“You did. You wouldn’t mention it if it didn’t bother you so much. And I can’t remember the last time you actually told me about any of your women.”
“You’re right, I’m losing it.” Ryle sighed in self-disgust.
Logan was laughing so hard he could barely breathe.
“I’m glad you’re finding humor in my suffering.” Ryle said dryly.
“Suffering? It’s that bad huh?” His friend was still laughing his head off. “Can’t say I’ve seen many women able to resist the Sullivan charm.” He added deridingly.
“I didn’t say she didn’t want me.” Ryle replied wryly. “She just doesn’t want anything to do with me.”
“She sounds like an intelligent woman.”
“She is, very.”
“She deserves an award for standing her ground against you. So what's her name?”
“Is there a reason you’re calling?”
Logan sighed and said in a business-like tone. “Actually, there is. We need to talk about the Metix account and the upcoming Jean Moreau project.”
“I talked to Tamara yesterday. She was booking me a flight for tomorrow.” Ryle told him. “I’m driving right now; let me get back to you when I’m in front of my computer.”
“Yeah, good. I’ll be at the office.”
The employee housing stretched along several quiet residential streets. Depending on the need and availability, the units were either one bedroom units for single people or bungalows for workers with spouse or family. Jeff was lucky, in that he got assigned a two-bedroom bungalow near the end of the street, facing a park. Although he had invited her to his place before, this was the first time she went there. She was apprehensive of anyone from the plant seeing her, but according to Jeff, he’s never seen any of his neighbors except for one family who had a couple of young children and were not likely to gossip about her and Jeff at work.
“You look breathtaking,” Jeff murmured, his blue eyes warmly caressed Charlie as she took off her coat to reveal the sexy green dress she wore.
“You look very handsome too.” She said with a smile.
Jeff took the bottle of wine she had brought with her.
“Ginestra Vigna Casa. Very nice choice.” He said.
“I’m glad you approve.” She grinned. “The saleswoman told me it goes nicely with roast lamb.”
“So it does. But you didn’t need get it.”
“It’s the least I can do when you're going to all that trouble of making a gourmet dinner.”
“Thank you.” He leaned over to kiss her. She returned his kiss lightly. He sighed and pulled her closer, molding her body against his with one free hand. “Or maybe we should just skip dinner.”
She put her hands on his chest as she leaned back. “There’s no rush; we have all night. Besides, I was looking forward to this dinner all week.”
Jeff sighed, “Yeah, me too, but not for the same reasons.”
She laughed softly.
He released her reluctantly and walked towards the kitchen. He came back with two wine glasses.
“Why don’t you relax in the living room, and I’ll go finish cooking dinner?” Jeff told her.
“Are you sure I can't help you with anything?” She asked. “As my mom can vouch for me, I’m an expert at peeling potatoes and carrots.”
Jeff laughed. “Thanks for the offer, but just relax.” he grinned, adding, “And no peeking.”
“All right,” she laughed softly in amusement.
Jeff kissed her and then left to go into the kitchen, which was separated from the living room only by a half wall.
For a while Charlie flipped through a sports' magazine she picked up from the coffee table, then she turned on the T.V. to watch. But after almost an hour, she started to get restless. Jeff chatted with her over the half wall while he was cutting and preparing the food, but now he was too busy cooking to continue talking with her.
She turned off the T.V. and walked toward the dining table which was set up at one end of the oblong living room. Jeff had set the table with tableware, silverware, and even two candles in brass holders. There was also a little crystal vase in the center, but it was empty.
“Do you need help with anything?” she called over the half wall.
“No, Everything’s all set…”
“Haven’t you forgotten something?” Charlie asked Jeff teasingly when he came out of the kitchen holding a basket of hot dinner rolls.
“You’re right.” He grinned, and paused to give her a lingering kiss.
She smiled. “That was nice but I meant the centerpiece.” She pointed out.
“Ah, that’s what I forgot,” Jeff grinned ruefully, “I bought it earlier, but I left it in the trunk of the car. Can you go and get it? The car keys are over there.”
Charlie picked up the car keys from the stand and went outside, not bothering to pull on her coat first. The sky had already gone dark outside, the street dimly lit by the lamps hanging overhead. Yet despite the semi-darkness, she couldn't mistake the large bouquet that seemed to fill the entire trunk of the car.
She knew this was one of Jeff's sweet little ways of giving her gifts. She picked up the bouquet and closed the trunk door. Even in the cool winter air, the fragrance of the bouquet was strong. With the bouquet cradled in her arm, she turned toward the house, only to stop suddenly as the sound of a car door slamming from the car parked in front of Jeff’s drew her attention. She wouldn’t have paid any attention to it except she recognized the beat-up old car that Ryle drove.
Ryle! For a long moment, all she could do was stand there, staring at him as he stood just a car’s length away. He was holding a duffle bag as he stood beside the trunk of his car. Even in the gloom of early evening, those azure eyes still seemed to probe into her very soul. They narrowed shrewdly as he glanced from her to Jeff's cottage and back to her again.
It took all her will to finally tear her eyes from his. On suddenly shaky legs, she quickly turned and went back into Jeff's house without even acknowledging Ryle.
“So, you’ve found the flowers,” Jeff grinned.
“What? Oh, um, yes, I did,” Charlie gave a bright smile that didn't reach her eyes. “They're very lovely, Jeff, but you really shouldn't have. You’re already making dinner and everything. You're going to spoil me.”
“If it makes you smile, then it's worth it.”
She bit her lower lip, determined to forget about the little incident outside, she moved toward the coffee table, putting the bouquet down. Picking several pretty blooms from the bouquet, she went to arrange them as a centerpiece.
“Mmm, something smells delicious.” she murmured as Jeff brought out the first course.
Charlie relaxed more as the meal progressed. Jeff's easy charm soon had her laughing. The meal itself was delicious. She knew he was a good cook, but he put in a lot of effort for tonight’s meal and it turned out very well.
After lingering over dessert and coffee, she insisted on helping Jeff with the dishes. But tonight he would have none of it and he firmly refused to let her help with anything; so she simply leaned against the counter chatting with him as he rinsed all the plates and put everything into the dishwasher. That done, they retired to the sofa to finish the rest of the wine while they listened to some soft music on the stereo.
“Come here,” Jeff murmured huskily, gently pulling her into his arms.
He bent his head to nuzzle against the side of her neck. She sighed and snuggled against his powerful body, her head resting on the back of the sofa as he sought and found her lips, kissing her deeply.
“Darling, let's go to bed.” he suggested caressingly.
“I'm comfortable right here,” she murmured in answer.
Jeff cupped her face in his hands, moving away slightly to look into her eyes. “You are staying the night, right? Charlie, I want you so much it hurts. I need you, darling.”
“Yes, I'll stay.”
His eyes flared even more with passion. “Charl
ie, Charlie, darling, you're so beautiful,” he groaned before taking her mouth again hungrily, his tongue seeking hers. His hands moved caressingly over her body through the dress while he continued kissing her. She didn't protest when he unhooked the closure at the back of the mock-turtleneck, and the soft bodice of her dress slipped down to her waist, revealing the fullness of her breasts.
Jeff groaned, his body hardening even more against hers as his eyes lingered on her exposed beauty. He bent down to press feverish kisses on the creamy globes before taking one nipple into his mouth. Charlie sighed softly in pleasure, her hands tangled into his hair, lightly caressing. She closed her eyes, but that was a mistake. They immediately flew open again when all she could see in her mind was Ryle's azure eyes.
Trying desperately to push Ryle out of her mind, her fingers clenched Jeff's hair, pulling his head up from her beasts and kissing him urgently. Her hands moved caressingly over his body. He groaned low in his throat, his hand cupped her breasts, gently squeezing. She tried to drown herself in the pleasure of his lovemaking, yet Ryle's image was superimposed in her mind.
“No!”
“Darling? What's wrong?” Jeff lifted his head to look at her with concern.
“I...I'm not...Jeff, I don't think this is a very good idea after all,” Charlie whispered, trying to pull away from him.
“What do you mean?” he was frowning perplexedly now, his breathing still ragged.
She managed to move away slightly, pulling her dress back up to cover herself. “I'm sorry, Jeff, but I...I can't do it. Not right now.”
“Darling, you don't really mean that,” he said persuasively.
“I do. I can’t do this. I’m sorry.” she said more firmly now.
Frustration made the scowl on his face darken. “Just what the hell are you playing at, Charlie?”
“I'm not playing anything, Jeff. I thought I was ready tonight, but I was wrong.” She said.
“Darling, you know I’ll be gentle. If you’re nervous about our first time…”
She couldn't tell him the truth was that she couldn’t stop thinking of another man while he was kissing her. She knew she deserved Jeff's anger. She never should have let things go so far before stopping. He had every reason to be angry at her. She didn't mean to bring him to such a state of frustration, yet how could she make love with him when her mind was on someone else? She hadn't realized those few seconds of seeing Ryle outside had affected her so much.
“I can’t.”
“Then we'll have some more wine and wait until later.”
“I’m sorry, Jeff. I should go home.” She got to her feet and smoothed her dress. Her eyes were sad as she looked up at him with regret.
Jeff didn't answer for several minutes, his fists tightly clenched as he fought for self-control. “I guess I should drive you.” he finally said.
He was understandably silent on the drive to her apartment. She didn't attempt to make any conversation; it would be trite to trivialize the hurt she must have caused him. She silently stared down at the bouquet she held as he drove. She had forgotten about the bouquet until he bitterly reminded her. It seemed ironic that the bouquet was partly responsible for her ending the evening early.
“I know it doesn't help, but I'm really sorry about tonight, Jeff.” Charlie said to him softly as his car came to a stop in front of her apartment.
“So am I.” He said coolly.
She sighed. “Goodnight, Jeff.”
“Bye Charlie.” he muttered.
Charlie got out of the car. As soon as she had her door opened, she heard Jeff's car screeched away at great speed.
She barely slept that night. Sad she had hurt Jeff, but most of all disturbed by how Ryle could affect her even when he wasn’t there. When she finally closed her eyes, it was Ryle’s face she saw. His eyes she saw. She finally fell asleep at dawn due to sheer exhaustion.
It was almost noon when she got up. Her parents went out to visit friends, and she made her own lunch. After lunch, she went to visit Mandy and Megan at the floral shop.
Charlie managed to avoid the subject of Jeff for most of the afternoon as the shop was busy and when it was calm, Megan interrupted them by running around exploring and getting into general mischief.
“So, tell me before I burst, how was your romantic evening with Jeff last night? And why aren't you with him today?” Mandy asked as soon as they had put Megan to bed for an afternoon nap in the shop’s back room. “He was so romantic; yesterday he came into the shop and bought out all the fresh cut flowers and had me make this gorgeous bouquet to surprise you. God, I wish Rob would do something excitingly romantic for me.”
“I'm not with him today because I didn't spend the night with him.” Charlie said truthfully.
“What? Why not?” her friend gasped, surprised.
Sighing, Charlie told her friend what happened. She told her everything except that little incident with Ryle outside of Jeff's place.
“But why did you change your mind?” Mandy frowned.
Charlie didn’t know how to explain that she couldn’t stop thinking about Ryle when Jeff was making love to her. How could she explain it when she couldn’t understand it herself? “I was not as ready as I thought.”
“Oh,” Mandy nodded in understanding. “I know what you mean. I felt the same way with Rob at first. I mean, I wanted to sleep with him, but the timing just wasn't right. I wanted the first time with him to be special, something deeper than just a sexual act.”
“Yes, I remember.” Charlie murmured. She didn't admit to her friend that it might be always the wrong time with Jeff. She couldn't understand why she wanted Ryle when she didn’t even like him. He was too arrogant and she knew he’ll inevitably break her heart if she got involved with him.
After Mandy closed the shop, they went over to Joe’s for dinner.
“Where’s Rob today?”
“He went to a hockey game with his friends. He’s not going to be back until late.” Mandy said.
Joe’s on a Sunday night was not busy. It was early, and there were only a few tables with diners, most of them older people, and a couple of young families. Despite the early hour, she couldn’t stop herself from looking for Ryle. But although more diners came in, it was no one they knew.
On Monday morning, Charlie got to work earlier than usual. She wasn’t surprised to see Jeff’s car already there. She was walking towards her office when Jeff came out of his.
“Charlie,” Jeff said her name somberly.
“Good morning.” She murmured, briefly meeting his eyes.
The hangar was still relatively quiet except for a few early workers who were busy doing their own thing.
“I…er…tried calling you yesterday.” He said.
“I know; I got your voicemail.” She said. “I was out all day and my cell phone ran out of power.”
“Do you have a few minutes? Can we talk?” Jeff asked.
“Sure.” She agreed as he fell into step beside her.
There was a long moment of silence as they walked in the direction of her office.
“So, I’m not sure where we stand.” Jeff began huskily. “Charlie, you know I really care about you and honestly, I wanted us to be more than just friends…this dating thing is not working…” He sighed, raking his hand through his hair. “I understand your reservation about trusting a man again after your ex, but I thought we were moving past your misgivings. I thought you were starting to trust me.”
Charlie shook her head. “I trust you, Jeff.”
“Then…”
“I don’t know what to say, but I think we should stop dating; take a break.” She said.
“What are you saying? You don’t even want to give us a chance…?”
“I’m sorry, Jeff. I can't do this right now.” She admitted, being as honest as she could without admitting to some things she just wasn't ready to face. “I just need time alone to think. I would like it if we could still be friends, but I understand if you d
on’t want to.”
Loosing Jeff as a friend was not easy. She didn’t realized how much she was used to seeing his smiling face and talking with him at lunch time and after work. Her days at PAL seemed brighter when he was around to chat with at breaks or lunch time. He shared a passion for his work much as she did, and he understood her for it unlike other men she had dated who didn’t work in the same field. As for outside of work, that time was easily filled with her friends.
She had told her friends about the breakup and they seemed to understand even if they didn’t exactly agree with her about it. Telling her parents was not as easy. She knew how much her parents, especially her mom, worried about her. This breakup would cause them a lot of concern. She’ll have to break this to them gently. Maybe wait a little while, let the dust settle, before she told them. She was still wondering how to tell them when her mom asked her about Jeff over breakfast a couple of weeks later.
“Darling, how is Jeff? We haven’t seen him for the last couple of weeks.” Her mother asked.
“Jeff is good.” Charlie murmured.
“Did you invite him for dinner tomorrow?” Her mother asked, somewhat preoccupied with mixing the pancake batter.
“Um…Jeff won’t be coming tomorrow.”
Eva stopped to search her face. “Is there something wrong between you, darling? Did you have a fight?”
Charlie opened her mouth to answer. This was it, the moment of truth. But her mom seemed so harried the last few days as she helped a local community centre organize a neighborhood event. Charlie hesitated to tell her mom the truth right now. She hated lying to her parents, but it might be better if she waited until the neighborhood event was done.
“No. We’re fine, Mom.”
Telling her parents about Jeff was not the only thing occupied her mind. As much as she tried to push thoughts of Ryle from her mind, she couldn’t stop thinking about him. And every time she thought of him, she remembered that look in his eyes. They were inscrutable, yet still seared so deeply into her that she didn’t know how she could face him again.
As it turned out, she didn’t need to worry. He was away for the whole week. By Friday, she was starting to wonder if he had left Linwood. He was holding a duffle bag when she last saw him. Was he on his way out of town? Was it some kind of emergency he had to see to or had he left PAL for good? Was he coming back? The thought that she might never see him again left a strange chill through her. Now instead of worrying about seeing him, she was suddenly apprehensive she wouldn’t see him again.
Flight Page 8
