BOSS_His Wealth. His Power. His Demands. Page 5

  "You were trying to say you've been single all this time and that's not going to change, right?"

  "Right."

  "Things always change, honey. That's just how life is," she said with a wink. "Whatever it is, things will work themselves out. And here's your buddy."

  "Thanks, Mabel. If you weren't married I'd be after you."

  "Hey, no problem. I'll tell Jack I want a divorce," she said with a giggle. "Hello, Frank. Eggs and bacon? A burger? Or just coffee?"

  "Hi, Mabel. A burger, and definitely a thermos of coffee."

  "Make mine bacon and eggs," Tony added. "And toast. Multi-grain."

  "You look like you could use a good breakfast," Mabel remarked, "even if it is going on lunchtime."

  "What's up with you?" Frank asked as he slid into the booth. "You look like you haven't slept a wink."

  "I had the craziest night, and you were right about The French Tart. That place is all about romance. Colleen was after more than Dover Sole. Or maybe she wasn't. Who knows? Women like those kinds of restaurants."

  "But what happened? Why do you look like hell? You never look like hell."

  "In a nutshell, Colleen and I had this crazy argument, then I found a bar in the Whitehaven Mall called The Caramel Apple. I found myself in a backroom having a gorgeous psychic tell me all kinds of weird shit. I ended up in her store spending almost seven-hundred dollars."

  "Whoa. Slow down. What the fuck? A psychic? You?"

  "I know. The whole thing was totally bizarre."

  "Start from the beginning. Tell me about the argument with Colleen."

  "That part is easy. The rest of the night was like a lucid dream. And speaking of dreams—"

  "The argument," Frank insisted, cutting him off. "Start with that. Details. Give me details."

  "Maybe it was the champagne, but we were talking in circles. I told her I don't mix business with pleasure, and somehow she thought I was trying to get out of our deal. It went downhill from there. She got mad and walked out."

  "Huh. I wouldn't worry about it. That just sounds like a woman thing."

  "I'm not sure what that means."

  "You know how women think one way, and men think another? Maybe you don't know. You probably haven't been with one woman long enough to get that."

  "Sandra acts that way sometimes. I have no idea what she's going on about, but I don't really care, so I don't think about it after it's over. Last night, though, it spun my head out. I felt like crap after Colleen left. I swear, I have no idea how it got so crazy. I didn't want to go home, so I told the driver to cruise around the city for a bit. When we passed the mall I decided to get out and take a wander. When I found the bar I sat down for a drink, and the bartender suggested I talk to this psychic."

  "I still can't believe you did that."

  "I can't either, but Frank, it was so strange. This girl, she was gorgeous, and as she talked to me I felt totally connected to her. Everything she said was right. But it was more than that. I felt…"

  "Yes?" Frank asked, leaning across the table. "You felt what?"

  "Like she was hypnotizing me—or something. I can't explain it. I felt warm, almost as if I had a fever, and she was literally glowing. I wanted to ravage her. I swear, I've never had an experience like it. I asked her to have dinner with me tonight."

  "And she accepted?"

  "In a nano-second. There was this thing between us. She asked me for a hug before I left, and damn…"

  "That good, huh?"

  "Yeah. That good, but I hugged Colleen this morning and she felt amazing too."

  "Hold on. I can't keep up. Go back to last night and this supposed psychic."

  "She told me she owned a new age book store a few doors down. I decided to check it out, and I'm really glad I did. It was fabulous, and busy, really busy. Retail isn't my thing, but I want to start a frickin' franchise."

  "Okay, so, what's the problem? Sounds like you sorted things out with Colleen, and you found a hot new girl."

  "Yeah, it does sound like that," Tony replied, dropping his voice, "but it doesn't feel like that. Like I said, I saw Colleen this morning. She dropped in and gave me a card to say she was sorry, and when I hugged her…man, she felt good."

  "You've established she's off-limits though. What's going on? This isn't like you."

  "I know! Fuck."

  "Why did you ask me about Jeff Harrison?"

  "When Jennifer, that's the psychic, though she doesn't like to be called that, when she was talking about Colleen the devil card came up."

  "Okay, you have to stop now. I have no idea who you are. What have you done with Tony McIntyre, and why do you look like his twin?"

  "Mabel. Thank God," Tony muttered as he spied her walking towards them with their food. "I'm starving."

  "Here you are," she said merrily as she placed the dishes on the table. "Wave if you need anything, and Tony, take some deep breaths. You look as fried as those eggs."

  "He is," Frank remarked. "Hopefully your cooking will have a calming effect."

  "About Jeff Harrison," Tony said, lowering his voice as Mabel walked away, "I want to run a background check on Colleen. I know we already have one, but I mean, a serious one. Tell him to poke around. I want a stranger because I know you like her, and I don't want to put you in a weird position."

  "What brought this on?"

  "Last night I had the strongest feeling there's more to her than meets the eye."

  "Because of this evil card?"

  "The devil card, and some of the things Jennifer said, although I have to admit, this morning when I saw Colleen I didn't have that feeling at all."

  "So…am I calling Jeff, or am I not calling Jeff?"

  "It can't hurt."

  "I'll get the ball rolling. Why don't you have him do the same with woo woo girl?"

  "I'm only having dinner with her," Tony replied. "It seems a bit extreme."

  "That's true. Before I dig into this burger, I have another suggestion."

  "Shoot."

  "Get out of town for a few days. Visit that clothing company in Houston. Show up out of the blue. Drop-ins are always a good idea."

  "That is an excellent idea."

  "Another thing. On this date tonight, keep it zipped. You're not yourself. Don't go muddying the waters any more than you already have."

  "As always, Frank, you are my voice of reason."

  "And do me a favor. Call me when you get home."

  "Who are you? My frickin' mother?" Tony said with a chuckle.

  "Let's just say I'll feel better. Something weird is going on."

  "I tend to agree."

  "The fucking devil card," Frank muttered. "Lord, give me strength."

  ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

  It was early evening, and Tony had arrived at the mall to pick up Jennifer, but as he searched for a parking space he wished he'd opted for another town car. Unable to find a spot, he pulled into the red-lined curb and called 411 for the number of The Crystal Wand, silently cursing himself for not getting Jennifer's contact information. It was unlike him. He never left anything to chance.

  "The Crystal Wand. How may I help you?"

  "Jennifer Grant, please."

  "I'm sorry, she's not in. She'll be here on Monday. Can I take a message?"

  "Are you sure she's not there?"

  "Yes, I'm sure. She doesn't come in on the weekends."

  "Okay. No message. Thanks."

  "What the hell?" he mumbled, ending the call. "Did I totally misunderstand? No! I wasn't that out of it…was I?"

  Suddenly spying someone pulling out of a parking space, he quickly zipped up nabbed it, but then wasn't sure what to do. If she wasn't there, was there any point?

  "Fuck it. I'll walk to the store. If she's still not around I'll go back to the Caramel Apple for a drink. She might even be there."

  Climbing from his Mercedes, he strode down the mall, and to his relief and delight, as he approached the store he spotted her. She was staring into
the front window.

  "Jennifer, I'm so pleased you're here."

  "Why wouldn't I be?" she replied, staring up to him with her almond-shaped eyes.

  "I had trouble parking so I called the store to see if you could meet me at the end of the mall. They said you weren't here, and that you didn't come in on the weekends."

  "I don't, and if I walk through that door I'll get caught up. I was just studying my window display. Do you think it needs more bits and bobs?"

  "No. It's perfect. Add anything and it will look cluttered."

  "You're right. I'm always trying to make things better. One of my curses."

  As he stared at her, while he still found her attractive, he wasn't as drawn to her as he had been the night before.

  "Tony? Are you okay?"

  "Yes, I'm fine."

  "Shall we pop up to the Apple for a drink before dinner?"

  "Sounds like a plan. I was thinking we could walk up to Mario's. Do you know it?"

  "Yes, I do. Mario's is great," she replied, looping her arm through his as they headed off. "How's your weekend been so far?"

  "Busy, but busy is normal."

  "What do you do?"

  "Good question. I come up with good ideas and put them into action."

  "I need some good ideas. Maybe you can help me."

  "Maybe I can," he said as they started up the stairs. "Is your wanna-be boyfriend working behind the bar tonight?"

  "He is. He works there four nights a week. I hope he meets a nice girl soon. He's driving me crazy."

  Entering the comfortable cocktail lounge, Tony was glad she'd made the suggestion. It was warm and relaxing. Nodding to Scott behind the bar, he spied an open table by the window and guided her through the room.

  "I have to ask," he said as they sat down. "Why do you sit in that back room for tips when you have such a thriving shop?"

  "How do you know my shop is thriving?"

  "I was in there last night. I bought one of your paintings, some candles, and a photograph of a full moon with a lightning strike."

  "You did? That's so generous. Thank you."

  "Not at all. The painting is beautiful, the photograph striking, and those candles—I've never seen anything like them, but back to my question. Why do you work out of that back room?"

  "I do it because I love it. I want a closed area for private readings at the store, but there's not enough space. I knew when I signed the lease it would be a problem, but I also knew the mall was the perfect location to start the business. It was a tough call."

  "I'm sure."

  "What can I get you?" the server asked as she approached the table. "Hello, Jennifer."

  "Hi, Molly. I'd like a glass of Sauvignon Blanc."

  "I think I'd like a beer. Whatever you have on tap."

  "Coming right up."

  "A beer?" Jennifer said, raising her eyebrows. "You don't strike me as a beer guy."

  "No? I thought you could read my mind."

  "I'm not in that space."

  "What does that mean exactly?"

  "In order to do what I do, I have to be in a quiet, dimly lit room so I can focus."

  "That makes sense. When did you first know you had this, what do you call it? Talent?"

  "It's a gift. Like singing. When did you know that you were good at what you do?"

  Before he could reply, the waitress was back at their table with their drinks. Picking up his glass, Tony took a long swallow.

  "Looks like you needed that," Jennifer remarked. "Why didn't you get something stronger?"

  "I'm going to have wine with dinner, and I'm driving. Please, Jennifer, tell me more about your gift. I have a friend who I swear also has that gift. The guy's amazing, but tell me, is The Crystal Wand your first store? How did you finance it? You've accomplished so much for a young woman."

  She began talking, and Tony started to relax. As the minutes ticked by, and he drank his beer, he felt himself being drawn to her all over again. Her cat-like eyes were mesmerizing, and her long blonde hair shimmered in the bar's soft light. She was gorgeous, and he found himself longing to kiss her.

  "There's enough space behind the store," she purred, "but I don't want to over-extend myself. Do you think I'm being too careful, Tony?"

  "Things like that are always a roll of the dice," he replied, his eyes zeroing in on her full, pink, devour-me-now lips. "You have to do a projection."

  "I'm not very good at things like that," she purred, moving closer to him. "Could you show me how to go about it."

  "I'd be happy to."

  "Tony," she murmured, "I have to do this."

  Leaning across the table, she circled her arms around his neck and pressed her mouth against his. He wasn't a fan of public displays of affection, but his fingers found their way into her hair, and clutching it tightly, he fervently returned her kiss.

  "I'm not feeling very hungry anymore," she whispered, her breath tickling his ear. "Maybe we should go back to your place."

  Just as he was about to agree, Frank's warning echoed through his head.

  Keep it zipped. You're not yourself.

  CHAPTER SIX

  As much as Tony hated to back away from the moment, his instinct told him Frank was right. Loosening his fingers, he released her hair and pulled away.

  "What is it?" Jennifer asked. "Is something wrong?"

  "I want nothing more than to go home with you, but I have to get up early to catch a flight," he lied. He would be flying, but not until Monday.

  "How long will you be gone?"

  "Three, maybe four days. I'll probably come back Thursday. It just depends."

  "I don't have to stay over."

  "It's not a good idea, not tonight, and I think this beer is going straight to my head. Probably because I haven't eaten since this morning."

  "If you want, I can drive you home."

  "No, but thanks. I've been thinking about a plate of steaming pasta all afternoon," he replied, raising his hand and signaling the waitress. "I just need some fresh air."

  "Aren't you going to finish your drink?"

  "Lord, no. It's strange. Beer doesn't usually affect me like this."

  "Do you need something else?" the waitress asked as she reached the table.

  "This should cover the check," he said, handing her a twenty-dollar bill. "Keep the change."

  "Thank you."

  "Don't let me rush you, Jennifer," Tony said, rubbing his hand across his forehead, wondering why was he feeling so hot. "You enjoy your wine. What were we talking about?"

  "I was saying I wish I could have a room in my store for private readings."

  "I'm sure. Where are you from originally?" he asked, finding it difficult to focus. "Do I detect an East coast accent?"

  "I grew up in Connecticut, and now I'm starting to feel hungry as well. Shall we go?"

  "Sure. It's warm in here. It'll be good to get outside."

  Feeling slightly giddy as he rose to his feet, he paused for a moment, then moved slowly through the room and carefully down the stairs. A cool breeze helped, and by the time they'd walked the three blocks to the restaurant he was feeling slightly better. They settled into a booth, and when the waiter arrived at their table, he passed on the wine and ordered a cup of coffee.

  "I'm sorry you're not feeling well," Jennifer said softly. "Are you sure you don't want me to take you home?"

  "Positive, and please forgive me. This isn't exactly a great first date."

  "It's not a problem, honestly."

  "I'm going to the men's room. I'll only be a minute."

  Half a glass of beer shouldn't have affected him at all, and wondering if he'd picked up a virus, he made his way through the dining room. Entering the mens' room, he moved straight to the sink and splashed cold water on his face. Eat and run wasn't his style, but as he walked slowly back to the table he began to feel a headache coming on.

  "Your coffee's here," Jennifer said as he sat back down.

  "I think I'm going
to stick to water. Coffee might keep me up, and that's the last thing I need. Have you looked at the menu?"

  The sparkle in her eye wasn't quite as bright as it had been, but he couldn't blame her. He'd been less than stimulating company, and he'd rejected her. The waitress appeared, and though he'd been looking forward to dinner, he suddenly had no appetite.

  "I'll have the halibut, grilled with lemon and butter."

  "I thought you were going to have pasta," Jennifer remarked as the waitress left.

  "So did I, but I think I'd rather have something light."

  As the meal progressed Tony could feel the magic between them fading away, and when the check arrived he was looking forward to returning home. Leaving the restaurant he could sense her disappointment. He felt the same. What had happened to their steamy attraction?

  "Where are you parked?" he asked as they approached his car.

  "Behind the store. You don't need to walk with me. I can tell you still don't feel good. Just promise me we'll give this another shot when you get back."

  "You bet."

  "Here's my number," she said, lifting a card from her wallet. "It's not my business card, it's personal. Just my cellphone and address."

  "Great. Thanks. I'll call you later this week," he promised, though he knew he probably wouldn't. "Are you sure you don't want me to see you to your car?"

  "No, honestly, it's fine. I might go back to The Caramel Apple and do some readings. Thanks for a lovely dinner."

  He hugged her, but it was lackluster, and as he climbed into his Mercedes, she walked off towards the mall. Glancing at her card he noticed she lived in a development called Filagree Court. It was an exclusive community of high-end, expensive condominiums. He frowned. She owned a successful retail store, yet couldn't afford a minor renovation, and though she lived in an pricey condo, she did readings for tips in a bar. It was too much to think about it. His headache was getting worse, and pulling away from the curb he headed home.

  ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

  Trotting up the stairs and entering The Caramel Apple, Jennifer meandered across the bar and plonked herself down on a barstool. A frown crossed Scott's face, and after pouring a drink order for the cocktail waitress, he hurried across to her.