by Suzan Battah
“Answer it!” In her excitement, Andreena pressed the right button to do just that.
Julia, unsure what to do and not ready to talk to him, fumbled with her cell phone as if it was burning her. She swore in Spanish a little too loudly and hung up the call, dropping the phone into her lap. Relief was instantaneous. Deep down, she knew she was a coward but pride wouldn’t allow her to admit it. Then embarrassment washed over her in waves.
“Why did you do that?” she snapped. The contradictory emotions of excitement on hearing his voice and fear of getting to know him made her edgy.
Andreena gave her a shrewd look, clearly disapproving. “Why didn’t you answer his call?”
Julia sighed. “I’m going to call him back, later.”
“Liar. You know that you can’t lie to me, Jules.” Andreena’s brows knitted together. “You’re a chicken. You work, work, and find more work. I know it’s been hard since Carlos died, but seriously, when are you going to get out there?”
“I don’t know?” Julia hated talking about Carlos. “I don’t want all the hassles with relationships. I don’t mind having fun, but nothing more.”
Her friend shook her head. “Carlos wouldn’t like it, you know.”
The sudden pain in her heart hurt with sharp accuracy. Julia’s eyes watered. “It doesn’t matter what Carlos would want. I’m the one not interested.”
Andreena watched her closely for a moment. Her eyes squinted, she seemed to relent.
“He’s a nice guy. Yes he’s cute. There’s nothing else to it, so I’ll talk to him later. I promised him dinner, so yes I’m going to see him again,” Julia added, hoping that would reassure Andreena. “I think he’s famous, everyone kept looking at him.”
“You should try a little harder, Jules. Carlos wouldn’t want you wasting your life. Don’t you want to have kids?”
Memories were coming back to her. Children had always been on her mind since his death. She just never imagined starting a new life with someone else. Ever. It hurt in her heart painfully just thinking about it. Andreena was forcing her to remember what she had long ago stopped dreaming about. For the last two years, Julia had avoided discussing the past, and she wasn’t about to start talking about it now. Since she had been so content living without remembering, why would she want to get into talking about something that was too hard?
She had married her best friend, her first love, and almost instantly he was taken away. Cystic fibrosis was a manageable disease, but with Carlos wanting to do everything despite his limitations, he was gone too early. The reminder of her Carlos brought a mixture of emotions in painful depth. She could see his face all too clear. The sadness was always there, but she was also still angry at having watched him die so young, guilty that she hadn’t protected him more, and adamant that no one could ever replace him. Being with someone else had never crossed her mind. She had never desired another man’s company and now that she actually felt something, she was forced to realize her feelings were still raw with grief and now she had the added shame of wanting someone else. She couldn’t do it, not to her best friend.
Julia liked Chris a lot. In just those few moments, when he came to save her, she felt safe and protected. That wasn’t something she ever felt before, not even with Carlos. Now, the balance had changed somehow.
Definitely tempting.
Too dangerous for her heart.
That made him off limits, in her mind.
Chapter Two
The next morning, as Julia drove across town, she was running behind schedule for a very important meeting with Ben Augustine, from the Augustine Hotels. She couldn’t mess this meeting up. If she won this tender, her company would be set. She hated being late, but could at least extend the courtesy of a call. She maintained the speed limit as she dialed the hotel.
“It’s a great day at the Augustine Hotel. This is Robin.” The receptionist’s bright cheery voice echoed through the loudspeaker in the car.
“Hello, this is Julia Mendoza from By Design. Can I speak with Mr. Augustine please?”
“Which Mr. Augustine would you like to speak to, ma’am, Christophe or Benjamin?” the receptionist asked.
Julia was taken aback and a little alarm bell sounded in her head when she heard the name Christophe. She had been thinking of Chris a lot since their unusual meeting and couldn’t help but feel a twinge of excitement along with the with underlying fear. But it couldn’t possibly be him.
She blinked, surprised on hearing the name but shook it off.
Hastily, she replied, “Benjamin Augustine, I have an appointment with him. I’m running a little late, about twenty minutes.”
The Augustine contract would be a major deal for her business, otherwise she would have turned her car around right then when she heard the name ‘Christophe’, chicken that she was. Still, her nerves were twitching.
No. It can’t be him. That’s stupid. Couldn’t possibly be the same guy. It’s not the same guy! The ‘Augustine Boy’, Christophe Augustine, pretending to be my boyfriend!
“No problem, Ms. Mendoza. Mr. Augustine is on a phone call at the moment, but I will let him know you’re on your way.”
Julia ended the call, zipping through the traffic, annoyed with every driver determined to be slow on this day of all days. Her previous client had held her up with ridiculous notions of a color scheme for her waterfront mansion. It took Julia a good half hour to explain why this choice wouldn’t work. They ended up going through the color swatches again until the woman accepted a more suitable choice under Julia’s watchful eye.
The Augustine contract was very important to Julia. There had been rumors circulating in the media for several months that the Augustine Boy wanted to revamp his Miami hotel. Designers from all over the United States sent proposals, with no success in obtaining the contract.
Julia hadn’t bothered to submit anything. There had never been an official invitation for proposals. So she was elated to get a phone call from Ben Augustine’s assistant requesting a look at her work. One of her wealthy clients had been singing By Design’s praises.
She could feel the nerves and excitement kick in all at once as she turned her Saab convertible down Ocean Drive to pull into the front entrance of the ritzy Augustine Hotel. Within moments, a spunky valet came forward and opened the car door wide for her. “Welcome to the Augustine, ma’am.”
“Thank you.” She stepped out of her car, handing over the keys. The valet came to assist her when she grabbed her portfolio and laptop out of the back seat. She waved him off, looking up at the front entrance. She had driven by the Augustine so many times, and now she was right in front of it.
Julia climbed up the steps, getting a brief glimpse at the beachside view. She turned to the deeply tinted glass doors, and suddenly they whooshed open, presenting the foyer.
The reception area oozed with majestic elegance, taking her breath away. She had never been inside the luxury hotel, but had seen pictures on the internet. She knew its five-star rating had never wavered, the high standards were always maintained.
Not long ago, she had seen the Miami Augustine reviewed on a travel show. It had been rated as one of the most popular places to stay. It included two large ballrooms and a conference center for functions. It was more than just a hotel; the Augustine catered to an experience. The hotel was equipped to complement every wish and desire.
Her heels clipped softly against the tiles as she entered the foyer. A large marble table, with a colossal bouquet of flowers, sat gracefully next to the curving staircase. To the left, shallow steps led down to a comfortable lounge area with a shiny black piano on a dais in the corner and a water-statue glowing with magnificent colors in the middle. Classical music played in the background.
The whole scene set off the area in true style. Most of the color scheme focused on some odd mixtures of mahogany, gold, and black, though it didn’t detract from the majestic feel of the Augustine. Still, her designer eye started to note of changes t
hat could be made. The entrance was very high class, but a little dated. Julia was sure if she incorporated contemporary classic blacks and silvers in a cool crisp collaboration, the hotel would become a bit more modern, the opulence of sophistication not wavering.
“Julia?”
Smooth, deep, and husky, the familiar voice sent a shiver of delight racing down her spine. She could listen to him say her name over and over again. She must be dreaming. This wasn’t really happening.
Julia turned to make sure she wasn’t just hearing his voice in her own sexy imagination. Sure enough, Chris was coming down the spiral stairs. The same Chris she had met at the supermarket. She couldn’t believe it. At first she thought her eyes were deceiving her. He looked so different, dressed in a charcoal pinstripe suit, with his previously wavy hair was slicked back. It was as if he had many different images. Her breath caught in her throat, realizing the impact of what she had done.
“Christophe Augustine, the Augustine Boy?” she whispered to herself, disbelief settling uncomfortably in the pit of her stomach.
She had picked up the Augustine Boy at the grocery store. Julia frantically tried to recall how she could have missed the obvious at Go-Mart. Everyone knew Christophe Augustine. He wasn’t just a local hit in Miami, people loved him everywhere. He was well known despite his attempts to stay out of the spotlight. He was supposed to be a local surf champion not the Augustine Boy – everyone adored him.
She smiled, cringing on the inside for what he might think of her. He was heading straight for her.
“We’ll speak later, Chris.” One of the women following behind him spoke up, disappearing through a ‘staff only’ door.
The two women were immaculate, stunning in their business attire, and yet his eyes were focused completely on her. Chris barely acknowledged his companions leaving. He had an amazing power in the way he moved. He was still laidback, but in this venue, his demeanor was different now somehow.
Julia felt her heart leap into her throat, mentally kicking herself. He was coming closer. She cleared her throat, smiling nervously.
How could I have not known him of all people? He’s the constant talk of Miami; the guy waving, his comments about the media. You’re such an idiot, Julia. Damn Kelly for being such a pesky nuisance.
Now the scene at the market began to make sense. She realized that Kelly had reacted, recognizing him, but not believing it.
“What are you doing here?” He jogged down the remaining steps.
Chris smiled, looking pleased to see her although a little surprised. Her heart pounded hard in her chest. She tried to remain aloof, but her insides were doing somersaults.
“Mr. Augustine.” Julia quickly switched on her professionalism. “I have an appointment to see your brother. I’m from By Design Interior Decorating. I’ve been so busy.” She had never been so tongue-tied before. She took a deep breath and stuck out her hand in greeting. “Really busy with work and just stuff…”
“It’s Chris, remember?” He chuckled, taking the hand she offered. “Your pretend boyfriend.”
Chris held her fingers clasped in his with a firm touch. His eyes danced with amusement, softening the masculine plains of his features. It was his smile that really did it for her, a mischievous boyish charm behind the power and steel of the businessman. She swallowed hard, gazing back at him.
Julia didn’t want to lose her chance at the Augustine account, so she had to be careful.
“Of course, Chris,” she murmured, withdrawing her hand from his. His touch lingered ever so lightly on her skin.
He indicated that she precede him to the sunken lounge area. She placed her portfolio on the glass coffee table, making herself comfortable on the couch. He unbuttoned his jacket and sat right next to her, slightly turned toward her, his arm on the back of the couch.
“Finally, we meet again. I got your message yesterday.”
She opened her mouth to reply, but the words stuck in her throat. She cleared it before saying in a firm voice, “Let me first apologize for what I did on Saturday. I didn’t recognize you at the market. My ex-friend has been a bit pushy, and I just wanted to get rid of her.” She took a deep breath and tried to calm herself. “Anyway, that’s beside the point.”
She might have revealed too much information and came to a halt, pressing her lips together while avoiding his gaze. This was getting more humiliating than their first meeting.
“The tall red-headed a stalker, right?” he queried, choking back on laughter. “What was all that about again?”
Julia nodded, a little stiff at his reaction to her confession. Explaining herself to him was turning out to be more of a joke. The way he kept looking at her was definitely not in a strictly professional manner.
“She thinks I stole her boyfriend,” Julia felt obliged to add, so he would stop laughing at her.
“A drama, I’m intrigued. You are not the type to steal boyfriends, are you?” He pressed further, still amused.
Julia gave him a sharp look. “Of course I didn’t. If she can’t understand, that’s not my problem as long as she stays away from me. Anyway, I think our charade worked.”
His smile faded. “I meant no offence, Julia. I was just teasing.”
“Julia!”
Chris frowned and peered over to where Kelly was standing.
“I can’t believe this, she’s really here.” Julia didn’t even have to look in the direction to know that she was there. She closed her eyes for a brief second. All that hard work of pretending had not worked one bit.
“Obviously, our charade didn’t work,” Julia muttered.
His eyes wide, he grunted a little put out with a soft shake of his head.
Chris stood up, buttoning his jacket. “Kelly, nice to meet you again.”
Kelly seemed reluctant to come down the three steps, looking between the two of them warily. Finally, for the first time since she had been stalking Julia, she looked uncomfortable and out of place.
Julia got to her feet; stiff and unhappy this woman could possibly ruin her chances of getting the Augustine contract.
“What are you doing here?” Julia, exhausted from the whole situation, came right out and demanded. “I’m working.”
“I was just over at the beach and I remembered where I’ve seen your boyfriend from. You’re in the magazines, Christophe Augustine. Then you pulled up,” Kelly rattled off in a hurry.
Kelly shifted closer to Chris, he subtly avoided contact, pulling Julia into his embrace.
“Look, Julia’s told me all about your issue with that guy,” he said. “I think it’s time you stopped following her. She’s with me. And I’m a one-woman man. If we ever see you again, without us wanting to see you, the police will get involved. Do you understand that?”
She shifted uneasily under his scrutiny. “Alright I’m going. I didn’t actually believe you two were together.”
Julia watched Kelly leave, hoping that this would be the last time she’d ever have to encounter the woman.
Chris leaned closer, pressing his lips to her cheek. “She’s watching from the window.”
For years she had worked her business up to represent complete professionalism. Now she felt like she had just destroyed her chances for one of the biggest commercial contracts because of one foolish moment of weakness.
“She’s gone.” Chris stepped away, indicating for her to take a seat. He sat back down next to her.
“I’m just a little embarrassed, it’s all my fault,” Julia muttered. “We wouldn’t be going through this whole situation if you weren’t standing right next to me when she saw me at Go-Mart. I never would’ve dreamed the Augustine Boy would be shopping at my grocery store, what were you doing there anyway?”
“The Augustine Boy?” He sat back, a bemused expression on his face.
She flushed, feeling the heat burning her cheeks. Had she just insulted him? Obviously, he didn’t like that most of America, all of Florida in particular, referred to him in that way
.
I may as well pack and go back to the office now.
“No one, and I mean no one, has ever said that directly to my face. Coming from you, it sounds rather nice.” He leaned forward, the last word spoken so sensually.
Julia shifted in her seat. Her thigh bumped against his.
“I’ve been to a grocery store before, you know. I was picking up some wax for my surfboard,” he told her plainly. “Remember the black box that had you turning red? That was surfboard wax. You actually found it for me. I’d been browsing those shelves for at least fifteen minutes looking for it.”
“Oh, of course, surfing,” she said, wanting to pull her foot out of her mouth.
Chris reached out as if to brush her hair away from her face. He stopped himself. “You blush beautifully when you’re embarrassed. I’m not going to accept an apology. You still owe me dinner. So which night is best for you?” Before she could answer, he went on, “Friday is out for me. A large group of important guests are coming to the Augustine. I need to be on hand. There’s a technical convention in Miami with over a thousand attendees. So we’ll have to make it Wednesday or Thursday, right?”
She was mesmerized. His eyes were so stark green. It took a moment before she could answer. “Wednesday is good.” Her voice sounded distant to her own ears.
“Great, I’ll pick you up about seven.” He pulled out a business card from inside his jacket. “You can get in contact with me on any of these numbers. Now I’ve got to go. Ben will be ready soon. I think he’s on the phone with our mother. Don’t forget to leave your address with the concierge. And I’ll see you on Wednesday.”
When he touched her knee, she felt her pulse leap. The scent of him enveloped her. She shifted into the tiny space between them, as he leaned in to place a soft kiss on her cheek. The feel of his lips on her skin, the hot sensation made her belly flutter with anticipation. He was intoxicating.
