Resorting to Romance

by Franky A Brown

  “Absolutely not, you’re a fine dancer.” She really wished she could remember his name. The last thing she needed was someone else at the office thinking she was interested in Luke.

  The song ended, and the young man smiled at her as he stepped back. “Thanks.” He jerked his head in Luke’s direction. “Why don’t you go talk to him?”

  He walked away, and Joselyn was left alone with her pounding heart. Everyone could see her attraction to him. Gina probably wouldn’t need to tell her mother anything.

  Gina sidled up next to Luke and looped her arm through his. The muscles in his face were tight, and he stood so rigidly Joselyn thought it may be causing him physical pain. Luke was in a mess with Gina and very obviously needed to get out. He didn’t want to get Joselyn fired. It may be his own mess that she was caught up in, and entirely his fault, but her heart melted as she thought about his concern for her.

  She needed some time to think. Joselyn wove her way through the crowd and out the double doors leading to the hall. She wandered down the hall to the lobby where a woman was playing the grand piano in front of the huge windows facing the ocean view.

  It was almost certain she would lose her position with Victoria. But why should she care so much? She’d already lost her spot as top agent as well as all self-respect as she’d continued to work under Victoria. It was humiliating to deal with the insults and ridiculous demands. She should probably get it over with and resign. Walking away from Southern Homes and into business with Luke was quickly becoming more frightening than the likelihood of being fired.

  She headed back toward the gala, not the least bit certain about anything in her life, especially Luke. Before she reached the event room, Luke popped out of the doorway and stopped in front of her in the hallway.

  “Josie, hey. Where’d you go?” He was standing a few feet away from her, and staring into his eyes had her heart sprinting. Joselyn’s breath was ragged.

  “How are things going with Victoria and Gina?”

  “It’s pretty ridiculous, actually. Victoria uses me as a sounding board whenever she has a long rant, and Gina won’t leave me alone. Your friend Chris has the kitchen sending out enough shrimp cocktail to feed a circus.” He wrinkled his nose and shook his head. “I don’t know if I’ll ever eat that stuff again.” He reached for her hand and squeezed it. “I’m so sorry about all of this, Josie. But I can’t do it anymore. I really don’t want to cause a scene in the middle of the gala.”

  “Luke, it’s fine.” She tried to ignore the warm tingles going up her arm from their joined hands. “I understand. I really do. If Gina causes a scene, that’s on her.”

  “You’re okay with it if I tell Gina and Victoria it’s all over with both of them?”

  “I wouldn’t say I’m okay with it.” She shrugged. “But it needs to happen. You need out.”

  “Don’t you need out, too?”

  “I don’t know what I need, so I’m sure you don’t either.”

  “What’s wrong, Josie? Have you changed your mind about flipping houses with me?”

  He glanced down at their hands, and she was painfully aware that she should have let go of his hand way before now. Her body warmed with embarrassment and she dropped his hand.

  “I suppose I am having second thoughts. This is a really big decision and…”

  “You’re not ready to make a commitment in business or in your personal life,” he said flatly. “Tell me, is this about your ex? Or about Chris?”

  “Chris and I are friends.”

  “That’s what you’ve been saying about us. Are you sure he feels that way?”

  Joselyn stood straighter and placed a fist on her hip, staring him down. “You’re actually sounding a bit jealous. Chris doesn’t have anything to do with this. Are you still upset I told him about our plans?”

  “I’m wondering why you’re talking to him about going into business with me and now you’re having second thoughts.”

  “You are infuriating, do you know that?” Joselyn pressed her fingernails into her palms.

  “Look, I do understand why you want to be careful about starting a new relationship.” He sighed heavily. “I want to start a business with you, Josie. If you don’t want anything else from that relationship…”

  “There can’t be anything else.” Joselyn wrapped her arms around herself and lowered her voice to just above a whisper. “You said yourself that Gina was the perfect example of why mixing a personal relationship with business was a bad idea.”

  “I know that, Josie. But I also know that you aren’t Gina.”

  “Yes…” Joselyn pinched the bridge of her nose. “Where are you going with this?”

  “We’re good together.” He took a step closer. “We’d make a great team in more ways than one.”

  “But…” Words wouldn’t come. His eyes were locked with hers, and she suddenly felt like she may need to lean against the wall for support.

  “I really think we could do this. If ever I find myself in another situation with a shark, I hope you’re beside me.”

  How could he go from driving her crazy one minute to making her heart skip beats? She found herself inching toward him.

  She smiled, her warm cheeks signaling to her she was likely blushing red. “I…I…” Joselyn stuttered.

  She knew all the reasons she should be careful, but they seemed to float away as he inched closer. His spicy aftershave was making it more difficult.

  “I don’t know if kayaking is the sport for us,” she whispered.

  His lips curled into a smile. “We should stick to sailing.”

  He reached out a finger to trace along her jawline, sending electricity through her skin. She wrapped a trembling hand around his, and her heart thumped in her ribs. His face inched closer.

  She closed the gap, pressing her lips on his.

  All thoughts flew from her mind, and the background faded away. He slipped a hand around her and pressed on her back, pulling her closer. Her skin tingled from her lips to her toes, her heart running wild. She wrapped her arms around his neck as he deepened the kiss. It was as if the floor fell out beneath them and they were floating.

  The sound of someone loudly clearing her throat gave Joselyn a jolt. Luke’s muscles went rigid.

  Joselyn pushed on Luke’s chest, and they leaped apart. Victoria stood behind them, scowling and tapping her shoe on the tiled floor.

  “Care to explain yourself, Joselyn?”

  “Victoria.” Luke took a step toward her and held up his hands. “I apologize you’re finding out this way, but Gina and I broke up last week.”

  “Last week?” Victoria’s jaw dropped and her eyes flamed. “Why did no one tell me?” She sneered at Joselyn. “You broke up a week ago and moved on already?”

  “It was a long time coming. I should have been straight with you from the beginning, but Gina and I had agreed—”

  “I should have expected this,” Victoria interrupted. “Kelly has been gossiping about the two of you, but I don’t usually take her seriously.” Her face twisted in frustration. “Only last night you were taking Gina out to dinner.” She shook her head rapidly and threw her hands up. “You’re both terminated. Effective immediately.”

  She stomped away, leaving them alone again in the hall.

  Joselyn’s chest was heavy, and she couldn’t speak.

  Luke turned to her, sadness in his eyes. “I’m so sorry, Josie.”

  She slowly stepped farther away from him.

  “I…I need to go.”

  “Josie, don’t go, let’s talk.”

  “Not now.” She waved him away, spun around, and dashed down the hall.

  Tears rolled down her cheeks as she went straight to her room and let the heavy door slam itself shut. What an excruciatingly horrible experience. It was bad enough to be fired, but so much worse to be caught kissing Luke in the hallway.

  What a mess!

  As much as she wanted to work with Luke, she couldn’t shake the fear t
hat they’d simply create another failed relationship for themselves.

  Chapter Twenty-Three

  Luke tried to reason with Victoria and convince her that none of this was Joselyn’s fault, but she merely threatened to have security ban him from the hotel. The only bonus was Gina was finally leaving him alone.

  He lay in bed nearly the entire night, staring at the ceiling and wishing he were happier to be free of the ludicrous situation with Gina.

  He’d just gotten the woman he was falling for fired and, by all appearances, had changed her mind about being his business partner.

  Why had he kissed her? Or did she kiss him?

  He couldn’t pretend to keep things business-only between them when he was falling for her. But breathing in was painful as he thought about her. He wanted to call her, but every time he picked up his phone, he thought better of it. She needed space.

  He wasn’t falling for her. He’d already fallen.

  Luke had decided against driving through the night back to Atlanta, and rolled around in bed, trying to sleep. Eventually, the steady rhythm of the waves outside the hotel lulled him into a dream.

  In the morning, he threw everything into his suitcase and didn’t waste time getting downstairs to check out at five. Fortunately, he ran into no one he knew. Explanations were not happening today even if he did see anyone from the office.

  Once he turned in his key card and got his receipt, Chris came out from an office behind the counter.

  “Hey, Luke,” Chris said. “I didn’t get to finish talking to you last night. Joselyn mentioned you might need an investor in your flip?”

  She’d mentioned that too? He tried to hold back his annoyance. “Oh, yes, I could really use one to finish the one I’m in the middle of, and possibly with another one I have my eye on.”

  “My cousin Lia in Atlanta is a mortgage broker. She has invested in flips before, and I hope you don’t mind, but I spoke with her and she’d love to talk with you about yours.” Chris handed Luke a note with her contact information.

  “Wonderful. Thank you so much. I’ll be in touch with her.”

  Chris nodded. “I hope everything works out. Have you enjoyed your stay at Serenity Shores?”

  Luke hesitated. “Yes…it’s been…good.”

  “It was good to meet you, Luke.” Chris offered his hand to Luke for a firm handshake. “Come again soon.”

  “Nice to meet you too, Chris.”

  When Joselyn had reached her room last night, she’d begun packing immediately. There was no reason to waste another minute here than necessary. She wanted to run far from there and the humiliation that was the end of her career in Atlanta. She was better off trying to figure out her future on her own. She drove the eight hours back to Atlanta overnight and made it home early in the morning. It was plenty of time alone to think back over the past week. She went straight to lie down on her bed, only to stare at the clock on the bedside table for an hour.

  Moving forward on her own was frightening. But being away from Victoria was absolutely for the best. Working there required a lot of humiliation, and now she was forced out of a situation she should have run away from. It was time to reevaluate what was most important to her in life. She reached for her phone and began, then deleted, several messages to Luke. None were sent.

  Unable to adequately express her feelings and filled with nervous energy, she went for her laptop and got to work. A few hours later, she was finally able to sleep.

  In the morning, she felt more refreshed than ever, having slept till nearly eleven. It was time to move on, but she grumbled to herself, thinking about the personal items at her old office. She also wanted to turn over her client files to Miranda, who desperately needed more.

  Once Miranda confirmed via text message that she was in the office and Victoria was not, Joselyn grabbed an empty box from her closet and drove over.

  It was noon and most of the staff was out for lunch. The secretary smiled at her with sad eyes as Joselyn walked by with her empty box.

  Joselyn hurried her pace and ducked in her office. Avoiding conversations was for the best. She placed the box on her former desk and packed up her family photos, her quote-of-the-day calendar, and the various knickknacks she’d collected to decorate the room. She pulled out her active client files from a drawer and tucked them under her arm then carried the box to Miranda’s office.

  Joselyn set the box on Miranda’s desk and did her best to smile.

  “How are you holding up?” Miranda walked around the desk to give Joselyn a hug.

  “I’ll be fine.” Joselyn stepped away from the hug and lifted the files from the box, pointing to the one on top. “This is the one that is scheduled to close on the thirtieth. I’ll forward your information to the clients.”

  They talked details for a few minutes; then Miranda sniffled.

  “I’m going to miss you.”

  “You too.” Joselyn held back tears herself.

  “Oh, good grief, Miranda, don’t cry.” Victoria’s voice boomed in the doorway. “If you came to get your things, Joselyn, I should have been informed so I could have security escort you.”

  Joselyn turned around and lifted her box. “That isn’t necessary, Victoria. I have my things and I’ll be on my way.” She walked past her into the hall and took a few steps before pausing to look behind her. Victoria was watching her with narrowed eyes.

  The nerve. Joselyn was the one who had the right to be angry. Yes, she’d kissed Luke, but it wasn’t her fault that Gina wouldn’t let him go. How many months of verbal abuse had she endured? Her blood coursed hot through her veins and she snapped.

  “I won’t be back, Victoria, don’t worry.”

  “I certainly hope not.” Victoria folded her arms with a glare. “Then I will definitely call security.”

  “I have no wish to come back in here. I should have resigned long before now.”

  “Please.” She nearly spat the word. “No one in her right mind resigns here. You’ll never get another opportunity like working for the best in the business.”

  “I hope I don’t.” Joselyn clenched her box so tightly it hurt. “I hope I never work for someone who only respected me until she found another favorite. You insulted me every day, and I took it like an idiot. But no more, Victoria. No more of your abusive, conceited, selfish management.”

  Victoria’s jaw fell open, her eyes going wide. “Security!”

  “Don’t bother, Charlie. I’m only too happy to leave this place.” Joselyn spun on her heel and barreled toward the door, reaching it right as Charlie was jogging toward Victoria.

  She stormed to her car and tossed her things in the back seat, then slipped into the driver’s seat with a racing heart. What had happened? She couldn’t believe she finally told Victoria she was a terrible boss.

  Yes, it was easier since she was already terminated, but finally standing up to Victoria gave Joselyn courage.

  She gripped the steering wheel, feeling as if she could take on anything. No longer was fear the boss of her.

  Driving home, she contemplated calling Luke. Instead, she went back to her computer and let go of her nerves about taking a risk long enough to take a leap for her future.

  Chapter Twenty-Four

  Luke surveyed the newly renovated bathrooms in the house he was flipping and smiled.

  “I love the tiles and colors you chose.” Lia stood beside him grinning along with him.

  “I had some help with that…” Luke had thought about Josie every day for the last two weeks, and even more so as he selected tiles like the ones she’d shown him online when they’d discussed his plans.

  “Well, be sure to go with help for your next house.” Lia turned to him and clasped her hands together. “When can we put this place on the market? It looks amazing in here.”

  “I think it’s ready to sell. I have a stager I highly recommend to get the most out of potential offers.”

  “Excellent.” Lia adjusted her large hoop earr
ing and ran a hand through short dark hair. “Let’s get this place staged and listed as soon as possible.”

  The doorbell rang, and Lia raised an eyebrow. “Who is that? The contractor has the code for the lockbox.”

  They walked to the front door and Luke opened it to find Josie standing on the porch. His heart thumped and his mouth went dry. What was she doing here?

  “Josie, hi.”

  Josie sent Luke a small smile and folded her hands in front of her firmly. He waited for her to speak, not knowing what to say.

  “Hello,” Lia spoke up. “Can we help you?”

  “Oh, hi, I’m Joselyn Bell.” Josie offered her hand to Lia and they shook. “You can call me Josie. I worked with Luke at Southern Homes.”

  “Oh, hello. I’m Lia Sanders.”

  “Chris’s cousin?” Josie’s eyes brightened.

  “Yes, how do you know Chris?”

  “He lived next door to my family when I was growing up. He and my brother are best friends.”

  “Josie here was the one who told Chris I was looking for an investor…” Luke said, knowing he was speaking too quickly.

  “I’m so glad you two got together…” Josie’s cheeks colored. “I mean, the house looks great from the outside.”

  “Oh, come on in and see. Luke had amazing ideas for the bathrooms.” Lia waved Josie in, and she slowly followed them into the hall bathroom. Luke hung behind them and held his breath as Josie walked in.

  He heard her gasp. “Wow. This is…incredible.” Her last word was nearly a whisper.

  Luke leaned in the doorway and watched Josie surveying her own design. He couldn’t believe she was there. After two weeks, he wasn’t sure he’d ever see her again.

  “Luke told me he had help with this.” Lia winked at Luke. “But he’s probably just being modest. Thank you for telling Chris about him. I have loved being a small part of this flip.”

  “This bathroom was actually Josie’s idea, though I probably didn’t get things exactly how she imagined.”

  Josie met his gaze and her lips curled. “It actually looks better than I was picturing.”