by Sage Young
They both laughed and walked to the kitchen.
Charlotte sat in her living room enjoying a cup of tea, thinking about her night with James Donavan. She’d managed to avoid James on Saturday because she didn’t know what she was going to say to him or if she could even be around him without making love to him again. She knew she would eventually have to face him on Monday when she went to work, but for now, she had the weekend to try and figure out what she was going to do.
The tone of her phone pulled her out of her thoughts, the assistant manager called from the restaurant. There was an issue that needed her immediate attention. Charlotte knew her grandmother attended church on Sunday, but today she was visiting a friend and would not be at the restaurant until later in the evening. Michael, the assistant manager, said that there was a vendor there wanting payment and specifically asked to speak with her personally and said he would wait. Are you kidding me? “I will be there within the half hour, if he wants to continue to wait,” she said irritated.
She couldn’t believe that a vendor would come on a Sunday looking for payment. She jumped into the shower and began to rack her brain, trying to figure out what vendor was looking for payment, because to date, she made sure that at the bills were paid on time.
After her shower, she put on a pair of jeans with heels and a tank top, got her car keys, then headed out the door. The sun beamed down on her through her sunroof, as she sped down the highway. She placed her sunglasses on her face when her car phone rang. “Hey Rob, what’s up?” she asked.
“Just calling to say thank you for pulling my head out of my ass. I had a long talk with Tony, and we're good,” he explained.
Thank God. She loved them together and hoped Robert wouldn’t ruin his relationship because of his insecurities.
“You’re welcome, you know I will always have your back and always give it to you straight,” she said smiling.
“What are you up to this afternoon?” he asked.
“I’m heading to the restaurant to meet up with one of our vendors, why don’t you and Tony meet me there for an early dinner? I’ll call Jewels and invite her too,” Charlotte said.
Being with her friends would be a needed distraction from thinking about James.
“Tony and I will be there,” he responded.
“Great, see you in about an hour.” She disconnected the call.
Charlotte after calling Jewels, she pulled into a parking lot behind the restaurant and went in through the back door, as her thoughts went back to James. After several missed calls from him yesterday, she was surprised that he hadn’t tried to contact her today.
Charlotte walked straight through the kitchen, only pausing to speak with staff before heading to the bar to speak with Michael, the assistant manager. “Where is the vendor who was asking for payment?” she asked as he looked up from making drinks.
James noticed her as soon as she walked through the swinging doors. He took in every detail about her, the way her jeans hugged her body in all the right places, the top she wore that accented the curvature of her breasts and her hair pulled back into a ponytail. He noticed it all.
An hour after leaving her place yesterday morning, he wanted to go back to look into her big beautiful brown eyes and get lost inside her again. When he’d come out of her bedroom and heard a male’s voice, he’d instantly became jealous. He knew then that he needed to leave before he seriously hurt someone.
While he knew this woman was going to be his, he didn’t know much about her other than the information given to him by the private detective. But there had been no mention of her having a boyfriend. Then he’d felt immense relief when he found out the man was only a friend. James had never felt jealousy. He’d never felt enough for a woman to have run into that green demon before.
This constant distraction was affecting his business; he couldn’t stop thinking of her long enough to complete tasks, except one, firing Daniel Moret and he done that gladly after looking into Charlotte’s claims.
James and Aedan were able to get statements from female employees on Daniel’s treatment of them. Daniel was a disgusting piece of filth, and even when confronted, he arrogantly implied that all of the incidents were consensual. James fired him on the spot and made sure that he was walked out of the building by security, while all the women he violated watched his departure.
James redirected his attention to Charlotte. Aedan warned him to take care of the situation with Charlotte, so they could conclude their business and go home. He knew Aedan was right, but he needed to see her and come to some type of resolution on their relationship.
She hadn’t returned his calls and he suspected that she wouldn’t answer the door if he went to her house, so he came to the one place she would not neglect, the family business. He came to the restaurant and waited for the love of his life to walk through the door.
Charlotte waited for a response from Michael.
“He’s over there, sitting at the table, but he doesn’t look like a vendor to me,” Michael said nonchalantly, as he went back to making drinks.
She spun on her heels and headed towards the table. As she walked closer, she could see that the well-dressed man sitting at the table wasn’t a vendor, but none other than Mr. James Donovan himself. She stopped dead in her tracks deciding if she should run in the other direction, but It was too late, he was already glaring at her. She took a deep breath, rolled her shoulders back, and walked straight towards him.
Chapter 12
James stood as she approached.
“Mr. Donovan,” she said in a very formal tone.
“Ms. Trudeau. Please join me,” he said in a sarcastic tone to match hers as he motioned with his hand for her to sit.
Just being near him caused her body to heat up. “I’m sorry James, I-I have to get…” she stammered.
“Charlotte, please sit your ass down,” he said in frustration. “Please.”
Charlotte rolled her eyes as she sat down next to him.
He leaned in close to her. “Why haven’t you returned any of my calls? I thought I made it very clear to you that I needed to speak with you last night. We need to discuss what happened between us,” he said as he placed his hands on her knee. “Avoiding the situation will not make it go away Charlie.” His tone was now softer as he used her nickname. “What happened between us was...” he paused because he seemed to have a difficult time trying to describe exactly what it was. “It was a connection like I’ve never felt before, and I know it was the same for you, please don’t try to deny it. I have not been able to think about anything else since our night together.” He began to get his composure back as he sat back in his chair and took a sip of his drink. “So Ms. Trudeau, we need to discuss this and figure out where we go from here.
Charlotte could tell he was upset because his accent had become stronger and as he spoke, she couldn’t help but stare at his sexy lips. He was so damn sexy. Then when he’d used her nickname, she felt her chest constrict.
Feeling lost, she stared into his beautiful green eyes and wanted him to hold her. “I haven’t called you because I’m having a hard time figuring out what this is.” She waved her hands between the two of them. “I have never in my life gone to bed with a man I barely knew and sleep with him unprotected,” she paused as she shook her head. “I don't know what to do. I do know when I’m around you, I want to be in your arms. You had my body that night, but you left my house with my most precious gift of all, my heart and I don't know how to resolve that.”
He reached for her and she backed away. “Don’t you think that I am going through the same exact emotion,” he said trying to reassure her. “I came to this country to make a decision about my company, then go back home. Now, I can't figure out how in the world I can go back home without you Charlotte. You are in my soul and I don't know when that happened or how that happened, I know that we are meant to be together,” he declared.
“How can you say that, James? We’ve only known each othe
r a little over two weeks!” she exclaimed, knowing that she felt the same exact way.
“How can you explain the instant attraction we have for each other or how the moment you enter a room, my entire body heats up,” he confessed.
She knew what he was saying was the truth, as he had the same effect on her. “So what do we do James? I live here in New Orleans and you live in Ireland, that’s pretty far to have a long distance relationship.”
James signaled Michael to bring him another drink. “What do you want to drink Charlotte?” he asked as Michael sat his second drink in front of him.
“I’ll have whiskey straight,” she stated confidently.
Both men gave her a surprised look; she normally didn’t drink anything stronger than wine.
Michael shrugged his shoulders as he walked away and returned quickly with her drink.
Charlotte took a gulp and coughed as she felt the burning liquid go down her throat.
“Charlotte, I want to be with you tonight,” he stated boldly.
“I don't think that's a good idea; incredible sex isn’t going to resolve our issue, it will only mask it for another night,” she said as she took another sip of her drink.
“It’s not just about sex. You’re under my skin and you are not going to get away from me. I need you in my life Charlotte Trudeau and nothing is going to change that fact,” he said before leaning into her and kissing her lips softly.
“Well, well, well, you have been holding out on me missy,” Jewels exclaimed as she smiled at the couple.
Charlotte looked up at her friend and didn’t feel embarrassed. She didn’t know how it was possible, but she had fallen in love with this man and didn’t care who knew. She stood and hugged Jewels. “James, this is one of my best friends Jewels Latour. Jewels, this is James Donavan.”
“It’s nice to meet—wait, as in your boss?” Jewels look stunned at this news.
Charlotte gave her a side look. “You sound like Rob. Yes, James is also my boss.”
“So, what other title does he hold?” Jewels asked confused and wanted to know what was going on.
Charlotte looked over at James and smiled. “We are still figuring that out.”
Jewels extended her hand. “It’s nice to me you James, so will you be joining us for dinner?” she asked with a devilish smile.
James glanced over at Charlotte as she nodded. “I would be my honor to join you. If you don’t mind having one more, Aedan was planning to have dinner with me?” James asked directing the question to Charlotte.
“Sure, the more, the merrier,” Charlotte replied sarcastically with a smile. This should be very interesting, considering the way Aedan acted over her possibly seeing James personally.
“I hope his friend is as fine as he is, girl you know we have to talk,” Jewels whispered in Charlotte’s ear as James walked away to make a call.
“We will talk later, but please be on your best behavior,” she warned.
“You know I will,” Jewels vowed as she crossed her fingers in front of Charlotte.
They both laughed.
“You are incorrigible,” Charlotte said as they walked towards the bar.
Twenty minutes later, Robert showed up with Tony.
Charlotte smiled. “James, you have already met Rob, this is Rob’s husband, Tony.”
“Your husband?” James asked surprised.
“Yes, my husband,” Robert replied as he glared at James.
“Huh,” James said as he raised his glass. “Nice to meet you Tony,” he said before taking a sip.
The dinner conversation was lively and filled with laughter, mostly Charlotte and her friends.
Aedan smiled as he watched his friend and tried to process the information on his new found relationship. Aedan eventually relaxed and enjoyed himself as he added to the conversation when he was able to.
James however, remained mostly quiet as he stared at Charlotte, only responding when he was asked questions.
Charlotte was acutely aware that James’ eyes were glued on her. Every time she turned to look at him, their eyes would meet. His looks caused Charlotte’s body to tingle. She welcomed the distraction of her friend’s conversation but it was becoming increasingly difficult not to stare back. The temptation was too great; she wanted him inside her again.
Chapter 13
James sat there listening to the conversation. It was interesting getting to know the people closest to Charlotte but what he really wanted was to be alone with the woman he loved.
“So what is the deal with you and Charlotte?” Robert asked James directly.
Everyone at the table got quiet as all eyes swung to James.
James stared at Robert and then looked over at Charlotte while he answered the question, “The deal is…from the moment I saw her, I knew she was going to be mine, she walked across the lobby of my building and right into my heart. I didn’t think it was possible to fall in love with someone so fast but your friend has managed to get under my skin and I can’t and I don’t want to change that.” James continued to stare at Charlotte as he declared his love for her to all of her friends.
“Well damn!” Jewels exclaimed breaking the few moments of silence which seemed to cover the entire room.
Charlotte stared at James speechless.
Aedan stared at his best friend. “On that note, I think a round of drinks is in order,” he said as he raised his glass.
James whispered in Charlotte’s ear, “Can I speak to you in private?”
She nodded as she stood and led him through the kitchen into the office.
After they walked through the door, James shut it behind them. He pulled her into an embrace as his lips came crashing down on hers. She wrapped her arms around his neck as she deepened the kiss. He put his arms around her grabbing her ass and pulling her into his hard dick. “I’ve wanted to do that since the moment you walked into the restaurant. I need to be alone with you.”
Charlotte pulled from his embrace as a tear ran down her face. She backed away and she looked into his eyes. “I can't do this, I'm afraid.”
He stared at her with a surprised expression. “Afraid?” he asked as he gazed into her eyes. “Afraid of what?”
“Afraid of what you're doing to me. Since you've walked into my life, I can't eat, I can't sleep, I am all consumed by you,” she admitted as she tried to choke back tears.
“Do you think it's been any different for me? I can't think of anything else but you since I first saw you. I can’t even make a fucking decision about this company without considering how it will affect you. One thing I know for certain, now that you are in my life, I’m not letting you go,” he declared as he pulled her back into an embrace.
She looked up at him. “How is this supposed to work? We don’t even live in the same country.”
He used his thumb to wipe away a tear. “Charlotte, we will work out the logistics. I just need to know that you want this as much as I do,” he said gazing into her eyes for confirmation.
“Isn't that obvious?” She smiled through her tears.
He kissed her softly on the lips. “Good, now I need to be alone with you. We can either choose your place or go back to my hotel, either way, we're going to be together tonight.”
“We can go back to your hotel,” she replied.
As they began to walk out of the kitchen, they heard the back door open and turned to see Mimi walk in.
“Hey Charlie, I didn’t know you were going to be here this evening, baby,” Mimi said to Charlotte staring at the tall, handsome man standing beside her granddaughter. “And who is your friend?” she asked as she turned to look closely at him. Before Charlotte could make introductions, Mimi then gasped. An immediate look of horror came over her face as she pointed at him. “It’s you-you…” Mimi looked ashen while grabbing her chest and collapsing onto the floor.
“Mimi!” Charlotte screamed as she ran to her side and fell to her knees. Everyone in the dining area heard the screams and he
r friends came running into the kitchen “Call 911…please someone call 911!” she yelled as she stared at Mimi’s lifeless body.
Jewels ran over and gently nudged Charlotte to the side as she began to do CPR until the ambulance arrived.
James knelt down and helped Charlotte up from the floor then gently wrapped his arms around her. His touch gave her an instant sense of security she needed at that moment. The EMTs arrived quickly and were able to get Mimi stabilized before transporting her to the hospital.
James gestured to Aedan who was standing there with everyone else.
Aedan immediately knew he wanted him to get the car.
They put Mimi on the stretcher and they all watched as she was put into the ambulance.
“I’ll drive you to the hospital, Charlotte,” James whispered in Charlotte’s ear.
She nodded and walked with him as he continued to hold onto her.
Aedan pulled the car in front of the restaurant. Jewels and Robert agreed to meet her at the hospital; they all got in their cars and sped off. As Aedan sped down the highway, James and Charlotte sat in the back. Tears were streaming down her face, as she remained quiet.
James pulled a handkerchief out of this pocket and handed it to her. “She’s going to be fine, babe, you must believe that you have to have faith.” He held her closer in his arms while they rode in silence.
They reached the hospital and Charlotte was anxious to see her grandmother. They were all asked to wait in the waiting room and someone would be in to give them an update.
“I don’t understand, Mimi is in perfect health, why would she just…” Charlotte remembered right before Mimi collapsed, she pointed at James. Charlotte pulled out of his embrace and gazed into his eyes. “James, do you know my grandmother?”
