The Job: Volume One (The Job #1)

by Dawn Robertson

  I click on the email reply button and begin my brutally honest reply.

  Dear Lonely on the Beach,

  I’m new to this whole thing, as I suspect you are not. My initial instincts tell

  me that this isn’t an honest email. Even though I feel doubt, my heart

  aches if you are being honest with me. I can’t imagine being in your shoes.

  If you send me an address as well as a few more pictures, I will meet you

  tonight.

  -Desperation

  Also known as Madeline

  A few minutes pass and I delete a couple of the e-mail from men I would never consider. Or those who simply say some bullcrap like send me a picture of your face. No thank you. If you can’t follow the simple directions of my ad, I don’t want to be bothered with you. Period.

  Lonely on the Beach replies to my email quickly.

  Desperation,

  I can’t blame you for being cautious, but I am the real deal. I have no big

  secrets to hide and no shame in my story. My address is 3400 Atlantic Avenue,

  I’m on the ocean side of the beach as I am sure you can tell from my address.

  A quick property records search will show my name to be Brian Thompson and if you Google me, you can find several of my pictures associated with my

  name as well as local charities. My wife, Audry Thompson’s obituary can also

  be found, not to be morbid. I hope to see you tonight. 6pm sharp.

  Lonely on the Beach

  I take his advice and Google his full name and look for the obituary of his late wife. Finding it comes without much effort when I see the articles about the local doctor and the loss of his wife. My heart breaks for him realizing just how lonely he really is and tears begin to pool in my eyes while I read line-by-line about the life that they shared together and the children that she left behind. I can’t imagine being taken so early in life and not being able to see simple achievements of my children, like graduating college or getting married.

  Instead of e-mailing him back, I look at the clock and begin to get ready for my date. If you would even really consider this a date. My quick shower this morning wasn’t enough to be date worthy, so I decide on another; this time, complete with shaving all kinds of places I’ve left neglected like my legs and my poor vagina. Better to be prepared than scare this guy away for good; because from the sound of it… I may need him just as much as he needs me.

  Considering I’ve lived in this area my entire life, I know exactly where Atlantic Avenue is. I also know that there is a huge stretch with giant homes that I’ve dreamed about owning since I was a young girl. Million dollar beach-front mansions right on the water where your only backyard is the beach. I type the address into my phone for mere guidance to the number and start the short drive. Barely five minutes later I am looking at this giant house, lights on, front gate open and welcoming. As if he was waiting for me to come. Or at the least, hoping I would join him for the evening.

  Conflicted on what to wear when I started to get dressed, I opted for a simple, long sundress that would be comfortable for a warm Florida spring evening. Something I would wear to dinner or for a late night walk on the beach. I pull my car in the driveway and park next to the small silver sports car occupying the massive parking area. Hell, who knew people had parking lots in their front yard? Then again, I’ve never really had the opportunity to hang out at one of these beautiful homes before either.

  I take a deep breath and send up a silent prayer to Jesus, hoping this isn't the worst mistake of my life and open the car door. My flip-flops hit the fancy red brick driveway at the same time as the front door to the beautiful ocean-front home begins to open. His voice scares me and I’m half tempted to jump back in my car and peel out of the driveway, only leaving skid marks as a memory.

  “Madeline, you came?” His deep voice makes my body tremble. It reminds me of the old musician Barry White. Smooth and intimidating at the same time. I can only nod in reply to him because the lump in my throat is so big I’m afraid I could actually choke on it.

  “There is nothing to be afraid of, Madeline. You’re new to this, huh?” Is it that obvious? I want to ask him that, but I just nod again. Hours ago I was this strong woman looking to take her life back into her hands. Now, I am a mere child. It is astonishing how I could have such big balls about this and be cut right down to size in an instant.

  “I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have come.” I choke out and turn for the car. One step, two steps, three steps, and his hand is gently wrapped around my upper arm stopping me. I’m paralyzed by his touch.

  “Just come inside. I have dinner waiting for us on the deck. My offer still stands. Nothing has changed. Join me for a meal and then you can go, if that is what you want.” I can’t even listen to his words because my own conscious is arguing so loudly. My ears are ringing and confusion has set in. I knew from the get go that this was all a bad idea, but right now that three hundred dollars could turn my cable back on and buy at least two weeks worth of groceries. Could a meal actually be that bad?

  “Okay.” I say. His fingers release his slight grip on my arm and slowly fall to his side, fingertips caressing my bare arm on the way down.

  “I promise you, Madeline I won’t overstep my boundaries.”

  Looking around the back deck of Brian’s home, I find myself becoming increasingly jealous. Not in a nasty way, but man… I could only imagine waking up to the sun rising over the beautiful waves every morning. To the left of the small glass table for two is a set of stairs that brings you right down onto the shore. The back wall of the home is almost completely made up of huge windows that make me feel like an ant. When you think of beach-front home, Brian’s home is the first vision most people would get.

  “Living here alone, now that all the children are away, is lonely. Can you see why I look for companionship?” His words continue to run through my mind while we eat some fancy takeout I am sure he had delivered.

  The bleak silence between us didn’t last long because Brian quickly began a great conversation. I almost wished he would have been one of the men that actually replied to my dating ad because we quickly learned how much we truly had in common.

  “Madeline, honestly. Why the ad?” His question took me off guard and I wondered if I should give him an honest answer.

  “I need the money.” I try to keep it short and to the point, but I know after the flowing conversation we had, he won’t let me stop there. Brian comes off as one of those smooth, romantic men, but on the inside I can see a fiercely protective alpha male residing in his bones. He is the caveman type that can show a woman who they really belong to. The kind of man we all want in the bedroom and in our love lives.

  “Is this your first trick?” He says with air quotes and a smile.

  “Yes, I didn’t answer any of the other replies I got tonight. You were by far the most appealing. To be honest with you, I didn’t think you would be the real deal.” Maybe it is the glass of wine helping me to open up a little bit more about the situation; or maybe it is just that I actually feel comfortable with him.

  “Would you like to go for a walk on the beach?” Before I can answer him, he pushes his chair back from the table and makes his way to my chair, slowly pulling it out and extending his hand. A true gentleman, I think.

  “Do you miss your wife, Brian?” I don’t want to bring her up, but my curiosity gets the best of me. A bad trait that I’ve battled with most of my life.

  “There isn’t a day that goes by that I don’t miss Audry. She was the love of my life. She gave me three beautiful children and doted on me just like a wife should for all those years. I was so blessed to have her for the twenty five years we had.” He pauses to look at me and back to the moon dancing across the waves. “We had our ups and our downs, as all couples do. Now, she’s been gone for almost two full years and I just can’t live without companionship in my life. Even if I have to pay for it.” I hate that I spoiled his
mood.

  “I’m sorry for bringing it up. I just never thought a man like you would have to pay for company. You clearly are a very well to-do man. You could have anyone.” My own self-conscious issues begin to float to the surface, even though I’m trying to put my best foot forward.

  “Madeline, the problem is…” he pauses again and lets out a deep breath. “Those women know who I am. They want me for one reason and that is my money. With you, I know from the get go you aren’t here trying to marry me and take my money. You aren’t someone who is here trying to replace my wife or be some kind of socialite trophy. It’s an up front agreement. It’s no expectations of a happily ever after or more children.” Thinking about what he is saying makes sense. He wants companionship in his own private way. Which I don’t blame him for, by any means. I can’t imagine having woman after woman trying to constantly replace the woman he spent his life with.

  “You seem like a really great guy, Brian. And you deserve to be happy.” I smile and think of my own happiness and finally going after what I want in life. Just like he is, even if it is in a strange way.

  We walk up and down the beach, holding hands and talking about everything from his son’s Ivy League education to my own ex-husband. I never thought when I put that ad up I would end up in this position. And if I am being completely honest with myself, I prayed for some kind of raunchy sex out of the deal. I can’t remember the last time I had a man throw me against the wall and nail me like a barely legal co-ed.

  As we make our way to the back stairs leading to his deck, Brian pauses and faces me. He’s a tall man, standing well over six feet. I glance up at him waiting for him to spill whatever it is he’s been distracted about during our walk.

  “I really enjoy your company. I think our evening together has been absolutely amazing. This is the first time I’ve actually wanted to say this to a woman I’ve paid to spend time with me, but never once has it gotten to this.” His tongue glides across his bottom lip and his hand rests on my hip. “I’d like to spend the rest of the evening with you. Upstairs in my bedroom. I don’t care about the money or the cost, I just want you, Madeline.”

  I never thought after the evening we’ve spent together that Brian would actually ask me to stay and spend the night with him. Frankly, I thought he was going to be a complete creep and I would be running from his house within the first twenty minutes I was there. My heart slams against my chest and I can feel my breathing quicken. Little did I know it, but I had completely broken out in a sweat while trying to keep my cool. Only me, I want to laugh to myself.

  “Yes, Brian. I’d like that.” The words come effortlessly and I am shocked by it. In the back of my mind, had I been paid for the evening or not, his bedroom is exactly where I would want the night to end.

  “How about two thousand dollars in cash? Condoms are a must and you stay until after I feed you breakfast. Sound like a deal?” When he says two thousand dollars, I am pretty sure I almost faint. I shouldn’t want to stay and do this, but he isn’t just some random man at this point. He is a gentleman. Brian is someone I can see staying in my life for the long term.

  “Okay,” I whisper with uncertainty. My already erratic heartbeat doubles and I am unsure I will be able to actually go through with this.

  “I’m just as nervous as you, Madeline. I’ve never done this. Heck, I haven’t been with anyone since my wife, and gosh it’s been years…” His admission makes me look at him in a different manner. My eyebrows furrowing must give me away because he begins to reassure me before I can even get a word in. “You are different. You make me want you in a way I’ve never wanted any of those other women. Ever.” His hand reaches up and brushes a lose strand of hair away from my face. His touch is soft and tender, like Drew’s once was. The romance is clear and the sexual tension in the room is palpable. I don’t feel cheap or ashamed anymore. Truth be told, everything about Brian makes me feel like a single woman on another date.

  His fingers lace with mine and he guides me in the direction of the stairs.

  “May I kiss you?” Brian asks as he unbuckles his belt and hangs it over a gorgeous accent chair in the corner of the room. My eyes watch every move he makes, following his fingers as they unbutton each button on his shirt. I just nod. With my permission, he stalks across the room quickly. His long legs only require a mere three strides until he is standing in front of me. Looking down, he pauses and smiles. His soft fingertips glide over my plump lips before his hand cups my cheek and he makes his way in for the kiss. I melt against his touch and kiss him back. Our lips give way, parting to allow our tongues to dance in a battle for control. Fueled by the passion of feeling wanted, I allow my hands to roam over his well-sculpted chest. I can feel every mouthwatering muscle through the thin fabric still covering his body. My hands move upward and fist through his salt and pepper colored hair. Something about it turns me on like crazy. My actions become increasingly desperate. I want him. I want him like crazy.

  Breaking our kiss, Brian steps back and looks me in the eye. We are silent for a minute, just staring at each other and taking this all in. I can tell he is just as wrapped up in this. He has that look in his eyes, the same one I am sure I have. That feeling that courses through your body when you know that the person you are with is someone special.

  “This isn’t just about money, Madeline. You…” he stops before saying whatever it is that is running through his mind. I’m curious and grateful at the same time because I’m unsure if I could deal with much more tonight. Not like this. It all has been so much for a single date.

  I press my finger to his lips and silence him with a shh. “Just be with me. Just the two of us. Nothing else.” I don’t know where the courage of my words comes from, but I am sure it has something to do with the aching between my legs. The desperation for the pleasure I haven’t had in such a long time.

  Brian nods and dips his head down to kiss me once again. This time he is more desperate. Like he needs me, he needs this. Whatever this is all about to become. I throw all my caution to the wind and just give in. Fully this time. Leaving my thoughts behind and ignoring that nagging little voice in the back of my head insisting I am doing something wrong. How could something that feels so damn right be wrong on so many levels?

  Our bodies begin to move and my legs press against the massive bed in the center of the room. I sit on the edge and Brian kneels down in front of me. Gone are my shoes, from the walk on the beach but that doesn’t stop him from paying extra attention to my feet. Kissing his way up my legs, he barely misses a single inch of skin.

  So this is what it feels like to really be pleasured? I think to myself, wondering how many men out there really love to cherish every inch of a woman. Drew certainly didn’t and none of the high school and college boys before him either. It was all about how quick they could stick their dick in me and pound away before I had the chance to even think about getting off. But, this is unlike anything ever before.

  With each inch, I can feel my body reacting to his touch, getting wetter and wetter with each and every kiss. I close my eyes and just feel. I lie back on the bed and lavish in his attentiveness until I feel him begin to tug on the thin lace panties I put on earlier in the evening. Never did I anticipate him seeing them. I’m almost glad he is the one getting the chance instead of Drew since I originally bought them to wear for him the night I found out about her. Kind of funny how things come so full circle.

  I take in a deep breath as he pulls them down, exposing my pussy for him to see. I can hear a small growl escape from his lips. I smile to myself, but remain quiet, wondering if I should ask him if there is something down there that he likes. I feel sexy for once, so I seize the opportunity to really give him a good time. After all, he is paying for it.

  “Something you like?” I ask him, peering up to see him on his knees with my dress bunched under his chin.

  “Shaved… something about a clean shaved woman does something to me…” He trails off and begins to k
iss every inch around, but never once touching it. My body is in overdrive and if I was alone, there is no doubt that I would be fingering myself by now. I just can’t take the wait anymore!

  My hands fist the sheets and I let out a quiet moan.

  “Is there something you would like, Madeline?” Brian asks while looking up at me again. This time he is wearing a mischievous little smirk. He is playful and I freaking love it.

  “I… I… want…” I can’t get the words out. Every sentence I try and form, but he touches me and I lose all my train of thought.

  “I guess not. I’ll just do what I want, but this dress is getting in my way so it’s going to have to go.” Without effort, he lifts me from the bed and stands me up once again. My legs feel like complete jello and my body sways. I feel drunk, but there is no way that is possible from a single glass of wine.

  Quickly he pulls the dress over my head without any problem, and now I am left there in nothing but a bra. The same lace bra that matches my fancy panties.

  “This needs to go too…” Brian mumbles while unclasping the bra and kissing along my collarbone. I melt against his body, leaning on him to keep from falling over. I can feel his erection pressing against my stomach and the only thing I want to do is rub it before dropping to the floor and taking it in my mouth. These thoughts and ideas aren’t like me, but then again, I’m unsure if I really know who I truly am anymore. I’m a stranger stuck in the only body I’ve ever known. Maybe this is all part of discovering who I am.

  The bra falls to the dark wood floor, the sound echoing through the oversized bedroom. Brian’s hands continue to explore every inch of my body in the most gentle manner. Inch-by-inch, his fingers trace over my warming skin, goosebumps covering the areas he’s explored. The tips of his fingers brush against my pert nipples and a shiver runs through my body.