“I wouldn’t even consider letting anyone else take that honored roll. After all, you already know too much. Just think, the next time you see me, I’ll be engaged.”
“I’d wish you all the luck in the world, but it sounds like you don’t need it. She’s a lucky woman to get such a confidant guy.”
“Bite me,” I said.
James laughed and shook his head as he made his way to his pickup truck. I watched my old friend go as I tried to settle my nerves. I wasn’t worried about Jennifer telling me no. It was a great offer. What worried me was everything after that. It was going to be a rough adjustment, but one I was happy to make. I couldn’t promise myself that I’d keep my hands off her, not if she wanted me as much as I thought she did.
A red car came speeding down the main road, and my heart jumped. When it didn’t slow down and sped past the driveway, I let out the breath I’d been holding. I hadn’t been so nervous in ten years, not even on the rare occasions that I did venture out on a date. If they ended in sex, she always left happy and satisfied but never got a call from me the next morning. The woman in the area liked one thing, a title, and money. That wasn’t my type.
Glancing at my watch, I realized only a few hours had passed since I’d made the phone call. They probably would arrive for several more hours. Clenching my jaw, I snatched my cup and headed back into the house. Pausing at the sink, I started to wash it before realizing the whole ruse for having the cleaning duo return. Looking around the spotless house, it dawned on me how stupid I’d sounded.
Jennifer made me nervous like a young man again. Unable to focus, I paced back and forth through the house. Each car that drove by, I was sure my heart would explode. What if I’d been wrong and she turned me down?
7
Jennifer
“Are you sure this is a good idea? Doesn’t the company have a policy against us cleaning houses by ourselves?”
“Yes, and under normal circumstances, I would never let you do it. But he’s doubling the pay, and the house is already spotless. I don’t have the time, and you could use the money. That’s enough for a deposit on a place in my building.”
“Why do you think that he wants us to come back?” I asked.
Gwen laughed. “I think you know why. Don’t worry. It’s not like he’s going to try anything. He’s a respectable man. I’m guessing he just wants to ask you out. Listen, if you are really that uncomfortable with it, I’ll come along. I just thought there was something between you two.”
I sighed and shrugged as we folded laundry and waited on leftovers to finish reheating. We’d come home long enough to have some lunch before we’d split up for the afternoon work that still needed to be done. I wasn’t sure if I was excited about seeing Henry again in such an intimate setting. At the very least, I knew he wouldn’t try anything like Gwen had said. It was apparent he respected woman, despite not knowing how to talk to them.
“it’s fine. I appreciate the extra income. I’m not worried about it. You know me, just making a mountain out of a mole-hill.”
“Try not to overthink things too much. So, a rich man has a crush on you that can be used to your benefit, you know.”
“Yuck, I’m not like that, Gwen. That’s just wrong.”
“Not like that! Although now that you mention it, I wouldn’t kick him out of bed. I don’t think you would either.”
“Whether or not I would sleep with him is a moot point. He is one of our customers and definitely not my type. Sure, he’s damn good looking, but I want something with substance, not just a pretty face.”
“Well, at least you’re finally talking about dating again. I’ll alert the papers. All the boys in town will be thrilled.”
“Easy now,” I laughed. “I’ll think about dating, but it definitely won't just be anyone that you pick up for me. Baby steps, remember.”
“You’re right. Plus, I think you and Mr. Billionaire are going to hit it off this afternoon, no matter what you say.”
Reaching around behind myself, I grabbed a pillow off the couch and chucked it at Gwen. She caught it in the air and laughed as she threw it back at me. The microwave gave a shrill tune, and she jumped up to grab our food while I cleared space on the table. I’d be lying to myself if I said I wasn’t a little excited about seeing Henry that afternoon. He’d been on my mind since the night before at the bar.
The only darkness in my otherwise upbeat outlook was the voicemail sitting unheard on my phone. I didn’t need to know what it had to say. Two seconds into the message, my exes voice had come over the line, and I’d quickly hung up. My stomach lurched when I saw the icon on my screen, a reminder that he was there lurking in the background. I had no desire to know what Mike had to say. How he’d gotten, my number was another mystery but one I wasn’t going to waste my time on trying to solve.
“Where did you go to?” Gwen asked.
I shook my head. “Nowhere, sorry. I was just thinking about this afternoon.
Gwen whistled. “Thinking about getting a little more than just a tip?”
“Get your mind out of the gutter!” I laughed. “I really hope it doesn’t turn into a big thing. As I said, he seems like a great guy and all, but I’m not looking for the next Mr. Controlling.”
“Suit yourself, just don’t knock it until you’ve tried it. Sometimes those rich kids are the best lovers. I knew this one guy who could –
“That’s okay!” I said. “I really don’t need to hear the details.”
I dove into my lunch though my stomach was still rocking. More than anything, I moved food around on the plate while I thought about Henry. Before I knew it, Gwen was getting ready to leave and asking when I planned on heading out. I didn’t know if I could work up the courage once she’d gone. Grabbing my purse and car keys, I followed her out the door. I couldn’t get it over with if I never got it started.
Henry opened the door before I could even knock. My heart was racing before I’d even reached the front steps. When he smiled down at me, a wave of heat rushed to my cheeks. Knowing that he saw the blush drove me deeper into embarrassment as he stepped aside to let me in. The house looked exactly the same as the day before. I set my purse on the kitchen counter and looked around, half expecting to find a body or mess that needed special attention.
“No, Gwen today?” He asked.
I shook my head. “No, she wasn’t sure if you’d be okay with just one of us coming. If you want, we can come back tomorrow when we can both be here. She’s got a pretty packed schedule, though.”
“No, this is perfect. Honestly, I was hoping to see you again. I’m happy it’s you that came. Can I get you something to drink?”
“Thanks, but no, I’m on the clock, so I don’t think that would be a very good idea.”
“Of course. Listen, this place doesn’t really need to be cleaned.” He admitted.
“Yeah, I can see that. Is there a reason you called for a second service this week, then? You know you’ll be charged whether I clean or not, right?”