by Jacki Kelly
He swung the sports car around and headed for Bristol. Facing issues head-on always worked best. The sooner he found out what Asa wanted, the sooner he could deal with the problem and move on.
Even in twilight, the same old banshees that chased him when he was too young to fight back lurked in all their familiar places. Now the housing project that he used to call home stood vacant. He smirked. In a few months, this whole neighborhood would be very different.
He drove a few more miles and turned on Excalibur Avenue. On the corner, the stately Conroy house anchored the block. He stepped out of the car and ran for the porch before adjusting his tie and squaring his shoulders. He wasn’t a schoolboy anymore. Now he could talk to pretty women without getting tongue-tied.
He rang the doorbell.
Asa swung open the door. Her eyes widened. For a moment she stared without saying anything. “How did you know I was staying here?” She bent down to move a piece of luggage, from just inside the doorway. Her posture provided a clear shot of her breasts.
Simeon’s back stiffened at the sight of her exposed bosom. “I took a chance.”
“What about our lunch tomorrow?” she asked. Simeon swallowed the knot in his throat and averted his eyes. “We’re still on for tomorrow. But I don’t like surprises. You didn’t stomp into my meeting tonight just to catch up with an old friend.” He tried to keep his eyes on her face, but the low cut top and the tiny shorts made it difficult.
“I hear you want to tear down this grand old house.” She rested her shoulder against the doorjamb. “I know it looks pretty bad right now, thanks to my well-intended sisters. But the house still has charm.”
“I didn’t take the personality of the house into consideration when I planned my project.
“You should have.” She pushed off the doorjamb and motioned him in.
Two large pieces of luggage sat in the hall. “Are you coming or going?”
“I got into town just in time to put a stop to your plan.” She sat down on the sofa and tucked her legs under her. Her shorts gave him a shot of shapely thighs and enough of her butt to make him look away.
“I doubt that.” He took the chair across from her.
“Keep an open mind.” She leaned forward. Her smile swept him back ten years and melted his heart.
He swallowed. “How long will you be in town?”
“I’m here to stay. I want to make this place my home.”
“Isn’t Bristol a little slow for you? After Atlanta, why would you want to live here again?”
“How did you know I was in Atlanta?”
“I know more about you than you can imagine.” He shifted in the chair.
“Is that right? Well it seems I don’t know much about you.”
“In due time.” He smiled. “So tell me, why did you come back?”
“This is home.” She glanced around the room. “My family is here—well most of my family.”
He nodded. “I was very sorry to hear about your parents’ accident. I think the whole town mourned their passing.”
A pained expression crossed her face but disappeared in seconds.
He stood up. “My project is pretty well set. It’s a little late to make any changes.”
She unfolded her legs and stood up too. “A little late means it isn’t impossible.”
“I see you’re still as charming as ever.”
She focused on his eyes.
“I haven’t even turned it on full force yet.” You don’t know what you’re in for.
Chapter Three
Simeon’s broad shoulders filled the entrance to the hall. A hint of stubble graced his powerful jaw. Suddenly her mind went blank. She swallowed. An unsettling flutter tickled her stomach. She trailed Simeon to the door. The hall light flickered and popped, hurling them into darkness. The only light came in from the living room.
“Sorry about that. This is the second time a light has gone out.”
“Want me to change the bulb for you?” Simeon stood in the shadows, his hands deep in his pockets.
“No, I’ll get it tomorrow.”
“There’s that sound again. That annoying rustling and scratching noise.” Asa spun around. She clutched her chest and focused on the noise, but nothing could budge her to investigate the sound. The ghouls that lived in the basement could stay there forever. Even if the ghost turned out to be friendly, nothing could drag her into that black hole.
“Did you hear that?” she whispered.
“Hear what?” He stepped closer, his warm breath brushed her ear.
“I know this might sound strange, but something is living in my basement.” She looked over her shoulder. “I’m not going down there.”
“Are you afraid of the dark?” He placed his arm around her shoulder. Asa swayed against his solid body.
“I don’t like dark, damp places. Would you mind—?”
“Not at all, show me where.” He peeled off his jacket. His bulging biceps pressed against the seams of his shirt.
“It’s through the kitchen.” She pointed, walking behind him. The scratching noise again. It grew louder in the kitchen.
“You heard it that time, didn’t you?”
“Yes, I heard something,” he assured her.
Asa snatched open the pantry door expecting to find someone or something in the barren space. She found a broom, a wash pail, and a few large dust bunnies.
“You won’t go in the basement, but you’ll look in the pantry?” His piercing eyes challenged her.
“The basement is darker and further away from the back door.”
He placed his hands on her hips. “You stand there and let me check around. Okay?” His smile softened the sharp edge in his tone. “Promise me you’ll stay put.”
“Okay.” Asa clasped her hands and stood still. His unhurried stride slowed the anxiety crawling up her spine.
He opened the basement door, found the light switch and descended the stairs with the confidence of a knight about to slay a dragon.
Two years of celibacy had her libido in overdrive. Her skin tingled where he’d touched her hips. Wanting Simeon felt so natural. His intense gaze and that inviting smile only managed to take her back in time. A cocoon of safety enveloped her, easing the knot in her stomach. Maybe it was foolish to ask him to search the basement, but it kept him around a few more moments. Long enough to erase years of unhappiness. She rocked on her heels but stayed put.
“Do you see anything?” Asa called down the stairs.
“Not a thing. Want to come down and see for yourself?” She heard him chuckle.
“No, I’m good. I trust you.” Relief blanketed her as she peered down the stairs.
Simeon emerged out of the dim lighting and climbed the steps. The set of his jaw troubled her.
“What is it?”
“Other than water in your basement, there are no bogeymen.”
“Ha, ha, very funny. Is it a lot of water? Should I worry?”
“No. I can have someone come by and check it out.”
“But that noise, I still hear it,” Asa said. “See, there it is again. You had to hear that.”
His lips curled into that crooked smile that she wanted to taste. “I hear it.”
He walked to the door leading to the backyard. Her heart thumped like a conga drum.
“This used to be a safe neighborhood. What if someone’s out there and charges into the room?”
“Burglars don’t scratch at doors; they jimmy locks.” His confidence reassured her jittery nerves.
She took a deep breath and stepped back when he opened the door and peered into the blackness. The alley lights weren’t lit and none of the neighbors bothered illuminating their back porches. A fuzzy ball charged into the kitchen and brushed her ankle.
“Ahh!” She jumped aside.
“It’s okay, Asa. It’s just a dog.”
A scruffy puppy ran beyond her and sat near the table. The chocolate brown, long-haired dog with big, sad eyes star
ed back at her. Her minimal knowledge of canines told her he didn’t have an AKC title, but he looked adorable.
“There’s your boogeyman.” Simeon knelt down to examine the animal. “He’s wet from the rain, but he looks healthy.”
“But what’s he doing here?”
“I think you’ve got yourself a puppy.” Simeon picked up the dog and scratched his chin. “He’s cute enough. It looks like he’s been abandoned. No tags or collar.” He rubbed the puppy around the neck.
“Maybe he has one of those chips buried under his fur,” she said.
“You can take him to the vet or SPCA to find out.”
“Oh, you’ll have to take him with you. You found him. My schedule is full.”
“Your house, your dog.” He placed the dog in her arms. “I don’t do commitment. You’ll make out fine. Just feed him and walk him.”
“You’re just going to leave me...like...this?”
“If you don’t feel safe, I can stay the night.” His eyebrow shot up. “And protect you from any other four legged threats.”
“No, I don’t want you to leave me with this dog.”
He executed a half grin and brushed his lips across her cheek. The warm touch of his luscious lips softened her resolve.
“I’ll bring by a dog bone every now and then and if you ever need a sitter, I’m your man.”
My man. I wish it were that easy.
§ § §
Simeon woke with a start before the alarm clock buzzed. The rhythmic tap of rain against his window was the only sound in the room. He climbed out of bed, eager to start his day. Looking forward to having lunchwith Asa.
Dreaming about her all night still had him stiff. He’d managed a few hours of sleep between the erotic dreams. He couldn’t push her from his mind. The sound of her voice ran over him like warm honey. He needed his A game at lunch today unless he wanted Asa to know he still desired her. Seeing her last night only managed to stir up a yearning that had haunted him since high school. Getting entangled with Asa would bring back a lot of old memories. It would be a dumb move, he didn’t do dumb anymore.
He riffled through his collection of Thomas Pink shirts and selected one with white and blue stripes to match his favorite custom-made Hugo Boss suit. He viewed his image in the dressing room mirror. After straightening his tie, he nodded approval. He wanted to impress Asa today. She needed to know Simeon Harper wasn’t that poor, pathetic kid anymore. Today she’d know that the mute, adolescent idiot from school no longer existed.
She was prettier than he remembered and he remembered everything about her—those slim hips, petite waist, and large, expressive eyes. Even her dark, curly hair looked more appealing. Now she wore her beauty as if she owned it. She seemed unaware of her appeal. Her seductiveness crept under his skin. Nothing alleviated her impact.
Something always reminded him of her. A scent, a song, or even several pieces of her broken CD player that remained in a box at the back of his closet.
He drove out of the tree-lined driveway onto Route 100. Traffic grew thicker as the city drew closer. Cars crawled along Route 13 with the typical morning rush. When the light changed and he didn’t make it through, he flipped to his favorite satellite jazz station. The classic sound provided a decent distraction while sitting in traffic.
§ § §
“Why the big grin? I haven’t seen you this happy in the morning for months.” Catherine, his assistant, sat at her desk as he rushed into his suite. She was the best administrative assistant in the firm, her organizational skills kept him sharp.
“Good morning, Catherine.” He accepted a stack of documents from her. “Did you get my message about lunch?”
“Yes. Your conference room is all set up. Lunch will be delivered at noon.”
“Let me know when Ms. Conroy arrives.”
“The Golden Leaf contracts arrived this morning from legal. They made a few changes.”
“I’ll take a look at them. Also, I need you to remind me to get out of here tonight by six. If I’m in a meeting make up an excuse, but get me out.”
“Not a problem.” She made a note and stuck it on the corner of her desk. “Anything else?”
“Yes, make a dinner reservation for the Hotel DuPont, Green Room. Tomorrow night at seven.”
She made a note on the pad. “How many?”
“Two. And I want my special corner.”
In his office he opened the folder containing the Golden Leaf contract. It only took him a minute to verify that the changes he requested were included in the legal jargon. Everything was in order. His hand rested above the blank line requiring his signature. Initialing the changes altered the direction of his life. He hesitated for another moment before scribbling his initials on the contract.
The closer the project came to completion, the closer he came to fulfilling his promise to his mother. All she ever wanted was for someone to take care of the family. Her picture sat on the credenza behind his desk. Her smiling eyes settled the apprehension that prickled his spine.
He signaled for his assistant. “Catherine, please get this paperwork to McKenna. Everything looks in order. We’ve worked on this for two years and it’s finally coming to fruition.” He exhaled with emphasis. “Tell me, where we stand with the community center contract.”
Catherine accepted the folder from his outstretched hand. “Here is an extra copy for your file.” She placed it on his desk. “Here is a copy of the community center project for your review. There are a few concerns with the parcel size. I know you’ll be glad when they break ground on this one. It has to be your favorite project.”
“This one is personal. I promised my mother I’d do something for the city. It’s my gift to her.”
Catherine picked up his mother’s picture. “She would be very proud. If only she had lived to see it finished.”
“I have to believe she’s watching from that big bingo playing senior center in heaven,” he joked.
His phone rang. Catherine picked it up. Her lip formed a thin line as she punched the hold button and handed the receiver to him. “It’s legal. The arbitrators are here for your meeting this morning.”
“Send them in.” He placed the Golden Leaf contract on his desk. When the first brick of the mall was set in mortar, the hefty weight on his shoulders would lessen. The shame that visited every time he drove through his childhood neighborhood would stopping chasing him. He could drive down any street of the city and not be reminded of those difficult times. Without seeing his father draped over a park bench, too drunk to make it home, leaving his brothers and sisters to scour for food and wear hand-me-downs.
Two hours later Simeon glanced at his watch. Asa was due at his office door any minute. He stood up. “I think we’re done, gentlemen. See my assistant for the documents you need. And let’s touch base in a few weeks.”
He opened the door and spotted Asa sauntering down the hall. Her unbelievable beauty sent heat rolling across his flesh. The miniskirt hugging her slim hips revealed the sexiest pair of legs in the state. His body jerked to life.
He shook hands with the departing entourage and rushed to greet her.
“I take it you slept well since I extricated your ghost.” He kissed her hand. “And you’re right on time.”
“Let me tell you how hard it was with that dog. I called every animal shelter in Bristol to see if anyone was looking for the little critter. I even knocked on a few of my neighbors’ doors to see if they could identify him.”
“Any luck?”
“Well the kid down the block offered to help me. We took a picture with my cell phone and he promised to put some flyers around the neighborhood. I should have brought the puppy along today so he could entertain you.”
“I can tell you love him already. It’s a perfect match.” He led her into the conference room. Their lunch graced the table’s elegant setting. Catherine never disappointed.
Asa’s crisp cologne tickled his nose as he held the chair for her.
“You smell as good as you look.”
“Are you just saying that so that I don’t deposit that adorable puppy on your doorstep?”
“Not at all. He’s my excuse to pop over for a visit.”
“You don’t need an excuse.” She placed her chin in her palm and leaned closer. “I just hope there’s a place for you to pop into. There’s an evil villain threatening to blow my house down.”
“Ah, and now the reason for our meeting. But even bad guys have a few good qualities.” He removed the lids from the platters.
“Is that right? Like what?”
“Let’s eat first then I’ll listen to everything you want to say.”
Her eyes lit up, sparkling like diamonds. “I need you to do more than listen.”
“And what do I get out of this deal?” He stared into her eyes, willing her to break the chains keeping them apart.
“Well, what do you want?”
You.
Chapter Four
Asa closed her eyes and rubbed her temples. Mim always said be careful what you pray for, cause you just might get it. Maybe allowing Simeon to tear down the house had an upside. She took a deep calming breath before opening her eyes again. The jagged hole in the ceiling remained as did the plaster on the floor.
Her phone chimed from her nightstand. She leaned the mop against the wall, grabbed the phone and scanned the screen. Simeon’s named flashed in capital letters.
“Simeon, how are you?” she cooed into the phone, happy to be relieved of clean-up duty even for just a moment.
“I enjoyed our lunch yesterday.” His sexy baritone vibrated in her ear.
Yesterday they had talked about everything but the house over lunch. After filling her in on all their classmates, he talked about his projects. His eyes sparkled with excitement, as he described each one.
“I did too. It was fun. Your stories had me cracking up. I had no idea our senior class president wanted to open up a brothel in Bristol, of all places.”