“What? How could you ask that? Nothing is wrong with me. I just haven’t had any interest in men since Brett died. Hope is my life and I’m not going to screw it up by going out and having meaningless sex with strange men.”
“You’re not screwed up, are you?” She winked.
Thank God that Nick, Sebastian, and Hope walked over because I couldn’t take any more of this conversation with my mother.
“Are you ready to go, baby? We need to get you in the bath.”
“Are you going to pick me up again tomorrow?” she asked as she put her arms around my neck.
“No, sweetie. Mr. Sutton will be back in the office tomorrow,” I spoke as I ran my hand down her hair.
“Hey, Hope, I have an idea,” Stella spoke as she took hold of her hand. “I happen to be off of work tomorrow, so how about if I pick you up from school and we can go shopping. I need some new makeup and I would like you to help me pick out some new colors.”
Hope’s eyes lit up and I gave Stella a small smile.
“I would love that. Is it okay with you, Grandma?” she asked.
“Of course it is, baby girl.”
“Thank you.” I mouthed to Stella.
****
After Hope’s bath, we sat down at the kitchen table and I began sketching a new dress while Hope did her homework. Suddenly, I heard my phone beep from my purse. It was my business phone and there was a text message from Jack.
“I’m back in New York. I hope you didn’t miss me too much. We have a lot to go over tomorrow, so be prepared for a very busy day.”
Great.
“Welcome back. I will see you in the morning.”
“Don’t forget my coffee.”
I rolled my eyes.
“I won’t. It’s become part of my morning routine.”
“Good. Try not to spill it this time.”
“I’ll do my best. Have a good evening, Jack.”
“You too, Lorelei.”
“Who were you texting Mommy?” Hope asked as she looked at me.
“My boss.”
“Oh. Addison’s mom and her boyfriend took Addison to the zoo yesterday. She told me on Friday how she couldn’t wait to go.”
“That was nice. We can go to the zoo if you want.”
She shrugged and went back to doing her homework. I could tell something was off with her and it bothered me.
I prepared myself the next morning to get ready to walk into the lion’s den. Walking into Jack’s office, I noticed he wasn’t in there, so I set his coffee on his desk, and as I was walking out, I ran into him in the doorway. I mean, literally ran into him. He lightly took hold of my arm.
“Good morning.” He smiled.
“Good morning. I’m sorry.”
“Don’t be. I love it when beautiful women run into me.” He winked.
Shit. Vibrations down below were starting and my stomach began to flutter. He called me beautiful. The mere sight of him was intoxicating. I guess not seeing him for a week really heightened his sexy factor.
“How was Paris?” I asked.
“Paris was good, but it would have been even better if you were there,” he spoke as he took a seat behind his desk. “How is your mother?”
“Oh, she’s feeling much better.”
“I see. Was it just a virus or something?”
“Yeah. We think so.”
His eyes glared at me. A glare that told me he knew I was lying.
“Hey, Jack,” Coco spoke as she poked her head in his office. “Mom needs us upstairs now. Good morning, Lorelei.” She smiled.
“Good morning.”
Jack sighed as he got up from his desk. “Lorelei, we’ll go over a few things when I get back.”
I gave him a small nod and followed him out of the office. Taking a seat at my desk, I turned on my computer. Curiosity got the best of me so I googled Paris Fashion Week and a shitload of pictures popped up with one Mr. Jack Sutton and a glamorous-looking brunette. Something inside me sparked. A touch of anger, jealousy perhaps. I didn’t really know and I didn’t like it. My mind began to fill with images of him and her in bed. Some of the pictures were of them sitting on the balcony sipping coffee in their white robes in the early morning hours overlooking the beautiful city of Paris. ‘It would have been even better if you were there’ kept playing over in my head. If he was with her the whole time, how the fuck would it have been better? I shook my head, came to my senses, and closed down the browser.
As I was trying to focus on my actual job, Jack strutted down the hall and asked me to come into his office.
“First thing on the agenda is I need you to go over to Chanel and pick up their new flap handbag in burgundy. Also pick up matching gloves and a scarf. Then you are to head over to Ralph Lauren and pick up one of their wool down men’s jackets in black. Also pick up a scarf, but make sure it has a design on it, and black leather gloves.”
“Is that all?” I asked.
“Yes. You may leave now.”
I got up from my seat, and as I was about to walk out of his office, Jack called my name.
“Oh, Lorelei, I need another box of condoms.”
I stopped dead in my tracks and didn’t turn around. “Okay.”
I bet he needed another box of condoms after his week in Paris with that skinny bitch. After Chanel and Ralph Lauren, I stopped at the drugstore and went straight to the counter.
“Hello, Lorelei.” Juan smiled.
“Hello, Juan. Mr. Sutton needs more condoms.”
“I’ll be right back.”
“Do me a favor and grab ten boxes.”
“Ten?” he asked with surprise.
“Yes.”
A few moments later, he returned with the condoms, rang them up, and bagged them. Grabbing the bag, I walked out and headed back to the office. Throwing the bags on my desk, except for the one that the condoms were in, I walked into Jack’s office, where he was having a conversation with Garrett. I dumped the bag on his desk and let all ten boxes fall upon it.
“There. Now you should be set for a while.” I turned around, said hello to Garrett, who was sitting there with a wide grin across his face, and stomped out of Jack’s office.
Chapter Fourteen
Jack
“What the fuck just happened?”
Garrett couldn’t contain his laughter. “That’s what you get for sending your assistant to buy your condoms. I guess she’s just making sure she doesn’t have to do that again for a while.”
I sighed as I picked up the boxes and placed them back in the bag.
“Is everything all set for Coco’s birthday party Friday night?”
“Yes. My mother has taken care of everything. Or should I say her assistants have. You’ll be there, right?”
“Of course. I wouldn’t miss it for the world. Are you inviting Lorelei?”
“Yes, and she better come.”
“I’m sure she will. I have a meeting. I’ll talk to you later, Jack.”
After Garrett walked out, I yelled for Lorelei to come into my office. Walking in with bags, she set them down on the table and looked at me.
“I didn’t appreciate your sense of humor as far as my condoms were concerned.”
“I wasn’t trying to be funny. I was just making sure that you were fully stocked and you didn’t have to worry about running out any time soon.”
“Whatever, Lorelei. Coco’s birthday is Friday and we’re having a birthday party for her and you’re invited. It’s at the 48 Lounge in the Theater District at seven o’clock.”
“Okay. Sounds fun.”
“Really? You can actually go?” I asked in surprise.
“Yes, Jack. It’s Coco’s birthday. I wouldn’t miss that.”
“Good. I know she really likes you and it would mean a lot to her if you were there. You can bring someone if you’d like.”
“Like who?” she asked in confusion.
“A date, perhaps?”
“I don’t have a
date. I already told you that I don’t have a boyfriend.”
“That’s right. I forgot.” I lied.
I hadn’t forgotten. I just wanted to make sure someone didn’t walk into her life while I was away in Paris. I thought about her every moment I was there. She would have loved it and I would have enjoyed spending time with her. That just meant that we would have to spend time together here in New York, starting with Coco’s birthday party.
Looking at my watch, I got up from my desk. “I have a meeting, so I’ll see you later.”
“Okay.” She gently smiled as I followed her out of my office.
****
The week went by pretty smoothly. Every time Lorelei went to lunch, she always carried an 11x14 leather-bound book of some sort in her arms. It was Friday and I decided to follow her to lunch. I saw her walk into a deli and take a seat by the window. She didn’t know I was following her, so I had to make it look like I was going to the same deli for lunch. Walking in the door, I pretended not to notice her and I placed my order for a carry out. Grabbing the bag from the counter, I turned around and tried to play it casually.
“Lorelei?” I spoke as I walked up to her table.
She quickly closed her book as she looked up at me in shock.
“Jack. What are you doing here?”
“Getting lunch.” I looked at my watch. “I have some time. Would you mind if I joined you?”
She shook her head and placed her black leather-bound book in her tote.
“Since when do you get your own lunch?” she asked with a raised brow.
“I was starving and I knew you were at lunch and I didn’t want to wait. You know I don’t like waiting for things.” I smirked. “I didn’t know you came here for lunch. I thought you always ate in Central Park.”
“It’s getting cooler now and I didn’t pack a lunch today.”
“I see. Well, this is nice, the two of us having lunch together.” I smiled.
“What are you up to, Jack?” Her face twisted.
“Nothing. Why would you ask that?”
“Because since I’ve started working for you, you have never ordered your own lunch, let alone picked it up.”
“There’s a first time for everything, isn’t there?” I grinned.
Shit. She wasn’t buying it. I could tell by the expression on her beautiful face.
“Anyway, I was thinking that I could pick you up tonight for the party.”
“Thanks, Jack, but I’ll just take a cab.”
“But, Lorelei, I insist,” I persisted.
“I’m going to my mom’s house before heading to the party. So I’ll just grab a cab.”
I sighed. She was one tough girl and I didn’t understand why. Women didn’t turn me down. EVER. I sat there and intently stared at her, trying to figure her out.
“Why are you staring at me like that?” She frowned.
“Because you’re beautiful, Lorelei, and I’m trying to figure you out.”
“There’s nothing to figure out, Jack, and thank you.”
“You’re welcome.” I looked at my watch. “Lunch is over in a few minutes. Shall we head back to the office?”
“Yes. Would you like me to stop at Starbucks for your afternoon fix?” She smiled brightly.
“Nah. I don’t need it today.”
She picked up her tote and we both walked out of the deli.
“Are you going tell me what’s in that black book you’re always carrying around?”
“No.”
I chuckled. “I didn’t think so.”
****
Lorelei
“How do I look?” I asked Hope as I did a twirl in my crème-colored sheer triple-tier baby doll dress with spaghetti straps and an under-bust corsage in light pink.
“Pretty.” She smiled. “Can you make me a dress like that? We can match.”
“I sure will.” I tapped her on the nose. “Do you have your bag packed to spend the night at Grandma and Grandpa’s?”
“Yep. It’s already waiting by the front door.”
I ran my fingers through the curled ends of my blonde hair one last time before dabbing on my Joe Malone perfume and slipping into my crème-colored heels. I grabbed Hope’s bag and we walked out the door.
Before leaving my mom’s house, I bent down and gave Hope a tight hug.
“I want you to be good for Grandma and Grandpa. They’ll bring you back home tomorrow afternoon.”
“I will, Mommy. Have fun at your party.”
“Thanks, baby.”
I took in a deep breath as I stood up and hugged my mom and Nick goodbye.
“Well, here I go.”
“You’ll have fun, sweetie, and don’t worry about Hope. We have a great night planned.”
“Thanks, Mom.”
“Tonight, you’re not a mother. Go be that young girl who always liked to have a good time.”
“I will.” I gently smiled.
I climbed into the cab that was waiting at the curb and headed to the party.
Chapter Fifteen
Lorelei
My stomach was a bundle of nerves as I entered the 48 Lounge. Why? I wasn’t sure. It wasn’t like I didn’t know anyone. Then I saw him, Jack Sutton, leaning against the bar and talking to some woman, smiling and laughing. My stomach fluttered, but something more crept up inside me. If he was talking to someone I knew from the office, the feeling wouldn’t exist. But she wasn’t from the office and she wasn’t someone I knew. I didn’t come here tonight for him. I came for Coco. He was just the added bonus. Why the hell was I even thinking that?
I walked the opposite way from the bar to avoid him when I saw Coco sitting on one of the couches, talking to Franny. Her face lit up when she saw me.
“Oh my God, you came!” she exclaimed as she got up and gave me a hug.
“Happy birthday, Coco.” I handed her the small, pink glittery bag I had brought.
“Look at that dress. Turn around.” She smiled. “Which designer? It looks like a Betsy Johnson design.”
I laughed. “I made it. I guess you could call it a Lorelei Couture.”
“You made this? Seriously? You designed and made this dress yourself?” She put her hand on her hip as she held her drink in her other.
“Yes.” I smiled as I nodded my head.
“It’s fabulous. I had no idea you designed clothes. Mother!” Coco yelled and held up her hand, waving Kit over.
“Yes, darling.”
“Look at this dress Lorelei is wearing. She designed and made it herself.”
Kit looked me up and down and then reached out and felt the fabric of my dress.
“Beautiful. Simply beautiful.” She smiled. “You have quite a talent, Lorelei.”
“Thank you.”
Coco took me by the hand. “Come on; let’s go get you a drink,” she spoke as she led me over to the bar.
Before we reached the bar, Jack looked up and his eyes locked onto mine. My heart started to beat rapidly as I saw the corners of his mouth curve up into a handsome smile. My belly flipped a couple of times and, suddenly, I felt like a high school girl all over again. When we reached the bar, he left the woman he was talking to and walked over to where we were standing.
“You look stunning.” He smiled.
His woodsy man scent filled up my personal space and the ache between my legs hit hard.
“Thank you.”
“Is this another Lorelei creation?” he asked.
“Yes. It is.”
“I highly approve.” He winked.
I gulped.
“Doesn’t she look gorgeous?” Coco asked him as she handed me a cosmopolitan.
“She sure does.” His sultry glare burned into me.
“Please excuse me,” Coco spoke. “It looks like Joshua needs rescuing.”
Jack rolled his eyes as she walked away.
“So who’s your date?” I asked.
“What do you mean?”
“That woman over there you w
ere talking to.” I pointed.
“She’s not my date. She’s Coco’s friend. I’ve known her since she was twelve years old.”
Oops. I assumed and I shouldn’t have. Nope. I should have because he was Jack Sutton. But my whole attitude and mood changed when he said that. There was a part of me that was pleased he wasn’t here with a date.
Jack leaned against the bar and wouldn’t stop staring at me. It was sort of making me uncomfortable.
“Why are you staring at me like that?” I asked with a small smile.
“Because you’re incredibly beautiful and I can’t seem to take my eyes off you.”
My cheeks became heated as I looked down at my drink. He was my boss and he shouldn’t be saying those things to me.
“Jack, you’re my boss. I don’t think you’re allowed to say those things.”
“Not tonight I’m not. Tonight, I am just a man and you are a beautiful woman with whom I’m having a conversation.” He smiled and my panties became a little wetter.
I finished off my cosmopolitan and signaled the bartender for another. When I turned around, Garrett was standing next to Jack.
“Good evening, Lorelei. You look beautiful.”
“Thank you, Garrett.”
“Doesn’t she?” Jack grinned.
I took note of the glare that Garrett gave him.
“Do you mind if I steal him away for a moment?” Garrett asked.
“No. Go right ahead. I’m just going to mix and mingle for a bit.” I smiled as I got up from the barstool and walked away.
****
Jack
“What the hell, Garrett?” I asked in irritation.
“We have a problem, Jack.”
“What is it?”
“Lindsey, Bradley’s secretary, told me that he has been embezzling money from the company. She found some documents he left on his desk. When she tried to ask him about it, she said he became nervous. So I started to do some digging. Sutton Magazine is in real trouble. Bills haven’t been paid in months and creditors are threatening to sue.”
“Does my mother know about this?”
“No. I came to you first. He’s already embezzled over eight million dollars. Do you know what will happen if this gets out to the press?”
“Where the fuck is he?” I asked in anger.
“That’s the problem. Nobody knows. Lindsey said he hasn’t been in the past couple of days and he hasn’t called. When she tried to reach him, his cellphone was disconnected.”