Chapter Eight
NOT IN A MILLION YEARS did I think I would ever see Randal Muller again, the man who had been there the day I had an epiphany and left Robert. He looked good, really good, just like the day I met him. He was wearing a dark suit, a smile, and then his lips moved.
“Huh?” I asked, flushed and then said, “Sorry, um, pardon?”
He chuckled. “I said, I would have never thought to see you here tonight, but I’m glad I have.” He quickly glanced around, with his brows pinched. “Is Robert here with you?”
Shaking my head, I licked my dry lips. His eyes went there, and again my cheeks heated. “No, I’m here with my boss. I mean, he’s at a dinner meeting, and I’m here to take notes.”
He smiled. “You got a job, that’s great. Where are you working?”
Just as I was about to tell him, the bartender called, “What can I get you?”
I glanced over the bar and smiled. “Can I get two stouts, one champagne, any kind, a scotch, dry, no ice, and a mineral water please?” Looking to Randal, I asked, “Sorry, did you want anything?”
“No, I’m good.”
The bartender went to get the drinks, and I turned back to Randal. “Am I keeping you from a date?”
He smirked, his hand gently taking hold on my elbow. “No, I actually had a business meeting myself.” He glanced around quickly and then leaned in closer to say, “I honestly thought Robert didn’t want you to get a job.”
Biting my bottom lip, I looked to the floor and then to Randal. I let out a sigh and admitted into his ear, “He wouldn’t have, but… I left him.” I was surprised at how easy it was to tell Randal, but I was sure what helped was the fact he didn’t seem to like my ex that day either.
His pulled his head back to meet my stare. “Really?”
“Yes.” I nodded.
He hummed under his breath and then leaned in again. Only that time, I stiffened. I wasn’t sure why, but for some reason I didn’t want him too close, suddenly feeling awkward. He said, “I’m glad you did, Makenzie. I wasn’t a fan of the way he was talking to you.”
I didn’t know what to say, so I shrugged. My heart suddenly felt like it was taking a dive off the highest tower.
“That’ll be forty-five sixty,” the bartender interrupted.
Once I had added them to the table’s tab, I glanced back to Randal, who had shifted back, releasing my arm to see his eyes raking up my body slowly. When he met my gaze, he grinned. Not fazed he’d been caught checking me out. I swallowed nervously, confused as hell why he’d bother checking me out.
“You never did say where you’re working now.”
“She works for me,” came a gruff voice from behind me.
My whole body tensed. I watched Randal’s eyes shift from me to Grayson, who stood close, as in really close, behind me.
His arm came around, held out toward Randal. “Grayson Jackson, and you are?”
Randal took Grayson’s hand and shook, then said, “Randal Muller. I had the pleasure of meeting Makenzie a few weeks ago.”
Grayson grunted. “And I have the pleasure of having her as my assistant at Jackson’s Media.”
“Ah, music man. Right. I’m an architect.”
“Right.”
What in the heck is going on?
Did Grayson move an inch closer?
I wasn’t positive, but the fact his body heat warmed me was a good indication.
“Kenzie,” Grayson’s low, growly voice said right near my ear. Oh, God. He shortened my name. That was the first time he’d done it. “We’ve wrapped up the business deal. It’s time to order food so we can get home.”
My eyes widened.
Did he just insinuate what I thought he had?
“You live together?” Randal asked. His voice, no longer pleasant, held an edge to it.
“We do,” Grayson answered.
“Not like that,” I rushed out and then laughed nervously. “I mean, yes, we live together, but I’m his assistant. If he has a need for me, I’m there, at his beck and call.” Shit, I was making things worse. From the heat in my cheeks, I was sure they were aflame and had spiked the room’s temperature by at least fifteen degrees. Grayson grunted behind me only it was different from his usual one; he sounded amused.
“I’m sure.” Randal snorted.
“Wait, it’s not like that. He had all his past assistants stay at his apartment. I work for him, but I sleep in a different area than him. Besides, he has a girlfriend, Harpy.” I gasped. “I mean Harper. Her name is Harper, and she’s really beautiful. She’s a supermodel. All gorgeous and skinny and… nothing like me.” I let off a nervous laugh. “I mean come on, I’m not his type at all and—” I need to shut up. “It was nice to see you again, Randal, but I had better get these drinks back.” I picked up the tray beside me.
“Makenzie,” Randal called, and I looked to him. He was now smiling. “Here.” I watched his hand place a card on the tray. “If you want to get a coffee sometime, just call me.” It was then he leaned in, ignoring the grumble behind us from my boss, and kissed my cheek. Then he whispered, “You may not be his type, but you are mine.” He stepped back, took in my shocked face, chuckled, and walked off.
I couldn’t move. I was honestly flabbergasted. Randal Muller had said I was his type. He wanted to get coffee. With me.
My hands shook, making the drinks rattle.
“Goddamn it, let me take it,” Grayson clipped, and took the tray from me. I stared blankly up at him; he was studying me. “You didn’t expect him to ask you out?”
My head jerked back. “Well, no.”
“Even after all the flirting he was doing?”
Tilting my head to the side, I asked, “He was?” I had thought, but I wasn’t positive.
His jaw clenched. “Jesus,” he bit out with a shake of his head. “Come on.” He turned on his heels and stalked back to the table.
“Finally,” Harper cried. As soon as I sat down, she asked, “What took you so long? God, you can’t even do one simple, quick task, you take—”
“Sorry about that, I got caught with an old friend. Oh good, here comes the waiter, I’m ready to order. Anyone else hungry?”
“Sure am, darlin’. Talkin’ business can make anyone hungry.” Monty grinned at me. “Looks like you’ll be seein’ us around a bit. Grayson’s decided to give Ethe a chance.”
“Oh, that’s great.” I smiled.
Ethan winked. “I think you being around will make the move to the city worthwhile.”
Grayson’s grunt was loud enough for us to all hear. “I doubt you’ll see her actually.”
“We’ll see,” Ethan replied with a shrug.
What was going on? Both Ethan and Randal seemed to be flirting with me; at least I thought they were. God, never in a million years did I think something like that would happen. I wasn’t ugly, but I did have extra weight compared to women like Harper, and I was sure I embarrassed myself every time I spoke. Or… “Do I have a sign on my forehead saying I haven’t had sex in years, please flirt with me?” Not that I minded, the attention was sweet, something I hadn’t had in such a long time. So long I didn’t know how to take it or act about it or actually believe it.
Suddenly, Monty burst out in a guffawing laugh. Ethan chuckled and said, “Not that I can see.”
Grayson choked on his drink, enough that it spurted out of his mouth landing on the table. Next, he was coughing.
Harper was just glaring at me.
My hand went over my mouth. I turned my wide eyes to Monty and whispered, “Did I say that aloud?”
“You sure did, sweetheart.”
My whole body flushed. “I am so sorry. I was sure I said it in my head. Still, that was no way to speak in front of clients.”
“I don’t mind, you, uncle?” Ethan said, his mouth in a big smile.
Monty scoffed. “Not at all. Hell, made the night, I reckon.”
Shaking my head, I moved my eyes to the table and said, “No, it wasn’t right. Please forgive me.” I looked up to Monty and Ethan. “Sometimes my mouth has a mind of its own. I’m trying to curb it. My husband hated it when it happened. In fact, he—”
“You’re married?” Ethan asked.
“Well, no, we split a few weeks ago—”
He winked. “That’s good to know.”
Shifting uncomfortably in the seat, I looked out into the restaurant and saw a waiter. Quickly, I waved him over, “Oh look, a waiter. Let’s order.” So we can eat, and I can go home to die of humiliation. I was too scared to look at my boss. What I had said was so inappropriate I was terrified it had cost me my job.
So throughout the rest of dinner, I ate, talked with Monty and Ethan, while Grayson added his bit here and there. Though, when he did, I never glanced his way and Harper seemed to be pouting for some reason in the corner. Complaining of this and that while she did it. Her soup was too cold, her steak too raw, the lighting was too dim.
Thank God for Monty and Ethan. They kept the night fun for me.
We were all standing outside waiting for our cars when Ethan asked, “Makenzie, would you like a lift home?”
“Oh, um, thank you—”
“Won’t be necessary, she lives with me.”
Sighing, I palmed my forehead. Not this conversation again.
Harper laughed loudly. “She may live in the same apartment, but not exactly with you, silly.” She looked to Ethan, and added, “They’re on opposites sides of the home.” She curled her hand in the crook of Grayson’s elbow. “Grayson has always liked his help close so they can deal with the menial things.”
Ethan snorted. “Sure, sugar.” Looking back to me, he rolled his eyes. I stifled a giggle. “I guess I’ll see you at work,” he said and then leaned in. That was when I got my second cheek kiss that night.
I took hold of his arm, so he stayed close, and I whispered, “I think you’re really handsome and I love that you think I deserve your attention, but you’re young enough to be my baby brother.”
“Let’s go with stepbrother at least. Then the flirting won’t feel too taboo.” He kissed my cheek again. “You deserve a lot of attention, Makenzie.”
“Ethan,” Monty called from their truck.
Ethan grinned. “See you soon.” He turned, shook Grayson’s hand, said something, and then, completely ignoring Harper, he got in the truck and they disappeared.
Let the awkwardness begin.
Thank God our limousine was the next to come forward. Grayson had the door open before the driver even got out of the car. Harper climbed in first and then Grayson turned to me, his brow raised.
“Ah, you can go next.”
“Makenzie,” was all he said.
“No really, you hop on in.”
“Makenzie.” My name was growled low.
Rolling my eyes, I went over to the car and climbed in, moving to the left so Grayson could sit next to Harper, which he did, once he was in.
Glancing out the corner of my eyes, I saw Grayson lean forward and press some button. “Bill, could you take us to 25 Rowe Street first, please?”
“Certainly, sir.”
“But I thought I was staying at your place tonight,” Harper whined.
“After showing up uninvited when you knew I had a business meeting and then the way you acted tonight, I think not.”
Oh. My. God!
The tension in the car was the highest I had ever felt. A need to change the subject, or even to do something filled me.
“Sooo, how about them Dodgers? Been playing a good game this season. At least the weather has held out for them.”
I swear I saw Grayson’s lips twitch. While Harper glared at me and then hissed, “Just shut up.”
I bit my lips between my teeth and shifted on the seat to face forward. I was just lucky the car soon came to a stop. The door opened quickly, so I presumed Grayson had opened it. They both slid out. The door closed, and it was then I heard harsh words being said near the car. They weren’t close enough for me to make out what was being said, but I looked out in time to see Harper shout one last thing before she stomped off into her apartment building.
Quickly, I turned back to face the front and jumped out of my skin when I heard the door being opened. I sensed Grayson climb in, heard the door being pulled shut, and then the car was moving once again.
Was he okay?
Did they break up right there in front of me?
Did he need consoling?
Why was I thinking of consoling him?
He was my boss; I shouldn’t even be thinking of consoling him. Of taking him in my arms while he cried. While he buried his head in my chest and sobbed…. Stop.
I had to think of something else.
Sing a song of sixpence, a pocket full of rye. Four and twenty blackbirds baked in a pie.
“Really, why would someone make up a nursery rhyme about birds being baked in a pie?”
“Is that what you were humming?” Grayson asked, causing me to squeak and jolt.
Groaning, I asked, “I said that aloud?”
“Yes.”
“Sorry, but yes, I was humming it.”
“How is it I haven’t noticed your fumbling mouth before?”
Turning in the seat so I could see him, I shrugged, my hands fidgeting on my lap. “I guess we haven’t really been around each other for long periods of time, and I happen to do it more when I’m nervous, really nervous.”
“Why were you nervous back at the restaurant?”
“Ah, Randal and… yeah, Randal.” And the fact I felt your body heat so close to mine. God, abort that thought in case you blurt something else. “And, um, Ethan.”
He didn’t say anything, only studied me.
“I really am sorry, about, um, before…. Could I lose my job for it?”
“No.”
My body relaxed back into the seat. “Thank you.” I licked my dry lips, found some courage and asked, “Are you okay?”
His brow arched. “Why wouldn’t I be?”
I thumbed out the window. “You know, back there with Harper.”
“You mean Harpy.” He smirked.
Groaning, my hand went over my face. “You were never supposed to hear that. Besides, Dylan was the one who came up with it.”
I might as well throw his brother under the bus.
Grayson actually snorted. “That doesn’t surprise me.”
Silence.
I was never good with silence.
“So, are you?”
“Am I what?”
“Okay?”
“Do you always need to fill the air with talk?”
I pretended to think about it. “Yes.” I nodded. He grunted, and then I went on, “You never answered.”
Oh wow, he rolled his eyes at me. “That’s because I chose not to.”
“Well, you could have just said that,” I grumbled, crossing my arms over my chest. To the floor, I admitted, “I’m not sure my coming to the dinner meeting tonight was a good thing.”
“How’s that?”
“Well, I failed at getting drinks in an appropriate time. I blurted out a really rude thing, and I think the more I’m around you, the more you could think I’m a little too crazy for the job.”
Glancing to him, I saw he was watching me once again. Finally, he said, “It shouldn’t have been your job to get drinks. Yes, you seem to have blurted out an inappropriate matter, yet the clients didn’t seem to care at all. In fact, they found it quite amusing and seemed very taken with you. Lastly, you’re not crazy, just different… in a good way.”
“Well… okay then,” I said and tried to will my heart to slow in my chest. Suddenly, I felt like rubbing up against him and purring. I clenched my fists and crossed my legs to keep from moving.
When we arrived at the apartment, I climbed out first and then thanked Bill, the driver, with a hug. He chuckled good-naturedly. I then walked into the building, waving at Mike, the security guy.
Grayson met me at the elevator. As it opened and I stepped in, Grayson called my name.
“Yes?” I asked, leaning against the wall.
He leaned next to me and looked down in my direction. “You said you… blurt stuff out when you’re nervous.”
“That’s right.” I nodded.
His eyes shifted back to the doors before he noted, “You seem to do it just about every time I’m around for long periods of time.”
I balked. “Ah—”
“Do I make you nervous, Makenzie?”
Should I lie?
Could he smell a lie? Sense it? He seemed very perceptive.
“Yes,” I whispered.
“Good.”
Why was it good?
My breath was suddenly erratic. My body shivered as goose bumps danced across my skin. Was there a draft in the elevator?
The night was full of surprises. First Ethan, a younger man who seemed taken with me for some reason. Then Randal, the touches, the looks, and then once he knew I was no longer with Robert, he made his intentions clear.
He thought I was his type.
Maybe I should call him. I didn’t think I would make such a fool out of myself in front of him, like I did Grayson. Then again….
Looking through my purse, I scrunched up my nose. Where was his card?
“What are you looking for?” Grayson asked as the doors opened to our floor.
Walking out, I said, “Randal’s card.” Spinning around, I asked, “Do you know if I left it on the tray?”
“You didn’t.”
“So I placed it in my purse?” I wasn’t sure I did.
“No.”
“On the table?” I asked.
“No.”
“Did I drop it on the floor?”
“No.”
Growling under my breath, I threw up my hands and asked, “Do you know where it is?”
“Yes.”
I rolled my hands in front of myself, wanting him to continue.
“I threw it in the trash on the way out.”
I stiffened. “You did what?”
He then smiled, and I wanted to reach out and grab something because his smile did something to me on the inside. “Good night, Makenzie.” He made his way toward his side of the apartment.
“Now hang on one second, boss.” When he turned with a small smile playing on his lips, I asked, “Why did you throw it away?”
“I didn’t see him fit for a suitor.”
My eyes widened. “You didn’t… what?” I breathed.
He sighed. “You’ve just come from a marriage, Makenzie. You need time. Any man would give you that. Unless he’s a fucking dickhead like Randal.”
My mouth dropped open.
I guess…
He had a point.
I did need time, and Randal, knowing how long ago I was with Robert, should have known that. Then again. “He was only asking to go for coffee.”
He scoffed. “A coffee means a lot of things, and with the way he was looking at you, it meant he wanted you in his bed right after that coffee.”
My head jerked back. “Really?” I bit my bottom lip and blushed.
“Go to bed, Makenzie. If the guy is really interested in you, for more than just fucking, then he’ll find another way to reach out to you.”
Nodding, I said, “Um. Thank you, for looking out for me.”
He grunted and then continued on to his own space.