by Donna Jay
Alex scrunched up her face. She looked under her chair, scanned Simone’s desk, and then settled her gaze on Simone.
“What are you looking for?” Simone leaned back in her leather chair, arms folded across her chest.
“That stick you normally have up…”
“Don’t you dare!” Simone gritted her teeth. It was one thing to be all buddy-buddy at happy hour, but she would not tolerate insubordination in the workplace.
Unfazed, Alex stood, her gaze on the wilting flowers. “Whoever she is, she’s good for you.”
“Will that be all?” Simone leaned her elbows on the desk, trying to maintain her grasp on the boss-employee relationship.
“Yeah.”
“Oh, Alex.”
She turned, hand poised on the doorknob. “Yes?”
“Change the rubbish bag in the staffroom, please.”
“You’re kidding?”
“Try me.” Simone’s voice was like steel.
“Fine.” Alex’s shoulders slumped.
The second the coast was clear, Simone sent a quick text to Nadia.
How’s Blake?
Rather than twist herself into knots waiting for a reply, Simone headed to the staffroom. She leaned against the doorframe.
Alex had her back to her, grumbling as she hoisted the black trash bag out of the rubbish bin and put a fresh liner in. When she turned and saw Simone standing there, she jumped.
“Here, I’ll take that?” Simone held out a hand.
Her eyes went wide. “Seriously?”
“Unless you’d rather take it out yourself?”
“No, no. Here, it’s all yours.” Her words were nasal as if she was holding her breath.
In the next instant, Simone knew why. “Who the hell eats fish sandwiches?”
“Conrad. His missus makes them for him, but as you can smell, he throws them away.”
Rather than get into a debate about what a waste of food it was, and why couldn’t he just be honest with her and say he doesn’t like tuna sandwiches, Simone tied off the bag and hefted it over her shoulder.
By the time she got back from dumping the bag in the skip bin and scrubbed her hands, she had two missed messages.
Blake doing fine, fighting the inhaler but breathing easier.
Because he was so young, Helen had to administer the inhaler through a cylinder tube with a face mask attached. For a two-year-old, it must be terrifying.
Helen’s in the shit at work. Missed her eight p.m. cleaning job. The company phoned and complained. I should’ve thought to go.
With all that was going on, it was any wonder it hadn’t crossed Nadia’s mind, even though she’d clearly covered for Helen before.
Not your fault. Leave it with me.
A question mark followed, but Simone ignored it, picking up the office phone instead. She punched in the number she’d scribbled in her book when trying to find Nadia/Jane and waited.
“Triple A cleaning services, how may we help you?”
“Hi, it’s Simone here from KB Incorporated. May I speak to the manager, please?”
“Oh no. Not you too. I’m really sorry.”
“Excuse me?” Simone played dumb. “Sorry for what?”
“We had a cleaner go AWOL last night. I thought you were phoning to complain.”
“Oh, no, quite the contrary.”
“Really?” the receptionist’s voice perked up.
“We’re talking about Helen, right?”
“Yes. Helen Jansen, she cleans your premises.”
“And she does a fabulous job. I thought it was well past time I phoned to give feedback. I’d hoped to receive a survey or a follow-up call to see if we were happy with your services, but since I haven’t, I thought I’d call. I believe in giving praise where praise is due.” Simone lowered her voice as if she was going to share a trade secret. “There’s nothing worse than hearing from customers when they have a complaint, but they forget about the five years of top service you’ve provided for them.”
“Gosh, yes, that’s the only time we hear from them. Human nature I guess.”
“I guess,” Simone said, keeping her voice professional. “Anyway, please pass on to your manager that we are very happy with the service, not only you, but Helen provides. She’s so thorough, it’d be a shame to lose her.”
“Thank you, I’ll make sure he gets your message.” She paused. “Sorry, what was your name?”
“Simone, Simone Emmett, CEO of KB Incorporated. Oh, and I’d appreciate it if this call stays between us. I don’t want Helen to get too comfortable and to think she can start gabbing to me all night.”
“I understand.”
Happy she’d done what she could, Simone said good-bye and ended the call. Only time would tell if it was enough. When the enormity of what she’d done hit her, she shook her head in wonder.
Who would’ve thought she’d be sitting there defending the cleaner, a woman she could barely say two words to only a few weeks ago.
God, she’d been such a bitch. Perhaps Alex wasn’t far off the mark accusing her of having a stick up her arse. Not that Simone would ever admit that out loud.
Was it five o’clock yet?
On impulse, she punched out a text to Nadia. What are you doing tonight?
After a minute of staring at her phone, the screen lit up. Why?
She bit back a smile. Don’t answer a question with a question.
Don’t be sassy.
Simone’s grin grew wider. What are you going to do about it?
Are you five or begging for five lashes?
Does that mean you’re free?
When her office line rang she nearly leapt out of her chair. Clutching her chest, she picked up. “Hello, you’re speaking with Simone.”
“It’s me,” Hamish’s chipper voice came down the line. “You coming to happy hour?”
“Not sure.”
“Come on, you have to, we’ve got dibs on you kicking arse at darts.”
“I might have to take a rain-check.”
“You’re not going to forget us for your girl, are you?”
“Not at all, in fact, I can’t wait for you to meet her.” That much was true, but tonight wasn’t that night.
“I’m happy for you, Simone,” his voice exuded warmth.
“Me too, now get back to work.”
“Yes, Ma’am.”
“Hamish, why didn’t you just come up and see me?”
“Because I’m working.” Laughter echoed down the line. He could be such a goof at times, but a loveable goof, and a damned good employee.
The ping of her cell phone made Simone dive for it. Nadia’s text made her heart sink.
Busy tonight, sorry. Helen needs me.
“So do I,” Simone muttered under her breath, feeling disappointed and selfish all at once.
Reminding herself Helen had been through a hell of an ordeal and that Nadia clearly loved those kids as if they were her own, Simone punched out a reply.
Okay, call me tomorrow.
At least Simone would get a good night’s sleep, and she wouldn’t be tempted to cancel her walking date with Leah. Yeah, friends were important.
Chapter 19
Simone
Saturday morning after bowing out of Friday night drinks, Simone awoke feeling rested, and, for the first time in longer than she could remember, lonely.
Rather than wallow, she had a quick scrub, chowed down on a banana, and was out the door well before she was due to meet Leah.
She rapped on the door and was greeted by Brad’s smiling face. “Hey. Come in.”
“Thanks.” She bent to untie her laces and caught a whiff of lavender carpet cleaner.
“Don’t worry about your shoes, I’m about to vacuum.” He pointed to the patches of white powder dotting the carpet.
“No wonder Leah snapped you up. Who doesn’t love a man who knows how to do housework?”
“No kidding.” He winked. “And I’ve been told I
look pretty hot in my black-and-white maid’s outfit.”
“He’s kidding.” Leah walked up behind him and cracked him across the arse.
“You mean he doesn’t clean?” Simone bit back a smile.
“I meant he was kidding about looking hot in the maid’s outfit. Hairy legs in stockings aren’t exactly sexy, but he refuses to shave them. Don’t you, babe.” Leah pecked him on the cheek.
Having no idea if she was joking or not, Simone held her tongue. If he liked to be feminised who was she to judge?
“You ready?” Simone asked.
“As I’ll ever be.” Leah bounded down the stairs wearing shorts and a T-shirt.
After doing up her shoelace, Simone followed her to the car. Ten minutes later, Leah turned into Ruakiwi Road and pulled to a stop at Hamilton Lake Walkway.
“For the record, Brad doesn’t wear a maid’s outfit.”
“Not my business.” Simone cracked open the passenger’s door.
“Fine, but your love life is my business. So spill. I want to hear all about this woman who’s stolen my best friend’s heart.”
“Who says she’s stolen my heart?” Simone asked as they made their way over to the 3.8km track.
“Your face. You look like a lovesick puppy.”
“You look like a dog with a bone.”
“Did you just call me a dog?”
“A lovable one.”
A cacophony of geese honking and ducks quacking cut into their conversation.
“Look.” Leah pointed as a pukeko disappeared into the bushes.
The native bird was beautiful with its purplish-blue neck, black back, orange legs, and bright red bill.
“Stunning. Like Nadia,” Simone said wistfully.
“Please tell me you finally know what she was doing at your work.”
“I do.” They rounded a corner. “She was helping out a friend, filling in for her.”
“And hit on you?”
“Is that so hard to believe?”
“Not at all, gorgeous.” Leah made kissy sounds.
A couple heading in the other direction did a double-take and then continued on their way.
“I had an interesting night, Thursday, actually.”
“Oh.” Leah rubbed her hands together. “Are you going to cough up the details? You know my inner lesbian lives vicariously through you.”
“That’s what Brad said to me.”
“Really?” Leah scowled.
“He’s never been disrespectful to me, so don’t get your panties in a bunch.”
“Good to know. Go on.”
“We had a date. Her friend’s son got sick, and we had to rush to her place. Said friend, Helen, is our regular cleaner.”
“Why would you have to rush to someone’s place because their kid got sick? Does she have an aversion to vomit or something?”
“No.” Simone bounded over a puddle on the path. Huh, it must have rained last night and she didn’t hear a thing. “Her friend was at work. Her babysitter freaked and phoned Nadia. Last time he got sick, Nadia filled in for her so she could stay home with her kids.”
“Wow, hell of a way to find out what she was doing there.”
“That’s what I said. It was terrifying.” Simone puffed out a breath. “Can we slow down?” It was almost impossible to walk and talk at the pace Leah set.
“Sure, but tell me more.”
“Blake, he must be all of two, his lips were blue, and he was gasping for breath.”
“Like you,” Leah joked, but Simone didn’t smile.
The memory of seeing him in so much distress chilled her to the bone.
“No, like he’d die if he couldn’t catch his next breath. All this time, Helen thought he had croup, but after being admitted to A&E for hours upon hours, it turns out he’s asthmatic.”
“Poor kid.”
“Yeah, but at least now they know, it can be controlled.”
“True. So, when do I get to meet this woman?”
“This woman has a name.”
“Nar-dee-ah. Lar-dee-dah,” Leah said in a singsong voice.
“Just for that, you can wait.” In truth, Simone wasn’t ready to share her yet. Not because she wasn’t dying to introduce her to Leah, but for selfish reasons. For the time being, she wanted every stolen moment she could get with Nadia all to herself.
“The name just sounds posh. So I wondered if she is.”
“She dresses smartly, she runs a boutique, but she’s also very grounded. She doesn’t speak with a plum in her mouth or look down at others.”
Leah’s grin grew wider. Was she being mocked? Simone narrowed her eyes in warning, which was a stupid move. She tripped on a rut in the track and almost face planted.
“Whoa.” Leah righted her. “I wasn’t laughing at you. I’m happy for you, honestly. I wish you could see the way your face lights up when you talk about her.”
Appeased, Simone lowered her defences. “Maybe we could swing by tonight if she’s free.”
“You mean to say you haven’t already planned the next big date?”
“No. Her friend needs her support right now, and what are friends for if they can’t be there for you in your time of need?”
“True. Speaking of, sorry, but if you need me tonight, you’ll have to tag along with us to an engagement party.”
“I’ll pass,” Simone said, hoping more than ever Nadia didn’t have any plans. She longed for a night of passion. To submit to her like she’d wanted to do from the moment their lips met in the confines of her office.
“How about next Sunday? Come over for lunch, Brad can fire up the barbecue.”
“Sounds good.” She had no doubt they’d get along like a house on fire.
***
At two o’clock that afternoon, Simone looked heavenward and thanked whatever deity was listening.
Fit to burst with happiness, she read the text message again.
Got the place to myself, Darrin not home this weekend. Pack an overnight bag.
Nadia’s confidence was intoxicating. No would you like to? Just do it. And it was exactly what Simone needed. Not all the time, but when it came to Nadia, her commands were so subtle they were like a drug, tempting her with the promise of a high.
Will do. What time suits?
She jumped when her phone rang. It was Nadia. “Do you have plans for dinner?”
“Oh, I don’t know. Depends what’s on offer.”
“Me, on the table. Naked. You on your knees, no utensils required.”
A jolt of lust shot straight between Simone’s legs. Her hand dipped between her thighs. If she didn’t get some quick relief, she would combust before she made it across town.
“Do not touch yourself.”
The snap of Nadia’s voice sent her hand flying back to her side. “I wasn—” It was pointless lying. “How did you know?”
“Your breath hitched.”
“And you’re barking orders already.”
“I thought we were past that.”
“What?” Simone ran her hands across her pubic mound, absently toying with the small patch of hair.
“Calling me a dog.”
Unlike the first time she called her a bitch, Simone didn’t have the slightest desire to call her one, even in jest. “I like your bark.”
“What about my bite?”
“I’ll have to get back to you on that one.” Thoughts of Nadia nipping her flesh made her throb. Her fingers dipped lower. God, how was she wet already?
“If you don’t remove your hand from inside your knickers right now, you won’t sit for a week, and when you do you’ll feel my teeth marks.”
Her hand flew away, and she had no clue why. Yes, she did. She yearned to please Nadia. “Done.”
“Good girl, and no more touching. The next time you climax it will be at my hand, my command.”
“And after you.”
“Of course, and since I’m not a total bitch, I’ll let you cook for me first.”
Simone pictured the huge smile on Nadia’s face, blue eyes twinkling, expecting a sassy comeback, but the prospect of cooking in her retro kitchen, already had Simone salivating for an entirely different reason.
Shrimp cocktail, followed by a warm lamb salad, washed down with a bottle of Cloudy Bay Sauvignon Blanc.
“You there?”
“Oh, sorry, I was just planning what to cook.”
“Great, text me a list of ingredients.”
“No, I’d like to do this for you, for us.”
“That would be lovely.”
Taken aback, Simone pulled the phone away from her ear and looked at the screen. Yep, same call, same person on the other end. Why she had expected Nadia to protest, she had no clue. Then it hit her how pleasant it was not to argue about such a trivial thing.
She offered. Nadia accepted. Easy.
“So, I guess it’s a date.”
“It is, and I promise to make up for Thursday night.”
“That wasn’t your fault,” Simone said softly.
“I know, but you realise what else it means?”
“What?”
“You have a week of infractions to pay for.”
“What infractions?” Simone harrumphed. They’d barely talked in the last few days, and most of their text messages had been about Blake.
“Hey, tramp. How many boobs have you sized up today?”
Simone smiled despite herself. “That was a joke.” She’d sent the text message while on a break, and come to think of it, a reply never came.
“Ah, oh well, everything is open to interpretation, and it came across as offensive.”
Unsure if Nadia was having her on or not, Simone gaped.
“See you at five, lover.” The smile in her voice seeped into Simone, immediately easing her worries. The click of the phone made her clench her teeth.
Damn infuriating woman.
They needed to talk about Nadia’s aversion to saying goodbye. Although, the more Simone thought about it, Nadia kind of had.
Rather than ponder the enigma that was Nadia, a puzzle she doubted she’d ever solve, Simone went in search of a notepad.
She had a meal to create and a lover to impress.
Chapter 20
Nadia
