by Holly Hood
“That is a very sad statement.” I sit back; I’ve had my fill.
“Sad but true.” He moves the oysters towards me. “Still feeling daring enough?”
I shake my head. “The thought of something like that in my mouth makes me want to throw up.”
He smirks. “Well, I guess that’s for the best. I wouldn’t want to have to fight you off me.”
I cross my arms. “What do you mean?”
“Oysters are said to be an aphrodisiac.”
“You’re full of shit,” I tell him.
“I kid you not. I haven’t had any proof. No big orgy, no wild sex; but that’s what they say.”
I pick one up and study the hideous thing. “There is nothing about this that would make me feel sexy.”
I set it down. “So, Jackson, tell me about tomorrow.”
“Tomorrow I have a meeting. I’ll be looking over some property that my father and I are thinking of renovating.” He looks at me. “And I want you there to tell me what you think and to take a few notes.”
“You’re paying me to take notes?”
“And for your opinion.”
The waiter takes our order. While we wait, I do my best to get to know Jackson as a person, not just my boss. He’s an open book, and willing to tell me anything I want to know. He was in a long relationship once and almost married the girl, but things ended once he started working longer days. Now most of his free time consists of working for his family and running the shelter.
He was a college grad; he did all the things a person like him should do with his life, and he was proud of it, in a humble way. He’s just grateful that he managed to get so far with little or no screw ups.
“It’s easy to talk to you, Savy.” He takes a sip of his beer. “Has anyone told you that you’re a great listener?”
I shake my head. “When you come from my family, you learn to do it really well.”
“You don’t say much about yourself. But you make it a point to ask a lot of questions about me.”
“What would you like to know?” I catch the straw between my lips and look at him. “I’m an open book. Ask and you shall receive.”
“What are you waiting for?”
I search his eyes. “What do you mean, what am I waiting for?”
“With your life. There has to be a reason you quit school and are kind of involved with someone.”
I sigh. “I think working hard for something you aren’t happy with is stupid. And as for my involvement with someone, I haven’t had a boyfriend in years and I kind of like it that way. I told myself the next time I’m in a relationship it will be with someone I can see myself with.”
“So no intimacy?” He makes a face. “What fun is life without physical contact?”
I smirk. “I never said I don’t have sex. I just never let things become serious. I don’t invest my feelings in anyone anymore.”
“Which would lead me to think you had a bad break up.”
“And you would be right.” I pull the napkin back on the rolls and pick one up. “I think we all have. That doesn’t make me damaged goods.”
“I don’t think that.” He shrugs. “And you’re right. We’ve all been mentally shit on by someone in our lives. There’s always a reason we are who we are.”
I nod. “So tell me your reason.” I’m curious to know.
“I am who I am because of my life. I’ve been fortunate to come by everything I’ve wanted very easily. And I know a lot of people don’t get that chance. So I decided to give back. That’s why I run the shelter, and that’s why I invest in real estate.”
“That’s awesome.” Most people who have it all would rather keep it than share with others. “I’m glad I’m working for you.”
Jackson nods. “Good. I think we’re good for each other.”
I scoff. “Are you flirting with me again?”
“What can I say? I can’t help myself. It’s who I am.”
I shake my head. “If that was true you would be flirting with our very attractive waitress and you haven’t even noticed her the entire time we’ve been here.”
“Oh, so you noticed I wasn’t flirting with her.” He smiles. “I must say, for a girl who says she’s not looking, you have given me many compliments today.”
I start tapping my foot nervously. ”It just happens. You’re easy to compliment.”
“Tell me about this guy.” He runs a hand over his five o’clock shadow.
“He’s an old friend that I haven’t seen in a long time.” I don’t know how to explain Ryker. “He’s also very successful. We used to be good friends in high school, but things changed.”
“What things?”
“Life--life changed.” I purse my lips. “We were both in an accident, and afterwards my parents and his decided the best place for him was far away from here and me. So I never saw him again.”
“Sounds like the plot to a good movie.” He looks at me. “And do you think now that you’ve seen him again that there’s still something there after all these years?”
“Maybe. I won’t know unless I try.” I realize what I’m doing is exactly what I don’t like doing. I’m taking a chance by letting someone inside my heart and giving them a chance to hurt me.
***
“I had a great time,” I tell him when we pull into the shelter. “The food was amazing, and you weren’t so bad to hang out with.”
Jackson puts his hands in his slacks pockets and nods. “See you tomorrow, Savy.”
He leans close, and my hearts starts pounding. And just when I think he is going to try and kiss me, he doesn’t. He’s a perfect gentleman. He opens my door. I welcome the cool air, sure that my embarrassment is evident on my cheeks. “I would never kiss you under these circumstances,” he assures me. “You have a thing. And I don’t want in the middle of anyone’s chance at something real.”
I nod as I climb out of the car. I lean down looking back in. “Thank you, Jackson, for everything. See you tomorrow.”
“See you tomorrow.”
I make it back to Sophie’s and let out a huge sigh of relief. Now that I am alone I can breathe. I hadn’t noticed how overly cautious I had been about my every movement around Jackson. I think it’s the boss thing. I didn’t want to screw up and make him think less of me.
I hope I didn’t say anything to him that he found offensive. There were moments at lunch where he felt more like a friend than my boss. And my mouth has a habit of saying things it shouldn’t.
I shut my door and head up the stairs instead of taking the elevator. I could use the chance to burn off a little energy.
After the fourth flight, I’m out of breath. I throw my hair off my shoulder and fan my face, going at a snail’s pace now that I am almost to Sophie’s apartment.
Before I have my hand on the doorknob, I hear voices coming from inside. She hasn’t said anything about company so I don’t have a clue who it could be. I turn the knob and go inside without a warning and gasp.
“Surprise!” Sophie shouts.
I slip my purse off my shoulder and set it on the table. “Why didn’t you tell me you were coming back so soon?”
Ryker is standing behind Sophie, as well as his partner in crime, Monty Chipman.
“We got some free time and the first place I thought to come was here to see you.” He steps closer and pulls me in for a hug. I shoot a glare in Sophie’s direction while squeezing him.
“Isn’t that sweet?” Sophie asks, tugging at the collar of her blouse. She knows I’m upset.
“Yeah totally.” I lie, going into the kitchen. I turn my back on all of them and pull out a soda.
“How was work?” Ryker asks taking off his baseball cap; he puts it on my head. “You liking it so far?”
I crack open my soda. “So far.”
He scratches his head. His hair a sexy mess. “You don’t seem happy to see me.”
I shake my head. “I am very happy to see you.” I touch his face. “Just a l
ittle thrown.”
“A little thrown?” He frowns. “I thought you would be happy to see me again.”
I take another sip of my soda and put it down on the counter. “I am. I just have work, and I’m worried I won’t get to spend time with you like I want to.”
Ryker takes a seat at the counter. “What time do you have work tomorrow?”
“Early. Like seven in the morning--early.” I sit down next to him. “I sort of have two jobs now.”
Ryker looks at me. “Two?”
“My boss offered me another job. One that pays.” I purse my lips, rubbing the back of my neck. “And I accepted it.”
“Doing what?”
“Assisting him--I don’t know--helping him out during meetings.” The more I try to explain, the less I believe what I am even saying.
But Ryker doesn’t mind. He gives a nod and motions me to him. “I’ve been waiting to get my hands on you again.” He kisses me, caressing my cheek.
“I thought we could go back to my hotel for the night. I’ll make sure you’re up for work tomorrow.” His kiss is urgent.
“I think you should just stay here. I have a room, wouldn’t it be nicer than a hotel again?”
He shrugs. “Sounds fine to me.”
I open the cupboards. “Maybe we should order some food. Are you hungry?”
“Not really.”
***
My alarm is going off when I open my eyes. I pry Ryker’s arm off me and jump out of bed. “Oh my god!”
He rolls over, rubbing his eyes. “What?”
“It’s nine. I am so late.” I race around the room frantically searching for everything. I knew having Ryker stay the night was a bad idea.
“I’m sure he’ll understand. From what you tell me, he’s pretty laid-back.” Ryker sits up, running a hand through his hair. I can’t take time to admire his cute bed head; I need to get my ass in gear and get to work.
“Being late is never a good thing,” I tell him, hopping into my skirt. I turn around and shoot him a look over my shoulder. “Zip this, please?”
I don’t have time for a shower. I grab the brush from my purse and run it through my hair.
I find my black heels under some throw pillows and shove my feet into them.
“I don’t know when I’ll be off.” I quickly plant a kiss on his lips. “But, I will call you as soon as I am.”
Ryker grins. “I have some stuff to keep me busy. And dinner tonight with your parents, right?”
I nod. I don’t really want to think about that at the moment.
I give a quick wave to Sophie and Monty as I run out of the door, barely in my jacket.
My phone rings.
I hit answer and back out of my parking spot.
“I see someone’s running late this morning,” Jackson sighs. I don’t know if it is a friendly sigh or an I-am-really-annoyed-with-you sigh.
“I am so sorry.” I check my mirror and pull onto the road. “I slept through my alarm.” I don’t mention my overnight guest.
“Well, the meeting is over, but I have some property I’m about to look at.”
I frown. “I am so sorry.”
“Why are you apologizing?”
“Because I’m late for work. Why are you not mad?”
“I am not mad because I understand these things can happen sometimes, and I believe that you’re sorry.”
I go ten over the speed limit easily. “Are we still meeting at the shelter?”
“If you want to ride with me, yes.”
“I do.” I’m willing to do anything to make up for being late on my first day of work.
“Alright. Well, I just finished restocking supplies, and I am about to head out. I’ll wait for you.”
***
Five minutes later I pull into the shelter’s parking lot. I check my hair in the rear-view mirror and adjust the collar of my dress shirt. I am going for professional, but because of the morning rush to get out the door, I’m not quite pulling that look off at the moment. Looking in the mirror, I apply a dark red lipstick, get out of my car, and head into the shelter.
The dining room is full. Just like every other time I am anywhere near Lee he pops up out of his seat and comes over to me.
“There she is.”
I search for Jackson, keeping a smile on my face. “Yes, here I am.”
He takes my hand. “Did you talk to Jackson about my room?”
“Yes, I did.” I lie. “And there is one with your name on it.”
“That’s my girl.” He kisses my hand. “You’ve always made me so proud, Sara Rose.”
I pretend he didn’t just call me someone else’s name. ”I’m glad.”
“Even when you were struggling. I still was proud of you.”
I tilt my head. “Lee, who is Sarah Rose? You know that I am not her.”
“You have to do your homework, Sarah Rose.” It’s like he doesn’t even hear me.
I pull away from his grip. “Is Sarah Rose your daughter?”
He nods, his blue eyes clouding with sadness.
“What happened to her?”
Jackson comes up behind me. He places a hand on my shoulder. “Good morning.”
“Morning,” I say a little sad the conversation ended with Lee.
“Lee, your food is going to get cold if you keep chatting with Savy.”
“I can’t get enough of those eyes. Those are the same eyes as my Sarah Rose.”
He grins at me and walks back to his spot at the table.
“What happened to his daughter?” I ask Jackson.
“I’m not sure. It’s hard to say with Lee. Every year on the same day he lets the entire place know when she died and how long it has been.”
I cross my arms. “How long has it been?”
“Nineteen years.”
***
Jackson does most of the talking the entire drive. He tells me about his goal to have a homeless shelter on every street corner, so nobody ever has to go without food or a place to sleep. It’s probably the sweetest thing I ever knew a man to do.
We pull up to the parking lot of a big shopping plaza—now overgrown with weeds--once the home to department stores long gone. A black truck is already parked, and two men are at the door talking.
“It’s so big,” I tell him.
“I hear that a lot.” He smirks.
I shake my head. “Where is your professionalism?”
“I didn’t think I needed to have it with you. I thought you were the fun one.”
I smile when the men stop talking and look our way. “Who are these people?”
“My father and my brother,” Jackson tells me.
“Jackson,” the older of the two says, “so nice you could join us. You’re thirty minutes late.”
“Caught a little snag this morning.” He focuses his attention on me. “This is Savy Arnold, my new assistant.”
He shakes my hand. “Savy, nice to meet you.”
“Same to you. And Jackson is being polite. It was my fault he was late today. It won’t happen again.”
His brother smiles. “She’s a keeper. Anyone willing to take an ass kicking for my brother should be a permanent fixture on the payroll.”
Jackson grins. “This is my brother, Chuck.”
“Nice to meet you.” I smile, and Chuck smiles back. He’s equally handsome, very similar in style and obviously not afraid to speak his mind.
Jackson’s dad pulls keys from his pocket. “Well, let’s have a look at this place.”
We all go inside. Old shelving is piled up on every side, and there are even old shopping carts still in the cart corrals. It needs a lot of work.
I step around litter and dirt on the floor.
“What do we think?” His father asks, adjusting his tie. “Is the space worth our time?”
Jackson leans in. “It’s always worth his time. My old man wants to own every property in the entire state.”
I smirk. I turn my head, and my hair
grazes his face. “Sorry.”
“For what?” He keeps his eyes on his father.
“For brushing you with my hair.”
“It was kind of a turn on,” he whispers. I giggle, ending the conversation Jackson’s father and brother are having. They both look at us.
“Is everything okay over there?”
Jackson nods. “I think we’re going to check out the back room.” He takes my hand and leads me past the old dressing rooms.
“Are we really checking out the back room?”
“No. I just get tired of hearing them crunch numbers.” He opens up the door to the back supply room and checks for a light. “He’ll probably sell this to some high-end fashion line and forget it ever existed.”
I look around. “And that bothers you?”
“Of course it does. We don’t need more fashion outlets; we need more places for needy people to have a place to come to.”
I smile at him. “You’re amazing.”
“Oh, am I now?”
I nod. “I mean it. There aren’t many people like you.”
He slips a hand in his pocket, and says, “You’re going to have to quit complimenting me.”
“Why?”
“Because the more you tell me you like things about me, the more I want to do things to you that I shouldn’t be thinking about doing.” He lifts a hanger off the floor and chucks it in the trash can in the middle of the room.
I swallow. Maybe the thought of him doing “things” to me isn’t the worst thing that could happen to me.
“Maybe I wouldn’t mind.” And there went my mouth before I could stop it.
Jackson looks at me, raising an eyebrow. “I thought you had a thing?”
“I thought I did too.” I just keep making a bigger mess.
“You either do or you don’t.” He moves closer. “Which one is it?”
I lick my lips, and he moves closer, a slight smile playing on his lips.
“I don’t know.” I can feel my face growing hotter.
“Maybe we need to find out.”
“Maybe.” My fingers stroke his chest. I can feel his heart beating through his dress shirt.
We move in, about to give in to our desire and I stop him. “I can’t do this,” I say and pull away from him.
