by Erika Rose
“Thanks Mia, I’ve never been on a job with a waiter service before.” Miku gulped down the glass of freshly brewed sun tea.
Mia laughed, “All part of the service, Miku. Besides, you really came through helping Jason out.” Mia walked from the living room to the foyer to make sure everything was ready for Angelique’s arrival. She knew she should actually go and hide in her cottage but curiosity got the better of her. Instead she had spent the afternoon brewing sun tea and keeping Miku company where he was busy with the fireplace. Jason had stuck to his word and only had the current fireplaces cleaned and refinished. The two men had hit it off yesterday after Mia had suggested he use Miku. The kitchen was scheduled to be done next, but Jason had asked Miku to stick to the small stuff over the weekend since Angelique was coming. Apparently Miss Perfect Fiancée wouldn’t like a lot of noise or dirt. Mia heard Jason’s car pull up outside and stood closer to the window. She tried to act like she was checking for dust, if either Jason or Miku spotted her. The passenger side door opened and the first thing Mia noticed were the legs. Long, slim, tanned and toned legs made an appearance, before a lean torso followed covered in a shimmering gold cocktail dress. As Angelique stood next to the car surveying the house and the gardens, Mia stood inside surveying her competition. Who was she kidding? This wasn’t a competition, and if it was she would’ve fallen out eons ago. She wasn’t close to the same league as the beautiful woman stepping up to the door. Mia all but ran to the kitchen to appear busy when they walked in. She quickly grabbed the makings for a salad from the fridge as she heard the front door open. Plucking a cutting board and a knife from the drawer, she briskly started chopping as she heard the voices.
“Jason, honestly. This heat is horrible. Why doesn’t this place have A/C? Please make sure to put it on the list.”
“I’ll think about it.” Mia heard a faint note of irritation in Jason’s voice, but knew it was probably because Angelique was about to meet her.
As Angelique swept into the kitchen, Mia wished she had sunglasses. The shimmering gold dress clung to Angelique like a second skin, riding high on her thighs and dipping low between her breasts. A chunky gold bracelet graced her arm, and draped around her neck was the matching necklace. Gold drop earrings were pulling at her ears, peeking through the blonde locks every time she flicked them with a practiced flick of her chin. Her shoes were no doubt from Jimmy someone Mia had read about.
Jason trailed after Angelique into the kitchen, with a nervous look on his face.
As the footsteps approached her, Mia set down the knife and turned to meet her. She wiped her hands on her apron, and held one out, “Hi, I’m Mia. Pleased to meet you.”
Angelique frowned at Mia’s hand still waiting mid air, “You too, although I’m not into touching strange people. You know, germs and all that.” She waved the air as if the germs would disappear.
Mia nearly burst out laughing, but bit her tongue on Jason’s behalf. How on earth did he fall in love with this woman? Mia nodded and turned back to the chopping board, when Angelique peeked over her shoulder. “Are those organic tomatoes?”
Mia stopped the knife mid air, “I’m not sure, I get them from the market. They are the best tomatoes this side of the island.”
“Rather leave them out; my diet is strictly organic vegan.” She turned to Jason, “Didn’t you tell her honey? It was part of my requests for coming.”
Jason looked from Angelique to Mia, he wanted to do nothing more than apologize at that moment. To Mia.
“I forgot to tell Mia. I’ll run to the store and grab some organic vegetables for you.” Jason turned, glad to be able to escape. Seeing Mia and Angelique next to each other confused the hell out of him.
“Don’t be silly honey,” came Angelique’s purr, “Let her do it. After all, that’s what you pay her for.”
Jason immediately turned to Mia, if he knew anything about her temper she was about to tell Angelique to do it herself. Mia surprised him by smiling tersely at Angelique, “Certainly ma’am. Are there any vegetables and fruits you prefer?”
Angelique seemed bored with the conversation and had started to inspect her manicure. “Not really. Anything organic is fine; I also need micro herbs and fresh oranges for my juice.”
“Certainly ma’am.” Mia pulled off the apron and carefully folded it and placed it in pantry before putting away the chopping board and knife. She forced herself to remain calm as she walked past Jason, on a whim she whipped around. “Sorry Mr. Pike, but I’ll be needing cash since you haven’t provided me with an expense card yet.” Her brown eyes bore into his. To Angelique the whole interaction might seem normal, however Jason could see temper rising on her cheeks. He could tell from her voice she was about to explode. He smiled apologetically and pulled some cash from his wallet. As their fingers touched, Mia pulled hers away, and whispered under her breath so only he could hear, “Don’t….just don’t.”
Jason sat on a lounger by the pool pretending to be sunning himself and taking an afternoon nap. It was a good thing his sunglasses hid his eyes or Angelique would notice him watching the ‘help’ as she had referred to Mia ever since her arrival. Ever since she had arrived yesterday, Jason tried to figure out why he had asked her to marry him. Where was the gracious and kind person he thought he fell in love with? Instead she was demanding, high-handed and hated the house he had come to love. He wasn’t childish enough to think that things were over between them, he was well aware that Mia’s presence was clouding his judgment.
“Mia, could you come here for a minute?” Angelique’s shrill voice cut through the balmy afternoon.
Jason watched Mia stride purposefully from the kitchen where she was squeezing oranges for Angelique.
“Look at this. Don’t you think it’s just darling?” Angelique held up a brochure containing uniforms. The one she was indicating was a French maid’s replica, hat and all.
Mia smiled tersely, “It is.”
“Great, I’ll order one for you.” Angelique said as she waved Mia away. Jason found it hard to believe his ears. He pulled off his sunglasses and sat up, “Angelique, tell me this is some sick joke?”
Angelique’s perfect skin creased between her eyes, “What on earth do you mean. Help should wear uniform, and I think this will suit the care taker.”
“Mia will not be wearing that, you got that?” Jason found his own temper climbing. It was one thing to treat Mia as a lowly house maid. It was another to expect her to dress for the part.
“Excuse me, last time I checked this house was my wedding present. If you won’t consider my expectations when it comes to the renovations, the least you can do is respect my decision with regards to uniform.”
Jason wanted to tell her where she could stick the uniform, but thought it better to lay back down and pretend she had never mentioned the word uniform. He would explain to Mia it wasn’t necessary as soon as Angelique left. He would also then apologize for all her demands and the way she had treated Mia. One more night, he placated himself, hoping all hell wouldn’t break loose before then.
“Mia,” Angelique screeched again.
Mia walked backed to Angelique, “Yes, ma’am?”
“You can leave the orange juice and bring me a cocktail instead. Jason mentioned that Mai Thai’s were quite popular around the island?”
Mia clenched her jaw before answering; she wondered if Jason also mentioned what happened after he had the Mai Thai’s. “Certainly ma’am. Should I just place the orange juice for you in the fridge for later?”
“Oh heaven’s no! By that time it won’t be fresh, would it now?” Her voice was dripping with sarcasm. “You can give it to that native man working on the fireplace.”
“You….”
“You’re absolutely right honey,” Jason cut Mia off knowing she was about to put her in her place. “Thank you Mia.” His eyes pleaded.
Mia wanted to hate him, she wanted to stick her tongue out at him and his pretentious blonde bimbo fiancée, but
when he looked at her like that she felt her knees weakening and her pulse speeding. How was it he still had this reaction over her?
After delivering the two Mai Thai’s, as ordered by Miss High and Mighty, Mia poured the orange juice into two glasses and found Miku by the fireplace. “Here you go.” Miku smiled at her before gulping down the whole glass. He watched his friend’s face and saw hurt and anger on it, as she played with the rim of her glass.
“You’re up to your neck, aren’t you?” Miku asked. He was a man of few words. Whenever she went to visit him and Alana’s, the women talked. He mostly kept quiet and smiled now and then.
“Excuse me?” Mia asked confused.
“Mia, I’ve known you as long as I’ve known Alana. That’s going on a good seven years. Let’s just say I’ve never seen you with a man before, but I can see you’ve got it bad for Mr. Pike.”
Mia faked a snicker. “You’re crazy.”
“Hot, yes.” He wiped the sweat from his brow with a bandana. “Fat, yes. Crazy? No.” Miku stood and took Mia’s face in his hands. “Careful Mia, he’s engaged. I can see something is simmering between you two, but he made her a promise first.”
“I know Miku, it’s just. I don’t know…it’s hard.”
“Love is always hard. Do you think it was easy to convince Alana to marry me?” He laughed a deep burly sound, “Hell, I’d slay a shark before I have to do that again.”
“She is a bit of a hothead,” Mia smiled thinking of her spirited friend.
“I’m just saying, careful. You hear? Tread carefully. I don’t want to lose this job because I beat up the boss.” He cocked his brows, “Bad for the reputation, you know.”
Mia laughed sincerely this time, “Miku, you’re the closest thing I’ve ever had to a brother, and I have a feeling a real one wouldn’t have been any better.” She hugged him tightly, knowing he would always look out for her.
“Mia!” The screeching voice travelled up the stairs. Mia sighed as she let go of Miku. “I guess it’s time for me to go.”
Jason felt a weight lift off his shoulders as Angelique’s plane took off for Los Angeles. He tried to think how he had missed her quirks and demands, and then realized she had come from a poor background. Even though he did as well, some people felt it was necessary to flaunt their wealth with demands and staff. Jason had never felt that way and only employed staff that was necessary. He didn’t even have a driver like most business men. However the longer he and Angelique were together the more her demands became. For a moment he wondered if she loved him at all. Wasn’t he just her ticket to wealth and a few cover features?
Angelique was furious with him when she left, and Jason couldn’t blame her. They hadn’t seen each other in more than a month, and they didn’t make love once during her visit. The first night Jason had claimed a head ache. The following night he made sure she drank enough Mai Thais to pass out early and this morning, he used the work crew as an excuse. When Miku hadn’t arrived by the time they left for the airport Jason had told her he was simply running late. She didn’t need to know that Miku wasn’t coming at all today. Before he slept with Angelique again he needed to clear his mind and heart of Mia. He had already made love to Mia knowing that Angelique was wearing his ring. He couldn’t make love with Angelique knowing he’d be thinking of Mia the whole time. He phoned his assistant during the drive back to North Shore, who assured him all was fine on the business front. In turn he assured her, he would be back in a couple of weeks. Miku and his carpenter friend were starting on the kitchen next week and when that was finished Jason didn’t have an excuse to stick around any longer. As he slowly drove through the gates to his estate, he found himself looking forward to seeing Mia. He wanted to apologize, to explain to her how he feels, how confused he is, instead he saw a beat up old V-bug standing behind her car by the cottage.
Jealousy pumped through him, making his blood turn cold. How could she? Realistically he knew he didn’t have a claim on her, but she was his dammit. Without thinking Jason pulled up next to the V-bug. Slamming the door shut behind him he headed to the cottage when he heard Mia’s laugh coming from the pool. She was sitting on one of the loungers in a white Capri short and light blue tank top, her dark hair glistened in the sun and her smile was carefree. Jason craned his neck to see who she was talking to, still keeping himself hiding behind the brush. A young dark haired man was using a net to gather the leaves on the pool. His bare chest was muscled and the glint in his eye was aimed at Mia. Jason watched him flirt with Mia, and felt his blood begin to boil. She was his. Confused by the statement and the reality of the situation, Jason couldn’t stop himself. He walked up to Mia and glared at her before saying, “Mia, a word please?”
Mia barely glanced at him, before she turned back to the pool boy, “I’m sorry Mr. Pike, I’m otherwise occupied at the moment.”
Mia and the pool boy shared a knowing laugh. Jason placed his hand on her shoulder. She could feel his touch shoot straight to her core, heat gathered, desire swelled. “Mia, now.” His voice was firm, his touch soft.
Mia slowly turned to look at him, “As I said Mr. Pike I’m occupied at the moment. As caretaker of this house it is my duty to watch the help and ensure they do their job.” Mia tried to keep a straight face, but burst out laughing.
Jason looked from the pool boy to Mia and back to the pool boy, “You’re excused. You can come back tomorrow. I need to have a word with my caretaker.” Mia heard the threat in Jason’s voice and couldn’t stop the thrill of excitement coursing through her. She watched her friend pack up and waved goodbye as he walked towards his car. As soon as the V-bug’s engine roared away Jason turned to her.
Mia lifted her chin defiantly. “I have nothing to say to you, absolutely nothing.”
As she stood to walk away, Jason grabbed her by the waist and tossed her over his shoulder before walking into the house. “Don’t, you stupid fool!” Mia shouted as she smacked his back. When she accidentally smacked his rear, she immediately lay still, keeping her hands to herself.
Jason held onto her thighs, the skin was smooth and warm. He smelled her scent and found he had missed it over the weekend. He ran his one hand up her thigh as she went still and relaxed her weight onto him. He almost regretted having to put her down when he reached the kitchen.
As Jason set her down on the counter, he stood in front of her blocking her escape.
“Now you listen,” he said with hoarse voice as his ice blue gaze kept her pinned to the spot. “I had no idea Angelique would treat you that way. If I had, I would’ve given you the weekend off. I don’t know if she sensed something happened between us and it’s a side of her I haven’t seen. I can only apologize on both counts. And you making out with the help doesn’t help this situation at all.”
Mia glared at him, ignoring his citrus aftershave drifting over her or the imprint of his hands still lingering on the back of her thighs, “Apology not accepted. Besides, you have no authority in who I make out with.”
“Mia, come on. Don’t be like this.” Jason pleaded.
“Like what? Like I have a bit of self-respect? Like I care how people treat me? Like I care about you?” Mia felt her voice go thick with emotion. She shoved Jason aside before hopping off the counter.
“Mia, don’t go.” Jason called after her.
“I was never yours to keep,” Mia said in a whisper to herself as she escaped to her cottage.
Late Sunday afternoon Mia entered the kitchen with her heart in her throat. Even though she was spitting mad with Jason, a job was a job, and that meant she had to cook dinner for him. The television was switched off in the living room. Hearing no sound coming from the study either, she accepted he was either out or upstairs. She took the liberty to listen to her own playlist, and as Phil Collins started a happy beat about how you can’t hurry love, Mia couldn’t help but smile. She was a woman on a mission and the music suited her mood perfectly. She grabbed her recipe book from the pantry and started laying out he
r ingredients.
Upstairs, Jason lay on his bed with his laptop going over a few business proposals his assistant had sent him, intentionally ignoring all the emails from the wedding planner. When Phil Collins started singing, he couldn’t help but smile. Mia was in the kitchen. No doubt she was swaying her hips to the beat as she was preparing them dinner. Something felt right about the thought of Mia in the kitchen, in his kitchen, cooking him dinner. Angelique had phoned earlier and apologized for her behavior earlier that day blaming it on jet lag and stress. She had sounded sincere and Jason couldn’t help but think she would’ve made one hell of an actress. His thoughts floated back to Mia in the kitchen. Somehow he knew Mia wouldn’t be one to apologize easily or insincerely. He started to close his laptop, knowing he wouldn’t be able to focus further, when his email pinged a new arrival. He opened the email finding the balance sheets and staff layout and numbers of the publishing house he had considered buying before coming to Hawaii. Something about the business had intrigued him, the thought of putting stories on paper, and he had set out a few feelers to find out if they would be willing to sell. The owner had jumped at the idea, and had agreed to sell if Jason’s price was right. The price he mentioned seemed way below the value of the firm, however Jason found himself immediately intrigued by the email. It was clear the company was overstaffed. Too much funds were being spent on entertaining their signed writers, and not enough spent on head hunting new upcoming writers. He grabbed a pen and paper lying next to him and started planning on how he would turn the business around to show a profit and to publish more upcoming authors.
It must’ve been a few hours later, although it felt like minutes when he heard a bell. He knew he must be imagining the sound, when the bell clanged again. Puzzled by the sound, Jason set the laptop down on the chest of drawers and followed it. He found the sound coming from the dining room.
Mia knew she was playing with fire, but how could she help it? If Jason and his fiancée saw her as the help, she would act like it. She had prepared a three course meal and had set the table with the finest linen, crockery and cutlery she could find. She had found a dinner bell hidden in a closet in the pantry, and couldn’t help but smile when she pulled it out. She rang the bell a third time and stood waiting next to the dining table, knowing Jason would be coming down the stairs any second.
