Rise Page 5

  “What?” She shrieks and sits up. “Are you sure? Did you dial the wrong number? Maybe he was visiting a friend and she answered his phone?”

  I sigh and lie back on the blanket. Staring at the sky, I respond. “I don’t know, Care. But Occam’s razor and all that—the simplest answer is usually the correct one. I mean, look, I don’t know this guy and now I’m not going to get to know him.” I force nonchalance I don’t feel into my voice.

  Cara picks up her phone and starts punching out a text.

  “What are you doing?” I lean up on my elbows and toward her to try to get a look at her screen.

  “I’m texting Louis. He’ll know.” She says calmly.

  “No, don’t.” I shout as I snatch her phone from her hands. “I am not desperate, Cara. I don’t want him to know I called. For real. Leave it alone. Promise me.”

  Cara eyes me for a long time. Then she sighs and plops down in the grass next to me. “Fine, Ad. Fine.”

  I tell myself it’s for the best. Of course he’s married and cheating. I had no reason to expect anything else. Isn’t this what people do? Deceive their families, destroy lives for their own selfish gains? No, it’s for the best. The disappointment I feel is only because I’m losing my buzz. I pick up another marijuana laced brownie and take a huge bite.

  Cara, sensing my need to move on, picks up the iPod, gives me one bud of the headphones and puts the other in her ear. And as Rihanna screams in my ear, I lay in the grass with my best friend and remind myself why it’s better that it happened this way. The man, in the twenty minutes I spent in his presence, made me forget what’s real. He made me dream of things I have no business wanting. And I don’t have the time or room in my life for anything more than what is already there.

  I smile at Cara and reach into the basket to pull out another bottle of rosé we have chilling and smile conspiratorially at her. My girl is always game and sticks out her red plastic cup as I start to pour. We lay back, and I’m in my safe place again. With my best friend, my music, my favorite cheese, and everything is right in the world.

  August 23, 2014

  It’s Saturday and I’ve got to go into the office. I hate it, but they have been flexible since little Henry came into my life I don’t feel as though I have the right to complain. I start my walk to the tube station and as I approach, I decide to call my neighbor, Sharon, to make sure she’s got everything she needs. She has been an amazing help, happy to fill in when Kyle and I aren’t around on the weekends.

  During the week, Henry’s nanny, Mercy, comes to the flat to watch him, but on the weekends we are on our own. This isn’t the first time I’ve had to ask Sharon to step in to help. Even though she says she loves babies, I am starting to suspect she might be angling for something more than just the chance to cuddle Henry.

  Not that I would mind cuddling that ample chest of hers, but besides the fact that she’s a very pretty woman, there is nothing more there. The added complication of her being my neighbor has me seeing hazard signs every time she hints at wanting to spend time together.

  I reach into my back pocket and stop dead.

  Shit!

  My phone isn’t there and as I pat myself down, I realize, it’s not anywhere on me. I turn around and head back to the flat. I jog the entire way home, not wanting to be later than I am already going to be.

  As I enter the apartment, Sharon is standing in the living room, her back to me. She spins around at the sound of the door opening and she has my phone in her hand. She smiles brightly at me. “I just realized you’d left this and was trying to figure out how to let you know.” She extends the phone in my direction.

  I hear Henry crying in his cot and automatically start toward his room. She stops me with a hand to my chest.

  “He just started that, I was on my way to get him when your phone rang. It was a wrong number.” I quirk my eyebrow at her; she answered my phone?

  “I answered it thinking it was you trying to locate the phone.” She says quickly and then turns to head toward Henry’s room. Without turning around, she says, “Go on and get to the office, we’re okay here.”

  I hesitate for a minute; I hate leaving when Henry is crying. But I shake myself. I’ve got to get to the office, and Henry is in good hands. I turn on my heel and leave.

  As I walk, I look at my call log and see a number I don’t recognize. Sharon said it was a wrong number, but my mind immediately recalls a beautiful pair of golden eyes set in a gorgeous, oval face. My cock, sick of my hand as its only source of entertainment, jumps.

  I’ve hoped she wouldn’t call. At the same time, I prayed she would. Every time my phone rang or buzzed with a new text, I jumped to pick it up. It’s never her. It doesn’t matter, I wouldn’t have had time to see her anyway.

  The last three weeks have been crazy. I’d taken leave to find Henry a nanny, get his room set up, and make sure Kyle is settled. He’s moved in with me and while it has been a big help to have him around it has also, at times, felt like I’ve got two kids to take care of.

  When I had gone back to work, I wished I’d never taken the time off. I’ve been swamped trying to catch up. On top of that, because of the high profile nature of my project, I have to do a lot of public relations events. I’ve even had to do a few client dinners. It’s all part of the job and I am grateful to have this kind of opportunity so early in my career, but the timing couldn’t have been worse. So, it’s fine the gorgeous American never called.

  As I enter the tube station where I met her, a sense of regret at the thought that I might never see her again hits me square in the gut.

  August 30, 2014

  “This is nice. I’ve been wanting to try this place.” I say to my date, Jason. This is my third attempt at online dating. Cara signed me up after I lost a stupid bet about how an episode of the Golden Girl’s ended. I totally forgot Dorothy and Stan kissed. So now, I have to go on three dates. I’d figured it wouldn’t be so bad. Hey, I might meet Mr. Right. But now, I am convinced this particular site where all douchebags E-Harmony rejects go to sign up.

  “I’m glad you let me bring you.” Jason says with an easy smile.

  We are at Thai Silk, a trendy restaurant which has been a staple in its Waterloo neighborhood for years. Reservations are hard to come by and as I look around, I see why.

  It’s like they feed your eyes before you even sit down. The walls are adorned with sumptuous silk fans in bright jewel tones. Huge swaths of fabric in royal purple, peacock green, and ruby are draped over screens that serve as dividers for different sections of the restaurant.

  Our table has a great view of the huge windows which line the front of the restaurant. Jason has been a gentleman, when he can keep his eyes off the ass and tits of every single woman who walks by. At least he’s let me sit facing the street. I love people watching. I have to force myself to move my eyes back to my date.

  He’s actually pretty handsome. We are both dressed up since we’re supposed to be going dancing afterwards. I have a feeling I’ll be too “sick” to do that once this meal is over.

  He’s wearing a dark blue blazer and his white dress shirt is open, exposing his chest. His blond hair and blue eyes are the antithesis of Simon, which is exactly what I wanted. He’s good looking, but I don’t feel attracted to him. I shut that thought down and power forward. I will scrub that man from my brain, dammit.

  His hand reaches across the table and grabs mine. “Penny for your thoughts?”

  I have to stop myself from laughing. If he knew what I’m thinking, he’d be pissed he made the effort tonight. I guess I made an effort, too, though.

  My dress, which is new, is shorter than I normally wear…but I’ve been walking a lot and running more than ever, which means my legs look great. And my 4-inch heeled, red sandals with one big strap that hugs my toes, crosses my instep and wraps around my ankle; they are hot and give me some height, which always boosts my confidence.

  Before I can answer, he continues. “You look b
eautiful tonight, Addie,” Jason says as he rubs my hand.

  “Thank you. You clean up pretty nicely, too,” I say, trying to keep the mood light.

  Our waiter appears at the table seemingly out of thin air and startles both of us. This gives me the chance to pull my hand free. He takes our drink orders; I already know what I’m eating. I never go anywhere without checking out the menu on Yelp and tonight is no exception. Jason is not ready, so I have to cool my jets while he peruses the menu.

  I take the opportunity to look around the restaurant. As my eyes sweep over a wall sized aquarium, I see the face that has robbed me of countless hours of sleep and a smile which has spurred me to countless solo orgasms.

  Simon sits across the restaurant with a man who looks old enough to be his father, he has his head thrown back in laughter. My eyes are drawn to the smooth column of exposed neck and I want to lick it.

  Good Lord!

  I shake my head and close my eyes to clear my thoughts. When I open them, Jason is looking at me searchingly.

  “You okay?” he says.

  “Yes, sorry. I guess I am hungrier than I thought. I’ve been saving my calories for this meal and didn’t eat much today.”

  He looks at me a beat longer before he looks back down at his menu. I’m trying not to look in Simon’s direction, yet I can’t help myself. I can feel his eyes on me. When my eyes meet his, I swear I see a flare in his. He doesn’t look away. He looks as hungry as I feel, and unconsciously I lick my lips nervously. In that moment, I can’t hear anything. The whole restaurant disappears and all I can see is his face. He smiles at me, knowingly, but also very warmly.

  And that smile, its warmth, reminds me of the woman who answered his phone, also very warmly, and the baby I heard crying in the background. I force my expression to one of disdain and look away.

  Our waiter is back. Jason orders his food and then looks at me expectantly.

  “So, Addie, what’s the combination?”

  “What?” I’m confused. Did I space out and miss something?

  He reaches out for my hand again and my traitorous eyes glance in Simon’s direction. I’m immediately sorry because he is sitting there, looking at us with eyes devoid of all their warmth.

  “The combination to you, Addie. What will it take to get you in my bed tonight?

  Now he has my attention. Does he think dinner at a nice restaurant means I’m going to let him fuck me? I am about to ask him what he means when he continues, “When I drop you off tonight, I’m going to come in. I want to make sure I’ve done everything I need to get you ready and willing.”

  I snatch my hand back. I am not the queen of the quick and witty comeback. I know tonight, when I’m alone in my bed, I’ll have the perfect one ready, but right now all I can say is, “Uh, I’ve got to use the bathroom.”

  I grab my clutch and stand up abruptly. He stands up, too, and is still standing when I practically run from the table.

  I rush down the dark hallway intent on putting some distance between Jason and me. I hear foot steps behind me. I don’t think anything of it until a hand grabs my bicep. I know immediately it’s Simon. The heat flooding the arm he is touching makes me have to lock my knees to keep from swaying in his direction.

  I turn around to face him, and for a minute I am struck dumb. Why does he have to be so beautiful? Why do his eyes have to be so hypnotic? I stifle the groan that wants to rip from my throat.

  “Hi, Addie.” He says with a wide smile. I try to pull my arm out of his grasp, but he tightens his grip.

  “Simon. Will you let me go? I’ve got to use the bathroom and get back to my date.”

  “Oh. So it is a date, then.” He says and drops my arm. He looks disappointed and almost hurt. I, on the other hand, am totally bemused.

  “Yes, Simon. It is. Not that it is any of your concern.” I respond tartly.

  I start to turn back to the bathroom when he says softly, “Why didn’t you call?”

  My head jerks back toward him, my eyes, I’m sure, full of the incredulity I feel. I stare at him. “Wow, you’re really committed to this act, aren’t you?” At that, I turn around again. This time, however, he grabs both of my shoulders and spins me to face him once more. He steps into my personal space, which brings us toe to toe.

  “What do you mean? I am just asking for an explanation. Don’t I deserve at least that?”

  With a mirthless, short chuckle, I respond, “I don’t know, Simon, why don’t you ask your wife?”

  His eyes now mirror mine for incredulity. Wow, he’s good. “My wife? What are you talking about? I’m not married!”

  “Okay, fine, your baby mama. Whatever! I called you. She answered your phone, and I heard your baby crying in the background.”

  I expect protests, lies, or even him to admit he’s been caught. Instead, Simon releases my shoulders and doubles over laughing. He laughs so hard he starts to cough. When he straightens up his eyes are full of tears.

  What the actual fuck? He thinks this is funny? Fuck him I spin, and this time I execute it perfectly. I start to march off.

  Before I can take two steps, he is right behind me and puts gentle, yet intent hands on my hips to stop me from walking away. I try to ask him where the hell he gets off touching me. Before I can though, he pulls me back into his chest. He dips his head, brings his mouth down to my ear, and I feel his breath, like a caress, on my neck. I cannot control the shiver that racks my body as he whispers, “Oh, Addie.”

  August 30, 2014

  Tonight’s business dinner in the city wasn’t as painful as they normally are. The partner of the private equity firm that is providing a majority of the financing for our project turned out to be a really nice guy. Some of these guys are total pricks and most of the dinners are spent hearing them complain about the rising cost of yacht maintenance or the decline of customer service on private jet charters. But this guy was down to earth, and like me, someone who made it on the force of his talent and hard work.

  The food was excellent, and turns out we both are huge Man City fans.

  We laughed a lot, and I know he’s happy about the pace of the project. It was a success.

  I had just paid the bill when I felt someone staring at me. I looked up and saw the golden eyes which have refused to leave my dreams alone for the last month. She was staring at me with something akin to awe in her eyes. I smiled at her, because fuck, I was happy to see her. Smiling must have been the wrong thing to do because her look of awe turned to one of disgust before she looked away.

  It was only then I noticed she wasn’t alone. She was with a man. And from the way he was grasping her hand, they are more than friends. I felt an irrational anger as I took in the scene in front of me. When she looked up again, she caught me glowering.

  When my dinner companion asked if I was ready to leave, I told him to go ahead, that I needed to use the bathroom and make a call before I head out. We said goodnight, and I sat back to watch Addie for a few minutes.

  Her hair hung straight and flowing past her shoulders like waves of black silk. She is wearing a dress that gives me a teasing glimpse of her ample breasts. There is a gold fern pendant around her neck.

  She was wearing more make up than the night we met. Her eyes look almost molten tonight. I think she looks gorgeous. But clearly, it doesn’t matter what I think.

  I was sitting here, trying to decide whether I should just walk over to her table and say hi, or wait for them to walk by on their way out. I wanted to know what I did to earn the look of disdain she gave me.

  But Addie decided for me. Suddenly, she was out of her seat and practically running in the direction of the bathroom. I sucked in a sharp breath because the dress she is wearing is so sexy, I felt an urge to throw my coat over her shoulders to hide her from the gaze of every man who followed her progress through the restaurant. Steeling myself, I stood up to follow her.

  Now, I am standing here, her lush ass pressed against me. I am concentrating on not losing th
e battle to keep myself from growing hard against her. But fuck, it’s damn difficult. This last month I’ve been thinking of her, and now I know she’s been thinking of me, too.

  She’s called me. The day Sharon had answered my phone. She heard Henry and made assumptions.

  “Oh, Addie,” I whisper in her ear. “That was my neighbor and my nephew. I’m not married, or even seeing anyone right now.”

  She relaxes slightly against me, but then tightens up again. “Okay, fine. It’s none of my business. Now, will you please let me go?” Her voice is curt.

  I don’t let go, but I do allow some space between us. I can smell her—vanilla and peppermint. It’s heady. Between this and the heat of her body so close to mine, it’s a struggle to give her the space she clearly wants.

  I don’t know what it is about this woman, but I do know I’ve been given a second chance to make sure she doesn’t slip out of my grasp. I’ve got to be careful though, because she clearly has walls up—strong and high.

  At the very least, I want to see her again. I am insanely attracted to her, and I can tell, despite her protestations, she is attracted to me. The mutual feeling pulses between us, and I see her shifting from one foot to another as we stand here.

  Fuck. I bet she’s wet. I want to trail my finger up her skirt to find out.

  First, I need to figure out what the situation is with her and this guy. If it’s serious, I’ll back off. For tonight. I am a lot of things, but I’m not a poacher. I start cautiously.

  “Look, Addie, I know you’re seeing someone. But I haven’t been able to stop thinking you about since we met.”

  She exhales sharply, as if bracing herself, before she turns around to face me. The expression in her eyes almost kills any hope I feel. She looks tired, and not the least bit charmed by me. She avoids my eyes as she starts to speak.

  “Simon, I am on a date, but it’s not going anywhere.” I have to stop myself from pumping my fist when she says this.