by Suzan Battah
Even after he walked away, the warmth of his presence lingered. It was the way he looked at her, as if she were the only woman in the world. Chris had awakened her desire again.
“Ms. Mendoza, Mr. Augustine is ready to see you.” The concierge stood waiting for her to follow him.
Julia followed the concierge through the foyer, past a ‘staff only’ entrance leading through to the back office area. Her creative nature had her observing the surroundings with a razor-sharp eye, scrutinizing every detail including the luxurious plush carpet and several oddly placed impressionist paintings. She knew she had her work cut out for her. But envisioning a new design at least took her mind off Chris.
The concierge indicated she should go in and take a seat. Ben was swiveling back and forth in the leather chair behind his desk. He waved her in with a friendly smile, still in conversation on the phone.
She took a seat, settling her things next to her. Ben was the complete opposite to his brother. He had long waves of sun-streaked blond hair that was pulled back into a ponytail. His eyes were the same stark green as Chris’, but otherwise that was where the similarities ended.
Ben glanced at her with a quick nod and roll of his eyes. Then he laughed, reminding her of the way Chris laughed.
He finished his conversation with a frustrated click of the cell phone. “Mothers! They need lots of reassurance. But sometimes when you give it, they still won’t believe you.”
“I know how it feels,” Julia agreed with a grimace of understanding.
Ben sat forward and cleared away the scatter of papers in front of him. “So, Julia, it’s good to meet you. Victoria Meldon has mentioned a lot about your work to me. She’s impressed and, let me tell you, she’s a pretty hard woman to impress.” He gave her a shrewd look. “How did you begin working for Victoria?”
“I met Victoria at a Networking Luncheon for Businesswomen. She was rather frustrated with her decorator and asked for a professional opinion. We worked from there,” she explained. “I’ve specialized in design and renovations, but also previously worked on many commercial projects all over Miami.”
Ben nodded politely. “That’s your portfolio? Let’s have a look, shall we?”
He stood up and moved toward the large brown leather couch. She followed with her folio, opening it up and passing it to him. While he perused the photos, she quickly flipped open her laptop to go through the digital shots and virtual designs.
He indicated a large photo of the Art Museum entrance.
“This is interesting. Did you design this interior?”
“Yes, we were given a fair degree of creative leeway with that project,” she said.
He continued to study her folio thoughtfully, stopping to ask questions regarding some of the more elaborate designs.
“We’re not looking for anything arty, just cleverly constructed designs that are pleasing and modern. We prefer not to shut down the hotel during the re-design because we’re enjoying a few busy spreads despite the off-peak season. The only time we want to shut is when the entrance is ready for refurbishment. How do you feel about that?”
“Whichever way you want to work, I would accommodate you. We’d have to follow a schedule, and it may be tight. But I’m sure we could manage to finish before the peak season.”
“Excellent.” He handed her back the portfolio. “We’ll schedule another time to meet. I’ll have a contract drawn up and sent over to your office. Are you able to have some rough designs by next week for my brother to have a look at?”
Julia’s insides were doing gymnastic somersaults of excitement. She had just landed the Augustine renovation contract! She wanted to do a dance, but kept herself in good form. “Well, of course, I have a great team and can have proofs for you and your brother to look at within the week.”
Ben took a sip of his water, leaning back on the couch with a nod. She closed her folders. The plans for the Augustine were running through her head at full speed. Her ears perked up when Ben continued with a totally unexpected request.
“One other thing,” he said, lowering his voice. “My brother’s birthday is coming up in September. I’d like to redecorate his apartment in Key Biscayne as a surprise.”
Julia couldn’t have been more happier, two jobs in one hit. She kept her cool professional exterior of aloofness on while doing jumping jacks on the inside. “Oh, would you like to do a full renovation or just interior?”
“Interior. My brother mostly lives here in the penthouse, so it won’t be hard to get access. Nothing elaborate either, he’s very simple in his tastes. The apartment just needs to feel more like a home. I’m sure you could weave your magic and make it more man-friendly,” he ended, with a laugh.
She didn’t know Chris lived in the hotel. Julia assumed he had his own place. Now, she would be creating something for him to live in. She felt very proud.
Shortly after, they arranged a time to meet up the following week. Julia felt optimistic. As she walked out of the Augustine, she started to visualize the drastic changes already.
The valet was quick to bring her car. She shifted all her gear into the back seat and climbed in. She turned on the ignition and put the music on the radio louder.
At the end of the parking lot, she braked to give way to traffic before turning back on to Ocean Drive. She suddenly caught a glimpse of Chris. He was carrying a surfboard up the beach, shaking water and sand out of his hair. There were a couple of guys with him chatting and laughing. Julia’s mouth went dry - she couldn’t quite take her eyes off him. The water glistened on the large, solid build of his chest.
Her mouth opened slightly when she got a full view of him, he was well-toned and nicely tanned. Her feminine curiosity piqued to full attention at the sight, even as she headed down Ocean Drive back to her office.
Julia was still surprised she hadn’t recognized him as the Augustine Boy. It was most likely because she had been distracted by Kelly. Their first meeting, she thought, wasn’t as bad as she remembered. At least he wasn’t turned off by her predicament. He had definitely showed a keen interest in her.
Of course, Julia no longer believed in love and romance. But she still felt passion and there was no harm in exploring that further. Love and romance were both heart-breaking. She knew that from first-hand experience. Her first love, Carlos, had died too young. Two years had now passed since his death. For the first time since then, she was experiencing desire.
Christophe Augustine had brought that out in her. He was a powerful and influential businessman. She was attracted to his boyish charm, enthusiasm, and confidence. Most of all, he made her feel wanted and safe.
Now she had the opportunity to work for that very same man. He was clearly very interested in getting to know her better. The promise in his eyes was burned into her memory. She could never forget his eyes, so green, piercing into her.
Julia was in a dynamic mood when she arrived at her office an hour later. Everyone in the office pulled out some champagne to celebrate the win. Her cell phone started to ring off the hook. Some of her designers had received her group message and they wanted to congratulate her. She ended one call and picked up another.
“Hello this is Julia.” She almost sang the greeting.
“Congratulations, I guess we’ll be celebrating Wednesday at dinner. It’s Chris, Julia.”
Her insides flipped on hearing Chris’ voice over the phone. She headed for some privacy in her office.
“Sure we can celebrate,” she responded quietly.
She could hear him sigh over the phone.
“I don’t think you like me very much,” he replied cryptically.
She started stuttering, unsure what had brought this on, but he continued before she could explain herself with any sense.
“You see, at first I thought you would never answer my call. I did get your message. Now, you’ve forgotten to give the concierge your address. Do you want to have dinner with me?”
Julia shivered, his voice had turned so sensual. Sh
e wasn’t going to deny herself the pleasure, so she was quick to reassure him. “Of course, I was just so excited about working on the Augustine. I’ll message you the address right now.”
After she had hung up, reality set in. Her contradictory emotions were impossible to deal with. She wanted to see him. No, she didn’t. But she always ate that last tempting chocolate in the box, what would be the harm of one little dinner.
“Oh, Julia,” she berated herself quietly. “Stop being such a chicken.”
Chapter Three
Wednesday evening, Julia glanced at the clock a bit wary as the time seemed to be clicking by too fast. Chris would arrive any moment. She had decided to get ready at her mother’s house to avoid any embarrassing scenes with her young roommates at her place. Music was playing brightly in the background. Julia had decorated her mother’s home as her first project just out of college. The bright vibrant colors and homey furniture matched the big personality of her family. The place she was renting not far down the road was a little more sedate in the décor. Julia couldn’t do much to change that until she bought her own place. That was a big step she wasn’t ready for yet.
Dayana and Maria, her sisters, were waltzing in and out of her room with different outfits for her to try on. Their voices could be heard over the loud music. She continued to apply her make-up, uncertain how she really wanted Chris to see her.
“This is the one, Jules. You must wear this!” Dayana, her younger sister, came rushing into the bedroom holding up a black silk dress with large flowers adorning the hem.
“Would you all relax?” Julia sputtered at her younger sisters’ exuberance. They were both making her edgy.
Julia had never been like that. She always needed to remain focused. This sort of pre-date giddiness just made her anxious.
“We’re so excited for you, Jules. You’re going out with the Augustine Boy!” Maria, her youngest sister, giggled and bounced around the dresser, knocking over the hairdryer. She scooped down to pick it up quickly when Julia gave her a warning glance.
“I’m not going out on a date. It’s a kind of, well, it’s for business. Networking at restaurants with potential clients is how I’ve made many fantastic deals and become very successful.”
Maria and Dayana turned to each other and then gave her a weird look, climbing onto her bed to watch her get ready.
Julia finished the touches of her make-up, keeping an eye on them in the dresser mirror. The familiar scent of her bedroom in the house she grew up in was always relaxing. But tonight, with her sisters behaving so dramatic and her own nerves playing havoc, the sanctuary of her home wasn’t working. She couldn’t understand what was making her feel this way.
They were lounging across her bed as she watched them from her mirror. She caught sight of a picture of Carlos and dropped the compact in her hand, breaking some of the delicate colors. She swore under her breath, closed her eyes, and took a few deep breaths. I don’t feel anything for Chris. This is not what it seems to be. We are just enjoying a meal together, nothing more.
“You’re so lucky. He’s so hot!” Dayana informed her a little too loudly. Then, distracted by a message on her cell phone, she turned onto her stomach.
Julia rolled her eyes, torn between what she believed and what she was starting to feel. In her heart, she was looking forward to going out with Chris. In her mind, she was dreading what going out with him could lead to. She already knew she liked him a lot. But her constant companion for the last two years was the painful memories of loss. As she closed her compact, Julia caught sight of her mother walking past her door.
“Mama!” she called out.
Hilda appeared at the open doorway. She gestured for Dayana to get her feet off the bed, looking back at Julia.
“What’s wrong?” Hilda said.
“Please tell them to stop,” Julia begged. “They’re annoying me. I’m not going on a date. Christophe Augustine is my client.”
Her sisters continued to giggle and make a fuss, twisting around on the bed.
“Maybe you should pout more, Julia.” Maria laughed, pressing her lips together with a sexy look.
Julia couldn’t believe the suggestion that was coming out of her sister’s mouth.
“No, no. She should tilt her head and shift her shoulder like this. That will make him crazy for her.” Dayana started to imitate the action.
Julia gaped, watching the exaggerated flirting with a frown. She had no idea what her sisters were going on about. She didn’t flirt. She used to be a married woman. She couldn’t even remember ever flirting with Carlos.
“Mama, tell them to stop being childish. This is business. I’m working on the Augustine contract. They’re going to embarrass me in front of him.”
Hilda put the washing basket she was carrying down on the chair next to the door. She came to sit down on the bed, giving her two youngest daughters a stern look, but her gaze came back to Julia, scanning her up and down.
“You look so beautiful. And I have to admit, I’m glad you’re going out for dinner with such a handsome man.” Hilda’s eyes misted.
Julia groaned. Now even her mother was obsessing about Chris. “It’s not a date!”
Her mother ignored her comment and came to stand next to her. She wrapped her arms around her daughter’s waist in a motherly hug. “I am so proud you are going out again, enjoying yourself, dancing, kissing-”
“Mama!”
Julia stared down at her mother, eyes widening. Her sisters started giggling again when Hilda started posing, batting her eyelashes, and pretending to swoon. Julia couldn’t help joining in and laughed with them.
“You’re just as bad as they are, Mama. I thought getting Chris to pick me up here would be less embarrassing than from my place. I was wrong. My roommates are so nosey, but you girls are worse.” Julia whisked the dress off the hanger, heading for the bathroom to get dressed. “Now please let me finish!”
Chris showed up ten minutes to seven.
“He’s here,” Maria called out excitedly, hearing his car pull up in the driveway.
He was wearing a stark blue patterned shirt that stretched against his wide shoulders, un-tucked, with charcoal pants. He was neatly shaven, his hair still wet, curling slightly around his ears. He smelled divine, crisp, and fresh with an air of sophistication. She invited him in for a quick hello to her family. Even in her strappy heels, he was a lot taller. Her head barely reached his shoulder.
Julia made the introductions to her family as brief as she could. They were curious, with lots of questions and wide-eyed stares of awe.
Julia shook her head, closing her eyes. “Maria, please stop it. We want to go.”
It took an extra twenty minutes before her sisters finally stopped questioning to giggle and nudge each other. Chris was amused, especially when Julia switched from English to Spanish to get them to back off. She nearly pushed him out the door so they could leave.
“Sorry about that,” she grumbled, frustrated at how nosey her family were. “My place would have been worse with teenage roommates.”
He took her hand, leading her down toward his car. “Don’t apologize. Let’s go eat.”
Chris switched the ignition on, putting the Mercedes into gear. He gave her a bit of a shock when he leaned a little closer, his hand behind her head rest to look behind him as they reversed out of the drive, his face mere inches from hers. “So where do you live?”
Swallowing, she answered his question. “It’s not far from the Miami Convention Centre, next to Collins Park. It’s not big. Still, it’s a nice little house. I don’t have a view. The rent isn’t bad.”
“But you’re not far from the beach. That’s nice.” He gave her a quick glance while checking his mirrors and moving into traffic.
Julia was trying hard to concentrate on what he was saying. But her attention was focused on the way he moved gears. She could see his long legs shifting on the pedals. Her thoughts traveled to the delicious vision of him walking up
the beach. Then she shook her head to get rid of the memory, remembering she wasn’t going to allow this to go anywhere.
The fresh scent of him set her pulse racing. But they weren’t even talking. Then he turned on a road she wasn’t familiar with, even though she had lived in Miami all her life.
“Where are we going?” she asked as the road swerved down a slight slope and across the waterfront before taking another turn back through the marshes.
“It’s a surprise.” He grinned at her confused expression.
Ten minutes later, he drove through some iron gates and on to a dirt road that spanned out into a small parking lot. A massive wooden lopsided shed stood with rows of bamboo lights glowing brightly in front of it. The roof was made of palm leaves and the air smelled of rustic wood with a mixture of pineapple and melon. There were no signs, just the shack and several fairy lights sprinkled out in the garden bed to brighten the darkness.
She didn’t know what to think. She had expected him to take her to some posh restaurant on the main strip in Miami. But one thing was for certain, she loved the mystery of this destination.
They had arrived, her nerves rattled endlessly as her legs felt a bit like jelly. Chris slid out of his seat, shutting his door. Julia quickly checked her reflection and turned to open the door, but he already held it open for her.
“Welcome to the Bonjour.” Chris’ white teeth flashed in the darkness.
They were early for the reservation, so they didn’t have to hurry. Chris directed her toward the small boardwalk, the path leading around a gorgeous canopy of trees, with just the barest light to guide the way.
“I hope you like it. Tonight, they’ll have the freshest seafood. I love seafood, how about you?”
Julia smiled with what she hoped was enthusiasm. She was too nervous to speak, however. There was a tension in her heart. The man was making her feel things that she shouldn’t feel anymore.
“Everything all right?” he asked, when she didn’t reply.
“Sure,” she said with a shrug, snapping herself out of the fear. She looked around, a little indifferent, not wanting to like where he had brought her, but knowing she would anyway. “I’ve never been here before. Do you come here often?”
