Gray gave Téa a high five, “Now that’s how you do it. I hate women who try to play hard to get. If you see something you like just go and get it…right Jessie?”
Gray, Tony, and Téa were all nodding their heads in agreement. They were usually in agreement on things.
Jessie took a sip of her beer before responding, “Some of us like to take a more subtle approach.”
Gray put his glass down mid-sip, “That’s the one thing that puzzles me about you. You’re absolutely fearless in every other aspect of your life except for men.”
Max and Jake didn’t say anything. They continued to sip on their beer and knew better than to weigh in on this conversation. Everyone just looked at Jessie and waited for her response.
Jessie sat up straighter with her elbows on the table; she put her drink down and entwined her fingers together before responding. “Gray, I’m fearless in all aspects of my life and that includes men. Just because the approach is different doesn’t mean it’s lacking.”
Tony being the trouble maker chimed into the conversation, “Max and Jake, you guys are awfully quiet, what do you think? What’s your preference, bold or a subtle?”
Max and Téa had known Jessie the longest. They understood why she was so reserved. It was survival for her. None of them could possibly understand the weight she carried on her shoulders.
All eyes turned to Jake. “I’m married to a wonderful woman; I’m not chasing any, so this doesn’t really pertain to me. What about you Max?”
Just like Jake. He always managed to find ways to get out of an intra-family squabble and pass the buck to Max.
Max considered his words for a moment, as he rubbed the stubble on the bottom of his chin before answering, “I don’t think the answer is bold or subtle. I want a woman to be both.”
It was silent for a moment before everyone started laughing.
Tony still laughing slapped Max on the back, “Leave it to Max to get philosophical on us and, as usual, not take a side.”
The team spent the next few hours laughing and talking until they were the only people left in the bar. Once the bartender changed the radio station back to country music, everyone knew it was time to go. It was purposely timed as the after work crowd started to file into the bar.
Everyone exchanged hugs and goodbyes in the parking lot as they left to go their separate ways, everyone except for Téa and Jessie. Jessie was going to hang out at Téa’s place for the next few days before flying home to Phoenix.
Téa fired up her jeep. She and Jessie were the last to pull out of the parking lot as they drove off into the direction of Téa’s condo.
*****
Three hours later, Téa and Jessie had kicked off their shoes and were spread out on opposite ends of Téa’s oversized sofa. A half empty pitcher of adult lemonade sat on her table as they sipped their drinks and stared out of the picture window. The orange and purplish view of the sky was breathtakingly beautiful. The fireplace was blazing even though the sun hadn’t fully set, and somewhere in the background music was playing softly.
“This day is almost over Jessie.”
Jessie nodded. “Thank you for not allowing me to spend it alone.”
“I never have and I never will.”
A tear rolled down Jessie’s cheek, “This day comes every year, and every year I still feel this ache, deep within my heart, as if it was just yesterday.”
“I know. That’s why I’m here. You’re my sister in every way and when you hurt…I hurt. Whatever I can do to make this anniversary easier for you, then you’ll find me trying to do it.”
Jessie was physically and emotionally exhausted. Her eyes felt so heavy. She blinked a few times before the darkness finally took over.
Chapter 3
Early the next morning, Téa left to run some errands. It worked out perfectly; for as much as Jessie loved hanging out with her, this was definitely one of those times where she needed her space and solitude. Jessie typically started her day with a vigorous routine of yoga. It helped to clear her mind and made her feel refreshed. After a physically and emotionally draining week, this was just what she needed.
The view from Téa‘s balcony alone was worth whatever ridiculous amount she paid for the condo. Who could ever argue that there wasn’t something greater than themselves while watching the arrival of morning? The sky changed from a deep purple to an orange to the clearest of blue with what looked like the fluffiest cotton balls placed delicately throughout; a fitting playground for the gulls flying through them as they skimmed the ocean for their morning meal. The sun wouldn’t let you forget who was really in charge. It glowed brightly and took its rightful place high above everything else, establishing its majestic power. As Jessie finished up her morning routine, she closed her eyes one last time to bask in the sun’s warmth while listening to the oceans waves roll gently onto the beach. Jessie deeply inhaled the salty fragrance of the ocean and then slowly exhaled.
The timing couldn’t have been better because just as Jessie was coming inside, Téa was walking through the front door. She’d come back from where ever she’d gone and hung a garment back in the hall closet. Then she walked over toward the kitchen with a small brown bag and two hot steaming cups of tea.
Téa was all sugar and saccharine. Jessie knew she was up to something. “Good morning! I picked up breakfast. I know how you are before you eat something, so I got your favorite tea and a gluten free banana nut muffin.”
Jessie eagerly reached out for the goodies. She would deal with the shenanigans sure to come later, but right now she was starving. She sipped the cup full of happiness and closed her eyes while savoring the flavor “Mmmm…this is so good, and it’s exactly what I needed. Everybody needs a Téa in their lives.”
Téa thought she had Jessie exactly where she wanted her. She was relaxed from working out and having one of her favorite drinks. Hopefully, this would put her in an accommodating mood.
“Just remember you said that later. Do you remember that guy that I met at the bar yesterday?”
Jessie nodded.
“Well, his name is Michael Wright. He’s throwing a birthday party for his brother tonight and invited me. We should go.”
Jessie would have much rather stayed in and watched a movie—or plucked her eyes out—than go to a party. But she could tell by the gleam in Téa’s eyes that she was determined.
“Téa, I’d rather just stay in and watch a movie. I’m not really up for partying. And, even if I wanted to go tonight, I didn’t bring anything to wear.”
“I figured you say something like that. I’m not going to let you sit home and flounder around this weekend. We did that yesterday. Yesterday is over.”
Téa reached into the hall closet and pulled out the garment bag. “I anticipated all of your excuses of why you wouldn’t be able to go out tonight. So, while I was out shopping this morning, I found this dress.”
She unzipped the garment bag and pulled out a sexy, black, single-strapped minidress. “This would be killer on you. It will show off those toned arms and long legs. You’ve been practicing yoga for years, but the only time you show off all your hard work is when you’re undercover. If I had a body like yours, you would never see me wearing clothes.”
“Téa…you hardly wear clothes now! This dress is gorgeous, but I think it’s more your style than mine.”
“Maybe...but it’ll still look great on you, and you don’t have a choice.”
Téa spoke to herself as if Jessie had already agreed to go. “I have some red bottoms that would match this dress perfectly.”
Téa continued to hold the dress up to Jessie who inwardly groaned. She knew as soon as this conversation started that she was going to a party tonight. Téa continued to hold up and admire the dress against Jessie. “We just have to do something with all that wild hair.”
Jessie rolled her eyes, “What’s wrong with my hair?”
“It’s a mess. Don’t get me wrong you have beautiful hair, but those long, thick tre
sses are a mess.” Téa was looking at Jessie’s hair as if planning her next masterpiece. “I mean you could do some highlights or even lowlights to add some flavor to all that chocolate. People spend all kinds of money to buy the kind of hair you’ve been keeping in that big old braid or hidden under a hat of some kind. I hope I can get Candy to come over on short notice and make some sense of it. I am not taking no for an answer Jessie.”
Jessie hated when Téa was like this. There was no reasoning with her. “I like my hair just the way it is thank you very much.”
“Ok. I’ll compromise with you. Let Candy at least straighten out all those curls. That’s my best offer. Otherwise, I’ll have her give you the Téa Carlisle makeover.”
“No no…I’m good with just straightening out the curls.”
Téa raised a perfectly shaped brow. “Good. That’s what I thought. But understand this Jessie…even the super models on the cover of Vogue can’t mess with a Téa Carlisle makeover.”
“Confident much?”
“Always.”
Jessie rolled her eyes, “What time are we leaving?”
*****
Jessie and Téa drove for about an hour and a half before they finally reached Naples, Florida. That was the address Michael had given Tea. They pulled up to the gate at around 10:30 p.m. and gave their names to the security guard on duty. Téa had no idea when chatting with Michael earlier that he was—or appeared to be—a very wealthy man. He didn’t live in a little house in the suburbs as she’d suspected, instead he lived in a very wealthy gated community.
They passed through the gates. It took several minutes to get from the security gate to the address he’d given on his card; however, on the way to the address they passed several other estates. The homes looked like something from a rich and famous magazine.
Cars were parked everywhere. Jessie noticed the valet ahead and suggestively pointed Téa in that direction. As they got out of her rental car, Téa smiled sexily at the valet and handed him her keys.
She purred at him before flashing that high-voltage smile, “Make sure you take good care of her.”
The valet smiled back nervously. Téa had that effect on men. She was sexy and she owned it.
The party was in full swing by the time they had made it inside. The music was blaring and there were people wall-to-wall laughing and dancing.
Two hulking men came out of nowhere and stood on each side of them. Immediately, Jessie was on guard. Over the loud music one of the men bent down and spoke into Téa’s ear.
“Are you Téa Carlisle?”
“…And you are?”
“I’m Michael Wright’s personal assistant. He asked that I escort you and your guest to him as soon as you arrived.”
“Then yes, I am Téa Carlisle.”
Téa and Jessie exchanged glances. So far, Mr. Wright was starting out on the right foot.
They followed the assistants through the throngs of people. It wasn’t lost on Jessie that this was a party of beautiful people. Everyone looked like a model or actress…probably aspiring. Jessie could have also sworn she’d just passed a couple of rock stars in the hallway. While still making their way through the crowd, the sea of people automatically parted as the women made their way closer to their host.
The assistants led them to what seemed like a private VIP area, which was slightly less packed with people. There was a group of men whose backs were turned toward them; however, Téa could still identify Michael.
“Excuse me…Mr. Wright? Ms. Carlisle and her guest have arrived.”
Not bothering to turn around, Michael nodded almost imperceptibly before finishing some joke he was telling his friends. He then took a sip of whatever he was drinking before slowly turning around to greet them. Téa thought he was over doing it just a bit but at this point she was just going to let it slide. If he wasn’t one of the most scrumptious men she’d ever seen, she may have tossed her silky, golden hair over her shoulders and left. But, she remembered those piercing baby blue eyes from their first meeting at Frank’s. They had an instant physical attraction. Her feet were rooted right where she stood.
Michael’s eyes finally connected with Téa’s. Something about him drew her to him like a moth to a flame. Jessie just sort of stood back and watched as the whole scene unfolded. It was actually a little interesting seeing the tables being turned on Téa. Usually, she had the men eating out of her hands. Mr. Wright was laying it on pretty thick, and for an unguarded minute it brought out a look in Téa’s eyes that Jessie hadn’t seen in a very long time.
Not taking his eyes away from hers, Michael greeted them, “I’m so glad that you guys were able to make it. I wasn’t sure you’d come.”
Jessie saw the moment Téa put her game face back on as she purred, “That’s why you gave the gatekeeper my name and had your personal assistants escort me over to you?”
He smiled slyly and flashed a smile that almost made Téa’s knees go weak. “I hoped you’d make it.”
Téa grabbed a hold of Jessie’s arm as if to introduce her to Michael, but it was merely a ruse to catch her balance from her weak knees.
“And…Mr. Wright, you hoped I’d be impressed.”
“Are you?”
“I’m not sure yet. I’ll have to let you know.”
The chemistry between Téa and Michael was off the charts. Jessie wondered if they even knew anyone else was in the room. Jessie coughed to remind Téa that she was still there. Without missing a beat, Téa began the introductions.
“I’m sorry. I never introduced you to my best friend. Jessica Ramsey this is Michael Wright.”
Michael finally dragged his eyes away from Téa long enough to give Jessie a firm handshake and a warm smile.
Jessie could see why Téa was attracted to Michael. He definitely stood out amongst the crowd. His baby blues were mesmerizing, the dirty blond hair was perfectly sculpted, and the after-five stubble on his jaw was shaped to perfection. Michael looked as if he’d just come from a GQ magazine photo shoot. Yes, he was an extremely attractive man almost to a fault. He wasn’t Jessie’s type but he was definitely Téa’s.
She smiled back at him, “Please call me Jessie.”
“Okay...Jessie. I’m glad that you ladies were able to make it to the party and be my special guests.”
One of the burly assistants came out of nowhere to whisper into Michael’s ear. He nodded, “There is plenty of food and drinks. But, I’ve just been informed the guest of honor has arrived so I’ve got to get back to my hosting duties.” He then turned to Téa. “I’ll try to get back to you as soon as I can. Until then, please enjoy yourself…but not too much without me.”
Téa watched Michael walk off into the crowd of people. Jessie waved her hands up and down in front of Téa’s eyes. It took a second for Téa to realize it.
Jessie laughed out loud, “Wow…Téa Carlisle. You look like you are going to eat him up.”
“If he play his cards right…I just might. You need to stop worrying about me and see if you can find someone in this sea of beautiful people.”
Téa tilted her head to the side. “Doesn’t Michael remind you of someone? I can’t put my finger on who though.”
Jessie shook her head, “Not anyone that I know. And, I’m not interested in a wham-bam-thank-you-ma’am.”
A waiter came over with champagne flutes interrupting their conversation. Téa took two and gave one to Jessie.
Téa took a sip, “Mmmm…this is so good. I’m not either, but I don’t know why you wouldn’t be since you won’t make time for anything else. You’ve forgotten how to have fun and probably about sex, too. I mean how many rabbits have you purchased in the last year? I’m guessing that you’ve gotten at least two.”
Jessie was mid-sip when Téa added that last part and almost choked on her drink. “I know how to have fun. I have fun all the time! By the way…I never interfere in anyone else’s love life. What is it lately with you guys having a problem with MY love life? I’m happy,
isn’t that enough?”
Téa took another sip of her drink and over the rim of the glass looked deeply into her friends eyes. She knew that Jessie was content, but she wasn’t happy. And decided to let it pass for now.
Jessie tossed the rest of her drink back in one gulp just as a gentleman walked up and asked her to dance. She glared at Téa and decided to take the man up on his offer.
Jessie was going to prove to Téa—or maybe even herself—that she still knew how to have fun dammit! It pissed her off that Téa knew her so well. Especially, since she’d gone through not two but four rabbits in the last year!
She followed the sexy stranger from VIP to the dance floor. The floor was packed. The DJ had everyone moving with his up-tempo mix. The music was hypnotic as she moved her hips. She closed her eyes briefly and just let her body feel the beat. The mix of songs was sexy and made Jessie feel sexy, too. Why shouldn’t she? The black minidress fit her like a glove, and her red bottoms made her legs look they went on forever. She knew they displayed all of her best assets to perfection. Just because Jessie didn’t dance on tables and poles didn’t mean she couldn’t give those that did a run for their money. The stranger must have thought so, too. She saw it in his eyes. Jessie turned her back to him as he pulled her close. Close enough for her to feel how truly excited she’d made him. Jessie threw her arms up in the air while she continued to shimmy and gyrate on him to the rhythm of the music.
Téa stood back and watched her friend try to prove her wrong. Whatever the reason, she just wanted Jessie to start living again. Téa hoped that in the process Jessie would have some fun, too. But what Téa wasn’t going to do was stand there and let all that good music go to waste. She found some random stranger and made her way to the dance floor, too.
Chapter 4
Brian Wright was exhausted. He’d been gone for the last month doing press and promoting his latest film. He’d just gotten off a twelve-hour flight and driven more than two hours to get home. All he wanted to do was sleep in the comfort of his own home—in his own bed.
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