When It Feels So Right

by Celeste O. Norfleet

  “The truth is in my experience most writers usually come with a false assumption. They either try to prove it legitimately, fabricate questions to have the reader draw certain conclusions or they manufacture evidence to prove it to justify their assumption.”

  “Obviously you haven’t come in contact with many writers.”

  “On the contrary, I deal with writers all the time.”

  “You’re in PR, you deal with the media, that’s different.”

  “Writers nonetheless,” he shot back.

  “Writers with a time sensitive deadline and in need of scintillating copy to sell papers,” she said. “That’s not me. I’m not a fiction writer or tabloid newspaper writer. I’m a biographer. I write factual information, plain and unadulterated. I simply state facts. I arrange them in a cohesive order and present it in a logical articulate form. So if you’re trying to get into my head and shrink me out, don’t waste your time.”

  “What makes you think I’d do that?”

  “I do my homework too,” she snapped, feeling her integrity being questioned again. Anger began to swell. She had no intention of putting up with another round of character assaults.

  “You’re exactly as I expected.”

  “And how is that?” he asked.

  “Coldhearted, closed-minded and self-absorbed,” she said.

  “I’m glad I didn’t disappoint,” he said calmly.

  “Hardly, but it wasn’t like I was expecting a Hallmark moment. You might think the Buchanan men are God’s gift to womanhood and have hordes dropping at your feet, and you might be right, but you can rest assured I’m not one of them. No disrespect intended. I came here to do a job for a client, not to fight with the client’s grandson. Now if you’ll excuse me, I need to find Jacob.” She turned to walk out of the library.

  “A few words of advice—keep your bags packed. But I suppose as an opportunist, you already know that.”

  She stopped and turned around. She knew exactly what he was implying. It was a direct hit on her integrity and it was all she needed to tell him exactly what she thought of him and his implication.

  She smiled. “You don’t scare me Buchanan,” Jo said, as she moved closer. Wanting to make no mistake, she needed him to hear and understand every word she said. “I’ve dealt with men like you all my life. You throw your money and power around and expect everyone to do exactly as you want. You don’t ask, you order. You take what you want by force, by threats or otherwise. Well, not with me, not this time. I don’t run away from anyone, not anymore. You can’t move me. So you can do whatever it is you intend to do, because I’m not leaving until this job is done.” When she finished she stiffened her back and glared up at him almost daring him to counter. He did, although not as she expected.

  Andre smiled at her defiance. There was a spark of passion and fire in her eyes as she spoke that set his body on fire. Few women had the audacity to provoke him like this. He had to admit, he liked it. As a matter of fact if they were in a different situation he might have even enjoyed taking her up on her dare.

  “No reply?” she challenged.

  Adrenaline levels that had already spiked were now teetering on the edge for both of them. He smiled, enjoying the obstinate spunk she showed. Even now after everything he assumed about her, she still excited him. He could see the excitement and arousal in her eyes as well. “And you can skip the charm, I’m not buying it.”

  His smile broadened as he admitted the truth to himself. From the moment he saw her, his instant attraction was irresistible. He had never felt anything like this before. “You can lie to me, but not to yourself, Ms. Butler,” he said smoothly, as he took a step closer to her. “You want me right now just as much as I want you. But know this—I will not confuse this attraction with my obligation to protect my family.”

  She stepped back and squared her shoulders. He obviously knew which buttons to push, because he was right, she did want him. But she’d never admit to it. “Your conceit knows no bounds, does it?”

  “Don’t you,” he baited her, “want me?” He licked his lips seductively. She didn’t respond. His eyes focused on the lusciousness of her full coral mouth. The slight quiver gave him his answer. He smiled, satisfied with the simple gesture.

  “No,” she lied.

  He chuckled. His response came almost instantly. Without thought, he reached out, grabbed her waist, pulled her to his body and kissed her.

  In an instant her body went limp. Her heart slammed against her chest as she was scooped into his arms. It had been too long and her body was reacting fast.

  Initially, she was too stunned to move, he literally took her breath away. Her lips were already parted, so he took advantage and inserted his tongue. His body turned and pressed her against the back of the sofa and she felt his hardened erection. His strong arms encircled her and she him. It took her a few seconds to realize what was happening. She continued kissing him back, then on the brink of losing control, she pushed him away, fire flaring in her eyes. Her mouth was still open in shock. She held her hand to his chest to hold him back while it took a few seconds for her to catch her breath. “Are you insane? You can’t just walk up and kiss somebody like that.”

  “If I’m not mistaken, Ms. Butler, you kissed me back.”

  “Don’t flatter yourself. I didn’t have much of a choice.

  “That’s why you enjoyed it.”

  She did and he knew it. The victorious expression on his face made her want to punch him. She opened her mouth to speak but stopped when she heard Jacob’s voice behind them. She turned. “Ah, there you are, dinner’s ready,” Jacob said as he walked into the library. He looked at Jo’s flushed expression. “Everything okay in here?” he asked.

  She nodded slowly. “Yes, fine, I just need to wash my hands.”

  Chapter 5

  With ceiling lights slightly dimmed, tapered candles glowing and fresh flowers everywhere, the large formal dining room was exquisite. Jo looked around and smiled, amazed by the elegance of her surroundings. The twelve seat table was covered with a brilliant white linen cloth and adorned with fine china, Waterford crystal and polished silver. “Wow,” she said softly as she entered the room.

  “Ah, there you are. Come, have a seat,” Jacob offered as he and Andre stood when she approached. Andre walked around and held her chair out for her. She sat while looking at her place setting. A small salmon, dill and caviar platter sat beside her plate. Her stomach rumbled softly. Jacob nodded to the server who immediately grabbed a bottle and poured champagne into each of their glasses.

  “A toast, to our lovely guest,” Jacob raised his glass and smiled, “I hope your time with us is pleasant and fulfilling.” Jo blushed and nodded then held her glass up to him and then to Andre, who surprisingly was smiling and nodding in agreement. Moments later the meal was served. Lobster bisque was first then a baby leaf salad with vinaigrette dressing. Next came beautifully prepared crab-stuffed tilapia with asparagus and new potatoes.

  An hour later the meal had come to an end. Dinner had been delicious and the conversation was lively and amusing, thanks solely to Jacob. They sat at the dining room table as coffee and dessert were served. Jacob kept the mood light talking about his life and his career, his hopes and dreams for the future.

  Jo had no idea that he went to work for his father and never finished high school. He eventually got his GED and went to college. As a result he insisted that his children each get a master’s degree. While creating Titan Energy, he worked fourteen hours a day, seven days a week and kept that schedule until the day he retired. As for his future dreams, he wanted Titan out of the oil business and into the energy business.

  Jo listened attentively, enjoying his stories and memories, each one more entertaining than the last. She tried to remember most of them so she could ask questions about them later. The last thing she wanted to do was begin taking notes. She needed to earn trust and that wasn’t the way to do it.

  She made comments, but w
as careful not to ask too many questions during the meal. She knew Andre would be paying particular attention, so she decided to begin slowly and take her time. If this was going to work she needed the cooperation of everyone involved, including Andre and the rest of the family. She had a feeling they’d be just as closed off as he was.

  Jo glanced at Andre from time to time as Jacob spoke. His reactions were reserved. He seemed pensive and withdrawn. Whatever was on his mind had completely consumed him. Even when Jacob included him in the conversation, he commented briefly then that was it. By the time coffee and dessert were finished, it seemed he’d completely shut down, which was just fine with her. She’d rather not have to deal with him anymore. One interaction was more than enough.

  If his intent was to knock her off balance with the kiss, then he had certainly done it. She was off balance. As a matter of fact, she was still reeling. She hated to admit it, but she had enjoyed it. Of course maybe that was because she hadn’t been kissed in months. Fine, he’d gotten to her once, there was no way she was going to let him rattle her again.

  “Ms. Butler,” Andre said suddenly, calling her by her last name and catching her off guard again. She turned her attention to him. “I have a few questions I’d like to ask if you don’t mind.”

  “Sure,” Jo said placing her cup back on the saucer.

  “Why don’t you tell us about yourself?” he asked.

  She looked at him trying not to look as surprised as she was and also to gauge his intent to figure out what he was up to. “Okay, sure, I went to University of Pennsylvania and majored in English. I worked for a publishing company after I graduated then a few years ago I started writing freelance. I grew up in Florida and now live in New Jersey.”

  “And your family?” he asked.

  “I’m an only child, no brothers, no sisters, no family. I was placed in foster care since birth. I lived with a few different foster families. When I was about twelve years old I started running away repeatedly. I was eventually permanently placed back in foster care. I stayed there until I graduated from high school, after that, college and work. That’s about it, except that I’m looking forward to working on this project.”

  “Do you write a lot of biographies?” Andre asked.

  “I used to.”

  “You used to?” Andre asked, “Why’d you stop?”

  “What I meant is that I haven’t written a biography lately, at least not for a while,” she tensely, looking over to Jacob and smiling, “but yes, I have written several in the past,” she said, knowing that Andre noticed her reaction.

  “When was your last biography assignment?”

  “A little over a year and a half ago,” she said.

  “Interesting,” he surmised quickly, “isn’t that unusual for a writer who professes to write bios? I mean that seems like a long time between jobs. You couldn’t find work in a year and a half?”

  “I’m selective with my projects.”

  “You must be. So who was your last bio?”

  “I wrote a bio for a U.S. politician.”

  “Which politician?” he asked.

  “I’m not at liberty to say at this time,” she said, hoping he would infer that her client wanted the bio kept quiet and not the real truth of the situation.

  “Did you go to this unnamed politician’s home? Is that the usual procedure, to stay in a client’s home?”

  “In most cases yes, I interview the client and family members. All cases vary. I gather whatever documentation they have, plus do in-depth research according to how detailed the biography and the desired result.”

  “Desired result?” Andre asked.

  “Not everyone wants their bio published for the general population to read. Some just want to do a family history for future generations to enjoy.”

  “Jo, why don’t you tell Andre about the other things you write,” Jacob said. “Tell him about your column.”

  “I write a monthly column for a women’s magazine.”

  “It’s very popular,” Jacob said, “you should check it out. There’s talk of having it syndicated in several major newspapers across the country.”

  “Perhaps I will,” Andre hedged.

  “It actually gave me a few ideas to try out,” Jacob added.

  “Ideas, really,” he said. “What kind of column is it?”

  “It’s a relationship column,” she said, seeing his brow arch with interest. She really didn’t want to get into a discussion about the column. “I’ve also written quite a few other pieces for newspapers and magazines.”

  “Anything I might have read?” Andre asked.

  “I doubt it. Most of them are smaller pieces.”

  “Ah, now she’s being modest. One of Jo’s so-called ‘smaller pieces’ was nominated for a very prestigious award.”

  “Impressive,” Andre said, genuinely impressed.

  “Indeed. I think she’s the perfect person to help complete my biography. It needs a fresh eye, she’s got it.”

  “I’m really excited to continue this project, Jacob. I read everything you sent me and I do have some questions and some ideas. I guess we can get started first thing tomorrow if that’s okay with you.”

  “Fine, sounds perfect,” Jacob said happily.

  “Actually, Granddad, you have an important meeting tomorrow in Anchorage,” Andre said interrupting. “Dad’s sending the helicopter in the morning.”

  “Ah yes, nearly slipped my mind again. Well, my dear,” he said regretfully, “I’m afraid I’m going to have to leave you in my grandson’s very capable hands for the next few days. I need to get back to Anchorage. Duty calls.”

  “Oh, I’m sorry to hear that,” Jo said, not hiding her disappointment. “I was looking forward to getting started tomorrow.”

  “Oh, we’ll get started soon enough, don’t worry about that.” Jacob reached out to take her hand and squeezed it gently. “You just stay put and I’ll be back in no time. Meanwhile, I’m sure Andre here will take good care of you,” Jacob said. Andre looked across the table at his grandfather holding Jo’s hand. Neither spoke. But they both had the same stoic expression. “He can be a bit stiff,” Jacob continued with a wink to his grandson, “so don’t pay him too much mind. He takes life too seriously that’s all.”

  “Granddad…”

  “Don’t granddad me now. You need to loosen up and live a little. Get out of the office and smell the roses as it were. I’ve got an idea. This is Jo’s first time in Alaska. Why not give our guest the grand tour of Juneau?”

  “That’s not necessary, Jacob, really,” Jo said. “I’ll be fine while you’re away. I have plenty to keep me busy and I’m sure your grandson is a busy man. The last thing he has time to do is baby-sit me.”

  “Nonsense, it’ll do you both some good. Andre can also give you a bit of history about Titan.”

  “I’ll be fine, really,” she reiterated.

  “Well, you’re going to need to see Juneau eventually. It’s my hometown, where I was born and raised. Alaska is an important part of our family history. You should visit some of the important places; get the flavor so you can write a more accurate description.”

  Jo smiled then glanced at the glaring man sitting across from her. It was obvious this wasn’t his idea and being stuck with her was the last thing he wanted. She suddenly smiled. The thought of annoying Andre seemed to all of a sudden not be such a bad idea. “Okay,” she finally agreed. Andre glared at her. She continued smiling.

  “Good, now that that’s settled, I’m going to call it a night.” He stood and walked around to stand beside her chair. Jo pushed her chair back slightly. “No, sit, stay awhile, I insist, enjoy your coffee and dessert.” She slowly sat back down. “You two can chat about tomorrow. I’ve got an early morning appointment with a helicopter and a bit of packing to do. Jo, if you need me I’ll be at my Anchorage house. Good night,” he said, grasping her hand and kissing it.

  “Good night, Jacob,” she said happily.

&n
bsp; “Good night, Granddad,” Andre said, still staring at her.

  “Good night, grandson.” Jacob said, and then left Jo and Andre sitting at the dining room table.

  Jo pushed her chair back from the table. “Actually I think I’m going to get some work done,” she said. “Good night.”

  “No wait, stay, please,” Andre said.

  She paused before standing and looked at him. “Round two? I’m not in the mood. Maybe some other time.”

  “No, nor am I. Look, you and I will be working together for the next few days. We need to resolve this.”

  “Maybe you should speak to your grandfather,” she said.

  “I will, in time. But right now I want to apologize for my behavior earlier. Seeing you in the airport and then here at the house took me off guard. The kiss was impulsive.”

  “Apology accepted, good night,” she said.

  “Wait, I’m sorry you’ve come all this way for nothing.”

  “I wouldn’t say it was for nothing. Your grandfather is a legend. His story is inspiring and Titan is…”

  “Titan is just a small family-owned company,” he interrupted. “We explore and develop energy possibilities. That’s all.”

  She smiled. “I’d hardly call Titan a small family-owned company. Titan Energy Corporation has been growing steadily for the past seventy-five years. I’ve read your last few annual reports and quarterly financial news bulletins. They were very informative, although surprisingly they were missing something.”

  “Which is?” he queried with interest.

  “You show numbers, ratings, assessments, everything, while still lacking any detailed information on its owners, the Buchanans. The Internet has over a million notations for Titan and Buchanan yet there’s nothing anywhere that chronicles Louis’s or Jacob’s life. Don’t you think people are interested? It’s quite the smoke and mirror show.”

  “We have limited shareholder attachments, less than twelve percent holdings. Believe me, they’re only interested in making money. They don’t care who’s behind the curtain pulling the strings and doing the dirty work.”