Warning, this story is 18+
This book is finished and a synopsis has been sent to a publisher for review and possible publishing. If you like what you've read thus far leave a review at www.LesliesBookStore.com.
Chapter One
Staring at his gold watch Philip Thyler tapped it impatiently, a frown on his scarred face. He was supposed to be showing a three-bedroom apartment to a young couple who were now five minutes late. Instead, he stood outside the brick triplex in his navy blue, casual business attire. Birds chirped in the branches overhead.
The sound of giggling drew his attention and he looked up, the bright sun blinding him. A pair of lovers walked by but it wasn’t them, he’d been stood up. Grumbling in frustration, he headed down the walkway to his Hybrid Luxury Sedan, not even taking a second look at the beautiful assortment of flowers framing the front lawn. Curiosity got the better of him however and he parked across the street.
Another five minutes had passed before they showed up, baby in tow, looking about nervously. As well they should. With a sneer of contempt, he squealed off. He could feel their eyes on his car. If they wanted it that badly they should have arrived on time.
After a second thought, he rounded the block and returned but they’d disappeared. Was he being too harsh? No. Besides, it wasn’t his problem. Making his way to the busy street ahead, he contemplated what to do – Movie, music? The rumbling in his stomach told him, lunch.
He sped to his favorite restaurant, Mitsy’s, a quiet place near his apartment complex and a couple of blocks from his home. Pulling the sleek silver vehicle into the near empty lot, he could just make out the form of his favorite waitress walking past a tinted window. Parking at the front of the stone building, he exited quickly, shoving the keys in his pocket, refraining from the sly grin trying to form.
Stretching his tall muscular body, he entered the establishment, scanning the dimly lit interior. A tiny, well-developed brunette approached him. Heat flooded low, a new employee.
“Are you ready to be seated?” her voice came out as soft and small as she appeared.
“Why yes ma’am, park me anywhere you wish.” He smiled that crooked smile he knew made most women blush.
She was no exception.
“Right this way sir.” She cooed, leading him to a table in the center of the picturesque room.
Wooden walls surrounded him, covered with art.
“I hope it’s no bother but I’d like to sit in that seat over there.” He requested, pointing to the table in the far left corner.
At her confused, hurt expression, he curled his lip seductively, placing a hand gently on her arm as he leaned in.
“It’s a better view.” He whispered, leaning back and winking.
He could see the heat in her eyes and finished.
“If you don’t mind that is.” He gave her arm a tender squeeze.
“As you wish.” She agreed, leading. His hand found the small of her back.
Noticing her slight shiver he grinned. Easy pickings. Before she left him he had her name and number.
Way to be smooth, Casanova. He praised himself.
Moments later his favorite waitress arrived, as he knew she would, to take his order.
“Will it be the usual Mr. Thyler?”
“Yes, spaghetti with meatballs, tossed salad and a cola.”
“Coming right up.” She said walking away.
She wasn’t like the others. She never fell for his flatteries. Quiet, attentive, willing to listen and generous were only a few words he’d use to describe her. After going there for so long he knew who was new and who worked when. She was definitely something else.
Occasionally she’d bring him a treat like a free dessert, an extra serving of meatballs or a gift certificate towards a new suit. What he didn’t get however, was a phone number, flirtatious gesture or word, nothing. If he hadn’t seen her treat the other customers the same way with the tips they gave her he’d think he was getting special treatment. There’d been times when he’d wondered at her sexual preferences until months ago when he’d seen her kissing a man in an intimate fashion.
She was a natural beauty, not even a drop of lipstick on her, and gorgeous tangles of waist long, dark curly waves her hair tie could not hide. Her voluptuous body was obvious beneath the sheer black of her near transparent shirt and pant uniform. She was a vision.
From what he could see she was the kind of girl every man’s mother would want their son to take home. She was patient, kind, generous and obviously far from easy, most likely a virgin. Being twenty-six, he’d been around the block enough times to pick up on these things.
A woman cooing a baby nearby reminded him of his own and he stared blankly, his mind drawing memories of his painful childhood. A soft feminine voice broke into his revelry.
“If you can keep a secret I’ll bring you a piece of extra fudge cheesecake for dessert.” Jessica whispered.
Raising his head, his blood pooled.
Damn, she was hot and without even trying!
She smiled when he nodded in agreement.
He swallowed hard as she bent to place the well-spiced dish before him, the aroma stealing into his nostrils delightfully. Before she rose, he caught a glimpse of her generous bounty. If it were anyone else, he would have said something already.
With her, he had tried and failed miserably. Though it happened now and again with women, unlike the others she never returned a snide remark, not even a look of disgust. Actually, she was somewhat and inexplicably hard on herself. She didn’t seem depressed however, it was always matter-of-factly.
Despite his past failures, he opted to try again. He simply couldn’t resist. She just looked so cute when trying not to blush.
“Are you sure you wouldn’t want to come home with me? I bet you’d make a delightful breakfast.”
“Now why would you want to waste your time on me? I can’t cook. Besides, you could have anyone you want. I’d just be a bore.”
Looking into her soft hazel eyes, he detected a hint of sadness. Lost love maybe, or a recent breakup? He didn’t have a chance to find out since she cut into his thoughts.
“You just eat that up and I’ll be back with your dessert.” She smiled, retreating hastily.
This was new. For the years he’d been eating here she’d never looked so down. He wanted to kick himself for noticing and probably would have if it hadn’t reminded him so much of someone. A strong woman never cried and this one came across as solid his mother, but he knew all too well everyone had their breaking point.
“How could you do this to me? For God’s sake Antoine, look at your son!”
He jerked his head toward the sound of a toddler crying. Shaking his head, he forced the memory away. It was the past, a life no longer his he repeated to himself in thought, stabbing a ball of meat on his plate.
He kept a watchful eye on Jessica, his favored waitress, trying desperately to figure out what she had on him and why it wouldn’t let him go. Polishing off the last of his plate the woman brought his dessert – like clockwork. She may not be perfect, but her effort to fix all problems was an admirable quality. He felt as though he could trust her, unlike the rest of the world. The rest of the world would eat him alive.
“My appointment didn’t show on time.” He confided upon her return.
“That’s too bad. I hope it works out next time.” She offered, her face expressing genuine sincerity.
Knowing he shouldn’t, he couldn’t help but open up to her once more.
“I was across the street ten minutes later and they were arriving. I saw they had a baby… but they shouldn’t have been late. It’s a waste of my time and very rude.” He persisted, his frustration loosed.
He saw the disapproving look in her eyes but knew she wasn’t one to step out of bounds.
“Well, maybe, but perhaps they had a good reason? They could have been waiting for a babysitter that didn’t show, or got detained. It doesn’t mean they’re bad people. It might be worth it to give them another chance. If they are serious about it, they’ll be willing to try again. Why lose a month or more worth of rent if they’re willing to take it? Surely it couldn’t hurt?” she calmly stated.
“I guess…,” he conceded.
She definitely had heart. That’s something that stood out in everything she did. He’d noticed she’d extend such a warmth and courtesy that surpassed anything he knew. She was patient with people long after he’d have lost his nerve.
“Things will work out.” She offered.
He stared as her chest lowered while she poured him another glass of cola.
“Let me know if there’s anything else you need.” She said with a toothy grin, carrying the empty dishes away.
He was a loner and she was the closest thing to a friend he had. She was none intrusive, quiet, didn’t over react and was a pleasant person to be around. She was a mystery, an enigma, a captivating secret he needed to uncover in so many ways…
Shoving the last delicious creamy morsel in his mouth, he waved for his bill. Once paid, he left a fifty beneath the plate for his preferred waitress. A generous tip no doubt, but she was a rarity and ever since his lucky break he could afford it. Marching steadily toward the exit, a tiny brunette stopped him.
“You will call me, won’t you?” her tiny voice pleaded.
Grabbing her firm derriere, he pulled her against him, causing her to gasp in delight.
“Absolutely.” He whispered temptingly in her ear, all while he thought no one was watching.
Her shiver was unmistakable. He smiled. He could feel her hungry eyes on his back as he left, flaring his ego anew.
Mind wandering, he didn’t notice the swerving car behind him as he stopped at the lights. The sudden jerking shook him up horribly. Tightness and pain in his chest was unbearable as the tires screeched on the pave. Before he knew it the frame hit the pole across the street, leaving him sandwiched.
Shakily he managed to undo the seatbelt and crawl out. His body numb, head aching, he barely registered the feel of the road beneath his hands. His head lifted weakly to see the car backing quickly, the man behind the glass drinking from a bottle. He didn’t have time to blink when the metallic blue sports car rushed toward him. After that was darkness.
Pain stole into the lightlessness and he opened his eyes, finding himself in a white room surrounded by a curtain and three beds. All was white, even his bed sheet. Peering to his left, he noticed the wooden bedside table.
Attempting to sit, the aching in his head and body was too much and he fell once more. Images flooded his questioning mind. The process was sheer agony as he remembered what had happened.
Something about the driver was familiar but it eluded him at the moment. A passing nurse entered, smiling.
“Mr. Thyler, I’m so glad you’re awake.”
Noticing her taught, soft form beneath the tight, white uniform, her golden hair and piercing blue eyes, he grinned.
“And if I may say, I’m absolutely grateful you’re the first one I’ve seen since I woke up.” He bugged, noticing her wedding band – not that it mattered.
“Thank you.” She replied, a slightly brighter shade of pink.
“My pleasure.” He winked, suddenly feeling much better.
Clearing her throat, she got right to the point.
“I’m sorry to say the accident has left you with a fractured femur and radius but you’ll be fine. As soon as the doctor arrives, you’ll have a cast put on them. Until then relax. We’ll take good care of you.”
Before she could leave, he couldn’t resist one last quip.
“My goodness ma’am, you’re quite dedicated to your work, aren’t you?”
“I am.” She said in all seriousness.
He suppressed a grin.
“I know I don’t have much to offer a comely woman such as yourself but I would like to give you something – like a coffee later?”
She hesitated.
“Or not… I just think a hard-working woman such as you doesn’t always get the appreciation deserved. I don’t want to be an ungrateful patient…” he taunted her.
She stormed to his side, leaning over him, her assets no longer so well hidden.
“I’m a married woman.” She scolded him but he played dumb.
“I’m sorry! He’s one lucky guy. I must say, if you weren’t I’d steal you in a heartbeat. I probably still would, if you’d let me.” He purred, sending an unmistakable quiver to her spine.
Bingo.
“Don’t think you can trick me…”
“Never, but I would love to give you something you’ve been missing. You can’t tell me he hasn’t neglected some of your desires, your needs.” He tempted her heatedly.
He could see the wheels turning in her head and before she could think he had her legs spread, bent over the counter in the washroom. The stinging on his body only added to the moment as he drove her to a panting climax yet he was careful not to aggravate his injuries. It was a miracle nobody noticed her missing and when all was done he had her cell number.
An hour had passed before the doctor arrived. There was little chatter while the man fitted him, fixed him up and sent him home by cab. Sitting on the black leather couch minutes later, he looked about his spacious living room. After some consideration, he picked up his cellular phone, called the tiny brunette and she came right over.
Ignoring the flat screen, he instead played some soft rock on his Five Disc CD player. As usual, the night ended in his favor. He decided that until the cast was removed, he’d call the women in his directory who wouldn’t hesitate to provide for his carnal needs, lifted weights to keep his shape, watch all his action movies and play all his favorite heavy metal music.
Pacing the brightly lit hall, she chewed her thumbnail fervently. It was the second time since after her parents had visited that day that she’d been here and it nearly killed her to work but there was nothing she could do. She felt helpless.
She’d been waiting for what seemed an eternity to find out what was going to happen and after the call she knew that time was up. She’d been home from work only a half hour when the phone rang. A tall dark-haired man in a white robe approached. The expression on his face was far from encouraging.
“Miss Harper?”
“Yes?”
His lip twitched, she held her breath, trying unsuccessfully to keep her rapidly beating heart under control.
“There’s no easy way to say this…” he hesitated.
There was no need for him to speak the words – his sympathetic eyes told her plainly. Fighting impatience, she kept silent, waiting for him to talk, eyes ready to burst.
“Your parents’ injuries were too severe, we couldn’t save them.”
Tears refused containment as she collapsed on the blue chair against the wall. She wiped them away.
“You’ll be contacted later so that arrangements can be made.” His voice let out soothingly.
Swallowing the lump in her throat, she stood on wobbly legs and dragged her heavy feeling frame in the nearby room, seeing what used to be her parents covered head to toe with white sheets. The doctor followed some distance behind. She felt numb.
“There’s nothing you can do now.” He spoke in a hushed tone, gently leading her out.
***
“What do you mean you can’t come!” she shouted on the phone hours later.
The male voice on the other end seemed distant and cold. Didn’t he get it?
“Don’t you understand? Mom and dad are dead! The funeral is this weekend and I…I can’t do it all on my own. Bring sis with you!”
A knock on the door stole her attention.
“Just come, please. I have to go.” Without another word, she hung up, dragging her feet to the large wooden door, wishing she’d stayed on the couch instead.
Her blood ran cold.
“What do you want now, haven’t you gotten enough?” she demanded.
The tall dark-haired man walked past her, his sneakers squeaking on the hardwood floor.
“Babe, I’m sorry. I heard about what happened and I did some serious thinking and well…”
How had he known so soon? Who could have told him? No matter, he wasn’t staying. She’d see to that.
“Well nothing!” She burst out angrily. “You used me. You promised me you’d never hurt me, that we’d one day get married, you lied to me!” the slamming in her chest was too much.
“Get out of my home, now!”
“Sweety, please. It’s been three months, that’s how long I’ve been thinking of you and I know I’ve made a terrible mistake. I should never have done that to you, I’m sorry.” He spoke softly, his finger grazing her jaw.
Ignoring the lure of his powerful stature she backed away, rage consuming her.
“You told me you’d never use me and then you broke your word. What happened, your new girl friend was too boring for you? Did you find out she wasn’t worth cheating on me with after all?”
“What?”
“Forget it, take your lies elsewhere and get out before I call the cops.”
Blood boiling she shoved with all her might, making him stumble backwards through the doorway. Slamming the door, she turned the deadbolt before rushing toward the ratty blue couch.
“This isn’t over.” She heard him say through the door. Was there a threat in his voice?
That was one secret she wished she could forget. She’d lost her virginity at a later age than her peers, last year, and yet she regretted that one time. She was grateful she hadn’t become pregnant. Her parents would’ve killed her.
She wanted to save herself for marriage, a rare quality that her parents had tried so hard to drill into her and she thought she’d found ‘the one’. The mistake had cost her her dignity, amongst other things. The shiver in her spine resulting from what was etched in his voice told her things were only going to get worse.
All of this was too much. She needed to relax. Making her way steadily, she got to the bathroom, running a bubble bath. Removing her matching black pants and blouse, she sank beneath the steaming lather, taking in the delicious scent of strawberries and cream. Eyes closed, she refused to get out until after the water had cooled and her emotions had reduced to a dull ache.
Days passed, the funeral proceeded as good as could be expected, followed by the wake. All the while, she could only blame herself. If she hadn’t invited them to visit none of this would have happened. The scene replayed itself in her mind. The swerving car as it veered off the road, her father opening the door for her mother, her own blood-curling scream; it was like a horrible nightmare that refused to go away.
“Jessica, I’m sorry for your loss.” A neighbor said, pulling her from the painful images, placing a gentle hand on her arm.
“Thank you.”
With that, the friendly invitee walked off. The rest of the evening, the many guests ate and drank, reminiscing. Her regrets festered horribly. Nothing would ever be the same again.
The return to work was agony. She refused to tell anyone other than her best friend but had the feeling they could read her. She’d chosen her day off for the funeral the week before, hoping she could keep things secret. She was friendly but didn’t open up to everyone, feeling some things should be kept to one’s self.
The only one she ever chummed around with was the new girl, Sydney. She had very few friends she could talk to and she and Sydney Calloway had become like best friends. The only problem she had with her friend was her flirting with one of the regulars but she gave herself a mental kick. Attractive as the guy was, she wouldn’t dare to trust another man again.
One week turned to two, and then three and the memories would not let her go. Neither would Marcus, her ex boyfriend. She ignored him the best she could, even though he would show up at the restaurant, harassing her, abashing her horribly. Calling her everyday, he was incessant. When it would get overbearing she would pick up her bible and read, one of the few things that gave her peace of mind. It helped to remind her that her problems were only temporary.