Love Is a Breeze

by Purcell, Sarah

  “And the painting? Do you still have it?”

  “I did but Eric took it along with some I had done. They’re not worth anything to anyone else. I don’t know why he would want them.”

  He gently finished combing her hair. When she laid down, he put the ice bag on her head, turned off the bedside lamp and walked to the door.

  “Thank you.” She closed her eyes.

  “Anytime.” He eased the door shut.

  * * * *

  Several hours later, Brianna wandered onto the terrace where John sat on one of the loungers reading. A gallon of sun tea brewed on the table. She took a seat on the chaise next to his.

  “I’m sorry about the dinner and the wine and – everything,” she said, watching white clouds drift across the early afternoon sky.

  John put his book down.

  “Don’t worry about it. I appreciate the thought.” He turned toward her. “I read online this morning about Red Wine Headache syndrome. Surprisingly, it’s a fairly common reaction. That and the fact you hadn’t eaten anything is probably what made you sick. You really didn’t drink enough to cause a bad hangover.”

  Brianna gave him a weak smile. “I suppose.” It was as good an excuse as any.

  “How are you feeling now? Hungry?”

  “A little, I think.” If the fluttering of a thousand butterflies indicates hunger.

  John stood up. “I’ll fix you a cup of soup and some crackers. That shouldn’t be too hard on your stomach.”

  She watched him walk through the door to the kitchen appreciating the panther like combination of strength and grace. She released a long sigh. This guy is too good to be true. I’ve got to be dreaming. She pinched herself.

  A few minutes later, John returned with a tray and set it across her lap. He sat on the chaise facing her,.

  “When you’ve finished, call your friend and ask her if we can pick up your things this afternoon.”

  Brianna nodded and blew on the hot broth.

  * * * *

  Returning to her room, she picked up her cell phone and noticed a missed call and a new text message, both from Carly.

  Call me.

  Brianna pulled up her contact list. Carly’s name, the first of only two contacts, was already highlighted. She pressed ‘Call.’

  Carly answered on the second ring.

  “Hey, Carly. John…”

  “John? You’re on a first name basis with the boss?” Carly replied.

  “Well, ‘Mr. Sharp’ is a little formal under the circumstances. He wants to know if we can come by and pick up my stuff today.”

  “You know you’re welcome to stay here, Bree.”

  “I know but I’m all right here and, no offense, but your place is a bit small.”

  “Just a bit. How about I bring your clothes over? I’m dying to see you and hear everything,” Carly said, her tone dripping with curiosity.

  “I’ll ask him if you promise to behave yourself.” Asking Carly to behave was like asking her to stop breathing.

  She walked to the terrace and, holding the phone against her chest, asked John, “Would it be all right if Carly brings my things over?”

  “Of course. Invite her to stay for dinner, if you’d like,” John said.

  She relayed the message to Carly and turned off the phone.

  “She said she’d love to stay since Rob is working until midnight.”

  “I’m sure you two have a lot to talk about.”

  You have no idea

  “I’d like that, thank you.” Brianna smiled.

  “Can she manage the boxes by herself?”

  “She’s only bringing my clothes. There’s no point in moving everything twice.”

  “That makes sense. What time is she coming?”

  “Around four.”

  “I’ll order a pizza or, Chinese, if you’d prefer,” John offered.

  “Chinese would be great.”

  * * * *

  The doorbell rang a few minutes after four.

  “I’ll get it,” Brianna called to John who was watching a golf tournament in the den.

  Carly set the suitcases down and wrapped Bree in a bear hug as soon the door opened. Releasing her, she held her shoulders and examined her face.

  “You don’t look too bad under the circumstances,” Carly said, smiling. She lowered her voice to a whisper. “How’s life with the shark?”

  “He’s not a shark, Carly. I don’t know how I’d have managed without him this week. He’s very nice. Come on.” She took Carly’s hand. “I’ll introduce you.”

  Carly hung back, taking in the living room with a low admiring whistle.

  Brianna tugged at her hand.

  John rose when they entered the den. Brianna made the formal introductions.

  “Carly.” John said, offering his hand. “Bree’s told me a lot about you – all good.” He smiled.

  Brianna watched her normally talkative friend lose her power of speech as spots of red colored her cheeks. She hid a smile, shaking her head.

  “We’ll be out on the terrace,” Brianna said to John, leading Carly from the room.

  “Let me know when you want me to order dinner.” John called after them.

  Carly followed her to the kitchen and perched on a barstool while Brianna fixed two tall glasses of iced tea.

  “You okay?” Brianna asked her still silent friend who now had a dreamy, far-away look on her face.

  “Mmm-mmm,” Carly replied, giving her head a shake. “I knew he was good looking – everyone in the office drools at the mention of his name – but up close… Wow! How do you do it?”

  “Do what? Keep from drooling?” Brianna shrugged her shoulders and avoided eye contact. “I guess I’m getting used to him.” The erratic pulse was a problem though.

  Carly narrowed her eyes. “Yeah, right.”

  Brianna handed Carly a glass of tea. “Come on.” She said, opening the sliding patio door.

  They each sat in a chaise facing the lake and sipped their tea.

  Carly sat up, set her glass on the side table and turned toward Brianna, elbows on knees, chin on hands, and leaned close. “Tell me everything.”

  “I’ve already told you everything.”

  “You told me about the accident but,” she said, “not about him.” She tossed a glance toward the den.

  “There’s nothing to tell, Carly. He goes to work - comes home – we eat. Maybe watch a little TV, then go to bed.” Carly’s eyebrows shot up. “Alone, Carly – separate rooms.” Brianna swiped at her arm, knocking it off her knee.

  “Where’s the fun it that?” Carly swung her legs onto the chaise. “Don’t you ever wonder what it’d be like to kiss him?”

  All the time. “You’re incorrigible, Carly and I wouldn’t tell you if I did.” Brianna turned her eyes to the lake.

  “Ah-ha, so you do think about it.”

  “I do not.” Brianna blushed and continued to avoid Carly’s eyes.

  “John and Brianna, sittin’ in a tree, k-i-s-s-i-n-g.” Carly chanted.

  “Carly, stop it. That’s not funny.” Brianna rose and turned her back on her friend.

  “Oh, come on. He can’t hear us. Anyway, it’s payback time for all the teasing I got over Rob.”

  “That’s different. Rob was your fiancé. John’s my boss.”

  “And roommate.”

  Brianna threw her an exasperated glare which Carly returned with an evil grin.

  “Come on, I’ll show you MY room and you can tell me all about your trip while I put my stuff away.” Brianna walked stiffly through the kitchen. Picking up her suitcases by the front door, she continued to her bedroom with Carly trailing behind.

  She hoisted one bag onto the bed and flipped it open. Carly perched beside it.

  “Nice place,” Carly said. “What’s his room like?”

  “It’s very nice. You should see his bathroom! The tub’s big enough to swim in.”

  That piqued Carly’s interest and Brianna tol
d her about the bubble and dinner disasters.

  “It’s a wonder he didn’t send you packing. He must be a saint.”

  “Actually, he was very nice about it. The dinner, anyway. I didn’t tell him about the bubbles.”

  “Probably a wise decision.” Carly nodded. “Anything you’re not telling me?”

  “I’m trying to decide if your middle name is Persistent or just plain Nosy.”

  Carly laughed. “It’s both. What are best friends for, anyway?”

  Brianna sat beside her and Carly draped an arm around her shoulder giving it a squeeze.

  “Truthfully Carly, I’m all mixed up inside. Sometimes I forget he’s my boss. I don’t need any romantic fantasies or complications right now.”

  “These things can’t always be planned, Bree. They just happen.”

  “Well, nothing’s happening. At least not on his side. He treats me like my brothers do, only nicer.” Brianna smiled, shoved herself off the bed and finished unpacking. “He’s too old for me.”

  “You’re twenty-six and he’s probably not even forty yet. That’s not too old.”

  “He rescued me. I have a slight case of hero worship. He’s not a knight in shining armor. He’s…”

  Carly snorted. “Just a man, I know.”

  “You’re not helping here, Carly. He’s out of my league.”

  “This is America, Bree. We don’t have a caste system.”

  “You’re supposed to be on my side here.”

  “I am on your side. I want you to be happy.” She stood and held out her hand. “Come on. Show me the rest of the place – like that bathtub.” She graced Brianna with her most innocent smile.

  Brianna slapped at Carly’s hand. They left the bedroom as John crossed the living room.

  “It’s nearly six. Are you ready for dinner?” he asked. Brianna nodded, Carly froze. “I’ll order a variety.”

  “Sounds good,” Brianna said. “Is it okay if I show Carly the condo?”

  “Sure. Go ahead. It will probably take an hour for the food to get here.” He pulled out his iPhone and looked up the number as he walked back to the den.

  Brianna jerked Carly’s hand. “You’ve got Rob. Remember?”

  “Did you see the way he looked at you? He’s hungry for more than food.” Carly whispered.

  “You have a very vivid imagination. Twisted, but vivid.”

  CHAPTER TEN

  Brianna woke early Tuesday morning. It wouldn’t do to keep John waiting. She walked into the kitchen wearing a lime green, hot pink and turquoise splash print skirt and a turquoise shirt. He was dressed in a black suit, light gray shirt and black and gray paisley tie.

  “You should do something about your wardrobe,” they said in unison.

  “What’s wrong with what I’m wearing?” they said.

  They stared at each other. “You could add a little variety,” Brianna said, “a little color. It would make you look friendlier, less stuffy.”

  “Stuffy? I run a business not a disco club.”

  “Okay.” Brianna shrugged her shoulders. “What’s wrong with what I’m wearing?”

  “A little bright. I think I need sunglasses.” John gestured toward the door.

  “I like bright. It makes me happy.” She grinned as she preceded him to the elevator.

  “It’s such a gorgeous day. I wish you had a convertible.” Brianna said as she got into the car.

  “They’re not safe.”

  “Hmm. Don’t you ever want to feel the wind blowing through your hair, enjoy life?”

  “Safety is good.” He made sure she fastened her seatbelt before leaving the curb. “I can ‘enjoy life’ and still be safe.”

  “What do you do for fun?” Brianna asked.

  “I used to love sailing,” he said. “I was interested in photography as a kid.”

  “You do realize you’re using the past tense, don’t you?” Brianna said.

  “I play golf occasionally.”

  “Yes, I know, but that’s just one thing – occasionally.”

  “I’ve been busy building a business and running a company for the last… few years.”

  “How many years?” she prodded.

  “A few.” It was her turn to raise an eyebrow. “All right, quite a few, but you don’t build a successful business overnight.”

  “All work and no play makes Johnny a dull boy,” Brianna teased.

  “You think I’m dull?” She shrugged her shoulders. “I am not dull!” John stopped for a red light a block from the office.

  “I think you’ve got potential, you’ve just forgotten how to play.”

  * * * *

  Brianna spent the morning finishing the drawings for the Wildlife project. She was taking them to Mrs. Davis for approval when she ran into John.

  “Are those the Wildlife drawings?” he asked. Brianna nodded. “I’ll take them. I want to look them over.”

  “They haven’t been approved yet.”

  He gave her an amused look. “I believe I have the authority to approve them. As I said before, I’m very impressed with them.”

  When she turned to walk back to her desk, several pairs of eyes followed her. Great!

  “What was that about?” Carly asked as they were walking to the lounge for lunch.

  “He just wanted the drawings I did for the wildlife account.”

  “Yeah, he’s always coming down here to get drawings. Did you see the looks on Emily and Liv’s faces? They’re dying to know what’s going on,” Carly said.

  “Yeah, I noticed, but that’s all he wanted. I doubt he had an ulterior motive. I can only image what they’ll make out of it. I’m starving. Let’s eat?” Brianna changed the subject.

  * * * *

  At four-thirty Miss Davis stopped by her cubicle. “Mr. Sharp wants to see you, Miss Ryan. He wants to talk to you about the wildlife drawings. Did you give them to him without my approval? Do you think you’ll win points by going over my head? We have procedures here for a reason, Miss Ryan. Nothing is to leave this office without my approval.”

  “Yes, Miss Davis.” Brianna could see no point in arguing with her.

  She said a quick good-bye to Carly. “I’ll call you later.” She grabbed her bag and headed for his office.

  “Go on in, Miss Ryan. He’s expecting you.” Mr. Sharp’s secretary said.

  “You got me in trouble with Miss Davis,” she said.

  “I’m looking forward to the day that you walk in here without attacking me. Do you think that might be any time soon?” John said, standing as she approached his desk.

  “I’m sorry, but she’s not happy with me for going over her head to give you the drawings.”

  “But you didn’t go over her head. I asked for them.”

  “You and I know that, but she doesn’t. ‘We have procedures here for a reason,’ she said.” Brianna didn’t mention the looks she got from her co-workers.

  “I’m sorry. I’ll talk to her. I want to leave in a few minutes. Are you ready to go?”

  Brianna nodded.

  His phone rang. “Tell her I’ll be out in a minute, Mrs. Wilson.” He hung up the phone and said to her, “I’ll meet you in ten minutes by the elevators downstairs.”

  She got up to leave just as Kaitlyn barged in.

  “What’s she doing here?” Kaitlyn glared at Brianna.

  “She’s just leaving.” He addressed Brianna, “Miss Ryan, I’ll see you later.” He turned his attention back to Kaitlyn. “What did you want, Kaitlyn? I have to leave soon.”

  She watched Brianna leave then turned back to him. “You’re leaving early, again?”

  * * * *

  “You seem a thousand miles away,” Brianna said, joining him on the terrace. “What are you thinking about?”

  “I was just counting the boats.” He liked the way the moonlight cast bronze highlights on her red curls and the stars reflected in her jewel-like eyes. He reached out to touch a curl but dropped his hand before it reached its desti
nation.

  “How many are there?”

  “What?”

  “Boats. How many did you count?”

  “Oh. I forgot,” he said, still focused on her eyes.

  “One of the hazards of getting older, huh?” she grinned at him.

  John laughed, “You talk like I’m old enough to be your father.”

  “Well, you do treat me like a child sometimes.”

  “No I don’t,” he argued.

  “Yes, you do. You tell me what to do and how and when.”

  “Sometimes you act like a child.”

  “No, I don’t,” she disagreed.

  “Yes, you do.”

  “Then we’re even,” she ended the argument.

  His smile flipped her heart. “I have to go in early tomorrow. Can you be ready by 6:30 or do you want to take the L?”

  “I’ll ride with you. Why do you have to go early?”

  “To see if I can catch another Leprechaun in my shower,” he teased.

  “What, one isn’t enough for you?”

  “More than enough!” His eyes caressed her. “I have a meeting. I’m going to bed. I suggest you… umm… go whenever you like.”

  “Yes, Dad,” Brianna said. John shook his head before heading for his room.

  Brianna watched him go, then turned back to the lake view. She definitely did not think of him as a father. Damn! Why did he have to be her boss? She sighed. I do not need a man running my life.

  * * * *

  John leaned back in his chair and put his feet up on his desk, running a pencil between his fingers. He fixed his gaze on the lake beyond the window. He’d only known Brianna a short time yet he had a feeling his life was about to change drastically.

  He had spent the last twelve years of his life making this company what is but at what cost? Thirty-seven years old and this is all I have to show for it, he thought. This business. He missed the early days when he only had a handful of employees and he knew them all by name. He worked side by side with them. Now, nearly a hundred people worked for him and he didn’t know half of their names. He missed writing ad copy, coming up with catchy slogans and sketching ideas.

  He sat up and picked up his phone, “Mrs. Wilson, would you come in here, please.”

  Mrs. Wilson came in and sat on the edge of the chair he had indicated.