Authors: Suzan Battah
“Isn’t it nice out here?” he murmured.
“It’s beautiful.” She relaxed in her seat, feeling more comfortable than she thought possible.
“I think you’re beautiful,” he whispered, moving his chair around so they were almost side by side. His breath brushed her cheek as they looked out over the water. “I’ve never met anyone like you before.”
She pulled away from him. “You shouldn’t say things like that. You don’t even know me.”
“I know that I want to know you, everything about you.”
“Don’t say that,” she repeated, turning so she could look more clearly at his face, trying to break the connection building between them.
“Why not?” He traced a finger over her cheek, moving across her jaw and temptingly stopping on her bottom lip.
“Because… because, I don’t know. We’ll be working together, it’s very unprofessional,” she responded a little tartly. She couldn’t think of any other reason that sounded remotely logical. She couldn’t tell him the truth.
“What has working together got to do with us getting to know each other?” he muttered, offended.
Julia was speechless for a second. “It would be complicated. That’s all. You have to think sometimes before you jump in. I’ve learn
ed
that.”
Chris, thoughtful for a moment, tilted his head. “You don’t realize, do you?”
“What?” She searched his face.
“You’re so sensual, yet there’s this innocence about you. I’m very attracted to you.” His voice was husky as he explained. “I can’t just say hi and bye, I need to know you.”
Julia sat back. “When you know me, you won’t be impressed. I have a hot temper, and sometimes I say things I really shouldn’t. Words just blurt out of my mouth. I can’t control it.”
Chris laughed and shook his head, a wicked smile playing on his lips. “I will know you... soon. In the meantime, you’re still beautiful.”
His confidence couldn’t help but make her smile also.
“My brother is very impressed with your work, by the way. So we’ll get to see each other more, now that you’re working on the Augustine.”
“I’m really looking forward to showing you the designs.” She trailed off when his phone started buzzing again.
There were no awkward moments. Even when they were silent, it felt right. Chris gave her his full attention as he asked about her and they talked about their families and the different cultures they came from.
Julia couldn’t help herself. Of course, she found Chris extremely attractive physically. But more than that, he was really enjoyable company. There was no falseness about him. He was truly interested in her and listened when she spoke.
Despite the thrill of being comfortable in his company, she couldn’t stop the nagging feeling in the back of her mind to stay clear. They were talking as if they had been friends for years. There was a definite spark between them, she felt. That made it more difficult. And there was a sensual fire ready to burn when they touched, Julia could feel that all too well. This was getting a little too complicated.
Desire. Clear and simple.
He was too damn appealing. Her emotions were not supposed to be so easily manipulated. Yet her body was saying otherwise. The scent of him, the way he moved and looked at her was causing turmoil within. She could never betray Carlos, but with Chris, her feelings were so much more intense.
He was dangerous. And there was no doubt how much she wanted him, but she wouldn’t dare. Love was too risky, she knew that firsthand.
As the restaurant began to fill up, a few people recognized Chris. She noticed their curious stares her way, but he seemed oblivious to the attention.
“Chris!” A lanky young man came sauntering toward their table from a hidden door behind a large plant. He was wearing a chef’s uniform. Julia realized he must be Chris’ friend.
Chris stood up, holding out his hand. “Pierre.”
They greeted each other with a hearty handshake and bear hug. Pierre looked down at her, a little surprise in his expression.
“Hello.” Julia stood up to greet Pierre.
“
Enchantee
.” His eyes lit up, looking back at Chris with a smile.
“This is Julia Mendoza, Pierre.” Chris made the introductions smoothly.
“Ah, Julia.” Pierre spoke her name with familiarity. “You must be someone incredibly special. Chris has never brought a woman here before and this is his
favorite
place to eat!”
Julia laughed, a little shaken by that bit of news. “We’re here on business. Chris is my new client. We’re going to be working together.”
Pierre chuckled, patting Chris on the back as he said something in French. Chris nodded and responded also in French.
“Enjoy your meal. Anything you need, please ask,” Pierre told Julia and headed off back to the kitchen.
Their meals came out piping hot and smelling delicious. The waiter slid the ornate dish in front of her, turning to do the same for Chris.
“It smells really good.” She took in a deep breath of the sizzling, spicy aromas, instantly forgetting her reservations and relaxing to enjoy the food.
Chris waited for her to start her meal before he would eat, and when she hummed with appreciation, he nodded his approval.
“Told you he’s fantastic,” he declared with obvious pride. “You should try the quail one day.”
“Those sweet little birds. No, no, I don’t like the idea of eating a little bird,” she
exlaimed
, cringing at the idea.
Chris laughed, and she joined in, her anxiety fading away when they laughed. He wasn’t a snob as she had thought he might be when she realized he was the Augustine Boy. No, he was quite the opposite – just like the laidback surfer she knew.
After such a fulfilling meal, she excused herself to freshen up in the restroom. She was on her way back to the table when she heard her name and stopped, frozen to the spot.
Chapter Four
Nothing could have been worse at that very moment for Julia. Dread, sharp and painful catapulted at her from every different angle.
“Julia? It is you.” A woman dressed in a peach chiffon gown was heading straight for her.
Irene still looked like she was in her mid-forties, even though she was well beyond. The simplicity of her attire, set off with a large jewel pendant gave Irene
Carpone
a definite air of elegance and power. Julia had forgotten how intimidated she was by her mother-in-law.
“How have you been, my dear?” Irene
maneuvered
herself to block Julia’s exit.
“Good,” Julia said shortly, glancing over at Chris and back to Irene.
“I was waiting for a friend, when I recognized you from the corner of my eye. I thought, that’s our delightful Julia. Not that we’ve seen much of you lately!” Irene continued, underlying steel in her voice. “You look like you’re having a wonderful evening. Is that Christophe Augustine you’re with?”
Irene latched onto her elbow with a firm grip when she tried once again to slip away. Julia gritted her teeth, trying to pull free.
“Yes. Look, Irene, I know you’re upset with me for not coming over. But I really am so busy now, with my business booming.”
Irene looked her up and down shrewdly, and Julia fretted under the scrutiny. Her mother-in-law had never treated her badly. Irene had adored her, just like her son had.
“A business that has grown very successful, I hear. Though, you haven’t even used a quarter of what Carlos left you. You can always withdraw from the trust, quite easily. Are there any problems? You’re still renting with those students. I thought you would have bought a house already. If there are any issues, Julia, I’ll get the lawyer to sort it out.”
“No, nothing. There’s no issue,” Julia reassured Irene. “I don’t need anything.”
“Well then, I’d like it if you called sometime. Come over to the house. We were close, but you’ve drifted away from me. I don’t want it to be like that.”
“Of course I will, maybe next week.” Julia tried a little more forcefully to slip away, but Irene held on firm. She began to walk with Julia toward the table where Chris was looking over at her expectantly. Julia dug in her heels and came to a halt. “Irene, please. I’m here on business. Perhaps…”
Irene cut her off with just a look.
“I know you know, Carlos’s thirtieth birthday is coming up in a few months. I’m planning a small gathering to celebrate his life. Come over, bring your family. You can bring your friend there if you like.” Irene grabbed onto her hand and waited to get an answer.
“I really must get back.” Julia pulled away, cringing at the look of hurt on Irene’s face.
When she sat back down opposite Chris, his smile faltered. He reached out, but she pulled back from his touch.
“Are you all right? You look pale. What’s wrong?”
She stood up suddenly. “I have to go. I need to go now. I can’t…I’m…I’m…I’m so sorry.” She knew she sounded like a fool, stuttering, unable to form sentences. “It’s…it’s…it’s not you.”
He rose from his seat. “Wait. I’ll take you home.”
All she could see in front of her was a vision of Carlos. Guilt plagued her to be caught out on a date. She waved at him to sit back down. Swallowing with difficulty, she managed to say, “No, you stay and enjoy the rest of the evening. I’ll catch a cab.” Her hands were shaking. She felt a wave of hot and cold shivers running all over her body.
It felt like there was a rock pressing between her chest and back and she couldn’t breathe. To her horror, he ignored her suggestion and followed her to the door without a word. The stunned waiter immediately organized their bill and Chris got out his wallet to pay.
Julia was rummaging through her purse to find her credit card. Chris grabbed her hand, a serious expression on his face. She realized she was making a scene, so she didn’t argue.
The deathly silence in the car while he drove her back to her mother’s house made her skin prickle. She finally regained control, not willing to cause any more of a scene than she already had.
When he came to a halt in front of the house, she risked a glance in his direction, but found his expression unreadable. “You must think I’m an idiot.”
“No,” he muttered, frowning.
“Is this going to affect our work relationship?”
He shook his head. “Of course not. I just have no idea what happened back there. We were having such a great time.”
Julia twirled her necklace around her finger and then opened the door. “Okay, well. I’ll see you at the Augustine.”
“Julia.” Chris reached out to grab her hand, but she was too quick.
She got out of the car, nearly tripping as she shut the car door. She would never forget the look on his face as she turned back and waved him off. He was stunned. When he finally reversed out and headed off, Julia relaxed considerably. She had been tempted, but now she was back in control. She really liked Chris. Julia could tell he liked her a lot also. There was no doubt about that. She just refused to be another broken-hearted fool. The end of them would come, sooner or later. Exactly as it had happened with Carlos. She would rather have fun instead of getting serious.
***
In the morning, Julia couldn’t believe how idiotic she’d been. A restless sleep had kept her awake most of the night. She lay in bed, listening to her roommates getting ready. Julia groaned, covering her eyes remembering how her date with Chris had ended. The night had been perfect until she ruined it.
What will he think of me? I’ve got to be more careful.
She threw back the covers in a rush and climbed out of bed before she could pick the evening apart any further. By the time she had showered and prepared herself for work, she came to the conclusion that Chris had probably already forgotten all about it and they could move on as professional colleagues anyway. However, it wasn’t easy thinking of him as just a colleague, as she kept daydreaming about him. The way he walked with such purpose with long strides. His smile, sometimes hidden, brightening his face in a moment and making her catch her breath. With his green eyes so warm, when she gazed into them she forgot about everything else.
Take control of your thoughts. You know he’s too sexy for your own good. Stop thinking about him!
Julia had no luck on that score. In fact, throughout the whole day, she was completely distracted until close to four in the afternoon. That was when Randy, her new designer,
popped his head round her door, a wide grin across his face. He was making odd expressions and sounds to get her attention.
If she hadn’t been so preoccupied day-dreaming about Chris, she would have understood the comical message he was trying to convey. Randy was a real character. So far, he had not disappointed her with the high quality of the work he brought to the business. He also added a bit of a lively personality to the office. All of her designers were brilliant when it came to their work, but Randy was more social and they had become good friends.
“What’s wrong? Just spit it out. I have no idea what you’re going on about.”
Randy rolled his eyes, giving her a disappointed look for not putting in enough effort to understand him.
“You’ll never guess who is here to see you,” he whispered, his eyes nearly bugging out of the sockets. “He’s so hot.”
Julia’s heart began to do flip-flops in her chest, but she stamped that feeling down. It couldn’t possibly be him.
Sure enough, Chris came up behind Randy and stood in her doorway. Her breath caught in her throat. Randy gave her a signal to close her mouth. Her stomach went into jitters as Chris lifted his hand in greeting and turned to look around her office. He was waiting to be invited in.
“Chris!” she cried out.
The designs all over her desk were for Chris’ condo. She flipped them over and shoved them beneath a folder. Two pencils scattered on the floor and rolled toward his feet. He bent down to pick them up and stepped further into the office.
“Is now a bad time? Excuse us.” He looked back to Randy with a smile and shut the door.
Julia rose to her feet and just stared at him. He was really here, standing there in her office, looking good enough to eat.
“Your team is very amusing. The girl at the front desk told me I should come back when I had an appointment. They didn’t believe I’m Christophe Augustine.” He gestured back at the closed door. “Lucky, that guy there recognized me. Otherwise I might not have made it through.”
Fiddling with the pendant on her necklace, she laughed nervously as he came closer to the desk. He stopped to take a look at the framed pictures on her wall, then his gaze fell back to hers, and his lips tilted slightly at the corners.
“I’m so sorry about last night,” she blurted out before he had even taken a seat. “The restaurant was just beautiful. You treated me so nice and I just ruined it. I bet the other women you take out don’t end up making fools of themselves.”
Chris shrugged, lowering his voice. “Well, they certainly aren’t you. I mean that as an absolute compliment. I just want to make it clear that our evening wasn’t spoiled. The night was perfect for me, but I think you might not agree. So forget about how it ended, and let’s concentrate on how it began.”
She sat back in her own chair, glad he didn’t press for a reason behind her desire to leave last night.
“To be honest, I really enjoyed our evening. I don’t go out much. Look, I’m really sorry. I wish I could do it over again.”
Julia saw his eyes brighten at the idea of another date. She swore under her breath in Spanish, battling contradicting emotions of excitement and reservations.
From the mini-fridge, she took out a can of soda, poured it into a glass and offered it to him. Their fingers brushed gently as he accepted it, then he placed it on the coaster.
He wouldn’t let her move away, barely inches apart, his fingers softly entwined between hers. “I love it when you speak Spanish. You have a beautiful lilt to your words. I like you,
Julia. I think you like me. I want to know you.” His voice was husky, his breath brushing her ear. “I want to know you, more.”
The scent of him was subtle, beautifully fresh, and she couldn’t think clearly. No man had ever brought out these intense feelings in her. Chris Augustine was dangerous and she could get lost in his arms.
They were from different worlds. He clearly lived in such a hectic business world, full of glamour and wealth. She could see it in his manner. His fine clothes, the expensive watch, and clean-cut image made him all the more desirable, and she was bending to his will. When he was near, her breath caught in her throat, while blood pumped faster through her veins. She had no control over the way she felt about him. She was trying hard to contain the passion, but he was too tempting by far.
She found herself whispering, “I want to know you too.”
Chris’ smile widened as he took a step back, still holding her hand so intimately. “Let’s start fresh. You’re the boss, so give yourself an early day. Come out dancing with me, and we’ll have dinner a bit later or whatever makes you comfortable. And I know you love dancing. You told me last night. No excuses, Julia. You owe me a date.” He grinned.
“I don’t know.” She debated about what else to say.
He gave her a look. “We’re going to be doing something really fun.”
“What?” She looked up, curious.
He shook his head, waiting for an answer first.
“Okay let’s go.” She grinned also.
“I never knew it before, but I’ve been waiting for a fiery Latino woman to lead me around the floor.” Chris’ eyes burned clear as he looked down at her.
She stared back, mesmerized, and finally pulled her hand free to start shutting down the programs on her computer. “Aren’t you supposed to lead me around the floor?”
He leaned against the door. “Of course, I’ll lead you, but you’ll be my inspiration to dance. Don’t worry, I’ve been learning for a while now. My instructor, Rosie, is quite frustrated with me. Can you dance?”
“Sure, I learn
ed
to dance years ago.”
“Well, Rosie is going to love you.”
“I’m not that good at dancing,” Julia conceded, so he wouldn’t be disappointed if she stood on his foot. “But maybe you think that this Latino woman is going to bring out the dancer in you?”
“You’re a most interesting woman, Julia Mendoza. I know you’ll bring out the best in me. We can have a lot of fun together,” he said seriously. “Tonight I’m going to show you how much.”
Julia wondered if going dancing with the Augustine Boy was such a good idea. The close embrace of dancing was such an intimate way to get to know your dance partner. There was too much at stake, her heart for one. But where was the harm with having a bit of fun? The worse thing that could happen was not stepping on his feet. No, the most shocking would be to let her guard down and allow this adorable man into her life. What am I getting myself into?