by Paige Edward
Luke zipped up his backpack and smoothed down the hair that I had messed up. I caught him glancing in the mirror, giving himself the onceover to make sure he looked okay for whoever he was meeting later tonight. As I walked him to the door, I found myself regretting that he had to leave so soon. It had been just the two of us for so long that saying goodbye was always hard.
But seeing him always put me in a great mood. I found myself humming a song our dad always used to sing to us when we were young…whenever I see your smiling face I have to smile myself, because I love you.
I watched Luke walk to his car. Our dad would be so proud to see him now.
CHAPTER 10
Amy
The local paper was going to do a short story about the new businesses on Ocean Avenue, and they asked to feature Sealed with a Kiss and of course I said yes. Everything was fitting into place, and I wished my dad could see me now. He’d be proud and so supportive. I also wished I could stop waiting for the other shoe to drop. I have this terrible habit of tormenting myself right when everything is going well. Of course it can’t last, Jamie always points out, so I should at least enjoy it while it does. She’s right. I just need to keep reminding myself.
As I walked through the card section, looking to see what else I should order, I decided to keep a positive attitude and not wait for something bad to happen. Just then, my phone rang.
“Hello?” I said.
Ryan’s British accent came over the line. Why are accents so sexy? I could hear his slow breathing over the phone. “I was just calling about the fundraiser.”
I got that icky sinking feeling he was going to cancel, but then reprimanded myself. Where was my positive attitude? I wasn’t usually so negative, but I guess I was so excited about Ryan, it made me doubt that it could really be happening.
Ryan continued, “I just thought it might be nice if we did something just the two of us first, you know so that our first date isn’t with a bunch of wankers at a boring fundraiser.” I was so relieved it was hard to hide my sharp intake of breath. While he was speaking, I’d forgotten to breath.
“Um, hello, Amy?”
I also realized I’d forgotten to speak. I laughed at myself. “Sorry, I just, yes that would be lovely.”
We agreed to meet at the beach, near the promenade, right after closing. Maybe we’d wander over to a “pub” he said. I could get used to that accent, but even better, I could get used to being pleasantly surprised by a total babe.
Good thing I was wearing the jeans that Cat said made my ass look bootylicious. I wasn’t so sure about that, but I did feel good in them. I opened up Pandora on my computer, and turned it to the ABBA station. A bit of disco would make the afternoon fly by, which was good, since the anticipation was making me crazy.
Just as I was starting to dance to “Take a Chance on Me,” the phone rang again. Without looking at it, I picked up, assuming it was Ryan. But what I heard instead was Hunter’s husky voice.
“Amy, hi, just wanted to see how you are doing.”
“Hunter, where are you?” I asked. “It’s echoing.”
“In a conference room at the office. Listen, can you do me a favor?” He paused. I made encouraging noises for him to continue.
“I have a present for my parents, but I’m in between places and crashing there for a little while before I buy. I don’t want them to find it. Could I drop it off at your place? Just to keep for a little while. It’s for their anniversary.” He sounded a bit anxious.
It seemed a little strange for him to ask me, as we’d just reconnected, but it wasn’t as if it would take up a lot of room.
“Of course,” I said. “How sweet of you to surprise your parents.” I looked at my phone for the time. “I should be home, oh wait, um, actually tonight isn’t good. Can you drop it by tomorrow morning on your way to work?” I asked.
“Sure. Is 9 okay?”
I agreed and was about to say goodbye when Hunter interrupted. “What are you doing tonight?” Like it was any of his business. It reminded me of how possessive he could be when we were younger, always asking who I’d talked to that day, who I had been with. It had been flattering most of the time, but that was when I was young and didn’t know what was and wasn’t normal.
“A lady never tells,” I chimed, trying to laugh it off.
“Sorry--I didn’t mean to pry,” he said. Maybe he’d changed, grown up after all. “Tomorrow then. Have a great night, Amy.”
I sure hoped I would.
CHAPTER 11
Ryan
I was used to working long hours, and I liked it, but I wasn’t used to the arrogance at the weekly meeting. Every Wednesday morning, the development team met at 9:00 sharp to discuss weekly goals. Of course I’d already been there for a couple of hours, but I didn’t expect everyone to work as hard as I did. What I did expect was that people would do their job and that they’d do it well.
Hunter had been charged with doing some due diligence research on the type of building materials to use that wouldn’t erode quickly with the wet sea air and sand. I wanted this complex to be lasting, top quality, and not leak toxins into the neighboring ocean. I wasn’t a total environmental dick, after all.
Hunter sat near the middle of the oval table, leaning back lazily in his chair. He hadn’t talked to the quality officer or the architect to discuss their plans. Jim didn’t hide his disdain for his son’s work ethic and the meeting had begun to turn into father against son. I knew when I bought out the company, it was going to be hard on the original owners, but I’d felt nothing but respect from Jim. Hunter on the other hand, seemed to think that just because the buy-out contract said I had to keep him on for two years, that it entitled him to do nothing but play golf.
“Jenna,” Hunter intoned, "are you going to fill in the gaps in the projection report?” What audacity to question another member of the team, as to why she didn’t have certain answers on the projection report. It was neither his business nor place. And she had very good reasons, for the delay, unlike himself.
Then on the way out of the meeting, he immediately got on his cell, and wouldn’t stop talking about some poker game that he was playing in the next night. At least pretend you’re working, mate.
I wanted to give him another chance. But I’d have to tell it to him straight. Enough with the pussy footing around. I couldn’t have any underhandedness on my team, this project was too important, and I didn’t suffer fools. I’d have my secretary schedule a one on one with Hunter. Maybe a firm chat was what he needed. I was much better than I used to be, when I spoke with my fists instead of my words, but I’d learned in business to keep my cool. Even if I was boiling inside.
As I left the meeting, I asked Jenna to come speak to me privately in my office. When we got there, I’d complimented her work, cleared up a few questions I had about timing.
“Jenna, I also wanted to ask you here to tell you that I’m not upset about you’re not having all the information I requested. I know you are waiting to hear back from other parties.” She looked at me gratefully. “This project is important, and I’m glad to have someone like you on the team.”
She thanked me and left the office. I didn’t usually go for the affirmation pep talks, but this woman was doing a brilliant job and I needed her to know it.
I’d gotten a lot done, especially as I only had a few hours to work before the gym and before I was meeting Amy. I’d had my secretary order some food for a small beachside picnic and pick me up a bottle of wine. She seemed surprised when I asked her, but quickly tried to hide it. I wasn’t one for picnics usually, but it seemed like a good idea. And I hadn’t been to the beach at sunset in ages. If anyone needed to reach me, I always had my cell on. I didn’t want my team to think I was slacking off.
I left work a bit early so I could go to the gym before meeting Amy at the beach. I only allowed myself one day off a week from exercise, and after today’s stress, I was happy to take a long run on the treadmill and sweat off
all the annoyance of the day. Sound body, sound mind.
On the treadmill, halfway through my usual five miles, I found myself thinking of Amy. I hadn’t even slept with her--hell I’d barely even touched her--but I was already excited about seeing her that night and at the fundraiser, even if it seemed like she might be coming with me as a favor.
I didn’t do relationships. I was too busy, “emotionally unavailable” according to my last few girlfriends. It wasn’t true—no one got how hard I’d worked to be where I was. I couldn’t give it all up now.
I wiped the sweat off my face with one of the gym’s towels.
After my dad took off, my mum was just barely making ends meet. She had long hours, and I would often be alone in our flat, agonizing over my coursework. I’d worked hard at school, but it was the chance I got working at a school mate’s family business that changed the course of my life. My friend, Nigel’s father owned a construction company. That family was by far the most well off in the area. His father, Mr. Martin took a liking to me, and the summer I turned thirteen decided to give me some work. At first, I did small jobs, but when the other guys saw that I’d work hard, I earned their respect. By working on the crew every summer and break I could, I learned how things worked from the inside, bottom up. Eventually, Mr. Martin had me learn the books. But he never let me work when I was in school. He always pushed me to excel there. He said it mattered. He was right.
Now on my own projects, I was shrewd. When other people along the supply chain tried to convince me why they were behind schedule or why something was breaking the budget, I could see through their excuses. My bullshit meter was strong from working every angle of the business myself, often with my own bare hands.
If Hunter thought I was going to slow down, give him a pass, he was wrong. I wasn’t ever going to pull back.
CHAPTER 12
Amy
After I closed the store, I spent a few minutes in the bathroom redoing my make-up. I was glad I’d worn this turquoise top that brought out my eyes and my favorite pair of skinny jeans. I just needed to stop by the liquor store down the street to get a bottle of wine on my way to the beach. I didn’t know what kind of wine Ryan liked, but I assumed he was probably used to drinking really expensive labels. I wasn’t, but I felt confident with the white wine that the seller said everybody liked. I took a few cups from the store and slipped them into the brown paper bag along with the bottle. I was all set.
I hurried along Sierra Road, and turned the corner to the beach. The sun was beginning to go down—probably in thirty minutes or so it would be dark. I lived so close to the beach, but I hadn’t watched the sunset over the ocean in ages. It was already breathtaking. The sky was turning a light rose pink as the sun moved closer to being swallowed by the sea. I took off my sandals, feeling the cool sand between my toes. I’d painted them a bright pink.
I was really excited to see Ryan, but sometimes the line between excitement and anxiety was so close that it’s hard to tell how you’re really feeling. I kept slipping between the two. So what if he was the hottest guy I’d ever seen? So what if he had an accent to die for? Who was I kidding? I cared, a lot.
I took a deep breath and walked toward the lifeguard’s station we’d agreed to meet near. Ryan was already there. His back was to me, and he was staring out at the Pacific, sitting on a plush beach blanket. Just looking at him gave me butterflies. When I was near enough, I called his name.
He turned and stood up. His green eyes squinted into a smile when he saw me. “Amy, hi. Isn’t this gorgeous?” He gestured toward the sea. “I love how this ocean seems to go on forever, the endless beauty. The sea in England doesn’t have this uplifting feeling, but the grey sky and rain probably doesn’t help it any.” He chuckled. “Come sit, let me pour you a glass of wine.” He had out his own bottle, two wine glasses, and a plate with fruit, crackers, and what I guessed was some very fancy cheese. Wow.
I handed him the wine I’d bought. “I hope you like this. I wasn’t sure what you liked to drink...” I shrugged and felt that nervous babbling feeling. Ryan smiled at me.
“Thanks. Should we open yours first?” He pulled out the cork easily, and we sat down next to each other. I was still feeling all fluttery, but all of the sudden a feeling of great ease swept over me. I just really enjoyed being near him. I wondered how close we’d get.
“So, what brings you to the US of A?” I asked.
“I was doing some property development in Britain, but it became very difficult to find good places to flip that would be worthwhile, monetarily. There wasn’t really such a large downturn over there.” He grabbed a piece of cheese. “And I always liked the idea of coming to America, seeing what I could do here.” Ryan popped the bite of cheese into his mouth, and then grabbed the plate to offer me some. I picked a few purple grapes off the vine and placed them into my mouth. I looked up and noticed that Ryan was staring at my lips as I put the grapes in one by one. His look was intense and incredibly sexy, and I felt those nervous shivers of excitement begin to course through my body once again.
“And you Amy? You look like a native. Am I right?”
I nodded my head yes. “Born and raised. I actually live in the house I grew up in on Del Mar.” I saw a little look of worry enter his eyes. “By myself,” I added to appease his anxiety.
“Where are your parents?” he asked, clearly relieved.
“My dad died, and my mom took off soon after. I have an adorable brother, although he’d hate that I just called him that. He is over at UC San Diego, it’s his first year. So it’s my first year too, in a way. I don’t have to be all parental every minute of the day. It’s strange not to have so many responsibilities.”
“I’m sorry about your father, and mother for that matter. What happened?”
I told him the whole story, about my father’s sudden death and then the depressing unraveling of my mom. He nodded as he listened, a frown tugging at his lips—I could tell he was really focusing on my story and seemed to really understand. I hadn’t told anyone about this in ages and it felt good. Even though I had only just met him, something stirred inside me when I told him my story—like I could trust him, like he deserved to know everything about me.
But what if my past was too depressing for a first date? I didn’t want to come off as Debbie Downer. It was just that he was so inquisitive and so sweet with his questions, that I found myself saying much more than I was used to. I don’t think I’d ever been so forthcoming about my past. And there was something in his eyes that told me that he too had a hard past. He didn’t bring it up, and I didn’t push it, but he got what I was saying in a way that would only be possible for someone who’d been there too.
“I’m sorry for bringing the mood down.” I looked away, a bit embarrassed for telling him so much.
“No, please. You didn’t. I know exactly what you mean about being used to duties. Well maybe not exactly—I don’t have a brother—but I feel that way when I’m not working on a big project,” he said. “I don’t like idle time. I’m not sure what I should be doing with myself.” He laughed. “Of course nothing can compare to taking care of another human being, but that absence of responsibility was what I meant.” He looked uncomfortable, like he’d said something wrong. I didn’t think he had. A pensive look crossed over his face, and then disappeared. There was definitely something else he wanted to say about himself, but then thought better of it. “So I mostly just think of new projects to work on.” His eyes found mine.
“Am I the new project?” I asked suggestively.
“Do you want to be?”
I bit my lower lip. I’d never been so sassy, but damn it felt good. “What would it entail?”
He closed the space between us, and put his finger to my mouth, gently tracing my lips.
“How about this?” he asked, taking my face in his powerful hands and kissing me. I melted into him, my lips tingling with excitement. He had that end of day stubble on his cheeks, and the hair gently t
ickled my face.
He pulled away, his eyes studying me. “Or this?” He lowered me onto the blanket, leaning down to meet my lips again. All I could do was whisper, “Uh huh,” as he ran his fingers again over my lips and down my neck to where my shirt fell open.
With his other hand he began gently stroking my thigh while looking into my face. His fingers felt electric against me, even with the thick denim between us. I wished I wasn’t wearing jeans so I could feel his skin on mine.
“God, your beautiful,” he murmured. I smiled up at him. This—the picnic on the beach, the kissing in complete public—was so not like me. And I loved it. What had I been doing all my life?
He laid down beside me and I moved to turn towards him. “No, stay there,” he ordered as he began to slowly graze my breasts with his hand. My nipples were instantly hard, and as he teased them, he kissed the side of my neck.
If I didn’t stop this soon, I was going to come right there on the beach. There weren’t that many people out at this time of night, but still, I wasn’t sure I wanted it to happen so publicly. But there was nothing I could do: there was no way I could get myself to stop Ryan’s hands from working their magic.
He squeezed my breast. It was almost painful, it felt so good. I turned my face towards him. His lips again met mine, but this time, he parted them with his tongue, and slowly began to kiss and suck me as he played with the rest of my body. I groaned against him. But he hadn’t yet touched me between my legs. I wanted him so badly it hurt. My body kept bucking for his hand to reach down and bring me to full satisfaction.
