Chapter 5

 

Angel hurried back to her desk after dropping off a cup of coffee with James, who was on an important zoom call. She backed out slowly, knowing he’d glance at her long legs and knowing she had great knees, which she liked to show off with short skirts. She caught him doing that before so she always made it a point to give him what he wanted. Angel liked wearing a short skirt like she had on today, or tight slacks that showed every curve of her well-maintained body.

A troubled thought occurred to her. What if James begins to notice how pretty the new event planner is and no longer glances her way? Angel was the youngest and prettiest employee here and now Savannah shows up out of the blue, threatening her position in a sense. Just like before in their school days.

Even though she had been kind to her, all throughout high school Savannah did everything better than Angel did. She got better grades than Angel, and the teachers paid more attention to what Savannah had to say than appreciate Angel. It wasn’t that she was jealous of a dirt-poor girl who made every guy’s head turn even when she was wearing the same pair of slacks two days in a row. No, it was because Savannah didn’t realize how beautiful she was.

Which made Angel angry. She had to struggle to maintain her looks all of her life. After scoring this job with Russel Enterprise, she thought that James would at least notice her and ask her out. At twenty-six, he was probably ten years older, but he was still young and virile, just like she adored a man to be. Then, she discovered Olivia was his soul mate. That was just her luck! Two years of practically shoving her fine body in front of him and she gets pushed aside for a cook.

But, Angel wasn’t angry. Life was too short to be upset at everything that went wrong. There were more filthy rich men out there and she was going to find one, or two, or three. It was a shame that James was taken since she put a lot of time and effort into him. Now that she thought about it, he never once did anything more than take a look at her fine ass. She worked hard keeping it in shape, too. And probably put it out there in front of him more times than not.

Maybe she didn’t really like him in the way a woman should. Her therapist told her she had an obsession with herself, not men. Her desire was for men to become obsessed with her body and looks. Even if they were with someone else, Angel wanted them to want her regardless. James never once gave her any indication that he wanted her.

The man was a keeper and she hoped the cook would appreciate him.

Angel giggled to herself. If James knew how she daydreamed about him, he’d have fired her a long time ago. Oh, well, a girl has needs and if she can’t get it from a man, then there was always the toys she kept in the night stand drawer. And under the pillow. And the bed sheet.

A ping caused her to glance at the screen on her laptop. Noble Enterprise? Whoa! She had put in her resume a few weeks ago after she found out that James was in love with Olivia. There was no sense in sticking around if she wasn’t going to get the top pick of the litter here. Of course, there were those other Russel siblings, but they were way too old for her, like father-figure old.

Joe’s brothers were twins. She met them briefly when she transitioned to Joe’s Berks County office when her bosses became partners. It was a few months before James moved his offices here to the mansion in Hideaway Lake. Oh, she imagined having a set of twins to fawn all over her, but they were old enough to be her father and that was off limits. She had her quirky ways, but she wasn’t desperate enough to fall for old men. She wanted someone young and virile so he could keep up with her needs. But twins?

She began plugging away at the keyboard, accepting the interview from the Noble Enterprise HR department. Then, she emailed James to ask for time off using a forgotten dental appointment as an excuse. She wasn’t about to tell him she had a possible job interview. Not yet. Angel needed this job until she found something else.

“Angel, can you come in here?”

She jumped, almost knocking over her coffee cup. She pushed her feet back into her heels and hurried across the hall to his office. “What can I do for you, James?”

“Come in and sit down, please.”

He didn’t seem happy. What did she do wrong? He was always happy with her work. She wasn’t sure if it was wise to ask what she did, so she kept quiet. Placing her hands in her lap, she gave him all of her attention. When his gorgeous eyes stared into hers for a second before turning away, she imagined he wanted her right there on the chair.

Then, she smiled because it was simply not true. He was head over heels in love with the cook and she’d do good to remember that. So, she gave him an encouraging smile since he seemed uncomfortable. “Did you want to see me, James?”

He stood, then sat back down and began fidgeting with a page of his calendar. Finally, he looked right at her. “Angel, I’m not sure how to discuss this delicate issue with you. I don’t want you to take this the wrong way because you are an excellent assistant and I hope after this discussion we can continue in the same way. Almost.”

She raised a brow. “Almost? What do you mean?”

He sighed and shrugged. “I don’t even know how to tell you this, so I’m going to say it and we will discuss what I mean. I don’t think you dress appropriately for my office. You have to pick things up often and when you scoop down a certain way, it bothers some people.”

She smiled. “You mean it bothers you?” The thought that it disturbed James was exciting.

“I don’t want Olivia to come here and think there is something going on with my assistant when clearly this is a business relationship. I certainly hope you realize what it is.”

“I do.” She could barely speak.

“Then why are you behaving in the manner you are, Angel? I’m a man. I’m not naive. I want it to stop.”

He wasn’t angry. He was her boss and he wanted her to submit to him. Oh, if he only knew what was going through her head right now. “I’m sorry, James. You are right. I won’t let it happen again.” She needed a spanking for being a bad girl and tried to hide a smile thinking about that.

“Thank you. Please don’t make me ever speak to you about this subject again. You are the best assistant I’ve ever had. You do excellent work.”

“Thank you.” Angel got up, uncrossed her legs while staring right at James’ chest and walked out his door, perhaps with a little extra emphasis swinging her hip.

She heard him pick up the phone and call Joe. “It’s done. What a relief.”

Angel loved when people talked about her, no matter if it was good or bad. All she knew was she had center attention for a few brief moments.

It gave her a heady feeling to be on everyone’s mind.

 

*****

 

Angel buttoned up her coat and threw a scarf around her neck. Just as she was getting ready to leave, Savannah and Laura were walking towards the elevator. “Hey, wait up. I’ll walk out with the two of you.”

She slid in with them while it took them to the first floor. Turning to the ladies, she smiled. “How did everything go, Savannah? Are you ready to get busy with this project?”

“Yes, starting tomorrow, you’ll see me popping in and out of here quite often.”

“I’m sure. Want to grab a bite to eat at the café? I’ll buy.” Angel remembered how Savannah had to get free lunches in school. She imagined not much had changed since then. Even though she was an event planner now, Angel noticed the cracked leather around the heels of her boots. The hem of her slacks covered most of the boot, but Angel knew an old pair of boots when she saw one.

“Why not.” Savannah turned to Laura. “I’ll ride with Angel. If you don’t mind, may I leave my car at your Inn until we are done?”

“Of course. If you have any questions, call my cell phone. I’m up until after ten.”

“Thanks, Laura. I know we will work well together.”

The two parted at the elevator, so Angel slid an arm through Savannah’s sleeve. “It’s so nice to see someone from the old days. How have you been?”

“I’ve been good, Angel. I’m not sure why you want to go to the café, but I do have to grab a bite to eat before I go home. My grammy is not feeling good so I can’t be gone long.”

Angel remembered. “I loved your grammy. She must be quite old by now.”

They went to Angel’s car, a brand new maroon mustang she called Red Devil, and started down the hill. Angel figured since Savannah was here in town, she’d have a familiar face to talk to until she found another position somewhere a bit more exciting. Hideaway Lake was way too quiet for her.

“Nice car, Angel. You must have a really good paying job to afford this.”

Angel cracked a smile. “I knew a guy at Lance Ford Dealership. He kind of gave me a good deal.” If she only knew what Angel did for that car, Savannah would be horrified, but that was Angel’s secret.

They chatted over a grilled chicken salad and before Angel realized, Savannah stood and told her she had to get going. “I have to get home. It’s been fun, Angel. I’ll treat you next time.”

“Tell your grammy I said hello. I doubt she’ll remember me.” They hugged as Savannah hurried out the door. Angel caught sight of a tall, muscular man in uniform. She stared openly at him from her spot in the booth that gave her an excellent view.

“Sergeant Sweigart! Would you like your regular coffee and the special?” A young server motioned him to the counter where he took off his hat and sat down on the stool, his back to Angel. Which was fine since she was enjoying the view.

“Hey Harry,” one of the men sitting at the counter called out.

Harry. What an old fashioned name. She watched him for the next few minutes, then picked up her bill and made her way to the counter. The cash register happened to be close by so she slid in between him and an older fellow. She waved her bill and some cash at the server, who took it with a smile. “I’ll be right back with your change.”

“Take your time,” Angel told her and turned to Harry with a smile. “Hello.”

“Hi.” He stared at her with the most adorable brown eyes. She thought she saw amusement there. She wondered how surprised he’d be when she offered her card to him. It was already in her hand waiting for the perfect moment. He was a police officer and she knew he wasn’t rich, so he’d be a nice distraction until she found the man of her dreams.

A smile lingered on her face. She gave him an appreciative look after openly moving her eyes over his chest and lower. When she fluttered her eyebrows and stared back into those brown eyes, she saw all she needed to know. Flipping open her hand, she slid her card in between his fingers. Leaning in, she whispered in his ear. “I’m a bad girl and need a spanking. Come arrest me. And, bring those handcuffs along. You have my card.”

Then, she turned and walked out of the café as casually as she came in. Angel checked her watch before getting in her mustang. It wouldn’t take long for him to show up, so she gunned the gas pedal and hurried to her rented cottage, smiling in anticipation.

Angel was a bad, bad girl.

 

*****

 

Joe took the cup of hot cocoa and moved over for Laura to sit beside him. “I think this is a good idea for us to meet every evening no matter what.”

Laura snuggled closer. “I agree, Joe. I’m so glad you mentioned it. We’re busy but we needed to make time for each other, too.” He already started a fire, it’s golden glow warming them both.

Joe leaned back, taking her along with him. “And whoever brought you a fire-pit had excellent taste.”

She laughed and poked him in the chest. He took her hand, covering it with his own. “You are so warm, Laura. I can’t wait to come home to you every night.”

“Me, too. Joe, we haven’t discussed where we are going to live.”

He groaned. “Must we? I’m enjoying this quiet night with no worries in my head. Shame on you for making me think.”

She leaned in and kissed his cheek. “I think we better make a decision since the wedding is three weeks away.”

“James is living out of one of the suites in the mansion. I would like to offer him the apartment I had built for myself since I no longer have a use for it.”

“That makes sense since he’ll be running most of the operations there.” Laura glowed with happiness knowing he was not going to ask her to move there. She didn’t want to live in a section of a working building, no matter how elaborate it was. She loved being in a home. Plus, she was responsible for the Inn.

“He’s going to be more hands on than me, but eventually he will hand over the reins to an executive manager and work on other projects. He still needs the offices and a place to live. Perhaps they’ll stay there after him and Olivia tie the knot. Did Olivia tell you when they are going to marry?”

Laura shook her head. “I have no clue. It doesn’t appear like they are in a hurry, or maybe they are waiting for us to have our day first.”

“You may be right. Anyway, how would you like a roommate?”

“Here, at the Inn? I would adore it.”

He nodded, seeming a bit nervous. “I’m used to living on my own, Laura, at least I have been for many years.”

“You know what a house full of people are like. I’m sure raising your siblings was hectic and busy most of the time with moments of quiet bliss. It’s not quite as bad here but we have our moments.”

Joe agreed. “Julia ran our house like nobody’s business. If anyone got out of line, she jumped in to take care of any situation. There were times when she threatened bodily harm if her siblings did not listen to her. Julia was like a mother hen, even when she was a teenager.”

“I’m sure all of you needed her to be like that. God knows how you get quite rowdy at times.”

She was making a joke because Joe was the complete opposite. He was always calm in the midst of a storm.

He began to rub her shoulder. “I’ve learned to keep calm. It wasn’t always easy, Laura.”

“I’m sure. You’ve overcome a lot in your lifetime, Joe. I am not sure how things will turn out for us, but I’m willing to take a chance and find out.”

She looked up at him. He had his eyes closed. Joe was a strong man with a heart of gold and a beautiful demeanor. He was everything she wanted in a partner and more. A sadness ripped through her that she had waited so long in life to have someone like him.

Joe slowly opened his eyes. “I can’t believe how lucky I am. Laura, you are my world. I wish I could be more open and tell you often how I feel, but it is hard showing my feelings at times. I’m not even sure why.”

She set her cup down and wrapped her arms around his waist, snuggling even closer. “You are so perfect, Joe. I can’t believe I got this lucky. Are you sure there’s not a skeleton in your closet somewhere?”

She felt his chest rattle. “I’ve never tried to hide anything from anyone. Besides, the press will tell you if there are skeletons in my closet. Lord knows how I’ve tried to avoid them for years. To no avail. It is hard being a wealthy businessman at times.”

“I don’t see how it can be. Having money sure makes life easier. Not necessarily better, but it does help no matter what anyone says.”

“You do have a good point, Laura. We do need to discuss options at some point.”

She frowned. “Options? Should I be worried?” Why did every move Joe made or want to discuss have her waiting for the ceiling to drop out of her perfect world?

He smiled. “Not at all.” He sat forward, his arm around her shoulder. “Laura, right now I’m concentrating on finishing the mansion. It’s going to be a great investment, plus, it’s been my baby for a long time now. When it opens, James and his team will run the operations and I’ll be free to take some time off.”

Laura was confused. “I know all of this, Joe. You deserve time off.”

Joe laid the palm of his hand over her cheek. It was warm and she felt loved, truly, for the first time in her life. “The thing is, Laura. I want to take you to places you’ve never been. But, how will we do that if you are tied down to the Inn?”

Laura understood. “I’ve been wondering myself. However, I believe I may have come up with a solution.”

Joe raised a brow. “I’m impressed. I should’ve had you on my team years ago,” he teased. “I love a woman with a solution!”

She tugged at the collar of his shirt and moved closer to him. “Just you wait, Joe. I’m only getting started. You aren’t going globe trotting without me.”

“Perfect.”

He kissed her then, a nice, sweet kiss she longed for it to last longer. Instead, she pulled back. “Do you want to know what my solution is?”

“Not really. As long as you solve our plans to travel, then you take charge.”

Laura shook her head. “Joe, I can tell you’ve never been married. You are supposed to appease the woman.”

He laughed and leaned back again, gathering her in his arms even more. “I’m all ears. Tell me, darling. What is the solution to our misery?”

“You will be quite impressed with me since I’ve made all the arrangements. Now, I have to ask you a question first. Have you decided to sell the house next door to Cole?”

“I have and plan to speak to him about it in the next few weeks.”

“Excellent. Then, our problems are solved.”

“I think I know where this is going, but I’ll sit patiently and wait for you to tell me.”

“Good, thank you. Cole plans to ask Madison to move in with him. She has been living with a relative and had no intention of moving out until Cole came along. Now, from the bits of information I’ve heard, she is waiting for him to ask her, and he is waiting for the right time. He doesn’t want to intrude on our wedding since you and I should be the center of everyone’s attention right now.”

Joe burst out in laughter, his chest heaving. “I imagine everyone has been talking to Olivia, and you’ve had lunch with her the other day to find out what she knows.”

“Now you are starting to understand how it works,” Laura said proudly.

“I’m a businessman, first. I read people quite well. You, my darling, appear to be sweet and kind but there is a tough interior I wouldn’t want to mess with.”

Laura moved her arms around to wrap around his neck and pulled him close. “Don’t you ever forget that, my love.”

He stole another kiss before helping her up. “Go on, troublemaker, get some rest. Sweet dreams and I hope they are about me.”

He left her on the porch, then looked back twice before disappearing around the side of the Inn. He took a walkway between the two houses which led to the next street where he stayed at The Americana cottage.

“You didn’t let me finish, Joe,” she called out. She wanted to tell him she already spoke to Madison about becoming her manager at the Inn.

He must’ve heard her, even though she wasn’t able to see him any longer. “We’ll save that for tomorrow night.”

“Tomorrow? Well, then, I’ll be waiting.”

“Goodnight, Laura.”

She spun around, happy. Her life was changing significantly. It seemed too good to be true. Even though her marriage to Kurt had been pretty ordinary over the years, the last few were not. Because of his infidelity and lies, she had lost all hope in another relationship.

Who knew a guy like Joe would come along so soon after she divorced? If she were a character in a book or a star on the screen, maybe it would happen. But, this was real life. She had to remember that. There was always something, a roadblock, or worse, that got in the way.

Laura wanted to make sure her heart was protected because in the short time she knew Joe, she was deeper and more in love with him than she’d ever been in the thirty years married to Kurt.