Maneater Page 11
There is no one in our system with her name. I can’t believe Tony wouldn’t search for her first; he’s way too trusting with people.
Me:
Shit. Who the hell is this person then, and why do they have a vendetta against me.
I plan to find out exactly what the hell is going on. I type in the name Christine Lewis in Google. It takes me to a few people, but no one is local. I try “Christine Lewis Potts Point,” and bingo, it takes me directly to her Facebook page. She is an older blond lady; I don’t recognise her one bit.
But fuck.
One of her friends I would recognise anywhere.
That slut Stacey.
Oh, my God … Christine is Stacey’s mother!
Motherfucker!
This is an extremely low blow.
Stacey has used her mother to make a fake complaint to cause trouble for me.
I can't believe I never realised they were related.
I can't see her retracting her statement.
This is a nightmare!
I need to talk to Rock; he's the only one who can help me with this fucked-up drama.
Me:
We need to talk.
Your girlfriend is causing trouble for me at work.
She has crossed the line.
The Rock:
Shit.
She is not my girlfriend.
But she is trouble.
Me:
I don't need her drama in my life.
The Rock:
I will sort it.
God, I hope he can damn well sort it; she has crossed the line, messing with my job. Posting a stupid status on Facebook is one thing, but lying to the police about a false accusation … she is more of a nutcase than I originally thought.
***
I’m relaxing in the bath, taking deep breaths and praying to God that Rock can stop the chaos Stacey has created in my life. It can’t get much worse for me than losing my job for something I didn’t do; honestly, the accusation is hurtful enough.
When I had a puppy growing up, I couldn’t even smack him on the nose when he peed on the carpet. I’m against cruelty to animals in any shape or form.
I don’t buy make-up tested on animals, or real fur coats, or crocodile skin for that matter; it’s totally inhumane.
I use my loofah and body scrub until my skin is glowing. My new pineapple-scented candle smells divine as I try expelling the negatives and focusing on the positives in my life right now.
When my phone beeps, I’m of two minds about checking it; the message could go either way with good or bad news. Why is it that when you do your best to avoid drama, it ends up finding you anyway?
I risk looking. It’s a welcome distraction in the form of a handsome young man.
Dan:
Hey gorgeous.
Me:
Hey yourself.
Dan:
How’s your week been?
Me:
I’m just relaxing in the bath, having a not so crash-hot week …
Dan:
You had me at ‘I’m in the bath.’ I’m now pitching a tent from visualising you naked.
Me:
LOL. I needed that laugh, thank you.
Dan:
Why are you having a bad week?
Me:
I've been put on suspension from work. I can’t believe it.
Dan:
Wtf.
What happened?
Me:
It's a long story.
Basically, an ex's gf is causing trouble for me and spreading lies.
Dan:
That sucks.
I'm sure your boss knows the truth.
Me:
Yep, he's awesome.
Just stupid protocol.
Dan:
Can I take you to lunch while you are off? Might take your mind off things.
Me:
Yes, please.
Dan:
Tomorrow? I can swindle two hours. I know a cool little café. I can pick you up at 12?
Me:
Sounds perfect.
See you then xo
Dan:
As always, I look forward to seeing you.
I smile and soak in the bath for the next ten minutes, suddenly grateful to have Dan in my life when I need the extra support. Maybe this is what it means to have someone special that you can rely on, not just fun in the bedroom.
But I’m all about the fun in the bedroom!
***
I’m dressed casually in a floral maxi dress with denim vest when I’m greeted outside my apartment. Dan is looking professional in his work clothes of black suit pants and a light grey collared shirt; it’s a fine sight.
There is definitely something hot about a man in a suit.
“You are looking stunning as always, Jemma,” he announces, kissing me and opening the car door, always a gentleman.
“I like this professional look on you, Dan,” I reply, winking at him seductively.
I chat about the weather, his work, and anything to avoid talking about my work. Dan obviously catches on that I’d rather not discuss it, so he follows suit.
“This place makes a mean BLT toasted sandwich, and the chicken parmigiana is tasty too,” he tells me, giving me a few options that make my mouth water.
“Actually, both of those sound divine,” I tell him, and I’m leaning more towards the parmi, though I wanna check out the menu too.
We have to drive around the block a few times to get a car spot. I hope Dan isn’t late back to work, but then I guess that’s one perk of working for the family; they are probably more lenient.
The café is super busy. “Reservation for Westbrook,” Dan tells the waitress, who shows us to a small table outside. There are actually quite a few clouds in the sky; let’s hope the rain holds off until we are undercover.
“Can I get you some drinks?” she asks as we take our seats.
“What would you like, Jemma?” Dan asks.
“Lemon, lime, and bitters, please,” I tell the waitress, and Dan nods.
“I’ll have the same too, please.”
I flip through the menu. It actually has a wide variety; I can’t believe I haven’t been here before.
“I’m thinking your suggestion of the chicken parmigiana sounds fab,” I announce to him.
“You won’t be disappointed. I’m actually going to try the chicken burger today. I feel like mixing it up a little,” he states, and that makes me smile; that’s my motto.
“Variety is the spice of life,” I add, and we both laugh, knowing all too well I don’t mean the food choices.
The rest of lunch is easy. Conversation flows, the food is delicious, and the rain holds off.
“I’d better get back to the office. A new client is coming in at three for a meeting, and I need to prepare,” he tells me, sounding professional.
When Dan drops me off, he leans in to kiss me sweetly; it’s soft and gentle. Our lips explore each other’s without adding tongue as we will both get too excited.
“Thank you for lunch, Dan. It was exactly what I needed,” I declare honestly.
“Thank you for your company, Jemma.”
I head inside and the realisation hits me. That was the first time we were together without having sex. Wow. That is huge for me.
Maybe sex isn’t the only thing keeping me around this time.
Chapter 22
Dan
Going after what I want…
I am on cloud nine after having lunch with Jemma. This woman is doing insane things to me and not just with her body. We get along like a house on fire, the conversation flows well, and her humour is much like my own.
I’m growing impatient, though. Why won’t she take a risk on us being more and break her no strings rule?
The next day after work, I make a decision that’s going to make or break what we have together, but I think she is worth taking the chance.
Dan:
I have a proposition for you, Miss Donov
an. Can I come over?
Me:
I like the sound of that.
Dan:
Don’t get too excited …
Me:
Too late …
“So, I know you don't want any strings, and you know how desperately I'm trying to change your mind, right?” I declare, a little nervous talking about this.
Jemma nods, looking like she’s unsure of what to say.
“How about you give me a chance at proving my worth with a weekend away?” I proposition her with an offer that she hopefully can’t refuse. “Surely, I get a good shot at trying to persuade you? Dinner and movies aren't enough to show you just how serious I am about you, Jemma.” I state my point, ready to put in more effort to fight for what I want.
“You drive a hard bargain, mister,” she replies, smirking. That gorgeous smile with those luscious lips are an amazing sight that I will never get sick of seeing. "Okay," she adds, catching me by surprise.
“Really?” I question, delighted that she said yes.
“Yep, I give you permission to whisk me away for a dirty weekend,” she jokes, and I shake my head. There is no doubt it will be that too, but my main aim is to show her how special she is, what I am capable of, and how deep my feelings run.
All without scaring her off.
“Is next weekend okay for you?” I ask. I’m sick of waiting; I’m becoming impatient, and every day it’s getting harder to deny my feelings.
“You are in luck; my schedule is free,” she states playfully.
“Fantastic, I will ring and make the booking tonight.” I pull her close for a hug, kiss her softly, and she kisses me back.
God, I hope we can make this work.
My plans so far for the weekend are booking a deluxe room at the Crowne Plaza in the Hunter Valley and hiring a red convertible sports car to drive Jemma in style.
I’m also thinking a wine-tasting tour, massage, and romantic dinner.
Chapter 23
An offer I can’t refuse …
“I’ve agreed to go away with Dan for the weekend,” I tell Roxy as we enjoy a block of Cadbury chocolate together. One of our guilty pleasures.
“Oh wow, that’s a big step for you, Jemma. How are you feeling about it?” she asks, knowing all too well I don’t do relationships.
“He said he wants a chance to persuade me to change my no-strings rule,” I tell her, and she smirks.
“He sounds invested in you, Jem. I saw the way he looked at you on the beach,” she states, and I know exactly what she means. I can’t deny he has feelings for me. I guess the catch is that I can’t guarantee those feelings won’t change or that he won’t break my heart once I let down my guard.
“Honestly, I enjoy his company, we get along well, and the sex is hot, so it just felt right to agree. Do you think I’m crazy?” I question her. I have spent ten years proving to myself, her, and everyone else that I don’t need or want a man in my life, and now I’m second-guessing that decision.
“No way. You are finally giving someone a chance. Being vulnerable opens you up to being hurt, Jem, but it can also open your heart for the best feeling in the world ... love,” she declares, and I know she means her and Kade’s love.
“It scares the shit outta me, but what you and Kade had is inspiring, Roxy. It gives me hope that maybe I am capable of loving someone and letting them love me back.”
“Holy shit, who are you and what have you done with my stone-cold BFF?” she playfully asks me, and I crack up laughing.
“I know, right? It’s a little fucking deep, but if I never try, I’ll never know,” I declare, breaking off another row of the best chocolate in the world.
“It’s better to have loved and lost, my dear Jemma, than never to have loved at all. That Tennyson was a smart man,” she tells me, and I remember that quote. It is my new motto. I’m all about taking chances in life, so why not take a chance with something new?
***
God knows what is taking so long with the complaint at work.
Being at home for the next few days has inspired me to clean out our linen cupboard, pantry, and bathroom cupboards; not the most exciting of jobs, but they all need doing. I donate towels and linen that we no longer need and throw out a hell of a lot of out-of-date soups, cake mixes, and a few impulse beauty buys that I never used.
After two years in that cupboard, it’s time for the bin!
By Thursday, I start packing for my weekend away. I am excited to see what Dan has planned, and honestly to spend time with him. Being in his company is always memorable, usually in more ways than one.
I start with packing the important stuff … sexy lingerie!
Friday and Saturday nights need matching sets, so I opt for a sexy black lace push-up with lace thong, and a bright purple set that I love.
Pyjamas are satin camisole singlet and matching shorts—extremely short ones—and a turquoise-coloured slip with a built-in underwire bra.
I’m guessing we will be going out for dinner, so I pull out three dresses, trying to narrow down my choices. I think the short red dress will be too slutty, so now I’m down to two. A knee-length tight grey dress with v neck, or a tiger-print shorter dress.
I take a snapshot of both and send the pic to Roxy for advice.
Me:
Help needed, biatch. Which dress do I pack for dinner?
Roxy:
Go with the grey, that dress always looks amazing on you