses the phone to my ear, it’s already ringing. My mouth hangs open in shock and horror as I glare at him. I’m just about to call him something foul when a deep voice that makes me weak at the knees fills my ear.
“This is Jude.”
My glare disappears as my eyes grow wide in panic. Geoffrey grins at me before signaling that I speak.
“Um, hi,” I manage.
A beat of silence passes between us.
“Teddy?”
“Yeah. It’s me.” My heart is beating a mile a minute, and my stomach feels like there are a thousand little butterflies dying to be set free.
“You received my gift.”
“Yeah. I mean, yes. They’re beautiful,” I say, willing myself to sound like a human being capable of speech.
Geoffrey nods at me, taking my hand and bringing it up to the phone, encouraging me to hold it myself. I obey. But instead of leaving my side, he sits right next to me and leans in close.
“I wanted to call and say thank you.”
“It was my pleasure. May I ask if you have reconsidered my dinner invitation?”
“Uh…I’m—I’m thinking about it,” I reply nervously.
He chuckles and my breath catches in the back of my throat.
“What must I do to convince you, Teddy? I fear I won’t be able to get you off my mind until you say yes.”
I can’t help it. I smile, a blush heating my cheeks.
“Nothing, Judah—you’ve been generous enough. I just need to think about it.”
“Very well. I’ll be waiting.”
“Okay.”
“Fair warning, Ms. Fitzpatrick, I’m not a very patient man—especially when it comes to a woman as beautiful as you. Have a good afternoon, Teddy.”
He hangs up without another word, and I pull the phone away from my ear, staring at it blankly. For a minute, I don’t have any words. The man turns me upside down. I don’t even know him, and yet he makes my heart race and my palms sweat after a two-minute telephone conversation. I can’t explain it. It’s as if my attraction to him supersedes all reason. That in and of itself should be a red flag, but I can’t deny that a small part of me is interested—even if just for one night, one meal.
I’m pulled from my thoughts when I feel Geoffrey’s lips press against my temple. “Baby girl, you’re letting that man take you to dinner if I have to drag you kicking and screaming.”
I wake up seven minutes before my alarm clock and smile, happy that I can turn the thing off before it makes a sound. The sun is already up, fighting its way into my bedroom through the thin curtains that cover my window. Knowing that I have a full Saturday ahead of me, I don’t linger in bed. I stand, stretch, and head straight for my coffee pot.
I stop dead in my tracks when I reach the mouth of my kitchen. I’m not quite sure how, but I forgot about the flowers I brought home yesterday—the bouquet making my one-butt kitchen look even smaller than it already is. Unlike the vibrant arrangement that still sits at work, this one is full of muted colors: pale pink peonies, white roses, and light yellow gerbera daises. I press my lips together, fighting a smile as I inch my way further into the room.
After starting my morning brew, I reach for the card that was delivered with the flowers late yesterday afternoon.
I pinch my bottom lip between my fingers, propping my hip against the counter as I stare at his handwriting. In spite of his gorgeous gift, I haven’t responded yet. Regardless of how it might seem, I’m not trying to string him along. I’m not. But there seems to be a little bit of a discrepancy between the man who approached me in the gallery and the man with impeccable taste in floral arrangements.
He told me he was a gentleman, and the flowers actually support that argument. However, he made it very clear that he has an interest in sleeping with me, and I’m not sure how I feel about that. On the one hand, I can’t deny that a man as gorgeous as him showing interest in me makes my insides tingle. But if his end game is simply to forge his way between my legs, I’m certainly not up for that.
Then again, there is a small chance that there’s more to him than meets the eye. I’ve never met anyone who was so adamant about taking me to dinner before. A part of me is curious to know what it is he sees in me. A part of me wants to know if he’d want more of me after an evening of conversation.
Moreover—would I want more of him?
I think back to Geoffrey’s little speech in the supply closet a couple days ago. He’s right, and it’s time I admit it. I can’t shy away from all romantic relationships from fear that they’ll end the same way things ended between Justin and me. All men aren’t monsters. And while I’m sure there’s a little bit of darkness in all of us, not everyone chooses to let it reign over the light that we also carry.
I can’t deny the hope that I harbor in my heart—the hope that I’ll one day find a man that I want to share my life with. I’m under no illusion that Judah is the one, but I won’t find him hiding behind my camera lens, or work, or my best friend.
Dropping Judah’s note on the counter, I leave the kitchen in search of my phone. I’m in my room only long enough to pi
ck up the device and unplug it from its charger. On my way back to the kitchen, I scroll through my recent calls and find the one number not saved to my contacts. Before I can change my mind, I hit dial.
I close my eyes tight, my stomach clenched in anxiety as I listen to the ring tone, wondering if he’ll answer. It isn’t until the third ring that I realize it’s before nine in the morning on a Saturday. He could be sleeping! For a moment, I panic that I’ll wake him up—but then I breathe a sigh of relief when I’m dropped into his voicemail.
“You’ve reached Judah St. Michaels. I’m currently unavailable. Please leave a message.”
Hearing his voice makes my skin break out in goose bumps. I take a deep breath at the sound of the beep, willing myself to be brave—to be bold.
“Hi, Judah. It’s Teddy. Um, I’m sorry to call you so early on a Saturday. I probably should have called you last night to thank you for the flowers, but—actually, I don’t have a good excuse for why I didn’t. Uh—” I smack my palm against my forehead and shake my head at myself. I’m babbling on the man’s voicemail. Great. “Um, so, I’m calling now because, well—I’ll go out with you, okay? That is, if you’re still interested. I guess you could have changed your mind between yesterday and today, in which case, you can totally ignore this message.”
I pull my phone away from my ear and end the call immediately. I let out a huge sigh as I stare at the display, evidence that that really just happened. I called Judah and left a voicemail that made me sound like pre-pubescent teenager.
“Shit,” I groan.
I open up my text messages and tap on Geoffrey’s thread.