CHAPTER TWO

 

SILVIA

 

 

What the heck just happened? I have my whole day planned, make a stop at my favorite coffee shop, and wham, the most handsome man I’ve ever seen starts eyeing me like he’s starving, and I’m his next meal. Let’s be honest. I may be attractive, but I’m no super model, not with my curves. But this man… like wow! He’s the whole package – perfectly tousled blond hair, brilliant blue eyes framed by thick lashes, chiseled features and strong jaw, tall but not too tall with broad-shoulders and a narrow waist, and muscles but not to the extreme. You know what I’m talking about. You’ve seen those guys that look like they have inflatable hot air balloons for biceps. I bet he’s hiding a delicious set of six-pack abs under that suit. Oh, and did I mention he was impeccably dressed in an outrageously expensive custom-made suit? And that man knows how to wear a suit. For the first time in my life, I felt like I was actually going to swoon. And yes, he looked that good!

I was even rude to the guy, but he just wouldn’t give up. He was certainly persistent. What’s up with that? He couldn’t have been attracted to my witty banter. I could barely string two words together. I’m usually more composed, and a heck of a lot more careful. But I felt like some giddy teenager. I can’t believe I gave him my phone number and didn’t even ask for his, or his last name. Yup, real smooth, but there was something about him that made me want to stay and have coffee with him. I should have just accepted his compliments, thanked him, and walked out. But something compelled me to stay. It could have been his sexy, deep voice. God, it gave me chill bumps. Or maybe, it was the way he devoured my entire body with his eyes.

Don’t get me wrong, I’ve had attractive men pursue me, some quite aggressively. I’ve never given them the time of day, and I’ve never been the kind of girl to fall for cheesy pick-up lines. I don’t really understand why I agreed to have coffee with this guy. I guess my adventurous side was ready to come out and play this morning. I don’t intend to hold my breath, because I’ll probably never hear from him again. I don’t know why, but I hope he does call.

Unfortunately, I have more important things to do than waste my time daydreaming about a handsome stranger, and I’m already running late. I was scheduled to be at my office by 8 a.m. but I had to stop by my penthouse to change clothes. My jeans are comfortable but not really proper attire for an office, not when you do the kind of work I do. Well, it’s not exactly work. I raise money for several charities when I’m not managing my family’s estate in Rye. I have a bachelor’s degree in business, but I don’t really have to work.

You see, my name is Silvia Demetri, and my family is very well known and very, very wealthy. I guess you could say I’m a Demetri by default. I know that sounds a little strange, but I wasn’t born a Demetri. They chose to make me one. I could have been nothing more to the Demetri family than a servant or a maid, but Angelina took me in when I was a child and treated me as her own blood. She showed me love and gave me a life I’d never dared to dream about. That’s why I want to give back and help people less fortunate, because it could have been me. And that’s why I say, it’s not really work. I enjoy raising money for causes near and dear to my heart. You know, pay it forward. 

I make it to the office in record time and only a half hour late. I’ve barely made it to my desk before my assistant walks in with a bagel in one hand and a cup of coffee in the other.

“Hey, boss. How was your drive into the city? You seriously have to try one of these bagels. They’re sooo delicious. I have more in my office if you want one,” Roslyn says between bites.

“Ah…no, and you need to finish so we can go through the rsvps and make a list of people who will be attending. I’d also like to include each of their donations from last year. I want this event to be a success,” I say, frowning slightly as I open my laptop. I’m a little shocked by how loudly she’s smacking on her bagel. “Roslyn, you need to learn to eat more quietly.”

“Silvy, I know how to eat quietly. But when I’m around you, I like to be free. You know, like those women who burned their bras back in the day.”

“What? Roslyn, don’t you dare take off your bra.”

“Don’t worry, Silvy. I’m not taking off my bra, at least not until tonight. And stop being so anal.” She giggles and pops another bite of bagel into her mouth.

Roslyn Sinclair is not only my assistant, she’s also my best friend and has been since we met on our first day at school thirty years ago. Actually, we’re more like sisters, but Roslyn and I couldn’t be more different. She has gorgeous auburn hair and emerald green eyes, as opposed to my dark hair and brown eyes. The only physical attribute we have in common is our curves. And our personalities are also quite different, although I do think we complement each other perfectly. Roslyn is bubbly, snarky, always says what she thinks, and never, ever meets a stranger. I’m quiet, reserved, and a little shy. I’m more of a thinker and planner but Roslyn, she’s a jump first and look later kind of girl.

We’re a great team and tell each other everything. Well, almost everything. I’ve never told her how much I long for love. I’m not saying I don’t have love in my life, because I do. I’m talking about that special someone you want to spend the rest of your life with. Sure, I’ve dated, but I’m thirty-five years old and never been in love.

I’m not sure why I’m having these thoughts when I should be concentrating on my work. Maybe it’s because of the guy I met this morning in the coffee shop. He certainly seemed to be the kind of man who knows what he wants and isn’t afraid to go after it. I’m probably just reading too much into the whole thing. I’m sure he’s already forgotten about me. I’ll probably never hear from him again. Maybe I should tell Roslyn about the man from the coffee shop and see what she thinks. I know it’s not a big deal. He may never even call.

“Roslyn, before we get started, I want to tell you what happened this morning.”

“Sure, Silvy. Is it something bad? You know I’m always here for you.” She stops eating and takes a seat in front of my desk.

“When I stopped to get coffee this morning, there was this guy and he flirted with me… kinda.”

“What? Silvy, what’s kinda flirted? What exactly did he say?” she asks, taking a sip of her coffee.

“He just walked up to me and insisted on paying for my coffee, then asked if I would sit with him for five minutes and talk.” I look over and she’s staring at me with wide eyes.

 “Silvy, that’s not kinda flirting. That’s definitely I want you. What happened then, girl?”

“Well, he escorted me to his table and we just talked. He said he wanted to get to know me,” I hesitated and continued, “and he asked for my phone number.”

“And did you give it to him?”

“Um…yeah, I did. Do you think I did the right thing?”

“Before I answer, tell me one thing. Was he hot?” Roslyn asks, giving me a wink, and wiggling her brows.

“OMG! Roslyn, stop. But yes, he was definitely hot.” I blushed and quickly looked down at my computer.

“In that case, then yes, you most certainly did the right thing,” she squealed and continued, “Shit, Silvy, I’m so proud of you. I think you’re finally beginning to understand what I’ve been trying to tell you for years.”

“And what’s that, oh great one?” God only knows what morsel of eternal wisdom, otherwise known as bullshit, Roslyn is about to spout.

“You have to take life by the balls and just go for it,” she answers, grinning wickedly. And there it is, the Roslyn I know and love.

“Don’t go getting all crazy. I just gave him my number; that’s all. He may not even call.”

“If he paid for your coffee, asked you to sit with him, and asked for your number, then he’s definitely going to call,” Roslyn proclaims confidently.

“We’ll see. Besides, I should be focusing on the event,” I counter, trying to change the subject.

“What did he look like? Describe him to me,” she presses. Oh lord. I should never have brought it up. Roslyn is like a dog with a bone. She won’t let up until she’s gobbled up every crumb.

“He looked about my age, maybe a little older.”

“Was he bald?”

“God no! Why would you ask that?”

“Shit, stop being a prune and just give me the juice.” I burst into laughter and so does she.

“Hmm…well… he had blonde hair, and it was thick and a little tousled, not in a wild way but sorta like the styles you see on male models. He had a strong jaw, straight nose, and his eyes were this gorgeous shade of blue, clear and bright like the water of the Aegean Sea. He was tall, well over six feet, with broad shoulders and well-defined muscles, not like a professional body builder but more like someone who takes care of his body and works out regularly. Let’s see…what else… He was well-groomed and extremely well dressed. I’m pretty sure he was wearing a bespoke suit, probably Armani, and it was tailored perfectly to fit his body. He was tan, like he spends a lot of time outdoors, had a great smile, and smelled so freaking good. Oh, and he had great hands.”

“Great hands? How would you know about his hands?” I looked away quickly, my face feeling hot and flushed.

“He may have reached across the table and covered my hand with his,” I replied, trying to avoid Roslyn’s watchful gaze.

“I think my panties are wet, and I think I had an orgasm just from his description. Does this mystery man have a name? Inquiring minds want to know.”

“Yes, he has a first name, but I think I should keep it to myself, just in case he’s an asshole. Besides, like I said, he probably won’t call.”

“I won’t press for the name, at least not yet. But if he does call, which I believe he will, and things progress, then I want a name so I can make sure he’s not some stalker or serial killer.”

“Okay. Now can we please get back to work?”

We start our day by going through the invitations, recording the responses, and making notes of any special requirements. Once we finalize the list of attendees, I can start on the program, featured speakers, entertainment, and seating chart. You’d be surprised how important seating can be for an event. It’s a little like playing Russian roulette. The smallest detail has to be carefully planned and orchestrated.

I organize, at least, six fundraisers during a twelve-month period for varying causes and charities, but the one constant each year is my annual two-day Lupus Foundation event which includes a formal black-tie dinner. I guess you could call it my pet project.

I have several friends who suffer from Lupus and know, first hand, what a debilitating illness it can be. I don’t think it gets enough attention publicly or from the medical community. More research is needed and people need to be educated on the devastating effects it can have on an individual and their family. I intend to contact everyone I can who is living with Lupus, affected by it, or connected to it in any way, researchers, doctors, nurses, patients, entertainers, teachers, and anyone willing to help. I want this year’s event to be the best yet. 

We work nonstop through the morning, making calls, and taking notes. I abandoned my stilettos hours ago and Roslyn has her feet propped up on another chair. My stomach growls loudly and Roslyn looks over and snickers.

“God, Silvy, are you hungry or is there a lion under your desk?” Before I can reply, I hear her stomach rumble.

“You were saying? I don’t think you have much room to talk, my friend. It sounds like both of us could use some food,” I reply jokingly.

“What do you have in mind? Anything in particular?” Roslyn asks.

“It doesn’t really matter to me. I’ll let you decide. Why don’t you order something for us and have it delivered?” I arch my back and stretch, then pull my hair into a ponytail using one of the scrunchies in my desk. I usually wear my hair up but today, I just felt like wearing it down. I have a lot of hair and sometimes, it gets in the way.,

“Okay, but I don’t want to hear a single word if you don’t like what I choose,” she huffs, standing and stretching her arms over her head.

“Why would you say that? I never complain about the food you order,” I declare innocently.

“Yeah, and a frog doesn’t bump his ass every time he leaps,” she answers flippantly.

“What the heck does that mean?” I have no idea how she comes up with all these weird comebacks. But with Roslyn, it’s always best to be prepared. You never know what word vomit might spew from her mouth. But I love her anyway.

“It means you complain every time I order for us,” Roslyn quips, smirking and batting her eyes at me.

“I do not.”

“Do too!”

“Just go and order our food before I faint from hunger.” Roslyn turns haughtily and walks into her office. I bet she plans to call this new guy she’s been seeing. I sure hope she orders our food first because I really am starving.

I stand and arch my back in a backward stretch, then roll my shoulders trying to work loose some of the kinks. I walk to the window and look down at the people on the street below. As my thoughts drift back to my morning encounter with handsome coffee shop man, my cell phone rings. I return to my desk and glance down at the screen. It’s a number I don’t recognize. Generally, I reject calls from people who aren’t in my contact list, but I hesitate, my finger hovering over the screen. Could it be him? There’s only one way to find out.

“Hello.”

“Good afternoon. Your voice sounds even sexier on the phone, Silvia.” I feel my heart flutter in my chest. He said he’d call, but I never believed he would.  I need to be more composed than I was this morning. I don’t want to come off as some vapid, overeager socialite.

“Who is this?” I ask innocently. I may have only met him once, but I’d recognize that deep voice anywhere. It’s the golden Adonis from this morning. Yeah, you heard me. It may sound a little cliché, but that’s exactly what he looks like.

“This is Jaxson. You know, from the coffee shop. I probably should have led with my name.” I hear him chuckling over the line. Yeah, he knows I’m baiting him.

“Oh! Hi, Jaxson. It’s good to hear from you. I didn’t realize you’d be calling so soon.” But a girl can hope, right?

“I hope it’s not a problem. If you’re busy, I can call back later. I’m waiting for a friend to arrive so we can leave for lunch. I thought I’d give you a call to see if you could meet me for dinner this evening.”

“I’m not sure, Jaxson. I have so much to do today. My assistant and I still have a lot we need to finish. We haven’t even had time for lunch yet. It’ll probably be late by the time we wrap things up. It’s already been a long day, and I’ll probably be too tired to go out tonight.”

“You have to eat dinner, even if you are tired, Silvia. Why not eat with me?” he presses. This guy just doesn’t give up, but I won’t be pressured into anything. I know nothing about this man. I need to pump the brakes.

 “As I said, Jaxson, I’m not sure. But I will consider your offer.”

“How will I know if you change your mind?” he asks hesitantly. He almost sounds disappointed.

“I’ll call or text you back at the number you called from,” I reply.

“I hope you do, Silvia. I haven’t been able to stop thinking of you all morning.” Wow, this guy doesn’t pull any punches at all. He just puts it right out there. I have no idea how to respond to his admission.

“Well, um…have a great lunch, Jaxson.”

I’m not sure what to do. I thought he wouldn’t call, even though I secretly hoped he would. I must consider the fact I know nothing about this man, not even his last name. Roslyn may be right. He could be dangerous.

I haven’t been involved with anyone in a while. I can’t even remember the last time I went out on a date. I have guys ask, but I don’t feel like making the effort anymore. I think I’ve just given up on finding someone special to share my life with.  My brother thought he would never be happy, but he’s found love and they’re deliriously happy. I’m not jealous or anything, but I want to know what it’s like to love, and to be loved. None of the men I’ve dated in the past have ever been special. Roslyn and I always call them STD – something to do. I’m thirty-five, unmarried, no children, and no prospects. Well, none until this morning. I definitely felt something with Jaxson, a flicker of something I’m not sure I recognize. I’m not saying he’s the one, but maybe I shouldn’t be so quick to dismiss him. Who knows what could happen?

I pick up my phone as Roslyn walks in with two large steak salads. My stomach growls again. The food smells delicious, but I need to text Jaxson before I chicken out, and before I allow this chance to slip through my fingers.

 

Silvia: Hi Jaxson. This is Silvia. I was wondering what and where you had in mind for    dinner.

 

I hit send, then pick up the fork and stab a piece of steak. Mmm… delicious… medium rare, just the way I like it. My cell chirps, signaling a text. Wow, that was fast.

 

Jaxson: Hi back at ya. I’m so glad you texted me. I’d love to take you wherever your lovely little heart desires! JM

 

“Silvy, you’re grinning like the Joker. Who are you texting?” Roslyn asks, shoving more salad in her mouth.

“Never mind who I’m texting. Just eat your lunch so we can get back to work.”

I don’t want Roslyn involved. This is something I need to do on my own. I can’t have my friend trying to influence my decision. Now, how should I reply?  

 

Silvia: Thank you for allowing me to choose. If you don’t mind, I’d rather go somewhere relaxed. Maybe something simple.

 

I look up to find Roslyn slathering a slab of butter on her bread. I don’t know how she can eat whatever she wants and never gain a pound. We’re the same age, but I have to watch what I eat. If I ate like her, I’d never be able to fit into any of my clothes. She grins when my phone chirps again.

 

Jaxson:  If relaxed is what you want, then relaxed is what you’ll have. What’s your address so I can pick you up? JM

 

There’s no way I’m riding with him. I may want to get to know him, but I haven’t lost my common sense, at least not yet. Besides, I have my own driver.

 

Silvia: Just give me the location of the restaurant and I’ll meet you there.

 

Jaxson: Allow me to be a gentleman and pick you up. Please?

 

Silvia:  I’m sorry. This is not a negotiation. If you want to have dinner with me, then I need the address.

 

Jaxson: You drive a hard bargain, but I like that quality in a woman. Smart, determined, and beautiful. Here’s the address - 708 Washington Ave. West. Say around 7:30? JM

 

Silvia: Sounds good. I’ll see you there.

 

 I lay down my phone and look up to find Roslyn staring at me with a goofy look. I roll my eyes and ignore her. She’s not getting any information from me.

“Stop staring, Roslyn, and close your mouth before a bug flies in. Are you ready to finish the first day events?” I ask, taking another bite of salad.

“Yes, I am, and I have an idea. Why don’t we have people who have been diagnosed with lupus speak on how it’s impacted their life? I think this would be more emotional and inspire our donors to pledge more money.

“That’s a great idea. Do you remember me telling you about the lady I met when my mom was so sick and in the hospital? She had Lupus, and she told me a lot about it. I’ve never forgotten how sweet she was to me. It’s one reason I decided to help Lupus and cancer patients, but I never dreamed I would be sponsoring events that would help so many. My heart is filled with so much joy.”

“Silvy, you have such a good heart. I’m just happy I can help you, even though you won’t tell me who you were texting.” The little scamp. I can’t believe she said that. She just couldn’t leave it alone.

“One of our speakers this year will be Toni Braxton. She says she’s honored to be asked,” I continue, ignoring Roslyn’s comment.

We worked straight through the afternoon without a single break. Around five, we decide to call it a day. We didn’t finish the goal I’d set for the day, but we did put a huge dent in it.

My driver is waiting outside and takes me directly to my penthouse. I kick off my heels at the front door and walk barefoot to the kitchen for a glass of water. I’d rather have a glass of wine but I don’t have enough time. I need to get ready for my date.

I step into the shower and allow the warm water to soothe my aching muscles. Tiny threads of doubt begin to weave their way into my thoughts. What am I doing? I don’t know this man, don’t know anything about him; I don’t even know his last name. He ended all his texts with JM but I have no idea what the initials stand for, other than Jaxson. I should cancel, stay home, and work on the plans for my event. It’s the sole reason I came into the city. What would it matter? Jaxson doesn’t know me, and I never gave him my last name, either. Yes, that’s what I’ll do. I’ll send him a text and tell him something has come up.

I step out of the shower and wrap myself in a towel, then grab my phone from the vanity. I immediately see I have two missed messages, and they’re both from Jaxson. Maybe he’s decided to cancel. I’m not sure why, but I feel a twinge of disappointment.

 

Jaxson: I can’t wait to see you tonight. I hope you like tacos, because this restaurant has the best in the city. Is that relaxed enough for you? JM

 

Jaxson: You haven’t replied. I hope this doesn’t mean you’re cancelling. It would be a blow to my fragile ego if you stand me up for our first date. I already have jeans laid out for tonight. I seldom get the opportunity to dress casually, but I will for you. We can be comfortable and relaxed together. JM

 

I read the messages again, trying to decide how to respond. But he was right earlier, I do have to eat.

 

Silvia: I’m not cancelling. Can’t a girl have a shower?  And yes, I love tacos. I’m looking forward to trying the best in the city. By the way, what’s your last name?

 

I press send and right away, I see him typing a response.

 

Jaxson: My last name is Montgomery. JM

 

I whisper his name softly. Jaxson Montgomery. Yes, the name fits him. If he doesn’t wear jeans often, he must be some kind of businessman. I need to find out more about him. In the past, my father or brother have always investigated the men I’ve dated. This is the first time I’ve gone out with a stranger. They’d both be upset if they knew. But what they don’t know won’t hurt them, right? Let’s hope so. I just hope it doesn’t end up hurting me either. I’m just so tired of all the interference from my family. And I’m tired of being alone. Who knows? The mysterious and persistent Jaxson Montgomery may turn out to be the perfect guy. There’s only one way to find out. I guess I am feeling a little adventurous.

Tonight, I’ll relax, eat tacos, and enjoy my date with Jaxson Montgomery.