Part 17 (1/2)

”My meeting was fine. Is everything okay? You don't sound yourself.” I spin around in my chair to look over the Lexington skyline, which I often caught my brother, Michael, doing when I'd call in unannounced.

”I think I'm coming down with a cold, but I'm not too bad really, just a bit sniffy.”

She actually sounds upset. ”Babe, are you sure everything is okay? I was going to head to my apartment to get some more clothes to stay with you, but I can come straight there.”

”Sebastian, I promise I really am okay. I'd rather you go and retrieve some more clothes to be able to stay here with me.”

”Okay, I'll do that. Is Ramon there for a quick word?” Standing with the phone between my shoulder and neck, I start to pack my bag up so I can leave while I'm talking. The sooner I get to my apartment, the sooner I can be with my woman.

We're planning on announcing our engagement to the family tonight, which fills me with nerves. What I haven't admitted to my brothers is that I can't wait to see whom Mom chooses as her next victim to the wedding bug. Two of my brothers for sure have their shorts in a wad over women, so it's going to be fun to sit back and see who falls next.

”Carla, you still there babe?”

”Yeah, sorry. Ramon's just on his cell at the minute. Do you want me to get him to call you back?” She sounds distracted now. Well at least it's better than upset.

”No. It's okay. I'll catch up to him later. I'm just about to get in the elevator so I'll see you soon, and remember I love you.”

She chuckles. ”I love you too. Now hurry home so I can show you how much.”

As soon as I step foot in my apartment, I drop my bag to the floor by the hall table, toss my keys into the tray I keep on there for that purpose then yank my tie from around my neck. I hate the d.a.m.n things, which is why I've spent years working from the site offices of one or more of our developments we have going on, but thanks to Michael, I have to put up with this s.h.i.+t a while longer. In honesty, I don't begrudge him the time he's taking with Lily and the babies, I mean, G.o.d knows he deserves it after the s.h.i.+t he's put up with before meeting his wife.

Walking to my bedroom, I pull out a bag and start to shove clean underwear in followed by a couple pairs of jeans and s.h.i.+rts. I grab my Chucks from the floor of the closet, tossing them on the bed beside the bag and take out another suit, s.h.i.+rt and tie in case I need to go into the office before next week.

With Jacky's help, I've managed to re-arrange most of the meetings I had lined up, all apart from three, which Michael has offered to do as long as someone is at the house to look after Lily and the babies.

Trying to think if I've missed anything, I realize I need my razor and a few other things from the bathroom, but once I get in there I decide to take a quick shower. Might as well go back to my woman refreshed.

Going back into the bedroom, I strip, leaving my clothes on my bed and turn to head back into the bathroom when my doorbell rings.

f.u.c.k. Who the h.e.l.l's gotten past security?

Quickly grabbing a towel, I wrap it around my waist. Holding it in place, I look through the security peephole, and see Jacky standing on the other side. What the h.e.l.l?

Without thinking, I pull the door open before I remember all I'm wearing is a towel.

”You're gorgeous.” She steps closer and places a bright red finger nail on my chest, moving it south before I come back to my senses.

”Jacky, what the f.u.c.k are you doing here?” Unable to hold my temper in check I practically growl at her, knocking her hand away.

”Well really. What did you expect me to do when you answer the door naked apart from a towel?”

”That doesn't answer the question as to why you are here instead of the office.”

”You wanted these letters going out today, but you left before signing them.” She stands in front of me with a smile that says I'm an a.s.shole.

”s.h.i.+t. Give me ten minutes to shower and dress. Go wait through there.”

h.e.l.l. There is no way I'm signing all ten letters while I'm clad only in a towel.

Das.h.i.+ng back into the bedroom, I think twice and flick the lock on the door because Jacky is one person I don't trust.

Stepping under the hot stream of water, which feels d.a.m.n good pounding down on my tense shoulders and neck, I reach for the soap to make it a quick shower.

Chapter 39.

Carla ”Carla, I don't like the idea of you walking into Sebastian's building on your own.” Ramon drags his hands through his hair. ”You know the security there is total c.r.a.p. The guard is more interested in his p.o.r.n books than making sure the building's safe.”

I walk over to him and wrap my arms around his waist, leaning in for a hug, which Ramon finally accepts by hugging me back.

”I'm only thinking about you. You know that right?” He kisses me on the top of my head.

”I know, but there will be more people around outside than there is here so I should be okay. Please Ramon. I really want to surprise him.”

He's so cute right now. I just want to carry on hugging him. ”Pleasea”

He throws his head back. ”s.h.i.+t. Sebastian is going to kill me.”

”No he won't. I won't let him.”

”f.u.c.k. Get whatever you need and let's go.”

”Yes.” I jump up, kissing him before running to my room for my bag and jacket.

Yeah, I'm acting like a child, but I can't help myself. I only saw Sebastian this morning, but I can't wait to see him again, and at his place.

In my room, I quickly strip from my yoga pants and s.h.i.+rt before running to my closet for my red wraparound dress with matching heels, which I throw onto the bed while I step into the bathroom.

Sebastian has a fondness for my cherry body lotion, which I bought from Body Shop. So with that in mind, I slather it all over before rinsing my hands in the sink.

Back in the bedroom, I quickly pull my clothes on before slipping my feet into the shoes. Standing back, I look into the full-length mirror on my closet door and decide I look hot. Sebastian will drool.

”Carla, what are you doing in there?” Ramon shouts right outside my door.

”Changing.” Opening the door, Ramon's mouth drops open when he sees me.

He starts to laugh. ”In that outfit, I don't think you'll make it to his bedroom.”