by Avril Rose
“I’ll close up tonight. Go home and rest after your appointment.”
“You’re a saint, thank you,” I say, hugging him.
***
I walk through the doors of the bank, a ball of nerves. I tell the receptionist I’m here and go take a seat in the waiting room. I rub my clammy hands on my thighs.
“Miss Pasquier, hello,” Laurent Duboc greets me, a fake smile on his lips.
He seems embarrassed and hesitant. I don't like this one bit.
When we walk into his tiny office, he starts typing on the computer, probably to open my file. The seconds tick by so slowly. I decide to get straight to the point.
“Mister Duboc, I’m here to get an explanation on the Loan Department’s decision to deny my loan application,” I say firmly.
“Right, yes. My superiors informed me of the decision. I’m very sorry, miss, but our policy just changed and the criteria for a business loan are now much more... let’s say, stringent.”
“But you’re not answering my question. What is the exact reason you denied my request?”
“We think your business has too high a risk of insolvency.”
"Excuse me? And what are you basing that on, exactly?”
“Well, I... Just a moment, I’m looking at your file,” he says, obviously lacking conviction.
Did he look at my application? Is there any real objective reason they denied it? I’m seriously starting to doubt it.
“Do you have any concrete information to give me to justify your decision, Mister Duboc? Honestly, I’m disappointed and shocked. You know very well that without this loan, we might as well close down. We've always made our payments on time. I don’t understand...”
I notice someone outside in the hall.
Richard Lecomte? What the hell is he doing here?
He’s talking with the bank manager. When he passes in front of Duboc’s desk, he looks right at me. An almost invisible smile appears on his face. I look Duboc right in the eyes to try and read him. He turns away immediately.
The fact that Anderson’s henchman is here, in my little local branch? There’s no way that's a coincidence.
This does not bode well.
I need to change banks. Temple Coffee is a long-standing business. I’m sure other will support us, I think, trying to believe it.
I run back to my apartment to look up potential banks and call a few to set up meetings. Then I check that Victor can cover for me at those times.
Alright, three meetings tomorrow.
It'll be okay!
When Liam’s name pops up on my phone, I feel that glimmer of happiness that l haven't felt since this morning. It’s a much nicer feeling than that horrible lump of anxiety.
“Are you free for dinner tonight?” he asks.
“Don’t tempt me,” I beg. “I need to prepare for some work appointments. I really shouldn’t.”
"I generally avoid temptation unless I can’t resist it.”
That’s enough, Mae West! Not tonight!
“Is everything okay?" he asks.
“I have a small problem I need to deal with,” I say, playing it down. “But yeah, I’m fine.”
I don’t want to bother him with this whole crazy story. And I appreciate the fact that he isn't trying to force me to share.
“Okay, I’ll talk to you later, then.”
“Yeah, I’ll call you tomorrow. Sorry about tonight.”
“It’s okay, Zoe, don’t worry. I’d kiss you if I could.”
“Mmm, you too.”
I blush, daydreaming about this amazing, incredibly sexy, brilliant man. Fairies must have fluttered above his cradle for him to be so... astounding. And he’s with me!
Ah... Liam...
Alright, Zoe, wake up!
His invitation was more than tempting, but the future of my business is at stake. I have to do everything in my power to get a loan as quickly as possible. I start preparing a presentation on my business, the financial results, the funding I need, and my payment plan.
I go to bed feeling confident. There’s no way they’ll refuse me.
***
“None of the banks want to take me on, Victor! It’s nonsense!” I say, desperate as I pace behind the counter.
“How many did you meet with?”
“Three. Three banks! And none of them could give me a valid reason for their refusal! It’s nonsense!” I say again, out of breath.
I put my hand to my forehead, tired and disoriented, still pacing.
"Calm down, Zoe. There must be an explanation.”
“What if...” I suddenly say.
“What if what?” Victor asks, touching my forearm to calm me down.
“When I was with Duboc-adoodle-doo, I saw Richard Lecomte. He was talking with the bank manager. I thought it was... weird,” I explain, pensive.
"What are you trying to say?
“We made eye contact and... I don’t know, I think he smiled, or rather, smirked. I have a bad feeling but I can’t really explain why.”
“That can’t be a coincidence, Zoe. I told you, Anderson is all-powerful and Lecomte will do anything to appease him. You’re the only one standing in the way of their plans. You really think a tiny little twenty-six-year-old is going to stop them?” he provokes.
“We’re the only ones.”
"What?”
“You said I’m the only one in their way. I was correcting you. We are the only ones in their way.”
He doesn’t comment on the word choice.
I’m thinking fast now.
“Do you remember Gaël Stevenson?”
“Stevenson...” he thinks for a few seconds. “You were neighbors when you were a kid, right?”
“Yes, him. He’s a journalist on a national news channel. I’m going to ask him to get the scoop on Anderson.”
“Get the scoop? Do you think that’s a good idea?” he says, going tense.
“What are you afraid of, Victor? Anderson won’t find out,” I say, reassuring him. “And if it can help me figure out how I’ve been blacklisted by all the banks, I’m doing it!”
13
Liam
It’s been a week since I’ve seen Zoe because of our jobs. She had a professional issue to deal with. I’ve tried to convince her to talk to me about it, but she’s shut herself off, making it seem like less of a problem than it probably is. Our relationship is new and I don’t want to butt in on her business or push her. So I didn’t insist. Especially since we know we both have very different ideas of what our work represents. She might take it the wrong way if I push her to confide in me. I got back this morning from a quick work trip to San Francisco and I race to Temple Coffee to get my morning pick-me-up, hoping she'll be there.
I see her silhouette as soon as I walk in. Ponytail, jeans, sky blue shirt, sneakers. She’s there. Natural, beautiful, smiling.
While my demons come back to haunt me as soon as I’m away from her for any extended period, all my doubts evaporate as soon as I see her. Her liveliness, energy, and sparkling eyes make me forget the sleepless nights I spent with the painful memories of Colin and Cassandra. At this exact moment, I want only one thing: to taste her delicious mouth that I’ve missed so much.
When she sees me, her face lights up. Victor seems to notice it, too. He leans down to whisper something in her ear. I read “coming” on her lips, then watch as she prepares my coffee.
When she finally comes to join me, we share a tender kiss as the regulars in the coffee shop watch, amused. She laughs when she realizes everyone is looking at us.
She takes my hand and invites me to sit with her at a private table.
“Did your boss give you a break?” I joke.
“Yes, he’s very generous,” she jokes. “So, how was your trip to San Francisco?” she asks.
“Very fruitful!” I exclaim. “I
came back with the big client I was telling you about. I’m meeting with him later, actually. It’s off to a good start,” I acknowledge.
While I’m very happy with the work I accomplished over there, I'm worried about Zoe. A sad look comes over her.
“Are you alright, Zoe?”
“Yeah, yeah. Fine!” she assures me.
I’m not one bit convinced by her weak attempt.
“I’m happy to see you!” she says, embarrassed by her admission.
“Me too,” I confirm, kissing the inside of her wrist sweetly.
Simple contact with her skin awakens all the desire I have for her. I missed her. So much.
“I need to go. What do you say to takeout at my place tonight?”
“Yes!” she exclaims, unable to hide her joy.
It’s so nice to hear!
I get up and invite her to follow me outside, her hand in mine.
Among the passers-by, she stands up on her tiptoes and we kiss passionately. A whole week since I last tasted her. She’s even more beautiful than I remembered. She leans into my body, between my strong arms, and we stand there for a few exquisite seconds, savoring our reunion.
***
“Gentlemen, I asked you here today to discuss our next project.”
I listen attentively as Domenic Anderson explains in almost perfect French his surprising idea to build a hotel complex in the center of Paris, as luxurious and majestic as the Bellagio in Las Vegas.
This guy is crazy! But brilliant!
I interrupt the businessman several times to ask him to provide more information on certain points as he gives his presentation. This project is an incredible opportunity for the firm: guaranteed work for several months and a contract with the Anderson Corporation to boot.
“All the owners have agreed, isn’t that right, Richard?”
“Not quite, sir. There’s still the owner of the small shop who is refusing our offers.”
“She’s really starting to tick me off!” Anderson says, annoyed. “I thought her partner was taking care of it for us! How high did you go?”
“Ten thousand more, sir.”
“So offer her double!”
“I don't think it will work, sir. The place has... well, 'sentimental value' for her. She already explained to me once that certain things are 'priceless.' ”
It’s as if I was listening to Zoe! I think, smiling.
“Everything has a price, Richard. Everything can be bought. You just have to make the right offer. Try again. Until she gives in. And if she refuses, find another way,” he declares in a threatening tone.
And there’s Anderson’s dark side, the ruthless businessman.
“I'm not going to let some twenty-six-year-old kid keep me from carrying out my plan. For what? To sell candy?” he mocks in a disdainful voice.
“Coffee, sir.”
"What?”
“It’s a coffee shop,” Richard Lecomte explains, clearly feeling ill at ease in the face of Anderson's growing agitation.
My blood suddenly runs cold.
Twenty-six years old. A coffee shop.
“Excuse me, do you remember the name of this shop?” I ask Richard Lecomte quietly, in as even a tone as possible.
“Temple Café or something like that,” he says.
Well, shit. Zoe!
***
Olivia is the only person I can talk to about this for now. She'll be more objective.
“What do you think I should do?”
"I don't know, Liam. What do you think is best?”
“If I tell Zoe I’m working for the guy who wants to take over her shop, our relationship will be over. I’m sure of it. That shop is her whole life. And it's what connects her to her dad, his memory. If you heard her talk about it... Every single object in the place has some connection to him and she would never understand how I could work for such a piece of shit.”
“Unless you didn’t realize what a piece of shit he was,” she points out.
“Yeah, but will she believe me? She didn’t want to believe me when I tried to explain about you and me. On the other hand, if I say nothing, she’ll find out sooner or later. And our relationship will be over. Rock and a hard place.”
“You could stop working for this Anderson guy, right?”
“Yeah, if I want to run the firm into the ground, I could!”
“What do you mean?”
“He’s the type of guy who could rip your reputation to shreds in a split second. That’s what happened with Powell & Associates. They didn’t live up to Anderson’s expectations so he made them pay.”
“How so?” she asks, concerned.
“By suing them for legal malpractice. Insurance didn’t cover it for whatever reason and the firm went bankrupt. Years of building their practice, and all it took was one quick swipe of typhoon Anderson to rip it all down,” I sigh. “I knew the risk I was taking when I started meeting with him. But when I did it, I was positive I'd be completing my mission and fulfilling my objectives. You know me!”
“Yeah. Except now, there are other things at stake,” she says.
“To stop working with Anderson is not an option. I can’t risk sabotaging the firm. My dad would never survive it.”
“So what are you going to do?”
“First, I’m going to try to learn more about Anderson and his ‘methods.’ There’s something that rubbed me the wrong way earlier when he was talking about Zoe. He sounded threatening. I really hope I’m wrong. And not just about him, about her partner Victor, too.”
“Are you sure you understood what they were talking about?”
“One hundred percent.”
"You think he’s a liar?”
“It wouldn’t surprise me. There’s something off about that guy. I’ve had a bad feeling about him since I met him. For once, I’d like my intuition to be wrong. Zoe would never recover from that.”
“Do you want me to ask Ethan to check out your client?”
“That’d be great, Olivia.”
“Consider it done.”
“Thank you, gorgeous!”
“Why did you have to fall in love with the only girl on the planet who is standing in the way of this Anderson project?”
“But I haven't fallen...”
She hangs up laughing before I can finish my sentence.
Olivia is wrong. I’m not in love with Zoe! Am I?
I can’t deny that there’s a very strong bond between us. Despite all the years spent building my protective, impenetrable shield, Zoe has managed to push past the barriers I had put in place.
***
I pick up the phone on the first ring when I see Ethan’s name appear on the screen.
“Liam?”
“Hey, Ethan! Thanks for calling me back so quickly,” I say sincerely.
He gets right down to business.
“I’ve put my detective on the case. I’ve never dealt with Anderson personally and I have to say I’m pretty relieved given the information he dug up.”
My breathing accelerates. This is what I was afraid of.
“According to the preliminary findings, Anderson is extremely powerful and built an incredible real estate empire in less than twenty years. He’s a very, very rich man. Hilton looks like a bum in comparison! Anderson’s strong suit is that he’s always where you least expect him and he’s always one step ahead. His new business is building insane hotels in areas that are completely unsuitable for such enormous projects. So far, nothing too surprising. The bad news is that he seems capable of going pretty far to get what he wants.”
“What do you mean?” I ask, knowing full-well the answer.
“He has a lot of connections, be it with judges, senior government officials, politicians, or financial decision-makers. He's untouchable. And nothing can stop him, which is never a good thing.”
&
nbsp; “What about in France?” I ask.
“As of now, after only a few hours, my information is limited to the United States. But there’s every reason to believe he’s also built quite a network for himself in France. He’s a powerful man, Liam. And he’s dangerous. Promise me you’ll be careful.”
After thanking Ethan sincerely for his useful research, I play the conversation back in my mind.
Anderson is capable of anything. But what does that mean exactly? How far would he go? If he’s capable of the worst, is Zoe in danger by refusing to sell? What is Victor’s role in all of this? And most importantly, what am I supposed to do?
I wouldn't be able to live with myself if something happened to Zoe.
Olivia’s right. I’ve fallen in love with her.
Me? In love? Just what I needed.
***
I go over the information Ethan gave me all day in my head, scared at the idea that something might happen to Zoe.
I even lost my cool, getting annoyed at Sophie giving me the eye when I couldn't care less, getting angry at my secretary when she forgot to deal with one of my cases, demanding no one bother me for any reason, yelling at anyone who came through the door regardless.
When I unlock the door to my apartment, my arms full of dinner provisions for me and Zoe, I’m firmly decided on not saying anything to her for the time being.
I need time to analyze the possible solutions, worried I haven’t yet found the one that will allow me to protect Zoe and keep the firm alive.
The doorbell rings, snapping me back to reality. I open the door, happy to see the object of my affection standing there.
“Hi,” she says with a smile.
A feeling of wholeness washes over me as soon as I see her. She seems tired, but I think she looks gorgeous. I'm a sucker for her natural charm. I take a step back to let her walk through the door, and take her face in my hands to kiss her greedily. My stress vanishes as soon as my lips meet hers. I let the pleasure melt into my blood and course through every vein in my body. I finally understand the expression “to have someone under your skin.” Zoe is under my skin. Since the first day I saw her behind the counter at her shop.
“Hi,” I greet her, a smile plastered on my lips.
