Chapter 14

Lorali

Join him for a flower? How do you join someone for a flower?

Why is he seeking me out? Did he not get a big enough thrill the other night? Ugh! I can’t help but feel like the prey in a sadistic game of cat and mouse. The chase is always fun and exhilarating but in the end the mouse always ends up eaten.

Mmmm….eaten! Yes please!

Stop it Lorali! Get your shit together. No way can I “join him” if I have no way to know what I’m joining or where it’ll even be!

While staring at the “invitation” and ticket in my hand I hear my cell phone chime out a text alert. I grab my phone from my center desk drawer and open the window. I don’t recognize the number, but open it to access the text.

Unknown: I hope you say yes.

What the hell? Hold on…surely not.

Me: I’ve no idea who this is, so I must decline and say no.

Unknown: I have it on good authority that my package was recently hand delivered to you.

Ian!

Me: I wish your package was hand delivered to me!

What the hell am I thinking I can’t send that! How in the hell did he get my number?

I delete the provocative text and send my question directly to him.

Ian: I made a few phones calls it wasn’t as hard as it should’ve been!

Me: So you easily got it? From who?

Ian: I called the paper and mentioned to a lady that answered the phone that I met a beautiful young lady and just had to get in touch with her again. She provided it willingly, and rather quickly!

So now I have to worry about people at work just handing out my personal information. I don’t have time for this mess!

Me: Did you get her name? It seems we have a personnel issue that needs to be addressed.

Ian: I didn’t, but in her defense I did lay on the charm pretty thick. Most women find me irresistible. She did mutter under her breath while she was looking for your number. Provided me with some valuable information.

I’m staring down at my phone appalled that someone hasn’t only given out my number, but has told this complete stranger no telling what else!

I refuse to respond to him. I can tell he’s trying to goad me into asking him what was said and I’ll not fall for it; however, if I know what was said then maybe I can determine which one of the ladies in the call center disclosed my phone number.

Before I can even type out my inquisition, my phone chimes again.

Ian: Whoever it was, was quite glad that someone was calling for you since it’s been ages since you had any type of social life and I quote “Or a man for that matter.”

Betsy!

That nosey old lady has been on me for as long as I can remember to go out and find a man. According to her old ass I’m getting ‘on up in years’ and if I don’t get a move on then I’ll be well past my prime. She’s seriously concerned I’ll end up a cat lady, sitting in a chair rocking away, alone. I’ve assured her numerous times that’s not even a possibility since I’m highly allergic to the things!

Me: Well that old bat needs to mind her business!

Ian: Like I said, irresistible, even to “old bats!” Will you join me for Orchid?

Hell yes! But I know I can’t! As much as I’d love a little diversion in my life right now there’s no way I’m going to get involved in whatever fast one he’s trying to pull off here.

Me: Sorry I’m busy that day.

Ian: You don’t even know what day it is.

Me: I’m busy every day, so therefore I’m busy on that day.

Ian: May I call you to discuss it? Perhaps I can convince you to clear your schedule for a few hours.

Me: My schedule is pretty set in stone, but if you must.

Call me! Who even talks on the phone anymore! I wait for my cell to ring, but before it does my office phone rings. Saved by the bell, I’ll ignore his call when it comes through. Work comes first starting now. No more distractions by smoking hot billionaires!

“Lorali Benn…”

“Your sultry voice gives me cold chills, even over the phone.” He called my office!

I nearly drop the receiver, because in all honesty his voice affects my body as well. The hairs on the back of my neck stand up, my nipples harden instantly, and I feel the most nagging urge to shift in my chair. I clench my thighs together.

“Lorali?” I realize I haven’t said a word.

“Y…yes?” In less than a minute, even with a higher education including a 4.0 GPA, this man has turned me into a stammering idiot.

“Will you join me for Orchid?” His voice is pure sex, all gravely and deep.

“Why did you call my office phone?” I’ve no other recourse for avoiding his question. I mean I know the answer, because seriously, who would ever turn this man down?

“I thought it’d look rather unprofessional for you to be sitting at your desk on your cell phone.” His explanation makes perfect sense and also hints at a level of respect for my professional reputation. Guess there’s a first time for everything.

I huff into the phone.

“What?” He questions.

“You were none too worried about appearances when we nearly fucked in the bathroom corridor!” I. Cannot. Believe. That. Just. Left. My. Mouth!

I can hear him laughing quietly on the other end of the line.

“You find that amusing Mr. Hale?” Does he not remember Saturday night the same way I do? Of course he doesn’t. He’s not affected by me at all. Part of his sick game I remind myself.

“What I find amusing is Ms. Bennett, is that you think I have any more control over myself when I’m around you than you do!” He answers very matter of fact, all hints of humor gone.

I let that sink in. So he what…finds me irresistible? Of course not! Super, smoking hot Ian Hale has super models and perfectly primped beauties falling over themselves to get a few minutes with him. But I’m once again reminded of his words “And yet, I’m here with you.”

I may combust, right here at my desk. I know exactly where the epicenter of the fire would be… my panties!

“Lorali?” I’ve apparently wandered off in my own head again.

“Hmm?’ The only response I can think of right now because for the life of me, I can’t remember what we were talking about.

“I was nowhere near fucking you in the hallway. We were merely making acquaintances.” His voice is low and seductive.

Holy shit! The thought of him being a friend with benefits rushes unbidden through my mind.

“Well if that’s what you call it then I’d think we’re certainly acquainted with one another.” That may have been the fastest I’ve ever acquainted myself with anyone, but I’m sure it’s a regular thing for Mr. Ian May I Please Drop My Panties for You Hale.

“We’re nowhere near acquainted with each other, hence my invitation to Orchid.” He says. I can hear the smile in his voice. He’s very well aware of how much he’s affecting me.

“I may be busy but I’m curious as to what Orchid is.” The invitation gives absolutely nothing away.

“It’s an art show featuring the work of Jody J.” He explains.

“Never heard of him and we have no invitation for The Courier to even cover that event.” I’m quickly typing Jody J into my search engine.

“Not him…her. And I can’t imagine that you would’ve heard of her. You wouldn’t have received an invitation; this isn’t the type of event The Courier would cover.” He's very elusive, giving nothing away.

My search for Jody J has brought up only one result. I click on the link, but the web page stops dead in its tracks after the first click. The only thing on the screen is a prompt for a password. What the hell?

“What type of art show is it?” This whole situation is getting weird. Why the secrecy?

“You’ll have to accompany me to find out, Lorali.” My name on his lips is one of the most erotic sounds I can ever remember hearing. I turn it on replay in my head which of course makes me squirm even more in my seat. What is it about this man that makes him have this much of a physical effect on me? It’s been way too long. Nosey Betsy and Alexa are right! I need a man. Had I not allowed my sexual drought to last this long, I’d have more defenses against him and his never ending charm.

“So, will you?” He's ridiculously patient in his perusal, which hints at his ability to do it for a while without giving up. Like I thought earlier, the chase is always fun.

Do I let him chase me? I know I want him to chase me. I’m terrified of how I’ll handle the aftermath when the chase is over, and he’s done with me. But if I play and don’t allow myself to be caught I could be in for one hell of a ride.

“When’s the show?” I can hear the air leave his lungs like he was holding his breath.

“Tomorrow evening. So you’ll join me?” He suddenly sounds younger, as if he’s not sure of my answer.

“Only because you have me intrigued. What’s the dress code for this secretive event?” I inwardly hope something I bought Sunday will work. The art show is tomorrow which would leave me with no time to shop for something different.

“I think casual elegance would work. I’ll pick you up at your house at eight?”

“Eight o’clock is fine, but don’t you need my address?” I question.

“Nope. Betsy was very forthcoming.” And before I can reply about my personal information just being handed around, I get “Oh and Lorali? I can’t wait to get even more acquainted with you.”

The line goes dead.

Fuck. Me. Running. I don’t know if I’ll survive Ian Hale, one run in at a laundromat, one steamy make out session in a dark hall, and one brief phone call and I’m about to combust.

I’ll never get to sleep tonight after that. I smile, remembering the batteries I grabbed from the pharmacy after shopping yesterday.